HAYS – The Hays Hammer 18U baseball
team, formally the Hays Eagles Senior American Legion, picked up a couple of
wins over the Garden City Blues Wednesday night at Larks Park. The Hammer
run-ruled the Blues 13-1 in four innings in the first game, then had to rally in
the seventh after blowing a five-run lead to take the nightcap 11-10.

The Hammer are now 3-4 on the season.
They are back at home Thursday night for a doubleheader with the Salina Hawks
beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Game 1: Hays 13, Garden City 1 (4
innings) 
Jack Fields had two hits including a 3-run home run to highlight a seven-run
second inning. Fields also hit a double and finished with five RBIs.

Tyson Jimenez (1-0) allowed one run
on one hit with one strikeout and one walk and picked up the complete game
victory.

The Eagles took advantage of 11
walks and scored three in the first, seven in the second and three more runs in
the third.

Game 2: Hays 11, Garden City 10

The Hammer scored four runs in the
bottom of the seventh after blowing a five-run lead. Hays led 7-2 lead after
four, but the Blues (2-4) scored seven in the fifth then added another run in
the top of the seventh to go up 10-7.

Jack Fields and Carson Spray started
the seventh inning rally with back-to-back walks. &nbsp;Caden Morgan followed with a single to load the
bases. Lex Lummus drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly. Tyson Jimenez
followed with a triple down the right field line which drove in two and tied
the game 10-10. Following an intentional walk to Garrett Wellbrock, Dalton Dale
crushed a single off the bottom of the wall in left for the game winner.

Spray (1-1) allowed one run on two
hits over 2 1/3 innings of relief for the win. Starter Toby May allowed six earned
runs on three hits with three strikeouts and seven walks over 4 1/3 innings.

HAYS – The Hays Hammer 18U baseball
team, formally the Hays Eagles Senior American Legion, picked up a couple of
wins over the Garden City Blues Wednesday night at Larks Park. The Hammer
run-ruled the Blues 13-1 in four innings in the first game, then had to rally in
the seventh after blowing a five-run lead to take the nightcap 11-10.The Hammer are now 3-4 on the season.
They are back at home Thursday night for a doubleheader with the Salina Hawks
beginning at 6:00 p.m.Game 1: Hays 13, Garden City 1 (4
innings) 
Jack Fields had two hits including a 3-run home run to highlight a seven-run
second inning. Fields also hit a double and finished with five RBIs.Tyson Jimenez (1-0) allowed one run
on one hit with one strikeout and one walk and picked up the complete game
victory.The Eagles took advantage of 11
walks and scored three in the first, seven in the second and three more runs in
the third.Game 2: Hays 11, Garden City 10The Hammer scored four runs in the
bottom of the seventh after blowing a five-run lead. Hays led 7-2 lead after
four, but the Blues (2-4) scored seven in the fifth then added another run in
the top of the seventh to go up 10-7.Jack Fields and Carson Spray started
the seventh inning rally with back-to-back walks. &nbsp;Caden Morgan followed with a single to load the
bases. Lex Lummus drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly. Tyson Jimenez
followed with a triple down the right field line which drove in two and tied
the game 10-10. Following an intentional walk to Garrett Wellbrock, Dalton Dale
crushed a single off the bottom of the wall in left for the game winner.Spray (1-1) allowed one run on two
hits over 2 1/3 innings of relief for the win. Starter Toby May allowed six earned
runs on three hits with three strikeouts and seven walks over 4 1/3 innings.

⚾ Hays Hammer 18U sweep Garden City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mike Matheny spent about 20 minutes in the dugout before his Kansas City Royals took the field against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday and tried to put what has been a miserable 20-game stretch into perspective.

“There's some things we can get better at,” Matheny said of the 5-15 rut, “and it's a long list.”

They took care of a couple of them in their series finale against Toronto.

Kansas City finally managed to get into hitter's counts throughout the game, knocking out Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi before the end of the first inning, and rolled the rest of the way to an 8-4 victory that ended a three-game losing streak.

MJ Melendez and Emmanuel Rivera drove in two runs apiece. Carlos Santana went 4 for 4 and reached base five times during his eighth career four-hit game. And lumbering catcher Salvador Perez had his first triple in five years.

“I mean, it's helpful when you start talking about hitter's counts instead of pitcher's counts,” Matheny said afterward. “We have been on the other side of that, where you have to go to the bullpen early and have to kind of navigate things.”

Brady Singer allowed home runs to Raimel Tapia and Zack Collins but only allowed one other run in five tough innings. He improved to 3-1 in his five starts while the rest of the Kansas City rotation is 3-25 in 50 combined starts.

“I felt like I battled,” Singer said. “Gave the team a chance to win.”

Kikuchi retired only two batters while walking four and serving up two hits that cost him three first-inning runs — two more than Kansas City scored in its last four games against the Blue Jays, including a pair of shutouts to start the series.

Toronto briefly tied the game 3-all before Trevor Richards (2-1) allowed three more runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

“It gets tough,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said, "because you've got to cover eight, nine innings when the bullpen is already thin. So like I always say, pitching and defense wins. If Kikuchi comes throwing strikes, we have a good chance.

“Credit to our team that we still battled back and were in the game,” he added, "but it was too much to overcome.”

Given how much trouble the Royals have had scoring runs lately — they'd gone 18 straight innings without getting anyone across home plate — they no doubt welcomed Kikuchi's wayward ways on Wednesday.

He started by walking Andrew Benintendi and Bobby Witt Jr. to set up Melendez's two-run bloop double. Then, the left-hander walked Santana before Rivera's run-scoring base hit. And to finish things off, Kikuchi walked Michael A. Taylor before Montoyo brought in Trent Thornton to deal with a bases-loaded mess.

Thornton got a dazzling snare from shortstop Bo Bichette to prevent more runs from scoring.

It didn't take Singer long to cough up the Royals' lead: He served up homers to Tapia in the first and Collins in the third, both on 3-2 counts, along with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s RBI grounder that knotted the game 3-all.

Perez's single and Melendez's grounder gave the Royals the lead back in the fourth, and they extended it on Taylor's double in the fifth, Santana's single in the sixth and Whit Merrifield's double in the seventh.

“We're going to enjoy this one,” Matheny said. “Made the promise to myself that we're going to stop and enjoy them when things come together the right way. I told the guys, ‘Enjoy dinner with your family and don’t forget to smile.'”

Blue Jays: LHP Tim Mayza (forearm inflammation) had a rehab outing for Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday and could rejoin the club in Detroit. RHP Nate Pearson (mononucleosis) also planned to pitch for the Bison in their doubleheader.

Royals: OF Hunter Dozier is dealing with “something in his side" that flared up in an at-bat Monday, Matheny said. It kept Dozier out of the lineup for the second straight day. “They're still checking it out,” Matheny said.

The Blue Jays are off Thursday before sending RHP José Berríos (4-2, 5.24) to the mound to open a three-game set against the Tigers on Friday night. The Royals continue their season-high 10-game homestand Thursday night with LHP Kris Bubic (0-3, 9.33) getting the start against the Orioles in the opener of a four-game series.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mike Matheny spent about 20 minutes in the dugout before his Kansas City Royals took the field against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday and tried to put what has been a miserable 20-game stretch into perspective.“There's some things we can get better at,” Matheny said of the 5-15 rut, “and it's a long list.”They took care of a couple of them in their series finale against Toronto.Kansas City finally managed to get into hitter's counts throughout the game, knocking out Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi before the end of the first inning, and rolled the rest of the way to an 8-4 victory that ended a three-game losing streak.MJ Melendez and Emmanuel Rivera drove in two runs apiece. Carlos Santana went 4 for 4 and reached base five times during his eighth career four-hit game. And lumbering catcher Salvador Perez had his first triple in five years.“I mean, it's helpful when you start talking about hitter's counts instead of pitcher's counts,” Matheny said afterward. “We have been on the other side of that, where you have to go to the bullpen early and have to kind of navigate things.”Brady Singer allowed home runs to Raimel Tapia and Zack Collins but only allowed one other run in five tough innings. He improved to 3-1 in his five starts while the rest of the Kansas City rotation is 3-25 in 50 combined starts.“I felt like I battled,” Singer said. “Gave the team a chance to win.”Kikuchi retired only two batters while walking four and serving up two hits that cost him three first-inning runs — two more than Kansas City scored in its last four games against the Blue Jays, including a pair of shutouts to start the series.Toronto briefly tied the game 3-all before Trevor Richards (2-1) allowed three more runs in the fourth and fifth innings.“It gets tough,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said, "because you've got to cover eight, nine innings when the bullpen is already thin. So like I always say, pitching and defense wins. If Kikuchi comes throwing strikes, we have a good chance.“Credit to our team that we still battled back and were in the game,” he added, "but it was too much to overcome.”Given how much trouble the Royals have had scoring runs lately — they'd gone 18 straight innings without getting anyone across home plate — they no doubt welcomed Kikuchi's wayward ways on Wednesday.He started by walking Andrew Benintendi and Bobby Witt Jr. to set up Melendez's two-run bloop double. Then, the left-hander walked Santana before Rivera's run-scoring base hit. And to finish things off, Kikuchi walked Michael A. Taylor before Montoyo brought in Trent Thornton to deal with a bases-loaded mess.Thornton got a dazzling snare from shortstop Bo Bichette to prevent more runs from scoring.It didn't take Singer long to cough up the Royals' lead: He served up homers to Tapia in the first and Collins in the third, both on 3-2 counts, along with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s RBI grounder that knotted the game 3-all.Perez's single and Melendez's grounder gave the Royals the lead back in the fourth, and they extended it on Taylor's double in the fifth, Santana's single in the sixth and Whit Merrifield's double in the seventh.“We're going to enjoy this one,” Matheny said. “Made the promise to myself that we're going to stop and enjoy them when things come together the right way. I told the guys, ‘Enjoy dinner with your family and don’t forget to smile.'”TRAINER'S ROOMBlue Jays: LHP Tim Mayza (forearm inflammation) had a rehab outing for Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday and could rejoin the club in Detroit. RHP Nate Pearson (mononucleosis) also planned to pitch for the Bison in their doubleheader.Royals: OF Hunter Dozier is dealing with “something in his side" that flared up in an at-bat Monday, Matheny said. It kept Dozier out of the lineup for the second straight day. “They're still checking it out,” Matheny said.UP NEXTThe Blue Jays are off Thursday before sending RHP José Berríos (4-2, 5.24) to the mound to open a three-game set against the Tigers on Friday night. The Royals continue their season-high 10-game homestand Thursday night with LHP Kris Bubic (0-3, 9.33) getting the start against the Orioles in the opener of a four-game series.

⚾ Royals' bats awaken in win over Blue Jays to avoid sweep

HAYS – Austen Jaslove’s grand slam
highlighted a five-run eighth inning and the Hays Larks pull away late to beat
the Dodge City A’s 10-3 in their Rocky Mountain Baseball League opener Tuesday
night at Larks Park.

The Larks (4-1, 1-0 RMBL) held a
slim 3-2 lead when they scored two in the seventh on a Jack Torosian single and
Tyler Larue sacrifice fly.

Palmer Hutchison started the big eighth inning with a one-out double. Hunter Rosson, Leo Jiminian and Tanner Rice all
followed with walks and all scored on Jaslove’s homer to left.

Dodge City’s leadoff batter Kyle Morrel homered off
Larks starter Kaleb Meredith to open the game. 

The Larks tied it in the second on a
Larue two-out single which scored Jaslove.

The A’s, who are in their first
season on the RMBL, got a home run from Tyler Cotto in the second to retake the
lead only to see the Larks tie it up in the bottom of the inning on a Palmer
Hutchison single which scored Dylan Dreiling.

The Larks took the lead for good in the
third when Brady Evans reached on an error which drove in Torosian from third.

The A’s would add a run in the top
of the ninth on a Cotto single.

Meredith allowed two runs on three
hits over three innings but did not figure in the decision. Luke ter Beek pitched
two scoreless innings of relief and picked up the win.

The Larks went 4-0 on their season-opening
homestand. They now head to Colorado for four straight beginning Friday at the
Gameday Saints.

HAYS – Austen Jaslove’s grand slam
highlighted a five-run eighth inning and the Hays Larks pull away late to beat
the Dodge City A’s 10-3 in their Rocky Mountain Baseball League opener Tuesday
night at Larks Park.The Larks (4-1, 1-0 RMBL) held a
slim 3-2 lead when they scored two in the seventh on a Jack Torosian single and
Tyler Larue sacrifice fly.Palmer Hutchison started the big eighth inning with a one-out double. Hunter Rosson, Leo Jiminian and Tanner Rice all
followed with walks and all scored on Jaslove’s homer to left.Dodge City’s leadoff batter Kyle Morrel homered off
Larks starter Kaleb Meredith to open the game. The Larks tied it in the second on a
Larue two-out single which scored Jaslove.The A’s, who are in their first
season on the RMBL, got a home run from Tyler Cotto in the second to retake the
lead only to see the Larks tie it up in the bottom of the inning on a Palmer
Hutchison single which scored Dylan Dreiling.The Larks took the lead for good in the
third when Brady Evans reached on an error which drove in Torosian from third.The A’s would add a run in the top
of the ninth on a Cotto single.Meredith allowed two runs on three
hits over three innings but did not figure in the decision. Luke ter Beek pitched
two scoreless innings of relief and picked up the win.The Larks went 4-0 on their season-opening
homestand. They now head to Colorado for four straight beginning Friday at the
Gameday Saints.

⚾ Larks pull away late for win over Dodge City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alek Manoah scattered six hits in six scoreless innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0 Tuesday night.

Alejandro Kirk had four hits and scored a run for Toronto, and Bo Bichette reached base five times — including three walks. The Blue Jays have won back-to-back shutouts for the first time since last July.

“He’s fun to watch. He’s got to be one of the best in baseball,” Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo said of catcher Kirk. “From my chair, he’s got one of the best approaches. He puts the ball in play. He’s going to give you a good at-bat every time.

“What he did today, even when they shifted against him, he still found a way to get hits.”

Manoah (7-1) worked around a bases-loaded jam in the sixth after putting two of the runners on with two-out walks. He also got all four strikeouts on called third strikes.

“The whole team feels comfortable, like we have a chance when he’s on the mound,” Montoyo said. “He gets in trouble and then he finds another gear to get out of trouble. You don’t teach that.”

Manoah said the extra pressure drives him.

“When guys get on base, I just get angry,” Manoah said. “I find a way to control that competitiveness and that fire, and I feel like I’m at my best when I can do that.

“Just being able to go out there and eat a ton of innings is what I kind of what I build everything around.”

Brad Keller (1-7) allowed three runs and seven hits in six-plus innings for Kansas City. He walked two and struck out four and induced three inning-ending double plays. The Royals have been shut out in consecutive games for the first time since May 2021.

Matt Chapman’s two-run double put the Blue Jays on the board in the second. Kirk looped a one-out single into center, followed by a hustle double by Santiago Espinal that sent Kirk to third. Chapman then pulled a slider into left, driving in two.

The Royals put pressure on Manoah, but inning-ending double plays in the second and third innings stalled the rallies. Bichette leaped high in the air to snag a line drive, doubling off Carlos Santana at second to end the second inning.

“A lot of coaches in the past tried to calm me down and that made me not want to calm down,” he said. “But then I was getting a little too aggressive, so I decided to try to control my mindset and my heart rate.”

In the third, Andrew Benintendi rolled one to first. Vlad Guerrero stepped on the bag and then fired it to Bichette, who threw back to first to get Whit Merrifield.

The Blue Jays got another run in the seventh inning. Keller gave up singles to the first two batters he faced, including Kirk’s third hit. A lineout double play almost got the Royals out of it, but Raimel Tapia hit a double, scoring Espinal.

The Jays then added two more runs in the seventh on a bases-loaded walk and a wild pitch, and two more in the ninth on a two-run double by Teoscar Hernandez.

Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen was placed on the 10-day Injured List with a fractured fifth metacarpal in his left hand. Jansen took a pitch off his left hand in the eighth inning of Monday’s game. He finished the game behind the plate. The fracture is on the hand itself, just below the pinky finger on the bone that runs from the finger to the wrist. Catcher Zack Collins was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Jansen.

Benintendi was back in the lineup after missing Monday’s game with a sore right calf. He fouled a ball off his calf in Sunday’s game.

The Blue Jays and Royals will play the final game of a three-game series. The Blue Jays will start LHP Yusei Kikuchi (2-2, 3.91 ERA) against RHP Brady Singer (2-1, 4.15 ERA) of the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alek Manoah scattered six hits in six scoreless innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0 Tuesday night.Alejandro Kirk had four hits and scored a run for Toronto, and Bo Bichette reached base five times — including three walks. The Blue Jays have won back-to-back shutouts for the first time since last July.“He’s fun to watch. He’s got to be one of the best in baseball,” Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo said of catcher Kirk. “From my chair, he’s got one of the best approaches. He puts the ball in play. He’s going to give you a good at-bat every time.“What he did today, even when they shifted against him, he still found a way to get hits.”Manoah (7-1) worked around a bases-loaded jam in the sixth after putting two of the runners on with two-out walks. He also got all four strikeouts on called third strikes.“The whole team feels comfortable, like we have a chance when he’s on the mound,” Montoyo said. “He gets in trouble and then he finds another gear to get out of trouble. You don’t teach that.”Manoah said the extra pressure drives him.“When guys get on base, I just get angry,” Manoah said. “I find a way to control that competitiveness and that fire, and I feel like I’m at my best when I can do that.“Just being able to go out there and eat a ton of innings is what I kind of what I build everything around.”Brad Keller (1-7) allowed three runs and seven hits in six-plus innings for Kansas City. He walked two and struck out four and induced three inning-ending double plays. The Royals have been shut out in consecutive games for the first time since May 2021.Matt Chapman’s two-run double put the Blue Jays on the board in the second. Kirk looped a one-out single into center, followed by a hustle double by Santiago Espinal that sent Kirk to third. Chapman then pulled a slider into left, driving in two.The Royals put pressure on Manoah, but inning-ending double plays in the second and third innings stalled the rallies. Bichette leaped high in the air to snag a line drive, doubling off Carlos Santana at second to end the second inning.Maintaining calm was key for Manoah.“A lot of coaches in the past tried to calm me down and that made me not want to calm down,” he said. “But then I was getting a little too aggressive, so I decided to try to control my mindset and my heart rate.”In the third, Andrew Benintendi rolled one to first. Vlad Guerrero stepped on the bag and then fired it to Bichette, who threw back to first to get Whit Merrifield.The Blue Jays got another run in the seventh inning. Keller gave up singles to the first two batters he faced, including Kirk’s third hit. A lineout double play almost got the Royals out of it, but Raimel Tapia hit a double, scoring Espinal.The Jays then added two more runs in the seventh on a bases-loaded walk and a wild pitch, and two more in the ninth on a two-run double by Teoscar Hernandez.TRANSACTIONSBlue Jays catcher Danny Jansen was placed on the 10-day Injured List with a fractured fifth metacarpal in his left hand. Jansen took a pitch off his left hand in the eighth inning of Monday’s game. He finished the game behind the plate. The fracture is on the hand itself, just below the pinky finger on the bone that runs from the finger to the wrist. Catcher Zack Collins was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Jansen.TRAINER’S ROOMBenintendi was back in the lineup after missing Monday’s game with a sore right calf. He fouled a ball off his calf in Sunday’s game.UP NEXTThe Blue Jays and Royals will play the final game of a three-game series. The Blue Jays will start LHP Yusei Kikuchi (2-2, 3.91 ERA) against RHP Brady Singer (2-1, 4.15 ERA) of the Royals.

⚾ Royals shutout for second straight night, lose to Blue Jays

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Waltons, heirs to the Walmart fortune and America's richest family, have won the bidding to purchase the Denver Broncos in the most expensive deal for a sports franchise anywhere in the world.

The Broncos announced late Tuesday night they had entered into a sale agreement with the Walton-Penner ownership group led by Rob Walton, his daughter, Carrie Walton Penner, and her husband, Greg Penner.

Terms of the sale weren't disclosed, but KUSA-TV in Denver reported it was for $4.65 billion.

The price tag far surpasses the $3.1 billion sale last month of Chelsea, one of European soccer’s blue ribbon teams, to an American-led consortium fronted by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly.

Boehly reportedly was among the investors with one of the five finalists who were invited to make bids for the Broncos by Monday’s deadline.

The agreement for the Walmart-Penner group to buy the franchise from the Pat Bowlen Trust must be approved by the NFL, but that is considered a formality.

“While this purchase and sale agreement is pending approval from the NFL’s finance committee and league ownership, today marks a significant step on the path to an exciting new chapter in Broncos history,” team president and CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement.

“I have enjoyed getting to know Rob Walton, Carrie Walton Penner and Greg Penner throughout this process," Ellis said. "Learning more about their background and vision for the Denver Broncos, I am confident that their leadership and support will help this team achieve great things on and off the field.”

Rob Walton said in a statement, “We are thrilled to be selected to move forward with the purchase of the Denver Broncos! Carrie, Greg and I are inspired by the opportunity to steward this great organization in a vibrant community full of opportunity and passionate fans.

“Having lived and worked in Colorado, we’ve always admired the Broncos. Our enthusiasm has only grown as we’ve learned more about the team, staff and Broncos Country over the last few months,” Walton added.

Walton said Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments and chairwoman of Starbucks, has agreed to join the ownership group.

Hobson is Black. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has made minority ownership a point of emphasis in the league.

“Mellody currently serves as Chair of the Board of Starbucks Corporation and is also a director of JPMorgan Chase. We know she will bring her strategic acumen and leadership perspective to our team," Walton said.

"We look forward to earning the confidence and support of the NFL as we take the next step in this process. When the necessary approval procedures are met, our family is excited to share more with Broncos fans, the organization and the community.”

Walton, 77, was chairman of Walmart, the world's largest retailer, from 1992-2015, when he retired. He is the eldest son of founder Sam Walton and Helen Walton and has an estimated net worth of nearly $60 billion.

First-year coach Nathaniel Hackett demurred when asked Monday during offseason workouts if he’s kept up with the sale process.

“My job is to get the team ready and teach systems and teach them to come together as a team and get them better at football,” Hackett said. “I know that’s obviously a huge, huge deal. But for us it’s about winning no matter who is going to own the team, so I’m excited.”

After a first round of bids, five finalists were invited to tour the team’s facilities and take a deeper dive into the franchise’s finances. Hackett said he met with most of the billionaire bidders.

“After talking with everybody, I think they all have an amazing passion and want to be part of this league, and they want to be part of a team — and I think that’s something that’s really beautiful,” Hackett said.

“They want to come to win, and they want to do something great here. And so wherever it is, I think we’re going to be very grateful.”

The Pat Bowlen Trust has run the franchise for several years and last year put the club up for sale after Hall of Famer Pat Bowlen’s children couldn’t concur on a successor to their father.

Bowlen died in 2019, a month shy of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Waltons, heirs to the Walmart fortune and America's richest family, have won the bidding to purchase the Denver Broncos in the most expensive deal for a sports franchise anywhere in the world.The Broncos announced late Tuesday night they had entered into a sale agreement with the Walton-Penner ownership group led by Rob Walton, his daughter, Carrie Walton Penner, and her husband, Greg Penner.Terms of the sale weren't disclosed, but KUSA-TV in Denver reported it was for $4.65 billion.The price tag far surpasses the $3.1 billion sale last month of Chelsea, one of European soccer’s blue ribbon teams, to an American-led consortium fronted by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly.Boehly reportedly was among the investors with one of the five finalists who were invited to make bids for the Broncos by Monday’s deadline.The agreement for the Walmart-Penner group to buy the franchise from the Pat Bowlen Trust must be approved by the NFL, but that is considered a formality.“While this purchase and sale agreement is pending approval from the NFL’s finance committee and league ownership, today marks a significant step on the path to an exciting new chapter in Broncos history,” team president and CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement.“I have enjoyed getting to know Rob Walton, Carrie Walton Penner and Greg Penner throughout this process," Ellis said. "Learning more about their background and vision for the Denver Broncos, I am confident that their leadership and support will help this team achieve great things on and off the field.”Rob Walton said in a statement, “We are thrilled to be selected to move forward with the purchase of the Denver Broncos! Carrie, Greg and I are inspired by the opportunity to steward this great organization in a vibrant community full of opportunity and passionate fans.“Having lived and worked in Colorado, we’ve always admired the Broncos. Our enthusiasm has only grown as we’ve learned more about the team, staff and Broncos Country over the last few months,” Walton added.Walton said Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments and chairwoman of Starbucks, has agreed to join the ownership group.Hobson is Black. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has made minority ownership a point of emphasis in the league.“Mellody currently serves as Chair of the Board of Starbucks Corporation and is also a director of JPMorgan Chase. We know she will bring her strategic acumen and leadership perspective to our team," Walton said."We look forward to earning the confidence and support of the NFL as we take the next step in this process. When the necessary approval procedures are met, our family is excited to share more with Broncos fans, the organization and the community.”Walton, 77, was chairman of Walmart, the world's largest retailer, from 1992-2015, when he retired. He is the eldest son of founder Sam Walton and Helen Walton and has an estimated net worth of nearly $60 billion.First-year coach Nathaniel Hackett demurred when asked Monday during offseason workouts if he’s kept up with the sale process.“My job is to get the team ready and teach systems and teach them to come together as a team and get them better at football,” Hackett said. “I know that’s obviously a huge, huge deal. But for us it’s about winning no matter who is going to own the team, so I’m excited.”After a first round of bids, five finalists were invited to tour the team’s facilities and take a deeper dive into the franchise’s finances. Hackett said he met with most of the billionaire bidders.“After talking with everybody, I think they all have an amazing passion and want to be part of this league, and they want to be part of a team — and I think that’s something that’s really beautiful,” Hackett said.“They want to come to win, and they want to do something great here. And so wherever it is, I think we’re going to be very grateful.”The Pat Bowlen Trust has run the franchise for several years and last year put the club up for sale after Hall of Famer Pat Bowlen’s children couldn’t concur on a successor to their father.Bowlen died in 2019, a month shy of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

🏈 Walmart heir Rob Walton agrees to buy Broncos in record deal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette hit one of three Toronto home runs and five Blue Jays pitchers combined on a two-hitter in an 8-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.

Ross Stripling (2-1) earned the win as he allowed just one hit over five innings, matching his season high. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter. Stripling pitched more than four innings for just the second time this season. Stripling, who made his sixth start, has been used out of the bullpen eight times.

“You have no idea how happy I am that Strip (Stripling) went five innings,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. “That way we could save our (bullpen) arms. We also swung the bats, but he threw (less than) 60 balls and get through five. He was lights out.”

Stripling was pleased with the result as well.

“Going into it I thought I was going to have four innings,” he said. “I knew I would be in the 50- to 60-pitch range. I hadn’t gone more than 35 in the last couple of weeks. I was able to go five innings. That was the priority: stay efficient and try not to put too much on the bullpen.

Bichette’s home run was the first Toronto hit of the night after the game was delayed 2:05 because of weather.

Daniel Lynch (2-5) took the loss. He allowed six runs on six hits, with two walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Both managers were impressed with Stripling’s effort.

“He set everything up for us,” Montoyo said. “He was fun to watch tonight. He’s done a great job wherever we needed him.”

Kansas City manager Mike Matheny was impressed as well.

“We could never get in hitters’ counts,” he said. “He was in control from the top.”

Both starting pitchers were efficient at the start of the game. Michael A. Taylor’s one-out single in the bottom of the third inning was the first baserunner. Taylor had both of Kansas City’s hits.

George Springer walked leading off the fourth for Toronto’s first baserunner and he came around to score on Bichette’s line drive home run to right center.

The Blue Jays got another run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Danny Jansen.

Vlad Guerrero Jr. lined the first pitch he saw in the sixth 423 feet over the fence in right center. After Alejandro Kirk singled, Santiago Espinal hit the Blue Jays’ third home run of the night, giving the Jays a 6-0 lead and ending Lynch’s night.

The Blue Jays added an unearned run in the seventh on an RBI single by Teoscar Hernandez. They got their eighth run on a wild pitch in the eighth.

Royals OF Andrew Benintendi was held out of the lineup Monday after fouling a ball off his right calf in Sunday’s loss to Houston. Manager Mike Matheny said, “He’s good. It kind of stung. It began to cramp up. It’s happened to him a couple of other times, but it was more off the top of his foot or the chin. This time is was off the muscle, which was really grabbing and wasn’t allowing him to run full speed.”

The Blue Jays and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series. The Blue Jays will start RHP Alek Manoah (6-1, 1.98 ERA) against RHP Brad Keller (1-6, 4.15 ERA) of the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette hit one of three Toronto home runs and five Blue Jays pitchers combined on a two-hitter in an 8-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.Ross Stripling (2-1) earned the win as he allowed just one hit over five innings, matching his season high. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter. Stripling pitched more than four innings for just the second time this season. Stripling, who made his sixth start, has been used out of the bullpen eight times.“You have no idea how happy I am that Strip (Stripling) went five innings,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. “That way we could save our (bullpen) arms. We also swung the bats, but he threw (less than) 60 balls and get through five. He was lights out.”Stripling was pleased with the result as well.“Going into it I thought I was going to have four innings,” he said. “I knew I would be in the 50- to 60-pitch range. I hadn’t gone more than 35 in the last couple of weeks. I was able to go five innings. That was the priority: stay efficient and try not to put too much on the bullpen.Bichette’s home run was the first Toronto hit of the night after the game was delayed 2:05 because of weather.Daniel Lynch (2-5) took the loss. He allowed six runs on six hits, with two walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.Both managers were impressed with Stripling’s effort.“He set everything up for us,” Montoyo said. “He was fun to watch tonight. He’s done a great job wherever we needed him.”Kansas City manager Mike Matheny was impressed as well.“We could never get in hitters’ counts,” he said. “He was in control from the top.”Both starting pitchers were efficient at the start of the game. Michael A. Taylor’s one-out single in the bottom of the third inning was the first baserunner. Taylor had both of Kansas City’s hits.George Springer walked leading off the fourth for Toronto’s first baserunner and he came around to score on Bichette’s line drive home run to right center.The Blue Jays got another run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Danny Jansen.Vlad Guerrero Jr. lined the first pitch he saw in the sixth 423 feet over the fence in right center. After Alejandro Kirk singled, Santiago Espinal hit the Blue Jays’ third home run of the night, giving the Jays a 6-0 lead and ending Lynch’s night.The Blue Jays added an unearned run in the seventh on an RBI single by Teoscar Hernandez. They got their eighth run on a wild pitch in the eighth.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals OF Andrew Benintendi was held out of the lineup Monday after fouling a ball off his right calf in Sunday’s loss to Houston. Manager Mike Matheny said, “He’s good. It kind of stung. It began to cramp up. It’s happened to him a couple of other times, but it was more off the top of his foot or the chin. This time is was off the muscle, which was really grabbing and wasn’t allowing him to run full speed.”UP NEXTThe Blue Jays and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series. The Blue Jays will start RHP Alek Manoah (6-1, 1.98 ERA) against RHP Brad Keller (1-6, 4.15 ERA) of the Royals.

⚾ Bichette homers and Blue Jays top Royals

HAYS – Dylan Dreiling doubled four times, drove in six runs
as the Larks ran their win streak to three games in-a-row Sunday in a 22-7 rout
of the Boulder Collegians in seven innings at Larks Park.

Hays (3-1) got the scoring started early scoring four runs in
the first on a Tyler Larue two-RBI single and a two-run double by Dreiling.

Dreling doubled twice in the third and drove in three,
Palmer Hutchinson drove in two with a double and Ben Fierenzi added a two-run
homerun as the Larks scored nine times in the third inning. 

Fierenzi and Dreling added RBI doubles and Cade Brown
homered in the eight-run fourth as the Larks took a 21-3 lead through four innings.


The Larks out-hit Boulder 20-9 with 10 extra-base hits in
the victory.

Hunter Parker got the win, he allowed three runs over four
innings with four strikeouts.

The Larks have Monday off before opening RMBL play Tuesday at
home against Dodge City. 

HAYS – Dylan Dreiling doubled four times, drove in six runs
as the Larks ran their win streak to three games in-a-row Sunday in a 22-7 rout
of the Boulder Collegians in seven innings at Larks Park.Hays (3-1) got the scoring started early scoring four runs in
the first on a Tyler Larue two-RBI single and a two-run double by Dreiling.Dreling doubled twice in the third and drove in three,
Palmer Hutchinson drove in two with a double and Ben Fierenzi added a two-run
homerun as the Larks scored nine times in the third inning. Fierenzi and Dreling added RBI doubles and Cade Brown
homered in the eight-run fourth as the Larks took a 21-3 lead through four innings.
The Larks out-hit Boulder 20-9 with 10 extra-base hits in
the victory.Hunter Parker got the win, he allowed three runs over four
innings with four strikeouts.The Larks have Monday off before opening RMBL play Tuesday at
home against Dodge City.

Larks win third straight in rout of Boulder

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez hit his 16th home run of the season and Framber Valdez won his fifth straight start for the Houston Astros, who beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4. 

Álvarez extended his hitting streak to seven games. Valdez allowed only a third-inning leadoff single before the Royals got on the board in the sixth. 

Valdez went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits, walking three and striking out five. Rafael Montero got his fourth save. 

Salvador Perez had a home run and RBI double for the Royals. 

Jonathan Heasley was given the loss for the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez hit his 16th home run of the season and Framber Valdez won his fifth straight start for the Houston Astros, who beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4. Álvarez extended his hitting streak to seven games. Valdez allowed only a third-inning leadoff single before the Royals got on the board in the sixth. Valdez went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits, walking three and striking out five. Rafael Montero got his fourth save. Salvador Perez had a home run and RBI double for the Royals. Jonathan Heasley was given the loss for the Royals.

⚾Álvarez's HR boosts Astros to 7-4 win vs Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA announced on Friday (June 3) that Fort Hays State will be one of eight teams to participate in the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Eight of the top women's programs in Division II will be participating in the weekend event, which will feature four games each day taking place November 5-6. Fort Hays State is slated to take on West Texas A&amp;M and Southern Nazarene in the event. West Texas A&amp;M was the champion of the South Central Regional in the NCAA Tournament last year, but was knocked out in the national quarterfinals by eventual national champion Glenville State (W.Va.). West Texas A&amp;M had a record of 26-11 in 2021-22. Southern Nazarene finished its season in the Great American Conference quarterfinals last year after finishing second in the regular season standings. The GAC only had one representative in the Central Regional hosted in Hays last year, that being Southwestern Oklahoma State. The Crimson Storm posted a record of 20-10 in 2021-22. The eight-game event will feature four teams from the MIAA, all which competed in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament last year, along with two programs from the Lone Star Conference, one from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and one from the Great American Conference. All but one of the teams playing in the event competed in the NCAA Tournament last year. Here's a quick look at the teams competing at the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic Fort Hays State – Finished 30-4 in 2021-22…Was the No. 1 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Reached the finals of the Central Regional. Lubbock Christian – Finished 28-7 in 2021-22…Was the No. 3 seed in the South Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Reached the finals of the South Central Regional. Minnesota-Duluth – Finished 24-5 in 2021-22…Was the No. 3 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Fell in the opening round of the Central Regional. Missouri Southern – Finished 24-7 in 2021-22…Was the No. 4 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Fell in the opening round of the Central Regional. Missouri Western – Finished 24-10 in 2021-22…Was the No. 7 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Won the Central Regional before falling in the national quarterfinals. Nebraska-Kearney – Finished 24-8 in 2021-22…Was the No. 6 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Reached the semifinals of the Central Regional. Southern Nazarene – Finished 20-10 in 2021-22…Fell in the opening round of their conference tournament…Only team in this event that did not compete in the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22. West Texas A&amp;M – Finished 26-11 in 2021-22…Was the No. 1 seed in the South Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Won the South Central Regional before falling in the national quarterfinals. Below is the event schedule for the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic November 5, 2022 Game 1 – 11:30 AM: Nebraska Kearney vs. Southern Nazarene Game 2 – 1:30 PM: Fort Hays State vs. West Texas A&amp;M Game 3 – 3:30 PM: Missouri Southern vs. Lubbock Christian Game 4 – 5:30 PM: Missouri Western vs. Minnesota Duluth November 6, 2022 Game 5 – 11:30 AM: Nebraska Kearney vs. West Texas A&amp;M Game 6 – 1:30 PM: Fort Hays State vs. Southern Nazarene Game 7 – 3:30 PM: Missouri Southern vs. Minnesota Duluth Game 8 – 5:30 PM: Missouri Western vs. Lubbock Christian&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA announced on Friday (June 3) that Fort Hays State will be one of eight teams to participate in the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Eight of the top women's programs in Division II will be participating in the weekend event, which will feature four games each day taking place November 5-6. Fort Hays State is slated to take on West Texas A&amp;M and Southern Nazarene in the event. West Texas A&amp;M was the champion of the South Central Regional in the NCAA Tournament last year, but was knocked out in the national quarterfinals by eventual national champion Glenville State (W.Va.). West Texas A&amp;M had a record of 26-11 in 2021-22. Southern Nazarene finished its season in the Great American Conference quarterfinals last year after finishing second in the regular season standings. The GAC only had one representative in the Central Regional hosted in Hays last year, that being Southwestern Oklahoma State. The Crimson Storm posted a record of 20-10 in 2021-22. The eight-game event will feature four teams from the MIAA, all which competed in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament last year, along with two programs from the Lone Star Conference, one from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and one from the Great American Conference. All but one of the teams playing in the event competed in the NCAA Tournament last year. Here's a quick look at the teams competing at the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic Fort Hays State – Finished 30-4 in 2021-22…Was the No. 1 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Reached the finals of the Central Regional. Lubbock Christian – Finished 28-7 in 2021-22…Was the No. 3 seed in the South Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Reached the finals of the South Central Regional. Minnesota-Duluth – Finished 24-5 in 2021-22…Was the No. 3 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Fell in the opening round of the Central Regional. Missouri Southern – Finished 24-7 in 2021-22…Was the No. 4 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Fell in the opening round of the Central Regional. Missouri Western – Finished 24-10 in 2021-22…Was the No. 7 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Won the Central Regional before falling in the national quarterfinals. Nebraska-Kearney – Finished 24-8 in 2021-22…Was the No. 6 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Reached the semifinals of the Central Regional. Southern Nazarene – Finished 20-10 in 2021-22…Fell in the opening round of their conference tournament…Only team in this event that did not compete in the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22. West Texas A&amp;M – Finished 26-11 in 2021-22…Was the No. 1 seed in the South Central Region of the NCAA Tournament…Won the South Central Regional before falling in the national quarterfinals. Below is the event schedule for the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic November 5, 2022 Game 1 – 11:30 AM: Nebraska Kearney vs. Southern Nazarene Game 2 – 1:30 PM: Fort Hays State vs. West Texas A&amp;M Game 3 – 3:30 PM: Missouri Southern vs. Lubbock Christian Game 4 – 5:30 PM: Missouri Western vs. Minnesota Duluth November 6, 2022 Game 5 – 11:30 AM: Nebraska Kearney vs. West Texas A&amp;M Game 6 – 1:30 PM: Fort Hays State vs. Southern Nazarene Game 7 – 3:30 PM: Missouri Southern vs. Minnesota Duluth Game 8 – 5:30 PM: Missouri Western vs. Lubbock Christian&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀FHSU Women’s Basketball to Play in D2CCA Tip-Off Classic in November

Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field Stadium will host the third annual 6-Player All-Star Classic Saturday.

According to <a href="https://www.kansaspregame.com/article/6-man-all-star-game-coming-hays">Kansaspregame.com</a>, 24 players who graduated in 2022 from 15 schools will take part in the game which kicksoff at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 4.

The upcoming 2022 season will be the first time the 6-player football ranks will be sponsored by the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

Since 2016, two sub-state champions and runners-up played in the Wild West Bowl in Dodge City.

The first two 6-player All-Star Classic were held at Bethel College in North Newton in 2019 and 2021.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field Stadium will host the third annual 6-Player All-Star Classic Saturday.According to <a href="https://www.kansaspregame.com/article/6-man-all-star-game-coming-hays">Kansaspregame.com</a>, 24 players who graduated in 2022 from 15 schools will take part in the game which kicksoff at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 4.The upcoming 2022 season will be the first time the 6-player football ranks will be sponsored by the Kansas State High School Activities Association.Since 2016, two sub-state champions and runners-up played in the Wild West Bowl in Dodge City.The first two 6-player All-Star Classic were held at Bethel College in North Newton in 2019 and 2021.&nbsp;The North team won both games.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654264422030.jpeg" alt="6 players rosters per Kansaspregame.com" />
 <figcaption>6 players rosters per Kansaspregame.com</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈Hays set to host 6-Player All-Star Classic

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The moment the Kansas City Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins for a package of draft picks, any notion that the AFC West champions would be able to simply build on another deep playoff run went right with him. 

The deal earlier this offseason set in motion events that have left the Chiefs in an intriguing position as they hit the meat of their voluntary summer workouts: They’ve rebuilt their pass-catching corps into a more well-rounded and arguably more difficult-to-defend bunch while also updating and perhaps upgrading their playbook to better fit their personnel and in particular those big, rangy wide receivers that are now on the roster.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The moment the Kansas City Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins for a package of draft picks, any notion that the AFC West champions would be able to simply build on another deep playoff run went right with him. The deal earlier this offseason set in motion events that have left the Chiefs in an intriguing position as they hit the meat of their voluntary summer workouts: They’ve rebuilt their pass-catching corps into a more well-rounded and arguably more difficult-to-defend bunch while also updating and perhaps upgrading their playbook to better fit their personnel and in particular those big, rangy wide receivers that are now on the roster.

🏈Chiefs view WR corps post-Tyreek with bright-eyed optimism

GREAT BEND – The Hays Larks were held to just three runs in
their season opener Thursday in Great Bend as they come up short against the
BatCats 5-3. 

Great Bend scored two runs in the fourth and fifth inning
before the Larks got on the board with three in the top of the sixth but the
BatCats got one more in the sixth.

The BatCats were able to get to Larks reliever Brayden
Luikart for four runs, just two were earned in an inning and a third.

In the Larks three-run sixth Jack Torosian singled in a run,
Austin Jaslove added an RBI double and Tyler Larue drove in a run with a
sacrifice fly to cut the BatCats lead to 4-3 but Great Bend got a run back in
the bottom of inning and held on for the 5-3 win.

Jack Torosian was three-for-four with an RBI and a run
scored. Tanner Rice was two-for-four. 

The same two teams will meet Friday night in Hays at 7pm at
Larks Park.

GREAT BEND – The Hays Larks were held to just three runs in
their season opener Thursday in Great Bend as they come up short against the
BatCats 5-3. Great Bend scored two runs in the fourth and fifth inning
before the Larks got on the board with three in the top of the sixth but the
BatCats got one more in the sixth.The BatCats were able to get to Larks reliever Brayden
Luikart for four runs, just two were earned in an inning and a third.In the Larks three-run sixth Jack Torosian singled in a run,
Austin Jaslove added an RBI double and Tyler Larue drove in a run with a
sacrifice fly to cut the BatCats lead to 4-3 but Great Bend got a run back in
the bottom of inning and held on for the 5-3 win.Jack Torosian was three-for-four with an RBI and a run
scored. Tanner Rice was two-for-four. The same two teams will meet Friday night in Hays at 7pm at
Larks Park.

⚾Larks come up short in season opener in Great Bend

The Hays Larks are inviting everyone to the 14th annual Military Appreciation Night in conjunction with their game against the Boulder Collegians at 7 p.m. Saturday at Larks Park.  All active, reserve, and retired military personnel are specially invited to attend and will be honored on the field during pregame ceremonies. Military personnel will also be recognized after the 6th inning prior to the singing of "God Bless America." Military personnel in attendance should check in at the east side of the grandstand by 6:45 p.m. Saturday.

Fans are encouraged to be in the park by 6:50 p.m. to show their appreciation and support for all military personnel during pregame ceremonies. Those ceremonies will feature recognition of all military personnel in attendance, a Color Guard, and the national anthem sung live by Uncalled-4. Those in attendance will also enjoy patriotic music and a red, white, and blue decorated park throughout the evening.  Flags lining the park will be provided courtesy of American Legion Riders Post #173 of Hays, KS. Free admission to the game will be provided courtesy of the Hays VFW Post 9076, VFW Auxiliary, and Kiwanis Club of Hays.

News releaseThe Hays Larks are inviting everyone to the 14th annual Military Appreciation Night in conjunction with their game against the Boulder Collegians at 7 p.m. Saturday at Larks Park. All active, reserve, and retired military personnel are specially invited to attend and will be honored on the field during pregame ceremonies. Military personnel will also be recognized after the 6th inning prior to the singing of "God Bless America." Military personnel in attendance should check in at the east side of the grandstand by 6:45 p.m. Saturday.Fans are encouraged to be in the park by 6:50 p.m. to show their appreciation and support for all military personnel during pregame ceremonies. Those ceremonies will feature recognition of all military personnel in attendance, a Color Guard, and the national anthem sung live by Uncalled-4. Those in attendance will also enjoy patriotic music and a red, white, and blue decorated park throughout the evening. Flags lining the park will be provided courtesy of American Legion Riders Post #173 of Hays, KS. Free admission to the game will be provided courtesy of the Hays VFW Post 9076, VFW Auxiliary, and Kiwanis Club of Hays.

Hays Larks Military Appreciation Night set for Saturday

They will have a different name and new team colors, but the organization formally known as the Hays Baseball Association will have three high school level teams playing again this summer.

The HBA is now HBC High School and affiliated with the Hays America Baseball Club which has teams ranging from 7u through 14u. The high school division will have 15u, 16u and 18u teams and will no longer be affiliated with the American Legion.

All three teams begin their season Friday at the 2022 Perfect Game Kansas City Invitational played at the Olathe District Activity Center. All three teams will also participate in the organizations Wild West Fest Tournament July 1-3 at Larks Park and Hays High School.

The 15u team is coached by Steve Johnson and Dago Cano, the 16u is coached by Griffon Brunson and Lance Allred and the 18u by Tanner Willhoft and Josh Haynes. Jose Gonzalez will assist with the younger teams.&nbsp;

HBC Hammer 18u Schedule June 3-5 - PG Kansas City Invitational, Olathe June 8 - GARDEN CITY BLUES (Larks Park) June 9 - SALINA HAWKS (Larks Park) June 14 - at Garden City Blues (Clint Lightner Field) June 16-19 - PG Kansas Invitational, Topeka June 22 - SALINA HAWKS (Larks Park) June 24-26 - Bob Hooper Showcase, McPherson July 1-3 - WILD WEST FEST TOURNAMENT (Larks Park, HHS) July 7-10 - PG Oklahoma Championship at OU, Norman, OK July 14-17 - High School Elite Series, Goddard

HBC Hammer 16u Schedule June 3-5 - PG Kansas City Invitational, Olathe June 10-11 - McPherson Tournament June 14 - GREAT BEND BOMBERS (Larks Park) June 16-19 - PG Kansas Invitational, Topeka&nbsp;&nbsp; June 21 - GARDEN CITY BLUES (HHS) June 24-26 - Paola Tournament June 28 - at Dodge City July 1-3 - WILD WEST FEST TOURNAMENT (Larks Park, HHS) July 6 - DODGE CITY (Larks Park) July 7 - NORTON (Larks Park) July 14-17 - High School Elite Series, Goddard

HBC Hammer 15u Schedule June 3-5 - PG Kansas City Invitational, Olathe June 10-11 - McPherson Tournament June 14 - GREAT BEND BOMBERS (Larks Park) June 16-19 - PG Kansas Invitational, Topeka&nbsp;&nbsp; June 21 - GARDEN CITY BLUES (HHS) June 24-26 - Paola Tournament June 28 - at Dodge City July 1-3 - WILD WEST FEST TOURNAMENT (Larks Park, HHS) July 7 - NORTON (Larks Park) July 12 - at Great Bend Bombers July 14-17 - High School Elite Series, Goddard

They will have a different name and new team colors, but the organization formally known as the Hays Baseball Association will have three high school level teams playing again this summer.The HBA is now HBC High School and affiliated with the Hays America Baseball Club which has teams ranging from 7u through 14u. The high school division will have 15u, 16u and 18u teams and will no longer be affiliated with the American Legion.All three teams begin their season Friday at the 2022 Perfect Game Kansas City Invitational played at the Olathe District Activity Center. All three teams will also participate in the organizations Wild West Fest Tournament July 1-3 at Larks Park and Hays High School.The 15u team is coached by Steve Johnson and Dago Cano, the 16u is coached by Griffon Brunson and Lance Allred and the 18u by Tanner Willhoft and Josh Haynes. Jose Gonzalez will assist with the younger teams.&nbsp;HBC Hammer 18u Schedule June 3-5 - PG Kansas City Invitational, Olathe June 8 - GARDEN CITY BLUES (Larks Park) June 9 - SALINA HAWKS (Larks Park) June 14 - at Garden City Blues (Clint Lightner Field) June 16-19 - PG Kansas Invitational, Topeka June 22 - SALINA HAWKS (Larks Park) June 24-26 - Bob Hooper Showcase, McPherson July 1-3 - WILD WEST FEST TOURNAMENT (Larks Park, HHS) July 7-10 - PG Oklahoma Championship at OU, Norman, OK July 14-17 - High School Elite Series, Goddard HBC Hammer 16u Schedule June 3-5 - PG Kansas City Invitational, Olathe June 10-11 - McPherson Tournament June 14 - GREAT BEND BOMBERS (Larks Park) June 16-19 - PG Kansas Invitational, Topeka&nbsp;&nbsp; June 21 - GARDEN CITY BLUES (HHS) June 24-26 - Paola Tournament June 28 - at Dodge City July 1-3 - WILD WEST FEST TOURNAMENT (Larks Park, HHS) July 6 - DODGE CITY (Larks Park) July 7 - NORTON (Larks Park) July 14-17 - High School Elite Series, GoddardHBC Hammer 15u Schedule June 3-5 - PG Kansas City Invitational, Olathe June 10-11 - McPherson Tournament June 14 - GREAT BEND BOMBERS (Larks Park) June 16-19 - PG Kansas Invitational, Topeka&nbsp;&nbsp; June 21 - GARDEN CITY BLUES (HHS) June 24-26 - Paola Tournament June 28 - at Dodge City July 1-3 - WILD WEST FEST TOURNAMENT (Larks Park, HHS) July 7 - NORTON (Larks Park) July 12 - at Great Bend Bombers July 14-17 - High School Elite Series, Goddard

⚾ Summer season set to begin for HBC high school teams

The Hays Larks open their 2022 season Thursday night on the road against former Jayhawk League foe Great Bend.

This marks the 77th season of Hays Larks baseball and the 40th as manager for Frank Leo who guided the summer collegiate team to a 32-8 record and 4th place finish at the NBC World Series last summer.

The Larks return seven players from that 2021 team and have another who played with them in 2020. Among the returners are local products Dylan Dreiling and Palmer Hutchison.&nbsp;

Dreiling just completed his senior season at Hays High and was named the 5A Player of the Year by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches. The Tennessee commit hit .359 in 13 games last summer. Hutchison just completed his third season at Kansas City, Kansas Community College. He hit .276 in 36 games last summer for the Larks and led the team with 12 doubles.

The two are joined by catcher Brady Evans, outfielder Leo Jiminian, pitcher and first baseman Cade Brown and pitchers Hunter Parker, Luuk ter Beek. Brady Rose played for the Larks in 2020 and is also on the roster.

Thursday's game will be played at the Great Bend Sports Complex as the Bat Cats shuffle between that facility and Barton CC until upgrades at Al Burns Field.

Admission is once again free all summer at Larks Park beginning Friday against the Bat Cats.

This will also mark the Larks third season as a member of the Rocky Mountain Baseball League where they've won the league championship the last two seasons. They will be joined in the league by former Jayhawk League rivals Liberal and Dodge City.

2022 L arks Schedule June 2 at Great Bend Bat Cats*, 7pm June 3 vs. GREAT BEND BAT CATS*, 7pm (Big Brothers/Big Sisters Night) June 4 vs. BOULDER COLLEGIANS*, 7pm (Military Appreciation Night) June 5 vs. BOULDER COLLEGIANS*, 7pm June 7 vs. DODGE CITY A's, 7pm June 10 at Gameday Saints, 8pm June 11 at Denver Cougars, 2pm June 12 at Colorado Roughriders*, 5:30pm June 13 at Gameday Saints, 8:00pm June 15 vs. COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS, 7pm June 16 vs. COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS, 7pm June 17 vs. COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS, 7pm (First Responders Night) June 18 vs. DENVER COUGARS, 7pm (Foster Family/McKids Night) June 19 vs. DENVER COUGARS, 7pm (Stand Up 2 Cancer) June 21 vs. KANSAS CANNONS*, 7pm June 22 at Liberal BJ's, 7pm June 23 at Liberal BJ's, 7pm June 25 vs. DODGE CITY A's*, 7pm (Legends Night) June 26 at Dodge City A's*, 7pm June 28 at Dodge City A's, 7pm June 29 vs. JUNCTION CITY BRIGADE*, 7pm

July 1 at Fort Collins Foxes, 6:15pm July 2 at Boulder Collegians*, 6:60pm July 3 at Colorado Roughriders, 5:30pm July 4 at Colorado Springs Outlaws, 1:15pm July 6 at Dodge City A's, 7pm July 8 vs. COLORADO SPRINGS OUTLAWS, 7pm July 9 vs. COLORADO SPRINGS OUTLAWS, 7pm (Larkstoberfest) July 10 vs. COLORADO SPRINGS OUTLAWS, 7pm July 12 at Kansas Cannons*, 7pm July 14 vs. FORT COLLINS FOXES, 7pm July 15 vs. FORT COLLINS FOXES, 7pm July 16 vs. FORT COLLINS FOXES, 7pm (Educators Night) July&nbsp; 17 vs. COLORADO TRIBE*, 7pm July 18 vs. COLORADO TRIBE*, 7pm July 19 vs. DODGE CITY A's, 7pm July 21 vs. LIBERAL BJ's. 7pm July 22 vs. LIBERAL BJ's, 7pm July 23 vs. DENVER COUGARS, 7pm (Pack the Pantry Night) July 24 vs. DENVER COUGARS*, 7pm July 26 vs. Gameday Saints, 6pm (Host Family Night) July 27 vs. Gameday Saints, 7pm

The Hays Larks open their 2022 season Thursday night on the road against former Jayhawk League foe Great Bend.This marks the 77th season of Hays Larks baseball and the 40th as manager for Frank Leo who guided the summer collegiate team to a 32-8 record and 4th place finish at the NBC World Series last summer.The Larks return seven players from that 2021 team and have another who played with them in 2020. Among the returners are local products Dylan Dreiling and Palmer Hutchison.&nbsp;Dreiling just completed his senior season at Hays High and was named the 5A Player of the Year by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches. The Tennessee commit hit .359 in 13 games last summer. Hutchison just completed his third season at Kansas City, Kansas Community College. He hit .276 in 36 games last summer for the Larks and led the team with 12 doubles.The two are joined by catcher Brady Evans, outfielder Leo Jiminian, pitcher and first baseman Cade Brown and pitchers Hunter Parker, Luuk ter Beek. Brady Rose played for the Larks in 2020 and is also on the roster.Thursday's game will be played at the Great Bend Sports Complex as the Bat Cats shuffle between that facility and Barton CC until upgrades at Al Burns Field.Admission is once again free all summer at Larks Park beginning Friday against the Bat Cats.This will also mark the Larks third season as a member of the Rocky Mountain Baseball League where they've won the league championship the last two seasons. They will be joined in the league by former Jayhawk League rivals Liberal and Dodge City.2022 L arks Schedule June 2 at Great Bend Bat Cats*, 7pm June 3 vs. GREAT BEND BAT CATS*, 7pm (Big Brothers/Big Sisters Night) June 4 vs. BOULDER COLLEGIANS*, 7pm (Military Appreciation Night) June 5 vs. BOULDER COLLEGIANS*, 7pm June 7 vs. DODGE CITY A's, 7pm June 10 at Gameday Saints, 8pm June 11 at Denver Cougars, 2pm June 12 at Colorado Roughriders*, 5:30pm June 13 at Gameday Saints, 8:00pm June 15 vs. COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS, 7pm June 16 vs. COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS, 7pm June 17 vs. COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS, 7pm (First Responders Night) June 18 vs. DENVER COUGARS, 7pm (Foster Family/McKids Night) June 19 vs. DENVER COUGARS, 7pm (Stand Up 2 Cancer) June 21 vs. KANSAS CANNONS*, 7pm June 22 at Liberal BJ's, 7pm June 23 at Liberal BJ's, 7pm June 25 vs. DODGE CITY A's*, 7pm (Legends Night) June 26 at Dodge City A's*, 7pm June 28 at Dodge City A's, 7pm June 29 vs. JUNCTION CITY BRIGADE*, 7pmJuly 1 at Fort Collins Foxes, 6:15pm July 2 at Boulder Collegians*, 6:60pm July 3 at Colorado Roughriders, 5:30pm July 4 at Colorado Springs Outlaws, 1:15pm July 6 at Dodge City A's, 7pm July 8 vs. COLORADO SPRINGS OUTLAWS, 7pm July 9 vs. COLORADO SPRINGS OUTLAWS, 7pm (Larkstoberfest) July 10 vs. COLORADO SPRINGS OUTLAWS, 7pm July 12 at Kansas Cannons*, 7pm July 14 vs. FORT COLLINS FOXES, 7pm July 15 vs. FORT COLLINS FOXES, 7pm July 16 vs. FORT COLLINS FOXES, 7pm (Educators Night) July&nbsp; 17 vs. COLORADO TRIBE*, 7pm July 18 vs. COLORADO TRIBE*, 7pm July 19 vs. DODGE CITY A's, 7pm July 21 vs. LIBERAL BJ's. 7pm July 22 vs. LIBERAL BJ's, 7pm July 23 vs. DENVER COUGARS, 7pm (Pack the Pantry Night) July 24 vs. DENVER COUGARS*, 7pm July 26 vs. Gameday Saints, 6pm (Host Family Night) July 27 vs. Gameday Saints, 7pm

⚾ Larks open season Thursday in Great Bend

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Konnor Pilkington struck out eight in five innings for his first major league win and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep.

Pilkington, making his third career start and sixth appearance, worked out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the fourth. The left-hander is taking the rotation spot of injured Aaron Civale.

Pilkington was showered with beer by teammates to commemorate the win. He knew the importance of getting out of the fourth inning.

“I know I needed some kind of action, maybe a strikeout, maybe a double-play ball, something like that,” he said. “Cards fell my way and I just kept executing pitches.”

José Ramírez had a run-scoring groundout in the fifth for his major league-leading 52nd RBI. Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez and Richie Palacios also drove in runs for Cleveland.

Kansas City has dropped 11 of 13 and has the worst record in the majors at 16-33.

Brad Keller (1-6) allowed four runs and six hits in six innings.

Four Cleveland pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts. Royals manager Mike Matheny thought Keller gave his team a chance to win but pointed to those strikeouts as a major factor in another difficult day.

“It continues to be tough,” Matheny said. “We’ve had some really hard losses, and every one of them now continues to pile on the frustration in that room."

Pilkington (1-0) struck out his first four hitters. He stranded two in the second and one in the third before dodging major trouble in the fourth.

The inning began when Salvador Perez walked and MJ Melendez singled. Pilkington struck out Hunter Dozier, but Carlos Santana’s sharply hit single to right loaded the bases.

Pitching coach Carl Willis visited Pilkington on the mound to help him regroup. Emmanuel Rivera struck out and Nicky Lopez grounded out to end the inning.

“I don’t want to sound bad or anything, but my stuff plays," said Pilkington, who was acquired from Washington last season for infielder César Hernández. “Trusting my fastball and trusting my changeup and being able to locate those pitches. And then when they start to get on, being able to adjust.”

Pilkington began the season in Cleveland’s bullpen amid expanded rosters. He started in a doubleheader and was sent to Triple-A Columbus and was recalled when Civale was injured on May 20.

The Royals, who have a day off Thursday, completed a stretch of 26 games in 25 days.

Cleveland has had seven games postponed by inclement weather at Progressive Field this season. Heavy rain fell seconds after Emmanuel Clase recorded the final out Wednesday.

Civale (left gluteal soreness) underwent a procedure to aspirate blood from the affected area, which has delayed his return. Cleveland hopes he can pitch off a mound this weekend.

Andrew Benintendi had three hits and has reached base in 23 straight games. ... Cleveland rookie Oscar Gonzalez was 0 for 4 after hitting safely in his first five major league games.

The Royals don’t return to Cleveland until late September for a stretch of six days. The teams complete the regular season with six games from Sept. 30-Oct. 5.

Royals: C Cam Gallagher (left hamstring strain) caught five innings in his first game on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday and was hitless in two at-bats. He has missed 28 games.

Guardians: RHP James Karinchak (strained shoulder) was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday night. He was injured during spring training.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (2-0, 2.49 ERA), coming off a win over Minnesota in his last start, will open a three-game home series against Houston on Friday night.

Guardians: RHP Shane Bieber (12-3, 3.19 ERA) will pitch the opener of a three-game series in Baltimore on Friday night. The 2020 AL Cy Young winner allowed one run in eight innings against Detroit in his last start.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Konnor Pilkington struck out eight in five innings for his first major league win and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep.Pilkington, making his third career start and sixth appearance, worked out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the fourth. The left-hander is taking the rotation spot of injured Aaron Civale.Pilkington was showered with beer by teammates to commemorate the win. He knew the importance of getting out of the fourth inning.“I know I needed some kind of action, maybe a strikeout, maybe a double-play ball, something like that,” he said. “Cards fell my way and I just kept executing pitches.”José Ramírez had a run-scoring groundout in the fifth for his major league-leading 52nd RBI. Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez and Richie Palacios also drove in runs for Cleveland.Kansas City has dropped 11 of 13 and has the worst record in the majors at 16-33.Brad Keller (1-6) allowed four runs and six hits in six innings.Four Cleveland pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts. Royals manager Mike Matheny thought Keller gave his team a chance to win but pointed to those strikeouts as a major factor in another difficult day.“It continues to be tough,” Matheny said. “We’ve had some really hard losses, and every one of them now continues to pile on the frustration in that room."Pilkington (1-0) struck out his first four hitters. He stranded two in the second and one in the third before dodging major trouble in the fourth.The inning began when Salvador Perez walked and MJ Melendez singled. Pilkington struck out Hunter Dozier, but Carlos Santana’s sharply hit single to right loaded the bases.Pitching coach Carl Willis visited Pilkington on the mound to help him regroup. Emmanuel Rivera struck out and Nicky Lopez grounded out to end the inning.“I don’t want to sound bad or anything, but my stuff plays," said Pilkington, who was acquired from Washington last season for infielder César Hernández. “Trusting my fastball and trusting my changeup and being able to locate those pitches. And then when they start to get on, being able to adjust.”Pilkington began the season in Cleveland’s bullpen amid expanded rosters. He started in a doubleheader and was sent to Triple-A Columbus and was recalled when Civale was injured on May 20.The Royals, who have a day off Thursday, completed a stretch of 26 games in 25 days.Cleveland has had seven games postponed by inclement weather at Progressive Field this season. Heavy rain fell seconds after Emmanuel Clase recorded the final out Wednesday.CIVALE UPDATECivale (left gluteal soreness) underwent a procedure to aspirate blood from the affected area, which has delayed his return. Cleveland hopes he can pitch off a mound this weekend.STREAKSAndrew Benintendi had three hits and has reached base in 23 straight games. ... Cleveland rookie Oscar Gonzalez was 0 for 4 after hitting safely in his first five major league games.SEE YOU LATERThe Royals don’t return to Cleveland until late September for a stretch of six days. The teams complete the regular season with six games from Sept. 30-Oct. 5.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Cam Gallagher (left hamstring strain) caught five innings in his first game on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday and was hitless in two at-bats. He has missed 28 games.Guardians: RHP James Karinchak (strained shoulder) was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday night. He was injured during spring training.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (2-0, 2.49 ERA), coming off a win over Minnesota in his last start, will open a three-game home series against Houston on Friday night.Guardians: RHP Shane Bieber (12-3, 3.19 ERA) will pitch the opener of a three-game series in Baltimore on Friday night. The 2020 AL Cy Young winner allowed one run in eight innings against Detroit in his last start.

⚾ Pilkington gets first major league win, Guardians sweep KC

CLEVELAND (AP) — Austin Hedges hit a three-run homer and rookie Oscar Gonzalez doubled in two runs, sending the Cleveland Guardians to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Hedges’ third-inning drive, which barely cleared the 19-foot wall in left, scored Ernie Clement and Oscar Mercado to extend Cleveland’s lead to 6-2. The Guardians put 11 men on base in the first three frames against Daniel Lynch (2-4).

CLEVELAND (AP) — Austin Hedges hit a three-run homer and rookie Oscar Gonzalez doubled in two runs, sending the Cleveland Guardians to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Hedges’ third-inning drive, which barely cleared the 19-foot wall in left, scored Ernie Clement and Oscar Mercado to extend Cleveland’s lead to 6-2. The Guardians put 11 men on base in the first three frames against Daniel Lynch (2-4).Gonzalez, who is 9 for 21 through five games in the majors, tacked on a two-run double in the sixth off Dylan Coleman. Cleveland has won three of four, including the first two in its three-game set with AL-worst Kansas City.“It’s not all that often when a young kid comes up and gives you a huge boost, but Oscar has really given us a lift and some energy,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said.Cal Quantrill (2-3) worked 6.1 innings, allowing three runs, to remain unbeaten in his career at Progressive Field and against the Royals. The right-hander struck out five without a walk in improving to 6-0 in Cleveland and 5-0 all-time against Kansas City.Hedges is hitting just .155 on the season, but three of his four homers have occurred in games when he catches Quantrill.“Hedges is starting to hit home runs when I pitch, and I’m totally fine with that,” Quantrill said while chuckling.Guardians third baseman José Ramírez, who leads the majors with 51 RBIs, was intentionally walked in his first two plate appearances and finished 1 for 2 with a stolen base. They were the first two intentional passes by a Cleveland player in 2022.Lynch was lifted in the fourth after Andrés Giménez led off with a single. The left-hander gave up six runs, three in the first, in dropping his third straight decision for the 16-32 Royals.“Right now, we’re having trouble putting it all together,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “All the guys are tired of walking out of here, feeling the way they’re feeling now.”The Royals got on the board in the second when Kyle Isbel’s seeing-eye single drove in Hunter Dozier, then pulled within 3-2 in the third on Andrew Benintendi’s single to left. Benintendi was later thrown out at the plate by right fielder Gonzalez.“The throw wasn’t on the money accurate, but it was a laser beam and, obviously, it was a big situation,” Hedges said. “He just needed to get it there on time and let me take care of the rest.”Bobby Witt Jr. and Dozier were both hit by pitches from Quantrill near their left wrist, but remained in the game. Kansas City is 2-6 on a nine-game, 10-day trip that wraps up Wednesday in Cleveland.Royals reliever Jose Cuas, who began last season with Long Island in the independent Atlantic League, made his big league debut by retiring all three batters he faced.“It was everything you dream about as a kid,” Cuas said. “When I got through the first pitch, I was able to breathe and relax. It was fun.”TORRID PACERamírez was selected the AL Player of the Week for the second time this year after batting .348 with 11 RBIs in six games. The three-time All-Star has driven in 51 runs on the season, the third most in franchise history before the end of May. Cleveland's record is 63 by Manny Ramirez in 1999.“Manny and Josey are so different, but when you’re talking about Josey in those comparisons, that’s a pretty big compliment, probably to both guys,” Francona said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Cam Gallagher (left hamstring strain), who has been on the 10-day injured list since May 2, joined Triple-A Omaha on a rehab assignment. Gallagher has missed 28 games. “He’s got a little ways to go,” manager Mike Matheny said. “Cam has to get behind the plate.”Guardians: RHP Aaron Civale (left gluteal soreness) underwent a procedure to aspirate blood from the affected area. Civale was hurt on May 20 when he fell twice while mishandling a grounder against Detroit. “Hopefully, that will speed things up for him,” Francona said.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brad Keller (1-5, 3.95 ERA) seeks his first road victory since Aug. 20, 2021, against the Cubs. Keller is 0-3 with a 6.33 ERA in four starts away from Kansas City this season.Guardians: LHP Konnor Pilkington (0-0, 3.75 ERA) makes his sixth appearance in the majors since debuting on April 15. Pilkington has allowed five runs in seven innings over two starts, both in May.