By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brett Yormark was definitely trying to send a message during his introduction as the Big 12 commissioner last year when he said the league was “open for business.”

A year into the job, Yormark said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-nba-college-football-sports-texas-4064ffcb7f86561578586c7bced78513">that statement</a>&nbsp;was more than just about ongoing realignment and the potential of additional expansion during a transformative time throughout college football.

“I think people took that as, my god, this guy’s new and he wants to go and disrupt, I guess, in some respects,” Yormark said Wednesday at the start of Big 12 football media days. “Open for business was that we were going to explore every and all possibility to grow revenue, to diversify our conference and do things that hadn't been done before. And we did a lot of that."

And, yes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-spring-meetings-revenue-brett-yormark-1d929732c119ae45b3d44aedf569ef2d">there is still a plan for expansion</a>, even though Yormark doesn't really want to talk about it.

The Big 12 is already bigger after BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF officially became members July 1, about 17 months after their invitations to the evolving conference. There will be 14 teams this fall with Texas and Oklahoma, the league's only remaining national champions in football, playing their final seasons before heading to the Southeastern Conference next summer.

“We do have a plan and hopefully we can execute that plan sooner than later,” Yormark said, without being specific. “I love the composition of this conference right now. ... And if we stay at 12 (teams), we’re perfectly fine with that.”

Yormark said the Big 12 isn't chasing a certain number of schools.

Before becoming commissioner, Yormark had never had a job in college athletics. He came from Jay-Z's Roc Nation, where he was the chief operating officer on the commercial side of the business. He is a former CEO of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and also worked for NASCAR.

“When I took this job, it was the first time I really experienced college football. And candidly, I’m hooked,” he said.

At the end of the Big 12's spring business meetings last month, Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec said there was a great deal of enthusiasm about the state of the conference and prospects for the future.

“The general sense is that when we hired Brett Yormark we hit the jackpot,” Schovanec said. “It was a little less than a year ago when we were conducting the search and we were considering our possibilities. Some were identified as moderate reward, moderate risk. One was identified as high risk, high reward, and we went with the high risk, high reward, and we’re benefiting.”

The Big 12 last fall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-spring-meetings-revenue-brett-yormark-1d929732c119ae45b3d44aedf569ef2d">extended its media rights deal with ESPN and Fox Sports</a>&nbsp;through the 2030-31 school year, which Yormark said created stability and clarity for the league. That deal was set to expire in two years, after the departures of Texas and Oklahoma.

The Big 12 recently completed its first conference-wide strategic plan since 2011, the first year as a 10-team league. A business advisory board was formed, and plans were announced for a league-wide Pro Day with the NFL and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-conference-basketball-mexico-a8e2366d11224e05db865eeb35116265">men's and women's basketball games</a>&nbsp;in Mexico City late next year with the possibility of a football bowl game in Monterrey.

“It’s been a very busy 11 months, but it’s not necessarily about where we've been,” Yormark said. “For all of us, it’s about where we’re going as we look forward. We will continue to innovate, create and positively disrupt, living at the intersections of culture, sports and business.”

A record record revenue distribution of $440 million will be split among the 10 current schools for the past academic year, and those numbers are expected to grow moving forward with additional teams. Asked about where he felt the Big 12 ranked among the Power Five conferences, Yormark said he's not really competing with other leagues.

“I want the Big 12 to be the best version of ourselves. And if we can do that, we’re in a great place,” he said. “So it’s not about ranking us within the Power Five. But I can tell you this, there’s been no better time to be a part of the Big 12 than right now. And this thing is going to grow..”

Yormark said he anticipates 2023 being a season of celebration in the Big 12, which saw TCU reach the national championship game last year where it lost to Georgia.

“We’re going to celebrate our continuing eight (members), we’re going to celebrate our new four," he said. "And, in fact, we’re going to celebrate Texas and Oklahoma and all the contributions they’ve made to this conference since day one, because they’ll always be a big part of this conference.”

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports WriterARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brett Yormark was definitely trying to send a message during his introduction as the Big 12 commissioner last year when he said the league was “open for business.”A year into the job, Yormark said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-nba-college-football-sports-texas-4064ffcb7f86561578586c7bced78513">that statement</a>&nbsp;was more than just about ongoing realignment and the potential of additional expansion during a transformative time throughout college football.“I think people took that as, my god, this guy’s new and he wants to go and disrupt, I guess, in some respects,” Yormark said Wednesday at the start of Big 12 football media days. “Open for business was that we were going to explore every and all possibility to grow revenue, to diversify our conference and do things that hadn't been done before. And we did a lot of that."And, yes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-spring-meetings-revenue-brett-yormark-1d929732c119ae45b3d44aedf569ef2d">there is still a plan for expansion</a>, even though Yormark doesn't really want to talk about it.The Big 12 is already bigger after BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF officially became members July 1, about 17 months after their invitations to the evolving conference. There will be 14 teams this fall with Texas and Oklahoma, the league's only remaining national champions in football, playing their final seasons before heading to the Southeastern Conference next summer.“We do have a plan and hopefully we can execute that plan sooner than later,” Yormark said, without being specific. “I love the composition of this conference right now. ... And if we stay at 12 (teams), we’re perfectly fine with that.”Yormark said the Big 12 isn't chasing a certain number of schools.Before becoming commissioner, Yormark had never had a job in college athletics. He came from Jay-Z's Roc Nation, where he was the chief operating officer on the commercial side of the business. He is a former CEO of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and also worked for NASCAR.“When I took this job, it was the first time I really experienced college football. And candidly, I’m hooked,” he said.At the end of the Big 12's spring business meetings last month, Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec said there was a great deal of enthusiasm about the state of the conference and prospects for the future.“The general sense is that when we hired Brett Yormark we hit the jackpot,” Schovanec said. “It was a little less than a year ago when we were conducting the search and we were considering our possibilities. Some were identified as moderate reward, moderate risk. One was identified as high risk, high reward, and we went with the high risk, high reward, and we’re benefiting.”The Big 12 last fall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-spring-meetings-revenue-brett-yormark-1d929732c119ae45b3d44aedf569ef2d">extended its media rights deal with ESPN and Fox Sports</a>&nbsp;through the 2030-31 school year, which Yormark said created stability and clarity for the league. That deal was set to expire in two years, after the departures of Texas and Oklahoma.The Big 12 recently completed its first conference-wide strategic plan since 2011, the first year as a 10-team league. A business advisory board was formed, and plans were announced for a league-wide Pro Day with the NFL and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-conference-basketball-mexico-a8e2366d11224e05db865eeb35116265">men's and women's basketball games</a>&nbsp;in Mexico City late next year with the possibility of a football bowl game in Monterrey.“It’s been a very busy 11 months, but it’s not necessarily about where we've been,” Yormark said. “For all of us, it’s about where we’re going as we look forward. We will continue to innovate, create and positively disrupt, living at the intersections of culture, sports and business.”A record record revenue distribution of $440 million will be split among the 10 current schools for the past academic year, and those numbers are expected to grow moving forward with additional teams. Asked about where he felt the Big 12 ranked among the Power Five conferences, Yormark said he's not really competing with other leagues.“I want the Big 12 to be the best version of ourselves. And if we can do that, we’re in a great place,” he said. “So it’s not about ranking us within the Power Five. But I can tell you this, there’s been no better time to be a part of the Big 12 than right now. And this thing is going to grow..”Yormark said he anticipates 2023 being a season of celebration in the Big 12, which saw TCU reach the national championship game last year where it lost to Georgia.“We’re going to celebrate our continuing eight (members), we’re going to celebrate our new four," he said. "And, in fact, we’re going to celebrate Texas and Oklahoma and all the contributions they’ve made to this conference since day one, because they’ll always be a big part of this conference.”

🏈 A year in as Big 12 commissioner, Yormark says 'open for business' was about more than expansion

MANHEIM, Pa. – Fort Hays State Men's Wrestling ranked seventh on the NWCA Scholar All-America Team Top 20 list for the 2022-23 season. The Tigers as a team produced a cumulative grade point average of 3.307. Individual NWCA Scholar All-America honors went to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/drew-burgoon/7249">Drew Burgoon</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tereus-henry/7220">Tereus Henry</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/cody-hicks/7222">Cody Hicks</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/blayze-standley/7230">Blayze Standley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/mason-turner/7231">Mason Turner</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/corbin-white/7241">Corbin White</a>. The Tigers owned the best team GPA in Super Region 6. Henry, Hicks, and Turner are now three-time recipients of the honor individually, while the other three earned the honor for the first time as Tigers. To earn this honor, individuals must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. The benchmark is 3.25 for those who qualified for the 2023 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, and it is 3.0 for those who earned Division II All-America status on the mat. The athlete must also have competed in a minimum of four dates of competition. Below is the team Top 20. See the link above for individuals earning the honor throughout NCAA Division II. Rank - Institution- GPA 1. Maryville University - 3.487 2. University of Wisconsin-Parkside - 3.466 3. University of Indianapolis - 3.386 4. West Liberty University - 3.378 5. Northern State University - 3.372 6. Lake Erie College - 3.312 7. Fort Hays State University - 3.307 8. University of Mary - 3.285 9. Drury University - 3.253 10. Colorado School of Mines - 3.251 11. Augustana University - 3.235 12. Fairmont State University - 3.229 13. Tiffin University - 3.211 14. Seton Hill University - 3.209 15. Ashland University - 3.199 16. American International College - 3.192 17. Lincoln Memorial University - 3.188 18. Western Colorado University - 3.17 19. Southwest Minnesota State University - 3.166 20. Gannon University - 3.163

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689250038070.png" alt="FHSU-WRE.png" />
 <figcaption>FHSU-WRE.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMANHEIM, Pa. – Fort Hays State Men's Wrestling ranked seventh on the NWCA Scholar All-America Team Top 20 list for the 2022-23 season. The Tigers as a team produced a cumulative grade point average of 3.307. Individual NWCA Scholar All-America honors went to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/drew-burgoon/7249">Drew Burgoon</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tereus-henry/7220">Tereus Henry</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/cody-hicks/7222">Cody Hicks</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/blayze-standley/7230">Blayze Standley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/mason-turner/7231">Mason Turner</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/corbin-white/7241">Corbin White</a>. The Tigers owned the best team GPA in Super Region 6. Henry, Hicks, and Turner are now three-time recipients of the honor individually, while the other three earned the honor for the first time as Tigers. To earn this honor, individuals must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. The benchmark is 3.25 for those who qualified for the 2023 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, and it is 3.0 for those who earned Division II All-America status on the mat. The athlete must also have competed in a minimum of four dates of competition. Below is the team Top 20. See the link above for individuals earning the honor throughout NCAA Division II. Rank - Institution- GPA 1. Maryville University - 3.487 2. University of Wisconsin-Parkside - 3.466 3. University of Indianapolis - 3.386 4. West Liberty University - 3.378 5. Northern State University - 3.372 6. Lake Erie College - 3.312 7. Fort Hays State University - 3.307 8. University of Mary - 3.285 9. Drury University - 3.253 10. Colorado School of Mines - 3.251 11. Augustana University - 3.235 12. Fairmont State University - 3.229 13. Tiffin University - 3.211 14. Seton Hill University - 3.209 15. Ashland University - 3.199 16. American International College - 3.192 17. Lincoln Memorial University - 3.188 18. Western Colorado University - 3.17 19. Southwest Minnesota State University - 3.166 20. Gannon University - 3.163

🤼‍♂️ Tiger men rank 7th in D2 for Team GPA, six earn NWCA All-America honors

By TIM BOOTH AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE (AP) — Shining brightly in the Emerald City, the National League snapped a losing streak that lasted more than a decade.

An unheralded catcher from Colorado delivered the big blow.

Elias Díaz&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/diaz-s-two-run-go-ahead-homer?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">hit a two-run homer</a>&nbsp;off Félix Bautista in the eighth inning, and the NL snapped a nine-game losing streak in the All-Star Game with a 3-2 win over the American League on Tuesday night.

The NL won for the first time since an 8-0 victory in 2012 in Kansas City, and Díaz became the first Rockies player to win the All-Star MVP award.

“It feels incredible. When we all got here, we all talked about how we were going to bring home the win," said Díaz, who was non-tendered by the Pirates at the end of 2019. “I just didn’t realize it was going to be me to bring home the win.”

Díaz&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1678959427427106820?s=20">drove a 2-2 pitch</a>&nbsp;from Baltimore's hard-throwing closer deep to left to put the NL in front. Díaz was the lone representative for Colorado in his first All-Star Game appearance.

“It does matter. We wanted to win, the American League we wanted to win,” Bautista said through an interpreter. “But overall I think that it’s an experience I’ll never forget and just wish that would have been a little bit different.”

Díaz has nine homers this season, but hadn’t hit a long ball since June 23 against the Los Angeles Angels.

“As soon as he walked in the clubhouse and I met him, he said, ‘I’ll do anything you want. If I play, I play. If I don’t, I don’t. I’m just so happy to be here,'” NL manager Rob Thomson said. “So for him to do that, it’s fantastic.”

For most of the night, the All-Star Game was a pitchers’ duel highlighted by a couple big hits and some excellent defense.

It got nervous for the NL&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/jose-ramirez-strikes-out-swinging-v1cmuc?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">with Philadelphia closer Craig Kimbrel</a>&nbsp;on the mound in the ninth.

“I threw way more pitches than I wanted to on an off day,” Kimbrel joked.

Wander Franco led off with a fly ball to the warning track, and Kimbrel issued two-out walks to Kyle Tucker and Seattle star Julio Rodríguez.

The 22-year-old Rodríguez was in position to close it out in front of his home crowd.

“I was definitely trying to win it. But it was a situation where I had to pass the baton,” he said.

Kimbrel recovered to strike out José Ramírez to end it. Kimbrel also pitched in the previous NL win, recording two outs in 2012.

“The ninth inning in the dugout was just a lot of fun to experience,” said San Diego's Josh Hader, who pitched the eighth for the NL.

Yandy Díaz hit a solo homer in the second and Bo Bichette’s sacrifice fly in the sixth gave the AL a 2-1 lead.

J.D. Martinez doubled and scored on Luis Arraez’s single in the fourth against Seattle’s George Kirby, tying it at 1. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. appeared to tie the game again in the seventh when his shot down the left-field line was originally ruled a homer but was overturned as a foul ball on replay.

The All-Star Game returned to Seattle for the first time since 2001 when the Mariners were in the middle of their magical 116-win regular season, Cal Ripken Jr. said goodbye to the All-Star stage and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4GbGVk9DKk">Tommy Lasorda took a tumble</a>.

Gerrit Cole became the first New York Yankees pitcher to start the All-Star Game since Roger Clemens in that 2001 game. He needed a pair of spectacular leaping catches from Adolis García and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1678923988397858817?s=20">Randy Arozarena</a>&nbsp;near the wall to escape the first inning unscathed.

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/best-of-mic-d-up-from-the-asg?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Pitching was the story of the night</a>. Only nine balls were hit over 100 mph. There were 20 combined strikeouts, including Camilo Doval silencing the home crowd with a strikeout of Rodríguez&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1678955503106367489?s=20">in the seventh inning</a>&nbsp;when four of the five pitches topped 100 mph.

“You can tell, our guys, we wanted to win. They wanted to win," AL manager Dusty Baker said. “There was a lot of pride out there and a lot of competitiveness out there. You could tell by the energy on both sides and the energy in the ballpark.”

The All-Star Game was missing some big names with Mike Trout and Aaron Judge out with injuries, but it still had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-all-star-game-4c2145a5a1c1c3bd255bd826a53a77fb">Shohei Ohtani</a>.

The Angels star drew the biggest cheers outside of Seattle’s three representatives during introductions, and he was serenaded with chants of “Come to Seattle” when he was at the plate. The crowd apparently was well aware of his pending free agency this offseason.

Toronto reliever&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-romano-blue-jays-allstar-a57ef2a1a4f9bd88a0f37ef26162ce35">Jordan Romano</a>&nbsp;left in the seventh after throwing the pitch that Gurriel hit foul and was originally ruled fair. He threw five pitches before leaving the game with tightness in his back.

Chicago White Sox slugger&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luis-robert-all-star-game-derby-410e2da430a404b91554248a98c77061">Luis Robert Jr.</a>&nbsp;did not play after feeling tightness in his right calf during the Home Run Derby. The White Sox said Robert underwent an MRI in Seattle and is listed as day to day.

The Rangers made All-Star history when Nathan Eovaldi took the mound in the second. That marked the third time in an All-Star Game when there were six players from the same team on the field at the same time. It also occurred with the 1939 Yankees and 1951 Dodgers.

The Baseball Hall of Fame said a ball signed by all six players in the game would be headed to Cooperstown.

“That’s got to be one of the cooler moments in sports when you’ve got half the team on the field is your team, especially under these circumstances,” catcher Jonah Heim said. “It’s really special and I was glad I got to share it with these guys today.”

The Tampa Bay duo of Shane McClanahan and Wander Franco were inadvertently skipped over during pregame introductions. The pair jogged in on their own and left it to the Rays’ social media staff&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/status/1678920544144482304?s=20">to give them a proper announcement</a>.

Six of the eight members of Seattle’s All-Star contingent from the 2001 game were recognized pregame. John Olerud, Bret Boone, Freddy Garcia, Jeff Nelson, Kazuhiro Sasaki, Edgar Martinez and manager Lou Piniella were honored. Ichiro Suzuki and Mike Cameron were also on the All-Star team that season.

Baseball Hall of Famers Martinez and Ken Griffey Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitches to former teammates Dan Wilson and Jay Buhner.

The post-All-Star break portion of the schedule starts Friday with every team in the league scheduled to be in action. San Diego at Philadelphia is the first game scheduled for Friday. The second half begins with Atlanta having the best record in baseball at 60-29 and an 8½-game lead in the NL East. Tampa Bay has the best record in the American League at 58-35, two games better than Baltimore.

By TIM BOOTH AP Sports WriterSEATTLE (AP) — Shining brightly in the Emerald City, the National League snapped a losing streak that lasted more than a decade.An unheralded catcher from Colorado delivered the big blow.Elias Díaz&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/diaz-s-two-run-go-ahead-homer?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">hit a two-run homer</a>&nbsp;off Félix Bautista in the eighth inning, and the NL snapped a nine-game losing streak in the All-Star Game with a 3-2 win over the American League on Tuesday night.The NL won for the first time since an 8-0 victory in 2012 in Kansas City, and Díaz became the first Rockies player to win the All-Star MVP award.“It feels incredible. When we all got here, we all talked about how we were going to bring home the win," said Díaz, who was non-tendered by the Pirates at the end of 2019. “I just didn’t realize it was going to be me to bring home the win.”Díaz&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1678959427427106820?s=20">drove a 2-2 pitch</a>&nbsp;from Baltimore's hard-throwing closer deep to left to put the NL in front. Díaz was the lone representative for Colorado in his first All-Star Game appearance.“It does matter. We wanted to win, the American League we wanted to win,” Bautista said through an interpreter. “But overall I think that it’s an experience I’ll never forget and just wish that would have been a little bit different.”Díaz has nine homers this season, but hadn’t hit a long ball since June 23 against the Los Angeles Angels.“As soon as he walked in the clubhouse and I met him, he said, ‘I’ll do anything you want. If I play, I play. If I don’t, I don’t. I’m just so happy to be here,'” NL manager Rob Thomson said. “So for him to do that, it’s fantastic.”For most of the night, the All-Star Game was a pitchers’ duel highlighted by a couple big hits and some excellent defense.It got nervous for the NL&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/jose-ramirez-strikes-out-swinging-v1cmuc?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">with Philadelphia closer Craig Kimbrel</a>&nbsp;on the mound in the ninth.“I threw way more pitches than I wanted to on an off day,” Kimbrel joked.Wander Franco led off with a fly ball to the warning track, and Kimbrel issued two-out walks to Kyle Tucker and Seattle star Julio Rodríguez.The 22-year-old Rodríguez was in position to close it out in front of his home crowd.“I was definitely trying to win it. But it was a situation where I had to pass the baton,” he said.Kimbrel recovered to strike out José Ramírez to end it. Kimbrel also pitched in the previous NL win, recording two outs in 2012.“The ninth inning in the dugout was just a lot of fun to experience,” said San Diego's Josh Hader, who pitched the eighth for the NL.Yandy Díaz hit a solo homer in the second and Bo Bichette’s sacrifice fly in the sixth gave the AL a 2-1 lead.J.D. Martinez doubled and scored on Luis Arraez’s single in the fourth against Seattle’s George Kirby, tying it at 1. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. appeared to tie the game again in the seventh when his shot down the left-field line was originally ruled a homer but was overturned as a foul ball on replay.The All-Star Game returned to Seattle for the first time since 2001 when the Mariners were in the middle of their magical 116-win regular season, Cal Ripken Jr. said goodbye to the All-Star stage and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4GbGVk9DKk">Tommy Lasorda took a tumble</a>.Gerrit Cole became the first New York Yankees pitcher to start the All-Star Game since Roger Clemens in that 2001 game. He needed a pair of spectacular leaping catches from Adolis García and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1678923988397858817?s=20">Randy Arozarena</a>&nbsp;near the wall to escape the first inning unscathed.<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/best-of-mic-d-up-from-the-asg?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Pitching was the story of the night</a>. Only nine balls were hit over 100 mph. There were 20 combined strikeouts, including Camilo Doval silencing the home crowd with a strikeout of Rodríguez&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1678955503106367489?s=20">in the seventh inning</a>&nbsp;when four of the five pitches topped 100 mph.“You can tell, our guys, we wanted to win. They wanted to win," AL manager Dusty Baker said. “There was a lot of pride out there and a lot of competitiveness out there. You could tell by the energy on both sides and the energy in the ballpark.”OHTANI CHANTThe All-Star Game was missing some big names with Mike Trout and Aaron Judge out with injuries, but it still had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-all-star-game-4c2145a5a1c1c3bd255bd826a53a77fb">Shohei Ohtani</a>.The Angels star drew the biggest cheers outside of Seattle’s three representatives during introductions, and he was serenaded with chants of “Come to Seattle” when he was at the plate. The crowd apparently was well aware of his pending free agency this offseason.INJURIESToronto reliever&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-romano-blue-jays-allstar-a57ef2a1a4f9bd88a0f37ef26162ce35">Jordan Romano</a>&nbsp;left in the seventh after throwing the pitch that Gurriel hit foul and was originally ruled fair. He threw five pitches before leaving the game with tightness in his back.Chicago White Sox slugger&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luis-robert-all-star-game-derby-410e2da430a404b91554248a98c77061">Luis Robert Jr.</a>&nbsp;did not play after feeling tightness in his right calf during the Home Run Derby. The White Sox said Robert underwent an MRI in Seattle and is listed as day to day.SIX PACKThe Rangers made All-Star history when Nathan Eovaldi took the mound in the second. That marked the third time in an All-Star Game when there were six players from the same team on the field at the same time. It also occurred with the 1939 Yankees and 1951 Dodgers.The Baseball Hall of Fame said a ball signed by all six players in the game would be headed to Cooperstown.“That’s got to be one of the cooler moments in sports when you’ve got half the team on the field is your team, especially under these circumstances,” catcher Jonah Heim said. “It’s really special and I was glad I got to share it with these guys today.”SKIPPED OVERThe Tampa Bay duo of Shane McClanahan and Wander Franco were inadvertently skipped over during pregame introductions. The pair jogged in on their own and left it to the Rays’ social media staff&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/status/1678920544144482304?s=20">to give them a proper announcement</a>.MARINERS HONOREDSix of the eight members of Seattle’s All-Star contingent from the 2001 game were recognized pregame. John Olerud, Bret Boone, Freddy Garcia, Jeff Nelson, Kazuhiro Sasaki, Edgar Martinez and manager Lou Piniella were honored. Ichiro Suzuki and Mike Cameron were also on the All-Star team that season.Baseball Hall of Famers Martinez and Ken Griffey Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitches to former teammates Dan Wilson and Jay Buhner.UP NEXTThe post-All-Star break portion of the schedule starts Friday with every team in the league scheduled to be in action. San Diego at Philadelphia is the first game scheduled for Friday. The second half begins with Atlanta having the best record in baseball at 60-29 and an 8½-game lead in the NL East. Tampa Bay has the best record in the American League at 58-35, two games better than Baltimore.

⚾ Diaz homer helps National League snap All-Star Game losing streak

HAYS – Tyler LaRue had
two hits, Damian Ruiz drove in two runs and the Hays Larks stole a season-high eight bases and beat the Dodge City A's 11-1 in a seven-inning, run-rule game Tuesday at Larks Park. The Larks have now won a season-best nine-straight games.

The Larks (22-4, 12-2 RMBL) scored four runs in the first inning, one in the second, two in the fourth then
put the game away with a four-run fifth. They have now won 18-straight home games
dating back to last season.

Ruiz got the Larks on
the board in the bottom of the first when he stole home. Weston Valasek scored
on a wild pitch and Tyler LaRue scored on an error. The Larks scored their
fourth run on an error.

Trent Baker scored on a
wild pitch to push the lead to 5-0 in the second.

Ruiz scored on a balk
then John Ceccoli singled the center which drove in LaRue to give the Larks an 7-0
lead in the fourth.

Three straight walks
loaded the bases for Hays in the fifth. Ruiz doubled which drove in two runs.
Kam Walton drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and Ruiz scored on a passed
ball.

Tyler Schott (3-1)
pitched two innings of scoreless relief with three strikeouts and no walks and
picked up the win. 

Starting pitcher Dylan
Hill allowed on unearned run on two hits with five strikeouts and one walk. Michael
Cruz struck out two and walked one in the seventh.

The Larks are on a season-best
nine-game winning streak.&nbsp; It's their longest win streak since they won 14-straight in 2021. The Larks improve
to 14-0 at home this summer and have won 18-straight home games going back to
last season.

Pitcher Colby Langford
was selected in the 17th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Houston
Astros. Langford just completed his sophomore season at Murray State (Okla.)
College and had committed to Oklahoma. He was 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in five
appearances with three starts this summer with the Larks.

Former TMP-Marian
standout Carson Jacobs signed a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox.
Jacobs was 2-2 with a 9.15 ERA. He struck out 24 and walked 15 in 19 2/3 innings
this summer but allowed only 1 walk in his last four appearances (8 innings).

The Larks travel to
Dodge City to play the A’s Wednesday night at Cavalier Field. They then return
home to play their final 16 games at Larks Park. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594638185916.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHAYS – Tyler LaRue had
two hits, Damian Ruiz drove in two runs and the Hays Larks stole a season-high eight bases and beat the Dodge City A's 11-1 in a seven-inning, run-rule game Tuesday at Larks Park. The Larks have now won a season-best nine-straight games.The Larks (22-4, 12-2 RMBL) scored four runs in the first inning, one in the second, two in the fourth then
put the game away with a four-run fifth. They have now won 18-straight home games
dating back to last season.Ruiz got the Larks on
the board in the bottom of the first when he stole home. Weston Valasek scored
on a wild pitch and Tyler LaRue scored on an error. The Larks scored their
fourth run on an error.Trent Baker scored on a
wild pitch to push the lead to 5-0 in the second.Ruiz scored on a balk
then John Ceccoli singled the center which drove in LaRue to give the Larks an 7-0
lead in the fourth.Three straight walks
loaded the bases for Hays in the fifth. Ruiz doubled which drove in two runs.
Kam Walton drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and Ruiz scored on a passed
ball.Tyler Schott (3-1)
pitched two innings of scoreless relief with three strikeouts and no walks and
picked up the win. Starting pitcher Dylan
Hill allowed on unearned run on two hits with five strikeouts and one walk. Michael
Cruz struck out two and walked one in the seventh.STREAKINGThe Larks are on a season-best
nine-game winning streak.&nbsp; It's their longest win streak since they won 14-straight in 2021. The Larks improve
to 14-0 at home this summer and have won 18-straight home games going back to
last season.DRAFTEDPitcher Colby Langford
was selected in the 17th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Houston
Astros. Langford just completed his sophomore season at Murray State (Okla.)
College and had committed to Oklahoma. He was 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in five
appearances with three starts this summer with the Larks.Former TMP-Marian
standout Carson Jacobs signed a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox.
Jacobs was 2-2 with a 9.15 ERA. He struck out 24 and walked 15 in 19 2/3 innings
this summer but allowed only 1 walk in his last four appearances (8 innings).UP NEXTThe Larks travel to
Dodge City to play the A’s Wednesday night at Cavalier Field. They then return
home to play their final 16 games at Larks Park.

⚾ Larks cruise past Dodge City for ninth-straight win

FARGO, N.D. – Junior right-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://gobison.com/sports/baseball/roster/carson-jacobs/18555">Carson Jacobs</a>&nbsp;has signed as a free agent with the Chicago White Sox following the conclusion of the 2023 MLB Draft on Tuesday. Jacobs appeared in 17 games with two starts on the mound in his first season with the Bison in 2023. The Hays, Kan., native recorded 41 strikeouts over 34.0 innings. He logged a season-high five strikeouts over 3.2 innings against South Dakota State in the Summit League Tournament to close the season. Prior to NDSU, Jacobs totaled 59 strikeouts over 55.2 innings in the 2022 season at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Ariz. Jacobs&nbsp;became the 13th player in NDSU history to be selected in the MLB Draft on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689158352988.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Dakota State AthleticsFARGO, N.D. – Junior right-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://gobison.com/sports/baseball/roster/carson-jacobs/18555">Carson Jacobs</a>&nbsp;has signed as a free agent with the Chicago White Sox following the conclusion of the 2023 MLB Draft on Tuesday. Jacobs appeared in 17 games with two starts on the mound in his first season with the Bison in 2023. The Hays, Kan., native recorded 41 strikeouts over 34.0 innings. He logged a season-high five strikeouts over 3.2 innings against South Dakota State in the Summit League Tournament to close the season. Prior to NDSU, Jacobs totaled 59 strikeouts over 55.2 innings in the 2022 season at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Ariz. Jacobs&nbsp;became the 13th player in NDSU history to be selected in the MLB Draft on Tuesday.

⚾ Former Monarch Jacobs signs with White Sox

One current and several former Hays Larks were selected in the 2023 MLB First-Year Player Draft which concluded on Tuesday.

Current Larks pitcher Colby Langford was selected in Thursday's 17th round by the Houston Astros. Langford just completed his sophomore season at Murray State (Okla.) College and had committed to the University of Oklahoma. He was 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in five appearances (3 starts) with the Larks this summer.

Former Larks pitcher Brady Rose was selected in the 12th round on Thursday by the New York Yankees. The Westminster, Colorado native who played at Dallas Baptist pitched for the Larks in 2020 and 2022.

Jake Fitzgibbons, who played for the Larks in 2021, was taken in the 14th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Fitzgibbons played for Tennessee.

Current Larks pitcher and former TMP-Marian standout Carson Jacobs was expected to sign a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574180952050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostOne current and several former Hays Larks were selected in the 2023 MLB First-Year Player Draft which concluded on Tuesday.Current Larks pitcher Colby Langford was selected in Thursday's 17th round by the Houston Astros. Langford just completed his sophomore season at Murray State (Okla.) College and had committed to the University of Oklahoma. He was 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in five appearances (3 starts) with the Larks this summer.Former Larks pitcher Brady Rose was selected in the 12th round on Thursday by the New York Yankees. The Westminster, Colorado native who played at Dallas Baptist pitched for the Larks in 2020 and 2022.Jake Fitzgibbons, who played for the Larks in 2021, was taken in the 14th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Fitzgibbons played for Tennessee.Current Larks pitcher and former TMP-Marian standout Carson Jacobs was expected to sign a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox.

⚾ Current and former Larks drafted in MLB 2023 First-Year Player Draft

KANSAS
CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals
completed the final day of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft on Tuesday,
selecting 10 players to cap a three-day period in which they added 21 players
to the organization.

In
total, the Royals selected 11 pitchers, four outfielders, three infielders, two
catchers and one two-way player. Of their 21 picks, 15 were from the college
ranks and six were high school players.

In
the 11th round (319th overall), the Royals selected
left-handed hitting outfielder Jared
Dickey from the University of
Tennessee. He hit .343 (118-for-344) in 103 games during his sophomore and
junior seasons, including 12 homers and 52 RBI in 63 games this year, when he
earned All-SEC Second Team honors.

With
their 12th-round pick (349th overall), the Royals
selected right-handed pitcher Logan
Martin from the University of
Kentucky. Martin recorded 30 strikeouts over 26.1 innings in 9 appearances (8
starts) in his only season with Kentucky, after spending the first three years
of his collegiate career at Sewanee University, where he was named SAA Pitcher
of the Year in 2022.

In
the 13th round (379th overall), Kansas City selected
right-handed pitcher Ethan
Bosacker from Xavier. He went
8-3 with a 3.49 ERA (38 ER in 98.0 IP) and 101 strikeouts (9.3 K/9) in 16
starts this season, after missing 2022 due to injury. 

With
its 14th-round pick (409th overall), Kansas City selected
left-handed pitcher Mason Miller
from Florida Gulf Coast
University. As a junior this season, Miller went 2-0 in 7 starts, all of which
FGCU won, including his start on Feb. 25 vs. UMass Lowell, when he recorded 5.0
no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts.

In
the 15th round (439th overall), the Royals selected
right-handed pitcher Chase
Isbell from Auburn. Isbell went
3-1 with 2 saves and 42 strikeouts in 33.1 innings (11.3 K/9) this season in 23
appearances (1 start). He spent his first two seasons at Samford, where he led
the team with a 2.32 ERA (8 ER in 31.0 IP) in 2021 and tied for 2nd in
the conference with 7 saves. He graduated from Springville HS in Alabama, the
same school that Casey Mize attended, and was teammates at Auburn two
seasons ago with Royals 2022 3rd-round pick Mason Barnett.

With
their 16th-round pick (469th overall), the Royals selected
right-handed pitcher Josh
Hansell from Arizona State.
Hansell spent the last two seasons with the Sun Devils after beginning his
collegiate career at Wichita State. His father, Greg, was drafted by Boston in
1989 and played professional baseball for 16 seasons, including four years in
the Majors from 1995-97 and 1999. Greg was the Player to be Named Later in a
1998 trade that sent him and Shane
Mack from Oakland to Kansas City
for Mike Macfarlane. 

In
the 17th round (499th overall), Kansas City selected left-handed
pitcher Connor Oliver out of Miami (Ohio). Oliver pitched for four
different schools in four seasons, including Texas Christian University in
2022, Wabash Valley College in 2021 and Wichita State in 2020. As a senior in
2023 with Miami (Ohio), Oliver recorded a team-best 3.89 ERA (34 ER in 78.2 IP)
in 14 starts with 102 strikeouts (11.9 K/9), which ranked 2nd in the
conference.

With
their 18th-round pick (529th overall), the Royals
selected catcher Stone Russell from IMG Academy (Fla.). Russell hit .436
(34-for-78) with 35 RBI in 25 games as a senior and was named a Perfect Game
Preseason All-American. He is committed to the University of Florida. His
father, John Russell, was drafted by Philadelphia in the 1st
round of the 1982 Draft and played for 10 seasons in the Majors from 1984-93.
John managed the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2008-10, was Buck Showalter’s Bench Coach in Baltimore for eight seasons
and is currently the Manager of the Triple-A Tacoma Rainers.

In
the 19th round (559th overall), the Royals selected
outfielder Donovan LaSalle from Barbe HS (La.). LaSalle hit .510
(51-for-100) during his senior season with 27 extra-base hits (10 HR) and 43
RBI for a 1.693 OPS. He had more walks (23) than strikeouts (7) and went
33-for-35 in stolen base attempts. He led his team to a 39-1 record this season
– including 20 consecutive wins to end the season – and hit the go-ahead grand
slam in the 7th inning of the D1 state championship. LaSalle is committed
to Oklahoma State.

With
their final pick in the 20th round (589th overall), the
Royals selected shortstop Blake
Wilson from Santa Margarita
Catholic HS (Calif.). Wilson hit .333 (38-for-114) in 35 games this spring,
leading his school to its first league title since 2004. He was named a Preseason
All-American by Perfect Game and is committed to play baseball at the
University of Washington.

Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS
CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals
completed the final day of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft on Tuesday,
selecting 10 players to cap a three-day period in which they added 21 players
to the organization.In
total, the Royals selected 11 pitchers, four outfielders, three infielders, two
catchers and one two-way player. Of their 21 picks, 15 were from the college
ranks and six were high school players.In
the 11th round (319th overall), the Royals selected
left-handed hitting outfielder Jared
Dickey from the University of
Tennessee. He hit .343 (118-for-344) in 103 games during his sophomore and
junior seasons, including 12 homers and 52 RBI in 63 games this year, when he
earned All-SEC Second Team honors.With
their 12th-round pick (349th overall), the Royals
selected right-handed pitcher Logan
Martin from the University of
Kentucky. Martin recorded 30 strikeouts over 26.1 innings in 9 appearances (8
starts) in his only season with Kentucky, after spending the first three years
of his collegiate career at Sewanee University, where he was named SAA Pitcher
of the Year in 2022.In
the 13th round (379th overall), Kansas City selected
right-handed pitcher Ethan
Bosacker from Xavier. He went
8-3 with a 3.49 ERA (38 ER in 98.0 IP) and 101 strikeouts (9.3 K/9) in 16
starts this season, after missing 2022 due to injury. With
its 14th-round pick (409th overall), Kansas City selected
left-handed pitcher Mason Miller
from Florida Gulf Coast
University. As a junior this season, Miller went 2-0 in 7 starts, all of which
FGCU won, including his start on Feb. 25 vs. UMass Lowell, when he recorded 5.0
no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts.In
the 15th round (439th overall), the Royals selected
right-handed pitcher Chase
Isbell from Auburn. Isbell went
3-1 with 2 saves and 42 strikeouts in 33.1 innings (11.3 K/9) this season in 23
appearances (1 start). He spent his first two seasons at Samford, where he led
the team with a 2.32 ERA (8 ER in 31.0 IP) in 2021 and tied for 2nd in
the conference with 7 saves. He graduated from Springville HS in Alabama, the
same school that Casey Mize attended, and was teammates at Auburn two
seasons ago with Royals 2022 3rd-round pick Mason Barnett.With
their 16th-round pick (469th overall), the Royals selected
right-handed pitcher Josh
Hansell from Arizona State.
Hansell spent the last two seasons with the Sun Devils after beginning his
collegiate career at Wichita State. His father, Greg, was drafted by Boston in
1989 and played professional baseball for 16 seasons, including four years in
the Majors from 1995-97 and 1999. Greg was the Player to be Named Later in a
1998 trade that sent him and Shane
Mack from Oakland to Kansas City
for Mike Macfarlane. In
the 17th round (499th overall), Kansas City selected left-handed
pitcher Connor Oliver out of Miami (Ohio). Oliver pitched for four
different schools in four seasons, including Texas Christian University in
2022, Wabash Valley College in 2021 and Wichita State in 2020. As a senior in
2023 with Miami (Ohio), Oliver recorded a team-best 3.89 ERA (34 ER in 78.2 IP)
in 14 starts with 102 strikeouts (11.9 K/9), which ranked 2nd in the
conference.With
their 18th-round pick (529th overall), the Royals
selected catcher Stone Russell from IMG Academy (Fla.). Russell hit .436
(34-for-78) with 35 RBI in 25 games as a senior and was named a Perfect Game
Preseason All-American. He is committed to the University of Florida. His
father, John Russell, was drafted by Philadelphia in the 1st
round of the 1982 Draft and played for 10 seasons in the Majors from 1984-93.
John managed the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2008-10, was Buck Showalter’s Bench Coach in Baltimore for eight seasons
and is currently the Manager of the Triple-A Tacoma Rainers.In
the 19th round (559th overall), the Royals selected
outfielder Donovan LaSalle from Barbe HS (La.). LaSalle hit .510
(51-for-100) during his senior season with 27 extra-base hits (10 HR) and 43
RBI for a 1.693 OPS. He had more walks (23) than strikeouts (7) and went
33-for-35 in stolen base attempts. He led his team to a 39-1 record this season
– including 20 consecutive wins to end the season – and hit the go-ahead grand
slam in the 7th inning of the D1 state championship. LaSalle is committed
to Oklahoma State.With
their final pick in the 20th round (589th overall), the
Royals selected shortstop Blake
Wilson from Santa Margarita
Catholic HS (Calif.). Wilson hit .333 (38-for-114) in 35 games this spring,
leading his school to its first league title since 2004. He was named a Preseason
All-American by Perfect Game and is committed to play baseball at the
University of Washington.

⚾ Royals select 10 players on final day of 2023 First-Year Player Draft

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - Student-athletes Morgan Brasser and Shauna Lee&nbsp;from the Fort Hays State women's golf team were listed on the 2022-23 Women's Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar Team, announced by the organization in July of 2023. Individuals must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and play in 50 percent of the college's regularly scheduled competitive rounds during the year in order to be recognized. FHSU 2022-23 WGCA All-American Scholars Name - Class - GPA - Major <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/morgan-brasser/6948">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;- Jr. - 3.91 - Nursing <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/shauna-lee/6949">Shauna Lee</a>&nbsp;- So. - 3.52 - Management (Operations Management)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689104764055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsCORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - Student-athletes Morgan Brasser and Shauna Lee&nbsp;from the Fort Hays State women's golf team were listed on the 2022-23 Women's Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar Team, announced by the organization in July of 2023. Individuals must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and play in 50 percent of the college's regularly scheduled competitive rounds during the year in order to be recognized. FHSU 2022-23 WGCA All-American Scholars Name - Class - GPA - Major <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/morgan-brasser/6948">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;- Jr. - 3.91 - Nursing <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/shauna-lee/6949">Shauna Lee</a>&nbsp;- So. - 3.52 - Management (Operations Management)&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ FHSU's Brasser and Lee named WGCA All-American scholars

TEMPE, Ariz. - Five student-athletes from the Fort Hays State tennis team have been named ITA Scholar-Athletes while the team earned the ITA All-Academic Team award for the 2022-23 season, announced Tuesday (July 11) by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Kylie Aufdengarten, Gracen Friess, Heidi Lubbers, Hope Lubbers and Fiorella Mendez all picked up Scholar-Athlete status after recording a GPA of at least 3.50 during the latest academic year. The Tigers also had five student-athletes earn the award last season. The Tigers have been named an ITA All-Academic Team each of the last seven seasons and 16 times since 2004. The squad posted a team GPA of 3.37 this year. Fort Hays State was one of seven MIAA programs to receive All-Academic Team distinction this season. Mendez earned the distinction of ITA Scholar-Athlete for the third year in a row, while this is the second-such honor for Aufdengarten, Heidi Lubbers and Hope Lubbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689104620199.png" alt="FHSU-TRK.png" />
 <figcaption>FHSU-TRK.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsTEMPE, Ariz. - Five student-athletes from the Fort Hays State tennis team have been named ITA Scholar-Athletes while the team earned the ITA All-Academic Team award for the 2022-23 season, announced Tuesday (July 11) by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Kylie Aufdengarten, Gracen Friess, Heidi Lubbers, Hope Lubbers and Fiorella Mendez all picked up Scholar-Athlete status after recording a GPA of at least 3.50 during the latest academic year. The Tigers also had five student-athletes earn the award last season. The Tigers have been named an ITA All-Academic Team each of the last seven seasons and 16 times since 2004. The squad posted a team GPA of 3.37 this year. Fort Hays State was one of seven MIAA programs to receive All-Academic Team distinction this season. Mendez earned the distinction of ITA Scholar-Athlete for the third year in a row, while this is the second-such honor for Aufdengarten, Heidi Lubbers and Hope Lubbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 FHSU rakes in ITA academic awards

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

SEATTLE (AP) — Of course a Junior had to do something special in Seattle.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.&nbsp;won the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night, matching Vladimir Sr.'s 2007 title to become the first father-son duo to accomplish the feat.

As far as who might win a head-to-head swing-off, well, that depends.

“It's kind of difficult right now,” the Toronto Blue Jays star said with a wide grin, speaking through a translator. “With the time, with the minutes, I'll win. If it's by outs, he'll win.”

In a ballpark made famous by the Mariners' Ken Griffey Jr. a generation earlier, Guerrero beat Tampa Bay's Randy Arozareno&nbsp;25-23 in the final round. He was 8 when his father won the crown in San Francisco.

“I don’t remember much about 2007," Vladimir Jr. said. “I guess I was too young.”

Guerrero totaled 5 1/2 miles of homers — 29,390 feet to be exact. He defeated Julio Rodríguez 21-20 in the semifinals after the Mariners star hit a record 41 in the first round in front of his hometown fans.

Batting against Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Guerrero was the last semifinalist to swing and the first finalist, setting a final round record for homers to top the mark Pete Alonso set when he beat Guerrero 23-22 in 2019.

With Guerrero Jr. catching his breath while watching, Arozarena hit against Tampa Bay field coordinator Tomas Francisco. Arozarena had 21 homers in his initial 2 minutes. He had 23 with 7 seconds left in his automatic 30 seconds of bonus time before lining and popping up on his final four swings.

Guerrero had 1 minute of bonus time, earning an additional 30 seconds because he twice reached 440 feet.

“Obviously, the power that he has was incredible,” Arozarena said through a translator. “For me, I felt good going into that round. But also he was able to get a minute of bonus time. I only had the 30 seconds of bonus time.”

Vladimir Guerrero Sr. won the 2007 derby while with the Los Angeles Angels, beating the Blue Jays’ Alex Rios 3-2 in the final.

Arozarena had the most overall homers over the three rounds, 82 to Guerrero's 72, and the most distance at 33,077 feet. Arozarena overcame Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox 35-22 in the semifinals. Robert hit the longest drive of the night, a 484-foot shot to left in the second round. That topped the high of 476 feet by Barry Bonds in the 2001 derby in Seattle.

Trying to become the youngest Derby winner at age 22, Rodríguez knocked out Alonso, a two-time champion who hit 21. Rodríguez beat Corey Seager 32-24 in the first round last year at Dodger Stadium, then knocked out Alonso 31-23 before losing to Juan Soto 19-18 in the final.

Arozarena beat Texas’ Adolis García 24-17 in the opening pairing before a crowd of 46,952 at T-Mobile Park. García is the godfather to Arozarena’s daughter, and the two jumped into each other’s arms during warmups.

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/robert-jr-s-28-round-1-homers?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Robert knocked out Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman 28-27</a>&nbsp;in the opening round. Rutschman hit 21 left-handed, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adley-rutschman-home-run-derby-de7290bb10aa7046e3b5928831da83a2">the switch hitter</a>&nbsp;then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/adley-rutschman-switches-sides?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">turned around to the right side and hit six more right-handed</a>&nbsp;during a 30-second bonus round. From Portland, Oregon, Rutschman grew up attending Mariners games.

Guerrero, back for the first time in four years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/guerrero-jr-s-26-round-1-homers?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts 26-11</a>&nbsp;in the first round. Four years ago at Cleveland,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/56dbc7f1203b444fb1fb37d3385d84e9">Guerrero hit 29 in the first round and 40 in the second, then lost to Alonso in the final</a>.

Alonso was trying for his third title in four years. Griffey Jr. is the only three-time winner, taking the title in 1994, ’98 and ‘99.

Guerrero Sr. was a nine-time All-Star but never won a World Series. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Guerrero Jr. is a three-time All-Star and was MVP of the game two years ago in Denver. What's in the future? A World Series ring? Joining dad in the Hall?

“I’m a little bit too young to think about that right now,” he said. “When I get there, then I’ll think about it, I’ll see if I match my dad or was better than my dad or not.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689070509058.jpeg" alt="American League's Vladimir Guerrero Jr., of the Toronto Blue Jays, holds his trophy after winning the MLB All-Star baseball Home Run Derby in Seattle, Monday, July 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>American League's Vladimir Guerrero Jr., of the Toronto Blue Jays, holds his trophy after winning the MLB All-Star baseball Home Run Derby in Seattle, Monday, July 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball WriterSEATTLE (AP) — Of course a Junior had to do something special in Seattle.Vladimir Guerrero Jr.&nbsp;won the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night, matching Vladimir Sr.'s 2007 title to become the first father-son duo to accomplish the feat.As far as who might win a head-to-head swing-off, well, that depends.“It's kind of difficult right now,” the Toronto Blue Jays star said with a wide grin, speaking through a translator. “With the time, with the minutes, I'll win. If it's by outs, he'll win.”In a ballpark made famous by the Mariners' Ken Griffey Jr. a generation earlier, Guerrero beat Tampa Bay's Randy Arozareno&nbsp;25-23 in the final round. He was 8 when his father won the crown in San Francisco.“I don’t remember much about 2007," Vladimir Jr. said. “I guess I was too young.”Guerrero totaled 5 1/2 miles of homers — 29,390 feet to be exact. He defeated Julio Rodríguez 21-20 in the semifinals after the Mariners star hit a record 41 in the first round in front of his hometown fans.Batting against Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Guerrero was the last semifinalist to swing and the first finalist, setting a final round record for homers to top the mark Pete Alonso set when he beat Guerrero 23-22 in 2019.With Guerrero Jr. catching his breath while watching, Arozarena hit against Tampa Bay field coordinator Tomas Francisco. Arozarena had 21 homers in his initial 2 minutes. He had 23 with 7 seconds left in his automatic 30 seconds of bonus time before lining and popping up on his final four swings.Guerrero had 1 minute of bonus time, earning an additional 30 seconds because he twice reached 440 feet.“Obviously, the power that he has was incredible,” Arozarena said through a translator. “For me, I felt good going into that round. But also he was able to get a minute of bonus time. I only had the 30 seconds of bonus time.”Vladimir Guerrero Sr. won the 2007 derby while with the Los Angeles Angels, beating the Blue Jays’ Alex Rios 3-2 in the final.Arozarena had the most overall homers over the three rounds, 82 to Guerrero's 72, and the most distance at 33,077 feet. Arozarena overcame Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox 35-22 in the semifinals. Robert hit the longest drive of the night, a 484-foot shot to left in the second round. That topped the high of 476 feet by Barry Bonds in the 2001 derby in Seattle.Trying to become the youngest Derby winner at age 22, Rodríguez knocked out Alonso, a two-time champion who hit 21. Rodríguez beat Corey Seager 32-24 in the first round last year at Dodger Stadium, then knocked out Alonso 31-23 before losing to Juan Soto 19-18 in the final.Arozarena beat Texas’ Adolis García 24-17 in the opening pairing before a crowd of 46,952 at T-Mobile Park. García is the godfather to Arozarena’s daughter, and the two jumped into each other’s arms during warmups.<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/robert-jr-s-28-round-1-homers?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Robert knocked out Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman 28-27</a>&nbsp;in the opening round. Rutschman hit 21 left-handed, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adley-rutschman-home-run-derby-de7290bb10aa7046e3b5928831da83a2">the switch hitter</a>&nbsp;then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/adley-rutschman-switches-sides?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">turned around to the right side and hit six more right-handed</a>&nbsp;during a 30-second bonus round. From Portland, Oregon, Rutschman grew up attending Mariners games.Guerrero, back for the first time in four years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/guerrero-jr-s-26-round-1-homers?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts 26-11</a>&nbsp;in the first round. Four years ago at Cleveland,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/56dbc7f1203b444fb1fb37d3385d84e9">Guerrero hit 29 in the first round and 40 in the second, then lost to Alonso in the final</a>.Alonso was trying for his third title in four years. Griffey Jr. is the only three-time winner, taking the title in 1994, ’98 and ‘99.Guerrero Sr. was a nine-time All-Star but never won a World Series. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.Guerrero Jr. is a three-time All-Star and was MVP of the game two years ago in Denver. What's in the future? A World Series ring? Joining dad in the Hall?“I’m a little bit too young to think about that right now,” he said. “When I get there, then I’ll think about it, I’ll see if I match my dad or was better than my dad or not.”

⚾ Vladimir Guerrero joins Vladimir Sr. as first father-son Home Run Derby winners

KANSAS
CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals
selected eight players on the second day of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft,
including four pitchers, one outfielder, two infielders and a two-way player.

In the 3rd round (75th overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Hiro Wyatt out
of Staples HS (Conn.). Wyatt was named 2023 Connecticut Gatorade Player of the
Year, after going 8-0 with a 0.51 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 54.2 innings,
including a 42.1-inning scoreless streak. Wyatt’s senior season included a
no-hitter with a school-record 18 strikeouts on May 11. He is committed to play
baseball at the University of Southern California.

Kansas City selected left-handed pitcher Hunter
Owen from Vanderbilt University in the 4th
round (106th overall). Owen, who is listed at 6-foot-6, 261 pounds,
went 4-0 with a 3.52 ERA (25 ER in 64.0 IP), 76 strikeouts and 17 walks in 12
starts for Vanderbilt as a junior this season. He threw a 2-hit shutout on
March 17 vs. Ole Miss with a career-high 11 strikeouts, earning SEC Co-Pitcher
of the Week honors.

In the 5th round (142nd
overall), the Royals selected left-handed hitting outfielder Spencer
Nivens out of Missouri State. Nivens was named
Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year as a redshirt sophomore in 2023,
when he hit .341 with 14 HR and 45 RBI, reaching safely in 53 of 56 games. He
hit for the cycle on Feb. 24 – the eighth cycle in school history – and ranked
11th in the country with 6 triples. Nivens in 2023 was also named to
the MVC All-Defensive Team and was named MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team.

With their 6th-round pick (169th
overall), Kansas City selected right-handed pitcher Coleman
Picard from Bryant University. Picard had a 3.43
ERA (16 ER in 42.0 IP) in 10 starts and a team-high 59 strikeouts (12.6 K/9)
this season. He pitched for Wareham in the 2023 Cape Cod League and went 1-0 in
3 starts with a 1.93 ERA (3 ER in 14.0 IP). 

In the 7th round (199th
overall), the Royals selected two-way player Trevor
Werner from Texas A&amp;M University. Werner
recorded 14 homers and 52 RBI in 57 games in 2023, including a 3-homer game vs.
Alabama. He last pitched in 2021, when he recorded 11 strikeouts in 9.1 innings
over 9 relief outings. Werner excelled in the 2023 Cape Cod League, where he
hit .343 (12-for-35) with 6 extra-base hits and 11 RBI in 10 games with
Brewster.

With their 8th-round pick (229th
overall), the Royals selected shortstop Dustin Dickerson out
of Southern Mississippi. Dickerson started 208 of 209 games during his
four-year collegiate career. He was named First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference at
shortstop this season, when he hit a career-best .328 (88-for-268) with 11 home
runs and a .971 OPS, after hitting only 2 home runs in his first three seasons.
He is the son of Bobby Dickerson, the
Philadelphia Phillies Infield Coach who played seven seasons in the minor
leagues from 1987-93.

In the 9th round (259th
overall), Kansas City selected left-handed pitcher Jacob
Widener out of Oral Roberts. Widener, who is listed
at 6-foot-7, 235 pounds, recorded a 2.90 ERA (16 ER in 49.2 IP) in 30 appearances
this season with 80 strikeouts (14.5 K/9). He was supposed to pitch for Chatham
in the 2023 Cape Cod League, but Oral Roberts’ run in the College World Series
prevented him from doing so.

With their 10th-round pick (289th
overall) and final selection on the second day of the 2023 First-Year Player
Draft, the Royals selected shortstop Justin Johnson out
of Wake Forest. He hit .324 (77-for-238) in his only season with the Demon
Deacons, setting career highs across the board with 35 extra-base this (16), 76
RBI and a 1.042 OPS. Johnson was named First Team All-ACC and was the
Winston-Salem Regional Most Outstanding Player.

The
Draft will conclude tomorrow beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT with rounds 11-20 on
MLB.com.

Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS
CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals
selected eight players on the second day of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft,
including four pitchers, one outfielder, two infielders and a two-way player.In the 3rd round (75th overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Hiro Wyatt out
of Staples HS (Conn.). Wyatt was named 2023 Connecticut Gatorade Player of the
Year, after going 8-0 with a 0.51 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 54.2 innings,
including a 42.1-inning scoreless streak. Wyatt’s senior season included a
no-hitter with a school-record 18 strikeouts on May 11. He is committed to play
baseball at the University of Southern California.Kansas City selected left-handed pitcher Hunter
Owen from Vanderbilt University in the 4th
round (106th overall). Owen, who is listed at 6-foot-6, 261 pounds,
went 4-0 with a 3.52 ERA (25 ER in 64.0 IP), 76 strikeouts and 17 walks in 12
starts for Vanderbilt as a junior this season. He threw a 2-hit shutout on
March 17 vs. Ole Miss with a career-high 11 strikeouts, earning SEC Co-Pitcher
of the Week honors.In the 5th round (142nd
overall), the Royals selected left-handed hitting outfielder Spencer
Nivens out of Missouri State. Nivens was named
Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year as a redshirt sophomore in 2023,
when he hit .341 with 14 HR and 45 RBI, reaching safely in 53 of 56 games. He
hit for the cycle on Feb. 24 – the eighth cycle in school history – and ranked
11th in the country with 6 triples. Nivens in 2023 was also named to
the MVC All-Defensive Team and was named MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team.With their 6th-round pick (169th
overall), Kansas City selected right-handed pitcher Coleman
Picard from Bryant University. Picard had a 3.43
ERA (16 ER in 42.0 IP) in 10 starts and a team-high 59 strikeouts (12.6 K/9)
this season. He pitched for Wareham in the 2023 Cape Cod League and went 1-0 in
3 starts with a 1.93 ERA (3 ER in 14.0 IP). In the 7th round (199th
overall), the Royals selected two-way player Trevor
Werner from Texas A&amp;M University. Werner
recorded 14 homers and 52 RBI in 57 games in 2023, including a 3-homer game vs.
Alabama. He last pitched in 2021, when he recorded 11 strikeouts in 9.1 innings
over 9 relief outings. Werner excelled in the 2023 Cape Cod League, where he
hit .343 (12-for-35) with 6 extra-base hits and 11 RBI in 10 games with
Brewster.With their 8th-round pick (229th
overall), the Royals selected shortstop Dustin Dickerson out
of Southern Mississippi. Dickerson started 208 of 209 games during his
four-year collegiate career. He was named First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference at
shortstop this season, when he hit a career-best .328 (88-for-268) with 11 home
runs and a .971 OPS, after hitting only 2 home runs in his first three seasons.
He is the son of Bobby Dickerson, the
Philadelphia Phillies Infield Coach who played seven seasons in the minor
leagues from 1987-93.In the 9th round (259th
overall), Kansas City selected left-handed pitcher Jacob
Widener out of Oral Roberts. Widener, who is listed
at 6-foot-7, 235 pounds, recorded a 2.90 ERA (16 ER in 49.2 IP) in 30 appearances
this season with 80 strikeouts (14.5 K/9). He was supposed to pitch for Chatham
in the 2023 Cape Cod League, but Oral Roberts’ run in the College World Series
prevented him from doing so.With their 10th-round pick (289th
overall) and final selection on the second day of the 2023 First-Year Player
Draft, the Royals selected shortstop Justin Johnson out
of Wake Forest. He hit .324 (77-for-238) in his only season with the Demon
Deacons, setting career highs across the board with 35 extra-base this (16), 76
RBI and a 1.042 OPS. Johnson was named First Team All-ACC and was the
Winston-Salem Regional Most Outstanding Player.The
Draft will conclude tomorrow beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT with rounds 11-20 on
MLB.com.

⚾ Royals select eight players on second day of 2023 First-Year Player Draft

SEATTLE, Wash. &nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State shortstop&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh round (No. 214 overall) of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A three-time All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection, Goodwin is the first Wildcat taken in this year's MLB Draft and sixth K-State top 10 draft pick in the last five seasons.

It marks the first time since 2002 in which the Blue Jays selected a Wildcat as Goodwin becomes just the second player in school history picked by the organization, joining Pat Maloney. In three seasons at K-State, the Overland Park, Kansas, product started in all 173 games at shortstop since taking the field in 2021. Goodwin totaled 33 career home runs as he produced double figure blasts during each season. A 2021 Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American, Goodwin was named a Brooks Wallace Award Semifinalist by the College Baseball Foundation which honors the nation's top shortstop. Goodwin finished the season with a team-leading 17 multi-RBI games, generating multiple hits in 17 contests as he slashed .285/.394/.511 with 10 doubles, two triples and 12 home runs. He was second on the team in home runs and runs batted in with a career-high 57. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;has now overseen 83 draftees in his 26-year head coaching career, with nine coming in five seasons at K-State. K-State has now had at least one player taken in 19 of the last 20 MLB Drafts. The 2023 MLB Draft is being held at Lumen Field, the home of the Seattle Seahawks, and continues Tuesday at 1 p.m. CT with rounds 11-20. The final day of the Draft will be streamed at MLB.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689072921841.jpeg" alt="Kansas State shortstop Nick Goodwin makes a throw during the Big 12 Tournament at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. (Kansas State Athletics photo_" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State shortstop Nick Goodwin makes a throw during the Big 12 Tournament at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. (Kansas State Athletics photo_</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsSEATTLE, Wash. &nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State shortstop&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh round (No. 214 overall) of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;A three-time All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection, Goodwin is the first Wildcat taken in this year's MLB Draft and sixth K-State top 10 draft pick in the last five seasons.It marks the first time since 2002 in which the Blue Jays selected a Wildcat as Goodwin becomes just the second player in school history picked by the organization, joining Pat Maloney. In three seasons at K-State, the Overland Park, Kansas, product started in all 173 games at shortstop since taking the field in 2021. Goodwin totaled 33 career home runs as he produced double figure blasts during each season. A 2021 Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American, Goodwin was named a Brooks Wallace Award Semifinalist by the College Baseball Foundation which honors the nation's top shortstop. Goodwin finished the season with a team-leading 17 multi-RBI games, generating multiple hits in 17 contests as he slashed .285/.394/.511 with 10 doubles, two triples and 12 home runs. He was second on the team in home runs and runs batted in with a career-high 57. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;has now overseen 83 draftees in his 26-year head coaching career, with nine coming in five seasons at K-State. K-State has now had at least one player taken in 19 of the last 20 MLB Drafts. The 2023 MLB Draft is being held at Lumen Field, the home of the Seattle Seahawks, and continues Tuesday at 1 p.m. CT with rounds 11-20. The final day of the Draft will be streamed at MLB.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ K-State's Goodwin taken in seventh round of 2023 MLB Draft

KANSAS
CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals
selected three players on the first day of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft. 

With
the 8th overall pick in the 1st round, the Royals
selected Blake Mitchell, a left-handed hitting catcher from Sinton
High School (Texas). In the 2nd round (44th overall), the
Royals selected right-handed pitcher Blake
Wolters out of Mahomet-Seymour
High School (Ill.). With the 66th overall pick in Competitive
Balance Round B, the Royals selected left-handed
hitting outfielder Carson
Roccaforte out of the University
of Louisiana-Lafayette.

Mitchell, who turns 19 next month and is committed to LSU, was named the Gatorade Texas Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. This season he hit .474 with 14 doubles, 6 home runs and 41 RBI. He also reached base in 70-% of his plate appearances, recorded a 1.543 OPS, stole 35 bases and drew 51 walks to just 8 strikeouts.

Mitchell participated in the 2022 Under
Armour All-America Game hosted at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, where he won
the MVP Award after driving in 5 RBI. He was also a member of the USA Baseball
18U National Team that won gold at the WBSC Baseball World Cup in 2022, where
he earned the win on the mound with 2.2 scoreless frames against Taiwan.

Wolters, 18, is listed at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds
and gave up basketball for senior season, when he was named the Gatorade
Illinois Player of the Year on the diamond. He recorded a 0.43 ERA in 49.0
innings this year, in which he allowed just 13 hits and recorded 106 strikeouts
(19.5 K/9). Wolters is committed to the University of Arizona.

Roccaforte, 21, slashed .318/.426/.538
(75-for-236) with 35 extra-base hits and 22 stolen bases in 65 games as a
junior at Louisiana-Lafayette this season. He hit .325 in his three-year
collegiate career, including a .392 average during regular season play as a
sophomore in 2022. He also played 22 games with Bourne in the 2022 Cape Cod
League.

The
Draft will resume Monday beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT with rounds 3-10,
exclusively on MLB.com.

Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS
CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals
selected three players on the first day of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft. With
the 8th overall pick in the 1st round, the Royals
selected Blake Mitchell, a left-handed hitting catcher from Sinton
High School (Texas). In the 2nd round (44th overall), the
Royals selected right-handed pitcher Blake
Wolters out of Mahomet-Seymour
High School (Ill.). With the 66th overall pick in Competitive
Balance Round B, the Royals selected left-handed
hitting outfielder Carson
Roccaforte out of the University
of Louisiana-Lafayette.Mitchell, who turns 19 next month and is committed to LSU, was named the Gatorade Texas Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. This season he hit .474 with 14 doubles, 6 home runs and 41 RBI. He also reached base in 70-% of his plate appearances, recorded a 1.543 OPS, stole 35 bases and drew 51 walks to just 8 strikeouts.Mitchell participated in the 2022 Under
Armour All-America Game hosted at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, where he won
the MVP Award after driving in 5 RBI. He was also a member of the USA Baseball
18U National Team that won gold at the WBSC Baseball World Cup in 2022, where
he earned the win on the mound with 2.2 scoreless frames against Taiwan.Wolters, 18, is listed at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds
and gave up basketball for senior season, when he was named the Gatorade
Illinois Player of the Year on the diamond. He recorded a 0.43 ERA in 49.0
innings this year, in which he allowed just 13 hits and recorded 106 strikeouts
(19.5 K/9). Wolters is committed to the University of Arizona.Roccaforte, 21, slashed .318/.426/.538
(75-for-236) with 35 extra-base hits and 22 stolen bases in 65 games as a
junior at Louisiana-Lafayette this season. He hit .325 in his three-year
collegiate career, including a .392 average during regular season play as a
sophomore in 2022. He also played 22 games with Bourne in the 2022 Cape Cod
League.The
Draft will resume Monday beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT with rounds 3-10,
exclusively on MLB.com.

⚾ Royals select three players on first day of 2023 first-year player draft

HAYS – Peyton Ebbing had four hits and three Hays Larks
pitchers combined for a seven-inning shutout and the Larks completed a
three-game sweep of the Colorado RoughRiders with an 11-0 win Sunday evening at
Larks Park.

The Larks (21-4, 11-2 RMBL) scored
a run in the first inning then added five in the second and five in the sixth
as they ran their winning-streak to eight games.

Hays scored in the first on a
double play. Kam Walton and Trent Baker both had RBI singles in the second. The
Larks scored the other three runs on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch, bases-loaded
walk and groundout.

Ebbing drove in two in the sixth
on one of his three doubles. The Larks also scored on an error, a wild pitch
and Brady Evans single. 

Starting pitcher Jose Valasquez
(1-1) pitched four scoreless innings with four strikeouts and two walks picked
up the win. Preston Tabor added two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Luuk
ter Beek threw a perfect seventh.

Tyler LaRue went 0-for-2
with two walks which ended his hitting streak at 12 games.

The Larks did not commit an error in Sunday night's win. It was the first error-free game since June 11, a span of 15 games.

The Larks are 13-0 at home this summer and have won 17-straight games at Larks Park dating back to last season. Their last home loss was on June 22, 2022 to the Liberal Bee Jays.

The Larks host RMBL foe Dodge
City Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Admission will be free courtesy Sternberg Museum of Natural History/Downtown
Hays Development Corporation/Hays Convention &amp;Visitors Bureau.

Hays PostHAYS – Peyton Ebbing had four hits and three Hays Larks
pitchers combined for a seven-inning shutout and the Larks completed a
three-game sweep of the Colorado RoughRiders with an 11-0 win Sunday evening at
Larks Park.The Larks (21-4, 11-2 RMBL) scored
a run in the first inning then added five in the second and five in the sixth
as they ran their winning-streak to eight games.Hays scored in the first on a
double play. Kam Walton and Trent Baker both had RBI singles in the second. The
Larks scored the other three runs on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch, bases-loaded
walk and groundout.Ebbing drove in two in the sixth
on one of his three doubles. The Larks also scored on an error, a wild pitch
and Brady Evans single. Starting pitcher Jose Valasquez
(1-1) pitched four scoreless innings with four strikeouts and two walks picked
up the win. Preston Tabor added two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Luuk
ter Beek threw a perfect seventh.STEAK SNAPPEDTyler LaRue went 0-for-2
with two walks which ended his hitting streak at 12 games.ERROR FREEThe Larks did not commit an error in Sunday night's win. It was the first error-free game since June 11, a span of 15 games.HOME SWEET HOMEThe Larks are 13-0 at home this summer and have won 17-straight games at Larks Park dating back to last season. Their last home loss was on June 22, 2022 to the Liberal Bee Jays.UP NEXTThe Larks host RMBL foe Dodge
City Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Admission will be free courtesy Sternberg Museum of Natural History/Downtown
Hays Development Corporation/Hays Convention &amp;Visitors Bureau.

⚾ Larks complete sweep with shutout win over RoughRiders

The Royals added a prep catcher who possesses high upside with their first pick in the 2023 MLB Draft on Sunday night, selecting Blake Mitchell with the No. 8 pick.

Mitchell, MLB Pipeline’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/prospects/draft/blake-mitchell-805810" target="_blank">No. 14 Draft prospect</a>, has a long track record of performance, both at Sinton (Texas) High School and on the U.S. junior team the last two summers.

While pulling double duty as a catcher and pitcher, Mitchell won Gatorade state player of the year honors in both 2022 and ‘23, and he helped Sinton win the Texas 4A title during his junior season. This season, he hit .474 with 14 doubles, six home runs and 41 RBIs, posting a 1.543 OPS with 35 stolen bases, 51 walks and just eight strikeouts.

Mitchell participated in the 2022 Under Armour All-America Game at Kauffman Stadium, winning the MVP Award after driving in five runs. He was also part of the USA Baseball 18U national team that won gold at the WBSC Baseball World Cup in 2022 -- he earned the win on the mound with 2 2/3 scoreless innings.

An LSU recruit, Mitchell has the strength, bat speed and patient approach to hit for average and power from the left side of the plate.

There is risk in drafting a high school catcher -- not many make it to the Majors at that position -- but Mitchell is athletic behind the plate and he has plus-plus arm strength, which he’s flashed both behind the plate and on the mound.

With the ability to reach 97 mph with his fastball, Mitchell could have a fallback career as a pitcher, and he fits the offensive profile in right field.

Selecting Mitchell in the top 10 indicates the Royals got a good talent who could sign for below the $5,980,100 slot value of the No. 8 pick, which could help the club save in other rounds of the Draft, as it has done before. Now it remains to be seen how the Royals spread their bonus pool money out across 20 rounds.

The Royals also have two more picks on Day 1: No. 44 overall (second round) and No. 66 (Competitive Balance B).

Kansas City RoyalsThe Royals added a prep catcher who possesses high upside with their first pick in the 2023 MLB Draft on Sunday night, selecting Blake Mitchell with the No. 8 pick.Mitchell, MLB Pipeline’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/prospects/draft/blake-mitchell-805810" target="_blank">No. 14 Draft prospect</a>, has a long track record of performance, both at Sinton (Texas) High School and on the U.S. junior team the last two summers.While pulling double duty as a catcher and pitcher, Mitchell won Gatorade state player of the year honors in both 2022 and ‘23, and he helped Sinton win the Texas 4A title during his junior season. This season, he hit .474 with 14 doubles, six home runs and 41 RBIs, posting a 1.543 OPS with 35 stolen bases, 51 walks and just eight strikeouts.Mitchell participated in the 2022 Under Armour All-America Game at Kauffman Stadium, winning the MVP Award after driving in five runs. He was also part of the USA Baseball 18U national team that won gold at the WBSC Baseball World Cup in 2022 -- he earned the win on the mound with 2 2/3 scoreless innings.An LSU recruit, Mitchell has the strength, bat speed and patient approach to hit for average and power from the left side of the plate.There is risk in drafting a high school catcher -- not many make it to the Majors at that position -- but Mitchell is athletic behind the plate and he has plus-plus arm strength, which he’s flashed both behind the plate and on the mound.With the ability to reach 97 mph with his fastball, Mitchell could have a fallback career as a pitcher, and he fits the offensive profile in right field.Selecting Mitchell in the top 10 indicates the Royals got a good talent who could sign for below the $5,980,100 slot value of the No. 8 pick, which could help the club save in other rounds of the Draft, as it has done before. Now it remains to be seen how the Royals spread their bonus pool money out across 20 rounds.The Royals also have two more picks on Day 1: No. 44 overall (second round) and No. 66 (Competitive Balance B).

⚾ Royals select high school catcher Blake Mitchell at No. 8

Former Fort Hays State All-American tight end Hunter Budke has been invited to the XFL Combine in Arlington, Texas.

The Combine, which will be held July 25-27 in Arlington, Texas, is an invite only event for the top performers from the XFL Showcases earlier this summer.

The XFL held a series of player showcases across the United States in June and July. These showcases allowed prospective football players a chance to exhibit their skills in front of XFL coaches and personnel directors. Players were evaluated based on performance for inclusion in the XFL Draft player pool for the upcoming 2024 season. The top performers have now been invited to the XFL Combine

Budke is a native of Beloit and was named AFCA, D2CCA, AP, and Don Hansen All-America First Team at tight end following his junior year at Fort Hays State. He only played in five games his senior season due to an injury.

Former Fort Hays State All-American tight end Hunter Budke has been invited to the XFL Combine in Arlington, Texas.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thankful for this opportunity.. see y’all in Arlington! <a href="https://twitter.com/XFL2023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@XFL2023</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRock</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XFLCombine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XFLCombine</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XFLShowcase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XFLShowcase</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/cXXd517rX8">pic.twitter.com/cXXd517rX8</a>&mdash; Hunter Budke (@hunterbudke) <a href="https://twitter.com/hunterbudke/status/1678091852069711877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Combine, which will be held July 25-27 in Arlington, Texas, is an invite only event for the top performers from the XFL Showcases earlier this summer.The XFL held a series of player showcases across the United States in June and July. These showcases allowed prospective football players a chance to exhibit their skills in front of XFL coaches and personnel directors. Players were evaluated based on performance for inclusion in the XFL Draft player pool for the upcoming 2024 season. The top performers have now been invited to the XFL Combine<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662109127025.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State tight end Hunter Budke (86) catches a touchdown pass during an MIAA football game with Northwest Missouri State on Sept. 1, 2022 in Maryville, Mo. ( FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State tight end Hunter Budke (86) catches a touchdown pass during an MIAA football game with Northwest Missouri State on Sept. 1, 2022 in Maryville, Mo. ( FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>Budke is a native of Beloit and was named AFCA, D2CCA, AP, and Don Hansen All-America First Team at tight end following his junior year at Fort Hays State. He only played in five games his senior season due to an injury.

🏈 Former Tiger Budke invited to XFL Combine

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ryan Yarbrough won his first game back with Kansas City after being hit in the face by a line drive two months ago and the Royals finally beat Shane Bieber, snapping a six-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday.

Yarbrough (2-4) suffered several facial fractures when he was hit on May 7 against Oakland by a line drive clocked at 106.2 mph. But the left-hander worked his way back from the scary incident and limited the Guardians to one run and six hits over six innings.

Carlos Hernández pitched two scoreless innings and Scott Barlow finished up for his 11th save, but not without some nervous moments.

Barlow gave up a pair of two-out singles before Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel raced to his left to make a diving catch and rob Myles Straw for the final out as Kansas City avoided a winless road trip.

Michael Massey hit a two-run triple in Kansas City's three-run sixth off Bieber (5-6), who came in 6-0 in 14 career starts against the Royals. The right-hander allowed four runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Isbel homered for Kansas City, which staggered into the All-Star break at 26-65 — the second-most losses before the break in franchise history.

Cleveland reached the season's unofficial midpoint in first place in the AL Central and at .500 (45-45) or better for the seventh year in a row.

It's not certain how much longer Bieber will be around.

The Guardians will consider trading the 2020 Cy Young Award winner, who is only under contractual control through next season, before the Aug. 1 deadline. Cleveland could be enticed to move the 28-year-old for the right package to help them this season or in the future.

Bieber pitched out of a jam in the fourth after allowing a one-out double to Bobby Witt Jr. and single to Salvador Perez by striking out MJ Melendez looking and getting Freddy Fermin to swing at a knuckle curve in the dirt for strike three.

But Isbel led off the fifth with his second homer, a shot over the wall in right-center, to tie it 1-1.

Bieber then hurt himself by hitting Perez — with an 0-2 pitch — and Kansas City's All-Star catcher scored on Fermin's double. After Isbel singled, Massey made it 4-1 by pulling his two-out triple into the right-field corner.

Royals: OF Edward Oliveras (oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list but mostly to insure Kansas City was at full strength for the series finale. Manager Matt Quartaro called Oliveras' injury “extremely mild.” He was scratched from Saturday's lineup with back tightness.

Guardians: 1B Josh Bell (knee soreness) was held out of the starting lineup after fouling a ball off his knee in Saturday's win. He pinch-hit in the seventh and grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Royals: It won't get any easier for Kansas City, which will return from the break to host AL East-leading Tampa Bay. RHP Alec Marsh (0-2, 7.00 ERA) will start the series opener against Rays RHP Tyler Glasnow (2-3, 4.10).

Guardians: Cleveland will open the unofficial second half on the road in Texas for three games against the Rangers (July 14-16) with RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.56) starting the opener.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688936276638.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, July 9, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, July 9, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOM WITHERS AP Sports WriterCLEVELAND (AP) — Ryan Yarbrough won his first game back with Kansas City after being hit in the face by a line drive two months ago and the Royals finally beat Shane Bieber, snapping a six-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday.Yarbrough (2-4) suffered several facial fractures when he was hit on May 7 against Oakland by a line drive clocked at 106.2 mph. But the left-hander worked his way back from the scary incident and limited the Guardians to one run and six hits over six innings.Carlos Hernández pitched two scoreless innings and Scott Barlow finished up for his 11th save, but not without some nervous moments.Barlow gave up a pair of two-out singles before Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel raced to his left to make a diving catch and rob Myles Straw for the final out as Kansas City avoided a winless road trip.Michael Massey hit a two-run triple in Kansas City's three-run sixth off Bieber (5-6), who came in 6-0 in 14 career starts against the Royals. The right-hander allowed four runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings.Isbel homered for Kansas City, which staggered into the All-Star break at 26-65 — the second-most losses before the break in franchise history.Cleveland reached the season's unofficial midpoint in first place in the AL Central and at .500 (45-45) or better for the seventh year in a row.It's not certain how much longer Bieber will be around.The Guardians will consider trading the 2020 Cy Young Award winner, who is only under contractual control through next season, before the Aug. 1 deadline. Cleveland could be enticed to move the 28-year-old for the right package to help them this season or in the future.Bieber pitched out of a jam in the fourth after allowing a one-out double to Bobby Witt Jr. and single to Salvador Perez by striking out MJ Melendez looking and getting Freddy Fermin to swing at a knuckle curve in the dirt for strike three.But Isbel led off the fifth with his second homer, a shot over the wall in right-center, to tie it 1-1.Bieber then hurt himself by hitting Perez — with an 0-2 pitch — and Kansas City's All-Star catcher scored on Fermin's double. After Isbel singled, Massey made it 4-1 by pulling his two-out triple into the right-field corner.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: OF Edward Oliveras (oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list but mostly to insure Kansas City was at full strength for the series finale. Manager Matt Quartaro called Oliveras' injury “extremely mild.” He was scratched from Saturday's lineup with back tightness.Guardians: 1B Josh Bell (knee soreness) was held out of the starting lineup after fouling a ball off his knee in Saturday's win. He pinch-hit in the seventh and grounded into an inning-ending double play.UP NEXTRoyals: It won't get any easier for Kansas City, which will return from the break to host AL East-leading Tampa Bay. RHP Alec Marsh (0-2, 7.00 ERA) will start the series opener against Rays RHP Tyler Glasnow (2-3, 4.10).Guardians: Cleveland will open the unofficial second half on the road in Texas for three games against the Rangers (July 14-16) with RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.56) starting the opener.