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).

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.”

Ramírez 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.

Royals: 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.

Royals: 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.

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.

⚾ Hedges' three-run homer helps Guardians beat Royals

CLEVELAND (AP) — Oscar Gonzalez bounced off the padded wall and the rookie outfielder casually flipped the ball into the stands, thinking the inning was over.

When he got back to Cleveland's dugout, Guardians manager Terry Francona had a question.

“I just asked him ‘I haven’t been to Triple-A in a while,'" Francona said. “'Do they make you get three outs there?'”

Fortunately, the Guardians could laugh off Gonzalez's gaffe.

Andrés Giménez hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning off Kansas City rookie Collin Snider and José Ramírez drove in three more runs, sending Cleveland to a 7-3 win over the injury-riddled Royals on Monday night.

Giménez's shot to center field off Snider (3-2) scored pinch-runner Ernie Clement and Gonzalez, who singled in the inning to make up for a bone-headed play in the sixth when he tossed the ball into the stands with two outs.

“There’s a lot of emotions happening in these types of games,” said Gonzalez, who was playing in his fourth major league game. "I was listening to the crowd and I thought there were two outs so I wanted to do something. I was able to flush it and focus on the next AB and help the team.”

Trailing 3-1 in the sixth, the Royals had a runner at first when Gonzalez made a nice play by tracking Salvador Perez’s slicing drive and making a catch in the right-field corner.

After making the grab, Gonzalez nonchalantly threw the ball to a fan, convinced there were three outs. Upon realizing his mistake, Gonzalez crouched like a catcher and bit the top of his glove.

“Honestly. I was like, ‘Oh, I screwed (up),'" Gonzalez said. “But my mind went to, ’I hope he hits to me and I can make the inning over.'”

Andrew Benintendi was awarded two bases on Gonzalez’s mental error, but starter Zach Plesac, who pitched six solid innings, buckled down and struck out MJ Melendez to end the threat.

Plesac didn't feel the need to say anything to Gonzalez afterward.

“Nothing came out of it so it was one of those, just kind of smile it off,” he said. “I’m not looking at him like, ‘Come on dude, you need to do better.’ He learned from it. He understood. He knew what he did. We got out of it with no runs, unscathed.”

Ramírez hit his 13th homer — a two-run shot in the fifth — and raised his major league-leading total to 51 RBIs. He reached 50 RBIs in 44 games, the second fastest in team history behind Manny Ramirez, who did in 38 games in 1999.

“He’s the best player in the game, hands down,” Plesac said. “I don’t care who wants to challenge him. He hits from both sides of the plate. He doesn’t strike out. He does his job and he puts up runs, so it’s phenomenal.”

Nick Sandlin (4-2) got the win in relief.

Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals, who rallied in the eighth but couldn't stop from falling to 16-31 — the AL's worst record. Before the game, Kansas City made roster moves involving eight players.

Down 3-1, Kansas City tied it in the eighth on back-to-back RBI doubles by Whit Merrifield and Benintendi that tied it 3-3.

But in Cleveland's half, Josh Naylor drew a one-out walk off Snider, and Gonzalez singled to right before Giménez drove a 3-2 sinker from Snider over the wall in straightaway center for his fifth homer.

The Guardians tacked on a fourth run on a throwing error by Royals rookie shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.

“We got into a spot where we had to fight back and the guys did a great job with that late in the game against a good bullpen and gave us a chance,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Unfortunately a one-out walk put us in a bit of a bind and then a pitch that wasn’t where we wanted it to be ended up being the home run.”

Gonzalez's choice for walk-up music raised some eyebrows.

It the theme song from “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

“Because kids love that song and this is a kid’s game after all," he said. "I’ve had it since Triple-A.”

Royals: Veteran RHP Zack Greinke was placed on the 15-day IL with a strained right forearm, one of several roster roster moves before the series opener. The 38-year-old Greinke complained of tightness in his arm following Sunday’s start in Minnesota. Greinke's 0-4 with a 5.05 ERA.

Guardians: There's still no timetable for DH Franmil Reyes (hamstring) to return from the injured list. He met with trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and Francona to map out a long-term plan. ... RHP Aaron Civale (strained gluteus) underwent another MRI after throwing a side session in anticipation of a scheduled rehab start at Triple-A Columbus Tuesday. Francona said Civale didn't feel ready to “ramp up” to game intensity so the team decided to have him checked further.

Cleveland's most consistent starter despite a lack of run support, RHP Cal Quantrill (1-3) starts Tuesday against Royals LHP Daniel Lynch (2-3).

CLEVELAND (AP) — Oscar Gonzalez bounced off the padded wall and the rookie outfielder casually flipped the ball into the stands, thinking the inning was over.When he got back to Cleveland's dugout, Guardians manager Terry Francona had a question.“I just asked him ‘I haven’t been to Triple-A in a while,'" Francona said. “'Do they make you get three outs there?'”Fortunately, the Guardians could laugh off Gonzalez's gaffe.Andrés Giménez hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning off Kansas City rookie Collin Snider and José Ramírez drove in three more runs, sending Cleveland to a 7-3 win over the injury-riddled Royals on Monday night.Giménez's shot to center field off Snider (3-2) scored pinch-runner Ernie Clement and Gonzalez, who singled in the inning to make up for a bone-headed play in the sixth when he tossed the ball into the stands with two outs.“There’s a lot of emotions happening in these types of games,” said Gonzalez, who was playing in his fourth major league game. "I was listening to the crowd and I thought there were two outs so I wanted to do something. I was able to flush it and focus on the next AB and help the team.”Trailing 3-1 in the sixth, the Royals had a runner at first when Gonzalez made a nice play by tracking Salvador Perez’s slicing drive and making a catch in the right-field corner.After making the grab, Gonzalez nonchalantly threw the ball to a fan, convinced there were three outs. Upon realizing his mistake, Gonzalez crouched like a catcher and bit the top of his glove.“Honestly. I was like, ‘Oh, I screwed (up),'" Gonzalez said. “But my mind went to, ’I hope he hits to me and I can make the inning over.'”Andrew Benintendi was awarded two bases on Gonzalez’s mental error, but starter Zach Plesac, who pitched six solid innings, buckled down and struck out MJ Melendez to end the threat.Plesac didn't feel the need to say anything to Gonzalez afterward.“Nothing came out of it so it was one of those, just kind of smile it off,” he said. “I’m not looking at him like, ‘Come on dude, you need to do better.’ He learned from it. He understood. He knew what he did. We got out of it with no runs, unscathed.”Ramírez hit his 13th homer — a two-run shot in the fifth — and raised his major league-leading total to 51 RBIs. He reached 50 RBIs in 44 games, the second fastest in team history behind Manny Ramirez, who did in 38 games in 1999.“He’s the best player in the game, hands down,” Plesac said. “I don’t care who wants to challenge him. He hits from both sides of the plate. He doesn’t strike out. He does his job and he puts up runs, so it’s phenomenal.”Nick Sandlin (4-2) got the win in relief.Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals, who rallied in the eighth but couldn't stop from falling to 16-31 — the AL's worst record. Before the game, Kansas City made roster moves involving eight players.Down 3-1, Kansas City tied it in the eighth on back-to-back RBI doubles by Whit Merrifield and Benintendi that tied it 3-3.But in Cleveland's half, Josh Naylor drew a one-out walk off Snider, and Gonzalez singled to right before Giménez drove a 3-2 sinker from Snider over the wall in straightaway center for his fifth homer.The Guardians tacked on a fourth run on a throwing error by Royals rookie shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.“We got into a spot where we had to fight back and the guys did a great job with that late in the game against a good bullpen and gave us a chance,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Unfortunately a one-out walk put us in a bit of a bind and then a pitch that wasn’t where we wanted it to be ended up being the home run.”MUSIC MANGonzalez's choice for walk-up music raised some eyebrows.It the theme song from “SpongeBob SquarePants.”Why?“Because kids love that song and this is a kid’s game after all," he said. "I’ve had it since Triple-A.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Veteran RHP Zack Greinke was placed on the 15-day IL with a strained right forearm, one of several roster roster moves before the series opener. The 38-year-old Greinke complained of tightness in his arm following Sunday’s start in Minnesota. Greinke's 0-4 with a 5.05 ERA.Guardians: There's still no timetable for DH Franmil Reyes (hamstring) to return from the injured list. He met with trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and Francona to map out a long-term plan. ... RHP Aaron Civale (strained gluteus) underwent another MRI after throwing a side session in anticipation of a scheduled rehab start at Triple-A Columbus Tuesday. Francona said Civale didn't feel ready to “ramp up” to game intensity so the team decided to have him checked further.UP NEXTCleveland's most consistent starter despite a lack of run support, RHP Cal Quantrill (1-3) starts Tuesday against Royals LHP Daniel Lynch (2-3).

⚾ Royals come up short in series opener in Cleveland

After leading TMP-Marian in hitting, senior Jace Wentling has been named to the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches 3A All-State team.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kabcbaseball.org/_files/ugd/ae68eb_09cd3ef445604d9abe50730361da0fa7.pdf">KABC 3A All-State Team</a>

Wentling was named to the second team as a catcher after hitting .397 and helping lead the Monarchs to the 3A state tournament.

Wichita Collegiate's Hayden Malaise was named the 3A Pitcher of the Year and Ellsworth's&nbsp;Dayton Davis was named the 3A Player of the Year.

Mick Tedlock of Columbus is the 3A Coach of the Year and&nbsp;Clint Barger of Larned the 3A Assistant Coach of the Year.

After leading TMP-Marian in hitting, senior Jace Wentling has been named to the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches 3A All-State team.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kabcbaseball.org/_files/ugd/ae68eb_09cd3ef445604d9abe50730361da0fa7.pdf">KABC 3A All-State Team</a>Wentling was named to the second team as a catcher after hitting .397 and helping lead the Monarchs to the 3A state tournament.Wichita Collegiate's Hayden Malaise was named the 3A Pitcher of the Year and Ellsworth's&nbsp;Dayton Davis was named the 3A Player of the Year.Mick Tedlock of Columbus is the 3A Coach of the Year and&nbsp;Clint Barger of Larned the 3A Assistant Coach of the Year.

⚾ TMP-Marian's Wentling named to 3A all-state team

The Hays High girls land six players on the All-Western Athletic Conference team. Senior Caroline Robben and junior Katie Dinkel were named to the first team while senior Aleyia Ruder, juniors Claire Humphrey and Aspen Melvin and freshman Dani Willeford named to the second team.

Dodge City freshman Jasmine Ruiz, who scored 43 goals in 17 games, was named the WAC Player of the Year.

Garden City's Jose Vital was named coach of the Year after guiding the Buffaloes to a share of the WAC title with Hays High.

The Hays High girls land six players on the All-Western Athletic Conference team. Senior Caroline Robben and junior Katie Dinkel were named to the first team while senior Aleyia Ruder, juniors Claire Humphrey and Aspen Melvin and freshman Dani Willeford named to the second team.Dodge City freshman Jasmine Ruiz, who scored 43 goals in 17 games, was named the WAC Player of the Year.Garden City's Jose Vital was named coach of the Year after guiding the Buffaloes to a share of the WAC title with Hays High.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653946147541.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653946184340.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

⚽ HHS girls land six on All-WAC team

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kansas City veteran Zack Greinke was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday with a strained right forearm, the most significant in a flurry of roster moves by the Royals before opening a three-game series with the Guardians.

The 38-year-old Greinke complained of tightness in his arm following Sunday's start in Minnesota. He allowed five runs — all on three home runs — in four innings in a 7-3 loss to the Twins.

Greinke is 0-4 with 5.05 ERA this season.

"Any guy who has been around as long as he has, he kind of know what he feels and knows what most likely will work," manager Mike Matheny said. "We're just trying to get ahead of it right now, just looks like it's going to take a little time."

A six-time All-Star, Greinke is in his second stint with the Royals, who signed him to a $13 million, one-year contract in March. He's also pitched for Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondback and Houston Astros in 19 seasons.

The Royals, who arrived in Cleveland with the AL's worst record at 16-30, were busy adjusting before the opener.

The club also placed relievers Gabe Speier and Matt Peacock on the injured list, and outfielder Brewer Hicklen was returned to Triple-A Omaha.

In corresponding moves, outfielder Kyle Isbel was reinstated from the injured list, left-hander Foster Griffin was recalled from Omaha and the Royals selected right-handers Jose Cuas and Arodys Vizcaino from Omaha.

"Not ideal," Matheny said. "But fortunately the organization has been very forward thinking in allowing to have the taxi squad members with us and then the schedule working out with off days, so we'll be able to get guys here. Being prepared in case a worst-case scenario happens and we'll just kind of roll with the punches."

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kansas City veteran Zack Greinke was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday with a strained right forearm, the most significant in a flurry of roster moves by the Royals before opening a three-game series with the Guardians.The 38-year-old Greinke complained of tightness in his arm following Sunday's start in Minnesota. He allowed five runs — all on three home runs — in four innings in a 7-3 loss to the Twins.Greinke is 0-4 with 5.05 ERA this season."Any guy who has been around as long as he has, he kind of know what he feels and knows what most likely will work," manager Mike Matheny said. "We're just trying to get ahead of it right now, just looks like it's going to take a little time."A six-time All-Star, Greinke is in his second stint with the Royals, who signed him to a $13 million, one-year contract in March. He's also pitched for Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondback and Houston Astros in 19 seasons.The Royals, who arrived in Cleveland with the AL's worst record at 16-30, were busy adjusting before the opener.The club also placed relievers Gabe Speier and Matt Peacock on the injured list, and outfielder Brewer Hicklen was returned to Triple-A Omaha.In corresponding moves, outfielder Kyle Isbel was reinstated from the injured list, left-hander Foster Griffin was recalled from Omaha and the Royals selected right-handers Jose Cuas and Arodys Vizcaino from Omaha.It's a lot for a struggling team."Not ideal," Matheny said. "But fortunately the organization has been very forward thinking in allowing to have the taxi squad members with us and then the schedule working out with off days, so we'll be able to get guys here. Being prepared in case a worst-case scenario happens and we'll just kind of roll with the punches."

⚾ Royals make roster moves, place Greinke on IL

LONDON (AP) — Miami punter Lou Hedley had to fly 13,000 miles to western Australia to cash in on his name.

The tattooed Aussie and thousands of other international athletes at American colleges have been told they can’t profit from their name, image and likeness on U.S. soil — though interpretations vary about what constitutes work — so some are trekking home to do it.

In Hedley’s case, it was a 37-hour journey that included a long stopover in Qatar.

“It’s a pain in the backside having to fly over but it’s all worth it,” Hedley told The Associated Press after a day of filming promotional spots for LifeWallet in the city of Perth, where he was also visiting family before his final season with the Hurricanes this fall. “I feel like I deserve to get a little bit of money, I’ve contributed wealth to the team (with) my name, image and likeness ... so it was good to kind of get compensated for what I’ve been doing the last three years.”

Hedley declined to specify an exact figure but confirmed his NIL deal is in line with his teammates at roughly $50,000. Miami attorney John Ruiz has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-business-mens-304bf21905369b71a8fc3c45ff4c2ed8">actively enlisting Hurricanes</a>&nbsp;on NIL deals through his LifeWallet healthcare company.

The 28-year-old Hedley, one of many Aussie punters in college football, said he didn’t sign anything until he touched down Down Under.

“The work is all done here, paid for over here. As long as I’m doing all my work in Australia, I’m getting paid in Australia, paying taxes in Australia and all that stuff, it’s all legal,” he said.

Nebraska basketball player Jaz Shelley also made a trip home to Australia for NIL deals, and teammate Isabelle Bourne planned to follow suit. Mustapha Amzil, a 6-foot-9 forward at Dayton, announced on social media that when he plays for the national team of his native Finland this summer he will be “open to any business and sponsorship deals.”

On the whole, though, international athletes are finding the NIL waters tricky to navigate, with mixed messages about what’s OK, even now almost a year after the NCAA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/news/2021/6/30/ncaa-adopts-interim-name-image-and-likeness-policy.aspx" target="_blank">lifted restrictions</a>.

Some schools have told them to avoid NIL deals altogether because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-business-celebrity-endorsements-education-4abf78b5012911f02ebee4ee6d776d7d">they could jeopardize their visa status.</a>&nbsp;Others say off U.S. soil is fine. Ultimately, the federal government is the arbiter of visa questions and deportations.

“There’s a ton of ambiguity,” said Casey Floyd, co-founder of NOCAP Sports, which is working with athletes to secure deals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/name-image-and-likeness-rights-for-international-student-athletes" target="_blank">advocating for regulatory clarity</a>. “You go to some schools and they are very flexible ... and then you have a lot of schools that they just don’t want to touch it because they’re so scared of the ramifications.”

West Virginia’s international athletes, for example, “are not participating in NIL opportunities due to the current application of federal immigration regulations,” spokesman Michael Fragale said. Drexel asked its foreign athletes to “please refrain from entering into a NIL agreement or engaging in compensated NIL activity,” Mladenka Tomasevic, executive director of the International Students and Scholars Services, wrote in February.

It’s a different story at Nebraska, where the women’s basketball program&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskersWBB/status/1522663625260994560" target="_blank">tweeted</a>: “International NIL made possible!” adding that when Shelley and Bourne arrive on Australian soil “they will be legally eligible to participate in NIL activity.” Shelley then promoted her T-shirts and hoodies, as well as a Lincoln restaurant.

The University of Florida told its internationals planning NIL activity in their home countries to “&nbsp;<a href="https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/f-1-student/f-1-status-requirements/employment/international-student-athletes-and-ncaa-nil-legislation" target="_blank">properly document their physical location</a>&nbsp;” by providing form I-94 arrival/departure records, ”flight itinerary, and port of entry stamp showing abroad.”

Cal basketball player Sam Alajiki of Ireland hopes to stay around Berkeley to promote Next Up Recruitment, a company based in Manchester, England, that helps athletes land scholarships.

“He’s literally going to be retweeting content. There’s no way that can be deemed as work,” said Next Up founder Ryan Cook, who has also explored holding payments in escrow or becoming an administrator of Alajiki’s social media account and publishing that way.

“The last thing we want to do is break anyone’s visa status,” he said. “We’re working with the Cal compliance team, as well, to make sure everything is OK. We’ve not received any pushback.”

Just in case, though, the deal doesn’t begin until September. By then, there may be specific guidance from the NCAA or relevant government agencies.

The NCAA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/ncaa/NIL/NIL_QandA.pdf" target="_blank">initial advice</a>&nbsp;said international athletes are covered by the interim NIL policy but that students “may consider” consulting with their school’s compliance official “for guidance related to maintaining their immigration status and tax implications.” If they have questions, they should write to the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

That program — SEVP — “continues to assess” the issue, said Sarah Loicano, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Kentucky forward&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-basketball-kentucky-college-abef602265ba49c099a40483f8a9a213">Oscar Tshiebwe of Congo is among those calling for Congress to help foreign student athletes. The AP player of the year, who is returning for his senior season,</a>&nbsp;recently met with Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-kentucky-march-madness-basketball-8f65fcfd5b003f6fd2c9960e398a7e6d">make his case</a>. The financial benefit to Tshiebwe could exceed seven figures.

The vast majority of the athletes hold F-1 visas that largely prohibit off-campus work. On-campus work is tightly restricted. Foreign students at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/high-school-athlete-endorsement-deals-NIL-690ca4547e8a00bf06fbd20f1dc058d8">high school</a>&nbsp;and prep level also stand to gain.

TCU tight end Alexander Honig of Germany said he hasn’t pursued the “super small” deals he’s been offered.

“Lately I’ve been really focused on my athletic path,” said Honig, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-christian-horned-frogs-football-football-texas-longhorns-football-nfl-college-football-37503bd65fd4dfe59c67096165a1c4df">recruited as a quarterback</a>. “I think I need to get on the field first and perform on a high level before I need to worry about NIL.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653913065033.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Miami punter Lou Hedley had to fly 13,000 miles to western Australia to cash in on his name.The tattooed Aussie and thousands of other international athletes at American colleges have been told they can’t profit from their name, image and likeness on U.S. soil — though interpretations vary about what constitutes work — so some are trekking home to do it.In Hedley’s case, it was a 37-hour journey that included a long stopover in Qatar.“It’s a pain in the backside having to fly over but it’s all worth it,” Hedley told The Associated Press after a day of filming promotional spots for LifeWallet in the city of Perth, where he was also visiting family before his final season with the Hurricanes this fall. “I feel like I deserve to get a little bit of money, I’ve contributed wealth to the team (with) my name, image and likeness ... so it was good to kind of get compensated for what I’ve been doing the last three years.”Hedley declined to specify an exact figure but confirmed his NIL deal is in line with his teammates at roughly $50,000. Miami attorney John Ruiz has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-business-mens-304bf21905369b71a8fc3c45ff4c2ed8">actively enlisting Hurricanes</a>&nbsp;on NIL deals through his LifeWallet healthcare company.The 28-year-old Hedley, one of many Aussie punters in college football, said he didn’t sign anything until he touched down Down Under.“The work is all done here, paid for over here. As long as I’m doing all my work in Australia, I’m getting paid in Australia, paying taxes in Australia and all that stuff, it’s all legal,” he said.Nebraska basketball player Jaz Shelley also made a trip home to Australia for NIL deals, and teammate Isabelle Bourne planned to follow suit. Mustapha Amzil, a 6-foot-9 forward at Dayton, announced on social media that when he plays for the national team of his native Finland this summer he will be “open to any business and sponsorship deals.”On the whole, though, international athletes are finding the NIL waters tricky to navigate, with mixed messages about what’s OK, even now almost a year after the NCAA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/news/2021/6/30/ncaa-adopts-interim-name-image-and-likeness-policy.aspx" target="_blank">lifted restrictions</a>.Some schools have told them to avoid NIL deals altogether because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-business-celebrity-endorsements-education-4abf78b5012911f02ebee4ee6d776d7d">they could jeopardize their visa status.</a>&nbsp;Others say off U.S. soil is fine. Ultimately, the federal government is the arbiter of visa questions and deportations.“There’s a ton of ambiguity,” said Casey Floyd, co-founder of NOCAP Sports, which is working with athletes to secure deals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/name-image-and-likeness-rights-for-international-student-athletes" target="_blank">advocating for regulatory clarity</a>. “You go to some schools and they are very flexible ... and then you have a lot of schools that they just don’t want to touch it because they’re so scared of the ramifications.”West Virginia’s international athletes, for example, “are not participating in NIL opportunities due to the current application of federal immigration regulations,” spokesman Michael Fragale said. Drexel asked its foreign athletes to “please refrain from entering into a NIL agreement or engaging in compensated NIL activity,” Mladenka Tomasevic, executive director of the International Students and Scholars Services, wrote in February.It’s a different story at Nebraska, where the women’s basketball program&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskersWBB/status/1522663625260994560" target="_blank">tweeted</a>: “International NIL made possible!” adding that when Shelley and Bourne arrive on Australian soil “they will be legally eligible to participate in NIL activity.” Shelley then promoted her T-shirts and hoodies, as well as a Lincoln restaurant.The University of Florida told its internationals planning NIL activity in their home countries to “&nbsp;<a href="https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/f-1-student/f-1-status-requirements/employment/international-student-athletes-and-ncaa-nil-legislation" target="_blank">properly document their physical location</a>&nbsp;” by providing form I-94 arrival/departure records, ”flight itinerary, and port of entry stamp showing abroad.”Cal basketball player Sam Alajiki of Ireland hopes to stay around Berkeley to promote Next Up Recruitment, a company based in Manchester, England, that helps athletes land scholarships.“He’s literally going to be retweeting content. There’s no way that can be deemed as work,” said Next Up founder Ryan Cook, who has also explored holding payments in escrow or becoming an administrator of Alajiki’s social media account and publishing that way.“The last thing we want to do is break anyone’s visa status,” he said. “We’re working with the Cal compliance team, as well, to make sure everything is OK. We’ve not received any pushback.”Just in case, though, the deal doesn’t begin until September. By then, there may be specific guidance from the NCAA or relevant government agencies.The NCAA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/ncaa/NIL/NIL_QandA.pdf" target="_blank">initial advice</a>&nbsp;said international athletes are covered by the interim NIL policy but that students “may consider” consulting with their school’s compliance official “for guidance related to maintaining their immigration status and tax implications.” If they have questions, they should write to the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program.That program — SEVP — “continues to assess” the issue, said Sarah Loicano, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Kentucky forward&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-basketball-kentucky-college-abef602265ba49c099a40483f8a9a213">Oscar Tshiebwe of Congo is among those calling for Congress to help foreign student athletes. The AP player of the year, who is returning for his senior season,</a>&nbsp;recently met with Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-kentucky-march-madness-basketball-8f65fcfd5b003f6fd2c9960e398a7e6d">make his case</a>. The financial benefit to Tshiebwe could exceed seven figures.The vast majority of the athletes hold F-1 visas that largely prohibit off-campus work. On-campus work is tightly restricted. Foreign students at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/high-school-athlete-endorsement-deals-NIL-690ca4547e8a00bf06fbd20f1dc058d8">high school</a>&nbsp;and prep level also stand to gain.TCU tight end Alexander Honig of Germany said he hasn’t pursued the “super small” deals he’s been offered.“Lately I’ve been really focused on my athletic path,” said Honig, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-christian-horned-frogs-football-football-texas-longhorns-football-nfl-college-football-37503bd65fd4dfe59c67096165a1c4df">recruited as a quarterback</a>. “I think I need to get on the field first and perform on a high level before I need to worry about NIL.”

'It's all legal': Foreign college athletes cash in at home

The Osborne boys had six individual medal winners and two relay
teams finish in the top eight in class 1A as they bring home the top finish of
all area teams from the state track and field championship at Cessna Stadium in
Wichita.

Mason Schurr won the 400 (49.69) meters and he was a member
of the 4x100 relay team that also claimed the state championship (44.52).

He also finished second in the both 100 (10.85) and the 200
(22.75Q) meters.

The Osborne girls won the 1A 4x800 meter relay (10:29.28).
They finished eighth as a team.

In class 2A the Plainville girls finished seventh as team. 

They had two runner-up finishers and five total medal winners.


Emma Rudman finished second in the discus (130-02) and Abby
Reif was fourth (125-07). Reif finished third in the shot put (37-02.00).

Garcie Kerns finished fifth in the long jump (16-8.25) and
seventh in the triple jump (34-10-25).

The 4x100 meter relay team placed second (51.36).

The Plainville boys also finished seventh as a team. They
had five individuals and one relay team finish in the top eight.

Braylon Bittel won the 2A discus (150-08). 

Anders Dewey brought home a second place finish in the 300
hurdles (41.79) and finished fourth in the 110 hurdles (15.96).

Carter Cellmer placed sixth in the triple jump (42-11.75)
and Madden Stabb was eighth in the high jump (5-10).

The boys 4x100 meter relay placed fifth (45.16).

The Ellis girls had four medal winners and finished in a tie
for 12th as a team.

Emily Eck finished third in the 400 (1:02), Isabella Eck was
sixth in the high jump (5-00) and Madi Russell placed third in the 3200 meters
(12:09.25) and fourth in the 1600 meters (5:35.77).

Ellis’ Rex Johnson placed third in the javelin (162-03) and
Mason Younger and Dakota Metzler finished in a tie for sixth (11-00).

The La Crosse boys finished in a tie for eighth.

They had six individual and two relay teams earn medals.

Colby Stull placed sixth in the 100 meters (11.32) and
eighth in the 200 meters (24.98).

Tristen Wilhelm placed fourth in the wheelchair 400 meters
(1:30.73) and fifth in the wheelchair 100 meters (21.05).

Gage Burk was third in the high jump (6-04) and Haden
Sherman fifth in the 300 meter hurdles (42.36).

The boys 4x400 meter relay team was fourth (3:38.48) and
fifth in the 4x100 relay (45.36).

Victoria’s Macy Hammerschmidt brought home a pair of medals.

She won the 1A girls long jump (17-08.75) and was second in
the 100 meters (12.12). The top three runners in the race all broke the state
tournament record.

The Trego boys finished 12th as a team in class 2A.

Gunner Wilson finished third in the triple jump (44-01-50)
and sixth in the 400 meters (53.04). 

Charlie Russell placed sixth in the shot put (44-09.25) and
Owen Day was sixth in the javelin (157-02)

Stockton’s Rylan Basart won the 1A javelin (190-01) and
Kaelyn Means was second in the discus (127-10).

You can find state track and field results <a href="https://live.athletic.net/meets/16324">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

The Osborne boys had six individual medal winners and two relay
teams finish in the top eight in class 1A as they bring home the top finish of
all area teams from the state track and field championship at Cessna Stadium in
Wichita.Mason Schurr won the 400 (49.69) meters and he was a member
of the 4x100 relay team that also claimed the state championship (44.52).He also finished second in the both 100 (10.85) and the 200
(22.75Q) meters.The Osborne girls won the 1A 4x800 meter relay (10:29.28).
They finished eighth as a team.In class 2A the Plainville girls finished seventh as team. They had two runner-up finishers and five total medal winners.
Emma Rudman finished second in the discus (130-02) and Abby
Reif was fourth (125-07). Reif finished third in the shot put (37-02.00).Garcie Kerns finished fifth in the long jump (16-8.25) and
seventh in the triple jump (34-10-25).The 4x100 meter relay team placed second (51.36).The Plainville boys also finished seventh as a team. They
had five individuals and one relay team finish in the top eight.Braylon Bittel won the 2A discus (150-08). Anders Dewey brought home a second place finish in the 300
hurdles (41.79) and finished fourth in the 110 hurdles (15.96).Carter Cellmer placed sixth in the triple jump (42-11.75)
and Madden Stabb was eighth in the high jump (5-10).The boys 4x100 meter relay placed fifth (45.16).The Ellis girls had four medal winners and finished in a tie
for 12th as a team.Emily Eck finished third in the 400 (1:02), Isabella Eck was
sixth in the high jump (5-00) and Madi Russell placed third in the 3200 meters
(12:09.25) and fourth in the 1600 meters (5:35.77).Ellis’ Rex Johnson placed third in the javelin (162-03) and
Mason Younger and Dakota Metzler finished in a tie for sixth (11-00).The La Crosse boys finished in a tie for eighth.They had six individual and two relay teams earn medals.Colby Stull placed sixth in the 100 meters (11.32) and
eighth in the 200 meters (24.98).Tristen Wilhelm placed fourth in the wheelchair 400 meters
(1:30.73) and fifth in the wheelchair 100 meters (21.05).Gage Burk was third in the high jump (6-04) and Haden
Sherman fifth in the 300 meter hurdles (42.36).The boys 4x400 meter relay team was fourth (3:38.48) and
fifth in the 4x100 relay (45.36).Victoria’s Macy Hammerschmidt brought home a pair of medals.She won the 1A girls long jump (17-08.75) and was second in
the 100 meters (12.12). The top three runners in the race all broke the state
tournament record.The Trego boys finished 12th as a team in class 2A.Gunner Wilson finished third in the triple jump (44-01-50)
and sixth in the 400 meters (53.04). Charlie Russell placed sixth in the shot put (44-09.25) and
Owen Day was sixth in the javelin (157-02)Stockton’s Rylan Basart won the 1A javelin (190-01) and
Kaelyn Means was second in the discus (127-10).You can find state track and field results <a href="https://live.athletic.net/meets/16324">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

👟 Area state track and field results

WICHITA – The TMP-Marian boys had three individual medal
winners and one relay team finish in the top eight on their way to a tie for
seventh place at the 3A state track and field championship at Cessna Stadium in
Wichita.

TMP senior Jace Wentling defended his 3A boys long jump
championship (22-08.50) and claimed the 3A triple jump championship (44-09.00) for
the Monarchs.

Kade Harris finished eighth for TMP in the 200 meter dash (24.76).

The boys 4x100 meter relay team placed third (44.06).

The TMP girls finished in a tie for 21st as a
team with three individual medal winners.

Freshman Shaylee Gottschalk finished third in the 200 meter
dash (15.51), Kassidi Yost was fourth in the high jump (5-04.00) and Emma Basgall
placed eighth in the long jump (15-10.25).

WICHITA – The TMP-Marian boys had three individual medal
winners and one relay team finish in the top eight on their way to a tie for
seventh place at the 3A state track and field championship at Cessna Stadium in
Wichita.TMP senior Jace Wentling defended his 3A boys long jump
championship (22-08.50) and claimed the 3A triple jump championship (44-09.00) for
the Monarchs.Kade Harris finished eighth for TMP in the 200 meter dash (24.76).The boys 4x100 meter relay team placed third (44.06).The TMP girls finished in a tie for 21st as a
team with three individual medal winners.Freshman Shaylee Gottschalk finished third in the 200 meter
dash (15.51), Kassidi Yost was fourth in the high jump (5-04.00) and Emma Basgall
placed eighth in the long jump (15-10.25).TMP results: Boys 100 Dash (Class 3A) - Prelims 9 – Kade Harris – 11.44Boys 200 Dash (Class 3A) - Prelims 7 – Kade Harris – 23.32qBoys 200 Dash (Class 3A) - Finals 8 – Kade Harris – 24.76Boys Long Jump (Class 3A) 1 – Jace Wentling – 22-08.50 9 – Kade Harris – 20-05.50Boys Triple Jump (Class 3A) 1 – Jace Wentling – 44-09.00Boys 4x100 Meter Relay Class 3A - Preliminaries 6 – 1) Jace Wentling2) Mark Rack3) Lance Lang4) Kade Harris –
44.01qBoys 4x100 Meter Relay Class 3A - Finals 3 – 1) Jace Wentling2) Mark Rack3) Lance Lang4) Kade Harris –
44.06Girls 100 Hurdles (Class 3A) - Prelims 3 – Shalee Gottschalk – 15.72QGirls 100 Hurdles (Class 3A) - Finals 3 – Shalee Gottschalk – 15.51Girls 200 Dash (Class 3A) - Prelims 14 – Kassidi Yost – 27.40Girls High Jump (Class 3A) 4 – Kassidi Yost – 5-04.00 15 – Tessa Wentling – 4-08.00