Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Mon Jun 13 2022 10:40:54 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Cade Brown"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/rUrIJADZ-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/rUrIJADZ-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/rUrIJADZ-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Cade Brown" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Cade Brown

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alex Wood pitched four-hit ball over six innings for his first win in more than a month, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Monday night.

Thairo Estrada hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the sixth and Brandon Crawford doubled in two runs, lifting the Giants to their fourth straight win and sixth in eight games. Austin Slater walked twice and scored twice.

The Giants were limited to five hits but drew a season-high nine walks, four of which scored.

"When we're at our best offensively we're seeing a lot of pitches," Giants manager Gabe Kapler said. "I think there were some easier takes for us tonight but I thought we did a nice job of sticking with our game plan and our approach."

Coming off his best start of the season when he went seven innings against the Rockies, Wood (4-5) had five strikeouts and one walk. The left-hander retired his final 10 batters after Bobby Witt Jr.'s RBI single in the third, ending his night after 80 pitches.

It came less than two weeks after Wood was upset and complained when Kapler removed him in the sixth inning from a game in Miami after throwing 90 pitches. The Giants trailed 1-0 at the time and lost 3-0.

This time Kapler said he made the change because Wood sat for an extended period in the sixth when the Royals made a pitching change mid-inning.

"We just felt like it was the right time to go to a clean inning for our bullpen right there," Kapler said.

"I think it had been 15-20 minutes before they made the pitching change, and I was going to go back out," Wood said. "I didn't know much longer that inning was going to go so we just figured give (a reliever) enough time to warm up and get a clean inning and take it down from there. I thought it made sense. Glad it worked out."

Mauricio Llovera, Jake McGee and Camilo Doval each retired three batters to complete the six-hitter.

Estrada lined a 2-2 pitch from Amir Garrett (1-1) into left-center to drive in Slater. Slater led off the inning with a pinch-hit walk and took second on a wild pitch.

Crawford, who struck out before Estrada's tiebreaking hit, hit a two-run double off Arodys Vizcaíno in the seventh.

The Giants scored their first two runs after Royals starter Brady Singer lost control and walked four consecutive batters in the third - two with the bases loaded.

"Not a ton of hits but a lot of good at-bats which led to walks and a couple hits at the right time," Crawford said.

Singer, who had only walked four batters all season, finished with five and allowed two hits over five innings.

The Royals led 2-0 on Whit Merrifield's sacrifice fly and an infield RBI single by Witt that glanced off Wood's glove and trickled away.

The Giants optioned OF Heliot Ramos to Triple-A Sacramento and recalled Llovera.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (right flexor strain) pitched one-hit ball over five innings in his first rehab start for Triple-A Omaha. OF Edward Olivares (right quad strain) had a hit and drew three walks in the same game. ... RHP Joel Payamps was placed on the Injured List with an undisclosed injury. RHP Daniel Mengden was selected from Omaha to replace Payamps.

Giants RHP Logan Webb (5-2, 3.77 ERA) has one victory over his previous five starts. Royals LHP Kris Bubic (0-3, 9.13) has two wins in 10 interleague starts.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alex Wood pitched four-hit ball over six innings for his first win in more than a month, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Monday night.Thairo Estrada hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the sixth and Brandon Crawford doubled in two runs, lifting the Giants to their fourth straight win and sixth in eight games. Austin Slater walked twice and scored twice.The Giants were limited to five hits but drew a season-high nine walks, four of which scored."When we're at our best offensively we're seeing a lot of pitches," Giants manager Gabe Kapler said. "I think there were some easier takes for us tonight but I thought we did a nice job of sticking with our game plan and our approach."Coming off his best start of the season when he went seven innings against the Rockies, Wood (4-5) had five strikeouts and one walk. The left-hander retired his final 10 batters after Bobby Witt Jr.'s RBI single in the third, ending his night after 80 pitches.It came less than two weeks after Wood was upset and complained when Kapler removed him in the sixth inning from a game in Miami after throwing 90 pitches. The Giants trailed 1-0 at the time and lost 3-0.This time Kapler said he made the change because Wood sat for an extended period in the sixth when the Royals made a pitching change mid-inning."We just felt like it was the right time to go to a clean inning for our bullpen right there," Kapler said.Wood agreed."I think it had been 15-20 minutes before they made the pitching change, and I was going to go back out," Wood said. "I didn't know much longer that inning was going to go so we just figured give (a reliever) enough time to warm up and get a clean inning and take it down from there. I thought it made sense. Glad it worked out."Mauricio Llovera, Jake McGee and Camilo Doval each retired three batters to complete the six-hitter.Estrada lined a 2-2 pitch from Amir Garrett (1-1) into left-center to drive in Slater. Slater led off the inning with a pinch-hit walk and took second on a wild pitch.Crawford, who struck out before Estrada's tiebreaking hit, hit a two-run double off Arodys Vizcaíno in the seventh.The Giants scored their first two runs after Royals starter Brady Singer lost control and walked four consecutive batters in the third - two with the bases loaded."Not a ton of hits but a lot of good at-bats which led to walks and a couple hits at the right time," Crawford said.Singer, who had only walked four batters all season, finished with five and allowed two hits over five innings.The Royals led 2-0 on Whit Merrifield's sacrifice fly and an infield RBI single by Witt that glanced off Wood's glove and trickled away.MOVESThe Giants optioned OF Heliot Ramos to Triple-A Sacramento and recalled Llovera.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (right flexor strain) pitched one-hit ball over five innings in his first rehab start for Triple-A Omaha. OF Edward Olivares (right quad strain) had a hit and drew three walks in the same game. ... RHP Joel Payamps was placed on the Injured List with an undisclosed injury. RHP Daniel Mengden was selected from Omaha to replace Payamps.UP NEXTGiants RHP Logan Webb (5-2, 3.77 ERA) has one victory over his previous five starts. Royals LHP Kris Bubic (0-3, 9.13) has two wins in 10 interleague starts.

⚾ Walks cost Royals series opener in San Francisco

Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame announces their inaugural class of inductees. The 2022 class is comprised of four teams, nine athletes, two coaches and one athletic director. The list includes: &nbsp;- 1944 state champion boys basketball team &nbsp;- 1953 football team (8-0-1) &nbsp;- 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) &nbsp;- 1989 girls track state championship team &nbsp;- Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) &nbsp;- Dale Alexander- Track (1959) &nbsp;- Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) &nbsp;- Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) &nbsp;- Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) &nbsp;- Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) &nbsp;- Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) &nbsp;- Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) &nbsp;- Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) &nbsp;- Coach Jim Maska &nbsp;- Coach Bob Kuhn &nbsp;- Athletic Director Mike Karl A banquet to honor the inductees will be held Saturday, August 13th, 2022 at the Hilton Garden Inn. Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://event.auctria.com/25e8b3bb-8e0f-4d7e-a893-15ee1dba95f9/">https://event.auctria.com/25e8b3bb-8e0f-4d7e-a893-15ee1dba95f9/</a> . A small number of tickets are available to purchase in person by visiting American Family Insurance/Brian Ruder Agency at 1601 E 27th. The tickets are $40 and include a meal, dessert, and tea or water. A cash bar will be available. There are a total of 450 tickets available for the event and attendance will be limited to this amount. The newly formed Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame committee began working towards their inaugural class earlier in 2022 with the intent of having the induction in the same calendar year. This first class is larger than what future classes will be. Viewing of the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame and their accomplishments will be made available on a website currently being built and also at a kiosk to be located inside of Hays High School in the future. With so many more deserving individuals and teams, nominations for potential inductees will be accepted after the banquet in August. A website will be made available for nominations at that time. Questions about the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame or about the banquet can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayshighhof@gmail.com" target="_blank">hayshighhof@gmail.com</a>

Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame announces their inaugural class of inductees. The 2022 class is comprised of four teams, nine athletes, two coaches and one athletic director. The list includes: &nbsp;- 1944 state champion boys basketball team &nbsp;- 1953 football team (8-0-1) &nbsp;- 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) &nbsp;- 1989 girls track state championship team &nbsp;- Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) &nbsp;- Dale Alexander- Track (1959) &nbsp;- Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) &nbsp;- Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) &nbsp;- Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) &nbsp;- Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) &nbsp;- Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) &nbsp;- Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) &nbsp;- Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) &nbsp;- Coach Jim Maska &nbsp;- Coach Bob Kuhn &nbsp;- Athletic Director Mike Karl A banquet to honor the inductees will be held Saturday, August 13th, 2022 at the Hilton Garden Inn. Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://event.auctria.com/25e8b3bb-8e0f-4d7e-a893-15ee1dba95f9/">https://event.auctria.com/25e8b3bb-8e0f-4d7e-a893-15ee1dba95f9/</a> . A small number of tickets are available to purchase in person by visiting American Family Insurance/Brian Ruder Agency at 1601 E 27th. The tickets are $40 and include a meal, dessert, and tea or water. A cash bar will be available. There are a total of 450 tickets available for the event and attendance will be limited to this amount. The newly formed Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame committee began working towards their inaugural class earlier in 2022 with the intent of having the induction in the same calendar year. This first class is larger than what future classes will be. Viewing of the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame and their accomplishments will be made available on a website currently being built and also at a kiosk to be located inside of Hays High School in the future. With so many more deserving individuals and teams, nominations for potential inductees will be accepted after the banquet in August. A website will be made available for nominations at that time. Questions about the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame or about the banquet can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayshighhof@gmail.com" target="_blank">hayshighhof@gmail.com</a>

HHS Athletics HOF announces inaugural class and banquet

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. - The Hays Larks scores 12 runs in the second inning and cruised to a 20-3 six inning run-rule win over the Colorado Roughriders Sunday.

Dylan Dreiling, Jackson Halter and Hunter Rosson homered in the second. Dreiling hit an opposite field blast to left to start the inning. Halter and Rosson went back-to-back to push the lead to 4-0.&nbsp;

Leo Jiminian had three of the Larks 17 hits, all doubles. Halter drove in five runs.

Starting pitcher Austin Puett didn't allow a hit but walked five and allowed one earned run over three innings for the win.

The Larks wrap up their four-game Colorado road swing Monday night at the Gameday Saints.

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. - The Hays Larks scores 12 runs in the second inning and cruised to a 20-3 six inning run-rule win over the Colorado Roughriders Sunday.Dylan Dreiling, Jackson Halter and Hunter Rosson homered in the second. Dreiling hit an opposite field blast to left to start the inning. Halter and Rosson went back-to-back to push the lead to 4-0.&nbsp;Leo Jiminian had three of the Larks 17 hits, all doubles. Halter drove in five runs.Starting pitcher Austin Puett didn't allow a hit but walked five and allowed one earned run over three innings for the win.The Larks wrap up their four-game Colorado road swing Monday night at the Gameday Saints.

⚾ Larks cruise past Roughriders

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle and Rougned Odor hit solo home runs, leading the Baltimore Orioles over the Kansas City Royals 10-7 on Sunday.

Hunter Dozier, Michael A. Taylor and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals.

Baltimore jumped on Brad Keller (1-8) with three homers in the first two innings.

Santander hit a 455-foot drive into the right-field fountains in the first.

Mountcastle and Odor hit back-to-back home runs to start a four-run second inning. It was the fifth time this season and the third in June that the Orioles hit back-to-back homers.

“We swung the bat well all day," Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said. "We had really good at-bats and it started early, which is great to see, we haven’t done that a ton. Putting five runs up in the first couple of innings and hitting a few homers, that was nice.”

Cedric Mullins had four hits and drove in two runs for Baltimore. Richie Martin and Austin Hays each had three hits and two RBIs.

Dean Kremer (1-1) tossed five innings and allowed one earned run and four hits. He won his first game since his major league debut in September 2020, snapping an 0-9 stretch in 17 starts and claiming his first career win on the road.

“You can't complain about getting some early run support,” Kremer said. “It is a lot more relaxing pitching with a good lead.”

Cionel Pérez notched his first career save with a scoreless ninth.

Keller gave up five runs on seven hits in 1 2/3 innings. The three home runs he allowed tied a career-high set in 2019 and it was his shortest outing of the season.

"I just felt like I didn’t have much command of anything out there," Keller said. “It was tough and I felt like they all kept flying out of my hand and not going anywhere I wanted it to go. We had a good gameplan going in but didn’t execute the pitches.”

“Brad just didn’t have a feel for anything," Matheny said. “When you can’t control the fastball it’s going to be a long one. He never got in a groove.”

Taylor and Witt hit solo home runs in the eighth inning.

Royals: LHP Jake Brentz (left flexor strain) was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Brentz was initially placed on the 10-day IL on April 30.

Royals: LHP Amir Garrett was reinstated from the injured list. LHP Angel Zerpa was optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas in a corresponding move.

Orioles: Baltimore released INF Chris Owings.

Orioles: RHP Kyle Bradish (1-3, 6.45 ERA) starts on the road against Toronto.

Royals: Begin a nine-game West Coast swing against San Francisco with RHP Brady Singer (3-1, 4.33 ERA) set to start.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle and Rougned Odor hit solo home runs, leading the Baltimore Orioles over the Kansas City Royals 10-7 on Sunday.Hunter Dozier, Michael A. Taylor and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals.Baltimore jumped on Brad Keller (1-8) with three homers in the first two innings.Santander hit a 455-foot drive into the right-field fountains in the first.Mountcastle and Odor hit back-to-back home runs to start a four-run second inning. It was the fifth time this season and the third in June that the Orioles hit back-to-back homers.“We swung the bat well all day," Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said. "We had really good at-bats and it started early, which is great to see, we haven’t done that a ton. Putting five runs up in the first couple of innings and hitting a few homers, that was nice.”Cedric Mullins had four hits and drove in two runs for Baltimore. Richie Martin and Austin Hays each had three hits and two RBIs.Dean Kremer (1-1) tossed five innings and allowed one earned run and four hits. He won his first game since his major league debut in September 2020, snapping an 0-9 stretch in 17 starts and claiming his first career win on the road.“You can't complain about getting some early run support,” Kremer said. “It is a lot more relaxing pitching with a good lead.”Cionel Pérez notched his first career save with a scoreless ninth.Keller gave up five runs on seven hits in 1 2/3 innings. The three home runs he allowed tied a career-high set in 2019 and it was his shortest outing of the season."I just felt like I didn’t have much command of anything out there," Keller said. “It was tough and I felt like they all kept flying out of my hand and not going anywhere I wanted it to go. We had a good gameplan going in but didn’t execute the pitches.”Royals manager Mike Matheny agreed.“Brad just didn’t have a feel for anything," Matheny said. “When you can’t control the fastball it’s going to be a long one. He never got in a groove.”Taylor and Witt hit solo home runs in the eighth inning.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: LHP Jake Brentz (left flexor strain) was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Brentz was initially placed on the 10-day IL on April 30.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: LHP Amir Garrett was reinstated from the injured list. LHP Angel Zerpa was optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas in a corresponding move.Orioles: Baltimore released INF Chris Owings.UP NEXTOrioles: RHP Kyle Bradish (1-3, 6.45 ERA) starts on the road against Toronto.Royals: Begin a nine-game West Coast swing against San Francisco with RHP Brady Singer (3-1, 4.33 ERA) set to start.

⚾ Royals comeback bid falls short against Orioles

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Nevin hit a three-run homer, rookie Adley Rutschman had his first three-hit game and the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-4 on Saturday.

Nevin's second homer this season was a 425-foot drive to center that gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead in the sixth. The home run drove in Ryan Mountcastle and Rutschman, who raised his average to .190 and showed speed when he scored on an eighth-inning wild pitch.

A son of new Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin, Tyler Nevin was selected by Colorado with the 38th overall pick in the 2015 amateur draft and was traded to Baltimore in 2020. He drove in a run for the first time since he was recalled from Triple-A on June 3.

“We just locked it in and picked up the intensity in that inning,” Nevin said. “I feel like the last 30 at-bats I'm feeling really comfortable. The numbers aren't quite there because of the slower start.”

Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays drove in runs for the Orioles.

Kansas City's three-game winning streak was stopped. The Royals have not won four in a row this season.

Royals starter Daniel Lynch (2-6) gave up four runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, tying a career-high with seven strikeouts.

“Really, really frustrating,” Lynch said.

Tyler Wells (3-4) gave up three runs and five hits in six innings.

“It certainly felt good to go deep into a game,” Wells said. “Being able to give our team a chance to win that was the big thing for me. I just wanted to go out there and compete despite not having my best stuff.”

Salvador Perez had an RBI double in the third as the Royals scored in the first inning for the third time in four games. Perez is batting .400 with three home runs and 13 RBIs in his last eight games.

Kyle Isbel, Emmanuel Rivera and Michael A. Taylor added RBIs for the Royals.

“We had five really good innings,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “In the sixth, everything hit the wall and it happened really fast. That home run turns the game over, but up to that point I thought it was really good."

Former Royal Jorge López worked around Bobby Witt Jr.'s one-out single in the ninth for eighth save in 10 chances.

“I thought we were flay early and didn't really like how we came out of the game offensively,” Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said. “We got the bats going and swung them a lot better the second half of the game.”

Orioles: INF Ramón Urías was placed on the 10-day injured list (left oblique strain) and INF Richie Martin's contract was selected from Triple-A.

The Orioles send RHP Dean Kremer (0-1, 6.23 ERA) to the mound against RHP Brad Keller (1-7, 4.19 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Nevin hit a three-run homer, rookie Adley Rutschman had his first three-hit game and the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-4 on Saturday.Nevin's second homer this season was a 425-foot drive to center that gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead in the sixth. The home run drove in Ryan Mountcastle and Rutschman, who raised his average to .190 and showed speed when he scored on an eighth-inning wild pitch.A son of new Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin, Tyler Nevin was selected by Colorado with the 38th overall pick in the 2015 amateur draft and was traded to Baltimore in 2020. He drove in a run for the first time since he was recalled from Triple-A on June 3.“We just locked it in and picked up the intensity in that inning,” Nevin said. “I feel like the last 30 at-bats I'm feeling really comfortable. The numbers aren't quite there because of the slower start.”Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays drove in runs for the Orioles.Kansas City's three-game winning streak was stopped. The Royals have not won four in a row this season.Royals starter Daniel Lynch (2-6) gave up four runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, tying a career-high with seven strikeouts.“Really, really frustrating,” Lynch said.Tyler Wells (3-4) gave up three runs and five hits in six innings.“It certainly felt good to go deep into a game,” Wells said. “Being able to give our team a chance to win that was the big thing for me. I just wanted to go out there and compete despite not having my best stuff.”Salvador Perez had an RBI double in the third as the Royals scored in the first inning for the third time in four games. Perez is batting .400 with three home runs and 13 RBIs in his last eight games.Kyle Isbel, Emmanuel Rivera and Michael A. Taylor added RBIs for the Royals.“We had five really good innings,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “In the sixth, everything hit the wall and it happened really fast. That home run turns the game over, but up to that point I thought it was really good."Former Royal Jorge López worked around Bobby Witt Jr.'s one-out single in the ninth for eighth save in 10 chances.“I thought we were flay early and didn't really like how we came out of the game offensively,” Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said. “We got the bats going and swung them a lot better the second half of the game.”TRAINER’S ROOMOrioles: INF Ramón Urías was placed on the 10-day injured list (left oblique strain) and INF Richie Martin's contract was selected from Triple-A.UP NEXTThe Orioles send RHP Dean Kremer (0-1, 6.23 ERA) to the mound against RHP Brad Keller (1-7, 4.19 ERA).

⚾ Royals can't hold early lead, lose to Orioles

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. - Palmer Hutchison hit three home runs to carry the Hays Larks to a 19-12 win over the Denver Cougars Saturday afternoon.

Hutchison homered in the second, fifth and sixth innings then added a single in the ninth. His two-run shot in the second on a 3-2 pitch gave Hays the early lead.&nbsp;

The Larks (5-2, 2-1 RMBL) had 21 hits including four home runs in the slugfest.

The Larks scored six in the ninth on RBIs from Brady Evans, Leo Jiminian, Tanner Rice and Austen Jaslove.

Hunter Marshall picked up the win for Hays, allowing four runs on five hits with six strikeouts and one walk over 3 2/3 innings.

The Larks continue their four-game swing through Colorado Sunday evening against the Colorado Springs Roughriders.

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. - Palmer Hutchison hit three home runs to carry the Hays Larks to a 19-12 win over the Denver Cougars Saturday afternoon.Hutchison homered in the second, fifth and sixth innings then added a single in the ninth. His two-run shot in the second on a 3-2 pitch gave Hays the early lead.&nbsp;The Larks (5-2, 2-1 RMBL) had 21 hits including four home runs in the slugfest.The Larks scored six in the ninth on RBIs from Brady Evans, Leo Jiminian, Tanner Rice and Austen Jaslove.Hunter Marshall picked up the win for Hays, allowing four runs on five hits with six strikeouts and one walk over 3 2/3 innings.The Larks continue their four-game swing through Colorado Sunday evening against the Colorado Springs Roughriders.

⚾ Hutchison powers Larks past Cougars

PARKER, Colo. - The Hays Larks opened their four-game Colorado road trip with a 14-4 loss to the Gameday Saints Friday. The Saints scored in every inning, building a 9-0 lead before the Larks (4-2) scored four in the top of the sixth, three of the on a Cam Brown home run.

The Larks committed three errors which led to six unearned runs.

Starter Benjamin Baker-Livingston took the loss. The freshman from the University of New Mexico allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits with three strikeouts and no walks .

Austen Jaslove and Cam Brown both had two of the Larks seven hits. Brown drove in three.

The Larks play at the Denver Cougars Saturday afternoon.

PARKER, Colo. - The Hays Larks opened their four-game Colorado road trip with a 14-4 loss to the Gameday Saints Friday. The Saints scored in every inning, building a 9-0 lead before the Larks (4-2) scored four in the top of the sixth, three of the on a Cam Brown home run.The Larks committed three errors which led to six unearned runs.Starter Benjamin Baker-Livingston took the loss. The freshman from the University of New Mexico allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits with three strikeouts and no walks .Austen Jaslove and Cam Brown both had two of the Larks seven hits. Brown drove in three.The Larks play at the Denver Cougars Saturday afternoon.

⚾ Larks drop Colorado road opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan Heasley allowed one hit in a career-best seven sharp innings, Salvador Perez and MJ Melendez each homered and drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 8-1 on Friday night for their third straight win.

Michael A. Taylor also homered for Kansas City, which had a season-high eight extra-base hits — the Royals' most in a game since April 2, 2021, against Texas.

“Talk about how you have to feel it, see it and all the pieces have to come together,” manager Mike Matheny said. “The extra-base hits, the situational hitting, good baserunning and good defense and our starter doing what he did today.”

Heasley (1-3) had the best start of his young career, allowing just one baserunner and struck out seven. He became the fifth Royals player — and first since 1992 — to pitch seven innings and allow one hit or fewer with no walks.

“I think the biggest thing is that I was on the attack from the get-go,” Heasley said. “I felt like I've been throwing well recently, but I feel like I've gotten more confident every time and trust the defense behind me.”

It was the opposite for Bruce Zimmermann (2-5), who gave up a career-high seven earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings while allowing 10 hits and striking out two.

“I thought he got hurt again today with his off-speed stuff,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “For me, it was a lot of elevated off-speed in the first and then just hung a bad slider to Melendez.”

Perez and Melendez dazzled with their bats and gloves. Perez homered in the first inning with a 436-foot blast that nearly hit Crown Vision.

“I hit it pretty good,” Perez said with a smile. “I stayed back and got ahead in the count.”

Then, the five-time Gold Glove catcher showed off his defensive prowess in the third inning by fielding a bunt to his left, twirling and throwing out the speedy Cedric Mullins at first.

“It was a great bunt,” Perez said. “I'm just going to do my best to help my pitcher. I try to do my job and that was a great play."

In the fifth inning, Melendez made a diving catch in right field and followed that up with a 425-foot three-run homer in his next at-bat to give the Royals a 7-0 lead. Kansas City has scored at least seven runs in three straight games for the first time since September 2019.

“I knew he was going to try and get me to chase something and left it over the plate,” Melendez said. “When the ball was hit (on the diving catch), I saw the ball and kind of lost it for a second and just stayed with it.”

Anthony Santander homered off Albert Abreu in the ninth inning for Baltimore to end Kansas City's shutout bid.

Royals: LHP Angel Zerpa was recalled from Northwest Arkansas and RHP Collin Snider was optioned to Triple-A.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (right flexor strain) will start a rehab assignment Sunday in Omaha. OF Edward Olivares (right quad strain) started a rehab assignment in Triple-A.

Baltimore sends RHP Tyler Wells (2-4, 3.78 ERA) to the mound on Saturday against LHP Daniel Lynch (2-5, 5.36 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan Heasley allowed one hit in a career-best seven sharp innings, Salvador Perez and MJ Melendez each homered and drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 8-1 on Friday night for their third straight win.Michael A. Taylor also homered for Kansas City, which had a season-high eight extra-base hits — the Royals' most in a game since April 2, 2021, against Texas.“Talk about how you have to feel it, see it and all the pieces have to come together,” manager Mike Matheny said. “The extra-base hits, the situational hitting, good baserunning and good defense and our starter doing what he did today.”Heasley (1-3) had the best start of his young career, allowing just one baserunner and struck out seven. He became the fifth Royals player — and first since 1992 — to pitch seven innings and allow one hit or fewer with no walks.“I think the biggest thing is that I was on the attack from the get-go,” Heasley said. “I felt like I've been throwing well recently, but I feel like I've gotten more confident every time and trust the defense behind me.”It was the opposite for Bruce Zimmermann (2-5), who gave up a career-high seven earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings while allowing 10 hits and striking out two.“I thought he got hurt again today with his off-speed stuff,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “For me, it was a lot of elevated off-speed in the first and then just hung a bad slider to Melendez.”Perez and Melendez dazzled with their bats and gloves. Perez homered in the first inning with a 436-foot blast that nearly hit Crown Vision.“I hit it pretty good,” Perez said with a smile. “I stayed back and got ahead in the count.”Then, the five-time Gold Glove catcher showed off his defensive prowess in the third inning by fielding a bunt to his left, twirling and throwing out the speedy Cedric Mullins at first.“It was a great bunt,” Perez said. “I'm just going to do my best to help my pitcher. I try to do my job and that was a great play."In the fifth inning, Melendez made a diving catch in right field and followed that up with a 425-foot three-run homer in his next at-bat to give the Royals a 7-0 lead. Kansas City has scored at least seven runs in three straight games for the first time since September 2019.“I knew he was going to try and get me to chase something and left it over the plate,” Melendez said. “When the ball was hit (on the diving catch), I saw the ball and kind of lost it for a second and just stayed with it.”Anthony Santander homered off Albert Abreu in the ninth inning for Baltimore to end Kansas City's shutout bid.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: LHP Angel Zerpa was recalled from Northwest Arkansas and RHP Collin Snider was optioned to Triple-A.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (right flexor strain) will start a rehab assignment Sunday in Omaha. OF Edward Olivares (right quad strain) started a rehab assignment in Triple-A.UP NEXTBaltimore sends RHP Tyler Wells (2-4, 3.78 ERA) to the mound on Saturday against LHP Daniel Lynch (2-5, 5.36 ERA).

⚾ Heasley sharp over 7 innings as Royals top Orioles

Kansan Wesleyan University Athletics

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12552">Brian Vancuren</a>
 has been named as Kansas Wesleyan Women's Tennis Head Coach and 
Athletics Business Operations Manager as announced by KWU Director of 
Athletics Steve Wilson.

Vancuren spent the 2021-22 season as an assistant coach for both the 
men's and women's tennis programs, but with the continued growth of both
 programs, it became necessary to split the coaching duties to provide 
for adequate individualized instruction for all student-athletes.

"One
 of the best things about this institution is the ability to recognize 
talents and skillsets, and put people in positions where they will 
succeed," Wilson said. "That's exactly what we have with <a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12552">Brian Vancuren</a>
 - an extremely talented coach who also has a mind for business 
operations. I am excited to work with him and see him add to our success
 in both areas. He's a talented individual who has already made us 
better in his time here."

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12544">Josh Molino</a> will remain as the head coach of the men's program, while Vancuren will take over the women's program.

"I want to thank President (Dr. Matt) Thompson,&nbsp;Steve Wilson, my mentor <a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12544">Josh Molino</a>,
 and many others for believing in me and giving me this exciting 
opportunity to move forward and really start my collegiate head coaching
 career," Vancuren said.

&nbsp;"Brian did an outstanding job in his 
first year as a collegiate coach. He worked incredibly well with both 
sides, and continued to develop his coaching style throughout the 
season," KWU men's tennis coach <a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12544">Josh Molino</a>
 said. "We are very confident and excited for him to take over the 
women's program and we believe he will take the program to another 
level."

Vancuren will also add duties as athletics business 
operations manager. In this role he will serve as the athletic 
department's liaison to the business office and will work with others in
 the athletic department on important tasks that include team travel, 
game administration and other duties as assigned.

"I am grateful 
and excited by the opportunity to lead the women's tennis program and to
 serve in an administrative role for the athletic department here at 
KWU," Vancuren said. "My goal is to build a competitive tennis program 
and culture of academic excellence that will help KWU fulfill its 
mission and make Salina proud.

"The ability to come in and be 
more involved in the athletic department is something that I felt like I
 couldn't turn down. Kansas Wesleyan has so many things going right for 
them, and I feel as if this is just the beginning."

Before coming
 to Kansas Wesleyan, Vancuren served as the head tennis coach at Maize 
South High School for three years. During his time at Maize South, he 
was named coach of the year two times in 2019 and in 2021 on the boy's 
side and also led the team to their first league title and two state 
runners-up.

Vancuren, a native of Conway Springs, Kansas played 
collegiately at Southwestern College, double majoring in Accounting and 
Business Administration and was a three-time All-KCAC Scholar-Athlete 
and was twice named team captain. Vancuren stepped away from playing his
 senior year and became a student coach and helped lead the Southwestern
 women's team to its first-ever KCAC Conference Title.

Vancuren 
holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Business 
Administration at Southwestern College and a Bachelor of Science degree 
in Business Education at Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654894658316.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansan Wesleyan University Athletics<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12552">Brian Vancuren</a>
 has been named as Kansas Wesleyan Women's Tennis Head Coach and 
Athletics Business Operations Manager as announced by KWU Director of 
Athletics Steve Wilson.Vancuren spent the 2021-22 season as an assistant coach for both the 
men's and women's tennis programs, but with the continued growth of both
 programs, it became necessary to split the coaching duties to provide 
for adequate individualized instruction for all student-athletes."One
 of the best things about this institution is the ability to recognize 
talents and skillsets, and put people in positions where they will 
succeed," Wilson said. "That's exactly what we have with <a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12552">Brian Vancuren</a>
 - an extremely talented coach who also has a mind for business 
operations. I am excited to work with him and see him add to our success
 in both areas. He's a talented individual who has already made us 
better in his time here."<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12544">Josh Molino</a> will remain as the head coach of the men's program, while Vancuren will take over the women's program."I want to thank President (Dr. Matt) Thompson,&nbsp;Steve Wilson, my mentor <a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12544">Josh Molino</a>,
 and many others for believing in me and giving me this exciting 
opportunity to move forward and really start my collegiate head coaching
 career," Vancuren said.&nbsp;"Brian did an outstanding job in his 
first year as a collegiate coach. He worked incredibly well with both 
sides, and continued to develop his coaching style throughout the 
season," KWU men's tennis coach <a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/15/12544">Josh Molino</a>
 said. "We are very confident and excited for him to take over the 
women's program and we believe he will take the program to another 
level."Vancuren will also add duties as athletics business 
operations manager. In this role he will serve as the athletic 
department's liaison to the business office and will work with others in
 the athletic department on important tasks that include team travel, 
game administration and other duties as assigned."I am grateful 
and excited by the opportunity to lead the women's tennis program and to
 serve in an administrative role for the athletic department here at 
KWU," Vancuren said. "My goal is to build a competitive tennis program 
and culture of academic excellence that will help KWU fulfill its 
mission and make Salina proud."The ability to come in and be 
more involved in the athletic department is something that I felt like I
 couldn't turn down. Kansas Wesleyan has so many things going right for 
them, and I feel as if this is just the beginning."Before coming
 to Kansas Wesleyan, Vancuren served as the head tennis coach at Maize 
South High School for three years. During his time at Maize South, he 
was named coach of the year two times in 2019 and in 2021 on the boy's 
side and also led the team to their first league title and two state 
runners-up.Vancuren, a native of Conway Springs, Kansas played 
collegiately at Southwestern College, double majoring in Accounting and 
Business Administration and was a three-time All-KCAC Scholar-Athlete 
and was twice named team captain. Vancuren stepped away from playing his
 senior year and became a student coach and helped lead the Southwestern
 women's team to its first-ever KCAC Conference Title.Vancuren 
holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Business 
Administration at Southwestern College and a Bachelor of Science degree 
in Business Education at Fort Hays State University.

FHSU alum named tennis coach, athletics business ops manager at KWU

The Hays Baseball Club's Wild West Fest Tournament is scheduled for June 30 to July 3 in Hays.

Games will be played at Larks Park, Hays High School and the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. Registration for the USSSA-sanctioned event is open in the 18U and 16U categories.

To sign up, <a href="https://www.usssa.com/baseball/event_home/?eventID=364709">CLICK HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654886575695.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Baseball Club's Wild West Fest Tournament is scheduled for June 30 to July 3 in Hays.Games will be played at Larks Park, Hays High School and the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. Registration for the USSSA-sanctioned event is open in the 18U and 16U categories.To sign up, <a href="https://www.usssa.com/baseball/event_home/?eventID=364709">CLICK HERE</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645137804135.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

⚾ Registration open for 2022 Wild West Fest Tournament

HAYS – The Hays Hammer 18U baseball team picked up their
second straight doubleheader sweep in as many days Thursday with a 7-1 and 10-2
win over the Salina Hawks.

The Hammer (5-4) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of
the first inning on a two-run double from Carson Spray. Spray finished two-for-four
with three RBI’s.

Garrett Wellbrock drove in a run in a three-run fourth
inning and Hays added two more in the bottom of sixth. 

Wellbrock allowed just one unearned run on two hits over
seven innings for the victory. He struck out five with no walks.

In game two Hays scored in five-of-six innings on their way
to a 10-2 win.

Brayden Dreher, Zeke Haag and Carson Spray all drove in
three runs each and Dalton Dale and Garrett Wellbrock each collected three
hits. Wellbrock scored three times.

Dalton Dale allowed just two unearned runs in six innings
with nine strikeouts for the win. 

HAYS – The Hays Hammer 18U baseball team picked up their
second straight doubleheader sweep in as many days Thursday with a 7-1 and 10-2
win over the Salina Hawks.The Hammer (5-4) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of
the first inning on a two-run double from Carson Spray. Spray finished two-for-four
with three RBI’s.Garrett Wellbrock drove in a run in a three-run fourth
inning and Hays added two more in the bottom of sixth. Wellbrock allowed just one unearned run on two hits over
seven innings for the victory. He struck out five with no walks.In game two Hays scored in five-of-six innings on their way
to a 10-2 win.Brayden Dreher, Zeke Haag and Carson Spray all drove in
three runs each and Dalton Dale and Garrett Wellbrock each collected three
hits. Wellbrock scored three times.Dalton Dale allowed just two unearned runs in six innings
with nine strikeouts for the win.

⚾ Hays Hammer 18U sweeps Salina Hawks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Carlos Santana and MJ Melendez homered, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 7-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. 

Santana hit a two-run homer to break a fifth-inning tie as the Royals won consecutive games for the first time since May 17-18. 

Bobby Witt Jr. and fellow rookie Melendez played large roles Thursday. 

Witt had two hits and stole two bases, while Melendez homered, drove in two and scored twice.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Carlos Santana and MJ Melendez homered, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 7-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Santana hit a two-run homer to break a fifth-inning tie as the Royals won consecutive games for the first time since May 17-18. Bobby Witt Jr. and fellow rookie Melendez played large roles Thursday. Witt had two hits and stole two bases, while Melendez homered, drove in two and scored twice.

⚾Santana, Melendez homer in Royals' 7-5 win over Orioles

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach&nbsp;Andy Reid and players spoke with the media following Week Three of Phase Three of Offseason Workouts. From The Kansas City Chiefs Facebook Page:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach&nbsp;Andy Reid and players spoke with the media following Week Three of Phase Three of Offseason Workouts. From The Kansas City Chiefs Facebook Page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F1072229020054889%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

Chiefs' Reid, players talk football during Thursday presser

The Kansas Softball Coaches Association has released their All-State teams for 2022. Hays High freshman Riley Dreher has been named an honorable mention infielder in Class 5A.

Dreher hit.462 with a team-high 12 doubles, two triples and a home runs and 18 runs driven in this spring.

Ellis had four players named to the 2-1A All-State team. Catcher Hannah Schiel and outfielder Kaydawn Haag were named to the second team. Myah McCoy and Haley Schmidt were honorable mention selections

CLASS 5A First team Pitcher -- Taylor Cruse, Basehor-Linwood; Tegan Livesay, Newton; Tori Turner, Valley Center. Catcher -- Kiley Brewster, Bishop Carroll; Maddy Cole, St. Thomas Aquinas. Infield -- Maci George, Valley Center; Lucy Hooper, Valley Center; Amanda Knutson, Basehor-Linwood; Olivia Sandoval, Newton; Bailey Way, Andover. Outfield -- Emma McCall, Mill Valley; Maggie McNally, Spring Hill; Eve Morris, Bishop Carroll; Isabella Rollo, Basehor-Linwood. Utility/Designated player -- Sykora Smith, Valley Center. Second team Pitcher -- Kadence Brewster, Bishop Carroll; Skylar Duncan, Seaman; Karli George, Eisenhower. Ctcher -- Cady Dickey, Arkansas City; Teelie Super, Bonner Springs. Infield -- Kendall Forbes, Bishop Carroll; Sage Grann, Piper; Brittany Hoffman, Basehor-Linwood; Rosalie Schneider, Seaman Emma Smith, Seaman. Outfield -- Haley Bryant, Mill Valley; Brodie Christenson, Andover;&nbsp;Ariah Durkes, Shawnee Heights; Marisa Johnson, De Soto. Utility/Designated player -- Karlee Ford, Eisenhower. Honorable mention Pitcher -- Molly Heidrick, Blue Valley Southwest; Audrey Rumsey, Eisenhower. Infield -- Riley Baber, Blue Valley Southwest; Aspen Burgardt, Seaman; Riley Dreher, Hays; Kelsie Schenck, St. Thomas Aquinas; Carson Tinkler, Blue Valley Southwest; Hannah Weber, Eisenhower. Outfield -- Jaleigh White, Spring Hill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 2-1A First team Pitcher -- Delaney Blakesley, Bluestem; Paityn Engemann, Troy; Morgan Tomlinson, Mission Valley. Catcher -- Halie Feikert, Bucklin; Gracie Kidd, Canton-Galva. Infield -- Kara Hafenstine, Wabaunsee; Erykah Haynes, Central Heights; Jayden May, Marion; Brecken Pearson, Canton-Galva; Daelyn Winters, Burlingame. Outfield -- Reagen Hill, Troy; Paige Martin, Mission Valley; Sophie Reyes, Bluestem; Emma Tyson, Burlingame. Utility/Designated player -- Morgan Collins, Yates Center. Second team Pitcher -- Kaelyn Conrad, Wabaunsee; Alexandra Crook, Burlingame; Mieka Crump, Central Heights. Catcher -- Kyplee Jacobson, Mission Valley; Hannah Schiel, Ellis. Infield -- Jaycie Calvaruzo, Mission Valley; Avery Euler, Troy; Kenna Masters, Burlingame; Paxton Meyer, Wabaunsee; Claire Winter, Troy. Outfield -- Alexa Fuhrman, Uniontown; Kaydawn Haag, Ellis; Mickelly Soyez, Marion; Haven Wunderlich, Central-Burden. Honorable mention Kady Anschutz, Pratt-Skyline; Melany Chrisjohn, Central Heights; Morgan Cook, Central-Burden;&nbsp;Jadynn Criqui, Central Heights; Natalie Dale, Bucklin; Jordan Friesen, Canton-Galva; Paige Hinds, Troy;&nbsp;Allison King, Oskaloosa; Emily Long, Central-Burden;&nbsp;Myah McCoy, Ellis;&nbsp;Haley Schmidt, Ellis;&nbsp;Gracie Simmons, Burlingame;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Kansas Softball Coaches Association has released their All-State teams for 2022. Hays High freshman Riley Dreher has been named an honorable mention infielder in Class 5A.Dreher hit.462 with a team-high 12 doubles, two triples and a home runs and 18 runs driven in this spring.Ellis had four players named to the 2-1A All-State team. Catcher Hannah Schiel and outfielder Kaydawn Haag were named to the second team. Myah McCoy and Haley Schmidt were honorable mention selectionsCLASS 5A First team Pitcher -- Taylor Cruse, Basehor-Linwood; Tegan Livesay, Newton; Tori Turner, Valley Center. Catcher -- Kiley Brewster, Bishop Carroll; Maddy Cole, St. Thomas Aquinas. Infield -- Maci George, Valley Center; Lucy Hooper, Valley Center; Amanda Knutson, Basehor-Linwood; Olivia Sandoval, Newton; Bailey Way, Andover. Outfield -- Emma McCall, Mill Valley; Maggie McNally, Spring Hill; Eve Morris, Bishop Carroll; Isabella Rollo, Basehor-Linwood. Utility/Designated player -- Sykora Smith, Valley Center. Second team Pitcher -- Kadence Brewster, Bishop Carroll; Skylar Duncan, Seaman; Karli George, Eisenhower. Ctcher -- Cady Dickey, Arkansas City; Teelie Super, Bonner Springs. Infield -- Kendall Forbes, Bishop Carroll; Sage Grann, Piper; Brittany Hoffman, Basehor-Linwood; Rosalie Schneider, Seaman Emma Smith, Seaman. Outfield -- Haley Bryant, Mill Valley; Brodie Christenson, Andover;&nbsp;Ariah Durkes, Shawnee Heights; Marisa Johnson, De Soto. Utility/Designated player -- Karlee Ford, Eisenhower. Honorable mention Pitcher -- Molly Heidrick, Blue Valley Southwest; Audrey Rumsey, Eisenhower. Infield -- Riley Baber, Blue Valley Southwest; Aspen Burgardt, Seaman; Riley Dreher, Hays; Kelsie Schenck, St. Thomas Aquinas; Carson Tinkler, Blue Valley Southwest; Hannah Weber, Eisenhower. Outfield -- Jaleigh White, Spring Hill.&nbsp;&nbsp;CLASS 2-1A First team Pitcher -- Delaney Blakesley, Bluestem; Paityn Engemann, Troy; Morgan Tomlinson, Mission Valley. Catcher -- Halie Feikert, Bucklin; Gracie Kidd, Canton-Galva. Infield -- Kara Hafenstine, Wabaunsee; Erykah Haynes, Central Heights; Jayden May, Marion; Brecken Pearson, Canton-Galva; Daelyn Winters, Burlingame. Outfield -- Reagen Hill, Troy; Paige Martin, Mission Valley; Sophie Reyes, Bluestem; Emma Tyson, Burlingame. Utility/Designated player -- Morgan Collins, Yates Center. Second team Pitcher -- Kaelyn Conrad, Wabaunsee; Alexandra Crook, Burlingame; Mieka Crump, Central Heights. Catcher -- Kyplee Jacobson, Mission Valley; Hannah Schiel, Ellis. Infield -- Jaycie Calvaruzo, Mission Valley; Avery Euler, Troy; Kenna Masters, Burlingame; Paxton Meyer, Wabaunsee; Claire Winter, Troy. Outfield -- Alexa Fuhrman, Uniontown; Kaydawn Haag, Ellis; Mickelly Soyez, Marion; Haven Wunderlich, Central-Burden. Honorable mention Kady Anschutz, Pratt-Skyline; Melany Chrisjohn, Central Heights; Morgan Cook, Central-Burden;&nbsp;Jadynn Criqui, Central Heights; Natalie Dale, Bucklin; Jordan Friesen, Canton-Galva; Paige Hinds, Troy;&nbsp;Allison King, Oskaloosa; Emily Long, Central-Burden;&nbsp;Myah McCoy, Ellis;&nbsp;Haley Schmidt, Ellis;&nbsp;Gracie Simmons, Burlingame;&nbsp; &nbsp;

🥎 HHS Dreher, four Railers named to KSCA All-State team

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.

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.