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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/tuwfIZ1R-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Trent Baker" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Trent Baker

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Sports Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⚾ Larks open NBC World Series play next Friday

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

Fort Hays State junior defensive end Myles Menges visits with Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock.<div><iframe title="Myles Menges - MIAA FB Media Day" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xfuk5-14687be-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Myles Menges

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

Meet The Larks: Caden Hare

By STEVE HERRICK Associated Press

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⚾ José Ramírez homers twice to lead Guardians past Royals

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

Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock visits with Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown at MIAA Football Media Day in Kansas City, Mo.<div><iframe title="Chris Brown - MIAA Football Media Day" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xwe4i-1465438-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Chris Brown

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

Meet The Larks: Colby Langford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⚾ Larks close out league play with win over Angels

By BRIAN DULIK Associated Press

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The game was completed in 1 hour and 59 minutes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can view the can on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.

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

⚾🎥 WATCH Hays Larks vs Gameday

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ultimate decision could come down to finances.

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

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

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

⚾ Royals owner pens letter to fans in hopes of being more transparent about stadium plans

By MATT DERRICK Associated Press

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Wide receiver Kadarius Toney underwent surgery Tuesday morning for a torn meniscus in his knee.

However Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid hasn’t ruled Toney out of the team’s season opener against Detroit.

“There is a chance for the first game, but we’ll see,” Reid said after Tuesday’s practice. “We’ll just have to see how other recovery goes with him. But he’s bound and determined he’s gonna be there for the first game. We’ll see how it goes.”

Toney tweaked his knee just minutes into Sunday’s opening practice of the team’s training camp at Missouri Western State University. Toney was receiving punts during warmups when he injured the cartilage in his knee. Reid said Toney previously had surgery on the same knee while with the New York Giants.

“He might have had a little something in there anyways, and it just caught a little bit more,” Reid said. “So you take care of those things.”

The Chiefs expect a significant role from Toney this season after he joined the club last season in an Oct. 27 trade with the Giants. Toney played in parts of seven games with the Chiefs while hauling in 14 catches for 171 yards and two scores. He also played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles, catching a 5-yard touchdown pass and returning a punt for 65 yards that set up another score.

With the speedster Toney on the sideline for now, quarterback Patrick Mahomes expects to lean more on the team’s other starting receivers, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore. Justin Watson and rookie Rashee Rice also saw more snaps in practice with Toney missing.

Mahomes believes the team’s offense can adjust without Toney out of the lineup.

“When Kadarius is in there, we run it one way because of his talent and what he can do,” Mahomes said. “When he’s not in there, we can run a different way to really accelerate the other guys’ talents. Guys like Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice will step up as well as guys like Marquez and Justin Watson.”

Reid says he’s not concerned about Toney falling behind while missing training camp with the injury.

“I’m glad they caught it, you know that it happened this early, where he can get himself back and we got a lot of time still left,” Reid said. “He’s a smart kid. He picks this stuff up fairly easy. I don’t think he’s going to have a tough time getting back in. It’s just getting back into football shape.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690369184936.png" alt="Chiefs coach Andy Reid addresses the media at training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri on Tuesday, August 25, 2023. (Kansas City Chiefs)" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs coach Andy Reid addresses the media at training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri on Tuesday, August 25, 2023. (Kansas City Chiefs)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT DERRICK Associated PressST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Wide receiver Kadarius Toney underwent surgery Tuesday morning for a torn meniscus in his knee.However Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid hasn’t ruled Toney out of the team’s season opener against Detroit.“There is a chance for the first game, but we’ll see,” Reid said after Tuesday’s practice. “We’ll just have to see how other recovery goes with him. But he’s bound and determined he’s gonna be there for the first game. We’ll see how it goes.”Toney tweaked his knee just minutes into Sunday’s opening practice of the team’s training camp at Missouri Western State University. Toney was receiving punts during warmups when he injured the cartilage in his knee. Reid said Toney previously had surgery on the same knee while with the New York Giants.“He might have had a little something in there anyways, and it just caught a little bit more,” Reid said. “So you take care of those things.”The Chiefs expect a significant role from Toney this season after he joined the club last season in an Oct. 27 trade with the Giants. Toney played in parts of seven games with the Chiefs while hauling in 14 catches for 171 yards and two scores. He also played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles, catching a 5-yard touchdown pass and returning a punt for 65 yards that set up another score.With the speedster Toney on the sideline for now, quarterback Patrick Mahomes expects to lean more on the team’s other starting receivers, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore. Justin Watson and rookie Rashee Rice also saw more snaps in practice with Toney missing.Mahomes believes the team’s offense can adjust without Toney out of the lineup.“When Kadarius is in there, we run it one way because of his talent and what he can do,” Mahomes said. “When he’s not in there, we can run a different way to really accelerate the other guys’ talents. Guys like Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice will step up as well as guys like Marquez and Justin Watson.”Reid says he’s not concerned about Toney falling behind while missing training camp with the injury.“I’m glad they caught it, you know that it happened this early, where he can get himself back and we got a lot of time still left,” Reid said. “He’s a smart kid. He picks this stuff up fairly easy. I don’t think he’s going to have a tough time getting back in. It’s just getting back into football shape.”

🏈 Chiefs' Kadarius Toney has surgery for torn meniscus in his knee

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its 2023 Preseason Polls for football on Tuesday, July 25 at its annual Football Media Day in Kansas City. The Tigers were picked 8th&nbsp;in the Coaches Poll and 10th&nbsp;in the Media Poll. Pittsburg State was picked as the favorite in each poll, coming off an undefeated regular season in 2022 when it went 11-0 in MIAA play.

The Tigers placed 10th&nbsp;in the MIAA standings in 2022, finishing with a record of 3-8. The Tigers won two of their last four games to finish clear of Northeastern State and Lincoln in the standings. Lincoln is leaving the MIAA and will not participate as a conference member in football this season, even though most MIAA schools still have Lincoln on the schedule as a non-conference game. The conference will consist of 11 teams in football in 2023.

The Coaches and Media Polls were mirrored among the top seven teams. The only difference was Missouri Southern and Missouri Western being picked ahead of FHSU in the Media Poll. The Tigers battled their share of injuries throughout 2022 and struggled to find their footing. Only 23 players on last year's squad played in all 11 games. Of those 23, only four started all 11 contests.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/makel-williams/7430">Makel Williams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/evan-darville/7345">Evan Darville</a>&nbsp;on the Tiger defense are the only returners to this year's team that were among the group of four to start all contests. Other regular starters on the Tiger defense joining Williams and Darville are&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/mason-perez/7388">Mason Perez</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/7381">Myles Menges</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/gaven-haselhorst/7356">Gaven Haselhorst</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/trevion-mitchell/7384">Trevion Mitchell</a>. Williams, Perez, and Menges were All-MIAA selections last year. Williams led the team in tackles with 86. The Tigers have only three regular starters returning on the offensive side if the ball, which includes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jack-dawson/7346">Jack Dawson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/leyton-cure/7343">Leyton Cure</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/calvin-stapp/7412">Calvin Stapp</a>. Dawson had the most passing and rushing yards last year among the players returning, while Cure had the most receiving yards among returners. The Tigers have a handful of players returning both offensively and defensively that made spot starts at their respective positions throughout last year. Fort Hays State opens the 2023 season on the road at Northeastern State on August 31. The first home game will be against defending MIAA champion Pittsburg State on Thursday, September 7. FHSU will play at home six times throughout the 2023 season, also playing host to Northwest Missouri State, Lincoln, Nebraska-Kearney, Central Oklahoma, and Emporia State. Get your season tickets today by contacting the FHSU Athletic Department at (785) 628-4050 or drop by the office in person. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule">2023 Fort Hays State Football Schedule</a> See the MIAA preseason polls below. 2023 MIAA Football Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Pittsburg State (8) – 98 points 2. Northwest Missouri (3) – 93 points 3. Emporia State – 78 points 4. Washburn – 73 points T5. Central Oklahoma – 57 points T5. Nebraska Kearney – 57 points 7. Central Missouri – 44 points 8. Fort Hays State – 37 points 9. Missouri Western – 32 points 10. Missouri Southern – 26 points 11. Northeastern State – 10 points 2023 MIAA Football Preseason Media Poll 1. Pittsburg State (22) – 320 points 2. Northwest Missouri (7) – 302 points 3. Emporia State (1) – 258 points 4. Washburn – 209 points 5. Central Oklahoma – 208 points 6. Nebraska Kearney – 199 points 7. Central Missouri – 124 points 8. Missouri Southern – 116 points 9. Missouri Western – 113 points 10. Fort Hays State – 98 points 11. Northeastern State – 33 points

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690307125640.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Myles Menges, head coach Chris Brown and Mason Perez address the media Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the MIAA Media Day in Kansas City, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Myles Menges, head coach Chris Brown and Mason Perez address the media Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the MIAA Media Day in Kansas City, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its 2023 Preseason Polls for football on Tuesday, July 25 at its annual Football Media Day in Kansas City. The Tigers were picked 8th&nbsp;in the Coaches Poll and 10th&nbsp;in the Media Poll. Pittsburg State was picked as the favorite in each poll, coming off an undefeated regular season in 2022 when it went 11-0 in MIAA play.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690307089522.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Tigers placed 10th&nbsp;in the MIAA standings in 2022, finishing with a record of 3-8. The Tigers won two of their last four games to finish clear of Northeastern State and Lincoln in the standings. Lincoln is leaving the MIAA and will not participate as a conference member in football this season, even though most MIAA schools still have Lincoln on the schedule as a non-conference game. The conference will consist of 11 teams in football in 2023.<div>The Tigers report to camp August fifth with the first practice on August 7th.</div>The Coaches and Media Polls were mirrored among the top seven teams. The only difference was Missouri Southern and Missouri Western being picked ahead of FHSU in the Media Poll. The Tigers battled their share of injuries throughout 2022 and struggled to find their footing. Only 23 players on last year's squad played in all 11 games. Of those 23, only four started all 11 contests.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/makel-williams/7430">Makel Williams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/evan-darville/7345">Evan Darville</a>&nbsp;on the Tiger defense are the only returners to this year's team that were among the group of four to start all contests. Other regular starters on the Tiger defense joining Williams and Darville are&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/mason-perez/7388">Mason Perez</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/7381">Myles Menges</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/gaven-haselhorst/7356">Gaven Haselhorst</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/trevion-mitchell/7384">Trevion Mitchell</a>. Williams, Perez, and Menges were All-MIAA selections last year. Williams led the team in tackles with 86. The Tigers have only three regular starters returning on the offensive side if the ball, which includes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jack-dawson/7346">Jack Dawson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/leyton-cure/7343">Leyton Cure</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/calvin-stapp/7412">Calvin Stapp</a>. Dawson had the most passing and rushing yards last year among the players returning, while Cure had the most receiving yards among returners. The Tigers have a handful of players returning both offensively and defensively that made spot starts at their respective positions throughout last year. Fort Hays State opens the 2023 season on the road at Northeastern State on August 31. The first home game will be against defending MIAA champion Pittsburg State on Thursday, September 7. FHSU will play at home six times throughout the 2023 season, also playing host to Northwest Missouri State, Lincoln, Nebraska-Kearney, Central Oklahoma, and Emporia State. Get your season tickets today by contacting the FHSU Athletic Department at (785) 628-4050 or drop by the office in person. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule">2023 Fort Hays State Football Schedule</a> See the MIAA preseason polls below. 2023 MIAA Football Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Pittsburg State (8) – 98 points 2. Northwest Missouri (3) – 93 points 3. Emporia State – 78 points 4. Washburn – 73 points T5. Central Oklahoma – 57 points T5. Nebraska Kearney – 57 points 7. Central Missouri – 44 points 8. Fort Hays State – 37 points 9. Missouri Western – 32 points 10. Missouri Southern – 26 points 11. Northeastern State – 10 points 2023 MIAA Football Preseason Media Poll 1. Pittsburg State (22) – 320 points 2. Northwest Missouri (7) – 302 points 3. Emporia State (1) – 258 points 4. Washburn – 209 points 5. Central Oklahoma – 208 points 6. Nebraska Kearney – 199 points 7. Central Missouri – 124 points 8. Missouri Southern – 116 points 9. Missouri Western – 113 points 10. Fort Hays State – 98 points 11. Northeastern State – 33 points

🏈🎧 Tigers picked 8th and 10th in MIAA preseason polls

HAYS – Garret Gruell doubled and drove in three runs and Tyler
Schott allowed just two hits over five shutout innings as the Hays Larks (32-6)
downed the Gameday Angels Monday 10-0 in seven innings at Larks Park.

Gruell’s two-run double came in the first inning and was
more than enough as Schott and Preston Tabor combined to allow just two hits
and strikeout 11.

Schott allowed just two hits and struck out seven in five
shutout innings. Tabor turned in two innings of shutout relief.

Gruell and Tyler LaRue each collected a pair of hits.

With the win the Larks run their win streak to four straight
and they will close out their series with the Angels Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Larks
Park.

Hays PostHAYS – Garret Gruell doubled and drove in three runs and Tyler
Schott allowed just two hits over five shutout innings as the Hays Larks (32-6)
downed the Gameday Angels Monday 10-0 in seven innings at Larks Park.Gruell’s two-run double came in the first inning and was
more than enough as Schott and Preston Tabor combined to allow just two hits
and strikeout 11.Schott allowed just two hits and struck out seven in five
shutout innings. Tabor turned in two innings of shutout relief.Gruell and Tyler LaRue each collected a pair of hits.With the win the Larks run their win streak to four straight
and they will close out their series with the Angels Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Larks
Park.

⚾ Larks blank Angels for fourth straight win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The annual MIAA Football Media Day, presented by Seigfreid Bingham, will be available to watch live for FREE on&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The&nbsp;</a><a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">MIAA Network</a>, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. All 12 MIAA football head coaches and at least two student-athletes from each school will be in attendance along with media from throughout the conference footprint. The event takes place at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Live coverage of press conferences begin on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a>&nbsp;at 9:30 a.m. with opening comments from MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy along with a look into new rules and rule changes for the 2023 season from MIAA Football Supervisor of Officials Phil Laurie. The MIAA Network app is available on&nbsp;Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Roku. The MIAA Network is also available via your computer or mobile device. The complete schedule of appearances and times for each school are listed below. No subscription is required to watch the press conferences with free viewing throughout the entire day. Teams represented by head coaches and two student-athletes will participate in 15-minute press conferences throughout the morning and into the afternoon. The Fort Hays State press conference is set for 11:00 a.m. as head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1007">Chris Brown</a>&nbsp;and student-athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/7381">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/mason-perez/7388">Mason Perez</a>&nbsp;will be in attendance. 2023 Football Media Day Schedule Session I 10 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Missouri Western 10:15 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Northwest Missouri 10:30 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska Kearney 10:45 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Break 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fort Hays State 11:15 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emporia State 11:30 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washburn Session II 12 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Northeastern State 12:15 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Central Oklahoma 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Break 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Central Missouri 1:15&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburg State 1:30&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Missouri Southern Closing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:45 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MIAA&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690286187623.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The annual MIAA Football Media Day, presented by Seigfreid Bingham, will be available to watch live for FREE on&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The&nbsp;</a><a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">MIAA Network</a>, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. All 12 MIAA football head coaches and at least two student-athletes from each school will be in attendance along with media from throughout the conference footprint. The event takes place at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Live coverage of press conferences begin on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a>&nbsp;at 9:30 a.m. with opening comments from MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy along with a look into new rules and rule changes for the 2023 season from MIAA Football Supervisor of Officials Phil Laurie. The MIAA Network app is available on&nbsp;Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Roku. The MIAA Network is also available via your computer or mobile device. The complete schedule of appearances and times for each school are listed below. No subscription is required to watch the press conferences with free viewing throughout the entire day. Teams represented by head coaches and two student-athletes will participate in 15-minute press conferences throughout the morning and into the afternoon. The Fort Hays State press conference is set for 11:00 a.m. as head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1007">Chris Brown</a>&nbsp;and student-athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/7381">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/mason-perez/7388">Mason Perez</a>&nbsp;will be in attendance. 2023 Football Media Day Schedule Session I 10 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Missouri Western 10:15 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Northwest Missouri 10:30 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska Kearney 10:45 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Break 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fort Hays State 11:15 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emporia State 11:30 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Washburn Session II 12 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Northeastern State 12:15 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Central Oklahoma 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Break 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Central Missouri 1:15&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pittsburg State 1:30&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Missouri Southern Closing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:45 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MIAA&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Watch MIAA Football Media Day FREE on The MIAA Network - Tuesday, July 25

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/loS7epbX-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Carson Jacobs" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Carson Jacobs

The Hays Larks close out RMBL play with the first of two games against the Gameday Angels Monday at Larks Park.

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

Men's college basketball traditional powers Kansas and North Carolina will play each other in regular-season games in 2024 and 2025, the schools announced Monday.

The first meeting will be Nov. 8, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas, and the second Nov. 14, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The teams will square off for the first time since Kansas beat the Tar Heels 72-69 in the 2022 NCAA title game in New Orleans.

Kansas has won four straight in the series, all in the NCAA Tournament under coach Bill Self. The teams have split 12 games since they first met in the 1957 national championship game.

Kansas' 2,385 all-time wins are the most in college basketball history. North Carolina ranks third with 2,347 wins. The teams have combined for 10 national titles.

Men's college basketball traditional powers Kansas and North Carolina will play each other in regular-season games in 2024 and 2025, the schools announced Monday.The first meeting will be Nov. 8, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas, and the second Nov. 14, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.The teams will square off for the first time since Kansas beat the Tar Heels 72-69 in the 2022 NCAA title game in New Orleans.Kansas has won four straight in the series, all in the NCAA Tournament under coach Bill Self. The teams have split 12 games since they first met in the 1957 national championship game.Kansas' 2,385 all-time wins are the most in college basketball history. North Carolina ranks third with 2,347 wins. The teams have combined for 10 national titles.

🏀Basketball blue bloods North Carolina and Kansas schedule regular-season games for 2024 and '25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/i9NrcBv1-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Dylan Hill" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Dylan Hill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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