CIMARRON -&nbsp;The Hays High girls tennis team opened their season Thursday with a second-place finish at the Cimarron Invitational.

The Indians finished with 35 points, five behind host and first-place Cimarron who had 40. Tribune finished third with 21.

HHS had two two first place finishes. Katrina Delimont went 3-0 and won No. 2 Singles as did the No. 2 Doubles team of Morgen Berry and Ava Neil. The No. 1 Doubles team of Danica Scheve and Kayler Wellbrock were 2-1 and finished second. Britnee Leiker went 1-2 and placed fourth in No. 1 Singles.

The Indians return to action Monday in Scott City.

Hays PostCIMARRON -&nbsp;The Hays High girls tennis team opened their season Thursday with a second-place finish at the Cimarron Invitational.The Indians finished with 35 points, five behind host and first-place Cimarron who had 40. Tribune finished third with 21.HHS had two two first place finishes. Katrina Delimont went 3-0 and won No. 2 Singles as did the No. 2 Doubles team of Morgen Berry and Ava Neil. The No. 1 Doubles team of Danica Scheve and Kayler Wellbrock were 2-1 and finished second. Britnee Leiker went 1-2 and placed fourth in No. 1 Singles.The Indians return to action Monday in Scott City.

🎾 HHS girls finish second in season opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nobody could blame Patrick Mahomes for not knowing what to expect when the Pro Bowl quarterback walked onto the field for the season opener a year ago behind an entirely rebuilt Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line.

It wound up being one of the best in the league, and a big reason why they hosted a fourth straight AFC title game.

Mahomes will be in a somewhat similar situation when he walks onto the field for the opener Sept. 11 at Arizona, only this time it will be just about everyone catching his passes that will be new. The biggest move in recent Chiefs' history came early in the offseason, when they traded explosive wide receiver Tyreek Hill for a package of draft picks and committed to using the money they saved by not signing him to a long-term deal to create a much deeper core of pass catchers.

They signed JuJu Smith-Schuster away from Pittsburgh and Marquez Valdes-Scantling away from Green Bay. They drafted Skyy Moore in the second round and supplemented those three newcomers with a couple of wild cards.

The returns through training camp and the preseason have been nothing but positive.

“It's going to be a very diverse group in that receiving room, all guys that can make an impact in the game,” said Mahomes, who took the extraordinary step of inviting all of them to his Texas home in the offseason to begin building chemistry.

No longer can a defense take away Hill, focus on Travis Kelce and rest easy that nobody else will hurt them.

“We can kind of interchange those guys and they can all just make plays happen,” Mahomes explained. “It’s going to make our offense — we’re going to be different, but I think we’ll still be able to go out there and have a ton of success.”

Still, everything that Kansas City does in pursuit of a seventh consecutive AFC West title and third Super Bowl appearance in four years begins with Mahomes, who is feeling rejuvenated after a full offseason program. He was recovering from a foot injury a year ago that some believe curtailed his mobility and creativity during the early portion of the season.

He also has that brutish offensive line ahead of him. Everyone is back from the group that was just getting to know each other last fall, including franchise left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who skipped the offseason program after the sides failed to reach an extension but reported to camp in time for the start of padded practices and the entire preseason schedule.

“Well, they're getting an idea of how (Mahomes) plays," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “If something's not there, how he's moving. We have these scramble rules that we spend a bunch of time on and you go over them and go back and look at the execution of those all the way around. But guys are always open for him when he's moving."

In other words, perhaps Mahomes does know what to expect from his new bunch of wide receivers this season.

“At the end of the day,” Moore said, “he's got the keys to the car. Just tell me what you want me to do. That's how I look at that. He wants it done that way, I'm going to do it all the way. That's how it is for all of us.”

The Chiefs, who were third-from-last in the NFL in sacks last year, used a first-round pick on George Karlaftis and signed two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Carlos Dunlap early in training camp. Those two will be counted upon to help a slimmed-and-hungry Frank Clark and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones turn those sack numbers around.

The Chiefs let safety Tyrann Mathieu and top cornerback Charvarius Ward depart in free agency, along with depth pieces such as Daniel Sorensen. But their new-look secondary could be improved with the arrival of safety Justin Reid, first-round pick Trent McDuffie and fellow rookie defensive backs Bryan Cook, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a surprise first-round pick in 2020, has struggled to live up to expectations during his first two injury-filled seasons. Now, Edwards-Helaire finds himself in a crowded running back room alongside Jerick McKinnon and Isaih Pacheco, a seventh-round pick from Rutgers who has impressed in camp.

Matt Nagy parlayed success as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in Kansas City into the head job in Chicago, where a 12-win debut was followed by two 8-8 seasons and a 6-11 finish that cost him his job last season. He is back as the QB coach of the Chiefs, giving Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy another experienced sounding board.

The Chiefs play in arguably the toughest division in the NFL, where all four teams have legitimate playoff aspirations. They also face the AFC South and NFC West along with the Bills, Buccaneers and Bengals, which means 10 of their 14 opponents had winning records last season. Eight of them made the postseason.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nobody could blame Patrick Mahomes for not knowing what to expect when the Pro Bowl quarterback walked onto the field for the season opener a year ago behind an entirely rebuilt Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line.It wound up being one of the best in the league, and a big reason why they hosted a fourth straight AFC title game.Mahomes will be in a somewhat similar situation when he walks onto the field for the opener Sept. 11 at Arizona, only this time it will be just about everyone catching his passes that will be new. The biggest move in recent Chiefs' history came early in the offseason, when they traded explosive wide receiver Tyreek Hill for a package of draft picks and committed to using the money they saved by not signing him to a long-term deal to create a much deeper core of pass catchers.They signed JuJu Smith-Schuster away from Pittsburgh and Marquez Valdes-Scantling away from Green Bay. They drafted Skyy Moore in the second round and supplemented those three newcomers with a couple of wild cards.The returns through training camp and the preseason have been nothing but positive.“It's going to be a very diverse group in that receiving room, all guys that can make an impact in the game,” said Mahomes, who took the extraordinary step of inviting all of them to his Texas home in the offseason to begin building chemistry.No longer can a defense take away Hill, focus on Travis Kelce and rest easy that nobody else will hurt them.“We can kind of interchange those guys and they can all just make plays happen,” Mahomes explained. “It’s going to make our offense — we’re going to be different, but I think we’ll still be able to go out there and have a ton of success.”Still, everything that Kansas City does in pursuit of a seventh consecutive AFC West title and third Super Bowl appearance in four years begins with Mahomes, who is feeling rejuvenated after a full offseason program. He was recovering from a foot injury a year ago that some believe curtailed his mobility and creativity during the early portion of the season.He also has that brutish offensive line ahead of him. Everyone is back from the group that was just getting to know each other last fall, including franchise left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who skipped the offseason program after the sides failed to reach an extension but reported to camp in time for the start of padded practices and the entire preseason schedule.“Well, they're getting an idea of how (Mahomes) plays," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “If something's not there, how he's moving. We have these scramble rules that we spend a bunch of time on and you go over them and go back and look at the execution of those all the way around. But guys are always open for him when he's moving."In other words, perhaps Mahomes does know what to expect from his new bunch of wide receivers this season.“At the end of the day,” Moore said, “he's got the keys to the car. Just tell me what you want me to do. That's how I look at that. He wants it done that way, I'm going to do it all the way. That's how it is for all of us.”ON THE GROUNDThe Chiefs, who were third-from-last in the NFL in sacks last year, used a first-round pick on George Karlaftis and signed two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Carlos Dunlap early in training camp. Those two will be counted upon to help a slimmed-and-hungry Frank Clark and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones turn those sack numbers around.THROUGH THE AIRThe Chiefs let safety Tyrann Mathieu and top cornerback Charvarius Ward depart in free agency, along with depth pieces such as Daniel Sorensen. But their new-look secondary could be improved with the arrival of safety Justin Reid, first-round pick Trent McDuffie and fellow rookie defensive backs Bryan Cook, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson.MAKE OR BREAKClyde Edwards-Helaire, a surprise first-round pick in 2020, has struggled to live up to expectations during his first two injury-filled seasons. Now, Edwards-Helaire finds himself in a crowded running back room alongside Jerick McKinnon and Isaih Pacheco, a seventh-round pick from Rutgers who has impressed in camp.WELCOME BACKMatt Nagy parlayed success as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in Kansas City into the head job in Chicago, where a 12-win debut was followed by two 8-8 seasons and a 6-11 finish that cost him his job last season. He is back as the QB coach of the Chiefs, giving Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy another experienced sounding board.SCHEDULE STUFFThe Chiefs play in arguably the toughest division in the NFL, where all four teams have legitimate playoff aspirations. They also face the AFC South and NFC West along with the Bills, Buccaneers and Bengals, which means 10 of their 14 opponents had winning records last season. Eight of them made the postseason.

🏈 Chiefs face brutal schedule amid changes on offense, defense

WICHITA, Kan. – The 2022 NBC
All-Americans all played key roles in advancing their respective teams through
the 88th NBC World Series powered by Evergy. The Santa Barbara
Foresters claimed their 10th National Championship, becoming only
the third team in NBCWS history to win three championships in a row. Foresters
manager Bill Pintard was selected as Manager of the Year. The presenting
sponsor for the NBC All-American Team is Hook Bats, <a href="http://www.hookbats.com">www.hookbats.com</a>. Each All-American will receive a customized
commemorative bat.

2022 NBC World
Series All-American Team

Pitchers Anthony Brady&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Seattle Studs (WA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
1.50 ERA, 1-0 Record, 2 APP, 18
Innings, 15 K’s, 1 BB Will Maynard &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
0.00 ERA, 2 APP, 12.33 Innings, 16
K’s, 1 BB, 5 Hits Brady Rose&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays Larks (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
0.75 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 14
K’s, 3 BB, 4 Hits Parker Smith &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
1.50 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 11
K’s, 2 BB

Catchers Alex Birge&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.250 BA, HR, 6 RBI, 1.000 FLD %, 33
PO, 2-4 TOS

Infielders 1B - Gavin Kash&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.520 BA, 13 Hits, 8 RBI, 6 2B, .760
SLG%, 1.000 FLD% 2B – Gianni
Horvat&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 8 Hits, 6 RBI, .563 SLG%,
1.000 FLD% 3B – Sawyre Thornhill
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
385 BA, 5 Hits, HR, 3 RBI, .615
SLG%, .467 OB% SS – Ryan Leary&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Liberal Bee Jays (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 6 Hits, .583 SLG%, .571 OB%,
.941 FLD%

Outfielders Lenny Ashby&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cheney Diamond Dawgs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Hits, 1.200
SLG%, .615 OB% Leo Jiminian&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays Larks (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.421 BA, 3 2B, 8 Hits, 1.000 FLD% Nick McLain&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.571 BA, HR, 5 RBI, 12 Hits, .952
SLG%, 1.000 FLD%

Utility&nbsp; Nate Rombach
(C/DH)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.434 BA, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 2B, 10 Hits,
6 Games, .869 SLG%

Designated
Hitter Ronnie Bailey&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lonestar Baseball Club (TX)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.333 BA, 5 RBI, HR, 4 Hits, .583
SLG%, 2 SB

Manager – Bill Pintard, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) MVP – Gavin Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Home Run
Trophy – Nate Rombach,
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Leading
Prospect to the Majors – Gavin
Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Eric Pintard
Most Inspirational Player – Leo Jiminian, Hays Larks (KS) Best Team
Offensive – Santa Barbara
Foresters (CA) Best Team
Defensive – Liberal Bee
Jays (KS) Best Team
Pitching – Santa Barbara
Foresters (CA) Leading
Pitcher – Will Maynard,
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) Leading Hitter
– Nick McLain, Santa
Barbara Foresters (CA) Michael Dean
RBI Award – Gavin Kash,
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Outstanding
Local Player – Brady
Pacha, Haysville Aviators (KS) Hap Dumont
Award – William “Bill”
Polzin

NBC ReleaseWICHITA, Kan. – The 2022 NBC
All-Americans all played key roles in advancing their respective teams through
the 88th NBC World Series powered by Evergy. The Santa Barbara
Foresters claimed their 10th National Championship, becoming only
the third team in NBCWS history to win three championships in a row. Foresters
manager Bill Pintard was selected as Manager of the Year. The presenting
sponsor for the NBC All-American Team is Hook Bats, <a href="http://www.hookbats.com">www.hookbats.com</a>. Each All-American will receive a customized
commemorative bat. 2022 NBC World
Series All-American TeamPitchers Anthony Brady&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Seattle Studs (WA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
1.50 ERA, 1-0 Record, 2 APP, 18
Innings, 15 K’s, 1 BB Will Maynard &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
0.00 ERA, 2 APP, 12.33 Innings, 16
K’s, 1 BB, 5 Hits Brady Rose&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays Larks (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
0.75 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 14
K’s, 3 BB, 4 Hits Parker Smith &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
1.50 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 11
K’s, 2 BBCatchers Alex Birge&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.250 BA, HR, 6 RBI, 1.000 FLD %, 33
PO, 2-4 TOS Infielders 1B - Gavin Kash&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.520 BA, 13 Hits, 8 RBI, 6 2B, .760
SLG%, 1.000 FLD% 2B – Gianni
Horvat&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 8 Hits, 6 RBI, .563 SLG%,
1.000 FLD% 3B – Sawyre Thornhill
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
385 BA, 5 Hits, HR, 3 RBI, .615
SLG%, .467 OB% SS – Ryan Leary&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Liberal Bee Jays (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 6 Hits, .583 SLG%, .571 OB%,
.941 FLD%Outfielders Lenny Ashby&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cheney Diamond Dawgs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Hits, 1.200
SLG%, .615 OB% Leo Jiminian&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays Larks (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.421 BA, 3 2B, 8 Hits, 1.000 FLD% Nick McLain&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.571 BA, HR, 5 RBI, 12 Hits, .952
SLG%, 1.000 FLD%Utility&nbsp; Nate Rombach
(C/DH)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.434 BA, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 2B, 10 Hits,
6 Games, .869 SLG%Designated
Hitter Ronnie Bailey&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lonestar Baseball Club (TX)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.333 BA, 5 RBI, HR, 4 Hits, .583
SLG%, 2 SBManager – Bill Pintard, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) MVP – Gavin Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Home Run
Trophy – Nate Rombach,
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Leading
Prospect to the Majors – Gavin
Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Eric Pintard
Most Inspirational Player – Leo Jiminian, Hays Larks (KS) Best Team
Offensive – Santa Barbara
Foresters (CA) Best Team
Defensive – Liberal Bee
Jays (KS) Best Team
Pitching – Santa Barbara
Foresters (CA) Leading
Pitcher – Will Maynard,
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) Leading Hitter
– Nick McLain, Santa
Barbara Foresters (CA) Michael Dean
RBI Award – Gavin Kash,
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Outstanding
Local Player – Brady
Pacha, Haysville Aviators (KS) Hap Dumont
Award – William “Bill”
Polzin

⚾ Two Larks named to NBC All-America team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered during Kansas City's five-run rally in the seventh inning, leading Brady Singer and the Royals over the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 Wednesday night.

Arizona starter Zac Gallen extended his shutout streak to 27 1/3 innings, leaving after the sixth with a 1-0 lead. He gave up three hits, walked three and struck out six.

“I just felt like I was trying to worry about (the shutout streak),” Gallen said. “It’s one of those things where if you let it get too big and control you too much it can be a problem. I felt like that in the first couple innings. I was trying to worry about that too much. I just need to do my job and not worry about it.”

The Royals broke loose in the seventh against the Arizona bullpen. Kansas City finished with seven hits, snapping an eight-game streak of six hits or less.

“Guys coming through in big situations, that situational hitting is what we need to fight our way in close games,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “And then Bobby Witt does what Bobby Witt does.”

Christian Walker hit his career-high 30th homer for Arizona, which has dropped four of five.

Singer (7-4) allowed four hits, including a fifth-inning solo homer by Daulton Varsho, in seven innings.

“I felt good,” Singer said. “The fastball, slider were working. The fastball had a lot of movement on it.”

Singer is 4-1 over his past 10 starts, posting a 2.14 ERA in that span.

“I don’t know a pitcher around the league who has thrown better than what the guy on the other side has, except maybe our guy,” Matheny said. “He’s going to have to be good because their guy isn’t giving up anything. He kept us in the game right down to his last hitter, figured out how to get it done and let his offense figure out a way to do something.”

Gallen had his fifth scoreless outing in the past seven starts, with a sparkling 0.80 ERA in that stretch.

Kansas City tagged Noe Ramirez (4-4) and Joe Mantiply for five runs in the seventh.

After Nicky Lopez made it 1-all with a suicide squeeze bunt, MJ Melendez hit a go-ahead single.

“That’s part of Nicky’s game,” Matheny said. “It’s a weapon that Nicky has. He’s so good at bunting. In that situation it’s a really hard play to defend.”

“It just started with what (Kyle Isbel) did leading off and Nicky getting him in, and MJ getting that base hit,” Witt said. “That was an energy booster. Everything was building, building. You could feel it building and we scored some more runs.”

Witt hit his team-leading 18th homer, a three-run drive to deep left-center field.

“The ball coming off Bobby’s bat is different,” Matheny said. “He’s been gifted with great hands and strength and bat speed. It’s impressive to watch.”

Witt has extra-base hits in five of his last six games. He ranks first or second among major league rookies in extra-base hits (45), homers, doubles (21), triples (six), RBIs (64), runs (63), and steals (24).

“Just trying to get back to feeling comfortable, getting back to being myself and go have fun and compete,” Witt said.

Royals: RHP Josh Staumont (right biceps tendinitis) and RHP Zack Greinke (right forearm tightness) were placed on the 15-day injured list. RHP Collin Snider and LHP Anthony Misiewicz were recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

Diamondbacks: LHP Tommy Henry (2-2, 3.57 ERA) starts Friday against White Sox RHP Johnny Cueto (6-5, 2.58 ERA) in Chicago.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (2-8, 5.29 ERA) pitches on Friday against the San Diego Padres and LHP Joe Musgrove (8-6, 2.91 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered during Kansas City's five-run rally in the seventh inning, leading Brady Singer and the Royals over the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 Wednesday night.Arizona starter Zac Gallen extended his shutout streak to 27 1/3 innings, leaving after the sixth with a 1-0 lead. He gave up three hits, walked three and struck out six.“I just felt like I was trying to worry about (the shutout streak),” Gallen said. “It’s one of those things where if you let it get too big and control you too much it can be a problem. I felt like that in the first couple innings. I was trying to worry about that too much. I just need to do my job and not worry about it.”The Royals broke loose in the seventh against the Arizona bullpen. Kansas City finished with seven hits, snapping an eight-game streak of six hits or less.“Guys coming through in big situations, that situational hitting is what we need to fight our way in close games,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “And then Bobby Witt does what Bobby Witt does.”Christian Walker hit his career-high 30th homer for Arizona, which has dropped four of five.Singer (7-4) allowed four hits, including a fifth-inning solo homer by Daulton Varsho, in seven innings.“I felt good,” Singer said. “The fastball, slider were working. The fastball had a lot of movement on it.”Singer is 4-1 over his past 10 starts, posting a 2.14 ERA in that span.“I don’t know a pitcher around the league who has thrown better than what the guy on the other side has, except maybe our guy,” Matheny said. “He’s going to have to be good because their guy isn’t giving up anything. He kept us in the game right down to his last hitter, figured out how to get it done and let his offense figure out a way to do something.”Gallen had his fifth scoreless outing in the past seven starts, with a sparkling 0.80 ERA in that stretch.Kansas City tagged Noe Ramirez (4-4) and Joe Mantiply for five runs in the seventh.After Nicky Lopez made it 1-all with a suicide squeeze bunt, MJ Melendez hit a go-ahead single.“That’s part of Nicky’s game,” Matheny said. “It’s a weapon that Nicky has. He’s so good at bunting. In that situation it’s a really hard play to defend.”“It just started with what (Kyle Isbel) did leading off and Nicky getting him in, and MJ getting that base hit,” Witt said. “That was an energy booster. Everything was building, building. You could feel it building and we scored some more runs.”Witt hit his team-leading 18th homer, a three-run drive to deep left-center field.“The ball coming off Bobby’s bat is different,” Matheny said. “He’s been gifted with great hands and strength and bat speed. It’s impressive to watch.”Witt has extra-base hits in five of his last six games. He ranks first or second among major league rookies in extra-base hits (45), homers, doubles (21), triples (six), RBIs (64), runs (63), and steals (24).“Just trying to get back to feeling comfortable, getting back to being myself and go have fun and compete,” Witt said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Josh Staumont (right biceps tendinitis) and RHP Zack Greinke (right forearm tightness) were placed on the 15-day injured list. RHP Collin Snider and LHP Anthony Misiewicz were recalled from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTDiamondbacks: LHP Tommy Henry (2-2, 3.57 ERA) starts Friday against White Sox RHP Johnny Cueto (6-5, 2.58 ERA) in Chicago.Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (2-8, 5.29 ERA) pitches on Friday against the San Diego Padres and LHP Joe Musgrove (8-6, 2.91 ERA).

⚾ Witt homers in late rally to lead Royals past Dbacks

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hays HS is looking forward to hosting the 2022 Maroon and Gold Fall Sports Kickoff on Thursday, August 25th at the HHS facilities. Come out to take a look at members of our teams. Click the picture to check out the schedule. <a href="https://t.co/IPLFCZ674q">pic.twitter.com/IPLFCZ674q</a>&mdash; Hays HS Athletics (@HaysHighAD) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaysHighAD/status/1562238776667443202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><figure>
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2022 Maroon & Gold Fall Sports Kickoff set for Thursday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, whose unmistakable swagger in helping the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title earned him the nickname “Lenny the Cool,” died Wednesday. He was 87.

Dawson's family announced his death in a statement through KMBC, the Kansas City-based television station where he starred in his second career as a broadcaster. No cause was given, though Dawson had been in declining health for years.

“With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson,” the family's statement read. “He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.”

The MVP of the Chiefs’ victory over the Vikings in January 1970, Dawson had entered hospice care on Aug. 12.

“He loved Kansas City," his family said, "and no matter where his travels took him he could not wait to return home."

Dawson personified the Chiefs almost from the start, when the suave standout from Purdue lost out on starting jobs in Pittsburgh and Cleveland and landed with the nascent franchise, then located in Dallas. There, Dawson reunited with Hank Stram, who had been an assistant with the Boilermakers, and together they forever changed the franchise.

The coach and quarterback won the AFL championship together in 1962, their first year together, and became bona fide stars the following year, when club founder Lamar Hunt moved the team to Kansas City and rechristened it the Chiefs.

They proceeded to win two more AFL titles, one in 1966 when they lost to the Packers in the first Super Bowl, and the other in '69, when Dawson came back from an injury to help beat the Vikings at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.

“Looking back on my career, I’ve been blessed for what I had the opportunity to do,” Dawson said told The Associated Press in 2017, shortly after he announced his retirement from his second career as a Hall of Fame broadcaster.

“I could not have accomplished so much without my teammates and colleagues, and I’m grateful for each of them.”

Dawson always remained a beloved figure in Kansas City, even though he cut back on public appearances several years ago when his health began to fail him. But he always had time for fans, whether it be a photograph or signature, the latter often on an iconic black-and-white photo from halftime of that first Super Bowl: the exhausted quarterback, white uniform caked with mud, sitting on a folding chair with a cigarette in his mouth and a bottle of Fresca at his feet.

It perfectly captured a time and place. And it perfectly captured a man that embodied poise and self-assurance.

“Next to my father, few people have had a more lasting impact on the Kansas City Chiefs than Len Dawson,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said a few years ago. “Over the course of a legendary career, first as a player and later as a broadcaster, Len has been a part of every major moment in franchise history.”

Dawson was born June 20, 1935, the ninth of 11 children that filled the house of James and Annie Dawson in the blue-collar manufacturing town of Alliance, Ohio. He was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, setting records in both football and basketball, and turned his success on the gridiron into a scholarship offer from Purdue.

There, Dawson led the NCAA in passing efficiency as a sophomore while also playing defense and kicking, and he helped lead a memorable upset of Notre Dame during that 1954 season. By the end of his college career, Dawson had thrown for more than 3,000 yards, despite playing in an era that favored ground-and-pound football.

Dawson was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the 1957 draft, but he wound up riding the bench behind Earl Morrall as a rookie and then failed to beat out Bobby Layne for he starting job the following season. The Steelers ultimately traded him to the Browns, where Dawson was unable to beat out Milt Plum for the job and was released.

One of the great disappointments of Dawson's career wound up being one of the best things to ever happen to him.

With newfound freedom to sign anywhere, Dawson jumped to the upstart AFL and the Texans, lured in part by the chance to play for one of his old coaches at Purdue. Stram was able to finally tap into his talent, helping Dawson to quickly become one of the league's prolific passers as the Texans went 11-3 and won the first of three championships.

The second came in 1966, when Dawson led the Chiefs to an 11-2-1 record and a 31-7 blowout of the Bills in the AFL title game. That earned the Chiefs the chance to face the powerhouse Green Bay Packers — and coach Vince Lombardi — in the inaugural Super Bowl, where Dawson threw for 210 yards and a touchdown in a 35-10 defeat.

It was the 1969 season that proved to be the most memorable of Dawson's career, though. He sustained a serious knee injury against the Patriots in Week 2, forcing him to miss the next five games, but went on a tear once he returned to the field. Dawson led the Chiefs to victories over the defending champion Jets and bitter rival Raiders to reach what would be the final Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger, where he threw for 142 yards and a score in a 23-7 triumph.

“It was overwhelming,” Dawson said afterward. “It’s just, you know how that relief comes with you know it’s over with, and we’ve been successful? That’s the feeling that I had when I came off the field.”

Dawson continued to play for six more seasons in Kansas City, setting many franchise records that stood until a youngster named Patrick Mahomes came along, before hanging up his helmet after the 1975 season.

Along the way, Dawson parlayed what began as a publicity stunt into a second career in broadcasting.

In 1966, then-Chiefs general manager Jack Steadman wanted to drum up support for the franchise in Kansas City and convinced Dawson to anchor a sports segment on the nightly news. His natural charisma and folksy style made Dawson a natural, he turned his attention to TV and radio on a full-time basis after his playing career had finished.

Dawson continued to work in local TV for several decades, adding game analysis for NBC from 1977-82 and hosting HBO's iconic “Inside the NFL” from 1977-2001. He also served more than three decades on the Chiefs' radio broadcast team.

After going into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1987, Dawson was inducted as a broadcaster in 2012.

“It’s been a true privilege and honor to have Len at the center of our broadcast team for the last 33 years,” said Dan Israel, the executive producer of the Chiefs’ radio network, upon his retirement a few years ago. “His contributions to not only this sport, but our industry, are incredibly profound.”

Dawson was married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, from 1954 until her death in 1978, and together they had two children. His second wife, Linda, remained by his side even when Dawson was forced to enter hospice care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660354181481.jpeg" alt="Len Dawson U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester/Released, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons" />
 <figcaption>Len Dawson U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester/Released, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, whose unmistakable swagger in helping the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title earned him the nickname “Lenny the Cool,” died Wednesday. He was 87.Dawson's family announced his death in a statement through KMBC, the Kansas City-based television station where he starred in his second career as a broadcaster. No cause was given, though Dawson had been in declining health for years.“With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson,” the family's statement read. “He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.”The MVP of the Chiefs’ victory over the Vikings in January 1970, Dawson had entered hospice care on Aug. 12.“He loved Kansas City," his family said, "and no matter where his travels took him he could not wait to return home."Dawson personified the Chiefs almost from the start, when the suave standout from Purdue lost out on starting jobs in Pittsburgh and Cleveland and landed with the nascent franchise, then located in Dallas. There, Dawson reunited with Hank Stram, who had been an assistant with the Boilermakers, and together they forever changed the franchise.The coach and quarterback won the AFL championship together in 1962, their first year together, and became bona fide stars the following year, when club founder Lamar Hunt moved the team to Kansas City and rechristened it the Chiefs.They proceeded to win two more AFL titles, one in 1966 when they lost to the Packers in the first Super Bowl, and the other in '69, when Dawson came back from an injury to help beat the Vikings at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.“Looking back on my career, I’ve been blessed for what I had the opportunity to do,” Dawson said told The Associated Press in 2017, shortly after he announced his retirement from his second career as a Hall of Fame broadcaster.“I could not have accomplished so much without my teammates and colleagues, and I’m grateful for each of them.”Dawson always remained a beloved figure in Kansas City, even though he cut back on public appearances several years ago when his health began to fail him. But he always had time for fans, whether it be a photograph or signature, the latter often on an iconic black-and-white photo from halftime of that first Super Bowl: the exhausted quarterback, white uniform caked with mud, sitting on a folding chair with a cigarette in his mouth and a bottle of Fresca at his feet.It perfectly captured a time and place. And it perfectly captured a man that embodied poise and self-assurance.“Next to my father, few people have had a more lasting impact on the Kansas City Chiefs than Len Dawson,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said a few years ago. “Over the course of a legendary career, first as a player and later as a broadcaster, Len has been a part of every major moment in franchise history.”Dawson was born June 20, 1935, the ninth of 11 children that filled the house of James and Annie Dawson in the blue-collar manufacturing town of Alliance, Ohio. He was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, setting records in both football and basketball, and turned his success on the gridiron into a scholarship offer from Purdue.There, Dawson led the NCAA in passing efficiency as a sophomore while also playing defense and kicking, and he helped lead a memorable upset of Notre Dame during that 1954 season. By the end of his college career, Dawson had thrown for more than 3,000 yards, despite playing in an era that favored ground-and-pound football.Dawson was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the 1957 draft, but he wound up riding the bench behind Earl Morrall as a rookie and then failed to beat out Bobby Layne for he starting job the following season. The Steelers ultimately traded him to the Browns, where Dawson was unable to beat out Milt Plum for the job and was released.One of the great disappointments of Dawson's career wound up being one of the best things to ever happen to him.With newfound freedom to sign anywhere, Dawson jumped to the upstart AFL and the Texans, lured in part by the chance to play for one of his old coaches at Purdue. Stram was able to finally tap into his talent, helping Dawson to quickly become one of the league's prolific passers as the Texans went 11-3 and won the first of three championships.The second came in 1966, when Dawson led the Chiefs to an 11-2-1 record and a 31-7 blowout of the Bills in the AFL title game. That earned the Chiefs the chance to face the powerhouse Green Bay Packers — and coach Vince Lombardi — in the inaugural Super Bowl, where Dawson threw for 210 yards and a touchdown in a 35-10 defeat.It was the 1969 season that proved to be the most memorable of Dawson's career, though. He sustained a serious knee injury against the Patriots in Week 2, forcing him to miss the next five games, but went on a tear once he returned to the field. Dawson led the Chiefs to victories over the defending champion Jets and bitter rival Raiders to reach what would be the final Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger, where he threw for 142 yards and a score in a 23-7 triumph.“It was overwhelming,” Dawson said afterward. “It’s just, you know how that relief comes with you know it’s over with, and we’ve been successful? That’s the feeling that I had when I came off the field.”Dawson continued to play for six more seasons in Kansas City, setting many franchise records that stood until a youngster named Patrick Mahomes came along, before hanging up his helmet after the 1975 season.Along the way, Dawson parlayed what began as a publicity stunt into a second career in broadcasting.In 1966, then-Chiefs general manager Jack Steadman wanted to drum up support for the franchise in Kansas City and convinced Dawson to anchor a sports segment on the nightly news. His natural charisma and folksy style made Dawson a natural, he turned his attention to TV and radio on a full-time basis after his playing career had finished.Dawson continued to work in local TV for several decades, adding game analysis for NBC from 1977-82 and hosting HBO's iconic “Inside the NFL” from 1977-2001. He also served more than three decades on the Chiefs' radio broadcast team.After going into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1987, Dawson was inducted as a broadcaster in 2012.“It’s been a true privilege and honor to have Len at the center of our broadcast team for the last 33 years,” said Dan Israel, the executive producer of the Chiefs’ radio network, upon his retirement a few years ago. “His contributions to not only this sport, but our industry, are incredibly profound.”Dawson was married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, from 1954 until her death in 1978, and together they had two children. His second wife, Linda, remained by his side even when Dawson was forced to enter hospice care.

Longtime broadcaster, Chiefs star Len Dawson dead at 87

The Kansas Association of Broadcasters recently unveiled the 2022 class of inductees for the group's Hall of Fame. Included is longtime northwest Kansas broadcaster and former Voice of the Tigers Wyatt Thompson.

Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats

Wyatt has been in the broadcasting industry for over 40 years. Wyatt’s first opportunity to do play-by-play was on the student station at Colby Community College. Wyatt’s plan upon completing community college was to attend K-State. In 1976, he was working part-time for Kay Melia’s radio and television stations in Goodland, Kansas. Later, he was offered a full-time position at the Goodland stations. During this time, Wyatt learned production, news, sports, for both radio and television. Wyatt describes those years as the “best 3 years of my professional life from the standpoint of learning the business." During the next 10 years Wyatt made radio stops in Goodland, Abilene, Great Bend, and Arkansas City. Those years provided him the opportunity to hone his broadcast skills while doing play-by-play for community colleges and high schools. From 1985 until 1989 Thompson worked for KAYS radio and television in Hays, Kansas. He was the play-by-play voice for Ft. Hays State. In 1989, Thompsons career took him to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he had his first Division 1 opportunity covering The Colorado State Rams. He initially started as the color analyst and eventually did play-by-play for five seasons. The Colorado Broadcasters Association recognized Wyatt for the best-play-by-play in 2000. Wyatt had also been a sports reporter in Denver on Clear Channels KOA.&nbsp;He hosted Countdown to Kickoff for the Denver Broncos as well as the “Zone Sports Insiders” show on KOA. In 2002, K-State announced Wyatt Thompson would be the new voice for K-State Athletics. In addition to play-by-play responsibilities for football, basketball, and selected K-State baseball games, he is the host for football and basketball coaches show on the K-State Radio Network. Additionally, Wyatt hosts weekly television shows for football and basketball throughout the state. Wyatt dedicates lots of time to his K-State community by appearing for gatherings, mentoring, appearances, and interviews. Wyatt enters his 21st year with his on-air partner Stan Weber for the 2022-23 sports season. Wyatt has received numerous broadcast awards during his career, including the KAB’s best play-by-play in 1982, the Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year in 1989 and the Hod Humiston Award for Sports Broadcasting in 2011. Since arriving at K-State, he has been recognized as the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year award six times. Wyatt is a role model for aspiring young broadcasters and has participated in numerous KAB events from the annual KAB convention as a panelist to KAB sponsored seminars. He is admired and respected by his colleagues within the broadcast industry and coaches throughout the country.

Don Free, Retired Engineer for the Kansas City Royals

Don Free is a Topeka resident and has spent over 50 years in broadcasting. He joined the Air Force in 1964 and in 1967 while stationed at Forbes Air Base in Topeka, started working part time at WIBW-TV.&nbsp; Following his discharge from the Air Force, he went full-time as their cameraman and directing news. Four years later, Don moved into engineering, which was his ambition leaving high school. He began helping on TV remotes to broadcast an array of sporting events, including the Kansas City Royals. In 1985, Don had the opportunity to engineer 15 radio games for the Royals Radio Network, the year they won the World Series. The next season, he was hired full time with the Royals and started his 32-year-long dream job.&nbsp;Don retired from the Royals following the 2017 season. Without Don’s expertise, patience, and engineering ingenuity, those memorable play-by-play calls from Denny, Fred, Ryan, Bob and Steve would never have been heard. During his remarkable career, Don and his family lived in Topeka, meaning he drove to the Royals' stadium 81 times a year and to his other "office" at a ballpark somewhere around the country 81 more times. Despite being retired, Don continues to engineer some radio games for visiting teams at Kauffman Stadium and works with the Kansas State Football Radio Network as an engineer.&nbsp; Don was inducted into the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the Bob Fidler Award designated for a media member who helped promote the sport. He’s been married to Sandy 42 years, and they have two daughters and four grandchildren.&nbsp;

Jack Oliver, KEYN Program Director and Show Host

Since 1969, Jack has worked at numerous Wichita radio stations including KLEO (1969) (only a few overnights), then on to KGNO in Dodge City and then Back to Wichita at KAKE (1973-1979), and KKRD (1980-2004). Since 2004, Jack has been program director at KEYN (Audacy, Inc.). Previously, he was heard daily from 12-7 p.m. However, following the death of Don Hall in April of 2020, Jack moved from afternoons to host the KEYN morning show. Jack advises young radio broadcasters to “find a city that likes you and stay for a while.”&nbsp;&nbsp; Early in his broadcast career, Jack received a first-class radio telephone operator’s license through the FCC. In addition to this, he developed extraordinary skills as a top radio programmer, on-air talent, and production voice. Jack never worked with wax cylinders, but he has certainly watched the broadcasting industry grow from its days of analog mono, tape and vinyl to its evolution into stereo and digital, and at age 72, he has adapted well and today still enjoys practicing his craft.&nbsp; Jack is from Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He’s a 1968 graduate of South High School in Wichita and earned a master’s degree in Business Communications from Wichita State University. Jack is very active in Wichita’s Native American Community and served on the board of directors of the All-American Indian Center for ten years. From 1994- 1996, he was a board member of the Wichita Zoning Commission and from 1996-1998 was a board member of the Wichita Traffic Commission. Jack has also helped to raise millions of dollars for local charities. In addition, Jack has been a sought-after speaker on numerous panels at radio-TV conventions such as the NAB, Radio &amp;; Records, The Gavin Report, and The Conclave. He also received a prestigious nomination for&nbsp;air talent and program director of the year from Billboard Magazine, Radio &amp; Records and Hitmakers Magazine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661267525296.jpeg" alt="Thompson" />
 <figcaption>Thompson</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Association of Broadcasters recently unveiled the 2022 class of inductees for the group's Hall of Fame. Included is longtime northwest Kansas broadcaster and former Voice of the Tigers Wyatt Thompson.Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Kansas State WildcatsWyatt has been in the broadcasting industry for over 40 years. Wyatt’s first opportunity to do play-by-play was on the student station at Colby Community College. Wyatt’s plan upon completing community college was to attend K-State. In 1976, he was working part-time for Kay Melia’s radio and television stations in Goodland, Kansas. Later, he was offered a full-time position at the Goodland stations. During this time, Wyatt learned production, news, sports, for both radio and television. Wyatt describes those years as the “best 3 years of my professional life from the standpoint of learning the business." During the next 10 years Wyatt made radio stops in Goodland, Abilene, Great Bend, and Arkansas City. Those years provided him the opportunity to hone his broadcast skills while doing play-by-play for community colleges and high schools. From 1985 until 1989 Thompson worked for KAYS radio and television in Hays, Kansas. He was the play-by-play voice for Ft. Hays State. In 1989, Thompsons career took him to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he had his first Division 1 opportunity covering The Colorado State Rams. He initially started as the color analyst and eventually did play-by-play for five seasons. The Colorado Broadcasters Association recognized Wyatt for the best-play-by-play in 2000. Wyatt had also been a sports reporter in Denver on Clear Channels KOA.&nbsp;He hosted Countdown to Kickoff for the Denver Broncos as well as the “Zone Sports Insiders” show on KOA. In 2002, K-State announced Wyatt Thompson would be the new voice for K-State Athletics. In addition to play-by-play responsibilities for football, basketball, and selected K-State baseball games, he is the host for football and basketball coaches show on the K-State Radio Network. Additionally, Wyatt hosts weekly television shows for football and basketball throughout the state. Wyatt dedicates lots of time to his K-State community by appearing for gatherings, mentoring, appearances, and interviews. Wyatt enters his 21st year with his on-air partner Stan Weber for the 2022-23 sports season. Wyatt has received numerous broadcast awards during his career, including the KAB’s best play-by-play in 1982, the Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year in 1989 and the Hod Humiston Award for Sports Broadcasting in 2011. Since arriving at K-State, he has been recognized as the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year award six times. Wyatt is a role model for aspiring young broadcasters and has participated in numerous KAB events from the annual KAB convention as a panelist to KAB sponsored seminars. He is admired and respected by his colleagues within the broadcast industry and coaches throughout the country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661267657802.jpeg" alt="Free" />
 <figcaption>Free</figcaption>
 </figure>Don Free, Retired Engineer for the Kansas City RoyalsDon Free is a Topeka resident and has spent over 50 years in broadcasting. He joined the Air Force in 1964 and in 1967 while stationed at Forbes Air Base in Topeka, started working part time at WIBW-TV.&nbsp; Following his discharge from the Air Force, he went full-time as their cameraman and directing news. Four years later, Don moved into engineering, which was his ambition leaving high school. He began helping on TV remotes to broadcast an array of sporting events, including the Kansas City Royals. In 1985, Don had the opportunity to engineer 15 radio games for the Royals Radio Network, the year they won the World Series. The next season, he was hired full time with the Royals and started his 32-year-long dream job.&nbsp;Don retired from the Royals following the 2017 season. Without Don’s expertise, patience, and engineering ingenuity, those memorable play-by-play calls from Denny, Fred, Ryan, Bob and Steve would never have been heard. During his remarkable career, Don and his family lived in Topeka, meaning he drove to the Royals' stadium 81 times a year and to his other "office" at a ballpark somewhere around the country 81 more times. Despite being retired, Don continues to engineer some radio games for visiting teams at Kauffman Stadium and works with the Kansas State Football Radio Network as an engineer.&nbsp; Don was inducted into the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the Bob Fidler Award designated for a media member who helped promote the sport. He’s been married to Sandy 42 years, and they have two daughters and four grandchildren.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661267690392.jpeg" alt="Oliver" />
 <figcaption>Oliver</figcaption>
 </figure>Jack Oliver, KEYN Program Director and Show HostSince 1969, Jack has worked at numerous Wichita radio stations including KLEO (1969) (only a few overnights), then on to KGNO in Dodge City and then Back to Wichita at KAKE (1973-1979), and KKRD (1980-2004). Since 2004, Jack has been program director at KEYN (Audacy, Inc.). Previously, he was heard daily from 12-7 p.m. However, following the death of Don Hall in April of 2020, Jack moved from afternoons to host the KEYN morning show. Jack advises young radio broadcasters to “find a city that likes you and stay for a while.”&nbsp;&nbsp; Early in his broadcast career, Jack received a first-class radio telephone operator’s license through the FCC. In addition to this, he developed extraordinary skills as a top radio programmer, on-air talent, and production voice. Jack never worked with wax cylinders, but he has certainly watched the broadcasting industry grow from its days of analog mono, tape and vinyl to its evolution into stereo and digital, and at age 72, he has adapted well and today still enjoys practicing his craft.&nbsp; Jack is from Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He’s a 1968 graduate of South High School in Wichita and earned a master’s degree in Business Communications from Wichita State University. Jack is very active in Wichita’s Native American Community and served on the board of directors of the All-American Indian Center for ten years. From 1994- 1996, he was a board member of the Wichita Zoning Commission and from 1996-1998 was a board member of the Wichita Traffic Commission. Jack has also helped to raise millions of dollars for local charities. In addition, Jack has been a sought-after speaker on numerous panels at radio-TV conventions such as the NAB, Radio &amp;; Records, The Gavin Report, and The Conclave. He also received a prestigious nomination for&nbsp;air talent and program director of the year from Billboard Magazine, Radio &amp; Records and Hitmakers Magazine.

Former Voice of the Tigers heading to broadcasting hall of fame

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Christian Walker had three hits, including a run-scoring double, to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Walker’s two-out double highlighted a three-run eighth against Josh Staumont (3-3) to extend the Diamondbacks’ lead to 5-1.

“That’s what every team’s playing for to some extent, that hit with traffic on,” Walker said. “Everybody wants to come through and get that timely hit.”

Walker delivered after Manager Torey Lovullo turned him loose on a 3-0 count.

“He earned that right to get that 3-0 swing,” Lovullo said. “I just thought it was a crucial time in the game and right guy and the right situation.”

Arizona starter Zach Davies didn’t allow a baserunner until Bobby Witt Jr., hammered his 17th homer to left field with one out in the fourth.

“My command was a little bit off,” Davies said. “I got behind guys but was able to get back into counts and was able to get contact right at guys and use my defense a lot tonight. When I needed to be able to make a pitch I could.”

Lovullo said Davies was "just pounding the zone, front to back changing speeds with his changeup/fastball combination.”

Nicky Lopez and Witt tripled during a two-run eighth to cut Arizona’s lead to 5-3.

Royals starter Jonathan Heasley pitched out of trouble in each of the first four innings, allowing a hit and a walk in each frame. Heasley escaped damage when the Diamondbacks went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Heasley’s most uncomfortable moment came in the fourth as he paused twice to vomit behind the mound. He eventually had to leave the game when the problem recurred with two out in the fifth.

“It’s not a ‘sick’ issue,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He gets amped up and that’s something that’s happened to him multiple times throughout his life. He was completely unsurprised because it’s happened so often. It got to the point where I had to get him out. At some point we had to draw a line.”

Heasley's attempt to pitch through the problem impressed Lovullo.

“It certainly spoke volumes about his toughness,” Lovullo said. “You get one out away from potentially winning a baseball game and you’ve got to come out, it’s not very satisfying, but he threw the ball well.”

Arizona tied the game in the sixth on Geraldo Perdomo’s two-out hit off reliever José Cuas’ leg.

Jake McCarthy delivered a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the seventh, giving the Diamondbacks a 2-1 lead.

Arizona scored all seven runs against three Kansas City relievers.

“We were patient,” Lovullo said. “We executed. The first several innings we were just giving away at-bats. We weren’t locked in the way we were later in the game.”

Alek Thomas had three hits and a walk as Arizona snapped a three-game losing streak.

Joe Mantiply (2-4) got four outs to earn the win.

The Royals were outhit 13-5 and have gone a franchise-record eight consecutive games without more than six hits. They have lost seven of nine.

Royals 1B Vinnie Pasquantino was placed on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder discomfort.

Royals RHP Jonathan Heasley was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. RHP Collin Snider was optioned to Omaha, and C Sebastian Rivero was recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

The Diamondbacks claimed RHP Reyes Moronta off waivers from the Dodgers and designated IF Jake Hager for assignment.

Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (9-2, 2.78 ERA) will face Royals RHP Brady Singer (6-4, 3.27) on Wednesday night.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Christian Walker had three hits, including a run-scoring double, to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Walker’s two-out double highlighted a three-run eighth against Josh Staumont (3-3) to extend the Diamondbacks’ lead to 5-1.“That’s what every team’s playing for to some extent, that hit with traffic on,” Walker said. “Everybody wants to come through and get that timely hit.”Walker delivered after Manager Torey Lovullo turned him loose on a 3-0 count.“He earned that right to get that 3-0 swing,” Lovullo said. “I just thought it was a crucial time in the game and right guy and the right situation.”Arizona starter Zach Davies didn’t allow a baserunner until Bobby Witt Jr., hammered his 17th homer to left field with one out in the fourth.“My command was a little bit off,” Davies said. “I got behind guys but was able to get back into counts and was able to get contact right at guys and use my defense a lot tonight. When I needed to be able to make a pitch I could.”Lovullo said Davies was "just pounding the zone, front to back changing speeds with his changeup/fastball combination.”Nicky Lopez and Witt tripled during a two-run eighth to cut Arizona’s lead to 5-3.Royals starter Jonathan Heasley pitched out of trouble in each of the first four innings, allowing a hit and a walk in each frame. Heasley escaped damage when the Diamondbacks went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.Heasley’s most uncomfortable moment came in the fourth as he paused twice to vomit behind the mound. He eventually had to leave the game when the problem recurred with two out in the fifth.“It’s not a ‘sick’ issue,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He gets amped up and that’s something that’s happened to him multiple times throughout his life. He was completely unsurprised because it’s happened so often. It got to the point where I had to get him out. At some point we had to draw a line.”Heasley's attempt to pitch through the problem impressed Lovullo.“It certainly spoke volumes about his toughness,” Lovullo said. “You get one out away from potentially winning a baseball game and you’ve got to come out, it’s not very satisfying, but he threw the ball well.”Arizona tied the game in the sixth on Geraldo Perdomo’s two-out hit off reliever José Cuas’ leg.Jake McCarthy delivered a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the seventh, giving the Diamondbacks a 2-1 lead.Arizona scored all seven runs against three Kansas City relievers.“We were patient,” Lovullo said. “We executed. The first several innings we were just giving away at-bats. We weren’t locked in the way we were later in the game.”Alek Thomas had three hits and a walk as Arizona snapped a three-game losing streak.Joe Mantiply (2-4) got four outs to earn the win.HITTING SLUMPThe Royals were outhit 13-5 and have gone a franchise-record eight consecutive games without more than six hits. They have lost seven of nine.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals 1B Vinnie Pasquantino was placed on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder discomfort.TRANSACTIONSRoyals RHP Jonathan Heasley was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. RHP Collin Snider was optioned to Omaha, and C Sebastian Rivero was recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.The Diamondbacks claimed RHP Reyes Moronta off waivers from the Dodgers and designated IF Jake Hager for assignment.UP NEXTDiamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (9-2, 2.78 ERA) will face Royals RHP Brady Singer (6-4, 3.27) on Wednesday night.

⚾ Walker’s 3 hits lift Diamondbacks over slumping Royals

GREAT BEND — Retired WNBA Basketball legend Jackie Stiles will speak at Barton Community College at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Fine Arts Auditorium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

Barton Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown said celebrating the 50th anniversary is an important milestone to acknowledge.

“President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law in 1972,” she said. “Early efforts to obtain equal access for women in education focused on athletics, but it also opened the doors for women in all the professions and every field beyond education.”

Brown said Stiles is an exciting figure to help celebrate this landmark anniversary.

“Jackie is a Barton County hometown hero who was asked to speak at Barton to inspire not only our students but all of us … not just in athletics, but in all of life’s endeavors,” she said.

Stiles is one of the most renowned basketball players in the history of the women's game. From her roots in Claflin, she led the country in scoring. Then to Southwest Missouri State University, she rewrote the NCAA women's basketball record books en route to leading the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four. Finally, to a professional career in the WNBA, Jackie has inspired and impacted millions. In 2016, Stiles was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.

For more information, please contact Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:brownc@bartonccc.edu">brownc@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call (620)786-7441

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660935230253.jpeg" alt="Stiles" />
 <figcaption>Stiles</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE VINDUSKA BCCGREAT BEND — Retired WNBA Basketball legend Jackie Stiles will speak at Barton Community College at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Fine Arts Auditorium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.Barton Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown said celebrating the 50th anniversary is an important milestone to acknowledge.“President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law in 1972,” she said. “Early efforts to obtain equal access for women in education focused on athletics, but it also opened the doors for women in all the professions and every field beyond education.”Brown said Stiles is an exciting figure to help celebrate this landmark anniversary.“Jackie is a Barton County hometown hero who was asked to speak at Barton to inspire not only our students but all of us … not just in athletics, but in all of life’s endeavors,” she said.Stiles is one of the most renowned basketball players in the history of the women's game. From her roots in Claflin, she led the country in scoring. Then to Southwest Missouri State University, she rewrote the NCAA women's basketball record books en route to leading the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four. Finally, to a professional career in the WNBA, Jackie has inspired and impacted millions. In 2016, Stiles was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.For more information, please contact Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:brownc@bartonccc.edu">brownc@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call (620)786-7441

Jackie Stiles to speak at Barton Community College Aug. 29

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs tight end Blake Bell had surgery to repair what coach Andy Reid has termed an “unusual” hip flexor injury, leaving them without their primary backup to Travis Kelce for at least the start of the regular season.

Bell hurt the hip on a touchdown catch during the Chiefs' preseason opener Aug. 13 in Chicago. He tried to play through it but ultimately left the game, and the veteran tight end has not played or practiced since.

Asked when Bell might return to the field, Reid said Tuesday: “I don't think it's going to be real quick.”

Reid didn't say whether Bell would be placed on injured reserve next week, when teams are required to reduce their roster to the regular-season limit of 53 players. But he did acknowledge that “we're kind of throwing some things around.”

The Chiefs, who play their preseason finale against Green Bay on Thursday night, are better equipped to deal with an injury at tight end than perhaps any other position group. Kelce has been one of the best in the league the past several years and the Chiefs have capable backups in Jody Fortson and second-year pro Noah Gray.

Fortson, who is coming back from a season-ending injury to his Achilles tendon, had two touchdown receptions in last weekend's preseason game against Washington. Gray appeared in all 16 games as a rookie last season.

“You don't want it to happen to anybody,” Reid said of the injury to Bell, “but that position, we have some capable guys in there. Noah has worked very hard at it and done a nice job with it.”

The Chiefs rely heavily upon their tight ends, both as blockers in the run game and downfield threats in their wide-open passing attack. They used two tight ends on 22% of snaps last season, and only a handful of teams used three more often. Kelce surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the sixth consecutive season while catching nine TD passes.

Bell has been his primary backup two of the past three seasons. He helped them end a 50-year championship drought with a Super Bowl victory in February 2020, then spent a season with Dallas before returning to Kansas City, where he started five games last season and appeared in all 16 while specializing in his blocking ability.

The Chiefs reached the 80-man roster limit Tuesday by putting running back Derrick Gore on injured reserve with a fractured hand and offensive tackle Lucas Niang on the in-season physically unable to perform list. The designation for Gore means his season is over while Niang, who had offseason knee surgery, cannot return until at least Week 5.

In other injury news, defensive end Carlos Dunlap is dealing with inflammation in his Achilles tendon, cornerback Rashad Fenton has a groin strain and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster remains out with a sore knee.

Reid thinks Smith-Schuster will be back in time for the season opener Sept. 11 at Arizona.

“He's right there right now,” Reid said. “He's starting to kind of turn the corner the last couple of days. He's running on it.”

None of the ailing players will play against the Packers on Thursday night, and there's a chance Patrick Mahomes and most of the starters get the night off, too. Reid said he's counting the practice reps and plays from the first two preseason games but has not decided whether his Pro Bowl quarterback will take the field at all at Arrowhead Stadium.

Mahomes has been sharp in the preseason, going 18 of 26 for 222 yards with three TDs and no picks in the preseason.

“We'll see how that goes. He's been practicing,” Reid said. “I haven't made up my mind on all that.”

Regardless, the preseason finale is important for the second- and third-team players to make a final impression, both on the Chiefs and the rest of the league. Many of them will be looking for a job after next week's cuts, and the product they put on film is important in helping them potentially land a spot on a roster elsewhere.

“There's competition all the way through,” Reid said. “For starting positions and depth positions, we'll keep our eyes on that."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs tight end Blake Bell had surgery to repair what coach Andy Reid has termed an “unusual” hip flexor injury, leaving them without their primary backup to Travis Kelce for at least the start of the regular season.Bell hurt the hip on a touchdown catch during the Chiefs' preseason opener Aug. 13 in Chicago. He tried to play through it but ultimately left the game, and the veteran tight end has not played or practiced since.Asked when Bell might return to the field, Reid said Tuesday: “I don't think it's going to be real quick.”Reid didn't say whether Bell would be placed on injured reserve next week, when teams are required to reduce their roster to the regular-season limit of 53 players. But he did acknowledge that “we're kind of throwing some things around.”The Chiefs, who play their preseason finale against Green Bay on Thursday night, are better equipped to deal with an injury at tight end than perhaps any other position group. Kelce has been one of the best in the league the past several years and the Chiefs have capable backups in Jody Fortson and second-year pro Noah Gray.Fortson, who is coming back from a season-ending injury to his Achilles tendon, had two touchdown receptions in last weekend's preseason game against Washington. Gray appeared in all 16 games as a rookie last season.“You don't want it to happen to anybody,” Reid said of the injury to Bell, “but that position, we have some capable guys in there. Noah has worked very hard at it and done a nice job with it.”The Chiefs rely heavily upon their tight ends, both as blockers in the run game and downfield threats in their wide-open passing attack. They used two tight ends on 22% of snaps last season, and only a handful of teams used three more often. Kelce surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the sixth consecutive season while catching nine TD passes.Bell has been his primary backup two of the past three seasons. He helped them end a 50-year championship drought with a Super Bowl victory in February 2020, then spent a season with Dallas before returning to Kansas City, where he started five games last season and appeared in all 16 while specializing in his blocking ability.The Chiefs reached the 80-man roster limit Tuesday by putting running back Derrick Gore on injured reserve with a fractured hand and offensive tackle Lucas Niang on the in-season physically unable to perform list. The designation for Gore means his season is over while Niang, who had offseason knee surgery, cannot return until at least Week 5.In other injury news, defensive end Carlos Dunlap is dealing with inflammation in his Achilles tendon, cornerback Rashad Fenton has a groin strain and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster remains out with a sore knee.Reid thinks Smith-Schuster will be back in time for the season opener Sept. 11 at Arizona.“He's right there right now,” Reid said. “He's starting to kind of turn the corner the last couple of days. He's running on it.”None of the ailing players will play against the Packers on Thursday night, and there's a chance Patrick Mahomes and most of the starters get the night off, too. Reid said he's counting the practice reps and plays from the first two preseason games but has not decided whether his Pro Bowl quarterback will take the field at all at Arrowhead Stadium.Mahomes has been sharp in the preseason, going 18 of 26 for 222 yards with three TDs and no picks in the preseason.“We'll see how that goes. He's been practicing,” Reid said. “I haven't made up my mind on all that.”Regardless, the preseason finale is important for the second- and third-team players to make a final impression, both on the Chiefs and the rest of the league. Many of them will be looking for a job after next week's cuts, and the product they put on film is important in helping them potentially land a spot on a roster elsewhere.“There's competition all the way through,” Reid said. “For starting positions and depth positions, we'll keep our eyes on that."

🏈 Chiefs TE Bell out after surgery for 'unusual' hip injury

Hays High officially has their first ever bowling coach as Richard Hodges was approved by the USD 489 Board on Monday evening. Trent Rose was approved as an assistant coach.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c6ea3462-efbf-41d9-8b76-784bc4794e80">The school board approved both the bowling and unified bowling program in June meeting.</a>

Hodges decided to take on the challenge of a first year program because he was nervous for the new program and wanted to make sure that it was in good hands and geared in the right direction.

While there are many points to coaching, one of the biggest is teaching bowlers how to use the lane to their advantage and adjust to the changes the lane goes through during competition.

Hodges has been bowling out of Hays for the last 10 years and has close ties with Centennial Lanes where the Indians will practice and compete during the season.

Tuesday, Aug. 23, is a big day for Hodges as he meets with the student body to determine the interest level.

There are two bowling seasons during the school year. The first is right around the corner with practice starting September 26th for Unified Bowling. This season partners a student with an intellectual disability and a regular education student. Like the other competitions sactioned by KSHSAA there is a state championship at the end of the season in November.

KSHSAA allows one week bowling tryouts for the second season beginning Nov. 28 and concluding Dec. 31. The first official practices begin in January. The regional tournament is Feb. 20 to 25 and state is March 2 and 3.

Hays High becomes the final school in the Western Athletic Conference to add bowling. The current KSHSAA structure combines 5A through 1A while 6A is a second classification of its' own. Last school year 34 girls and 34 boys teams competed in 6A. 54 girls and 55 boys teams competed in 5-1A with each of the five classes represented by at least three schools.

Hays PostHays High officially has their first ever bowling coach as Richard Hodges was approved by the USD 489 Board on Monday evening. Trent Rose was approved as an assistant coach.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c6ea3462-efbf-41d9-8b76-784bc4794e80">The school board approved both the bowling and unified bowling program in June meeting.</a>Hodges decided to take on the challenge of a first year program because he was nervous for the new program and wanted to make sure that it was in good hands and geared in the right direction.While there are many points to coaching, one of the biggest is teaching bowlers how to use the lane to their advantage and adjust to the changes the lane goes through during competition.Coach Richard Hodges<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1329789274&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/richard-hodges-hhs-bowling-coach" title="Richard Hodges - HHS Bowling Coach" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Richard Hodges - HHS Bowling Coach</a></div></div>Hodges has been bowling out of Hays for the last 10 years and has close ties with Centennial Lanes where the Indians will practice and compete during the season.Tuesday, Aug. 23, is a big day for Hodges as he meets with the student body to determine the interest level.There are two bowling seasons during the school year. The first is right around the corner with practice starting September 26th for Unified Bowling. This season partners a student with an intellectual disability and a regular education student. Like the other competitions sactioned by KSHSAA there is a state championship at the end of the season in November.KSHSAA allows one week bowling tryouts for the second season beginning Nov. 28 and concluding Dec. 31. The first official practices begin in January. The regional tournament is Feb. 20 to 25 and state is March 2 and 3.Hays High becomes the final school in the Western Athletic Conference to add bowling. The current KSHSAA structure combines 5A through 1A while 6A is a second classification of its' own. Last school year 34 girls and 34 boys teams competed in 6A. 54 girls and 55 boys teams competed in 5-1A with each of the five classes represented by at least three schools.

🎙 🎳 Hays High adds first ever bowling coach

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS – The newest member of the Fort Hays State football team’s
coaching staff is a familiar name and face. Layton Hickel, who played for the Tigers, is in his first season as defensive line coach. Hickel replaced Ike Eguae who left for
a similar position at Division I Stephen F. Austin after seven seasons with the Tigers.

Prior to joining the Tigers coaching staff, Hickel served as a high
school assistant, most recently as defensive coordinator at Hays High School.

“I always stayed in touch with coach (Cooper) Harris and coach
(Chris) Brown when I was back.” Hickel said. “They did a great job of mentoring
me and helping me with some struggles I was having as a coordinator."

"When the
job opened, they reached out and it was really a no-brainer. It was tough to leave
where I was at. I loved Tony and that staff, but coach Brown has always been
like a father figure to me and I have so much respect for Cooper Harris and that
defense and to be a part of that and learn from that was something that I had
to be a part of.” Hickel said.

The Claflin native graduated from FHSU in 2013 after spending
five years in the Tigers program. Hickel started in 22 off the 44 games he
played in during his career and earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors as a
senior when he led the team in tackles with 101. He finished his career ranked
fourth in career tackles for the NCAA II era at Fort Hays State.

Hickel says he’s still getting used to the talent level at
the collegiate level.

“The game hasn’t changed tremendously (since Hickel played), at
least I don’t feel like it because I’ve been involved in the game, but the size
of these kids out here is just unbelievable. I feel like we did not look like
this when we were in college. The size and athleticism of these kids is so impressive
to see as a coach now in the college level. You one or two in high school but
you have a team full of them at the college (level).” Hickel said.

Listen to the complete interview with Hickel below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661171796707.jpeg" alt="Hickel oversees a drill with the defensive line during practice." />
 <figcaption>Hickel oversees a drill with the defensive line during practice.</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS – The newest member of the Fort Hays State football team’s
coaching staff is a familiar name and face. Layton Hickel, who played for the Tigers, is in his first season as defensive line coach. Hickel replaced Ike Eguae who left for
a similar position at Division I Stephen F. Austin after seven seasons with the Tigers.Prior to joining the Tigers coaching staff, Hickel served as a high
school assistant, most recently as defensive coordinator at Hays High School.“I always stayed in touch with coach (Cooper) Harris and coach
(Chris) Brown when I was back.” Hickel said. “They did a great job of mentoring
me and helping me with some struggles I was having as a coordinator.""When the
job opened, they reached out and it was really a no-brainer. It was tough to leave
where I was at. I loved Tony and that staff, but coach Brown has always been
like a father figure to me and I have so much respect for Cooper Harris and that
defense and to be a part of that and learn from that was something that I had
to be a part of.” Hickel said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661171859931.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Claflin native graduated from FHSU in 2013 after spending
five years in the Tigers program. Hickel started in 22 off the 44 games he
played in during his career and earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors as a
senior when he led the team in tackles with 101. He finished his career ranked
fourth in career tackles for the NCAA II era at Fort Hays State.Hickel says he’s still getting used to the talent level at
the collegiate level.“The game hasn’t changed tremendously (since Hickel played), at
least I don’t feel like it because I’ve been involved in the game, but the size
of these kids out here is just unbelievable. I feel like we did not look like
this when we were in college. The size and athleticism of these kids is so impressive
to see as a coach now in the college level. You one or two in high school but
you have a team full of them at the college (level).” Hickel said.Listen to the complete interview with Hickel below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1328808790%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-ycwLSPDr6uJ&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/leyton-hickel/s-ycwLSPDr6uJ" title="Leyton Hickel" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Leyton Hickel</a></div></div>

🏈🎧 Hickel excited for challenge of being a college coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Waters drew a bases-loaded walk to break an eighth-inning tie in his major league debut, boosting the Kansas City Royals to a 6-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday in a game rescheduled because of the lockout in April.

Joe Kelly (1-3), the seventh of eight White Sox pitchers, hit a pair of batters to start the inning. Ryan O’Hearn singled, and Waters drew a five-pitch walk with one out to break a 4-all tie.

“It’s a big deal just getting here and the being able to contribute like that,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He did a great job. He showed a lot of poise on some pretty close pitches.”

Waters, who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha before the game, was hoping to do more.

“Just looking for a pitch to drive,” he said. “Late in game, with the bases loaded, I was just looking for a pitch that I could at least get out to the outfield. I got ahead in the count and was looking to do damage. I was able to draw a walk out of it.”

The White Sox rallied from a four-run deficit after their starter, Michael Kopech, exited the game having faced just four hitters.

“He felt something in his hamstring,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “You could tell it affected his velocity. It was down, so we got him out of there.”

Kopech hit a batter, allowed an RBI single to Salvador Perez, and walked the bases full before leaving with left knee soreness.

“What sucks most about today is I put the team in a tough situation,” Kopech said.

Elvis Andrus drove in three runs in his third game with the White Sox. Chicago signed the veteran shortstop on Friday after the Oakland Athletics designated him for assignment.

Jose Abreu had three hits and two walks for the White Sox, who have dropped four of five since winning five straight.

Chicago stranded 11 runners, including eight from the fourth through sixth innings.

“We had chances and couldn’t break open the inning,” La Russa said. “Left a lot of guys on base. Just a very frustrating loss.”

Amir Garrett (3-1) pitched a scoreless eighth and Scott Barlow finished for his 20th save.

“The bullpen did a great job today,” Matheny said. “Those guys are on point just about every night. Amir, in a real tough spot, we needed him to come through.”

Perez snapped a three-game hitless streak (0-for-10) as the Royals batted around in the first inning, scoring four. Michael Massey and O’Hearn also had RBI hits.

The six runs were the most scored by the Royals since Aug. 10. Kansas City batted .167 while losing six of seven on the road last week, totaling 10 runs.

Chicago batted around in the fourth, capped by Andrus’ two-run single, cutting Kansas City’s lead to 4-3.

Andrus then tied the game with an RBI double in the seventh.

After batting in the second, Royals 1B Vinnie Pasquantino left the game with right shoulder discomfort.

The Royals optioned OF Nate Eaton to Omaha to make room for Waters.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Waters drew a bases-loaded walk to break an eighth-inning tie in his major league debut, boosting the Kansas City Royals to a 6-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday in a game rescheduled because of the lockout in April.Joe Kelly (1-3), the seventh of eight White Sox pitchers, hit a pair of batters to start the inning. Ryan O’Hearn singled, and Waters drew a five-pitch walk with one out to break a 4-all tie.“It’s a big deal just getting here and the being able to contribute like that,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He did a great job. He showed a lot of poise on some pretty close pitches.”Waters, who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha before the game, was hoping to do more.“Just looking for a pitch to drive,” he said. “Late in game, with the bases loaded, I was just looking for a pitch that I could at least get out to the outfield. I got ahead in the count and was looking to do damage. I was able to draw a walk out of it.”The White Sox rallied from a four-run deficit after their starter, Michael Kopech, exited the game having faced just four hitters.“He felt something in his hamstring,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “You could tell it affected his velocity. It was down, so we got him out of there.”Kopech hit a batter, allowed an RBI single to Salvador Perez, and walked the bases full before leaving with left knee soreness.“What sucks most about today is I put the team in a tough situation,” Kopech said.Elvis Andrus drove in three runs in his third game with the White Sox. Chicago signed the veteran shortstop on Friday after the Oakland Athletics designated him for assignment.Jose Abreu had three hits and two walks for the White Sox, who have dropped four of five since winning five straight.Chicago stranded 11 runners, including eight from the fourth through sixth innings.“We had chances and couldn’t break open the inning,” La Russa said. “Left a lot of guys on base. Just a very frustrating loss.”Amir Garrett (3-1) pitched a scoreless eighth and Scott Barlow finished for his 20th save.“The bullpen did a great job today,” Matheny said. “Those guys are on point just about every night. Amir, in a real tough spot, we needed him to come through.”Perez snapped a three-game hitless streak (0-for-10) as the Royals batted around in the first inning, scoring four. Michael Massey and O’Hearn also had RBI hits.The six runs were the most scored by the Royals since Aug. 10. Kansas City batted .167 while losing six of seven on the road last week, totaling 10 runs.Chicago batted around in the fourth, capped by Andrus’ two-run single, cutting Kansas City’s lead to 4-3.Andrus then tied the game with an RBI double in the seventh.TRAINER’S ROOMAfter batting in the second, Royals 1B Vinnie Pasquantino left the game with right shoulder discomfort.TRANSACTIONSThe Royals optioned OF Nate Eaton to Omaha to make room for Waters.UP NEXTWhite Sox RHP Dylan Cease (12-5, 2.09 ERA) takes the mound in Baltimore opposite RHP Austin Voth (3-1, 4.86).The Royals begin a two-game set against Arizona, with RHP Zach Davies (2-4, 3.99) facing off with RHP Jonathan Heasley (6-4, 3.27).