TORONTO (AP) — Angel Zerpa pitched five solid innings, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking homer and the Kansas City Royals overcame the absence of 10 unvaccinated players to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Thursday night.

“One of the best wins of the year, all things considered,” manager Mike Matheny said.

Nate Eaton homered in his big league debut as the Royals won for the fifth time in six games.

Foreign nationals who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated baseball players are placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.

Among the 10 players on Kansas City’s 26-man roster who stayed home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor.

Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.

“We just abide by the rules that are given to us,” Matheny said before the game. “It’s not how we’d design it but it is where we are and now we move forward.”

The Royals recalled infielder Nick Pratto and selected Eaton, infielder Michael Massey, catcher Freddy Fermin and outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A Omaha. Infielder Maikel Garcia, catcher Sebastian Rivero and left-hander Zerpa were recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Pratto was in the starting lineup at first base and Eaton was in center field with Rivero catching Zerpa (2-0), who allowed one run and four hits, walked two and struck out two in the second start of his career and first this season.

“Every time we’ve seen him he looks like a top-shelf starter,” Matheny said. “He came in today against an all right-handed lineup that’s a very potent lineup and kept making good pitches all the way through. It was just a great display of pitching.”

Jackson Kowar pitched two innings, Taylor Clarke handled the eighth and Scott Barlow finished for his 16th save in 18 chances.

Eaton’s mother and brother were sitting behind Kansas City’s first base dugout, giving them a great view of his homer.

“Right around second base I was jogging and the only voice I could hear was my mom screaming,” Eaton said. “It was awesome. Those are the people that have been there my entire life and sacrificed so much for me to get to this point. Without them, I couldn’t have been here. To make them proud is pretty awesome.”

Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (6-7) started for the first time since taking a line drive off his ankle in a July 2 start against Tampa Bay. Gausman allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out six.

“Great to get him back out there before the (All-Star) break,” new Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “We liked what we saw, obviously. Everything was there as it usually is. Just a couple bad pitches.”

Nicky Lopez doubled off Gausman to begin the fifth and scored on a base hit by Edward Olivares, who was thrown out trying for a double. Witt followed with his 13th home run.

Toronto’s Matt Chapman homered off Zerpa in the bottom half, his 14th, but Eaton restored the two-run cushion by connecting off Anthony Banda in the ninth.

Zerpa earned his first career victory with two scoreless innings of relief against Detroit in Game 2 of Monday’s doubleheader. He made one start last season, allowing two unearned runs in five innings.

Keller, who started Monday, can be replaced Friday. Singer, who last pitched Wednesday, can be replaced for Sunday’s series finale.

Royals Pitching coach Cal Eldred, assistant hitting coach Keoni De Renne and bullpen catcher Parker Morin also did not travel. Triple-A Omaha manager Scott Thorman was brought along to assist Matheny’s staff.

Olivares, one of Kansas City’s remaining regulars, didn’t get the Royals off to a positive start. After opening the game with a single, he broke for second but lost sight of Witt’s liner to right, turned for third and was doubled off first by 120 feet. Olivares was later thrown out trying to steal second, then thrown out trying to stretch out a double. Hicklen ran for Olivares after he singled in the eighth, but got caught in a rundown between second and third.

Eaton is the fourth player in Royals history to homer in his first game, joining Ryan O’Hearn (2018 against the White Sox), Mark Quinn (1999 against the Angels) and Clint Hurdle (1977 against Seattle).

Blue Jays: LHP Yusei Kikcuhi (neck) will throw a second bullpen session Friday. Kikuchi has been out since July 6.

Royals RHP Zack Grienke (3-5, 4.52 ERA) starts Friday against Blue Jays RHP Alek Manoah (9-4, 2.34). Manoah is 2-0 in two career starts against the Royals, covering 13 scoreless innings.

TORONTO (AP) — Angel Zerpa pitched five solid innings, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking homer and the Kansas City Royals overcame the absence of 10 unvaccinated players to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Thursday night.“One of the best wins of the year, all things considered,” manager Mike Matheny said.Nate Eaton homered in his big league debut as the Royals won for the fifth time in six games.Foreign nationals who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated baseball players are placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.Among the 10 players on Kansas City’s 26-man roster who stayed home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor.Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.“We just abide by the rules that are given to us,” Matheny said before the game. “It’s not how we’d design it but it is where we are and now we move forward.”The Royals recalled infielder Nick Pratto and selected Eaton, infielder Michael Massey, catcher Freddy Fermin and outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A Omaha. Infielder Maikel Garcia, catcher Sebastian Rivero and left-hander Zerpa were recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.Pratto was in the starting lineup at first base and Eaton was in center field with Rivero catching Zerpa (2-0), who allowed one run and four hits, walked two and struck out two in the second start of his career and first this season.“Every time we’ve seen him he looks like a top-shelf starter,” Matheny said. “He came in today against an all right-handed lineup that’s a very potent lineup and kept making good pitches all the way through. It was just a great display of pitching.”Jackson Kowar pitched two innings, Taylor Clarke handled the eighth and Scott Barlow finished for his 16th save in 18 chances.Eaton’s mother and brother were sitting behind Kansas City’s first base dugout, giving them a great view of his homer.“Right around second base I was jogging and the only voice I could hear was my mom screaming,” Eaton said. “It was awesome. Those are the people that have been there my entire life and sacrificed so much for me to get to this point. Without them, I couldn’t have been here. To make them proud is pretty awesome.”Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (6-7) started for the first time since taking a line drive off his ankle in a July 2 start against Tampa Bay. Gausman allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out six.“Great to get him back out there before the (All-Star) break,” new Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “We liked what we saw, obviously. Everything was there as it usually is. Just a couple bad pitches.”Nicky Lopez doubled off Gausman to begin the fifth and scored on a base hit by Edward Olivares, who was thrown out trying for a double. Witt followed with his 13th home run.Toronto’s Matt Chapman homered off Zerpa in the bottom half, his 14th, but Eaton restored the two-run cushion by connecting off Anthony Banda in the ninth.TWO-WIN WEEKZerpa earned his first career victory with two scoreless innings of relief against Detroit in Game 2 of Monday’s doubleheader. He made one start last season, allowing two unearned runs in five innings.REINFORCEMENT REPORTKeller, who started Monday, can be replaced Friday. Singer, who last pitched Wednesday, can be replaced for Sunday’s series finale.ALSO ABSENTRoyals Pitching coach Cal Eldred, assistant hitting coach Keoni De Renne and bullpen catcher Parker Morin also did not travel. Triple-A Omaha manager Scott Thorman was brought along to assist Matheny’s staff.RUNNING WILDOlivares, one of Kansas City’s remaining regulars, didn’t get the Royals off to a positive start. After opening the game with a single, he broke for second but lost sight of Witt’s liner to right, turned for third and was doubled off first by 120 feet. Olivares was later thrown out trying to steal second, then thrown out trying to stretch out a double. Hicklen ran for Olivares after he singled in the eighth, but got caught in a rundown between second and third.QUICK STARTERSEaton is the fourth player in Royals history to homer in his first game, joining Ryan O’Hearn (2018 against the White Sox), Mark Quinn (1999 against the Angels) and Clint Hurdle (1977 against Seattle).TRAINER’S ROOMBlue Jays: LHP Yusei Kikcuhi (neck) will throw a second bullpen session Friday. Kikuchi has been out since July 6.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Zack Grienke (3-5, 4.52 ERA) starts Friday against Blue Jays RHP Alek Manoah (9-4, 2.34). Manoah is 2-0 in two career starts against the Royals, covering 13 scoreless innings.

⚾ Royals beat Jays with 10 unvaccinated players absent

⚾ Royals patching up roster for Toronto, image among fans

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:48 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Tanner Rice"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/oP1Npt9W-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/oP1Npt9W-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/oP1Npt9W-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Tanner Rice" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Tanner Rice

TAMPA, Fla. – Senior tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6130">Hunter Budke</a>&nbsp;has been named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 list, released on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming 2022 season. The list of approximately 1000 collegiate football players consists of all-star game eligible players that are often drafted, signed after the draft, or attend rookie mini-camps. The majority of the watch list consists of players from the NCAA FBS and FCS levels, but also includes NCAA Division II, III, and NAIA. Budke is one of 29 players from NCAA Division II on the list, and there is only 31 non-FBS or FCS student-athletes listed overall with one from Division III and one from the NAIA level. Budke and defensive back DJ Stirgus of Missouri Western are the only two individuals from the MIAA on the list. The East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 list serves as a preview of college players who are currently all-star game eligible for the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl and 2023 NFL Draft class. Invitations to the East-West Shrine Bowl game, which often come from this list but is not exclusive to the list, will be given to select players following the 2022 season. Below is the link to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 for 2022-23.

FHSU Athletics<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657799966620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. – Senior tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6130">Hunter Budke</a>&nbsp;has been named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 list, released on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming 2022 season. The list of approximately 1000 collegiate football players consists of all-star game eligible players that are often drafted, signed after the draft, or attend rookie mini-camps. The majority of the watch list consists of players from the NCAA FBS and FCS levels, but also includes NCAA Division II, III, and NAIA. Budke is one of 29 players from NCAA Division II on the list, and there is only 31 non-FBS or FCS student-athletes listed overall with one from Division III and one from the NAIA level. Budke and defensive back DJ Stirgus of Missouri Western are the only two individuals from the MIAA on the list. The East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 list serves as a preview of college players who are currently all-star game eligible for the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl and 2023 NFL Draft class. Invitations to the East-West Shrine Bowl game, which often come from this list but is not exclusive to the list, will be given to select players following the 2022 season. Below is the link to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 for 2022-23.

🏈 FHSU's Budke named to East-West Shrine Bowl 1000

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer won for the first time in over a month as the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 5-2 to earn their first winning homestand in nearly a year.

Singer (3-3), who last won June 8 against Toronto, repeatedly escaped trouble to go six innings, allowing one run on seven hits and five walks.

“A lot of big jams that I had to get out of,” Singer said. “That was something I’m more happy with, getting out of those. Command was tough today. Didn’t have it, obviously, a lot of walks.”

The Tigers loaded the bases with no outs to start the game but scored only one run via Harold Castro’s sacrifice fly.

“That’s one of his best because the really good ones figure out ways to minimize the damage when they don’t have your good stuff,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He didn’t have his good stuff. The fine execution wasn’t there and the next thing you know he’s in tough, tough spots, and works his way out.”

Detroit opened the fourth with three consecutive singles, but the rally was stifled when Jonathan Schoop was thrown out trying to score by right fielder Edward Olivares.

Schoop was initially called safe; the call was overturned after a short review.

“I could feel myself tag him,” catcher MJ Melendez said. “I couldn’t tell where, but I knew I touched him before he got to the plate, so I pointed at the dugout and said, ‘You guys have to challenge that one.’"

Schoop has an 11-game hitting streak, batting .381 (16 for 42).

Singer walked the bases full in the sixth, then struck out Spencer Torkelson and Akil Baddoo to end the threat.

“Obviously we didn’t do enough with our opportunities,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “You’d like to get a little bit more early.”

Scott Barlow worked the ninth for his 15th save.

With series wins against Cleveland and Detroit, the Royals concluded their first winning homestand since July 23-29 last year.

“It’s confidence,” Matheny said. “As long as guys can continue to have some success, it builds their belief in themselves and each other. It just creates a better atmosphere and that’s what it did today. It’s fun to finish off a really good homestand.”

Andrew Benintendi had two singles, his tenth multi-hit game in his past 16 starts. He is hitting .414 (24 for 58) over that span.

Benintendi, named to his first All-Star Game this week, scored ahead of Emmanuel Rivera’s RBI double during a four-run fourth inning.

“There were a couple of bleeders that got through that innings and some balls that weren’t hit that hard,” Benintendi said. “I think against a guy like (Skubal), just putting the ball in play and making them make a play sometimes things start to go your way a little bit.”

Rivera extended his hitting streak to a career-best 11 games.

With the bases loaded, Olivares reached on Schoop’s error as two crossed the plate.

“We made a mess of the inning in the fourth,” Hinch said. “One error, but four miscues. It’s hard to win games when you do that.”

Hunter Dozier added an RBI triple the following inning against Tarik Skubal (6-7), who is 1-6 in his last seven starts while posting a 7.46 ERA.

“I think we’ve been swinging the bats well,” Dozier said. “Today was a big game to get the series win. A pretty good job getting the guys in and finding a way to get the win.”

Skubal went six innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, fanning five.

“He had really good stuff today,” Matheny said. “That’s … obviously, a different fastball than we’ve seen. The ball was just exploding out of his hand.”

The Royals will be without 10 of the 26 players on their active roster for their upcoming trip to Toronto due to Canadian restrictions on travelers who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19.

Matheny said the club will be without hitters Benintendi, Dozier, Cam Gallagher, Kyle Isbel, Melendez, Whit Merrifield and Michael A. Taylor along with pitchers Dylan Coleman, Brad Keller and Singer.

The team is set to play four games in Toronto. The 10 players will be placed on the restricted list and forfeit four days of pay and major league service time in accordance with the terms of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement.

Tigers RHP Drew Carlton was optioned to Class AAA Toledo.

The Tigers begin a four-game series in Cleveland Thursday. RHP Elvin Rodriguez (0-2, 11.51 ERA) will be recalled from Triple-A Toledo to make the start opposite RHP Tristan McKenzie (6-6, 3.47).

The Royals begin a four-game series in Toronto on Thursday. Probable starting pitchers have not been announced.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer won for the first time in over a month as the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 5-2 to earn their first winning homestand in nearly a year.Singer (3-3), who last won June 8 against Toronto, repeatedly escaped trouble to go six innings, allowing one run on seven hits and five walks.“A lot of big jams that I had to get out of,” Singer said. “That was something I’m more happy with, getting out of those. Command was tough today. Didn’t have it, obviously, a lot of walks.”The Tigers loaded the bases with no outs to start the game but scored only one run via Harold Castro’s sacrifice fly.“That’s one of his best because the really good ones figure out ways to minimize the damage when they don’t have your good stuff,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He didn’t have his good stuff. The fine execution wasn’t there and the next thing you know he’s in tough, tough spots, and works his way out.”Detroit opened the fourth with three consecutive singles, but the rally was stifled when Jonathan Schoop was thrown out trying to score by right fielder Edward Olivares.Schoop was initially called safe; the call was overturned after a short review.“I could feel myself tag him,” catcher MJ Melendez said. “I couldn’t tell where, but I knew I touched him before he got to the plate, so I pointed at the dugout and said, ‘You guys have to challenge that one.’"Schoop has an 11-game hitting streak, batting .381 (16 for 42).Singer walked the bases full in the sixth, then struck out Spencer Torkelson and Akil Baddoo to end the threat.“Obviously we didn’t do enough with our opportunities,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “You’d like to get a little bit more early.”Scott Barlow worked the ninth for his 15th save.With series wins against Cleveland and Detroit, the Royals concluded their first winning homestand since July 23-29 last year.“It’s confidence,” Matheny said. “As long as guys can continue to have some success, it builds their belief in themselves and each other. It just creates a better atmosphere and that’s what it did today. It’s fun to finish off a really good homestand.”Andrew Benintendi had two singles, his tenth multi-hit game in his past 16 starts. He is hitting .414 (24 for 58) over that span.Benintendi, named to his first All-Star Game this week, scored ahead of Emmanuel Rivera’s RBI double during a four-run fourth inning.“There were a couple of bleeders that got through that innings and some balls that weren’t hit that hard,” Benintendi said. “I think against a guy like (Skubal), just putting the ball in play and making them make a play sometimes things start to go your way a little bit.”Rivera extended his hitting streak to a career-best 11 games.With the bases loaded, Olivares reached on Schoop’s error as two crossed the plate.“We made a mess of the inning in the fourth,” Hinch said. “One error, but four miscues. It’s hard to win games when you do that.”Hunter Dozier added an RBI triple the following inning against Tarik Skubal (6-7), who is 1-6 in his last seven starts while posting a 7.46 ERA.“I think we’ve been swinging the bats well,” Dozier said. “Today was a big game to get the series win. A pretty good job getting the guys in and finding a way to get the win.”Skubal went six innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, fanning five.“He had really good stuff today,” Matheny said. “That’s … obviously, a different fastball than we’ve seen. The ball was just exploding out of his hand.”TEN DOWN FOR TORONTOThe Royals will be without 10 of the 26 players on their active roster for their upcoming trip to Toronto due to Canadian restrictions on travelers who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19.Matheny said the club will be without hitters Benintendi, Dozier, Cam Gallagher, Kyle Isbel, Melendez, Whit Merrifield and Michael A. Taylor along with pitchers Dylan Coleman, Brad Keller and Singer.The team is set to play four games in Toronto. The 10 players will be placed on the restricted list and forfeit four days of pay and major league service time in accordance with the terms of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement.TRANSACTIONSTigers RHP Drew Carlton was optioned to Class AAA Toledo.UP NEXTThe Tigers begin a four-game series in Cleveland Thursday. RHP Elvin Rodriguez (0-2, 11.51 ERA) will be recalled from Triple-A Toledo to make the start opposite RHP Tristan McKenzie (6-6, 3.47).The Royals begin a four-game series in Toronto on Thursday. Probable starting pitchers have not been announced.

⚾ Singer leads Royals to victory and series win vs Tigers

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark declared the league “open for business," saying that while nothing is imminent all options will be considered as he takes over with conference realignment again shaking college sports.

Yormark made his introductory remarks Wednesday at the start of the conference's football media days at AT&amp;T Stadium. He was named Bob Bowlsby's successor two weeks ago. The next day it was announced Southern California and UCLA would be leaving the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten in 2024, setting off all kinds of speculation about what moves might follow.

“We are exploring all options and we are open for business,” Yormark said, when immediately asked if the Big 12 was actively engaged in talks with any Pac-12 schools.

“Optionality is good, and we’re vetting through all of them," he said, without being specific about schools. "I think it’s fair to say I’ve received a lot of phone calls, a lot of interest. People understand the direction of the Big 12, and we’re exploring those levels of interest.”

With the Pac-12 down to 10 teams, any further significant loss of members could deal a fatal blow to a conference that was officially founded in 1959.

The former Roc Nation executive and CEO of the Brooklyn Nets officially begins work Aug. 1, but he has already been plenty busy with Big 12 business.

“What excites me most about joining the Big 12 is the transformative moment in front of all of us today,” he said. “We have an opportunity to grow and then build the Big 12 brand and business. ... Moments like these do not happen often, and we must seize them and make the most of them.”

Along with realignment, Yormark emphasized adding revenue streams and the opportunity to nationalize the Big 12 brand, be more aspirational and appeal to youth culture “to get younger and hipper.”

He also mentioned "seeing the true professionalization of college sports” at a time when name, image and likeness compensation for athletes is going into its second year.

The Big Ten's move West was another seismic shift in conference realignment, much like when it was revealed a week after Big 12 media days last summer that Texas and Oklahoma were moving to the Southeastern Conference no later than the 2025 season.

“I’m certain that Brett is just deeply appreciative of the way he was welcomed into the Big 12 Conference with, once again, conference realignment at the top of the list of things to deal with,” said Baylor president Linda Livingstone, part of the Big 12 board's three-person executive committee that headed the search.

Livingstone spoke to Yormark by phone a couple of days after he was named, which was after the news about UCLA and USC.

“Well, welcome to college athletics, and you thought working for Jay-Z was really exciting,” she told him.

Yormark described himself as actively engaged in realignment, with input from throughout the conference.

The Big 12 is going into its 12th and final season as a 10-school league. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF all join next summer after being approved for membership last September.

The pending departures of two of the Pac-12′s biggest brands came as a huge surprise, just like a year ago with the Big 12′s only national champions in football deciding to bail on the conference.

Yormark said the possible addition of more teams to the Big 12 wouldn't necessarily have an impact on any decision involving the Longhorns or Sooners leaving before the expiration of the league's media rights deal that has three more football seasons.

“I’m sure there’s going to be a moment in time where we’re going to sit down, discuss the future,” Yormark said about Texas and Oklahoma. “But any situation like this, I always look for a win-win scenario. That being said, it’s important that whatever happens is in the best interest of this conference.”

Yormark plans in August and September to visit the current Big 12 schools and the four coming on board next summer.

Livingstone said Yormark rose to the top of a strong pool of candidates during the search process.

“We could tell that with his experience in professional sports and sponsorships, and in media, in entertainment, given where college athletics is going, and all the changes taking place, with our media rights negotiation coming up, that Brett, in combination with the really strong athletic directors we have across the conference, would be a great combination to position us really well for the future,” she said.

This is will be Yormark's first job in college athletics, though he said it is a career path he often thought about taking.

The 55-year-old was an executive on the commercial side of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation after previously working with the Nets and running Barclay Center, their home arena, for more than a decade. He was NASCAR's vice president for corporate sponsorships before that.

“I always had a vision to be in college sports. Candidly, I thought it might have been an AD, I wasn’t sure,” Yormark said. “But I was enamored with the space. It was fueled during my time at Barclays Center. When this opportunity presented itself, I said, let’s give it a great shot, and thankfully it all worked out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657743340024.jpeg" alt="New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark at Big 12 Media Days in Dallas. (Courtesy Big 12)" />
 <figcaption>New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark at Big 12 Media Days in Dallas. (Courtesy Big 12)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark declared the league “open for business," saying that while nothing is imminent all options will be considered as he takes over with conference realignment again shaking college sports.Yormark made his introductory remarks Wednesday at the start of the conference's football media days at AT&amp;T Stadium. He was named Bob Bowlsby's successor two weeks ago. The next day it was announced Southern California and UCLA would be leaving the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten in 2024, setting off all kinds of speculation about what moves might follow.“We are exploring all options and we are open for business,” Yormark said, when immediately asked if the Big 12 was actively engaged in talks with any Pac-12 schools.“Optionality is good, and we’re vetting through all of them," he said, without being specific about schools. "I think it’s fair to say I’ve received a lot of phone calls, a lot of interest. People understand the direction of the Big 12, and we’re exploring those levels of interest.”With the Pac-12 down to 10 teams, any further significant loss of members could deal a fatal blow to a conference that was officially founded in 1959.The former Roc Nation executive and CEO of the Brooklyn Nets officially begins work Aug. 1, but he has already been plenty busy with Big 12 business.“What excites me most about joining the Big 12 is the transformative moment in front of all of us today,” he said. “We have an opportunity to grow and then build the Big 12 brand and business. ... Moments like these do not happen often, and we must seize them and make the most of them.”Along with realignment, Yormark emphasized adding revenue streams and the opportunity to nationalize the Big 12 brand, be more aspirational and appeal to youth culture “to get younger and hipper.”He also mentioned "seeing the true professionalization of college sports” at a time when name, image and likeness compensation for athletes is going into its second year.The Big Ten's move West was another seismic shift in conference realignment, much like when it was revealed a week after Big 12 media days last summer that Texas and Oklahoma were moving to the Southeastern Conference no later than the 2025 season.“I’m certain that Brett is just deeply appreciative of the way he was welcomed into the Big 12 Conference with, once again, conference realignment at the top of the list of things to deal with,” said Baylor president Linda Livingstone, part of the Big 12 board's three-person executive committee that headed the search.Livingstone spoke to Yormark by phone a couple of days after he was named, which was after the news about UCLA and USC.“Well, welcome to college athletics, and you thought working for Jay-Z was really exciting,” she told him.Yormark described himself as actively engaged in realignment, with input from throughout the conference.The Big 12 is going into its 12th and final season as a 10-school league. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF all join next summer after being approved for membership last September.The pending departures of two of the Pac-12′s biggest brands came as a huge surprise, just like a year ago with the Big 12′s only national champions in football deciding to bail on the conference.Yormark said the possible addition of more teams to the Big 12 wouldn't necessarily have an impact on any decision involving the Longhorns or Sooners leaving before the expiration of the league's media rights deal that has three more football seasons.“I’m sure there’s going to be a moment in time where we’re going to sit down, discuss the future,” Yormark said about Texas and Oklahoma. “But any situation like this, I always look for a win-win scenario. That being said, it’s important that whatever happens is in the best interest of this conference.”Yormark plans in August and September to visit the current Big 12 schools and the four coming on board next summer.Livingstone said Yormark rose to the top of a strong pool of candidates during the search process.“We could tell that with his experience in professional sports and sponsorships, and in media, in entertainment, given where college athletics is going, and all the changes taking place, with our media rights negotiation coming up, that Brett, in combination with the really strong athletic directors we have across the conference, would be a great combination to position us really well for the future,” she said.This is will be Yormark's first job in college athletics, though he said it is a career path he often thought about taking.The 55-year-old was an executive on the commercial side of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation after previously working with the Nets and running Barclay Center, their home arena, for more than a decade. He was NASCAR's vice president for corporate sponsorships before that.“I always had a vision to be in college sports. Candidly, I thought it might have been an AD, I wasn’t sure,” Yormark said. “But I was enamored with the space. It was fueled during my time at Barclays Center. When this opportunity presented itself, I said, let’s give it a great shot, and thankfully it all worked out.”

New commish: Big 12 open for business amid realignment talk

NEW ORLEANS - The Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field programs were both named USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams for the 2021-22 season, announced Wednesday by the coaches organization. The Tigers were also well-represented on the individual award list, with 17 student-athletes earning the All-Academic Award. Tigers receiving the honor in 2021-22 include&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6528">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6530">Rhyann Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6534">Kendra Clary</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6537">Alexandra Hart</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6538">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6540">Gretchen Kuffel</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6549">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6551">Taylor Savolt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6555">Chloe Stanley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6480">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6491">David Enns</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6493">Mark Faber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6499">Ethan Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6502">Trever Medina</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6507">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6510">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>. This is the fourth time&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;has earned the distinction, while Rossi, Faber and Robinson all earned the award for the third time. It is the second honor for Berens, Brown, Holman, Savolt, Albright, Lang and Pakkebier and is the first-such award for Clary, Hart, Kuffel,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6555">Chloe Stanley</a>, Enns and Medina. To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic award, student-athletes must compile a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and reach a provisional qualifying standard for the NCAA Championships in either indoor or outdoor seasons. To earn the team academic distinction, a program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The Tiger women carry a team GPA of 3.57, while the men's squad maintains a mark of 3.09. This is the sixth-consecutive season that both the men's and women's team have earned the honor. Name - GPA - Event - Mark - Major <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6528">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;- 3.73 - Javelin (O) - 154-4 (47.05m) - Pre-Elementary Education <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6530">Rhyann Brown</a>&nbsp;- 3.48 - Javelin (O) - 150-8 (45.93m) - HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6534">Kendra Clary</a>&nbsp;- 3.68 - 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:45.12 # - Political Science (Pre-Law) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:48.58 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6537">Alexandra Hart</a>&nbsp;- 3.31 - High Jump (O) - 5-8 (1.73m) - HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- High Jump (I) - 5-7.75 (1.72m) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6538">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;- 3.36 - 100m (O) - 11.41 # - Psychology &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 200m (O) - 23.78 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:45.12 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 60m (I) - 7.45 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 200m (I) - 24.32 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:48.58 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6540">Gretchen Kuffel</a>&nbsp;- 3.81 - 3,000m Steeplechase (O) - 10:47.30 # - HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6549">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 3.83 - 100m Hurdles (O) - 13.69 - Agriculture (Ag Business) / MBA &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 400m Hurdles (O) - 58.11 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:45.12 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Heptathlon (O) - 5,214 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 60m Hurdles (I) - 8.60 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:48.58 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Pentathlon (I) - 3,766 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6551">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;- 3.89 - 400m Hurdles (O) - 1:01.17 - Marketing &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:45.12 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Heptathlon (O) - 4,894 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:48.58 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Long Jump (I) - 18-7.75 (5.68m) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Triple Jump (I) - 40-0 (12.19m) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Pentathlon (I) - 3,508 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6555">Chloe Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 3.96 - 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:51.23 - Elementary Education / Sociology <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6480">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;- 3.76 - 4x100m Relay (O) - 40.54 - Information Networking &amp; Telecommunications (Cybersecurity) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:11.06 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 400m (I) - 48.19 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:14.75 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Distance Medley Relay (I) - 9:49.81 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6491">David Enns</a>&nbsp;- 3.66 - Javelin (O) - 208-9 (63.64m) - HHP (K-12 Teaching/Coaching) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6493">Mark Faber</a>&nbsp;- 4.00 - Pole Vault (O) - 16-4 (4.98m) - Biology (Health Professions) / Biology &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Pole Vault (I) - 16-4 (4.98m) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6499">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;- 3.81 - 800m (O) - 1:49.48 - Finance (Financial Planning) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:11.06 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 800m (I) - 1:50.50 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:14.75 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - Distance Medley Relay (I) - 9:49.81 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6502">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;- 3.44 - 800m (I) - 1:51.92 - HHP (K-12 Teaching/Coaching) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:14.75 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6507">Jack Pakkebier</a>&nbsp;- 3.53 - 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:11.06 # - Physics &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:14.75 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Heptathlon (I) - 4,972 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6510">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;- 3.77 - 4x100m Relay (O) - 40.54 - Finance &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Triple Jump (O) - 49-9 (15.16m) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Long Jump (I) - 23-8 (7.21m) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Triple Jump (I) - 49-3.5 (15.02m) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 3.96 - Pole Vault (O) - 17-0.75 (5.20m) - Management &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Pole Vault (I) - 17-9.25 (5.42m) # # indicates school record&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU AthleticsNEW ORLEANS - The Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field programs were both named USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams for the 2021-22 season, announced Wednesday by the coaches organization. The Tigers were also well-represented on the individual award list, with 17 student-athletes earning the All-Academic Award. Tigers receiving the honor in 2021-22 include&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6528">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6530">Rhyann Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6534">Kendra Clary</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6537">Alexandra Hart</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6538">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6540">Gretchen Kuffel</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6549">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6551">Taylor Savolt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6555">Chloe Stanley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6480">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6491">David Enns</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6493">Mark Faber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6499">Ethan Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6502">Trever Medina</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6507">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6510">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>. This is the fourth time&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;has earned the distinction, while Rossi, Faber and Robinson all earned the award for the third time. It is the second honor for Berens, Brown, Holman, Savolt, Albright, Lang and Pakkebier and is the first-such award for Clary, Hart, Kuffel,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6555">Chloe Stanley</a>, Enns and Medina. To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic award, student-athletes must compile a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and reach a provisional qualifying standard for the NCAA Championships in either indoor or outdoor seasons. To earn the team academic distinction, a program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The Tiger women carry a team GPA of 3.57, while the men's squad maintains a mark of 3.09. This is the sixth-consecutive season that both the men's and women's team have earned the honor. Name - GPA - Event - Mark - Major <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6528">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;- 3.73 - Javelin (O) - 154-4 (47.05m) - Pre-Elementary Education <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6530">Rhyann Brown</a>&nbsp;- 3.48 - Javelin (O) - 150-8 (45.93m) - HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6534">Kendra Clary</a>&nbsp;- 3.68 - 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:45.12 # - Political Science (Pre-Law) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:48.58 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6537">Alexandra Hart</a>&nbsp;- 3.31 - High Jump (O) - 5-8 (1.73m) - HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- High Jump (I) - 5-7.75 (1.72m) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6538">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;- 3.36 - 100m (O) - 11.41 # - Psychology &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 200m (O) - 23.78 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:45.12 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 60m (I) - 7.45 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 200m (I) - 24.32 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:48.58 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6540">Gretchen Kuffel</a>&nbsp;- 3.81 - 3,000m Steeplechase (O) - 10:47.30 # - HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6549">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 3.83 - 100m Hurdles (O) - 13.69 - Agriculture (Ag Business) / MBA &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 400m Hurdles (O) - 58.11 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:45.12 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Heptathlon (O) - 5,214 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 60m Hurdles (I) - 8.60 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:48.58 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Pentathlon (I) - 3,766 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6551">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;- 3.89 - 400m Hurdles (O) - 1:01.17 - Marketing &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:45.12 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Heptathlon (O) - 4,894 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:48.58 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Long Jump (I) - 18-7.75 (5.68m) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Triple Jump (I) - 40-0 (12.19m) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Pentathlon (I) - 3,508 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6555">Chloe Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 3.96 - 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:51.23 - Elementary Education / Sociology <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6480">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;- 3.76 - 4x100m Relay (O) - 40.54 - Information Networking &amp; Telecommunications (Cybersecurity) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:11.06 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 400m (I) - 48.19 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:14.75 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Distance Medley Relay (I) - 9:49.81 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6491">David Enns</a>&nbsp;- 3.66 - Javelin (O) - 208-9 (63.64m) - HHP (K-12 Teaching/Coaching) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6493">Mark Faber</a>&nbsp;- 4.00 - Pole Vault (O) - 16-4 (4.98m) - Biology (Health Professions) / Biology &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Pole Vault (I) - 16-4 (4.98m) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6499">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;- 3.81 - 800m (O) - 1:49.48 - Finance (Financial Planning) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:11.06 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 800m (I) - 1:50.50 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:14.75 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - Distance Medley Relay (I) - 9:49.81 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6502">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;- 3.44 - 800m (I) - 1:51.92 - HHP (K-12 Teaching/Coaching) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:14.75 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6507">Jack Pakkebier</a>&nbsp;- 3.53 - 4x400m Relay (O) - 3:11.06 # - Physics &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- 4x400m Relay (I) - 3:14.75 # &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Heptathlon (I) - 4,972 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6510">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;- 3.77 - 4x100m Relay (O) - 40.54 - Finance &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Triple Jump (O) - 49-9 (15.16m) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Long Jump (I) - 23-8 (7.21m) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Triple Jump (I) - 49-3.5 (15.02m) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 3.96 - Pole Vault (O) - 17-0.75 (5.20m) - Management &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- Pole Vault (I) - 17-9.25 (5.42m) # # indicates school record&nbsp;&nbsp;

👟 FHSU rakes in numerous USTFCCCA academic honors

AUGUSTA- The Hays Larks fell behind
early and couldn’t catch up and lost 13-2 to the Kansas Cannons in seven
innings in a non-league game Tuesday night at Augusta High School.

The Larks (23-7) were only out-hit by one but issued 14 walks to Cannon batters and have their seven-game winning streak snapped.

The Cannons (22-7), who are in first place in the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball standings, scored three runs in the
first then added seven in the third.

Larks starter Hunter Parker (3-2)
allowed four singles in the first inning and took the loss. He allowed five
runs on six hits with two walks and no strikeouts in two innings.

Jack Torosian had two hits and Tyler
LaRue hit his team-leading seventh home run and also pitched an inning in relief, striking out two.

The Larks begin a 12-game home stand
to close out the regular season Thursday with the first of three against the
Fort Collins Foxes.

Liberal beat the Colorado Springs
Outlaws 15-3 Tuesday and lead the Larks by one-game in the Rocky Mountain
Baseball League standings. The two will face each other twice next week at
Larks Park.

Hays PostAUGUSTA- The Hays Larks fell behind
early and couldn’t catch up and lost 13-2 to the Kansas Cannons in seven
innings in a non-league game Tuesday night at Augusta High School.The Larks (23-7) were only out-hit by one but issued 14 walks to Cannon batters and have their seven-game winning streak snapped.The Cannons (22-7), who are in first place in the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball standings, scored three runs in the
first then added seven in the third.Larks starter Hunter Parker (3-2)
allowed four singles in the first inning and took the loss. He allowed five
runs on six hits with two walks and no strikeouts in two innings.Jack Torosian had two hits and Tyler
LaRue hit his team-leading seventh home run and also pitched an inning in relief, striking out two.The Larks begin a 12-game home stand
to close out the regular season Thursday with the first of three against the
Fort Collins Foxes.SECOND PLACE IN THE RMBLLiberal beat the Colorado Springs
Outlaws 15-3 Tuesday and lead the Larks by one-game in the Rocky Mountain
Baseball League standings. The two will face each other twice next week at
Larks Park.

⚾ Larks win streak snapped by Cannons

GREAT BEND – The HBC Hammer 16u baseball
team split a doubleheader with the Great Bend Braves Tuesday night. The Hammer
dropped the first game 2-0 but scored four runs in the top of the fifth and won
the nightcap 8-4 at the Great Bend Sports Complex.

The 16u Hammer are 11-14-2 on the
season. They, along with the 15u and 18u Hammer teams, close out their season
at the High School Elite Series tournament at the Genesis Sports Complex in
Goddard this weekend.

Game 1: Great Bend Braves 2, HBC
Hammer 16u 0 
The Braves scored the
only runs of the game in bottom of the fourth on a two-out single to center. It
came after a one-out error.

Ben Zimmerman pitched two innings of
relief and suffered the loss on the mound. Dylan Haselhorst started the game
and went two innings. Brett Dreher pitched the final two innings in relief.

Game 2: HBC Hammer 16u 8, Great Bend
Braves 4 
The Hammer scored three
runs in the second then added four more in fifth to seal the split.

Hays used three straight singles
followed by two walks and two more singles to take the lead in the second.

Ben Zimmerman hit a two-run double
for the first two runs in the fifth. They added another on a sac fly and the
final on a bases loaded walk by Charlie Roe.

Starter Corbin Werth pitched two
scoreless innings, Tanner Boxberger and Derek Quach both gave up a pair of runs
in relief. Easton Juno pitched the seventh to close out the game.

Hays PostGREAT BEND – The HBC Hammer 16u baseball
team split a doubleheader with the Great Bend Braves Tuesday night. The Hammer
dropped the first game 2-0 but scored four runs in the top of the fifth and won
the nightcap 8-4 at the Great Bend Sports Complex.The 16u Hammer are 11-14-2 on the
season. They, along with the 15u and 18u Hammer teams, close out their season
at the High School Elite Series tournament at the Genesis Sports Complex in
Goddard this weekend.Game 1: Great Bend Braves 2, HBC
Hammer 16u 0 
The Braves scored the
only runs of the game in bottom of the fourth on a two-out single to center. It
came after a one-out error.Ben Zimmerman pitched two innings of
relief and suffered the loss on the mound. Dylan Haselhorst started the game
and went two innings. Brett Dreher pitched the final two innings in relief.Game 2: HBC Hammer 16u 8, Great Bend
Braves 4 
The Hammer scored three
runs in the second then added four more in fifth to seal the split.Hays used three straight singles
followed by two walks and two more singles to take the lead in the second.Ben Zimmerman hit a two-run double
for the first two runs in the fifth. They added another on a sac fly and the
final on a bases loaded walk by Charlie Roe.Starter Corbin Werth pitched two
scoreless innings, Tanner Boxberger and Derek Quach both gave up a pair of runs
in relief. Easton Juno pitched the seventh to close out the game.

⚾ HBC Hammer 16u split doubleheader in Great Bend

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:48 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Andy Lewton"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/pltwVffv-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/pltwVffv-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/pltwVffv-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Andy Lewton" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Andy Lewton

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Miguel Cabrera drove in the tying and go-ahead runs, matching Ted Williams for 14th place on the career RBI list, and the Detroit Tigers rallied past the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game skid.

Cabrera’s sacrifice fly in the fifth inning made it 3-3, and he had an RBI grounder for the Tigers’ first run in a four-run seventh. He equaled Williams with 1,838 RBIs.

“If we want anybody up to bat with a runner in scoring position, it’s Miggy,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said.

Later in the seventh, Cabrera stole third and scored on a wild throw by catcher MJ Melendez. It was just his second stolen base in the past seven seasons, and his first since Sept. 11, 2020, also a steal of third.

“It’s like Rickey Henderson says, ‘When you go, you gotta go,’” Cabrera said. “You don’t think. You just go. It was an opportunity to make something happen. Thank God I was safe. I still got it. Vroom, vroom, let’s go!”

“He saw something,” Hinch said. “I don’t think anybody anticipated Miggy going, including me. But it did kind of ignite something in the dugout and obviously we put some pressure on them and they made some mistakes. We opened up a lead that we needed there at the end.”

The Royals committed three errors in the seventh behind Jose Cuas (2-1), who allowed four runs, only one of them earned. Kansas City had four errors overall — two by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. — as its three-game winning streak ended.

“A couple of plays looked ugly there,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “That inning got away from our defense and that hasn’t happened very often this season.”

Beau Brieske (3-6) settled in after some early trouble, allowing one hit to his last 16 batters. He worked six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out four.

“The only way to salvage the game is to throw four or five zeros and keep your team in the game,” Brieske said. “It’s frustrating to give up runs early but it’s nice to settle in.”

Gregory Soto worked the ninth for his 18th save.

Melendez ripped Brieske’s first pitch of the game to left-center for a triple, then scored on Andrew Benintendi’s single. Benintendi, named to his first All-Star team this week, had two hits and drove in two runs.

“Just trying to start off the game, get on base and try to score,” Melendez said. “I know it puts a lot of pressure on. It’s part of trying to play hard, run hard.”

Melendez’s leadoff triple was the third by a catcher in major league history and the first since Craig Biggio did it on Sept. 4, 1991, against the Mets.

Isbel had an RBI double in the second for Kansas City, the first of his three hits, and Emmanuel Rivera drove him in with a double to make it 3-2.

RHP Matt Manning (60-day injured list, right shoulder inflammation) threw two innings for Class A Lakeland.

Tigers: Rookie INF/OF Kody Clemens was optioned to Triple-A Toledo and OF Akil Baddoo was recalled.

Detroit LHP Tarik Skubal (6-7, 3.99 ERA) opposes Kansas City RHP Brady Singer (3-3, 4.25) as the Tigers seek a split of the four-game series.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Miguel Cabrera drove in the tying and go-ahead runs, matching Ted Williams for 14th place on the career RBI list, and the Detroit Tigers rallied past the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game skid.Cabrera’s sacrifice fly in the fifth inning made it 3-3, and he had an RBI grounder for the Tigers’ first run in a four-run seventh. He equaled Williams with 1,838 RBIs.“If we want anybody up to bat with a runner in scoring position, it’s Miggy,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said.Later in the seventh, Cabrera stole third and scored on a wild throw by catcher MJ Melendez. It was just his second stolen base in the past seven seasons, and his first since Sept. 11, 2020, also a steal of third.“It’s like Rickey Henderson says, ‘When you go, you gotta go,’” Cabrera said. “You don’t think. You just go. It was an opportunity to make something happen. Thank God I was safe. I still got it. Vroom, vroom, let’s go!”“He saw something,” Hinch said. “I don’t think anybody anticipated Miggy going, including me. But it did kind of ignite something in the dugout and obviously we put some pressure on them and they made some mistakes. We opened up a lead that we needed there at the end.”The Royals committed three errors in the seventh behind Jose Cuas (2-1), who allowed four runs, only one of them earned. Kansas City had four errors overall — two by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. — as its three-game winning streak ended.“A couple of plays looked ugly there,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “That inning got away from our defense and that hasn’t happened very often this season.”Beau Brieske (3-6) settled in after some early trouble, allowing one hit to his last 16 batters. He worked six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out four.“The only way to salvage the game is to throw four or five zeros and keep your team in the game,” Brieske said. “It’s frustrating to give up runs early but it’s nice to settle in.”Gregory Soto worked the ninth for his 18th save.Melendez ripped Brieske’s first pitch of the game to left-center for a triple, then scored on Andrew Benintendi’s single. Benintendi, named to his first All-Star team this week, had two hits and drove in two runs.“Just trying to start off the game, get on base and try to score,” Melendez said. “I know it puts a lot of pressure on. It’s part of trying to play hard, run hard.”Melendez’s leadoff triple was the third by a catcher in major league history and the first since Craig Biggio did it on Sept. 4, 1991, against the Mets.Isbel had an RBI double in the second for Kansas City, the first of his three hits, and Emmanuel Rivera drove him in with a double to make it 3-2.TRAINER’S ROOMRHP Matt Manning (60-day injured list, right shoulder inflammation) threw two innings for Class A Lakeland.Tigers: Rookie INF/OF Kody Clemens was optioned to Triple-A Toledo and OF Akil Baddoo was recalled.UP NEXTDetroit LHP Tarik Skubal (6-7, 3.99 ERA) opposes Kansas City RHP Brady Singer (3-3, 4.25) as the Tigers seek a split of the four-game series.

⚾ Errors sink Royals in loss to Tigers

TEMPE, Ariz. - Five student-athletes from the Fort Hays State tennis team have been named ITA Scholar-Athletes while the team earned the ITA All-Academic Team award for the 2021-22 season, announced Tuesday (July 12) by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6113">Kylie Aufdengarten</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6114">Aliyah Frederick</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6117">Heidi Lubbers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6118">Hope Lubbers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6115">Fiorella Mendez</a>&nbsp;all picked up Scholar-Athlete status after recording a GPA of at least 3.50 during the latest academic year. The Tigers last had five players earn the award in the same season in 2019 and have not had more than five since 2014 when six Tigers received the honor. The Tigers have been named an ITA All-Academic Team each of the last six seasons and 15 times since 2004. The squad posted a team GPA of 3.27 this year. Fort Hays State was one of seven MIAA programs to receive All-Academic Team distinction this season. Frederick and Mendez picked up the distinction of ITA Scholar-Athlete for the second year in a row, while this is the first-such honor for Aufdengarten and both Lubbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU AthleticsTEMPE, Ariz. - Five student-athletes from the Fort Hays State tennis team have been named ITA Scholar-Athletes while the team earned the ITA All-Academic Team award for the 2021-22 season, announced Tuesday (July 12) by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6113">Kylie Aufdengarten</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6114">Aliyah Frederick</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6117">Heidi Lubbers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6118">Hope Lubbers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6115">Fiorella Mendez</a>&nbsp;all picked up Scholar-Athlete status after recording a GPA of at least 3.50 during the latest academic year. The Tigers last had five players earn the award in the same season in 2019 and have not had more than five since 2014 when six Tigers received the honor. The Tigers have been named an ITA All-Academic Team each of the last six seasons and 15 times since 2004. The squad posted a team GPA of 3.27 this year. Fort Hays State was one of seven MIAA programs to receive All-Academic Team distinction this season. Frederick and Mendez picked up the distinction of ITA Scholar-Athlete for the second year in a row, while this is the first-such honor for Aufdengarten and both Lubbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 FHSU earns ITA academic award, five individuals named scholar-athletes

BRANSON, Mo. - The Quicksilver 12u Fastpitch softball team recently wrapped up their season by winning the USSSA Class C National Championships held in Branson, Mo. July 6-10. The girls survived 40 other teams representing 12 different states in route to a perfect 10-0 weekend.

Three girls who go to school in Hays are on the Great Bend based team. Jenna Schmeidler, Rylee Stanley and Adalie Kippes are joined by Jimena Montes, Mikala Minton, Chayla Pendergrast, Adelle Smith, Baylie Kelly, Jaya Stroup and Brooklynn Kelly.

Pendergrast was named the Tournament MVP. She led the Quicksilver on the mound going 7-0, giving up 19 hits, 14 walks and 55 strikeouts during her 24 innings pitched.

Adelle Smith went 3-0, giving up five hits, six walks and 15 strikeouts in her 15 innings on the mound.

Catcher Riley Stanley, from Hays was named the Defensive MVP with her effort behind the plate during all 10 ballgames while Mikala Minton and Jenna Schmeidler, also from Hays, led the team with a .350 batting average during the tournament.

The ladies finished the season 44-9 and ranked #1 in Kansas and #1 nationally in the USSSA rankings.

Tournament Results Game 1 – vs. Assault (OK) - W 5-1 Game 2 – vs. Tulsa Eagles (OK) - W 3-2 Game 3 – vs. Ozark Ambush (MO) - W 9-0 Game 4 – Jackets Softball (IL) - W 12-0 Game 5 – NWMO Hustle (MO) - W 2-0 Game 6 – Espirit Metro (IL) - W 6-1 Game 7 – Venom (NE) - W 2-1 Game 8 – Crossfire (OK) - W 4-3 Game 9 – Tulsa Eagles (OK) - W 5-4 Championship – Crossfire (OK) - W 7-6

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657642003154.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right (back row) – Assistant Coach Chris Smith, Jimena Montes, Mikala Minton, Chayla Prendergast, Adelle Smith, Adalie Kippes, Assistant Coach Ashley Stroup – (front row) – Baylie Kelly, Jaya Stroup, Riley Stanley, Jenna Schmeidler, Brooklynn Kelly, and Coach Carrie Minton" />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right (back row) – Assistant Coach Chris Smith, Jimena Montes, Mikala Minton, Chayla Prendergast, Adelle Smith, Adalie Kippes, Assistant Coach Ashley Stroup – (front row) – Baylie Kelly, Jaya Stroup, Riley Stanley, Jenna Schmeidler, Brooklynn Kelly, and Coach Carrie Minton</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostBRANSON, Mo. - The Quicksilver 12u Fastpitch softball team recently wrapped up their season by winning the USSSA Class C National Championships held in Branson, Mo. July 6-10. The girls survived 40 other teams representing 12 different states in route to a perfect 10-0 weekend.Three girls who go to school in Hays are on the Great Bend based team. Jenna Schmeidler, Rylee Stanley and Adalie Kippes are joined by Jimena Montes, Mikala Minton, Chayla Pendergrast, Adelle Smith, Baylie Kelly, Jaya Stroup and Brooklynn Kelly.Pendergrast was named the Tournament MVP. She led the Quicksilver on the mound going 7-0, giving up 19 hits, 14 walks and 55 strikeouts during her 24 innings pitched.Adelle Smith went 3-0, giving up five hits, six walks and 15 strikeouts in her 15 innings on the mound.Catcher Riley Stanley, from Hays was named the Defensive MVP with her effort behind the plate during all 10 ballgames while Mikala Minton and Jenna Schmeidler, also from Hays, led the team with a .350 batting average during the tournament.The ladies finished the season 44-9 and ranked #1 in Kansas and #1 nationally in the USSSA rankings.Tournament Results Game 1 – vs. Assault (OK) - W 5-1 Game 2 – vs. Tulsa Eagles (OK) - W 3-2 Game 3 – vs. Ozark Ambush (MO) - W 9-0 Game 4 – Jackets Softball (IL) - W 12-0 Game 5 – NWMO Hustle (MO) - W 2-0 Game 6 – Espirit Metro (IL) - W 6-1 Game 7 – Venom (NE) - W 2-1 Game 8 – Crossfire (OK) - W 4-3 Game 9 – Tulsa Eagles (OK) - W 5-4 Championship – Crossfire (OK) - W 7-6

🥎 Three Hays girls part of national champion team

HAYS - The HBC Hammer 15u jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 24-9 win over the Hays Hammer 14u travel team Monday at Hays High.

The 15u (10-12-1) had 16 hits and took advantage of 25 walks.

After both teams scored two runs in the first, the 15u scored four in the second, three in the third and four in the fourth to build a 12-6 lead. They would add three runs in the sixth, four in the seventh, three in the eighth and two in the ninth of the nine inning game.

Five of the Hammer 15u players had two hits. Camden Sanders drove in five runs and&nbsp; Jalen Smith added three RBIs.

Trace Jacobs made the start and was one of seven pitchers on the night for the 15u. He was one of two to pitch two innings. The final four pitchers all threw for an inning.

The HBC Hammer 16u plays a doubleheader Tuesday evening in Great Bend. All three of the HBC Hammer teams close out their seasons at the High School Elite Series in Goddard this weekend.

HAYS - The HBC Hammer 15u jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 24-9 win over the Hays Hammer 14u travel team Monday at Hays High.The 15u (10-12-1) had 16 hits and took advantage of 25 walks.After both teams scored two runs in the first, the 15u scored four in the second, three in the third and four in the fourth to build a 12-6 lead. They would add three runs in the sixth, four in the seventh, three in the eighth and two in the ninth of the nine inning game.Five of the Hammer 15u players had two hits. Camden Sanders drove in five runs and&nbsp; Jalen Smith added three RBIs.Trace Jacobs made the start and was one of seven pitchers on the night for the 15u. He was one of two to pitch two innings. The final four pitchers all threw for an inning.The HBC Hammer 16u plays a doubleheader Tuesday evening in Great Bend. All three of the HBC Hammer teams close out their seasons at the High School Elite Series in Goddard this weekend.

⚾ HBC Hammer 15u pick up big home win

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:48 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Sam Hendon"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/aRFhRh9G-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/aRFhRh9G-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/aRFhRh9G-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sam Hendon" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Sam Hendon

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr. had his first career four-hit game along with three RBIs to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 7-3 Monday night for a doubleheader sweep.

In the opener, Brad Keller tossed seven strong innings and rookie Vinnie Pasquantino homered and drove in two runs as the Royals beat the Tigers 3-1.

Witt had a hit in each of the first three innings in the late game, giving him six hits for the doubleheader. He scored twice and stole three bases on the day.

“It was great,” Witt said of the sweep. “It started with Brad getting on the mound and attacking. We had a lot of energy."

Detroit starter Alex Faedo (1-5) slogged through a 37-pitch first inning, walking the bases full after Witt tied it with a double.

Witt delivered a second hit and RBI in the second inning, the third straight hit of the frame, giving Kansas City the lead.

Faedo was lifted after again loading the bases via walk. He recorded five outs while throwing 60 pitches, allowing four runs on four hits and four walks.

Ryan O’Hearn greeted reliever Tyler Alexander with a two-run single as the Royals batted around for a 4-1 second-inning advantage.

“We kept having really good at-bats,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “A couple of guys had real big days. Bobby had a real big day and was able to come through in big situations for us.”

MJ Melendez, who batted leadoff as a catcher — a franchise first — expanded the lead with a sacrifice fly the next inning.

Royals starter Daniel Lynch was greeted rudely in his return from the injured list, with Javier Báez drilling a first-pitch RBI double to score Robbie Grossman, who reached via error. Grossman collected singles in each of his next three at-bats.

Lynch struggled through four innings, allowing three runs on six hits, striking out three. He left after Grossman’s leadoff single in the fifth with a cut on his middle finger.

“He had a cut in a different spot than he had before,” Matheny said. “It was getting in the way of him throwing the slider."

Angel Zerpa (1-0) earned his first major league win with two innings of scoreless relief. He was the second of four Kansas City relievers.

Miguel Cabrera’s fifth-inning RBI double cut the Royals lead to 5-3. It was his 605th career double, tying him with Paul Molitor for 15th place on the career list, and his 1836th RBI, tying Cabrera with Ken Griffey, Jr., also for 15th place.

Injured Royals infielder Whit Merrifield didn’t play, ending his consecutive games streak at a franchise-record 553 — it dated to June 24, 2018, and was the longest active string in the majors.

“It’s been a great run for Whit,” Matheny said. “It’s just been impressive the way he’s been able to go about it.”

Merrifield exited Sunday’s game with right toe discomfort. He was fitted with a walking boot and is expected to be placed on the injured list due to a bone bruise and ligament swelling.

“It’s been a long run, and I’m proud of it," he said.

In the opener, Keller (5-9) permitted only three singles while fanning eight. He has won three straight starts and four of his last five.

Scott Barlow earned his 14th save with a scoreless ninth.

Pasquantino lined the first pitch from Michael Pineda (2-4) into the right-field bullpen with two outs in the fourth to open the scoring. It was his second career homer, both against Pineda, and both on the first pitch in the fourth inning.

“I tried to execute my fastball and he got it,” Pineda said. “This is one of the pitches I missed today. I tried to locate my fastball a little more away because I know he wanted to swing.”

Pineda worked into the sixth inning for only the second time in eight starts, allowing seven hits and three runs.

Riley Greene had two of Detroit’s four singles and scored their lone run in the sixth on Keller’s two-out wild pitch.

Monday’s doubleheader was the Tigers’ sixth of the season, second most in the majors behind Cleveland’s seven. The Royals swept a split doubleheader for the first time since taking both games against Tampa Bay July 7, 2015.

Royals LHP Foster Griffin was designated for assignment.

RHP Beau Brieske (2-6, 4.16 ERA) takes the mound for Detroit on Tuesday against LHP Kris Bubic (1-6, 6.84).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr. had his first career four-hit game along with three RBIs to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 7-3 Monday night for a doubleheader sweep.In the opener, Brad Keller tossed seven strong innings and rookie Vinnie Pasquantino homered and drove in two runs as the Royals beat the Tigers 3-1.Witt had a hit in each of the first three innings in the late game, giving him six hits for the doubleheader. He scored twice and stole three bases on the day.“It was great,” Witt said of the sweep. “It started with Brad getting on the mound and attacking. We had a lot of energy."Detroit starter Alex Faedo (1-5) slogged through a 37-pitch first inning, walking the bases full after Witt tied it with a double.Witt delivered a second hit and RBI in the second inning, the third straight hit of the frame, giving Kansas City the lead.Faedo was lifted after again loading the bases via walk. He recorded five outs while throwing 60 pitches, allowing four runs on four hits and four walks.Ryan O’Hearn greeted reliever Tyler Alexander with a two-run single as the Royals batted around for a 4-1 second-inning advantage.“We kept having really good at-bats,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “A couple of guys had real big days. Bobby had a real big day and was able to come through in big situations for us.”MJ Melendez, who batted leadoff as a catcher — a franchise first — expanded the lead with a sacrifice fly the next inning.Royals starter Daniel Lynch was greeted rudely in his return from the injured list, with Javier Báez drilling a first-pitch RBI double to score Robbie Grossman, who reached via error. Grossman collected singles in each of his next three at-bats.Lynch struggled through four innings, allowing three runs on six hits, striking out three. He left after Grossman’s leadoff single in the fifth with a cut on his middle finger.“He had a cut in a different spot than he had before,” Matheny said. “It was getting in the way of him throwing the slider."Angel Zerpa (1-0) earned his first major league win with two innings of scoreless relief. He was the second of four Kansas City relievers.Miguel Cabrera’s fifth-inning RBI double cut the Royals lead to 5-3. It was his 605th career double, tying him with Paul Molitor for 15th place on the career list, and his 1836th RBI, tying Cabrera with Ken Griffey, Jr., also for 15th place.The Tigers have lost four straight.Injured Royals infielder Whit Merrifield didn’t play, ending his consecutive games streak at a franchise-record 553 — it dated to June 24, 2018, and was the longest active string in the majors.“It’s been a great run for Whit,” Matheny said. “It’s just been impressive the way he’s been able to go about it.”Merrifield exited Sunday’s game with right toe discomfort. He was fitted with a walking boot and is expected to be placed on the injured list due to a bone bruise and ligament swelling.“It’s been a long run, and I’m proud of it," he said.In the opener, Keller (5-9) permitted only three singles while fanning eight. He has won three straight starts and four of his last five.Scott Barlow earned his 14th save with a scoreless ninth.Pasquantino lined the first pitch from Michael Pineda (2-4) into the right-field bullpen with two outs in the fourth to open the scoring. It was his second career homer, both against Pineda, and both on the first pitch in the fourth inning.“I tried to execute my fastball and he got it,” Pineda said. “This is one of the pitches I missed today. I tried to locate my fastball a little more away because I know he wanted to swing.”Pineda worked into the sixth inning for only the second time in eight starts, allowing seven hits and three runs.Riley Greene had two of Detroit’s four singles and scored their lone run in the sixth on Keller’s two-out wild pitch.TWINBILLSMonday’s doubleheader was the Tigers’ sixth of the season, second most in the majors behind Cleveland’s seven. The Royals swept a split doubleheader for the first time since taking both games against Tampa Bay July 7, 2015.TRANSACTIONSRoyals LHP Foster Griffin was designated for assignment.UP NEXTRHP Beau Brieske (2-6, 4.16 ERA) takes the mound for Detroit on Tuesday against LHP Kris Bubic (1-6, 6.84).

⚾ Witt, Jr., Pasquantino lead Royals to sweep of Detroit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals traded their competitive balance pick in the upcoming amateur draft to the Atlanta Braves on Monday for a trio of minor league players, including former second-round pick Drew Waters.

Unlike regular draft picks, competitive balance selections can be traded provided they are not dealt for cash. The one sent to the Braves is No. 35 overall, which means it comes between Sunday's first round and the second round. It has a slot value of $2,202,100, increasing the Braves' signing bonus pool to $10,224,300.

The 23-year-old Waters, an outfielder picked 41st overall in the 2017 draft, was hitting .252 while playing primarily with Triple-A Gwinnett this season. He spent last season at the Triple-A level, where he stole 28 bases in 103 games, and has been optioned by Kansas City to its Triple-A club at Omaha.

The other two players acquired by the Royals are right-hander Andrew Hoffman, who is 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA in 15 starts at Class-A Rome this season, and infielder CJ Alexander, who is hitting .258 at Double-A Mississippi.

The Royals assigned both of those players to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals traded their competitive balance pick in the upcoming amateur draft to the Atlanta Braves on Monday for a trio of minor league players, including former second-round pick Drew Waters.Unlike regular draft picks, competitive balance selections can be traded provided they are not dealt for cash. The one sent to the Braves is No. 35 overall, which means it comes between Sunday's first round and the second round. It has a slot value of $2,202,100, increasing the Braves' signing bonus pool to $10,224,300.The 23-year-old Waters, an outfielder picked 41st overall in the 2017 draft, was hitting .252 while playing primarily with Triple-A Gwinnett this season. He spent last season at the Triple-A level, where he stole 28 bases in 103 games, and has been optioned by Kansas City to its Triple-A club at Omaha.The other two players acquired by the Royals are right-hander Andrew Hoffman, who is 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA in 15 starts at Class-A Rome this season, and infielder CJ Alexander, who is hitting .258 at Double-A Mississippi.The Royals assigned both of those players to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

⚾ Royals trade draft pick for three minor leaguers

HAYS – Ben Fierenzi had three hits and drove in four runs to
help lead the Hays Larks to a 12-3 win and three-game sweep over the Colorado Springs
Outlaws Sunday night at Larks Park. The Larks (23-6, 17-3 RMBL) extended their
winning streak to seven games but still trail Liberal by two-games in league
play.

The Arizona Western freshman from Australia had three singles and a three-run homer in the Larks seven-run seventh
inning. Dylan Dreiling added two hits including a two-run triple which gave the
Larks the lead in the third. Austen Jaslove had a two-run double in the
seventh. Palmer Hutchison added two doubles in the Larks 13 hit attack.

The Outlaws grabbed an early 2-0 lead on a two-run homer in
the top of the first. Then added their third run on a solo homer in the fifth.

Larks starter Preston Tabor (2-0) allowed three wins on four hits
over 4 2/3 innings and was awarded the win. Caden Hare and Brady Rose combined
for 4 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.

The Larks travel to Augusta for a non-league game with the Kansas
Cannons Tuesday. They then return home Thursday for the start of a 12-game
homestand to close out the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657543080506.jpeg" alt="Larks second baseman Ben Fierenzi is congratulated at home plate after hitting a 3-run homer vs. Colorado Springs Sunday at Larks Park (Cayden Sanders)" />
 <figcaption>Larks second baseman Ben Fierenzi is congratulated at home plate after hitting a 3-run homer vs. Colorado Springs Sunday at Larks Park (Cayden Sanders)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS – Ben Fierenzi had three hits and drove in four runs to
help lead the Hays Larks to a 12-3 win and three-game sweep over the Colorado Springs
Outlaws Sunday night at Larks Park. The Larks (23-6, 17-3 RMBL) extended their
winning streak to seven games but still trail Liberal by two-games in league
play.The Arizona Western freshman from Australia had three singles and a three-run homer in the Larks seven-run seventh
inning. Dylan Dreiling added two hits including a two-run triple which gave the
Larks the lead in the third. Austen Jaslove had a two-run double in the
seventh. Palmer Hutchison added two doubles in the Larks 13 hit attack.The Outlaws grabbed an early 2-0 lead on a two-run homer in
the top of the first. Then added their third run on a solo homer in the fifth.Larks starter Preston Tabor (2-0) allowed three wins on four hits
over 4 2/3 innings and was awarded the win. Caden Hare and Brady Rose combined
for 4 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.The Larks travel to Augusta for a non-league game with the Kansas
Cannons Tuesday. They then return home Thursday for the start of a 12-game
homestand to close out the regular season.