MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Emilio Pagán pitched two scoreless innings after Tyler Mahle departed with right shoulder fatigue, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Wednesday for a three-game sweep.

Jose Miranda homered for Minnesota, which is fighting with Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox for control of the crowded AL Central. Miranda finished with two hits and two RBIs, and Nick Gordon had a run-scoring double.

After Mahle left in the third, Pagán (4-6), Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran, Michael Fulmer and Trevor Megill finished Minnesota's second straight shutout. A diving catch by center fielder Gilberto Celestino saved a run in the seventh.

Making his third start since he was acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline, Mahle faced eight batters before manager Rocco Baldelli and a team trainer visited the mound in the third inning.

Mahle pitched 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball, walking one. He threw 29 of his 42 pitches for strikes, but his velocity was diminished.

Mahle is going to be further evaluated and the team is expected to provide an update later Wednesday or Thursday.

On July 6, the Reds placed Mahle on the 15-day injured list with a strained right shoulder. An MRI ruled out any serious issues.

Minnesota outscored Kansas City 17-2 in the series, bouncing back nicely from an ugly 1-4 road trip.

The Royals led 2-0 in the first inning Monday, but have gone scoreless in 26 frames since.

Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino each had two hits for Kansas City, which has been shut out 15 times this season.

Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch (4-8) allowed four runs — three earned — in six innings.

One strike away from getting out of the first inning, Lynch surrendered a two-run drive by Miranda. Of the 50 runs Lynch has allowed in 19 starts, 18 have come in the first inning. Last season, 43.5% of the runs he allowed occurred in the opening frame.

Brad Keller has been moved from the Royals’ rotation to the bullpen. The 6-foot-5 right-hander last worked as a reliever as a rookie in 2018.

Keller, who was scheduled to start Thursday, has six wins, an AL-high 13 losses and a 4.93 ERA in 22 starts. In two of his last three starts, he allowed eight earned runs; in three innings against the Dodgers on Aug. 13, and in 5 2/3 innings Aug. 2 against the White Sox.

“Many of you probably remember when Brad came up and how dominant he could look in the ’pen. So, it’s always been part of the conversation. Hate to go into the offseason wondering without actually taking a look,” manager Mike Matheny said.

Royals: RHP Joel Payamps was reinstated from the family medical emergency bereavement list and RHP Wyatt Mills was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

Twins: 2B Jorge Polanco missed his second straight game after leaving Monday’s game with left knee soreness after sliding into home plate, but Tuesday tests all came back OK.

Royals: Open a four-game series Thursday at Tampa Bay. Neither team has named a starter.

Twins: Begin a four-game home series Friday against Texas. Starting pitchers have yet to be announced.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Emilio Pagán pitched two scoreless innings after Tyler Mahle departed with right shoulder fatigue, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Wednesday for a three-game sweep.Jose Miranda homered for Minnesota, which is fighting with Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox for control of the crowded AL Central. Miranda finished with two hits and two RBIs, and Nick Gordon had a run-scoring double.After Mahle left in the third, Pagán (4-6), Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran, Michael Fulmer and Trevor Megill finished Minnesota's second straight shutout. A diving catch by center fielder Gilberto Celestino saved a run in the seventh.Making his third start since he was acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline, Mahle faced eight batters before manager Rocco Baldelli and a team trainer visited the mound in the third inning.Mahle pitched 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball, walking one. He threw 29 of his 42 pitches for strikes, but his velocity was diminished.Mahle is going to be further evaluated and the team is expected to provide an update later Wednesday or Thursday.On July 6, the Reds placed Mahle on the 15-day injured list with a strained right shoulder. An MRI ruled out any serious issues.Minnesota outscored Kansas City 17-2 in the series, bouncing back nicely from an ugly 1-4 road trip.The Royals led 2-0 in the first inning Monday, but have gone scoreless in 26 frames since.Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino each had two hits for Kansas City, which has been shut out 15 times this season.Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch (4-8) allowed four runs — three earned — in six innings.One strike away from getting out of the first inning, Lynch surrendered a two-run drive by Miranda. Of the 50 runs Lynch has allowed in 19 starts, 18 have come in the first inning. Last season, 43.5% of the runs he allowed occurred in the opening frame.KELLER TO THE ‘PENBrad Keller has been moved from the Royals’ rotation to the bullpen. The 6-foot-5 right-hander last worked as a reliever as a rookie in 2018.Keller, who was scheduled to start Thursday, has six wins, an AL-high 13 losses and a 4.93 ERA in 22 starts. In two of his last three starts, he allowed eight earned runs; in three innings against the Dodgers on Aug. 13, and in 5 2/3 innings Aug. 2 against the White Sox.“Many of you probably remember when Brad came up and how dominant he could look in the ’pen. So, it’s always been part of the conversation. Hate to go into the offseason wondering without actually taking a look,” manager Mike Matheny said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Joel Payamps was reinstated from the family medical emergency bereavement list and RHP Wyatt Mills was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.Twins: 2B Jorge Polanco missed his second straight game after leaving Monday’s game with left knee soreness after sliding into home plate, but Tuesday tests all came back OK.UP NEXTRoyals: Open a four-game series Thursday at Tampa Bay. Neither team has named a starter.Twins: Begin a four-game home series Friday against Texas. Starting pitchers have yet to be announced.

⚾ Royals held scoreless again, swept by Twins

By TOMMY REZAC <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — It seemed like an 
ordinary day at Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph Wednesday with sunny,
 clear skies and the team practicing in full pads.

However, the Chiefs ended the day with a longer injury list.

Tight
 end Blake Bell is still out with a hip injury he sustained in 
Saturday's game, and receiver Juju Smith-Schuster missed a second 
straight day with a sore knee.

Early in practice Wednesday, 
defensive tackle Chris Jones left practice due to back soreness. Running
 back Jerick McKinnon missed all of Wednesday due to a hamstring injury 
and receiver Mecole Hardman hurt his groin after landing awkwardly going
 after a ball about halfway through practice.

Hardman walked off under his own power and eventually left the field, riding in the front seat of a cart.

No
 long-term diagnosis on any of these yet, though more should be known 
following Thursday's practice, which will be the last one of training 
camp.

Long snapper James Winchester was gone Wednesday due to 
personal reasons. Punter Tommy Townsend returned after two days away due
 to personal matters. Right tackle Lucas Niang (knee) is still on the 
physically unable to perform list.

Wednesday marked the 16th full 
practice at Chiefs training camp with the 17th and final coming up 
Thursday. The latter half of camp is often called “the dog days.” The 
excitement wears off, guys start to feel sore, the days get long and the
 public focus shifts to preseason and regular season games.

Still, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has seen the kind of growth that he wants to see right now from his unit.

"Certain
 words are starting to mean something to them," he said. "They're 
starting to understand the techniques and fundamentals that we're 
teaching. It's been fun to watch. Has it been perfect? No, it hasn't 
been perfect, but that's the beauty of training camp. These guys are 
working hard and are accepting coaching."

One of those players 
who's continued to grow is rookie running back Isiah Pacheco. He's 
continued to pop throughout camp, as he snagged a nice wheel route for 
extra yardage during 7-on-7 drills Wednesday.

Bieniemy compliments
 Pacheco's speed, work ethic, effectiveness in the pass game and says 
his pass protection is coming along. There's one skill in particular, 
though that Bieniemy wants Pacheco to hone in on.

"Allowing the 
game to come to him," Bieniemy said of the rookie running back. 
"Learning how to be a patient runner. Understand exactly what's going on
 up front so now he can have a better feel on how to square his 
shoulders up, press it and read it out from there."

L'Jarius
 Sneed and Rashad Fenton are the veterans in the Chiefs' secondary, 
along with safety Justin Reid. Reid is in his fifth year in the NFL, 
Fenton his fourth and Sneed his third.

Maybe sooner than normal, 
Sneed has become a mentor for rookie corners Trent McDuffie, Joshua 
Williams and Jaylen Watson. First-year pros Dicaprio Bootle and Brandin 
Dandridge are also guys competing hard for time, along with several 
others.

"With the young guys coming in, I feel like I'm the 
veteran of the crew," Sneed remarked. "But I've learned a lot from (when
 I was a rookie) to now. From the inside I learned a lot, and I learned a
 lot from the outside with my techniques."

Williams, who's a 
fairly safe bet to make the 53-man active roster at this point, was 
flattered when he heard that Sneed actually looks at Williams for 
certain techniques and pointers.

"Almost any time I'm coming off 
the field, I'm asking (Sneed) how I can do this, and what did he do 
right here," Williams said.&nbsp; "He'll give it to you. He's not one of 
those guys who's in his own little world. He'll come and offer some of 
that wisdom. At the same time, him being humble and knowing how to speak
 to the rookies so we understand it, that's a plus. I love him."

Williams,
 drafted in the fourth round this year out of Fayetteville State, is one
 four players on the Chiefs' roster who came up from Division II college
 football. Another one is Dandridge, who played and graduated from the 
institution that hosts training camp - Missouri Western.

Dandridge
 has been, at the very least, making a case for the practice squad. He 
nearly had an interception in last Saturday's game at Chicago, and had a
 great PBU against Aaron Parker in Tuesday's practice.

Like Sneed, Dandridge is another player who Williams talks to often.

"I
 speak to Dandridge about the playbook and try to get some of his 
skillset," Williams said. "Brandin is a great player. He's versatile. He
 can play on the outside, he can play some of that nickel spot. You 
know, I talk to him about some of the things he expects when he sees 
certain formations or certain looks."

Harrison Butker supports Justin Reid's kicking

Kicker
 Harrison Butker missed Monday's practice due to ankle soreness, but was
 back and at full strength both Tuesday and Wednesday.

He was seen
 giving lead contender for backup kicker, Justin Reid, a hug in 
Saturday's game after Reid knocked through a point after right before 
halftime.

Butker says Reid "has a big leg, but not a lot of 
efficiency." Reid has continued to take a handful of reps placekicking 
in practice, especially Monday when Butker was gone.&nbsp;

One thing is certain - Butker is glad to have another player willing and capable to at least try field goals.

"I'm
 all for it," Butker said gladly. "I'm all for evolving the game and 
pushing the limits. So, to have more people who are enthusiastic about 
being kickers, I'm all for it."

The Chiefs hold their final practice of training camp on Thursday with an early 8:15 a.m. start.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660763500245.jpeg" alt="Chris Jones (95) in a blocking drill during training camp. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chris Jones (95) in a blocking drill during training camp. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — It seemed like an 
ordinary day at Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph Wednesday with sunny,
 clear skies and the team practicing in full pads.However, the Chiefs ended the day with a longer injury list.Tight
 end Blake Bell is still out with a hip injury he sustained in 
Saturday's game, and receiver Juju Smith-Schuster missed a second 
straight day with a sore knee.Early in practice Wednesday, 
defensive tackle Chris Jones left practice due to back soreness. Running
 back Jerick McKinnon missed all of Wednesday due to a hamstring injury 
and receiver Mecole Hardman hurt his groin after landing awkwardly going
 after a ball about halfway through practice.Hardman walked off under his own power and eventually left the field, riding in the front seat of a cart.No
 long-term diagnosis on any of these yet, though more should be known 
following Thursday's practice, which will be the last one of training 
camp.Long snapper James Winchester was gone Wednesday due to 
personal reasons. Punter Tommy Townsend returned after two days away due
 to personal matters. Right tackle Lucas Niang (knee) is still on the 
physically unable to perform list.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660764745555.jpeg" alt="Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown in 7-on-7." />
 <figcaption>Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown in 7-on-7.</figcaption>
 </figure>Wednesday marked the 16th full 
practice at Chiefs training camp with the 17th and final coming up 
Thursday. The latter half of camp is often called “the dog days.” The 
excitement wears off, guys start to feel sore, the days get long and the
 public focus shifts to preseason and regular season games.Still, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has seen the kind of growth that he wants to see right now from his unit."Certain
 words are starting to mean something to them," he said. "They're 
starting to understand the techniques and fundamentals that we're 
teaching. It's been fun to watch. Has it been perfect? No, it hasn't 
been perfect, but that's the beauty of training camp. These guys are 
working hard and are accepting coaching."One of those players 
who's continued to grow is rookie running back Isiah Pacheco. He's 
continued to pop throughout camp, as he snagged a nice wheel route for 
extra yardage during 7-on-7 drills Wednesday.Bieniemy compliments
 Pacheco's speed, work ethic, effectiveness in the pass game and says 
his pass protection is coming along. There's one skill in particular, 
though that Bieniemy wants Pacheco to hone in on."Allowing the 
game to come to him," Bieniemy said of the rookie running back. 
"Learning how to be a patient runner. Understand exactly what's going on
 up front so now he can have a better feel on how to square his 
shoulders up, press it and read it out from there."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660764779611.jpeg" alt="Patrick Mahomes (15) looks for Skyy Moore (24) on a short pass." />
 <figcaption>Patrick Mahomes (15) looks for Skyy Moore (24) on a short pass.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cornerbacks learn from each otherL'Jarius
 Sneed and Rashad Fenton are the veterans in the Chiefs' secondary, 
along with safety Justin Reid. Reid is in his fifth year in the NFL, 
Fenton his fourth and Sneed his third.Maybe sooner than normal, 
Sneed has become a mentor for rookie corners Trent McDuffie, Joshua 
Williams and Jaylen Watson. First-year pros Dicaprio Bootle and Brandin 
Dandridge are also guys competing hard for time, along with several 
others."With the young guys coming in, I feel like I'm the 
veteran of the crew," Sneed remarked. "But I've learned a lot from (when
 I was a rookie) to now. From the inside I learned a lot, and I learned a
 lot from the outside with my techniques."Williams, who's a 
fairly safe bet to make the 53-man active roster at this point, was 
flattered when he heard that Sneed actually looks at Williams for 
certain techniques and pointers."Almost any time I'm coming off 
the field, I'm asking (Sneed) how I can do this, and what did he do 
right here," Williams said.&nbsp; "He'll give it to you. He's not one of 
those guys who's in his own little world. He'll come and offer some of 
that wisdom. At the same time, him being humble and knowing how to speak
 to the rookies so we understand it, that's a plus. I love him."Williams,
 drafted in the fourth round this year out of Fayetteville State, is one
 four players on the Chiefs' roster who came up from Division II college
 football. Another one is Dandridge, who played and graduated from the 
institution that hosts training camp - Missouri Western.Dandridge
 has been, at the very least, making a case for the practice squad. He 
nearly had an interception in last Saturday's game at Chicago, and had a
 great PBU against Aaron Parker in Tuesday's practice.Like Sneed, Dandridge is another player who Williams talks to often."I
 speak to Dandridge about the playbook and try to get some of his 
skillset," Williams said. "Brandin is a great player. He's versatile. He
 can play on the outside, he can play some of that nickel spot. You 
know, I talk to him about some of the things he expects when he sees 
certain formations or certain looks."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660764701799.jpeg" alt="Isia Pacheco (left, red) goes up for a catch." />
 <figcaption>Isia Pacheco (left, red) goes up for a catch.</figcaption>
 </figure>Harrison Butker supports Justin Reid's kickingKicker
 Harrison Butker missed Monday's practice due to ankle soreness, but was
 back and at full strength both Tuesday and Wednesday.He was seen
 giving lead contender for backup kicker, Justin Reid, a hug in 
Saturday's game after Reid knocked through a point after right before 
halftime.Butker says Reid "has a big leg, but not a lot of 
efficiency." Reid has continued to take a handful of reps placekicking 
in practice, especially Monday when Butker was gone.&nbsp;One thing is certain - Butker is glad to have another player willing and capable to at least try field goals."I'm
 all for it," Butker said gladly. "I'm all for evolving the game and 
pushing the limits. So, to have more people who are enthusiastic about 
being kickers, I'm all for it."The Chiefs hold their final practice of training camp on Thursday with an early 8:15 a.m. start.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

🏈 Injury alert: Key Chiefs leave camp practice early Wednesday

92 players greeted head coach Tony Crough as the Hays High football team held their first full practice Tuesday.

Monday's practice was delayed then shortened due to the weather.

HHS is coming off one of their most successful seasons in program history in which they advanced to the to the 5A state quarterfinals.&nbsp;

Voice of the Indians Dustin Armbruster caught up with Crough who begins his fifth season as the HHS head coach.

92 players greeted head coach Tony Crough as the Hays High football team held their first full practice Tuesday.Monday's practice was delayed then shortened due to the weather.HHS is coming off one of their most successful seasons in program history in which they advanced to the to the 5A state quarterfinals.&nbsp;Voice of the Indians Dustin Armbruster caught up with Crough who begins his fifth season as the HHS head coach.<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/1325716195&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/tony-crough-081622" title="Tony Crough 081622" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Crough 081622</a></div></div>

🎧🏈 92 out as Hays High begins football practice

After weather altered their first practice Monday night, the TMP-Marian football team was able to hold their first full practice&nbsp; Tuesday with cooler than normal temperatures.

Jay Harris helped lead the Monarchs to an 8-3 season a year ago and has 31 out this season which is his fifth at the Monarchs head coach.

After weather altered their first practice Monday night, the TMP-Marian football team was able to hold their first full practice&nbsp; Tuesday with cooler than normal temperatures.Jay Harris helped lead the Monarchs to an 8-3 season a year ago and has 31 out this season which is his fifth at the Monarchs head coach.<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/1325716432&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/jay-harris-081622" title="Jay Harris 081622" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jay Harris 081622</a></div></div>

🎧🏈 TMP-Marian football team begins practice

Hays High graduate Jaren Kanak was honored recently by USA Today, earning honors for the high school Play of the Year.

Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize made national highlights for the now-Oklahoma Sooner. Watch the play and hear Dustin Armbruster's call above: "What did we just see?!?"

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography">Cover photo by Kim Reel Photography</a>

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Tue Aug 16 2022 11:42:18 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Kanek"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M2S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/dutIjkTo-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/dutIjkTo-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/dutIjkTo-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kanek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Hays High graduate Jaren Kanak was honored recently by USA Today, earning honors for the high school Play of the Year.Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize made national highlights for the now-Oklahoma Sooner. Watch the play and hear Dustin Armbruster's call above: "What did we just see?!?"<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hays High grad receives the USA TODAY play of the year. I think we remember the run vs Maize! <a href="https://t.co/q5RswcrjX0">https://t.co/q5RswcrjX0</a>&mdash; Hays HS Athletics (@HaysHighAD) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaysHighAD/status/1556817691197022208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography">Cover photo by Kim Reel Photography</a>

🎥 Kanak run earns USA Today Play of the Year honors

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sonny Gray matched his season high with 10 strikeouts and Gio Urshela had four hits as the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-0 on Tuesday night.

Gilberto Celestino homered and Luis Arraez picked up three more hits to raise his MLB-best batting average to .336. The Twins moved within a game of AL Central-leading Cleveland.

“We’ve got to continue to keep playing like that,” Urshela said.

Gray (7-3) struck out the side in the second inning, all on called third strikes. He got Nicky Lopez and MJ Melendez swinging in the sixth to equal the 10 strikeouts he had against Detroit back on May 24.

Gray exited to a standing ovation when manager Rocco Baldelli pulled him in the seventh after hits by Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino. Gray had allowed just one hit through six innings.

Including Tuesday's scoreless outing, Gray has surrendered just five total runs over his last five starts.

“I feel good with the baseball in my hand," Gray said. “I want to take the mound with one thought on my brain, and it’s to win the game. That’s just kind of where I’m at personally.”

Caleb Thielbar took over for Gray with a 3-0 lead with two on and no outs, and kept the shutout intact. Thielbar also helped the Twins out of a jam in Monday's win.

“That’s two days in a row for Caleb to come in in huge spots and to absolutely maneuver his way, dominate his way through some hitters,” Gray said. “That’s huge, what he’s done.”

Zack Greinke (4-8) gave up three runs, only one them earned, in six innings. Minnesota scored its first two runs in the second after an error by third baseman Bobby Witt Jr.

Tuesday was the third time this season the 38-year-old Greinke had faced the Twins. The nine hits were the most Minnesota had against him this year.

“I made a lot of good pitches and they were just hitting balls hard all day long," Greinke said. "It was a tough day pitching.”

Leading 3-0, the Twins added three runs in the seventh against reliever Wyatt Mills. An error by second baseman Michael Massey helped Minnesota score three more in the eighth.

“We’re right there still in that game with an opportunity again and miss it,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “You can’t let those go."

Urshela had RBI singles in both the seventh and eighth innings. It marked his first four-hit game as a Twin and the fourth of his career.

The third baseman, who was acquired in an offseason trade from the Yankees, is batting .303 (23 for 76) since July 6.

“I think he’s seeing the ball well recently,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. "He’s had a little bit of success off Greinke in the past. Sometimes that just happens and we don’t have explanations for that, but sometimes guys’ swings match up just a little bit better against guys’ stuff than anyone could ever expect."

Twins: 2B Jorge Polanco did not play Tuesday, a day after exiting a game with left knee soreness. Polanco injured his knee while sliding into home plate Monday. Baldelli said after Tuesday's game that Polanco did have an MRI earlier in the day, but it didn't reveal any damage. Polanco is considered day-to-day.

LHP Daniel Lynch (4-7, 4.52 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals in the series finale, facing the Twins for the third time this season. Minnesota counters with RHP Tyler Mahle (6-7, 4.26), who will make his third start in a Twins uniform since being acquired from Cincinnati in a trade earlier this month.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sonny Gray matched his season high with 10 strikeouts and Gio Urshela had four hits as the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-0 on Tuesday night.Gilberto Celestino homered and Luis Arraez picked up three more hits to raise his MLB-best batting average to .336. The Twins moved within a game of AL Central-leading Cleveland.“We’ve got to continue to keep playing like that,” Urshela said.Gray (7-3) struck out the side in the second inning, all on called third strikes. He got Nicky Lopez and MJ Melendez swinging in the sixth to equal the 10 strikeouts he had against Detroit back on May 24.Gray exited to a standing ovation when manager Rocco Baldelli pulled him in the seventh after hits by Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino. Gray had allowed just one hit through six innings.Including Tuesday's scoreless outing, Gray has surrendered just five total runs over his last five starts.“I feel good with the baseball in my hand," Gray said. “I want to take the mound with one thought on my brain, and it’s to win the game. That’s just kind of where I’m at personally.”Caleb Thielbar took over for Gray with a 3-0 lead with two on and no outs, and kept the shutout intact. Thielbar also helped the Twins out of a jam in Monday's win.“That’s two days in a row for Caleb to come in in huge spots and to absolutely maneuver his way, dominate his way through some hitters,” Gray said. “That’s huge, what he’s done.”Zack Greinke (4-8) gave up three runs, only one them earned, in six innings. Minnesota scored its first two runs in the second after an error by third baseman Bobby Witt Jr.Tuesday was the third time this season the 38-year-old Greinke had faced the Twins. The nine hits were the most Minnesota had against him this year.“I made a lot of good pitches and they were just hitting balls hard all day long," Greinke said. "It was a tough day pitching.”Leading 3-0, the Twins added three runs in the seventh against reliever Wyatt Mills. An error by second baseman Michael Massey helped Minnesota score three more in the eighth.“We’re right there still in that game with an opportunity again and miss it,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “You can’t let those go."Urshela had RBI singles in both the seventh and eighth innings. It marked his first four-hit game as a Twin and the fourth of his career.The third baseman, who was acquired in an offseason trade from the Yankees, is batting .303 (23 for 76) since July 6.“I think he’s seeing the ball well recently,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. "He’s had a little bit of success off Greinke in the past. Sometimes that just happens and we don’t have explanations for that, but sometimes guys’ swings match up just a little bit better against guys’ stuff than anyone could ever expect."TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: 2B Jorge Polanco did not play Tuesday, a day after exiting a game with left knee soreness. Polanco injured his knee while sliding into home plate Monday. Baldelli said after Tuesday's game that Polanco did have an MRI earlier in the day, but it didn't reveal any damage. Polanco is considered day-to-day.UP NEXTLHP Daniel Lynch (4-7, 4.52 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals in the series finale, facing the Twins for the third time this season. Minnesota counters with RHP Tyler Mahle (6-7, 4.26), who will make his third start in a Twins uniform since being acquired from Cincinnati in a trade earlier this month.

⚾ Gray fans 10, Urshela 4 hits as Twins blank Royals

By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph Post

The Kansas City Chiefs had to make their first cuts from the 90-man roster this week, but they also added one player - defensive tackle Danny Shelton.

A 6-foot-2, 345-pound lineman who enters his eighth season in the league, Shelton has spent time previously with Cleveland, New England, Detroit and the New York Giants.

He’s worked with the Chiefs a total of two days so far, but Shelton hopes he can stay in Kansas City long term.

"I don't like having to move my dogs, my kids," he said. "If I'm able to contribute and coaches see that...if I'm here longer, then I'm here longer."

Shelton owns 72 career starts, 278 career tackles, 17 career tackles for loss and six career sacks. He looks to be a run stopper and pass rusher up the middle along with Pro Bowler Chris Jones.

Again, it's early, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says Shelton is still getting "acclimated" and figuring out what exact role he'll have on the defense. Still, Shelton expresses excitement about being in Kansas City.

"We got some ballers on this team," Shelton said. "I'm excited to be here, feed off their energy, play with them, compete with them and go to work."

The Chiefs also signed 13-year pro and defensive end Carlos Dunlap in the early days of training camp.

The Chiefs announced Tuesday that they have waived defensive end Austin Edwards and receiver Devin Gray to get their roster down to 85 players, per NFL deadline.

Gray was just signed to the Chiefs from the USFL on August 6. NFL teams will have to cut five more players by next Tuesday with the 53-man roster being decided by August 30.

It was a cool, wet morning at Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph Tuesday, and it seemed like the defense played through it well. Solid pass coverage, strong reps in blocking drills, a Justin Reid interception on a tipped ball, quarterback pressure and so on.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says his players were sluggish Monday coming off of a Saturday game and subsequent travel, but he saw a solid bounce back Tuesday.

"The (second and third-team defense) got a lot of reps and that's a quick turnaround," Spagnuolo said. "That might have had a little bit to do with it. There's really no excuses. That's what we talked about (Monday) night. We can't be wasting any days. I thought we did a nice job bouncing back today."

Receiver Juju Smith-Schuster did not work Tuesday due to a sore knee. Blake Bell is still out with a hip flexor injury. Kicker Harrison Butker was back after ankle soreness Monday.

Punter Tommy Townsend was absent for a second straight day for personal reasons. Right tackle Lucas Niang remains on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from knee surgery.

Fenton started camp on the PUP list, as he was recovering from a shoulder injury sustained late last season. It wasn't clear as to whether or not he'd be ready to participate in camp.

Fenton came back on August 9, got reacclimated and has now taken his spot back as a top corner on the first-team defense along with L'Jarius Sneed.

Fenton remarked Tuesday that's he's "back to 100%." Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has noticed this, too. He's also noticed Fenton helping the younger corners, like rookies Joshua Williams, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

Each of those rookies saw significant playing time at Chicago last Saturday, and will certainly get more reps in the preseason. Spagnuolo wants to see those youngsters continue to get better.

"To me, it still comes back to how you respond in a game," Spags said. "They've got some more games to go here, and more than anything, how they respond when it doesn't go well. That's really what I have my eye on."

The Chiefs practice Wednesday and Thursday to conclude training camp in 2022. Kansas City will play at home against Washington on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the second preseason game.

Rookie receiver Skyy Moore, who had three catches for 23 yards against Chicago, looks forward to playing at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time as an NFL player.

"I'm anticipating (the atmosphere) being electric," Moore said. "That's what everybody around here just talks about. They say Arrowhead is the best stadium in the league. I'm going to take their word for it until I see otherwise."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660681142297.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs had to make their first cuts from the 90-man roster this week, but they also added one player - defensive tackle Danny Shelton.A 6-foot-2, 345-pound lineman who enters his eighth season in the league, Shelton has spent time previously with Cleveland, New England, Detroit and the New York Giants.He’s worked with the Chiefs a total of two days so far, but Shelton hopes he can stay in Kansas City long term."I don't like having to move my dogs, my kids," he said. "If I'm able to contribute and coaches see that...if I'm here longer, then I'm here longer."Shelton owns 72 career starts, 278 career tackles, 17 career tackles for loss and six career sacks. He looks to be a run stopper and pass rusher up the middle along with Pro Bowler Chris Jones.Again, it's early, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says Shelton is still getting "acclimated" and figuring out what exact role he'll have on the defense. Still, Shelton expresses excitement about being in Kansas City."We got some ballers on this team," Shelton said. "I'm excited to be here, feed off their energy, play with them, compete with them and go to work."The Chiefs also signed 13-year pro and defensive end Carlos Dunlap in the early days of training camp.Further roster cutsThe Chiefs announced Tuesday that they have waived defensive end Austin Edwards and receiver Devin Gray to get their roster down to 85 players, per NFL deadline.Gray was just signed to the Chiefs from the USFL on August 6. NFL teams will have to cut five more players by next Tuesday with the 53-man roster being decided by August 30.Good day for the defenseIt was a cool, wet morning at Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph Tuesday, and it seemed like the defense played through it well. Solid pass coverage, strong reps in blocking drills, a Justin Reid interception on a tipped ball, quarterback pressure and so on.Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says his players were sluggish Monday coming off of a Saturday game and subsequent travel, but he saw a solid bounce back Tuesday."The (second and third-team defense) got a lot of reps and that's a quick turnaround," Spagnuolo said. "That might have had a little bit to do with it. There's really no excuses. That's what we talked about (Monday) night. We can't be wasting any days. I thought we did a nice job bouncing back today."Injury updateReceiver Juju Smith-Schuster did not work Tuesday due to a sore knee. Blake Bell is still out with a hip flexor injury. Kicker Harrison Butker was back after ankle soreness Monday.Punter Tommy Townsend was absent for a second straight day for personal reasons. Right tackle Lucas Niang remains on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from knee surgery.Rashad Fenton - ahead of scheduleFenton started camp on the PUP list, as he was recovering from a shoulder injury sustained late last season. It wasn't clear as to whether or not he'd be ready to participate in camp.Fenton came back on August 9, got reacclimated and has now taken his spot back as a top corner on the first-team defense along with L'Jarius Sneed.Fenton remarked Tuesday that's he's "back to 100%." Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has noticed this, too. He's also noticed Fenton helping the younger corners, like rookies Joshua Williams, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.Each of those rookies saw significant playing time at Chicago last Saturday, and will certainly get more reps in the preseason. Spagnuolo wants to see those youngsters continue to get better."To me, it still comes back to how you respond in a game," Spags said. "They've got some more games to go here, and more than anything, how they respond when it doesn't go well. That's really what I have my eye on."The Chiefs practice Wednesday and Thursday to conclude training camp in 2022. Kansas City will play at home against Washington on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the second preseason game.Rookie receiver Skyy Moore, who had three catches for 23 yards against Chicago, looks forward to playing at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time as an NFL player."I'm anticipating (the atmosphere) being electric," Moore said. "That's what everybody around here just talks about. They say Arrowhead is the best stadium in the league. I'm going to take their word for it until I see otherwise."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660681206358.jpeg" alt="Marques Valdes-Scantling (11) goes up for a catch." />
 <figcaption>Marques Valdes-Scantling (11) goes up for a catch.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660681228773.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

🏈 Danny Shelton settling in with the Chiefs as the end of training camp draws near

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS – Ted Hessing hasn’t played a down in a real football
game since 2019. The Fort Hays State right offensive guard suffered a knee
injury in a scrimmage during the COVID season of 2020 and missed all of last
season. Hessing is now healthy and ready to make a return to the Tigers starting
lineup, however he says his return hasn’t always been easy.

“Every day coming back was like a struggle.” Hessing said. “Lunges,
all of that rehab, over a year rehab it was just a mental battle.”

The senior from Stuart, Florida played two seasons at Arizona
Western CC before transferring to FHSU and says he tried to make the best of not
being able to play last season.

“I was definitely trying eleveate everyone’s game around me.”
Hessing said. “Like the little things that coach (Jeff) Bryant can harp on
every single time because there’s so many kids. Definitely want to harp on the little
things and develop the next set of players that are going to be playing in
games.”

The Tigers return three starters from last season’s offensive
line in center Senituli Teuhema, left tackle Pat Kelly and right tackle
Kristopher Stroughter. Kelly hopes his return can help the offensive line be one
of the dominant forces on the team.

“The past couple of years we haven’t run the ball like wanted
to, we were relying on throwing the ball more on third downs. This is the year that
it’s third and three we want to run it down their throat and really prove a
point and run out the clock instead of getting an incompletion and the clock
stopping.” Hessing said.

&nbsp;One of the ways
Hessing says the Tigers offensive line can get their swag back is through
physical play.

“All about being physical is a mindset. You can’t step on the
field without thinking of being physical first. If you’re not physical that’s
when you get hurt and that’s when bad stuff happens, that’s when the defense is
going to make plays on your o-line.”

Hessing and the rest of the Tigers looking to get back to
their winning ways after finishing 5-6 season a year ago, their first losing
season since 2012. 

“Everybody has got to step up and do their job and not worry
about the guy next to you.” Hessing said. “You got to trust the guy next to you
and do your job, trust the play calls from the coaches and trust the coaching
points during practice.” Hessing said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660651665544.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Ted Hessing lines up for a play at Central Missouri during the 2019 season. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Ted Hessing lines up for a play at Central Missouri during the 2019 season. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS – Ted Hessing hasn’t played a down in a real football
game since 2019. The Fort Hays State right offensive guard suffered a knee
injury in a scrimmage during the COVID season of 2020 and missed all of last
season. Hessing is now healthy and ready to make a return to the Tigers starting
lineup, however he says his return hasn’t always been easy.“Every day coming back was like a struggle.” Hessing said. “Lunges,
all of that rehab, over a year rehab it was just a mental battle.”<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/1325108815&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/ted-hessing-081022" title="Ted Hessing 081022" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Ted Hessing 081022</a></div></div>The senior from Stuart, Florida played two seasons at Arizona
Western CC before transferring to FHSU and says he tried to make the best of not
being able to play last season.“I was definitely trying eleveate everyone’s game around me.”
Hessing said. “Like the little things that coach (Jeff) Bryant can harp on
every single time because there’s so many kids. Definitely want to harp on the little
things and develop the next set of players that are going to be playing in
games.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660651864192.jpeg" alt="Hessing congratulates Layne Bieberle following a catch during vs. Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp; on October 6, 2019 at Lewis Field. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Allie Schweizer)" />
 <figcaption>Hessing congratulates Layne Bieberle following a catch during vs. Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp; on October 6, 2019 at Lewis Field. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Allie Schweizer)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Tigers return three starters from last season’s offensive
line in center Senituli Teuhema, left tackle Pat Kelly and right tackle
Kristopher Stroughter. Kelly hopes his return can help the offensive line be one
of the dominant forces on the team.“The past couple of years we haven’t run the ball like wanted
to, we were relying on throwing the ball more on third downs. This is the year that
it’s third and three we want to run it down their throat and really prove a
point and run out the clock instead of getting an incompletion and the clock
stopping.” Hessing said.&nbsp;One of the ways
Hessing says the Tigers offensive line can get their swag back is through
physical play.“All about being physical is a mindset. You can’t step on the
field without thinking of being physical first. If you’re not physical that’s
when you get hurt and that’s when bad stuff happens, that’s when the defense is
going to make plays on your o-line.”Hessing and the rest of the Tigers looking to get back to
their winning ways after finishing 5-6 season a year ago, their first losing
season since 2012. “Everybody has got to step up and do their job and not worry
about the guy next to you.” Hessing said. “You got to trust the guy next to you
and do your job, trust the play calls from the coaches and trust the coaching
points during practice.” Hessing said.

🏈 FHSU's Hessing excited to return following injury

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins stumbled home with a bunch of hitters in need of a boost, none more than Max Kepler and his 0-for-29 skid.

The guy who needed a spark the most was the first one to get it going.

Kepler went 3 for 4 with a slump-busting RBI to give the lagging lineup a lift, and the Twins started a vital homestand with a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.

“He’s been as important of a cog in the machine here, since I’ve been, as anyone,” said manager Rocco Baldelli, who witnessed Kepler's first hit since July 23. He broke his toe the following day, missed 10 games and was fighting through obvious rust upon his return. “We’re going to be looking for really meaningful contributions from him from here on out.”

Jorge Polanco, Jose Miranda and Gary Sánchez each drove in a run for the Twins, who moved within two games of AL Central-leading Cleveland (61-53) after the Guardians split a doubleheader with Detroit. The Twins (59-55) are percentage points ahead of Chicago (60-56) for second place.

“I think we were trying to do too much and carry too much weight as individuals,” Kepler said. “Today we just tried to keep the line moving and trust the guy behind one another.”

Snapping his O-for-August skid with a one-out single in the second inning against Royals starter Kris Bubic (2-7) that scored Polanco, Kepler set in motion a productive night. The Twins were 0 for 18 with runners in scoring position over their previous two games and 1-4 on the road trip last week to fall out of first place for the first time in nearly two months.

“We know he was going through a rough stretch, but it’s part of baseball,” Miranda said. “We all go through up and downs. When he got his first one, it was good. We all got happy, and he got two more, which was great.”

Joe Ryan (9-5) pitched 5 1/3 innings for the win, deftly recovering from a two-run home run by thriving rookie Vinnie Pasquantino in the first inning.

Caleb Thielbar relieved him with a 3-2 lead and runners at second and third, retiring pinch-hitter Brent Rooker on a shallow pop fly and striking out pinch-hitter Michael A. Taylor to end that threat. Thielbar pumped his first and uncharacteristically screamed in exhilaration after retiring Taylor to preserve the lead. Thielbar has 13 strikeouts in his last 10 1/3 innings, without an unearned run.

“He’s been really, really freaking good,” Baldelli said. “When you send him out there in the most important spots, you expect him to go out there and get the job done.”

New Twins closer Jorge López, who blew his last two save chances, gave up a double and a single in the ninth inning before escaping with a game-ending double play grounder by M.J. Melendez.

This was the time for the Twins to get going, the first of 13 home games in a 17-day stretch through the end of the month — all against opponents that started the week at the .500 mark or worse.

The Royals brought a much better vibe than a team that's 48-69, with seven rookies in the starting lineup — their most in a game since 1991 — giving them some late-season life.

“Every guy that comes here is ready to make an impact or has already made an impact already,” Bubic said. “It’s exciting to see that, and we’re going to keep riding with them.”

Pasquantino hit four homers over Kansas City's just-completed 11-game homestand and received the AL Player of the Week award a few hours before first pitch. The 24-year-old, who was an 11th-round draft pick out of Old Dominion in 2019, has quickly earned the Royals' respect this summer.

“Probably one of the smartest hitters I've been around," Bubic said.

Royals: Hunter Dozier was placed on the paternity list before the game, and Maikel Garcia was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to fill in for the multi-positional player. Dozier traveled to Minnesota with the team, before leaving to be with his wife who has been expecting their third child.

Twins: Polanco hurt his knee sliding into home with the team's first run. He stayed in for six more innings before being replaced on defense in the ninth. “If he mentions anything to anybody, ever, you know it’s something to pay attention to,” Baldelli said.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (4-7, 4.29 ERA) takes the mound on Tuesday night. He's coming off his best start of the season, 6 1/3 shutout innings in a win over Chicago last week.

Twins: RHP Sonny Gray (6-3, 3.33 ERA) pitches the middle game of the series. He beat Kansas City on May 29 with six innings, two hits, one run and no walks.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins stumbled home with a bunch of hitters in need of a boost, none more than Max Kepler and his 0-for-29 skid.The guy who needed a spark the most was the first one to get it going.Kepler went 3 for 4 with a slump-busting RBI to give the lagging lineup a lift, and the Twins started a vital homestand with a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.“He’s been as important of a cog in the machine here, since I’ve been, as anyone,” said manager Rocco Baldelli, who witnessed Kepler's first hit since July 23. He broke his toe the following day, missed 10 games and was fighting through obvious rust upon his return. “We’re going to be looking for really meaningful contributions from him from here on out.”Jorge Polanco, Jose Miranda and Gary Sánchez each drove in a run for the Twins, who moved within two games of AL Central-leading Cleveland (61-53) after the Guardians split a doubleheader with Detroit. The Twins (59-55) are percentage points ahead of Chicago (60-56) for second place.“I think we were trying to do too much and carry too much weight as individuals,” Kepler said. “Today we just tried to keep the line moving and trust the guy behind one another.”Snapping his O-for-August skid with a one-out single in the second inning against Royals starter Kris Bubic (2-7) that scored Polanco, Kepler set in motion a productive night. The Twins were 0 for 18 with runners in scoring position over their previous two games and 1-4 on the road trip last week to fall out of first place for the first time in nearly two months.“We know he was going through a rough stretch, but it’s part of baseball,” Miranda said. “We all go through up and downs. When he got his first one, it was good. We all got happy, and he got two more, which was great.”Joe Ryan (9-5) pitched 5 1/3 innings for the win, deftly recovering from a two-run home run by thriving rookie Vinnie Pasquantino in the first inning.Caleb Thielbar relieved him with a 3-2 lead and runners at second and third, retiring pinch-hitter Brent Rooker on a shallow pop fly and striking out pinch-hitter Michael A. Taylor to end that threat. Thielbar pumped his first and uncharacteristically screamed in exhilaration after retiring Taylor to preserve the lead. Thielbar has 13 strikeouts in his last 10 1/3 innings, without an unearned run.“He’s been really, really freaking good,” Baldelli said. “When you send him out there in the most important spots, you expect him to go out there and get the job done.”New Twins closer Jorge López, who blew his last two save chances, gave up a double and a single in the ninth inning before escaping with a game-ending double play grounder by M.J. Melendez.This was the time for the Twins to get going, the first of 13 home games in a 17-day stretch through the end of the month — all against opponents that started the week at the .500 mark or worse.The Royals brought a much better vibe than a team that's 48-69, with seven rookies in the starting lineup — their most in a game since 1991 — giving them some late-season life.“Every guy that comes here is ready to make an impact or has already made an impact already,” Bubic said. “It’s exciting to see that, and we’re going to keep riding with them.”VP STANDS FOR VALUABLE PLAYERPasquantino hit four homers over Kansas City's just-completed 11-game homestand and received the AL Player of the Week award a few hours before first pitch. The 24-year-old, who was an 11th-round draft pick out of Old Dominion in 2019, has quickly earned the Royals' respect this summer.“Probably one of the smartest hitters I've been around," Bubic said.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Hunter Dozier was placed on the paternity list before the game, and Maikel Garcia was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to fill in for the multi-positional player. Dozier traveled to Minnesota with the team, before leaving to be with his wife who has been expecting their third child.Twins: Polanco hurt his knee sliding into home with the team's first run. He stayed in for six more innings before being replaced on defense in the ninth. “If he mentions anything to anybody, ever, you know it’s something to pay attention to,” Baldelli said.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (4-7, 4.29 ERA) takes the mound on Tuesday night. He's coming off his best start of the season, 6 1/3 shutout innings in a win over Chicago last week.Twins: RHP Sonny Gray (6-3, 3.33 ERA) pitches the middle game of the series. He beat Kansas City on May 29 with six innings, two hits, one run and no walks.

⚾ Kepler helps Twins bats get going in win over Royals

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

With two of the best players in the country leading the way — and a championship game loss as motivation — Alabama is No. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press preseason college football poll</a>&nbsp;for the second straight season and ninth time overall.

Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, national defensive player of year Will Anderson Jr. and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alabama-crimson-tide-football">the Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes</a>&nbsp;and 1,566 points in the Top 25 presented by Regions Bank released on Monday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ohio-state-buckeyes-football">Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes</a>&nbsp;(1,506 points) from the media panel and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/georgia-bulldogs-football">defending national champion Georgia is third</a>&nbsp;with three first-place votes (1,455 points).&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/clemson-tigers-football">Clemson</a>&nbsp;is No. 4.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/notre-dame-fighting-irish-football">Notre Dame rounds out the top five,</a>&nbsp;setting up a tantalizing opener at Ohio State on Sept. 3.

The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years under coach Nick Saban. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/oklahoma-sooners-football">only Oklahoma with 10</a>&nbsp;has been No. 1 in the initial poll more often than Alabama.

The Crimson Tide started last season No. 1 and finished ranked No. 2 after losing the national championship game to the Southeastern Conference rival Bulldogs.

“It wasn’t our end goal that we wanted,” Anderson said in the spring. “But I’m super proud of those guys, the way they fought. We were a young team. We had people go down. People had to step in that never been there before. So, I think that’s just a learning experience.”

Saban recently called 2021 a rebuilding season for his Tide dynasty, which has won six national titles over the last 13 years. He has a point.

Young was in his first season as a starter, playing behind an inexperienced offensive line. He was unfazed, throwing for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns.

Anderson was a force on the other side ball as Alabama broke in a back seven with mostly new starters. The sophomore led the nation in tackles for loss with 33 1/2, 11 1/2 more than No. 2 on the list.

Ohio State brings back a Heisman Trophy finalist at quarterback in C.J. Stroud while at Georgia, most of the key players from one of the best college defenses of the last 25 years are now in NFL. Still, quarterback Stetson Bennett and All-America tight end Brock Bowers return to a Bulldogs offense that could be even more explosive in 2022.

Texas A&amp;M, which finished last season unranked despite handing Alabama its only regular-season loss, starts this season No. 6.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/utah-utes-football">Defending Pac-12 champion Utah</a>&nbsp;is seventh, the best preseason ranking in school history. Defending Big Ten champion Michigan is No. 8 after making the playoff for the first time last season.

No. 9 Oklahoma is the highest-ranked Big 12 school, one spot ahead of defending league champion Baylor.

Alabama has been in the preseason top five in each of last 14 seasons and in the preseason top three in 13 straight. The Tide’s 31st preseason top-five ranking this year matches Ohio State for second-most in poll history behind Oklahoma's 37.

Turning preseason No. 1 into a national championship has proved tricky throughout history, even for Alabama.

The Crimson Tide have gone on to win the national championship after starting No. 1 just once under Saban and twice overall.

Since the AP preseason poll began in 1950, there have been 11 preseason No. 1 teams that also finished the season top ranked. Alabama was the last to do it (2017).

— No. 13 North Carolina State is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2003. The Wolfpack matched their best preseason ranking. They were also 13th in 1975.

— No. 17 Pitt is in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2010.

— No. 20 Kentucky is making its first preseason poll appearance since 1978.

— No. 22 Wake Forest made the preseason rankings for the first time since 2008.

— Ohio State is ranked in the preseason for the 34th straight season, breaking a tie with Nebraska (1970-2002) and Penn State (1968-2000) for the longest such streak in poll history.

— Texas A&amp;M has the second-best preseason ranking for a team that finished the previous season unranked. Ohio State was No. 3 in the 1972 preseason poll after being unranked at the end of the 1971 season and Notre Dame also started No. 6 in 1983 after finishing unranked in 1982.

How did the seasons work out for those teams? Ohio State went 9-2 and finished the season No. 9. The Irish went 7-5 and unranked again.

— LSU with new coach Brian Kelly will start the season unranked for the first time 2000, Saban's first of five seasons as coach of the Tigers.

— Florida and Florida State are both unranked to start the season, which has not happened since 1974.

Five schools ranked in the preseason poll have head coaches starting their first full seasons: Notre Dame (Marcus Freeman), Oklahoma (Brent Venables), No. 11 Oregon (Dan Lanning), No. 14 USC (Lincoln Riley) and No. 16 Miami (Mario Cristobal).

This is the second time in the last five seasons that five teams with new coaches were ranked in the preseason, according to Sportradar. It also happened in 2018, but before that season that type of representation in the preseason poll for teams with new coaches was a rarity.

You have to go all the way back to 1990 when six schools with coaches entering their first full season appeared in the preseason Top 25, according to Sportradar. That list includes some notable names: Gary Moeller, Michigan; Ken Hatfield, Clemson; Gene Stallings, Alabama; Jack Crowe, Arkansas; Paul Hackett, Pittsburgh; and John Jenkins, Houston.

For the fourth straight season, the Southeastern Conference has three teams in the top six.

The Atlantic Coast Conference matched its best showing in the preseason poll with five teams. The ACC has reached that number four previous times.

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football WriterWith two of the best players in the country leading the way — and a championship game loss as motivation — Alabama is No. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press preseason college football poll</a>&nbsp;for the second straight season and ninth time overall.Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, national defensive player of year Will Anderson Jr. and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alabama-crimson-tide-football">the Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes</a>&nbsp;and 1,566 points in the Top 25 presented by Regions Bank released on Monday.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ohio-state-buckeyes-football">Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes</a>&nbsp;(1,506 points) from the media panel and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/georgia-bulldogs-football">defending national champion Georgia is third</a>&nbsp;with three first-place votes (1,455 points).&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/clemson-tigers-football">Clemson</a>&nbsp;is No. 4.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/notre-dame-fighting-irish-football">Notre Dame rounds out the top five,</a>&nbsp;setting up a tantalizing opener at Ohio State on Sept. 3.The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years under coach Nick Saban. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/oklahoma-sooners-football">only Oklahoma with 10</a>&nbsp;has been No. 1 in the initial poll more often than Alabama.The Crimson Tide started last season No. 1 and finished ranked No. 2 after losing the national championship game to the Southeastern Conference rival Bulldogs.“It wasn’t our end goal that we wanted,” Anderson said in the spring. “But I’m super proud of those guys, the way they fought. We were a young team. We had people go down. People had to step in that never been there before. So, I think that’s just a learning experience.”Saban recently called 2021 a rebuilding season for his Tide dynasty, which has won six national titles over the last 13 years. He has a point.Young was in his first season as a starter, playing behind an inexperienced offensive line. He was unfazed, throwing for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns.Anderson was a force on the other side ball as Alabama broke in a back seven with mostly new starters. The sophomore led the nation in tackles for loss with 33 1/2, 11 1/2 more than No. 2 on the list.Ohio State brings back a Heisman Trophy finalist at quarterback in C.J. Stroud while at Georgia, most of the key players from one of the best college defenses of the last 25 years are now in NFL. Still, quarterback Stetson Bennett and All-America tight end Brock Bowers return to a Bulldogs offense that could be even more explosive in 2022.Texas A&amp;M, which finished last season unranked despite handing Alabama its only regular-season loss, starts this season No. 6.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/utah-utes-football">Defending Pac-12 champion Utah</a>&nbsp;is seventh, the best preseason ranking in school history. Defending Big Ten champion Michigan is No. 8 after making the playoff for the first time last season.No. 9 Oklahoma is the highest-ranked Big 12 school, one spot ahead of defending league champion Baylor.POLL POINTSAlabama has been in the preseason top five in each of last 14 seasons and in the preseason top three in 13 straight. The Tide’s 31st preseason top-five ranking this year matches Ohio State for second-most in poll history behind Oklahoma's 37.Turning preseason No. 1 into a national championship has proved tricky throughout history, even for Alabama.The Crimson Tide have gone on to win the national championship after starting No. 1 just once under Saban and twice overall.Since the AP preseason poll began in 1950, there have been 11 preseason No. 1 teams that also finished the season top ranked. Alabama was the last to do it (2017).RARITIES AND STREAKS— No. 13 North Carolina State is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2003. The Wolfpack matched their best preseason ranking. They were also 13th in 1975.— No. 17 Pitt is in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2010.— No. 20 Kentucky is making its first preseason poll appearance since 1978.— No. 22 Wake Forest made the preseason rankings for the first time since 2008.— Ohio State is ranked in the preseason for the 34th straight season, breaking a tie with Nebraska (1970-2002) and Penn State (1968-2000) for the longest such streak in poll history.— Texas A&amp;M has the second-best preseason ranking for a team that finished the previous season unranked. Ohio State was No. 3 in the 1972 preseason poll after being unranked at the end of the 1971 season and Notre Dame also started No. 6 in 1983 after finishing unranked in 1982.How did the seasons work out for those teams? Ohio State went 9-2 and finished the season No. 9. The Irish went 7-5 and unranked again.NOTABLE OMISSIONS— LSU with new coach Brian Kelly will start the season unranked for the first time 2000, Saban's first of five seasons as coach of the Tigers.— Florida and Florida State are both unranked to start the season, which has not happened since 1974.NEWBIESFive schools ranked in the preseason poll have head coaches starting their first full seasons: Notre Dame (Marcus Freeman), Oklahoma (Brent Venables), No. 11 Oregon (Dan Lanning), No. 14 USC (Lincoln Riley) and No. 16 Miami (Mario Cristobal).This is the second time in the last five seasons that five teams with new coaches were ranked in the preseason, according to Sportradar. It also happened in 2018, but before that season that type of representation in the preseason poll for teams with new coaches was a rarity.You have to go all the way back to 1990 when six schools with coaches entering their first full season appeared in the preseason Top 25, according to Sportradar. That list includes some notable names: Gary Moeller, Michigan; Ken Hatfield, Clemson; Gene Stallings, Alabama; Jack Crowe, Arkansas; Paul Hackett, Pittsburgh; and John Jenkins, Houston.CONFERENCE CALLFor the fourth straight season, the Southeastern Conference has three teams in the top six.The Atlantic Coast Conference matched its best showing in the preseason poll with five teams. The ACC has reached that number four previous times.SEC — 6 (Nos. 1, 3, 6, 19, 20, 21).ACC — 5 (Nos. 4, 13, 16, 17, 22).Big Ten — 4 (Nos. 2, 8, 15, 18).Big 12 — 3 (Nos. 9, 10, 12).Pac-12 — 3 (Nos. 7, 11, 14).American — 2 (Nos. 23, 24).Independents — 2 (Nos. 5, 25).

🏈 No. 1 Alabama tops preseason AP Top 25; Ohio St, 'Dawgs next

American Football Coaches Association

After winning the program’s first Division II national title with a perfect 14-0 record in 2021, Ferris State (Mich.) starts the 2022 season at No. 1 in the AFCA Division II Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. The Bulldogs, who earned all 30 first-place votes, will begin their title defense on September 1 hosting Central Washington.

Northwest Missouri State comes in at No. 2, followed by Valdosta State (Ga.), the national runner-up from a year ago, at No. 3.

The season’s first big Top 25 matchup pits the fourth and fifth-ranked teams as No. 4 Colorado School of Mines travels to No. 5 Grand Valley State (Mich.).

Shepherd (W.Va.), Angelo State (Tex.), Bowie State (Md.), Harding (Ark.), and Notre Dame (Ohio) round out the Top 10.

There is a second Top 25 matchup on the first weekend as No. 8 Bowie State (Md.) plays host to No. 16 New Haven (Conn.).

(1st votes) 2021 Record - Pts. - 2021 Rank - Season Opener 1. Ferris St. (Mich.) (30) 14-0 750 1 Sept. 1 vs. Central Washington 2. Northwest Missouri St. 11-2 661 4 Sept. 1 vs. Fort Hays St. (Kan.) 3. Valdosta St. (Ga.) 12-2 656 2 Sept. 1 vs. Keiser (Fla.) 4. Colorado School of Mines 12-2 654 3 Sept. 1 at No. 5 Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 5. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 10-2 596 7 Sept. 1 vs. No. 4 Colorado School of Mines 6. Shepherd (W.Va.) 13-2 550 5 Sept. 1 at Southern Connecticut St. 7. Angelo St. (Tex.) 11-3 494 11 Sept. 1 vs. Chadron St. (Neb.) 8. Bowie St. (Md.) 12-2 479 6 Sept. 3 vs. No. 20 New Haven (Conn.) 9. Harding (Ark.) 11-2 467 10 Sept. 1 at East Central (Okla.) 10. Notre Dame (Ohio) 11-2 465 9 Sept. 1 at Ashland (Ohio) 11. West Florida 9-2 452 12 Sept. 3 vs. Warner (Fla.) 12. West Georgia 9-3 373 13 Sept. 1 vs. Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 13. Kutztown (Pa.) 11-2 359 8 Sept. 3 at Assumption (Mass.) 14. Nebraska-Kearney 10-3 318 15 Sept. 1 at Missouri Southern 15. Newberry (S.C.) 10-3 250 17 Sept. 3 vs. Allen (S.C.) 16. New Haven (Conn.) 10-2 243 14 Sept. 3 at No. 11 Bowie St. (Md.) 17. Western Colorado 10-2 226 16 Sept. 3 at West Texas A&amp;M 18. Albany St. (Ga.) 10-2 160 18 Sept. 3 vs. Mississippi College 19t. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 8-3 154 NR Sept. 3 vs. Virginia St. 19t. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 9-2 154 23 Sept. 1 at Oklahoma Baptist 21. California (Pa.) 9-1 143 21 Sept. 1 vs. Fairmont St. (W.Va.) 22. Bemidji St. (Minn.) 10-3 137 19 Sept. 1 vs. Minnesota St. 23. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 9-3 131 20 Sept. 3 vs. Wayne St. (Mich.) 24. Midwestern St. (Tex.) 7-3 112 NR Sept. 3 vs. Colorado St.-Pueblo 25. Augustana (S.D.) 9-3 99 NR Sept. 1 at Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) Others Receiving Votes: Frostburg St. (Md.), 97; Indiana (Pa.), 79; Indianapolis (Ind.), 65; Washburn (Kan.), 59; Findlay (Ohio), 52; Pittsburg St. (Kan.), 46; Tiffin (Ohio), 34; Minnesota-Duluth, 32; Henderson St. (Ark.), 31; Central Washington, 25; Bentley (Mass.), 24; Minnesota St., 23; Ashland (Ohio), 22; West Texas A&amp;M, 15; Saginaw Valley St. (Mich.), 14; Truman St. (Mo.), 13; Colorado St.-Pueblo, 7; Southeastern Oklahoma St., 7; Delta St. (Miss.), 5; Ohio Dominican, 4; Virginia Union, 4; West Alabama, 3; Shaw (N.C.), 2; Chadron St. (Neb.), 1; Colorado Mesa, 1; UT-Permian Basin (Texas), 1; West Chester (Pa.), 1.

American Football Coaches AssociationAfter winning the program’s first Division II national title with a perfect 14-0 record in 2021, Ferris State (Mich.) starts the 2022 season at No. 1 in the AFCA Division II Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. The Bulldogs, who earned all 30 first-place votes, will begin their title defense on September 1 hosting Central Washington.Northwest Missouri State comes in at No. 2, followed by Valdosta State (Ga.), the national runner-up from a year ago, at No. 3.The season’s first big Top 25 matchup pits the fourth and fifth-ranked teams as No. 4 Colorado School of Mines travels to No. 5 Grand Valley State (Mich.).Shepherd (W.Va.), Angelo State (Tex.), Bowie State (Md.), Harding (Ark.), and Notre Dame (Ohio) round out the Top 10.There is a second Top 25 matchup on the first weekend as No. 8 Bowie State (Md.) plays host to No. 16 New Haven (Conn.).(1st votes) 2021 Record - Pts. - 2021 Rank - Season Opener 1. Ferris St. (Mich.) (30) 14-0 750 1 Sept. 1 vs. Central Washington 2. Northwest Missouri St. 11-2 661 4 Sept. 1 vs. Fort Hays St. (Kan.) 3. Valdosta St. (Ga.) 12-2 656 2 Sept. 1 vs. Keiser (Fla.) 4. Colorado School of Mines 12-2 654 3 Sept. 1 at No. 5 Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 5. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 10-2 596 7 Sept. 1 vs. No. 4 Colorado School of Mines 6. Shepherd (W.Va.) 13-2 550 5 Sept. 1 at Southern Connecticut St. 7. Angelo St. (Tex.) 11-3 494 11 Sept. 1 vs. Chadron St. (Neb.) 8. Bowie St. (Md.) 12-2 479 6 Sept. 3 vs. No. 20 New Haven (Conn.) 9. Harding (Ark.) 11-2 467 10 Sept. 1 at East Central (Okla.) 10. Notre Dame (Ohio) 11-2 465 9 Sept. 1 at Ashland (Ohio) 11. West Florida 9-2 452 12 Sept. 3 vs. Warner (Fla.) 12. West Georgia 9-3 373 13 Sept. 1 vs. Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 13. Kutztown (Pa.) 11-2 359 8 Sept. 3 at Assumption (Mass.) 14. Nebraska-Kearney 10-3 318 15 Sept. 1 at Missouri Southern 15. Newberry (S.C.) 10-3 250 17 Sept. 3 vs. Allen (S.C.) 16. New Haven (Conn.) 10-2 243 14 Sept. 3 at No. 11 Bowie St. (Md.) 17. Western Colorado 10-2 226 16 Sept. 3 at West Texas A&amp;M 18. Albany St. (Ga.) 10-2 160 18 Sept. 3 vs. Mississippi College 19t. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 8-3 154 NR Sept. 3 vs. Virginia St. 19t. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 9-2 154 23 Sept. 1 at Oklahoma Baptist 21. California (Pa.) 9-1 143 21 Sept. 1 vs. Fairmont St. (W.Va.) 22. Bemidji St. (Minn.) 10-3 137 19 Sept. 1 vs. Minnesota St. 23. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 9-3 131 20 Sept. 3 vs. Wayne St. (Mich.) 24. Midwestern St. (Tex.) 7-3 112 NR Sept. 3 vs. Colorado St.-Pueblo 25. Augustana (S.D.) 9-3 99 NR Sept. 1 at Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) Others Receiving Votes: Frostburg St. (Md.), 97; Indiana (Pa.), 79; Indianapolis (Ind.), 65; Washburn (Kan.), 59; Findlay (Ohio), 52; Pittsburg St. (Kan.), 46; Tiffin (Ohio), 34; Minnesota-Duluth, 32; Henderson St. (Ark.), 31; Central Washington, 25; Bentley (Mass.), 24; Minnesota St., 23; Ashland (Ohio), 22; West Texas A&amp;M, 15; Saginaw Valley St. (Mich.), 14; Truman St. (Mo.), 13; Colorado St.-Pueblo, 7; Southeastern Oklahoma St., 7; Delta St. (Miss.), 5; Ohio Dominican, 4; Virginia Union, 4; West Alabama, 3; Shaw (N.C.), 2; Chadron St. (Neb.), 1; Colorado Mesa, 1; UT-Permian Basin (Texas), 1; West Chester (Pa.), 1.

🏈 Ferris State tops AFCA Division II preseason poll; NW Missouri State second

KANSAS
CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball
announced today that Vinnie
Pasquantino has been named American League Player of the week for the period of Aug. 8-14.
During that time, the Royals infielder posted a .455/.500/1.045 (10-for-22)
slashline and amassed an American League-best 4 home runs, 1 double, 6 RBI and
2 walks, while striking out just once and hitting safely in each of his 6
games, setting a career-long hitting streak that remains active into tonight. In
the same span, he also led all American League hitters with a 1.045 slugging
percentage and 23 total bases. while his 10 hits tied for the American League
lead with Seattle’s Mitch
Haniger and Chicago’s Eloy Jiménez.

This
marks Pasquantino’s first AL Player of the Week Award, and it’s the first by a
Royals player since Andrew
Benintendi took home the honors
for Sept. 6-12, 2021. He becomes the first Kansas City rookie to earn the award
since Mike Aviles won co-Player of the Week honors for the
week of July 28-Aug. 3, 2008.

Pasquantino’s
week began with a doubleheader vs. the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium on
Tuesday, in which he became the 13th Royal (17th instance) to homer in both
games of a doubleheader, and the first to turn the trick since Whit Merrifield on Aug. 6, 2017 vs. Seattle. His week included a pair of
game-winning RBI, including Game 1 of the aforementioned doubleheader when his
2-run home run off Lance Lynn was the decisive blow, and again two days
later when his 2nd inning, solo home run against White Sox ace Dylan Cease gave the Royals a lead they wouldn’t surrender.

Pasquantino,
24, finished his Player of the Week campaign by guiding the Royals offensively
to a 4-0 shutout of the Majors’ best Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday afternoon, recording
a career-high-tying 3 hits, including an RBI single in the 3rd inning,
a leadoff double in the 6th and a solo home run off Major League
Baseball’s active saves leader Craig
Kimbrel in the 8th.

Along
with his American League highs in home runs, slugging percentage, total bases,
isolated power (.591), extra-base hits (5, T-1st) and hits (T-1st)
last week, Pasquantino ranked second among American League players (min. 20 PA)
in batting average and OPS (1.545), while also ranking in strikeouts (T-3rd
fewest), runs scored (6, T-4th), RBI (T-4th) and on-base
percentage (5th).

The
left-handed infielder was selected by the Royals in the 11th round
of the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Old Dominion University (Va.)
and made his Major League debut on June 28 vs. Texas.

Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS
CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball
announced today that Vinnie
Pasquantino has been named American League Player of the week for the period of Aug. 8-14.
During that time, the Royals infielder posted a .455/.500/1.045 (10-for-22)
slashline and amassed an American League-best 4 home runs, 1 double, 6 RBI and
2 walks, while striking out just once and hitting safely in each of his 6
games, setting a career-long hitting streak that remains active into tonight. In
the same span, he also led all American League hitters with a 1.045 slugging
percentage and 23 total bases. while his 10 hits tied for the American League
lead with Seattle’s Mitch
Haniger and Chicago’s Eloy Jiménez.This
marks Pasquantino’s first AL Player of the Week Award, and it’s the first by a
Royals player since Andrew
Benintendi took home the honors
for Sept. 6-12, 2021. He becomes the first Kansas City rookie to earn the award
since Mike Aviles won co-Player of the Week honors for the
week of July 28-Aug. 3, 2008.Pasquantino’s
week began with a doubleheader vs. the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium on
Tuesday, in which he became the 13th Royal (17th instance) to homer in both
games of a doubleheader, and the first to turn the trick since Whit Merrifield on Aug. 6, 2017 vs. Seattle. His week included a pair of
game-winning RBI, including Game 1 of the aforementioned doubleheader when his
2-run home run off Lance Lynn was the decisive blow, and again two days
later when his 2nd inning, solo home run against White Sox ace Dylan Cease gave the Royals a lead they wouldn’t surrender.Pasquantino,
24, finished his Player of the Week campaign by guiding the Royals offensively
to a 4-0 shutout of the Majors’ best Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday afternoon, recording
a career-high-tying 3 hits, including an RBI single in the 3rd inning,
a leadoff double in the 6th and a solo home run off Major League
Baseball’s active saves leader Craig
Kimbrel in the 8th.Along
with his American League highs in home runs, slugging percentage, total bases,
isolated power (.591), extra-base hits (5, T-1st) and hits (T-1st)
last week, Pasquantino ranked second among American League players (min. 20 PA)
in batting average and OPS (1.545), while also ranking in strikeouts (T-3rd
fewest), runs scored (6, T-4th), RBI (T-4th) and on-base
percentage (5th).The
left-handed infielder was selected by the Royals in the 11th round
of the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Old Dominion University (Va.)
and made his Major League debut on June 28 vs. Texas.

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