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

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

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

By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🏈 Five Wildcats Earn Preseason All-Big 12 Honors

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

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

🏈 Big 12 Announces Media Preseason Football Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⚾ LaRue homers in third straight as Larks sweep CageRats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royals rookie Maikel Garcia reached base four times and hit the first pitch of the game off Joe Ryan for a homer. Kansas City, which had won two straight against the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, have lost 11 of their last 12 games in Minnesota.

Ryan (9-5) bounced back from his worst outing of the season with his team-high 12th quality start. He surrendered six runs with a career-high five homers allowed in just three innings against Atlanta in his previous start. Ryan settled in after the leadoff homer and gave up just six hits, two runs and struck out nine.

Royals: C Salvador Perez was out of the lineup with a sore toe after being hit in the foot by a pitch on Sunday. Quatraro said Perez was available off the bench and he was on-deck to pinch-hit when the final out was recorded.

Twins: An MRI showed a Grade 2 oblique strain for 3B Royce Lewis and the recovery is expected to be about six weeks for Lewis, who’s hit .326 in 26 games for Minnesota this season. … 2B Jorge Polanco (left hamstring strain) has continued his running progression without pain or discomfort and he was scheduled to do “high-effort sprints” on Monday.

RHP Zack Greinke (1-8, 5.15 ERA) will start Sunday afternoon for Kansas City, with Minnesota countering with RHP Kenta Maeda (1-5, 6.23). Greinke is 5-15 with a 4.79 ERA in 32 career games against the Twins. Maeda has allowed two runs in 10 innings since returning from the injured list.

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

⚾ Julien's pinch-hit homer starts 5-run inning; Twins beat Royals 8-4

SALINA – The HBC Hammer 16U baseball team claimed the
championship of the Kansas Grand Slam tournament in Salina over the weekend
with a 3-2 win over Millard North in the championship game Sunday at Dean Evans
Stadium.

Millard pushed across the game’s first run on an RBI double,
in the first inning off Hammer starter Trace Jacobs but after that Jacobs
settled in. He allowed just two runs, one earned on five hits over five innings
and picked up the win.

The Hammer scored a run on an error in the bottom of the
second and then Cooper Johnson gave the lead when he drove in a run on a sacrifice
bunt making it 2-1 Hammer.

Two batters later Jacobs drove in a run on a single to
center putting Hays up 3-1.

Millard North added a run in the fifth but the Hammer held
on for the 3-2 victory.

The Hammer got to the championship game Sunday with a 10-6
win over the Salina Drive.

Hays scored four runs in the sixth and five in the seventh
as they rallied from a 5-1 deficit.

Ian McGuire was four-for-four with two RBI’s and scored two
runs. Carter Graham and Cooper Johnson both collected three hits and scored twice
in the game.

Graham earned the win allowing just one unearned run on one
hit in two and a third innings pitched.

The 16U Hammer finished the tournament 5-1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688392821978.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysPostSALINA – The HBC Hammer 16U baseball team claimed the
championship of the Kansas Grand Slam tournament in Salina over the weekend
with a 3-2 win over Millard North in the championship game Sunday at Dean Evans
Stadium.Millard pushed across the game’s first run on an RBI double,
in the first inning off Hammer starter Trace Jacobs but after that Jacobs
settled in. He allowed just two runs, one earned on five hits over five innings
and picked up the win.The Hammer scored a run on an error in the bottom of the
second and then Cooper Johnson gave the lead when he drove in a run on a sacrifice
bunt making it 2-1 Hammer.Two batters later Jacobs drove in a run on a single to
center putting Hays up 3-1.Millard North added a run in the fifth but the Hammer held
on for the 3-2 victory.The Hammer got to the championship game Sunday with a 10-6
win over the Salina Drive.Hays scored four runs in the sixth and five in the seventh
as they rallied from a 5-1 deficit.Ian McGuire was four-for-four with two RBI’s and scored two
runs. Carter Graham and Cooper Johnson both collected three hits and scored twice
in the game.Graham earned the win allowing just one unearned run on one
hit in two and a third innings pitched.The 16U Hammer finished the tournament 5-1.

⚾ HBC Hammer 16U claim Kansas Grand Slam championship

HAYS – Tyler Larue blasted a three-run homerun in the first
inning as the Larks scored five runs over the first two innings Sunday in a 9-4
win over the Colorado Springs CageRats at Larks Park. 

The Larks (16-4, 7-2 RMBL) got a pair of runners on in the
bottom of the first inning on two hit by pitches and then LaRue hit his team-leading
eighth home run putting Hays up 3-0 in the first.

Trent Baker singled home a run in the second and Weston
Valasek drove in a run on a groundout putting the Larks up 5-0.

After Colorado Springs scratched a run across in the top of
the fourth, Baker led off the bottom of the fourth with a solo homerun, his
fifth of the season, putting Hays up 6-1.

John Ceccoli added a sixth inning RBI single making it 7-1
Larks. 

LaRue drove in a single run in the bottom of the eighth
inning and Garrett Gruell doubled in a run in the inning as well putting Hays
up 9-3.

Aaron Calhoun earned the win, striking out 11 and allowed
just one unearned run on four hits in five innings.

LaRue was three-for-four with four RBI’s and Baker was
two-for-three with two RBI’s and two runs scored.

The Larks host the Cage Rats in game two of the three-game
series.

HaysPostHAYS – Tyler Larue blasted a three-run homerun in the first
inning as the Larks scored five runs over the first two innings Sunday in a 9-4
win over the Colorado Springs CageRats at Larks Park. The Larks (16-4, 7-2 RMBL) got a pair of runners on in the
bottom of the first inning on two hit by pitches and then LaRue hit his team-leading
eighth home run putting Hays up 3-0 in the first.Trent Baker singled home a run in the second and Weston
Valasek drove in a run on a groundout putting the Larks up 5-0.After Colorado Springs scratched a run across in the top of
the fourth, Baker led off the bottom of the fourth with a solo homerun, his
fifth of the season, putting Hays up 6-1.John Ceccoli added a sixth inning RBI single making it 7-1
Larks. LaRue drove in a single run in the bottom of the eighth
inning and Garrett Gruell doubled in a run in the inning as well putting Hays
up 9-3.Aaron Calhoun earned the win, striking out 11 and allowed
just one unearned run on four hits in five innings.LaRue was three-for-four with four RBI’s and Baker was
two-for-three with two RBI’s and two runs scored.The Larks host the Cage Rats in game two of the three-game
series.

⚾ Larks win third straight, 9-4 vs Colorado Springs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nicky Lopez remembers the halcyon days of the Kansas City Royals in 2014 and 2015, when the small-market club won back-to-back American League pennants and its first World Series title in three decades.

More importantly, Lopez remembers how they did it: good starting pitching, timely hitting and a dominant bullpen.

It's precisely the formula they used to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

Brady Singer threw seven effective innings, Lopez matched a career high with four RBIs, Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. drove in two runs apiece and the Royals beat the Dodgers 9-1 to claim their first series victory since May 17.

“You know, a lot of the times in 2014 and 2015, they won a lot of ballgames 3-1, but they put it all together — timely hitting and a bullpen shut it down, and good starting pitching,” Lopez said. “I just think that's been the identity of the Royals for a while, and sometimes we lose sight of that, but I feel like that has to be it.”

Singer (5-7) played a big part in it from the mound, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over seven innings.

“Hopefully, you know, this gives us a lot of confidence,” Singer said. “We have a lot of confidence.”

The Royals took the lead off Tony Gonsolin (4-3) in the second on a single by Garcia, who also had a career-best four hits, and then knocked the right-hander from the game in the fourth, when they scored three more to pull away.

Gonsolin allowed four runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings, and has now allowed 15 runs over his last 14 1/3 innings.

“We just didn't play well and they played better, quite frankly,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Those guys just outplayed us. It's a different brand of baseball as far as putting the ball in play, hitting behind runners, stealing bases. They were excellent in situational hitting. To be quite honest, we didn't keep up. That's how they won the series.”

The Royals, who still have not homered in their last seven games, continued to produce runs with small ball, just as they did in a rain-delayed 6-4 victory Saturday night. They strung together a walk and three hits to score three times in the fourth; had four hits along with a walk and a sacrifice to score three more in the fifth; and took advantage of an error leading off the sixth with a walk and two more hits to produce two more runs and take a 9-1 lead.

“Getting the ball in play consistently is the difference-maker,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

The only offense the Dodgers mustered came in the fourth inning, when J.D. Martinez drew a leadoff walk and advanced on a single by David Peralta. Miguel Vargas followed with a sacrifice fly to deep center field.

Otherwise, the 26-year-old Singer shut down one of baseball's hottest lineups to win for the first time since June 4. He'd taken the loss in three of his last four starts, though he did pitch six innings of four-hit ball without a result his last time out.

After Daniel Lynch's win Saturday night, the Royals have back-to-back wins by starters for the first time in 93 games.

“That was huge. The bullpen was a little taxed,” Singer said. “To get out there and give them seven was huge.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-kershaw-mlb-baseball-46b2163ea0424d2ca70edabe3f5cf9d5">The next step for Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw</a>, who had shoulder soreness after his last start against Colorado, remained unclear after a throwing session Sunday. He could make his next start against Pittsburgh on Monday, push it back a few days or even go on the injured list. Part of the consideration is the upcoming All-Star break, which could minimize the number of games that the three-time Cy Young winner would potentially miss.

"I just don’t want to say right now,” Roberts said before the game. “He hasn’t thrown a bullpen, he didn’t spin the baseball, but there was progress. He felt better. So that was encouraging.”

Dodgers: LHP Julio Urías came out of Saturday's game healthy. It was his first start since straining a hamstring May 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-royals-mlb-baseball-0b1d61d82a17200d58b3dbd0f678c30e">He was battered for five runs</a>&nbsp;in the first inning but made it through three before he was lifted for a reliever.

Royals: 1B/OF Matt Beaty (concussion) was cleared to resume baseball activities, Quatraro said, and will head to Arizona to begin his rehab. Beaty was hurt in a collision with Samad Taylor on June 21 in Detroit.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Kershaw, the Dodgers have not announced a starter for the opener of their series Monday night against Pittsburgh. The Royals also have not announced a starter for their series opener Monday night in Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688355921387.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nicky Lopez remembers the halcyon days of the Kansas City Royals in 2014 and 2015, when the small-market club won back-to-back American League pennants and its first World Series title in three decades.More importantly, Lopez remembers how they did it: good starting pitching, timely hitting and a dominant bullpen.It's precisely the formula they used to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.Brady Singer threw seven effective innings, Lopez matched a career high with four RBIs, Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. drove in two runs apiece and the Royals beat the Dodgers 9-1 to claim their first series victory since May 17.“You know, a lot of the times in 2014 and 2015, they won a lot of ballgames 3-1, but they put it all together — timely hitting and a bullpen shut it down, and good starting pitching,” Lopez said. “I just think that's been the identity of the Royals for a while, and sometimes we lose sight of that, but I feel like that has to be it.”Singer (5-7) played a big part in it from the mound, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over seven innings.“Hopefully, you know, this gives us a lot of confidence,” Singer said. “We have a lot of confidence.”The Royals took the lead off Tony Gonsolin (4-3) in the second on a single by Garcia, who also had a career-best four hits, and then knocked the right-hander from the game in the fourth, when they scored three more to pull away.Gonsolin allowed four runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings, and has now allowed 15 runs over his last 14 1/3 innings.“We just didn't play well and they played better, quite frankly,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Those guys just outplayed us. It's a different brand of baseball as far as putting the ball in play, hitting behind runners, stealing bases. They were excellent in situational hitting. To be quite honest, we didn't keep up. That's how they won the series.”The Royals, who still have not homered in their last seven games, continued to produce runs with small ball, just as they did in a rain-delayed 6-4 victory Saturday night. They strung together a walk and three hits to score three times in the fourth; had four hits along with a walk and a sacrifice to score three more in the fifth; and took advantage of an error leading off the sixth with a walk and two more hits to produce two more runs and take a 9-1 lead.“Getting the ball in play consistently is the difference-maker,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.The only offense the Dodgers mustered came in the fourth inning, when J.D. Martinez drew a leadoff walk and advanced on a single by David Peralta. Miguel Vargas followed with a sacrifice fly to deep center field.Otherwise, the 26-year-old Singer shut down one of baseball's hottest lineups to win for the first time since June 4. He'd taken the loss in three of his last four starts, though he did pitch six innings of four-hit ball without a result his last time out.After Daniel Lynch's win Saturday night, the Royals have back-to-back wins by starters for the first time in 93 games.“That was huge. The bullpen was a little taxed,” Singer said. “To get out there and give them seven was huge.”KERSHAW'S SHOULDER<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-kershaw-mlb-baseball-46b2163ea0424d2ca70edabe3f5cf9d5">The next step for Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw</a>, who had shoulder soreness after his last start against Colorado, remained unclear after a throwing session Sunday. He could make his next start against Pittsburgh on Monday, push it back a few days or even go on the injured list. Part of the consideration is the upcoming All-Star break, which could minimize the number of games that the three-time Cy Young winner would potentially miss."I just don’t want to say right now,” Roberts said before the game. “He hasn’t thrown a bullpen, he didn’t spin the baseball, but there was progress. He felt better. So that was encouraging.”TRAINER'S ROOMDodgers: LHP Julio Urías came out of Saturday's game healthy. It was his first start since straining a hamstring May 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-royals-mlb-baseball-0b1d61d82a17200d58b3dbd0f678c30e">He was battered for five runs</a>&nbsp;in the first inning but made it through three before he was lifted for a reliever.Royals: 1B/OF Matt Beaty (concussion) was cleared to resume baseball activities, Quatraro said, and will head to Arizona to begin his rehab. Beaty was hurt in a collision with Samad Taylor on June 21 in Detroit.UP NEXTGiven the uncertainty surrounding Kershaw, the Dodgers have not announced a starter for the opener of their series Monday night against Pittsburgh. The Royals also have not announced a starter for their series opener Monday night in Minnesota.

⚾ Brady Singer dazzles as Royals blow out Dodgers to win first series since May 17

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals rudely welcomed Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías back from the injured list on Saturday night.

The AL Central bottom-dwellers had four hits off last year's National League ERA leader in the first inning, and only one was a hard-hit ball. The Royals worked a 12-pitch walk, got a base when Matt Duffy was hit in the foot by a pitch, and managed a pair of sacrifice flies to get five runs across before Los Angeles even got to bat.

The Royals held on from there for a rain-delayed 6-4 victory, just their second in their last 10 games against the Dodgers.

“I was thinking, ‘I hope that doesn’t happen to me,'" Royals starter Daniel Lynch said of the parade of weakly hit singles that staked Kansas City to a 5-0 lead. “They're bloopers but they're still good at-bats. Hits are hits.”

Lynch (2-3) nearly gave all his support back when he allowed three runs in the second. But the left-hander settled down, eventually throwing 108 pitches to get through five innings. He allowed five hits and three walks with four strikeouts.

The Dodgers left the bases loaded in the eighth when Yonny Hernandez struck out and Freddie Freeman grounded out, and Scott Barlow got the final four outs for his 10th save while capping four innings of one-run ball by the Kansas City bullpen.

“The biggest thing was just staying relaxed,” Barlow said. “Do as much as you can to make quality pitches.”

Drew Waters and Salvador Perez drove in runs, and Edward Oliveras and Samad Taylor had sacrifice flies, as Urías (5-5) scuffled through his first game since hurting his hamstring on May 18. He lasted three innings and allowed six hits and two walks.

Urías struggled with both command and misfortune after a nearly 90 minute rain delay to start the game.

Maikel Garcia started the trouble for last year's NL ERA leader with a double and Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez added bloopers to give Kansas City the lead. Nick Pratto followed by working a 12-pitch walk, and Oliveras hit a sacrifice fly that was caught by a backpedaling second baseman who couldn't get enough on the throw home.

The big inning continued when Duffy was hit by a pitch and Taylor added his sacrifice fly. That scored the slow-footed Perez, who contorted his body around catcher Will Smith's tag, and the Dodgers were so stunned by his slide that they allowed the remaining runners to advance. Waters followed with another blooper to make it 5-0.

“It was a frustrating inning. I think initially, Julio came out good but got victimized by a lot of soft contact,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Give him a lot of credit. He got up to 66 pitches and threw up a couple of zeros.”

The Dodgers similarly manufactured three runs off Lynch in the second but left a runner on base, then left runners on the corners in the third and another on base in the fifth as their comeback began to fizzle.

Their last chance came in the eighth, when pinch hitter Max Muncy got a single to first past Pratto, who later froze in indecision on James Outman's grounder and allowed a run to score. Royals reliever Taylor Clarke came back to retire Hernandez, and Barlow walked Mookie Betts to load the bases before getting Freeman to ground out and end the inning.

“Scotty is one of our best relievers,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That's why I brought him in there.”

Three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw walked off the field drenched in sweat after playing catch three hours before first pitch, and Roberts later said his session was “just OK.” Kershaw felt&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kershaw-dodgers-shoulder-ccc81c95c488883d66fc1dfa6f122b2b">tenderness in his shoulder after a strong start Tuesday</a>. He was given a shot to relieve inflammation Wednesday and is scheduled to face Pittsburgh on Monday.

Dodgers: LHP Justin Bruihl was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make space for Urías on the roster.

Royals: RHP Collin Snider was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and Brooks Kriske was optioned to the same club. The Royals needed some depth out of the bullpen and Quatraro said that Snider is capable of going multiple innings.

Dodgers: IF/OF Chris Taylor (right knee) will not return before the All-Star break, Roberts said. Taylor left a game against the Giants on June 16 with soreness before a pair of pinch-hitting appearances, the last of them coming on June 21.

Royals: RHP Jordan Lyles (illness) returned to the ballpark Saturday and the club is waiting to see how he feels before deciding whether he makes his next start. Lyles is scheduled to face the Twins on Wednesday.

Dodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (4-2, 3.30 ERA) will start their final road game before the All-Star break on Sunday. RHP Brady Singer (4-7, 5.88) will start for the Royals, who then head on the road for seven games leading into the break.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688283366107.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., right, scores off a Edward Olivares sacrifice fly ball as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, catches waits for a late throw during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, July 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., right, scores off a Edward Olivares sacrifice fly ball as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, catches waits for a late throw during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, July 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals rudely welcomed Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías back from the injured list on Saturday night.The AL Central bottom-dwellers had four hits off last year's National League ERA leader in the first inning, and only one was a hard-hit ball. The Royals worked a 12-pitch walk, got a base when Matt Duffy was hit in the foot by a pitch, and managed a pair of sacrifice flies to get five runs across before Los Angeles even got to bat.The Royals held on from there for a rain-delayed 6-4 victory, just their second in their last 10 games against the Dodgers.“I was thinking, ‘I hope that doesn’t happen to me,'" Royals starter Daniel Lynch said of the parade of weakly hit singles that staked Kansas City to a 5-0 lead. “They're bloopers but they're still good at-bats. Hits are hits.”Lynch (2-3) nearly gave all his support back when he allowed three runs in the second. But the left-hander settled down, eventually throwing 108 pitches to get through five innings. He allowed five hits and three walks with four strikeouts.The Dodgers left the bases loaded in the eighth when Yonny Hernandez struck out and Freddie Freeman grounded out, and Scott Barlow got the final four outs for his 10th save while capping four innings of one-run ball by the Kansas City bullpen.“The biggest thing was just staying relaxed,” Barlow said. “Do as much as you can to make quality pitches.”Drew Waters and Salvador Perez drove in runs, and Edward Oliveras and Samad Taylor had sacrifice flies, as Urías (5-5) scuffled through his first game since hurting his hamstring on May 18. He lasted three innings and allowed six hits and two walks.Urías struggled with both command and misfortune after a nearly 90 minute rain delay to start the game.Maikel Garcia started the trouble for last year's NL ERA leader with a double and Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez added bloopers to give Kansas City the lead. Nick Pratto followed by working a 12-pitch walk, and Oliveras hit a sacrifice fly that was caught by a backpedaling second baseman who couldn't get enough on the throw home.The big inning continued when Duffy was hit by a pitch and Taylor added his sacrifice fly. That scored the slow-footed Perez, who contorted his body around catcher Will Smith's tag, and the Dodgers were so stunned by his slide that they allowed the remaining runners to advance. Waters followed with another blooper to make it 5-0.“It was a frustrating inning. I think initially, Julio came out good but got victimized by a lot of soft contact,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Give him a lot of credit. He got up to 66 pitches and threw up a couple of zeros.”The Dodgers similarly manufactured three runs off Lynch in the second but left a runner on base, then left runners on the corners in the third and another on base in the fifth as their comeback began to fizzle.Their last chance came in the eighth, when pinch hitter Max Muncy got a single to first past Pratto, who later froze in indecision on James Outman's grounder and allowed a run to score. Royals reliever Taylor Clarke came back to retire Hernandez, and Barlow walked Mookie Betts to load the bases before getting Freeman to ground out and end the inning.“Scotty is one of our best relievers,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That's why I brought him in there.”KERSHAW'S SHOULDERThree-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw walked off the field drenched in sweat after playing catch three hours before first pitch, and Roberts later said his session was “just OK.” Kershaw felt&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kershaw-dodgers-shoulder-ccc81c95c488883d66fc1dfa6f122b2b">tenderness in his shoulder after a strong start Tuesday</a>. He was given a shot to relieve inflammation Wednesday and is scheduled to face Pittsburgh on Monday.TRANSACTIONSDodgers: LHP Justin Bruihl was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make space for Urías on the roster.Royals: RHP Collin Snider was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and Brooks Kriske was optioned to the same club. The Royals needed some depth out of the bullpen and Quatraro said that Snider is capable of going multiple innings.TRAINER'S ROOMDodgers: IF/OF Chris Taylor (right knee) will not return before the All-Star break, Roberts said. Taylor left a game against the Giants on June 16 with soreness before a pair of pinch-hitting appearances, the last of them coming on June 21.Royals: RHP Jordan Lyles (illness) returned to the ballpark Saturday and the club is waiting to see how he feels before deciding whether he makes his next start. Lyles is scheduled to face the Twins on Wednesday.UP NEXTDodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (4-2, 3.30 ERA) will start their final road game before the All-Star break on Sunday. RHP Brady Singer (4-7, 5.88) will start for the Royals, who then head on the road for seven games leading into the break.

⚾ Royals score 5 in first inning off Dodgers' Julio Urías before holding on for 6-4 win

AUGUSTA – The Hays Larks score in each of the first four
innings, including a four-run fourth, on their way to a 7-3 win over the Kansas
Cannons Friday night in Augusta.

John Ceccoli got the scoring started in the top of the first
for the Larks when he walked with the bases loaded putting Hays (15-4) up 1-0.

Damian Ruiz tripled in a run, with two outs in the second, for a 2-0 Larks lead.

John Ceccoli homered in the third putting Hays up 3-0.

The Larks scratched across four runs in the fourth inning,
taking advantage of four walks and a hit by pitch in the inning.

The scoring started when Tyler LaRue walked with the bases loaded.
Ruiz followed with a walk of his own for a 5-0 lead.

Garret Gruell topped off the Larks scoring in the fourth
inning with a two-run double to put Hays up 7-0.

The Cannon scored a single run bottom of the fourth and a pair
of runs in the sixth but the Larks held on for the 7-3 victory.

Colby Langford picked up a win with an inning of scoreless
relief. 

Starter Jose Velasquez struck out six over four innings but
did not factor into the decision. Six different Larks pitchers combined to strikeout
18 on the night.

Larks are off Saturday before beginning a six-game homestand
Sunday against Colorado Springs CageRat baseball.

AUGUSTA – The Hays Larks score in each of the first four
innings, including a four-run fourth, on their way to a 7-3 win over the Kansas
Cannons Friday night in Augusta.John Ceccoli got the scoring started in the top of the first
for the Larks when he walked with the bases loaded putting Hays (15-4) up 1-0.Damian Ruiz tripled in a run, with two outs in the second, for a 2-0 Larks lead.John Ceccoli homered in the third putting Hays up 3-0.The Larks scratched across four runs in the fourth inning,
taking advantage of four walks and a hit by pitch in the inning.The scoring started when Tyler LaRue walked with the bases loaded.
Ruiz followed with a walk of his own for a 5-0 lead.Garret Gruell topped off the Larks scoring in the fourth
inning with a two-run double to put Hays up 7-0.The Cannon scored a single run bottom of the fourth and a pair
of runs in the sixth but the Larks held on for the 7-3 victory.Colby Langford picked up a win with an inning of scoreless
relief. Starter Jose Velasquez struck out six over four innings but
did not factor into the decision. Six different Larks pitchers combined to strikeout
18 on the night.Larks are off Saturday before beginning a six-game homestand
Sunday against Colorado Springs CageRat baseball.

⚾Larks use four-run 4th to take down Cannons

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers arrived late in Kansas City after their weather-delayed game the previous night in Colorado, so the All-Star slugger figured he would get his team off to a quick start Friday night.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers arrived late in Kansas City after their weather-delayed game the previous night in Colorado, so the All-Star slugger figured he would get his team off to a quick start Friday night.He didn't stop after his leadoff homer, either.Betts went deep twice off big league debutant Alec Marsh, finished 4 for 4 with two walks to match a career best by reaching base six times, and drove in four runs to help the Dodgers romp to a 9-3 win over the last-place Royals.“You know, we got in late and I said, ‘That’s no excuse,'” said the diminutive Betts, who nonetheless&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-run-derby-betts-rodriguez-guerrero-9efc39b2dea254ed3267d4d0814d4952">will take his swings in the Home Run Derby</a>&nbsp;at the All-Star Game in less than two weeks. “Gave us a little energy and we rode it all night.”Jason Heyward added three hits and two RBIs for the Dodgers, whose hot bats that produced a season-high 18 hits the previous night in Colorado kept sizzling at Kauffman Stadium, where the temperature was 97 degrees at first pitch.Los Angeles had 11 hits to go with nine walks, and seven different players crossed the plate, giving Bobby Miller (4-1) more than enough support. The right-hander pitched into the sixth inning and allowed three runs on five hits and a walk.“The guys definitely had my back today,” Miller said.Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Pratto and Freddy Fermin drove in runs for Kansas City, which has lost eight of its last nine against the Dodgers.Marsh (0-1), the fourth Royals player to make his major league debut this season, threw 95 pitches before he was lifted with two aboard and nobody out in the fifth. He allowed five runs on four walks and six hits with five strikeouts.“He’s certainly not the first guy to give up homers to Mookie,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He didn’t back down.”The 25-year-old Marsh actually pitched fairly well when he wasn't facing Betts, the Dodgers' All-Star leadoff hitter, who drove the right-hander's fifth career pitch 422 feet over the left-field bullpen. Betts followed his ninth leadoff homer of the season with a shot off the left-field foul pole to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead in the third.Betts added an RBI single in the fourth, a walk in the sixth, a run-scoring double in the eighth and another walk in the ninth. That allowed the seven-time All-Star to reach base six times, just as he did for Boston against the Yankees on Aug. 2, 2018.Witt's RBI groundout got the Royals within 2-1 in the third before Los Angeles capitalized on a pair of walks to score twice in the fourth, when bolts of lightning began tracing across the outfield sky. The umpires huddled but allowed play to continue.The Dodgers answered Pratto's run-scoring double in the fourth with a run in the fifth, when Will Smith was awarded a triple on a hit down the right-field line that was initially ruled foul. J.D. Martinez followed two batters later with a sacrifice fly.Heyward made it 6-3 with an RBI single in the seventh before Los Angeles scored three more times in the eighth.CHAPMAN TRADEDThe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aroldis-chapman-rangers-royals-trade-92d567adbd54f6fc838a6c0a57a13366">Royals traded LHP Aroldis Chapman</a>&nbsp;to the Rangers for LHP Cole Ragans and OF Roni Cabrera about two hours before the first pitch. The 35-year-old Chapman has resurrected his career this season, frequently hitting 102 mph out of the bullpen, but the Royals needed younger players as they build toward the future. The 25-year-old Ragans will go to Triple-A Omaha to stretch out as a starter and could be in the majors soon, and the 17-year-old Cabrera will play in the Dominican Summer League.“It was just a matter of the timing of when we thought we'd get the right return,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said about trading Chapman. “He's just thrown so well that we had an opportunity to make a move sooner than later.”ROSTER MOVESDodgers: RHP Daniel Hudson worked around a single in the eighth in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-baseball-hudson-63c932a837bc67fd3936d8ed46ca1510">first appearance since tearing the ACL in his left knee</a>&nbsp;just more than a year ago. He was activated about 30 minutes before the game, when RHP Nick Robertson was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City and RHP Ricky Vanasco was designated for assignment.Royals: LHP Amir Garrett (left elbow) came off the injured list, where he had been since June 2, and pitched a scoreless inning in relief. RHP James McArthur also was optioned to Omaha so Marsh could join the club.TRAINER'S ROOMDodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw plans to play catch Saturday rather than throw a bullpen. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is on track to start Monday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kershaw-dodgers-shoulder-ccc81c95c488883d66fc1dfa6f122b2b">feeling tenderness in his shoulder Tuesday</a>. He was given a shot to relieve inflammation Wednesday. “That’s the plan as it stands right now,” manager Dave Roberts said.UP NEXTDodgers LHP Julio Urías (hamstring) is expected to start Saturday for the first time since May 17. He was 5-4 with a 4.39 ERA in 10 starts before landing on the injured list. The Royals will counter with LHP Daniel Lynch (1-3, 3.96).