By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Former Hays High and Tennessee Volunteer standout Dylan Dreiling
was selected in the second round of the MLB Draft Sunday by the Texas Rangers.

Dreiling was the 65th overall pick, the final
pick of the second round.

Dreiling spent much of the first day of the MLB draft with
his family and friends, watching the first round and almost the entire second
round go by before his name was called just before 10 p.m. central time.

But when his name was called, he was excited.

"It means a lot. I'm excited to go to the Rangers," Dreiling
said. "Obviously, it's a good program, and (they) won a World Series last year,
so that's pretty big. I'm excited to get down there and get to work."

Dreiling said he had been talking with representatives from the Rangers organization quite a bit over the last couple of days leading up to the
draft.

"Not really anything baseball-wise, just about the person I
am," Dreiling said. "I didn't know that they were going to pick me or that I
was even in their draft considerations, but it was cool to experience that."

This is not the first go-around for Dreiling in the draft
process. Going into his senior season at Hays High, Dreiling was among a number
of high school standouts who found themselves with a chance to be drafted
straight out of high school. 

However, Dreiling suffered a hamstring injury early in the season. Despite the injury, he was named the Kansas 5A player of the year. However, he did not hear his name called in the 2022 MLB draft, and he headed to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

After splitting time as a freshman for the Volunteers, Dreiling
cemented his role in the starting lineup this past season in Knoxville, finishing
with a .341 average with 23 homeruns and a team-best 75 RBIs while being named
to the first-team All-SEC.

But it was what Dreiling did on the way to the Volunteers
winning the College World Series title in Omaha that earned him the title of “Mr.
Clutch.”

In the six CWS games, Dreiling batted .541 with 11 RBIs and
three homeruns. All three of those homeruns came in the CWS finals against
Texas A&amp;M. He is the first player to ever accomplish that feat. He was
named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2024 College World Series.

Dreiling said his ascent to stardom after the injury and his freshman season showed his drive to win.

"It shows that I'm a hard worker and that I'm willing to do
whatever to get better," Dreiling said. "I'm a winner. I want to win as bad as
anybody."

For Dreiling, the last few weeks have been “crazy.”

After helping to lead the Volunteers to the program's first CWS
Championship in Omaha, he returned to Hays and said he had been overwhelmed by
the community's support.

"The support from the community was unreal since I've been
home, and it's just been really cool to see," Dreiling said.

Dreiling was honored Saturday at Larks Park during the team's matchup with the Fort Collins Foxes. A proclamation from the Hays mayor declared Sunday, July 14, Dylan Dreiling Day in the city.

Dreiling was one of four Tennessee Volunteers taken in the first
two rounds of the MLB, a new program record.

“It’s the best place to develop in college baseball, hands
down,” Dreiling said. “We just have so many coaches that help developmentally
and just keep you on the right path.”

Dylan added, “I looked at it, the draft, as a high schooler, and going to Tennessee was the best decision I ever made.”

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">With the 65th pick of the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLBDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLBDraft</a>, the Texas Rangers select OF Dylan Dreiling from <a href="https://twitter.com/Vol_Baseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vol_Baseball</a>. <a href="https://t.co/FpFtLygNUA">pic.twitter.com/FpFtLygNUA</a>&mdash; Texas Rangers (@Rangers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rangers/status/1812681946511601833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721047584346.jpeg" alt="Dylan Dreiling and his brothers before the Wild West Festival in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Dreiling and his brothers before the Wild West Festival in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostFormer Hays High and Tennessee Volunteer standout Dylan Dreiling
was selected in the second round of the MLB Draft Sunday by the Texas Rangers.Dreiling was the 65th overall pick, the final
pick of the second round.Dreiling spent much of the first day of the MLB draft with
his family and friends, watching the first round and almost the entire second
round go by before his name was called just before 10 p.m. central time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721047515278.jpeg" alt="Dreiling and his brothers at the Wild West Festival parade. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dreiling and his brothers at the Wild West Festival parade. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>But when his name was called, he was excited."It means a lot. I'm excited to go to the Rangers," Dreiling
said. "Obviously, it's a good program, and (they) won a World Series last year,
so that's pretty big. I'm excited to get down there and get to work."Dreiling said he had been talking with representatives from the Rangers organization quite a bit over the last couple of days leading up to the
draft."Not really anything baseball-wise, just about the person I
am," Dreiling said. "I didn't know that they were going to pick me or that I
was even in their draft considerations, but it was cool to experience that."This is not the first go-around for Dreiling in the draft
process. Going into his senior season at Hays High, Dreiling was among a number
of high school standouts who found themselves with a chance to be drafted
straight out of high school. However, Dreiling suffered a hamstring injury early in the season. Despite the injury, he was named the Kansas 5A player of the year. However, he did not hear his name called in the 2022 MLB draft, and he headed to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.After splitting time as a freshman for the Volunteers, Dreiling
cemented his role in the starting lineup this past season in Knoxville, finishing
with a .341 average with 23 homeruns and a team-best 75 RBIs while being named
to the first-team All-SEC.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mr. Clutch knows a thing or two about winning titles. Should fit right in with the reigning World Series Champs!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBO</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLBDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLBDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/fwHb3qQCcu">pic.twitter.com/fwHb3qQCcu</a>&mdash; Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vol_Baseball/status/1812683778520658407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But it was what Dreiling did on the way to the Volunteers
winning the College World Series title in Omaha that earned him the title of “Mr.
Clutch.”In the six CWS games, Dreiling batted .541 with 11 RBIs and
three homeruns. All three of those homeruns came in the CWS finals against
Texas A&amp;M. He is the first player to ever accomplish that feat. He was
named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2024 College World Series.Dreiling said his ascent to stardom after the injury and his freshman season showed his drive to win."It shows that I'm a hard worker and that I'm willing to do
whatever to get better," Dreiling said. "I'm a winner. I want to win as bad as
anybody."For Dreiling, the last few weeks have been “crazy.”After helping to lead the Volunteers to the program's first CWS
Championship in Omaha, he returned to Hays and said he had been overwhelmed by
the community's support."The support from the community was unreal since I've been
home, and it's just been really cool to see," Dreiling said.Dreiling was honored Saturday at Larks Park during the team's matchup with the Fort Collins Foxes. A proclamation from the Hays mayor declared Sunday, July 14, Dylan Dreiling Day in the city.Dreiling was one of four Tennessee Volunteers taken in the first
two rounds of the MLB, a new program record.“It’s the best place to develop in college baseball, hands
down,” Dreiling said. “We just have so many coaches that help developmentally
and just keep you on the right path.”Dylan added, “I looked at it, the draft, as a high schooler, and going to Tennessee was the best decision I ever made.”

⚾ Rangers pick former Hays High standout Dreiling in MLB draft

BOSTON (AP) — Rafael Devers hit a two-run homer that broke a seat deep in right field at Fenway Park, Dominic Smith also had a two-run shot and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Sunday to take the series.

The Red Sox won their second straight after losing the opener. Boston improved to a major league-best 9-3 in July and is 20-8 since June 12.

All-Star Devers sent a first-inning slider from Brady Singer (5-6) with an estimated exit velocity of 114.7 mph a projected 439 feet, crashing into the top of a seat and loosening up the top support. The Red Sox posted a “&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RedSox/status/1812556309239369974">Fenway Facilities Incident Report</a>&nbsp;” that had a picture of the broken red seat on their social media sites.

Adam Frazier opened the game with a homer into the Royals’ bullpen and All-Star Salvador Perez, who was selected for his ninth Midsummer Classic, added a solo shot into the Green Monster seats for Kansas City.

First-time All-Star Jarren Duran had four hits for the Red Sox, who improved to a majors’ best 15-1 on Sundays. Boston enters the All-Star break surprisingly 4 ½ games out of first in the AL East after finishing in the basement three of the last four years.

Brayan Bello (10-5) overcame his struggles at home, going 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs and seven hits. He had posted a 6.55 ERA in his seven starts in Fenway.

Kenley Jansen got the final six outs, striking out three, for his 19th save, the 439th of his career. He gave up a run in the ninth but got Nick Loftin to ground out with a runner on second to end it.

Smith’s shot went an estimated 431 feet, traveling over Boston’s bullpen to make it 4-1 in the second. He added a key RBI single that made it 5-3 in the seventh.

Singer had allowed just one run in each of his previous four starts but was tagged for four runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings.

The Royals go into the break with 52 victories, three off the most before the All-Star Game in team history behind the 1973 club.

Royals: OF MJ Melendez limped out of the game with a sprained left ankle after beating out a fielder’s choice grounder that drove in a run in the fourth. … C Perez was the DH for the second straight game after leaving Friday’s early due to cramping.

Red Sox: OF Tyler O’Neill was back in the lineup after getting Saturday off.

Royals: Begin a nine-game homestand following the All-Star break, starting with the Chicago White Sox on Friday.

Red Sox: Open a six-game road trip after the break, with the first of three at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

BOSTON (AP) — Rafael Devers hit a two-run homer that broke a seat deep in right field at Fenway Park, Dominic Smith also had a two-run shot and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Sunday to take the series.The Red Sox won their second straight after losing the opener. Boston improved to a major league-best 9-3 in July and is 20-8 since June 12.All-Star Devers sent a first-inning slider from Brady Singer (5-6) with an estimated exit velocity of 114.7 mph a projected 439 feet, crashing into the top of a seat and loosening up the top support. The Red Sox posted a “&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RedSox/status/1812556309239369974">Fenway Facilities Incident Report</a>&nbsp;” that had a picture of the broken red seat on their social media sites.Adam Frazier opened the game with a homer into the Royals’ bullpen and All-Star Salvador Perez, who was selected for his ninth Midsummer Classic, added a solo shot into the Green Monster seats for Kansas City.First-time All-Star Jarren Duran had four hits for the Red Sox, who improved to a majors’ best 15-1 on Sundays. Boston enters the All-Star break surprisingly 4 ½ games out of first in the AL East after finishing in the basement three of the last four years.Brayan Bello (10-5) overcame his struggles at home, going 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs and seven hits. He had posted a 6.55 ERA in his seven starts in Fenway.Kenley Jansen got the final six outs, striking out three, for his 19th save, the 439th of his career. He gave up a run in the ninth but got Nick Loftin to ground out with a runner on second to end it.Smith’s shot went an estimated 431 feet, traveling over Boston’s bullpen to make it 4-1 in the second. He added a key RBI single that made it 5-3 in the seventh.Singer had allowed just one run in each of his previous four starts but was tagged for four runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings.The Royals go into the break with 52 victories, three off the most before the All-Star Game in team history behind the 1973 club.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: OF MJ Melendez limped out of the game with a sprained left ankle after beating out a fielder’s choice grounder that drove in a run in the fourth. … C Perez was the DH for the second straight game after leaving Friday’s early due to cramping.Red Sox: OF Tyler O’Neill was back in the lineup after getting Saturday off.UP NEXTRoyals: Begin a nine-game homestand following the All-Star break, starting with the Chicago White Sox on Friday.Red Sox: Open a six-game road trip after the break, with the first of three at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

⚾ Red Sox take the series with Sunday win over Royals

HAYS – The Hays Larks dropped a 15-10 shootout&nbsp; with the
Kansas Cannons in a non-league contest Sunday at Larks Park. 

The Cannons struck early scoring four times in the third and
fourth innings and they added two more in the fifth for a 10-0 lead through five
innings.

The Larks finally broke on to the scoreboard scoring four
runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Kaleb Duncan walked to lead off the inning for the Larks and
then stole second and third base before scoring on a fielder’s choice making it
10-1 Cannons.

The Larks added runs in the inning on a Tabor Stokes single,
Thomas Lyssy ground out and a based ball as they cut the deficit to 10-4.

The Cannons proceeded to answer with five runs in to the top
the seventh inning and led at that point 15-4.

Will Carpenter hit a two-run homerun in the bottom of the
inning for Hays cutting the Cannons lead to 15-6.

Hays added four more in the bottom of the eighth inning. 

Duncan doubled with the bases loaded, driving in three and
then Houston Russell tripled in the next at bat making it 15-10 but Hays could
get no closer.

Trent Baker suffered the loss on the mound for the Larks. He
allowed four runs, three earned, on two hits with three walks and two
strikeouts in two innings.

Duncan drove in three runs and doubled twice. Carpenter
homered and drive in two runs. Houston Russell also drove in a pair of runs.

The Larks are 22-8 and 17-6 in RMBL play.

They have Monday off before beginning a two-game series in
Liberal on Tuesday with the Bee Jays.

Hays PostHAYS – The Hays Larks dropped a 15-10 shootout&nbsp; with the
Kansas Cannons in a non-league contest Sunday at Larks Park. The Cannons struck early scoring four times in the third and
fourth innings and they added two more in the fifth for a 10-0 lead through five
innings.The Larks finally broke on to the scoreboard scoring four
runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.Kaleb Duncan walked to lead off the inning for the Larks and
then stole second and third base before scoring on a fielder’s choice making it
10-1 Cannons.The Larks added runs in the inning on a Tabor Stokes single,
Thomas Lyssy ground out and a based ball as they cut the deficit to 10-4.The Cannons proceeded to answer with five runs in to the top
the seventh inning and led at that point 15-4.Will Carpenter hit a two-run homerun in the bottom of the
inning for Hays cutting the Cannons lead to 15-6.Hays added four more in the bottom of the eighth inning. Duncan doubled with the bases loaded, driving in three and
then Houston Russell tripled in the next at bat making it 15-10 but Hays could
get no closer.Trent Baker suffered the loss on the mound for the Larks. He
allowed four runs, three earned, on two hits with three walks and two
strikeouts in two innings.Duncan drove in three runs and doubled twice. Carpenter
homered and drive in two runs. Houston Russell also drove in a pair of runs.The Larks are 22-8 and 17-6 in RMBL play.They have Monday off before beginning a two-game series in
Liberal on Tuesday with the Bee Jays.

⚾Larks drop with Cannons

The Hays Larks step out of Rocky Mountain Baseball League play on Sunday night as they host the Kansas Cannons.

First pitch is set for&nbsp;for 7 p.m at Larks Park.

You can catch on the action on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFPp-E-UfFM">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks step out of Rocky Mountain Baseball League play on Sunday night as they host the Kansas Cannons.First pitch is set for&nbsp;for 7 p.m at Larks Park.You can catch on the action on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFPp-E-UfFM">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a> Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks hosts Kansas Cannons

The National Baseball Congress World Series announced over
the weekend that the Hays Larks are among 10 teams who have already punched
their tickets for the 2024 World Series in Wichita.

Here is a list of the 10 teams that have finalized their
2024 World Series bids:

Hutchinson Monarchs – Jayhawk League – 2023 NBC defending
champions Santa Barbara Foresters – California Collegiate League –
2023 NBC runner ups Seattle Cheney Studs – Pacific International League Seattle Black Fins – Pacific International League Boulder Collegians – Mile High Collegiate Baseball League California Halos – California Premier League Haysville Aviators – Jayhawk League Top Prospect Academy Texas – AABC – Stan Musial Texas World
Series Champion Liberal Bee Jays – Rocky Mountain Collegiate Baseball League Hays Larks – Rocky Mountain Collegiate Baseball League

According to the NBC four other bids have been assigned and
are waiting to determine who their representative will be:

American Amateur Baseball Congress- Oklahoma Hap Dumont League, NBC Qualifier Tournament Centex Collegiate Baseball League Jayhawk League

There will also be two more at-large bids, which will be
announced in the coming week.

Hays PostThe National Baseball Congress World Series announced over
the weekend that the Hays Larks are among 10 teams who have already punched
their tickets for the 2024 World Series in Wichita.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnbcbaseball%2Fposts%2Fpfbid03tGHc27nNE5foGDU7UjAs34h9sRByXHus4h6DPnq1Ld6YiZ244vskCDzs61vFaxbl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="699" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Here is a list of the 10 teams that have finalized their
2024 World Series bids:Hutchinson Monarchs – Jayhawk League – 2023 NBC defending
champions Santa Barbara Foresters – California Collegiate League –
2023 NBC runner ups Seattle Cheney Studs – Pacific International League Seattle Black Fins – Pacific International League Boulder Collegians – Mile High Collegiate Baseball League California Halos – California Premier League Haysville Aviators – Jayhawk League Top Prospect Academy Texas – AABC – Stan Musial Texas World
Series Champion Liberal Bee Jays – Rocky Mountain Collegiate Baseball League Hays Larks – Rocky Mountain Collegiate Baseball LeagueAccording to the NBC four other bids have been assigned and
are waiting to determine who their representative will be:American Amateur Baseball Congress- Oklahoma Hap Dumont League, NBC Qualifier Tournament Centex Collegiate Baseball League Jayhawk LeagueThere will also be two more at-large bids, which will be
announced in the coming week.

⚾Larks headed to NBC World Series

HAYS – The Fort Collins Foxes scored a run in the first five
of Saturday night’s match up at Larks Park on their way to a 10-2 win over the
Hays Larks.

The Foxes scored eight runs over the first five innings while
the Larks scratched across just one run on a Kaide Ashton RBI single in the bottom
of the third inning.

After the Foxes added two more in the top of the eighth and
led 10-1 through seven and a half innings.

Ashton drove in a second run in the bottom of the eighth but
they could get no closer in a 10-2 loss.

The Larks took three-of-four games against the Foxes this
season.

Larks starter Logan LaPierre suffered the loss. He allowed five
runs, four earned on four hits with four strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.

Ashton collected two hits and two RBI’s.

The Larks step out of league play for a match up against the
Kansas Cannons Sunday night at Larks Park.

Hays PostHAYS – The Fort Collins Foxes scored a run in the first five
of Saturday night’s match up at Larks Park on their way to a 10-2 win over the
Hays Larks.The Foxes scored eight runs over the first five innings while
the Larks scratched across just one run on a Kaide Ashton RBI single in the bottom
of the third inning.After the Foxes added two more in the top of the eighth and
led 10-1 through seven and a half innings.Ashton drove in a second run in the bottom of the eighth but
they could get no closer in a 10-2 loss.The Larks took three-of-four games against the Foxes this
season.Larks starter Logan LaPierre suffered the loss. He allowed five
runs, four earned on four hits with four strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.Ashton collected two hits and two RBI’s.Hays are 22-7 and 17-6 in the RMBL.The Larks step out of league play for a match up against the
Kansas Cannons Sunday night at Larks Park.

⚾Larks drop final game against Foxes

🎥 Meet the Larks Noah Wilson

Sunday, July 14
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 12:00pm

Sunday, July 14
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 12:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The Hays Larks close out their two-game RMBL series Saturday night at Larks Park.

You can catch on the action on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgoVsqB21k0">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks close out their two-game RMBL series Saturday night at Larks Park.First pitch is set for&nbsp;for 7 p.m.You can catch on the action on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgoVsqB21k0">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a> Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks close out series with Fort Collins

BOSTON (AP) — Kutter Crawford took a one-hitter into the eighth inning, Rafael Devers hit a solo homer and the Boston Red Sox beat potential AL All-Star starter Seth Lugo in a 5-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Crawford (6-7) struck out four and walked one, throwing 76 of his 96 pitches for strikes. He gave up Maikel Garcia’s leadoff single in the eighth before manager Alex Cora lifted him. The righty walked off to a standing ovation.

“It feels good when you can kind of go to your back pocket and anything you throw is going to be around the zone,” said Crawford, who is 3-0 with a 0.45 ERA in his last three starts.

The Red Sox improved to 19-8 since June 12. Kansas City’s four-game winning streak was snapped.

“Throwing strikes, man,” Cora said. “Pounding the strike zone with all of his pitches, efficient.”

All-Star Devers homered into the first row of Green Monster seats against Lugo (11-4) to make it 5-0 in the fifth. It was his 22nd of the season and 194th of his career, which passed former catcher and current coach Jason Varitek for 11th on the club’s all-time list.

Lugo gave up five runs on 10 hits in five innings. He entered the day with a MLB-best ERA of 2.21 that rose to 2.48. He’s second in the majors in victories, one behind Atlanta’s Chris Sale (12-3).

“I made a few mistakes out there and didn't really give the guys a chance to win,” Lugo said. “I couldn't really locate glove side, wasn't getting inside well until like about the fourth, fifth inning. I think that's when I finally started finding a little grove for myself.”

Before the game, Royals manager Matt Quatraro lobbied for the 34-year-old righty to be named the starter for Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas.

“That be awesome,” Lugo said. “I think everybody in the league wants that, me included. That be cool.”

Zack Kelly threw a double-play ball on his first pitch and finished the eighth before getting the final three outs of the combined four-hitter, which was Boston’s majors’ best 11th shutout.

“It's one of the higher strike percentages I've seen in a long time,” Royals manager Quatraro said of Crawford. “He kept us on our heels. The cutter was outstanding. ... Just kept us off the barrel for the most part.”

Coming off seven shutout innings when he threw just 68 pitches in a victory over the Yankees in his previous start last Sunday night, Crawford threw his first 13 pitches for strikes on Saturday.

Royals: C Salvador Perez, who left Friday’s game due to cramping, was the DH. “We said he wouldn’t catch today after the cramping,” Quatraro said. “He wasn’t going to catch all three games. We’ll see how he feels after (the game).”

Red Sox: Cora gave OF Tyler O’Neill the day off. … RHP Chris Martin (injured list, right elbow inflammation) threw Friday but Cora said he didn’t feel well afterward. “He played catch. He didn’t feel great,” Cora said. “Not concerned, but he’s going to take longer than we expected.”

RHP Brady Singer (5-5, 2.93 ERA) is scheduled start Sunday’s series finale for the Royals against Red Sox RHP Brayan Bello (9-5, 5.40).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720916632331.png" alt="Boston's Wilyer Abreu scores against Royals catcher Freddy Fermin on a two-run single in the third inning of Saturday's game in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)" />
 <figcaption>Boston's Wilyer Abreu scores against Royals catcher Freddy Fermin on a two-run single in the third inning of Saturday's game in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Kutter Crawford took a one-hitter into the eighth inning, Rafael Devers hit a solo homer and the Boston Red Sox beat potential AL All-Star starter Seth Lugo in a 5-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.Crawford (6-7) struck out four and walked one, throwing 76 of his 96 pitches for strikes. He gave up Maikel Garcia’s leadoff single in the eighth before manager Alex Cora lifted him. The righty walked off to a standing ovation.“It feels good when you can kind of go to your back pocket and anything you throw is going to be around the zone,” said Crawford, who is 3-0 with a 0.45 ERA in his last three starts.The Red Sox improved to 19-8 since June 12. Kansas City’s four-game winning streak was snapped.“Throwing strikes, man,” Cora said. “Pounding the strike zone with all of his pitches, efficient.”All-Star Devers homered into the first row of Green Monster seats against Lugo (11-4) to make it 5-0 in the fifth. It was his 22nd of the season and 194th of his career, which passed former catcher and current coach Jason Varitek for 11th on the club’s all-time list.Lugo gave up five runs on 10 hits in five innings. He entered the day with a MLB-best ERA of 2.21 that rose to 2.48. He’s second in the majors in victories, one behind Atlanta’s Chris Sale (12-3).“I made a few mistakes out there and didn't really give the guys a chance to win,” Lugo said. “I couldn't really locate glove side, wasn't getting inside well until like about the fourth, fifth inning. I think that's when I finally started finding a little grove for myself.”Before the game, Royals manager Matt Quatraro lobbied for the 34-year-old righty to be named the starter for Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas.“That be awesome,” Lugo said. “I think everybody in the league wants that, me included. That be cool.”Zack Kelly threw a double-play ball on his first pitch and finished the eighth before getting the final three outs of the combined four-hitter, which was Boston’s majors’ best 11th shutout.“It's one of the higher strike percentages I've seen in a long time,” Royals manager Quatraro said of Crawford. “He kept us on our heels. The cutter was outstanding. ... Just kept us off the barrel for the most part.”Coming off seven shutout innings when he threw just 68 pitches in a victory over the Yankees in his previous start last Sunday night, Crawford threw his first 13 pitches for strikes on Saturday.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez, who left Friday’s game due to cramping, was the DH. “We said he wouldn’t catch today after the cramping,” Quatraro said. “He wasn’t going to catch all three games. We’ll see how he feels after (the game).”Red Sox: Cora gave OF Tyler O’Neill the day off. … RHP Chris Martin (injured list, right elbow inflammation) threw Friday but Cora said he didn’t feel well afterward. “He played catch. He didn’t feel great,” Cora said. “Not concerned, but he’s going to take longer than we expected.”UP NEXTRHP Brady Singer (5-5, 2.93 ERA) is scheduled start Sunday’s series finale for the Royals against Red Sox RHP Brayan Bello (9-5, 5.40).___

⚾Crawford pitches 1-hitter into 8th as Red Sox blank Royals

HAYS – The Hays Larks used a pair of big innings to knock off the
Fort Collins Foxes Friday night in the first of two Rocky Mountain Baseball
League contests this weekend at Larks Park.

Hays got the scoring started in the bottom of the second
inning scoring five times.

The Larks loaded the bases to open the inning and then Kaleb
Duncan was hit by a pitch, driving in the first run of the game.

In the very next at bat Thomas Lyssy singled in a run making
it 2-0 Hays. The Larks added a third run on a passed ball and then Kaiden Ashton then capped
the five-run inning with a two-run single putting Hays up 5-0.

Will Carpenter’s solo homerun in the third made it 6-0
Larks.

The Foxes cut the deficit in half with a three-run homerun for
a 6-3 Hays lead through five and a half.

Carpenter got a run back for the Larks in the bottom of the six,
scoring on a passed ball with Hays leading 7-3.

In the seventh Lyssy was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded
driving in the Larks eighth run of the night. They added two more on a Trent
Baker double for a 10-3 lead.

Fort Collins scored a single run in the top of the eighth
and Hays answered with one of their own on a RBI triple by Houston Russell.

The Foxes scored another single run in the top of the ninth but
the Larks closed out the 11-5 victory.

Larks starter Nolan Wilson allowed three earned runs on five
hits with five strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings for the win.

Ashton, Lyssy and Baker each drove in two runs. Russell
collected three hits.

Hays improves to 22-6 and 17-5 in the RMBL.

They will close out the two-game series with the Foxes Saturday
at Larks Park. 

Hays PostHAYS – The Hays Larks used a pair of big innings to knock off the
Fort Collins Foxes Friday night in the first of two Rocky Mountain Baseball
League contests this weekend at Larks Park.Hays got the scoring started in the bottom of the second
inning scoring five times.The Larks loaded the bases to open the inning and then Kaleb
Duncan was hit by a pitch, driving in the first run of the game.In the very next at bat Thomas Lyssy singled in a run making
it 2-0 Hays. The Larks added a third run on a passed ball and then Kaiden Ashton then capped
the five-run inning with a two-run single putting Hays up 5-0.Will Carpenter’s solo homerun in the third made it 6-0
Larks.The Foxes cut the deficit in half with a three-run homerun for
a 6-3 Hays lead through five and a half.Carpenter got a run back for the Larks in the bottom of the six,
scoring on a passed ball with Hays leading 7-3.In the seventh Lyssy was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded
driving in the Larks eighth run of the night. They added two more on a Trent
Baker double for a 10-3 lead.Fort Collins scored a single run in the top of the eighth
and Hays answered with one of their own on a RBI triple by Houston Russell.The Foxes scored another single run in the top of the ninth but
the Larks closed out the 11-5 victory.Larks starter Nolan Wilson allowed three earned runs on five
hits with five strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings for the win.Ashton, Lyssy and Baker each drove in two runs. Russell
collected three hits.Hays improves to 22-6 and 17-5 in the RMBL.They will close out the two-game series with the Foxes Saturday
at Larks Park.

⚾Larks use big innings to take down Foxes

🎥 Meet the Larks Seth Lee

Saturday, July 13
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 2:30pm

Saturday, July 13
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 2:30pmSunday, July 14
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 12:00pm

BOSTON (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez each had solo home runs, Cole Ragans allowed one run over seven innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Boston Red Sox 6-1 on Friday night for their fourth consecutive victory.

Adam Frazier, Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez (with two) all added RBIs for Kansas City, which opened the three-game series a game back of Boston for the AL’s final wild-card spot.

“Every win is huge, whether it's April or July,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But when you're squarely right behind a team and you beat them, that's a good step forward for us.”

It was the 16th homer of the season for Witt, an All-Star who will be competing in Monday’s Home Run Derby. The ball, which landed in the center field portion of the seats atop the Green Monster, was claimed by a Royals' fan.

"I knew the wind was helping a little bit, luckily," Witt said. “I just try to put good swing on it.”

There was nothing happening by chance for Ragans (6-6). He struck out seven and allowed four hits to earn his first victory since June 24 at Miami.

“I thought overall I commanded it pretty well,” Ragans said. “I missed a few, but overall I thought it was pretty good.”

Ceddanne Rafaela had an RBI for the Red Sox.

Cooper Criswell (3-4) threw a career-high 104 pitches over six innings, yielding eight hits and five runs, but only two – including Witt’s home run – were earned.

In their last 27 games, the Red Sox are 1-8 against left-handed starting pitchers. That compares to 17-1 against right-handers. All-Stars Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran were a combined 1 for 8 on Friday.

“Obviously the production of Raffy and Jarren is lower. We've just got to find a way to do it,” manager Alex Cora said. “We've just got to be patient and keep working.”

The Royals opened the game with three consecutive singles to load the bases with no outs, and then took a 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly by Perez. But Criswell got Michael Massey on a groundout and Hunter Renfroe on a flyout to get out of the inning.

In the second inning Kansas City took advantage of a fielding error by first baseman Romy Gonzalez, plus a walk and hit batter by Criswell to add three unearned runs and increase the lead to 4-0.

Red Sox: Placed RHP Justin Slaten on the 15-day IL retroactive to July 9 with right elbow inflammation. The reliever is 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 31 games this season. LHP Cam Booser was called up from Triple-A Worcester to take the roster spot.

Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (11-3, 2.21 ERA) has the lowest ERA by a Royal over his first 19 starts with the franchise. He is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in three career appearances against Boston.

Red Sox: RHP Kutter Crawford (5-7, 3.24) is making his 19th start of the season. He’s lost both of his career starts against Kansas City, tallying an 8.64 ERA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720869251855.png" alt="Photo KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez each had solo home runs, Cole Ragans allowed one run over seven innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Boston Red Sox 6-1 on Friday night for their fourth consecutive victory.Adam Frazier, Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez (with two) all added RBIs for Kansas City, which opened the three-game series a game back of Boston for the AL’s final wild-card spot.“Every win is huge, whether it's April or July,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But when you're squarely right behind a team and you beat them, that's a good step forward for us.”It was the 16th homer of the season for Witt, an All-Star who will be competing in Monday’s Home Run Derby. The ball, which landed in the center field portion of the seats atop the Green Monster, was claimed by a Royals' fan."I knew the wind was helping a little bit, luckily," Witt said. “I just try to put good swing on it.”There was nothing happening by chance for Ragans (6-6). He struck out seven and allowed four hits to earn his first victory since June 24 at Miami.“I thought overall I commanded it pretty well,” Ragans said. “I missed a few, but overall I thought it was pretty good.”Ceddanne Rafaela had an RBI for the Red Sox.Cooper Criswell (3-4) threw a career-high 104 pitches over six innings, yielding eight hits and five runs, but only two – including Witt’s home run – were earned.In their last 27 games, the Red Sox are 1-8 against left-handed starting pitchers. That compares to 17-1 against right-handers. All-Stars Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran were a combined 1 for 8 on Friday.“Obviously the production of Raffy and Jarren is lower. We've just got to find a way to do it,” manager Alex Cora said. “We've just got to be patient and keep working.”The Royals opened the game with three consecutive singles to load the bases with no outs, and then took a 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly by Perez. But Criswell got Michael Massey on a groundout and Hunter Renfroe on a flyout to get out of the inning.Criswell’s luck didn’t last.In the second inning Kansas City took advantage of a fielding error by first baseman Romy Gonzalez, plus a walk and hit batter by Criswell to add three unearned runs and increase the lead to 4-0.TRAINER’S ROOMRed Sox: Placed RHP Justin Slaten on the 15-day IL retroactive to July 9 with right elbow inflammation. The reliever is 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 31 games this season. LHP Cam Booser was called up from Triple-A Worcester to take the roster spot.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Seth Lugo (11-3, 2.21 ERA) has the lowest ERA by a Royal over his first 19 starts with the franchise. He is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in three career appearances against Boston.Red Sox: RHP Kutter Crawford (5-7, 3.24) is making his 19th start of the season. He’s lost both of his career starts against Kansas City, tallying an 8.64 ERA.

⚾ Witt, Melendez both homer to help Royals beat Red Sox

The Hays Larks begin a two-game league series against the Fort Collins Foxes Friday night at Larks Park.

You can catch on the action on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKlf1vJHp5Y">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks begin a two-game league series against the Fort Collins Foxes Friday night at Larks Park.First pitch is set for&nbsp;for 7 p.m.You can catch on the action on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKlf1vJHp5Y">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a> Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks host Fort Collins

🎥 Meet the Larks Taber Stokes

Friday, July 12
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pm

Friday, July 12
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pmSaturday, July 13
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 2:30pmSunday, July 14
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 12:00pm

PARK CITY, Utah - The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee approved Indianapolis as the host site for the 2026 Divisions II and III men’s basketball championship games, as well as the semifinals and finals of the National Invitational Tournament, with all five games scheduled the same weekend as the Men’s Final Four, which was previously awarded to the city.

The Final Four will take place April 4 and 6, 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium, an announcement that was first made in 2018. It will mark the ninth time that Indianapolis will serve as host of college basketball’s premier event. The Horizon League and IU Indy will serve as co-hosts. Today’s announcement means three additional champions will be crowned in the Circle City that weekend. The NIT will play its semifinals Thursday night, April 2 at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, with the title game scheduled for Sunday, April 5 at a time and venue to be announced.

Sunday’s schedule will also include the Divisions II and III championship games, which will be played downtown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This is the second time that the NCAA will conduct its three men’s basketball championships on one weekend in the same city. The first time it occurred was in Atlanta in 2013. The three NCAA women’s basketball championships were hosted in the same city on the same weekend in 2016 in Indianapolis, and again in Dallas in 2023.

“This will be a tremendous celebration of men’s college basketball across all three divisions in Indy,” said Dan Gavitt, the NCAA’s senior vice president of basketball. “When we did this in 2013, we had nearly 8,000 fans watching the Divisions II and III championship games, and the final two nights of this year’s NIT at Hinkle Fieldhouse featured sold-out crowds of more than 9,000 fans. It will be an awesome opportunity for student-athletes at the participating schools, as well as a showcase for the legendary college basketball fans in Indiana.”

The committee also spent considerable time discussing principles and procedures for selecting, seeding and bracketing teams, and affirmed that the 2025 championship will feature an automatic qualifier from each of the 31 conferences to go along with the best 37 at-large teams as determined by the committee. The evaluation of teams will be enhanced by the addition of two metrics as the committee voted to include the Torvik and Wins Against Bubble (WAB) rankings on the team sheets.

“The committee has always valued different data points and metrics to assist with their evaluation process, and these two metrics have increasingly been referenced by members in recent years,” Gavitt said. “Adding them to the team sheet ensures that all 12 members easily have access to this data. The Torvik rankings, along with BPI and KenPom, gives the committee three predictive ratings, while the WAB, Strength of Record and KPI gives them three results-based metrics, all of which, in addition to the NET, will be beneficial to the team evaluation process.”

The committee also selected Keith Gill, the commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference, as the vice chair of the committee for the 2024-25 season. He will also serve as chair for the 2025-26 season. Gill has been at the Sun Belt for five years and previously worked for the Atlantic 10 Conference, where he was executive associate commissioner. He also served as the director of athletics at both Richmond and American, spending five years on each campus. Gill also worked in the athletics departments at Oklahoma and Vanderbilt and had two stints working in the membership services department at the NCAA national office. A four-year football letterman at Duke, Gill graduated from the university in 1994 and later earned a master’s degree from Oklahoma.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve on this committee with a great group of colleagues who serve as stewards for the great game of college basketball,” Gill said. “I look forward to working with all of them, especially Bubba Cunningham, our chair for next season who I will support as vice chair. To be elected to serve in that role, and as chair for the 2026 championship, is one of the highlights of my professional career. It is especially satisfying to be able to do it in a year when we’ll conduct championships for all three divisions, plus the NIT, on what will be an incredible weekend.”

The committee also received updates from representatives from TNT and CBS Sports, and discussed several tournament operations and ticketing issues, future site selections, and officiating matters, including adopting referee push-to-talk microphone technology for the entire tournament, beginning in 2025, to better communicate results of video reviews to broadcast viewers and in-venue fans.

NCAAPARK CITY, Utah - The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee approved Indianapolis as the host site for the 2026 Divisions II and III men’s basketball championship games, as well as the semifinals and finals of the National Invitational Tournament, with all five games scheduled the same weekend as the Men’s Final Four, which was previously awarded to the city.The Final Four will take place April 4 and 6, 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium, an announcement that was first made in 2018. It will mark the ninth time that Indianapolis will serve as host of college basketball’s premier event. The Horizon League and IU Indy will serve as co-hosts. Today’s announcement means three additional champions will be crowned in the Circle City that weekend. The NIT will play its semifinals Thursday night, April 2 at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, with the title game scheduled for Sunday, April 5 at a time and venue to be announced.Sunday’s schedule will also include the Divisions II and III championship games, which will be played downtown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This is the second time that the NCAA will conduct its three men’s basketball championships on one weekend in the same city. The first time it occurred was in Atlanta in 2013. The three NCAA women’s basketball championships were hosted in the same city on the same weekend in 2016 in Indianapolis, and again in Dallas in 2023.“This will be a tremendous celebration of men’s college basketball across all three divisions in Indy,” said Dan Gavitt, the NCAA’s senior vice president of basketball. “When we did this in 2013, we had nearly 8,000 fans watching the Divisions II and III championship games, and the final two nights of this year’s NIT at Hinkle Fieldhouse featured sold-out crowds of more than 9,000 fans. It will be an awesome opportunity for student-athletes at the participating schools, as well as a showcase for the legendary college basketball fans in Indiana.”The committee also spent considerable time discussing principles and procedures for selecting, seeding and bracketing teams, and affirmed that the 2025 championship will feature an automatic qualifier from each of the 31 conferences to go along with the best 37 at-large teams as determined by the committee. The evaluation of teams will be enhanced by the addition of two metrics as the committee voted to include the Torvik and Wins Against Bubble (WAB) rankings on the team sheets.“The committee has always valued different data points and metrics to assist with their evaluation process, and these two metrics have increasingly been referenced by members in recent years,” Gavitt said. “Adding them to the team sheet ensures that all 12 members easily have access to this data. The Torvik rankings, along with BPI and KenPom, gives the committee three predictive ratings, while the WAB, Strength of Record and KPI gives them three results-based metrics, all of which, in addition to the NET, will be beneficial to the team evaluation process.”The committee also selected Keith Gill, the commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference, as the vice chair of the committee for the 2024-25 season. He will also serve as chair for the 2025-26 season. Gill has been at the Sun Belt for five years and previously worked for the Atlantic 10 Conference, where he was executive associate commissioner. He also served as the director of athletics at both Richmond and American, spending five years on each campus. Gill also worked in the athletics departments at Oklahoma and Vanderbilt and had two stints working in the membership services department at the NCAA national office. A four-year football letterman at Duke, Gill graduated from the university in 1994 and later earned a master’s degree from Oklahoma.“It is a tremendous honor to serve on this committee with a great group of colleagues who serve as stewards for the great game of college basketball,” Gill said. “I look forward to working with all of them, especially Bubba Cunningham, our chair for next season who I will support as vice chair. To be elected to serve in that role, and as chair for the 2026 championship, is one of the highlights of my professional career. It is especially satisfying to be able to do it in a year when we’ll conduct championships for all three divisions, plus the NIT, on what will be an incredible weekend.”The committee also received updates from representatives from TNT and CBS Sports, and discussed several tournament operations and ticketing issues, future site selections, and officiating matters, including adopting referee push-to-talk microphone technology for the entire tournament, beginning in 2025, to better communicate results of video reviews to broadcast viewers and in-venue fans.

🏀 Division II title game to Indianapolis in 2026

🎥 Meet the Larks Thomas Lyssy

Former TMP-Marian standout Carson Jacobs has been promoted to the to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in the Chicago White Sox organization. The 6-9 right-handed pitcher had been in the Arizona Complex League since signing with the White Sox as an undrafted free agent last July.

Jacobs had a 1-1 record with one save and a 3.22 ERA in 18 relief appearances this season with the ACL White Sox. He allowed 10 runs (8 earned) on 15 hits with 30 strikeouts and 14 walks over 22 1/3 innings with opponents hitting .188 against him.

The Cannon Ballers (A) are in Kannapolis, North Carolina and&nbsp; play in the Low A League East.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Jacobs played his at Newman his freshman year of college then transferred to&nbsp;Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Ariz. He finished up his collegiate career at North Dakota State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720702556757.jpeg" alt="Courtesy MILB Central" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy MILB Central</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostFormer TMP-Marian standout Carson Jacobs has been promoted to the to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in the Chicago White Sox organization. The 6-9 right-handed pitcher had been in the Arizona Complex League since signing with the White Sox as an undrafted free agent last July.Jacobs had a 1-1 record with one save and a 3.22 ERA in 18 relief appearances this season with the ACL White Sox. He allowed 10 runs (8 earned) on 15 hits with 30 strikeouts and 14 walks over 22 1/3 innings with opponents hitting .188 against him.The Cannon Ballers (A) are in Kannapolis, North Carolina and&nbsp; play in the Low A League East.&nbsp; &nbsp;Jacobs played his at Newman his freshman year of college then transferred to&nbsp;Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Ariz. He finished up his collegiate career at North Dakota State.

⚾ Former Monarch Jacobs promoted to Single-A

HAYS – The Hays Larks time
atop the Rocky Mountain Baseball League standings was short-lived. Robert Orr
hit a pair of three-run home runs and the Liberal Bee Jays beat the Larks 9-4 Wednesday
and split their two-game series at Larks Park. 

The Bee Jays have
won 15 of their last 17 games and lead the Larks by one game in the RMBL.

The Larks (21-6, 16-5 RMBL)
grabbed the early lead on a Kaleb Duncan two-run homer, his first of the season.

Liberal (19-4, 17-4 RMBL) took their first
lead on Orr’s first three-run blast in the third.

The Larks tied the game
a CJ Reid two-out RBI single in the sixth.

The Bee Jays answered
with five in the top of the seventh capped by Orr’s second three-run homer with
two outs.

The Larks got a run back
in the bottom of the inning on a two-out single by Houston Russell.

The Bee Jays tacked on a
run in the top of the eighth for the final margin.

The Larks out-hit the
Bee Jays 13 to 11 but stranded 10 baserunners.

Garrett Hicks (1-1) allowed
five unearned runs over four innings and suffered the loss.

Wednesday's loss ended the Larks 10-game home winning streak. It was their longest home win streak since winning 22 in a row from July 23, 2022 through July 18, 2023.,. The Larks are 14-2 at home this summer with the only other loss against Dodge City back on June 11.&nbsp;

The Larks and Bee Jays
will play twice in Liberal on Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17.&nbsp;

The Larks host the Fort
Collins Foxes in the first game of a two-game RMBL series Friday at 7 p.m.
Admission is free courtesy of the First United Methodist Church, Adams Brown, Equity
Bank and Oxford House Chapter XX.

Hays PostHAYS – The Hays Larks time
atop the Rocky Mountain Baseball League standings was short-lived. Robert Orr
hit a pair of three-run home runs and the Liberal Bee Jays beat the Larks 9-4 Wednesday
and split their two-game series at Larks Park. The Bee Jays have
won 15 of their last 17 games and lead the Larks by one game in the RMBL.The Larks (21-6, 16-5 RMBL)
grabbed the early lead on a Kaleb Duncan two-run homer, his first of the season.Liberal (19-4, 17-4 RMBL) took their first
lead on Orr’s first three-run blast in the third.The Larks tied the game
a CJ Reid two-out RBI single in the sixth.The Bee Jays answered
with five in the top of the seventh capped by Orr’s second three-run homer with
two outs.The Larks got a run back
in the bottom of the inning on a two-out single by Houston Russell.The Bee Jays tacked on a
run in the top of the eighth for the final margin.The Larks out-hit the
Bee Jays 13 to 11 but stranded 10 baserunners.Garrett Hicks (1-1) allowed
five unearned runs over four innings and suffered the loss.RARE HOME LOSSWednesday's loss ended the Larks 10-game home winning streak. It was their longest home win streak since winning 22 in a row from July 23, 2022 through July 18, 2023.,. The Larks are 14-2 at home this summer with the only other loss against Dodge City back on June 11.&nbsp;PART TWOThe Larks and Bee Jays
will play twice in Liberal on Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17.&nbsp;UP NEXTThe Larks host the Fort
Collins Foxes in the first game of a two-game RMBL series Friday at 7 p.m.
Admission is free courtesy of the First United Methodist Church, Adams Brown, Equity
Bank and Oxford House Chapter XX.

⚾ Bee Jays slug past Larks to retake first place in RMBL

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Salvador Perez homered in both games and MJ Melendez added a solo shot in the nightcap to help the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-5 for a sweep of a day-night doubleheader Wednesday.

Kansas City took the opener 6-4. The Royals have won three in a row to improve to 51-43 — a season after winning just 56 games.

Michael Wacha (6-6) went five innings for the victory in the second game. He pitched seven seasons in St. Louis (2013-2019) and was the MVP of the 2013 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This was his first start in St. Louis since leaving five years ago.

“There were definitely some emotions there,” Wacha said. “It was hard to treat it like just another start.”

Lars Nootbaar homered for St. Louis in the second game to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead in the second.

Closer James McArthur picked up his 17th save of the season and second of the day. McArthur had not pitched over the previous six days and was ready for the two-game challenge.

“It was just one of those things where you just throw and see how you’re feeling,” McArthur said.

Perez led off the sixth with his 16th of season to pushed the lead to 6-4.

“He makes us go,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said about Perez. “The middle of the order is big for us and no one is bigger than Salvy.”

Perez was 3 for 7 with two homers and four RBI in the doubleheader. It was the second time in his career that he went deep in both games of the doubleheader. The first came on May 21, 2017 against Minnesota.

Melendez began the third with his 10th of the season.

Wacha gave up four runs on seven hits over over five innings. He had allowed two earned runs or fewer in his previous eight starts.

Kyle Isbel added a solo homer leading off the ninth for the Royals, who were playing their first day-night doubleheader since July 15, 2023.

Isbel says the group proved a point with the road sweep.

“It shows what kind of team that we have,” Isbel said. “It was a long day and you just have to stay locked in at all times.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720690844164.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino (9) and Freddy Fermin celebrate an 8-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the second game of a baseball doubleheader Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino (9) and Freddy Fermin celebrate an 8-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the second game of a baseball doubleheader Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Salvador Perez homered in both games and MJ Melendez added a solo shot in the nightcap to help the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-5 for a sweep of a day-night doubleheader Wednesday.Kansas City took the opener 6-4. The Royals have won three in a row to improve to 51-43 — a season after winning just 56 games.Michael Wacha (6-6) went five innings for the victory in the second game. He pitched seven seasons in St. Louis (2013-2019) and was the MVP of the 2013 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This was his first start in St. Louis since leaving five years ago.“There were definitely some emotions there,” Wacha said. “It was hard to treat it like just another start.”Lars Nootbaar homered for St. Louis in the second game to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead in the second.Closer James McArthur picked up his 17th save of the season and second of the day. McArthur had not pitched over the previous six days and was ready for the two-game challenge.“It was just one of those things where you just throw and see how you’re feeling,” McArthur said.Perez led off the sixth with his 16th of season to pushed the lead to 6-4.“He makes us go,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said about Perez. “The middle of the order is big for us and no one is bigger than Salvy.”Perez was 3 for 7 with two homers and four RBI in the doubleheader. It was the second time in his career that he went deep in both games of the doubleheader. The first came on May 21, 2017 against Minnesota.Melendez began the third with his 10th of the season.Wacha gave up four runs on seven hits over over five innings. He had allowed two earned runs or fewer in his previous eight starts.Kyle Isbel added a solo homer leading off the ninth for the Royals, who were playing their first day-night doubleheader since July 15, 2023.Isbel says the group proved a point with the road sweep.“It shows what kind of team that we have,” Isbel said. “It was a long day and you just have to stay locked in at all times.”Bobby Witt Jr. highlighted Kansas City’s a two-run outburst in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly.St. Louis rookie Gordon Graceffo (0-1) allowed four hits and three runs over 3 1/3 innings in his first start and second big league appearance.Nootbaar returned to the lineup on Monday after missing 36 games with an oblique strain.“At the end of the day, the wins would make you feel a lot better,” Nootbaar said.Garrett Hampson drove in two runs with a double in the opener, while Hunter Renfroe added two hits for the Royals. Nolan Arenado, Alec Burleson and Paul Goldschmidt homered for the Cardinals in the first game.Alec Marsh (7-6) gave up three runs and three hits in six innings to earn the victory. He struck out eight and walked one. Marsh retired the last 11 batters he facedMcArthur got the save after giving up a one-out solo home run to Goldschmidt and a two-out single to Arenado in the ninth inning.Andre Pallante (4-4) pitched 6 1/3 innings, his longest outing this season. He took the loss, allowing four runs and six hits with five strikeouts and no walks.Perez, who will play in the All-Star Game next week, hit a 424-foot homer onto the grass in center field with one out in the sixth, giving the Royals a 4-3 lead.EXTRA PLAYERSRoyals: Recalled left-hander Walter Pennington from Triple-A Omaha to serve as their 27th man for the doubleheader. The 26-year-old made his big-league debut last week in Colorado, retiring both batters he faced.Cardinals: Recalled right-hander Gordon Graceffo from Triple-A Memphis to serve as their 27th man for the doubleheader.TRAINER’S ROOMCardinals: C Iván Herrera (lower back tightness) caught a full nine innings Tuesday at Triple-A Memphis. He also hit a home run.UP NEXTRoyals: Will open a three-game series at Boston on Friday. Neither team has announced a starter.Cardinals: RHP Sonny Gray (9-5, 3.30) will open a four-game series at home against the Chicago Cubs on Friday.