BOSTON (AP) — Garrett Crochet scattered four hits over seven innings and Trevor Story hit a blooper into center field to break a sixth-inning tie on Tuesday night and led the Boston Red Sox to their seventh straight win, 6-2 over the Kansas City Royals.

Crochet (13-4) struck out eight to win his ninth consecutive decision and help Boston win for the ninth time in 10 games. Story drove in two runs in the sixth and and added another RBI single in the three-run seventh, when the Red Sox took a 6-2 lead.

Ryan Bergert (1-1) gave up two runs on two hits and two walks, striking out two in 5 2/3 innings. He walked Alex Bregman with two outs in the sixth, then Angel Zerpa came in and gave up a double to Wilyer Abreu before Story lofted one over the second baseman's head to make it 3-1.

The Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh on two walks and Jarren Duran's single off the shortstop's glove. Abreu hit a popup that fell between the out-sprinting second baseman and hard-charging right fielder to score two runs, then Story singled in another run to make it 6-2.

Crochet retired the first 10 Royals batters before Bobby Witt Jr. tripled in the fourth and scored on Maikel Garcia’s double. The Red Sox ace allowed just one more hit before Garcia walked to lead off the seventh and then scored on Randal Grichuk’s double off the tip of left fielder Duran’s glove to make it 3-2.

But Crochet struck out Nick Loftin for the second out and then got Luke Maile on a 97 mph fastball to end the inning.

The Red Sox are 13 games above .500 for the first time since the end of the 2021 season.

The teams finish the series and the Red Sox go for their second straight sweep when trade deadline acquisition Dustin May (6-7, 4.85 ERA) makes his Red Sox debut against Kansas City’s Michael Wacha (5-9, 3.38).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754477001124.jpeg" alt="Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet covers first base on a throw by first baseman Abraham Toro to make the out on Kansas City Royals Vinnie Pasquantino in the sixth inning, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)" />
 <figcaption>Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet covers first base on a throw by first baseman Abraham Toro to make the out on Kansas City Royals Vinnie Pasquantino in the sixth inning, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Garrett Crochet scattered four hits over seven innings and Trevor Story hit a blooper into center field to break a sixth-inning tie on Tuesday night and led the Boston Red Sox to their seventh straight win, 6-2 over the Kansas City Royals.Crochet (13-4) struck out eight to win his ninth consecutive decision and help Boston win for the ninth time in 10 games. Story drove in two runs in the sixth and and added another RBI single in the three-run seventh, when the Red Sox took a 6-2 lead.Ryan Bergert (1-1) gave up two runs on two hits and two walks, striking out two in 5 2/3 innings. He walked Alex Bregman with two outs in the sixth, then Angel Zerpa came in and gave up a double to Wilyer Abreu before Story lofted one over the second baseman's head to make it 3-1.The Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh on two walks and Jarren Duran's single off the shortstop's glove. Abreu hit a popup that fell between the out-sprinting second baseman and hard-charging right fielder to score two runs, then Story singled in another run to make it 6-2.<h2>Key moment</h2>Crochet retired the first 10 Royals batters before Bobby Witt Jr. tripled in the fourth and scored on Maikel Garcia’s double. The Red Sox ace allowed just one more hit before Garcia walked to lead off the seventh and then scored on Randal Grichuk’s double off the tip of left fielder Duran’s glove to make it 3-2.But Crochet struck out Nick Loftin for the second out and then got Luke Maile on a 97 mph fastball to end the inning.Garcia had two hits for the Royals.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Red Sox are 13 games above .500 for the first time since the end of the 2021 season.<h2>Up next</h2>The teams finish the series and the Red Sox go for their second straight sweep when trade deadline acquisition Dustin May (6-7, 4.85 ERA) makes his Red Sox debut against Kansas City’s Michael Wacha (5-9, 3.38).

⚾ Crochet, Story lead Red Sox to 7th straight win over Royals

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

HAYS, Kan. — A year ago, Caleb Heavner entered preseason football
camp at Fort Hays State looking to unseat Jack Dawson as the starting
quarterback. Dawson, who had guided the Tigers to a 7-4 record in 2023,
ultimately held on to the job for the first five games of the 2024 season.

Heavner's opportunity came late in the second quarter of a
blowout loss at No. 23 Central Oklahoma. He was named the starter the next week
against No. 12 Central Missouri, a game in which he led the Tigers to a 31-21
victory and remained the starter the rest of the season.

Now, as the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, Heavner
enters camp as the starting signal-caller. The redshirt junior from Denison,
Texas, said his approach hasn't changed.

"A lot more preparation, honestly, when you go in
knowing you're going to be the guy," Heavner said. "There's a lot
more on your shoulders, and that's the way I want it to be. Nothing changes,
you've got to go to work every day and compete your butt off. Whatever I can do
for this team to win games, whether that's playing or not playing, that's what
I've got to do."

In 2024, Heavner played in 10 games, starting the final six.
He set a new FHSU single-season record by completing 70.1% of his passes (141
of 201) for 1,649 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for 353 yards and
five touchdowns and was named honorable mention All-MIAA.

FHSU went 5-1 in Heavner’s six starts last season and finished
with an 8-3 overall record, narrowly missing the NCAA Division II playoffs.
This season, he’s aiming to change that.

"We should have made the postseason, I thought we were
definitely a top team in the country," Heavner said. "How do we
eliminate being at the end of the conversation for that? We win. If we come out
and execute and we win, then we don't have anyone make a decision for us; we
make our own decision."

The Tigers have completed two days of fall camp and are
scheduled to practice in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts on Wednesday and
Thursday before moving to full pads on Friday.

FHSU opens the 2025 season at home against defending Lone
Star Conference champion Angelo State on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Lewis Field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754342791492.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State quarterback Caleb Heavner runs the ball in the first practice of preseason camp on Monday, August 4, 2025 (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State quarterback Caleb Heavner runs the ball in the first practice of preseason camp on Monday, August 4, 2025 (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsHAYS, Kan. — A year ago, Caleb Heavner entered preseason football
camp at Fort Hays State looking to unseat Jack Dawson as the starting
quarterback. Dawson, who had guided the Tigers to a 7-4 record in 2023,
ultimately held on to the job for the first five games of the 2024 season.Heavner's opportunity came late in the second quarter of a
blowout loss at No. 23 Central Oklahoma. He was named the starter the next week
against No. 12 Central Missouri, a game in which he led the Tigers to a 31-21
victory and remained the starter the rest of the season.Now, as the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, Heavner
enters camp as the starting signal-caller. The redshirt junior from Denison,
Texas, said his approach hasn't changed."A lot more preparation, honestly, when you go in
knowing you're going to be the guy," Heavner said. "There's a lot
more on your shoulders, and that's the way I want it to be. Nothing changes,
you've got to go to work every day and compete your butt off. Whatever I can do
for this team to win games, whether that's playing or not playing, that's what
I've got to do."<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2148459582&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/heavner-camp-25" title="Heavner Camp 25" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Heavner Camp 25</a></div></div>In 2024, Heavner played in 10 games, starting the final six.
He set a new FHSU single-season record by completing 70.1% of his passes (141
of 201) for 1,649 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for 353 yards and
five touchdowns and was named honorable mention All-MIAA.FHSU went 5-1 in Heavner’s six starts last season and finished
with an 8-3 overall record, narrowly missing the NCAA Division II playoffs.
This season, he’s aiming to change that."We should have made the postseason, I thought we were
definitely a top team in the country," Heavner said. "How do we
eliminate being at the end of the conversation for that? We win. If we come out
and execute and we win, then we don't have anyone make a decision for us; we
make our own decision."The Tigers have completed two days of fall camp and are
scheduled to practice in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts on Wednesday and
Thursday before moving to full pads on Friday.FHSU opens the 2025 season at home against defending Lone
Star Conference champion Angelo State on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Lewis Field.

🎧🏈 Heavner ready to take the reins at FHSU after strong 2024 finish

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — After watching his Kansas City Chiefs get dismantled by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, general manager Brett Veach identified two specific areas where the three-time reigning AFC champions needed to improve.

One was left tackle, where a rotating cast struggled all season to protect Patrick Mahomes. The other was wide receiver, where injuries prevented the Chiefs from ever having the group that they expected to have on the field.

Now, it appears two positions of weakness in February could be positions of strength by the season opener in September.

On the left side of the offensive line, Veach signed Jaylon Moore in free agency, then drafted Josh Simmons in the first round out of Ohio State. He was widely considered to be the most talented tackle prospect available, but a knee injury that robbed Simmons of most of last season also sent his stock falling, and allowed him to fall right into the Chiefs' lap at No. 32 overall.

Three weeks into training camp, not only has Simmons showed no lingering effects of last year's surgery, but he has routinely punished teammates in 1-on-1 drills, and solidified the starting job ahead of Saturday's preseason opener in Arizona.

“He's very talented, man. Very, very good rookie so far,” right tackle Jawaan Taylor said. "He’s been soaking up all the things we’ve been teaching him — Coach (Andy) Heck, the players, the veterans, and I feel like he’s going to have a great career here.”

They haven't had a true franchise left tackle since Eric Fisher left after two Pro Bowls following the 2020 season, and that came back to haunt them, especially against the Eagles in February. Mahomes was sacked six times in the 40-22 Super Bowl loss, and he was forced to throw under duress on at least twice that many plays.

In training camp, Simmons has consistently given Mahomes more time to throw, and that has resulted in the kinds of explosive downfield passing plays that have been absent from the Kansas City offense the past few years.

“First of all, he’s getting a lot of reps, which I think is important for a rookie,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He’s been in there and consistently showing up every day and working and not taking plays off or anything like that.

“But he’s a worker,” Reid continued. "I mean, he’s willing to do it. It’s just a matter of keep on going. But he’s done a nice job with what we’ve asked him. He’s working on all the fundamentals and techniques, so that’s a challenge for him.”

At the receiving end of all those downfield throws are not only the wide receivers that Mahomes and Co. expected to have last season but a potentially improved group with the addition of fourth-round pick Jalen Royals.

Rashee Rice has shown no issues after a torn knee ligament cost him most of last season, while the shoulder injury that kept Marquise Brown off the field for months has likewise healed. Throw in a year of growth for Xavier Worthy, their first-round pick last year, and the Chiefs' wide receiver group is deeper, faster and more potent than it has been in a while.

“Not to take anything away from any receivers that we’ve been with here or anywhere else (but) for me, this collective group of wide receivers from top to bottom is extremely competitive and talented,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said.

“I don’t want to take for granted is JuJu Smith-Schuster. Unbelievable right now with what he is doing, as far as a leader in that room,” Nagy added. “Watching guys out here in walkthroughs, he's taking these young guys and using his experience and giving his knowledge to them, and it is exciting because he is a great player. So, from top down we have a lot of speed. The guys have knowledge, they’re smart, they play fast and tough. Now, it is just the timing of Pat.”

That timing has been on point so far, thanks in part to the voluntary passing camps that the two-time MVP has run the past few years at his home in Texas. Most of the receivers on the roster show up for at least some of it, and that typically gives them a big jump on training camp, when they begin facing defenders rather than just air.

“In order for our offense to be great,” Mahomes said, "you have to be able to complete those passes. It opens up everything else. ... If we can do that, I think it is really going to open up the offense and make us a better team in general.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754426844475.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes the ball at NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes the ball at NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — After watching his Kansas City Chiefs get dismantled by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, general manager Brett Veach identified two specific areas where the three-time reigning AFC champions needed to improve.One was left tackle, where a rotating cast struggled all season to protect Patrick Mahomes. The other was wide receiver, where injuries prevented the Chiefs from ever having the group that they expected to have on the field.Now, it appears two positions of weakness in February could be positions of strength by the season opener in September.On the left side of the offensive line, Veach signed Jaylon Moore in free agency, then drafted Josh Simmons in the first round out of Ohio State. He was widely considered to be the most talented tackle prospect available, but a knee injury that robbed Simmons of most of last season also sent his stock falling, and allowed him to fall right into the Chiefs' lap at No. 32 overall.Three weeks into training camp, not only has Simmons showed no lingering effects of last year's surgery, but he has routinely punished teammates in 1-on-1 drills, and solidified the starting job ahead of Saturday's preseason opener in Arizona.“He's very talented, man. Very, very good rookie so far,” right tackle Jawaan Taylor said. "He’s been soaking up all the things we’ve been teaching him — Coach (Andy) Heck, the players, the veterans, and I feel like he’s going to have a great career here.”The Chiefs need him to have one.They haven't had a true franchise left tackle since Eric Fisher left after two Pro Bowls following the 2020 season, and that came back to haunt them, especially against the Eagles in February. Mahomes was sacked six times in the 40-22 Super Bowl loss, and he was forced to throw under duress on at least twice that many plays.In training camp, Simmons has consistently given Mahomes more time to throw, and that has resulted in the kinds of explosive downfield passing plays that have been absent from the Kansas City offense the past few years.“First of all, he’s getting a lot of reps, which I think is important for a rookie,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He’s been in there and consistently showing up every day and working and not taking plays off or anything like that.“But he’s a worker,” Reid continued. "I mean, he’s willing to do it. It’s just a matter of keep on going. But he’s done a nice job with what we’ve asked him. He’s working on all the fundamentals and techniques, so that’s a challenge for him.”At the receiving end of all those downfield throws are not only the wide receivers that Mahomes and Co. expected to have last season but a potentially improved group with the addition of fourth-round pick Jalen Royals.Rashee Rice has shown no issues after a torn knee ligament cost him most of last season, while the shoulder injury that kept Marquise Brown off the field for months has likewise healed. Throw in a year of growth for Xavier Worthy, their first-round pick last year, and the Chiefs' wide receiver group is deeper, faster and more potent than it has been in a while.“Not to take anything away from any receivers that we’ve been with here or anywhere else (but) for me, this collective group of wide receivers from top to bottom is extremely competitive and talented,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said.“I don’t want to take for granted is JuJu Smith-Schuster. Unbelievable right now with what he is doing, as far as a leader in that room,” Nagy added. “Watching guys out here in walkthroughs, he's taking these young guys and using his experience and giving his knowledge to them, and it is exciting because he is a great player. So, from top down we have a lot of speed. The guys have knowledge, they’re smart, they play fast and tough. Now, it is just the timing of Pat.”That timing has been on point so far, thanks in part to the voluntary passing camps that the two-time MVP has run the past few years at his home in Texas. Most of the receivers on the roster show up for at least some of it, and that typically gives them a big jump on training camp, when they begin facing defenders rather than just air.“In order for our offense to be great,” Mahomes said, "you have to be able to complete those passes. It opens up everything else. ... If we can do that, I think it is really going to open up the offense and make us a better team in general.”

🏈 Chiefs rookies shine in camp, turning positions of weakness into a strength

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas' Daniel Hishaw Jr., and Leshon Williams were named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch list, the PWC SMU Athletic Forum announced on Tuesday.

Hishaw and Williams were among the 103 players named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List, which is awarded to the nation's most outstanding running back.

Hishaw, a redshirt senior from Moore, Oklahoma, has rushed for 1,490 career rushing yards on 282 carries for 18 touchdowns. Hishaw had a career season in 2023, rushing 121 times for 626 yards and 8 touchdowns and was later named to the College Football Comeback Player of the Year Watch List. Hishaw has now been named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List for three-straight seasons.

Williams, a transfer running back from Iowa, has rushed for 1,323 career rushing yards on 318 attempts and 3 touchdowns. In 2023, Williams was an honorable mention All-Big Ten member, rushing for a career-high 821 yards on 170 attempts. Williams was also named to the 2024 Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List.

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2024.

The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week. University athletic departments nominate candidates for the award and can continue to do so through October.

The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2025 football season on August 23, 2025 as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium vs. Fresno State. The season-opener serves as the first of seven games coming to Lawrence in 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754427645580.png" alt="Kansas running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. attempts a stiff arm while rushing against BYU on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 in Provo, Utah (KU Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. attempts a stiff arm while rushing against BYU on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 in Provo, Utah (KU Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas' Daniel Hishaw Jr., and Leshon Williams were named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch list, the PWC SMU Athletic Forum announced on Tuesday.Hishaw and Williams were among the 103 players named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List, which is awarded to the nation's most outstanding running back.Hishaw, a redshirt senior from Moore, Oklahoma, has rushed for 1,490 career rushing yards on 282 carries for 18 touchdowns. Hishaw had a career season in 2023, rushing 121 times for 626 yards and 8 touchdowns and was later named to the College Football Comeback Player of the Year Watch List. Hishaw has now been named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List for three-straight seasons.Williams, a transfer running back from Iowa, has rushed for 1,323 career rushing yards on 318 attempts and 3 touchdowns. In 2023, Williams was an honorable mention All-Big Ten member, rushing for a career-high 821 yards on 170 attempts. Williams was also named to the 2024 Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List.The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2024.The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week. University athletic departments nominate candidates for the award and can continue to do so through October.The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2025 football season on August 23, 2025 as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium vs. Fresno State. The season-opener serves as the first of seven games coming to Lawrence in 2025.

🏈 KU’s Hishaw, Williams selected to Doak Walker preseason watch list

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday, August 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pm

Wednesday, August 6
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pm

Thursday, August 7
 none

Friday, August 8
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 6:30pm

Saturday, August 9
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 5:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals, 6:00pm

Sunday, August 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Tuesday, August 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pmWednesday, August 6
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pmThursday, August 7
 noneFriday, August 8
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 6:30pmSaturday, August 9
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 5:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals, 6:00pmSunday, August 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

BOSTON (AP) — Jarren Duran hit a three-run homer and Brayan Bello pitched six effective innings, helping the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Monday night for their sixth consecutive victory.

Rob Refsnyder drove in two runs, and Duran added a leaping,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/1952529394649432244">run-saving catch</a>&nbsp;in front of the Green Monster in the fourth.

Bello (8-5) allowed an unearned run and six hits. The right-hander has surrendered three earned runs or fewer in 13 of his last 14 outings.

The Royals got back-to-back home runs from Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia off Jorge Alcala as part of a four-run eighth. But Aroldis Chapman handled the ninth for his 21st save.

Royals starter Bailey Falter (7-6) was pulled after four innings. He was charged with seven runs and eight hits.

Refsnyder put the Red Sox in front with a two-run single in the first. Duran then pushed the lead to 5-0 with two out, hitting a 419-foot drive deep to center for his 12th homer.

Boston rookie Roman Anthony was scratched from his scheduled start in right field due to mid-back tightness. He was replaced by Wilyer Abreu.

With Boston leading 8-5 in the eighth, Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. singled to right field. Nick Loftin attempted to score from second, but Abreu’s throw from right beat him and Loftin was tagged out in a collision with catcher Connor Wong. The Royals challenged, arguing Wong illegally blocked the plate, but it was upheld after a video review.

The Red Sox have outscored their opponents 44-16 during their win streak.

Rookie right-hander Ryan Bergert (1-0, 2.78 ERA) starts for Kansas City on Tuesday night, and left-hander Garrett Crochet (12-4, 2.23 ERA) goes for the Red Sox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754390202791.jpeg" alt="Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran watches the flight of his three-run home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" />
 <figcaption>Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran watches the flight of his three-run home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Jarren Duran hit a three-run homer and Brayan Bello pitched six effective innings, helping the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Monday night for their sixth consecutive victory.Rob Refsnyder drove in two runs, and Duran added a leaping,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/1952529394649432244">run-saving catch</a>&nbsp;in front of the Green Monster in the fourth.Bello (8-5) allowed an unearned run and six hits. The right-hander has surrendered three earned runs or fewer in 13 of his last 14 outings.The Royals got back-to-back home runs from Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia off Jorge Alcala as part of a four-run eighth. But Aroldis Chapman handled the ninth for his 21st save.Royals starter Bailey Falter (7-6) was pulled after four innings. He was charged with seven runs and eight hits.Refsnyder put the Red Sox in front with a two-run single in the first. Duran then pushed the lead to 5-0 with two out, hitting a 419-foot drive deep to center for his 12th homer.Boston rookie Roman Anthony was scratched from his scheduled start in right field due to mid-back tightness. He was replaced by Wilyer Abreu.<h2>Key moment</h2>With Boston leading 8-5 in the eighth, Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. singled to right field. Nick Loftin attempted to score from second, but Abreu’s throw from right beat him and Loftin was tagged out in a collision with catcher Connor Wong. The Royals challenged, arguing Wong illegally blocked the plate, but it was upheld after a video review.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Red Sox have outscored their opponents 44-16 during their win streak.<h2>Up next</h2>Rookie right-hander Ryan Bergert (1-0, 2.78 ERA) starts for Kansas City on Tuesday night, and left-hander Garrett Crochet (12-4, 2.23 ERA) goes for the Red Sox.

⚾ Red Sox ride Duran HR, strong outing from Bello to win over Royals

By GERARD WELLBROCK
 Hays Post Sports

HAYS – With the NCAA's recent decision to expand
the Division II football playoffs from seven to eight teams per region, the
Fort Hays State Tigers have their sights set on the postseason. Had the new
rules been in place last year, the Tigers would have likely made the playoffs
after finishing the 2024 season with an 8-3 record and a No. 8 ranking in Super
Region 3.

The team officially kicked off its 2025 campaign
on Monday with the start of preseason camp on the new turf inside Lewis Field. Head
coach Chris Brown, entering his 14th season, was impressed with what he saw
from his players on day one.

"You could tell these guys really put the
time in this summer with the weight room and conditioning," Brown said.
"It was crisp, it was sharp. Guys knew what they were doing."

Brown noted that being so close to a playoff spot
last season fueled his team's motivation throughout the offseason. "Our
guys are hungry," he said. "They want to win the conference and they
want to get into the playoffs, and you could see that by what they did this
summer."

Despite the high hopes, Brown was quick to
emphasize that the past is in the past. "2024 is over," he stated.
"It’s about what this 2025 group does right now, that’s the most important
thing. I think the pieces to the puzzle are there; it's what they do with
it."

The Tigers will open their season at home against
Angelo State on Thursday, August 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754342219245.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown addresses his team following their first practice of preseason camp (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown addresses his team following their first practice of preseason camp (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK
 Hays Post SportsHAYS – With the NCAA's recent decision to expand
the Division II football playoffs from seven to eight teams per region, the
Fort Hays State Tigers have their sights set on the postseason. Had the new
rules been in place last year, the Tigers would have likely made the playoffs
after finishing the 2024 season with an 8-3 record and a No. 8 ranking in Super
Region 3.The team officially kicked off its 2025 campaign
on Monday with the start of preseason camp on the new turf inside Lewis Field. Head
coach Chris Brown, entering his 14th season, was impressed with what he saw
from his players on day one."You could tell these guys really put the
time in this summer with the weight room and conditioning," Brown said.
"It was crisp, it was sharp. Guys knew what they were doing."<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2147932680&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/chris-brown-080425" title="Chris Brown 080425" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown 080425</a></div></div>Brown noted that being so close to a playoff spot
last season fueled his team's motivation throughout the offseason. "Our
guys are hungry," he said. "They want to win the conference and they
want to get into the playoffs, and you could see that by what they did this
summer."Despite the high hopes, Brown was quick to
emphasize that the past is in the past. "2024 is over," he stated.
"It’s about what this 2025 group does right now, that’s the most important
thing. I think the pieces to the puzzle are there; it's what they do with
it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754342791492.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754342826388.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754342887300.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754342944508.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>The Tigers will open their season at home against
Angelo State on Thursday, August 28.

Tigers start preseason camp with playoff hopes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs released their first unofficial depth chart Sunday evening ahead of their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 9, offering early insight into how the defending Super Bowl champions might shape their 53-man roster.

Though the pecking order remains fluid during training camp, the depth chart revealed a few notable developments—particularly along the offensive and defensive lines.

Perhaps the biggest surprise came on defense, where 2023 first-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah is listed as the third-string defensive end, behind rookie Ashton Gillotte. Anudike-Uzomah saw rotational snaps as a rookie last season but appears to be battling for playing time early in camp.

On the offensive side, two rookies are currently slated to start in the trenches. Josh Simmons, a first-year offensive tackle, is penciled in at left tackle, while second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia is listed as the starting left guard—replacing veteran Joe Thuney, who had previously held the spot.

The Chiefs and head coach Andy Reid will likely continue to evaluate position battles over the coming weeks as the team prepares for its Aug. 9 matchup in Glendale, Arizona.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754389539870.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid walks between drills at NFL football training camp Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid walks between drills at NFL football training camp Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs released their first unofficial depth chart Sunday evening ahead of their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 9, offering early insight into how the defending Super Bowl champions might shape their 53-man roster.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> have released a depth chart as of today for their release packet for the Arizona game. No real surprises when it comes to starters but a few down on the depth chart. <a href="https://t.co/BUWHMBPtuG">pic.twitter.com/BUWHMBPtuG</a>&mdash; Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaroldRKuntz3/status/1952191170576290237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Though the pecking order remains fluid during training camp, the depth chart revealed a few notable developments—particularly along the offensive and defensive lines.Perhaps the biggest surprise came on defense, where 2023 first-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah is listed as the third-string defensive end, behind rookie Ashton Gillotte. Anudike-Uzomah saw rotational snaps as a rookie last season but appears to be battling for playing time early in camp.On the offensive side, two rookies are currently slated to start in the trenches. Josh Simmons, a first-year offensive tackle, is penciled in at left tackle, while second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia is listed as the starting left guard—replacing veteran Joe Thuney, who had previously held the spot.The Chiefs and head coach Andy Reid will likely continue to evaluate position battles over the coming weeks as the team prepares for its Aug. 9 matchup in Glendale, Arizona.

🏈 Chiefs release unofficial depth chart ahead of preseason opener

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas redshirt senior quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/16182">Jalon Daniels</a>&nbsp;was one of 45 players named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year Preseason Watch List, the Walter Camp Football Foundation announced on Monday.

The 2025 watch list includes 38 offensive players (21 quarterbacks, 11 running backs, five receivers/tight ends and one two-way player) along with eight from the defensive side of the ball. Daniels is one of four players from the Big 12 Conference to be named to the preseason watch list.

Daniels, of Lawndale, Calif., has been named to the Walter Camp Preseason Watch List for three straight seasons. Over his career, Daniels has completed 536-of-875 passing for 6,751 yards and 45 touchdowns. His 6,751 passing yards and 45 passing touchdowns rank second in program history. Daniels has also rushed for 1,043 career yards on 303 carries and 19 touchdowns.

In 2024, Daniels completed 171-of-300 passing for 2,454 yards and 14 touchdowns. Daniels served as a team captain and led the Jayhawks to three-straight ranked wins for the first time in program history. At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Daniels was named the Big 12 Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, Kansas' first in program history.

The Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is the nation's fourth-oldest individual college football accolade and is voted on by the 133 NCAA Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors. Walter Camp, "The Father of American football," first selected an All-America team in 1889. A former Yale University athlete and football coach, Camp is credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team.

The 2025 Player of Year watch list will be narrowed to 10 semi-finalists in early November, and three finalists will be announced in early December. The 2025 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, which is voted on by the 133 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors, will be announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show on December 12.

The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2025 football season on August 23, 2025 as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium vs. Fresno State. The season-opener serves as the first of seven games coming to Lawrence in 2025, with a full schedule and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule">tickets available here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726284589606.png" alt="Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) runs for a touchdown against UNLV linebacker Mani Powell (16) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan." />
 <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) runs for a touchdown against UNLV linebacker Mani Powell (16) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas redshirt senior quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/16182">Jalon Daniels</a>&nbsp;was one of 45 players named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year Preseason Watch List, the Walter Camp Football Foundation announced on Monday.The 2025 watch list includes 38 offensive players (21 quarterbacks, 11 running backs, five receivers/tight ends and one two-way player) along with eight from the defensive side of the ball. Daniels is one of four players from the Big 12 Conference to be named to the preseason watch list.Daniels, of Lawndale, Calif., has been named to the Walter Camp Preseason Watch List for three straight seasons. Over his career, Daniels has completed 536-of-875 passing for 6,751 yards and 45 touchdowns. His 6,751 passing yards and 45 passing touchdowns rank second in program history. Daniels has also rushed for 1,043 career yards on 303 carries and 19 touchdowns.In 2024, Daniels completed 171-of-300 passing for 2,454 yards and 14 touchdowns. Daniels served as a team captain and led the Jayhawks to three-straight ranked wins for the first time in program history. At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Daniels was named the Big 12 Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, Kansas' first in program history.The Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is the nation's fourth-oldest individual college football accolade and is voted on by the 133 NCAA Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors. Walter Camp, "The Father of American football," first selected an All-America team in 1889. A former Yale University athlete and football coach, Camp is credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team.The 2025 Player of Year watch list will be narrowed to 10 semi-finalists in early November, and three finalists will be announced in early December. The 2025 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, which is voted on by the 133 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors, will be announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show on December 12.The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2025 football season on August 23, 2025 as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium vs. Fresno State. The season-opener serves as the first of seven games coming to Lawrence in 2025, with a full schedule and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule">tickets available here</a>.

🏈 KU's Jalon Daniels named to Walter Camp Player of the Year watch list

Monday, August 4
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Monday, August 4
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pmTuesday, August 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pmWednesday, August 6
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pmThursday, August 7
 noneFriday, August 8
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 6:30pmSaturday, August 9
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 5:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals, 6:00pmSunday, August 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

TORONTO (AP) — Kyle Isbel hit an RBI double in the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals rallied to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 on Sunday.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tying single with two out in the eighth, and Kansas City scored five in the 10th while taking two of three from the AL East-leading Blue Jays.

The Royals are 24-12 in series finales, winning their past nine.

Hunter Harvey (1-0) pitched one inning for the win as Kansas City returned to .500 at 56-56.

Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger cut into Kansas City's lead with RBI singles in the bottom of the 10th, but Toronto (65-48) lost a home series for the first time since losing two of three to the White Sox from June 20-22.

Isbel drove in the winning run with a double down the line against Seranthony Domínguez (2-4).

Jonathan India walked and Bobby Witt Jr. was hit by a pitch before Tyler Tolbert added a two-run single.

Witt scored on a throwing error by catcher Alejandro Kirk, and Maikel Garcia capped the rally with a sacrifice fly.

Blue Jays outfielder Joey Loperfido had two hits, including an RBI single in the fifth.

Isbel’s tiebreaking hit came on the first pitch he saw from Domínguez, a 96 mph fastball.

The Royals are 9-7 in series-deciding games.

Royals: LHP Bailey Falter (7-5, 3.73 ERA) is scheduled to start against Red Sox RHP Brayan Bello (7-5, 3.19 ERA) on Monday.

Blue Jays: LHP Eric Lauer (6-2, 2.68 ERA) is expected to face Colorado RHP Tanner Gordon (2-3, 4.85 ERA) on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754259591647.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>TORONTO (AP) — Kyle Isbel hit an RBI double in the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals rallied to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 on Sunday.Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tying single with two out in the eighth, and Kansas City scored five in the 10th while taking two of three from the AL East-leading Blue Jays.The Royals are 24-12 in series finales, winning their past nine.Hunter Harvey (1-0) pitched one inning for the win as Kansas City returned to .500 at 56-56.Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger cut into Kansas City's lead with RBI singles in the bottom of the 10th, but Toronto (65-48) lost a home series for the first time since losing two of three to the White Sox from June 20-22.Isbel drove in the winning run with a double down the line against Seranthony Domínguez (2-4).Jonathan India walked and Bobby Witt Jr. was hit by a pitch before Tyler Tolbert added a two-run single.Witt scored on a throwing error by catcher Alejandro Kirk, and Maikel Garcia capped the rally with a sacrifice fly.Blue Jays outfielder Joey Loperfido had two hits, including an RBI single in the fifth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Isbel’s tiebreaking hit came on the first pitch he saw from Domínguez, a 96 mph fastball.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals are 9-7 in series-deciding games.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: LHP Bailey Falter (7-5, 3.73 ERA) is scheduled to start against Red Sox RHP Brayan Bello (7-5, 3.19 ERA) on Monday.Blue Jays: LHP Eric Lauer (6-2, 2.68 ERA) is expected to face Colorado RHP Tanner Gordon (2-3, 4.85 ERA) on Monday.

⚾ Royals score 5 runs in the 10th to beat the Blue Jays 

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sunday, August 3
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Toronto Blue Jays, 12:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday, August 3
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Toronto Blue Jays, 12:00pm

TORONTO (AP) — Max Scherzer pitched one-run ball for six innings and earned his second win of the season, Bo Bichette added three hits and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Saturday.

Davis Schneider hit a two-run single for the AL East-leading Blue Jays, who came in having lost five of six.

Bichette hit an RBI single in the third inning and added base hits in the sixth and eighth. He leads the majors with 137 hits.

Scherzer (2-1) allowed one run and five hits, including a solo homer by Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez. The right-hander walked none and struck out five in picking up his first win since beating the Athletics on July 11.

Perez’s homer was his 20th. He has hit three homers off Scherzer, including his first in the majors in August 2011 against Detroit.

Brendon Little got two outs for Toronto, Seranthony Domínguez retired all four batters he faced and Jeff Hoffman finished for his 26th save in 30 chances.

Royals left-hander Noah Cameron (5-5) allowed four runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings, losing for the first time since June 27 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman was struck in the mask by a foul tip from Kansas City’s John Rave in the third, but stayed in the game and scored from second base on Schneider’s hit in the bottom half. Ali Sánchez replaced Heineman in the fourth. The Blue Jays said Heineman had a head contusion.

Schneider opened the scoring with a two-run single in the third and Bichette capped the three-run inning with a two-out hit.

Perez has nine 20-homer seasons with Kansas City, breaking George Brett’s franchise record.

Blue Jays RHP Chris Bassitt (11-5, 4.34 ERA) is scheduled to face Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-5, 3.03) in Sunday’s series finale.

TORONTO (AP) — Max Scherzer pitched one-run ball for six innings and earned his second win of the season, Bo Bichette added three hits and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Saturday.Davis Schneider hit a two-run single for the AL East-leading Blue Jays, who came in having lost five of six.Bichette hit an RBI single in the third inning and added base hits in the sixth and eighth. He leads the majors with 137 hits.Scherzer (2-1) allowed one run and five hits, including a solo homer by Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez. The right-hander walked none and struck out five in picking up his first win since beating the Athletics on July 11.Perez’s homer was his 20th. He has hit three homers off Scherzer, including his first in the majors in August 2011 against Detroit.Brendon Little got two outs for Toronto, Seranthony Domínguez retired all four batters he faced and Jeff Hoffman finished for his 26th save in 30 chances.Royals left-hander Noah Cameron (5-5) allowed four runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings, losing for the first time since June 27 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman was struck in the mask by a foul tip from Kansas City’s John Rave in the third, but stayed in the game and scored from second base on Schneider’s hit in the bottom half. Ali Sánchez replaced Heineman in the fourth. The Blue Jays said Heineman had a head contusion.<h2>Key moment</h2>Schneider opened the scoring with a two-run single in the third and Bichette capped the three-run inning with a two-out hit.<h2>Key stat</h2>Perez has nine 20-homer seasons with Kansas City, breaking George Brett’s franchise record.<h2>Up next</h2>Blue Jays RHP Chris Bassitt (11-5, 4.34 ERA) is scheduled to face Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-5, 3.03) in Sunday’s series finale.

⚾ Scherzer works 6 innings, earns 2nd win as Blue Jays beat the Royals 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-nfl-e5d5d94dbea9bfcbd555ce73e0ce67c4">Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice</a>&nbsp;has “completely changed” after causing a chain-reaction crash last year on a Dallas highway that left multiple people injured, cost him more than $1 million in a settlement to victims, and resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-kansas-city-chiefs-crash-jail-454eb8f9ee467628ee8258fe8ae5cc0c">a 30-day jail sentence</a>&nbsp;that he will have to fulfill at some point in the future.

Rice spoke Saturday for the first time in training camp, and the first time since the 25-year-old playmaker tore a ligament in his right knee in Week 4 — an injury that wound up requiring season-ending surgery.

“I’ve completely changed. You have to learn from things like that,” Rice said of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-sports-car-crash-dallas-lamborghini-d36bee33712ebb41c4b78f7c3b54b833">the March 2024 accident</a>, when prosecutors said he was driving nearly 120 mph on the North Central Expressway and made “multiple aggressive maneuvers” before striking the other vehicles.

“I've learned," Rice continued, "and taken advantage of being able to learn from something like that.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-charges-dallas-crash-kansas-city-chiefs-d71cfd66fabfc151111d67ea1bfa0f74">Rice pleaded</a>&nbsp;guilty in July to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail, along with paying victims’ out-of-pocket medical expenses totaling about $115,000.

He separately agreed to settle a civil case for $1,086,000, which included prejudgment interest and attorneys’ fees.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs are bracing for Rice to serve an NFL suspension, though the length and time remains uncertain. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement recently that the case "remains under review.”

“My legal team is handling all that,” Rice said. “All I can focus on is what I can control right now and that's me doing what I do.”

So far, the knee injury that robbed him of most of last season hasn't held him back.

After a standout rookie season, Rice caught 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns through his first three games last season. But in Week 4, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the quarterback accidentally dived into Rice’s leg as they were trying to make the tackle, tearing the lateral collateral ligament in the wide receiver's knee.

Rice had surgery and was back for summer workouts, and he's been full-go throughout training camp.

“I feel 100%. I'm excited to be back out here with the guys,” Rice said. “Just kind of basically where I left off at. The only thing is get back on the field and continue to have fun doing what I do.”

The Chiefs had hoped that Rice would be a focal point of the offense last season in a wide receiver corps that included Marquise Brown and then-rookie Xavier Worthy. But that triumvirate never materialized, because “Hollywood” Brown was hurt on the first play of the preseason — he didn't return until the playoffs — and Rice ultimately joined him on injured reserve.

Now, the Chiefs have all three of them healthy, Worthy has a year of experience under him, and fourth-round draft pick Jalen Royals has turned some heads in training camp. Throw in veteran Juju Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton, who appears to be taking advantage of a fresh start in Kansas City, and the Chiefs are confident in their depth at the position.

Especially if Rice must serve a suspension during the upcoming season.

“I'm locked in. This is what I do,” Rice said. “This is my job. This is what I love to do. So even when I'm not able to be with the team, I'm going to be working hard to get back with them as soon as possible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754161921153.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice laughs with a teammate as he arrives at NFL football training camp Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP PhotoCharlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice laughs with a teammate as he arrives at NFL football training camp Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP PhotoCharlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-nfl-e5d5d94dbea9bfcbd555ce73e0ce67c4">Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice</a>&nbsp;has “completely changed” after causing a chain-reaction crash last year on a Dallas highway that left multiple people injured, cost him more than $1 million in a settlement to victims, and resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-kansas-city-chiefs-crash-jail-454eb8f9ee467628ee8258fe8ae5cc0c">a 30-day jail sentence</a>&nbsp;that he will have to fulfill at some point in the future.Rice spoke Saturday for the first time in training camp, and the first time since the 25-year-old playmaker tore a ligament in his right knee in Week 4 — an injury that wound up requiring season-ending surgery.“I’ve completely changed. You have to learn from things like that,” Rice said of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-sports-car-crash-dallas-lamborghini-d36bee33712ebb41c4b78f7c3b54b833">the March 2024 accident</a>, when prosecutors said he was driving nearly 120 mph on the North Central Expressway and made “multiple aggressive maneuvers” before striking the other vehicles.“I've learned," Rice continued, "and taken advantage of being able to learn from something like that.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-charges-dallas-crash-kansas-city-chiefs-d71cfd66fabfc151111d67ea1bfa0f74">Rice pleaded</a>&nbsp;guilty in July to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail, along with paying victims’ out-of-pocket medical expenses totaling about $115,000.He separately agreed to settle a civil case for $1,086,000, which included prejudgment interest and attorneys’ fees.Meanwhile, the Chiefs are bracing for Rice to serve an NFL suspension, though the length and time remains uncertain. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement recently that the case "remains under review.”“My legal team is handling all that,” Rice said. “All I can focus on is what I can control right now and that's me doing what I do.”So far, the knee injury that robbed him of most of last season hasn't held him back.After a standout rookie season, Rice caught 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns through his first three games last season. But in Week 4, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the quarterback accidentally dived into Rice’s leg as they were trying to make the tackle, tearing the lateral collateral ligament in the wide receiver's knee.Rice had surgery and was back for summer workouts, and he's been full-go throughout training camp.“I feel 100%. I'm excited to be back out here with the guys,” Rice said. “Just kind of basically where I left off at. The only thing is get back on the field and continue to have fun doing what I do.”The Chiefs had hoped that Rice would be a focal point of the offense last season in a wide receiver corps that included Marquise Brown and then-rookie Xavier Worthy. But that triumvirate never materialized, because “Hollywood” Brown was hurt on the first play of the preseason — he didn't return until the playoffs — and Rice ultimately joined him on injured reserve.Now, the Chiefs have all three of them healthy, Worthy has a year of experience under him, and fourth-round draft pick Jalen Royals has turned some heads in training camp. Throw in veteran Juju Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton, who appears to be taking advantage of a fresh start in Kansas City, and the Chiefs are confident in their depth at the position.Especially if Rice must serve a suspension during the upcoming season.“I'm locked in. This is what I do,” Rice said. “This is my job. This is what I love to do. So even when I'm not able to be with the team, I'm going to be working hard to get back with them as soon as possible.”

🏈 Chiefs' Rashee Rice says he has 'completely changed' after causing dangerous crash on Dallas highway

WICHITA – The Hays Larks come up one win shy of a return
trip to the NBC World Series finals Friday, falling to the Lonestar Kraken 9-8 at
Eck Stadium.

The Larks (32-5-1) trailed by as many as seven runs in the
game but came back to force extra innings. But in the 10th, Lonestar pushed a
run across to advance to the NBC World Series finals Saturday against the
Hutchinson Monarchs. 

The Larks broke onto the scoreboard early, scoring a run on
Thomas Lyssy RBI single, putting Hays up 1-0.

Lonestar answered back with two runs in the bottom of the
second and then exploded for six more runs in the fourth inning.

The Kraken got a homerun and then took advantage of five
straight walks, six total in the inning, for the 8-1 lead. 

Hays got a run back on a wild pitch in the top of the fifth
and then added two runs in the seventh.

The Larks took advantage of three free passes in the inning.
Hays scored on a Trent Baker RBI single and a Brady Kreutzer walk with the
bases loaded, cutting the Kraken's lead to 8-4.

Hays got back-to-back singles to open the top of the eighth
inning and then opened the scoring with a two-run Tabor Stokes double, cutting
the deficit to 8-6.

After two men were retired, Baker singled in Stokes, making
it 8-7.

Still trailing by one, in the top of the ninth inning, the
Larks manufactured the tying run to send the game to extra innings.

A walk and a stolen base by Kaleb Duncan, followed by a
sacrifice bunt, put the tying run at third. Two batters later, Stokes grounded
out to the shortstop, scoring the run from third and tying the game at eight
with two outs.

Both teams threatened to score in their half of the 10th
inning, leaving two runners on base.

Then in the bottom of the 10th inning, Preston
Curtis connected on the third homerun of the game of the Kraken, lifting
Lonestar to a 9-8 victory.

Tabor Stokes collected two hits, runs and three RBIs for the
Larks. Trent Baker added two hits, runs and RBIs.

Julio Ramos suffered the loss. He allowed just the one run,
on five hits, with eight strikeouts over six and two-thirds innings.

Hays Post SportsWICHITA – The Hays Larks come up one win shy of a return
trip to the NBC World Series finals Friday, falling to the Lonestar Kraken 9-8 at
Eck Stadium.The Larks (32-5-1) trailed by as many as seven runs in the
game but came back to force extra innings. But in the 10th, Lonestar pushed a
run across to advance to the NBC World Series finals Saturday against the
Hutchinson Monarchs. The Larks broke onto the scoreboard early, scoring a run on
Thomas Lyssy RBI single, putting Hays up 1-0.Lonestar answered back with two runs in the bottom of the
second and then exploded for six more runs in the fourth inning.The Kraken got a homerun and then took advantage of five
straight walks, six total in the inning, for the 8-1 lead. Hays got a run back on a wild pitch in the top of the fifth
and then added two runs in the seventh.The Larks took advantage of three free passes in the inning.
Hays scored on a Trent Baker RBI single and a Brady Kreutzer walk with the
bases loaded, cutting the Kraken's lead to 8-4.Hays got back-to-back singles to open the top of the eighth
inning and then opened the scoring with a two-run Tabor Stokes double, cutting
the deficit to 8-6.After two men were retired, Baker singled in Stokes, making
it 8-7.Still trailing by one, in the top of the ninth inning, the
Larks manufactured the tying run to send the game to extra innings.A walk and a stolen base by Kaleb Duncan, followed by a
sacrifice bunt, put the tying run at third. Two batters later, Stokes grounded
out to the shortstop, scoring the run from third and tying the game at eight
with two outs.Both teams threatened to score in their half of the 10th
inning, leaving two runners on base.Then in the bottom of the 10th inning, Preston
Curtis connected on the third homerun of the game of the Kraken, lifting
Lonestar to a 9-8 victory.Tabor Stokes collected two hits, runs and three RBIs for the
Larks. Trent Baker added two hits, runs and RBIs.Julio Ramos suffered the loss. He allowed just the one run,
on five hits, with eight strikeouts over six and two-thirds innings.

⚾ Larks season ends in extras at NBC World Series

Saturday, August 2
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Toronto Blue Jays, 1:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Saturday, August 2
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Toronto Blue Jays, 1:30pmSunday, August 3
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Toronto Blue Jays, 12:00pm

TORONTO (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski homered in his first at-bat with Kansas City, Michael Wacha limited Toronto to a run in eight innings in his longest outing of the season and the Royals beat the Blue Jays 9-3 on Friday night.

Acquired from San Francisco just before the trade deadline Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-yastrzemski-homer-ef2d215867f26d38879e2dbad0c31f37">Yastrzemski had a two-run shot</a>&nbsp;off Kevin Gausman (7-8) in the second inning to make it 2-1.

Wacha (5-9) allowed three hits and stuck out five, helping the Royals improve to .500 for the first time since June 20. He gave up one run for the fourth consecutive start.

Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Adam Frazier also homered for Kansas City.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BlueJays/status/1951426313484447935">two-out homer in the first inning</a>&nbsp;to give Toronto a 1-0 lead. After Yastrzemski gave the Royals the lead in the second, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1951430489895739439">Witt's three-run homer</a>&nbsp;made it 5-1 in the third.

Kansas City added four runs in the ninth. Perez and Frazier homered and Maikel Garcia had a bases-loaded single.

Addison Barger hit a two-run homer for Toronto in the ninth.

Yastrzemski wasted no time getting his first big hit for Kansas City, hitting the two-run homer in the second inning.

The Royals scored five or more runs for the eighth time in 13 games since the All-Star break.

Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (5-4, 2.44 ERA) was set to start Saturday against Toronto RHP Max Scherzer (1-1, 4.89).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754102026243.png" alt="Image from Kansas City Royals video" />
 <figcaption>Image from Kansas City Royals video</figcaption>
 </figure>TORONTO (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski homered in his first at-bat with Kansas City, Michael Wacha limited Toronto to a run in eight innings in his longest outing of the season and the Royals beat the Blue Jays 9-3 on Friday night.Acquired from San Francisco just before the trade deadline Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-yastrzemski-homer-ef2d215867f26d38879e2dbad0c31f37">Yastrzemski had a two-run shot</a>&nbsp;off Kevin Gausman (7-8) in the second inning to make it 2-1.Wacha (5-9) allowed three hits and stuck out five, helping the Royals improve to .500 for the first time since June 20. He gave up one run for the fourth consecutive start.Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Adam Frazier also homered for Kansas City.Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BlueJays/status/1951426313484447935">two-out homer in the first inning</a>&nbsp;to give Toronto a 1-0 lead. After Yastrzemski gave the Royals the lead in the second, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1951430489895739439">Witt's three-run homer</a>&nbsp;made it 5-1 in the third.Kansas City added four runs in the ninth. Perez and Frazier homered and Maikel Garcia had a bases-loaded single.Addison Barger hit a two-run homer for Toronto in the ninth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Yastrzemski wasted no time getting his first big hit for Kansas City, hitting the two-run homer in the second inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals scored five or more runs for the eighth time in 13 games since the All-Star break.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (5-4, 2.44 ERA) was set to start Saturday against Toronto RHP Max Scherzer (1-1, 4.89).

⚾ Mike Yastrzemski homers in his 1st at-bat as a Royal in victory over Blue Jays

WICHITA - The Hays Larks are back in the NBC World Series semifinals for a second straight season and will take on the Lonestar Kraker with a trip to the championship game on the line.

The defending champion Larks have won 10 straight games at the NBC.

The game is scheduled to start at approximately 8:30 p.m. at Eck Stadium in Wichita.&nbsp;

You can watch every Larks game from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nbcws">NBC World Series</a> on Hays Post thanks
to our sponsors and the NBC.

Hays Larks baseball on Hays Post is brought to you by: Brungardt Hower First Care Clinic Gib’s Auto Supply Glassman Corporation Herrman Physical Therapy Midwest Energy Nex Tech Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hann and Mitch Keeley Shelter Insurance Agents Dustin Schumacher and Todd Keller The ARC of Central Plains Thrift Store M &amp; D Excavating Incorporated Phaze 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753331542160.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA - The Hays Larks are back in the NBC World Series semifinals for a second straight season and will take on the Lonestar Kraker with a trip to the championship game on the line.The defending champion Larks have won 10 straight games at the NBC.The game is scheduled to start at approximately 8:30 p.m. at Eck Stadium in Wichita.&nbsp;You can watch every Larks game from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nbcws">NBC World Series</a> on Hays Post thanks
to our sponsors and the NBC.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9D3sy7oyEog?si=xBy0pFykQivZltao" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Hays Larks baseball on Hays Post is brought to you by: Brungardt Hower First Care Clinic Gib’s Auto Supply Glassman Corporation Herrman Physical Therapy Midwest Energy Nex Tech Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hann and Mitch Keeley Shelter Insurance Agents Dustin Schumacher and Todd Keller The ARC of Central Plains Thrift Store M &amp; D Excavating Incorporated Phaze 2

⚾🎥 LIVE: Hays Larks take on Lonestar Kraken at NBC Word Series

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals found themselves in a strange and precarious position at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-trade-deadline-miller-bieber-7a7d771f58aad301d7e0953fc0eb919d">the trade deadline</a>: They were both buyers and sellers, interested in supplementing the club to win now while simultaneously continuing to build for the future.

In other words, they wanted to have it all.

By the time manager Matt Quatraro and the Royals boarded a plane late Thursday destined for a weekend series in Toronto, the roster looked a whole lot different from how it did just days ago. They had traded backup catcher Freddy Fermin and a few other assets that didn't necessarily figure into their immediate- or long-range plans, and in return got an outfielder and three pitchers capable of starting — a haul of four players who can help their big league club immediately.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/padres-athletics-sears-miller-trade-75e8970c54a2f7fca386c99e340e2f5a">swap with the Padres</a>&nbsp;of Fermin for pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek fortified their rotation, which has been hit hard by injuries, as did the deal with Pittsburgh that sent minor leaguers Evan Sisk and Callan Moss for left-hander Bailey Falter.

Then, minutes before Thursday's deadline, the Royals upgraded their outfielder by landing right fielder Matt Yastrzemski — who is particularly good against right-handed pitching — for low-minors pitching prospect Yunior Marte.

“What we've done,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said, “is going to allow us to work through the year with the pitchers we have in an efficient way, in a way that's going to be healthy for all of them, and we're just excited to get these guys.

“It's 14 years of club control on the starting pitching side of things.”

That last bit is important: The pitchers the Royals landed will be theirs for a while.

They headed into Friday night's series against the Blue Jays well out of the AL Central lead but only 3 1/2 games back of a wild-card spot, which they parlayed last season into a trip to the divisional round of the playoffs. They had followed up an abysmal month of June in which they went 8-18 by going 15-9 in July, clawing themselves back to within a game of .500.

So, the Royals believe they are still very much in the thick of the postseason hunt, and they needed the help to do it.

“We're playing better right now,” Picollo acknowledged. “I like the way we're starting to score some runs.”

Yet the Royals aren't exactly in a position to go all-in, either, so those moves came with a certain level of judiciousness. They did not want to part with any of their prospects, because they foresee a window to win over the next several years, particularly with a young core headlined by All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. under their control through 2029 and even beyond.

“We're still a fairly young team with a young core together, and trying to build that culture of winning is extremely important to us,” Picollo said. “I'm just really glad that we're not in that position where we felt like we had to (sell).”

Instead, the Royals will turn their attention to the task of making up that ground in the wild-card race.

They begin with a tough three games against the Blue Jays, the surprising leaders of the AL East, before a set in Boston against a team currently holding down a wild-card spot. But then comes a tantalizing stretch of nine games — six in the friendly confines of Kauffman Stadium — against the Twins, White Sox and Nationals, all clubs with losing records.

Yastrzemski reported to the club and was active for Friday night's game in Toronto, and the Royals also activated infielder-outfielder Nick Loftin from the injured list. Kolek and outfielder MJ Melendez were optioned to Triple-A Omaha, pitcher Kris Bubic was transferred to the 60-day injured list and outfielder Joey Wiemer was designated for assignment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754162176403.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7), relief pitcher Hunter Harvey, center, and Freddy Fermin meet on the mound during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7), relief pitcher Hunter Harvey, center, and Freddy Fermin meet on the mound during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals found themselves in a strange and precarious position at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-trade-deadline-miller-bieber-7a7d771f58aad301d7e0953fc0eb919d">the trade deadline</a>: They were both buyers and sellers, interested in supplementing the club to win now while simultaneously continuing to build for the future.In other words, they wanted to have it all.They largely succeeded, too.By the time manager Matt Quatraro and the Royals boarded a plane late Thursday destined for a weekend series in Toronto, the roster looked a whole lot different from how it did just days ago. They had traded backup catcher Freddy Fermin and a few other assets that didn't necessarily figure into their immediate- or long-range plans, and in return got an outfielder and three pitchers capable of starting — a haul of four players who can help their big league club immediately.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/padres-athletics-sears-miller-trade-75e8970c54a2f7fca386c99e340e2f5a">swap with the Padres</a>&nbsp;of Fermin for pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek fortified their rotation, which has been hit hard by injuries, as did the deal with Pittsburgh that sent minor leaguers Evan Sisk and Callan Moss for left-hander Bailey Falter.Then, minutes before Thursday's deadline, the Royals upgraded their outfielder by landing right fielder Matt Yastrzemski — who is particularly good against right-handed pitching — for low-minors pitching prospect Yunior Marte.“What we've done,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said, “is going to allow us to work through the year with the pitchers we have in an efficient way, in a way that's going to be healthy for all of them, and we're just excited to get these guys.“It's 14 years of club control on the starting pitching side of things.”That last bit is important: The pitchers the Royals landed will be theirs for a while.They headed into Friday night's series against the Blue Jays well out of the AL Central lead but only 3 1/2 games back of a wild-card spot, which they parlayed last season into a trip to the divisional round of the playoffs. They had followed up an abysmal month of June in which they went 8-18 by going 15-9 in July, clawing themselves back to within a game of .500.So, the Royals believe they are still very much in the thick of the postseason hunt, and they needed the help to do it.“We're playing better right now,” Picollo acknowledged. “I like the way we're starting to score some runs.”Yet the Royals aren't exactly in a position to go all-in, either, so those moves came with a certain level of judiciousness. They did not want to part with any of their prospects, because they foresee a window to win over the next several years, particularly with a young core headlined by All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. under their control through 2029 and even beyond.“We're still a fairly young team with a young core together, and trying to build that culture of winning is extremely important to us,” Picollo said. “I'm just really glad that we're not in that position where we felt like we had to (sell).”Instead, the Royals will turn their attention to the task of making up that ground in the wild-card race.They begin with a tough three games against the Blue Jays, the surprising leaders of the AL East, before a set in Boston against a team currently holding down a wild-card spot. But then comes a tantalizing stretch of nine games — six in the friendly confines of Kauffman Stadium — against the Twins, White Sox and Nationals, all clubs with losing records.Yastrzemski reported to the club and was active for Friday night's game in Toronto, and the Royals also activated infielder-outfielder Nick Loftin from the injured list. Kolek and outfielder MJ Melendez were optioned to Triple-A Omaha, pitcher Kris Bubic was transferred to the 60-day injured list and outfielder Joey Wiemer was designated for assignment.Meanwhile, the Royals are hopeful that starters Cole Ragans and Michael Lorenzen can return from the injured list, further bolstering a staff that Picollo managed to make deeper and more talented at the trade deadline.