ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Drew Rasmussen took a no-hit try into the sixth inning in his first start since making a serious perfect game bid, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Saturday.

Rasmussen, who lost his perfect game last Sunday when Baltimore’s Jorge Mateo opened the ninth with a double, walked MJ Melendez leading off the Royals first.

Melendez got the Royals' first hit when he lined a single into center past Rasmussen with one out in the sixth. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled before Ramussen’s final batter, Salvador Perez, hit a sacrifice fly.

“He's been on an incredible run,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Today his stuff was maybe a tick better than what we saw against Baltimore. He did it a tremendous job.”

Rasmussen (8-4) gave up two runs, two hits and one walk along with eight strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

“Professionally, for sure,” Rasmussen said when asked if he's in best groove ever. “The last couple of outings I've done really well. It's the same thing we preach everytime, you've got to get ahead of hitters and then work to put them away.”

Brooks Raley replaced Rasmussen and allowed an RBI single to Vinnie Pasquantino that got the Royals within 4-2.

After Pasquantino reached on an error by third baseman Isaac Paredes with one out in the first, Rasmussen retired 14 in a row.

“He was good,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Just such a good mix of the cutter-slider and you could tell guys just couldn't pick it up. It was coming out of his hand just like a fastball.”

Peter Fairbanks, the third Tampa Bay reliever, worked the ninth to get his third save and complete a four-hitter.

The Rays, who hold the third and final AL wild card spot, have won six of eight.

Six of the first eight Rays’ batters had hits off Kris Bubic (2-8), who allowed four runs, eight hits and two walks over 3 ⅔ innings.

“His fastball command, just couldn't find it early on, especially driving it in on right-hander's," Matheny said. “He did a nice job of trying to survive and keep us in there.”

Two of the hits came in the first when strong defensive plays by Witt at third and center fielder Michael A. Taylor helped keep the game scoreless.

Tampa Bay went up 3-0 in the second as the initial four batters’ had hits, including an RBI single by Yu Chang and Taylor Walls’ run-scoring double. The other run crossed the plate on a wild pitch.

Chang added an eighth-inning sacrfiice fly.

Yandy Díaz made it 4-0 with a fourth-inning RBI double.

Kansas City has dropped five of six and have been held to six hits or fewer a team record-tying five consecutive games.

There was a loud cheer from the crowd when the stadium playing field lights went out for a second in the seventh with a thunderstorm rumbling overhead.

The Rays host a four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels starting Monday night and currently are not slated to face Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher. Ohtani (10-7), who has not pitched at Tropicana Field, is scheduled to start Sunday at Detroit but there is a chance of rain.

The Royals optioned RHP Max Castillo to Triple-A Omaha and recalled RHP Collin Snider. Castillo allowed one run over five innings in his Kansas City debut Thursday.

Rays: RF Manuel Margot (right patellar strain) went 1 for 4 in his return. ... RHP Tyler Glasnow (Tommy John surgery, Aug, 2021) threw 20 pitches in his first BP session. … SS Wander Franco (right hamate bone surgery) sat out his fourth consecutive game with Triple-A Durham after departing his first rehab game Tuesday with hand soreness. … OF Roman Quinn (left knee contusion) went on the 10-day IL.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (4-8), winless in six road decisions this year, starts Sunday. Rays LHP Ryan Yarbrough (1-7) get the start.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Drew Rasmussen took a no-hit try into the sixth inning in his first start since making a serious perfect game bid, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Saturday.Rasmussen, who lost his perfect game last Sunday when Baltimore’s Jorge Mateo opened the ninth with a double, walked MJ Melendez leading off the Royals first.Melendez got the Royals' first hit when he lined a single into center past Rasmussen with one out in the sixth. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled before Ramussen’s final batter, Salvador Perez, hit a sacrifice fly.“He's been on an incredible run,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Today his stuff was maybe a tick better than what we saw against Baltimore. He did it a tremendous job.”Rasmussen (8-4) gave up two runs, two hits and one walk along with eight strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.“Professionally, for sure,” Rasmussen said when asked if he's in best groove ever. “The last couple of outings I've done really well. It's the same thing we preach everytime, you've got to get ahead of hitters and then work to put them away.”Brooks Raley replaced Rasmussen and allowed an RBI single to Vinnie Pasquantino that got the Royals within 4-2.After Pasquantino reached on an error by third baseman Isaac Paredes with one out in the first, Rasmussen retired 14 in a row.“He was good,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Just such a good mix of the cutter-slider and you could tell guys just couldn't pick it up. It was coming out of his hand just like a fastball.”Peter Fairbanks, the third Tampa Bay reliever, worked the ninth to get his third save and complete a four-hitter.The Rays, who hold the third and final AL wild card spot, have won six of eight.Six of the first eight Rays’ batters had hits off Kris Bubic (2-8), who allowed four runs, eight hits and two walks over 3 ⅔ innings.“His fastball command, just couldn't find it early on, especially driving it in on right-hander's," Matheny said. “He did a nice job of trying to survive and keep us in there.”Two of the hits came in the first when strong defensive plays by Witt at third and center fielder Michael A. Taylor helped keep the game scoreless.Tampa Bay went up 3-0 in the second as the initial four batters’ had hits, including an RBI single by Yu Chang and Taylor Walls’ run-scoring double. The other run crossed the plate on a wild pitch.Chang added an eighth-inning sacrfiice fly.Yandy Díaz made it 4-0 with a fourth-inning RBI double.Kansas City has dropped five of six and have been held to six hits or fewer a team record-tying five consecutive games.There was a loud cheer from the crowd when the stadium playing field lights went out for a second in the seventh with a thunderstorm rumbling overhead.MISSING OUT, AGAIN?The Rays host a four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels starting Monday night and currently are not slated to face Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher. Ohtani (10-7), who has not pitched at Tropicana Field, is scheduled to start Sunday at Detroit but there is a chance of rain.MOVING DAYThe Royals optioned RHP Max Castillo to Triple-A Omaha and recalled RHP Collin Snider. Castillo allowed one run over five innings in his Kansas City debut Thursday.TRAINER’S ROOMRays: RF Manuel Margot (right patellar strain) went 1 for 4 in his return. ... RHP Tyler Glasnow (Tommy John surgery, Aug, 2021) threw 20 pitches in his first BP session. … SS Wander Franco (right hamate bone surgery) sat out his fourth consecutive game with Triple-A Durham after departing his first rehab game Tuesday with hand soreness. … OF Roman Quinn (left knee contusion) went on the 10-day IL.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (4-8), winless in six road decisions this year, starts Sunday. Rays LHP Ryan Yarbrough (1-7) get the start.

⚾ Rasmussen no-hit try into 6th after near-gem, Rays top KC

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Six plays, covering 70 yards and capped with a touchdown, was all it took for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in his preseason debut to show he’s ready for the regular season.

Eluding the pass rush, Allen spun around while stepping back in the pocket and found Gabe Davis for a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1561042071086960641?s=20&amp;t=cshQU4w-4aITdbjWlI5loA">game-opening 28-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;in an eventual 42-15 rout of the Denver Broncos backups on Saturday.

“It did feel weird only to play six, you know, once you get into that little rhythm,” said Allen, who had been anticipating going back out for one more drive before being told to take a seat.

“But shout-out to our guys coming out and playing today. Playing hard. Making plays. Came out with intensity from the get-go,” Allen added. “I’m proud of how we handled ourselves today. It was good to see.”

It was just like old times again, Davis said, referring to an Allen-led offense which has been one of the NFL’s most dynamic over the past two seasons.

“Yeah, 100% just picking up where we left off,” Davis said. “Just having that same chemistry and kind of thinking alike, I’m glad we were on the same page.”

Just as important, the offensive output — the Bills totaled 510 yards and scored touchdowns on each of their first six possessions — showed the team being on the same page as newly promoted offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Buffalo's former quarterbacks coach replaces Brian Daboll, who was hired by the New York Giants this offseason.

Allen completed all three attempts for 45 yards, while backup Case Keenum closed out the first half overseeing three touchdown drives and finishing 16 of 18 for 192 yards and a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1561058822101295106?s=20&amp;t=4X9ZjBOmJu_EZRGcw0MbHA">perfectly placed 7-yard touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;to tight end O.J. Howard.

It was a bounce-back outing for Keenum, who threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in a 27-24 win over Indianapolis last week.

“I thought Dorsey was dialing them up with some great play calls,” said Keenum, who also got a chance to play with the starters during his first series. “I think those were priceless reps that you don’t get very often, so I wanted to make the most of them.”

Zach Moss rounded out the first-half scoring with a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs, while Duke Johnson scored on 2- and 8-yard runs in the second half.

Buffalo extended its preseason winning streak to 10 games. The run is the NFL’s second-longest active streak behind the Baltimore Ravens, who have won a league-record 21 straight, and play at Arizona on Sunday.

The Broncos took a step back after a 17-7 preseason-opening win over Dallas, while resting Russell Wilson and many of their starters for a second straight week.

First-year coach Nathaniel Hackett was left disappointed, especially after entering the game intrigued to see how his young defenders and backups on defense would hold up against Allen and Co.

“You get six touchdowns on six drives, obviously nobody did good. So we have to evaluate the group as a whole. We have to tackle better. We have to hold the point better. Everything,” Hackett said. “Obviously, our defense didn’t play good enough. The offense didn’t play good enough, especially in the beginning. But that’s why we do this.”

Journeyman Josh Johnson finished 8 of 16 for just 70 yards in the first half in his bid to lock up the backup job.

After overseeing a 12-play, 64-yard opening drive that ended with Brandon McManus hitting a 33-yard field goal, Johnson’s final three drives of the half combined for 52 yards and three first downs.

Denver’s Brett Rypien finished 22 of 26 for 191 yards and a 1-yard touchdown to Eric Saubert with 10:55 remaining.

BRONCOS: P Sam Martin was ruled out after hurting his ankle in pregame warmups. ... CB Michael Ojemudia dislocated his right elbow in the second quarter. ... OT Casey Tucker wore a protective boot on his right foot after being hurt in the third quarter.

BILLS: S Nick McCloud returned after requiring six stitches to close a gash on his face in the first quarter.

The Bills&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1561037691566690304?s=20&amp;t=2MfUHEPRdVjAX8XnwYJoyA">held a moment of silence</a>&nbsp;before the game to honor Florida International linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-college-football-sports-miami-florida-538b05cb9367fbb84a7b87b9fe113aeb">Luke Knox, who died on Wednesday</a>. Knox is the younger brother of Bills tight end Dawson Knox, who has been excused from the team to be with his family. Bills fans have rallied to Knox’s support by donating more than $100,000 to the P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, a charity supported by the tight end.

Bills tight end Tommy Sweeney was spotted entering the stadium wearing a T-shirt, with “Long Live Luke” printed on the front.

Broncos: Close preseason hosting the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 27.

Bills: Close preseason at the Carolina Panthers on Friday.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Six plays, covering 70 yards and capped with a touchdown, was all it took for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in his preseason debut to show he’s ready for the regular season.Eluding the pass rush, Allen spun around while stepping back in the pocket and found Gabe Davis for a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1561042071086960641?s=20&amp;t=cshQU4w-4aITdbjWlI5loA">game-opening 28-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;in an eventual 42-15 rout of the Denver Broncos backups on Saturday.“It did feel weird only to play six, you know, once you get into that little rhythm,” said Allen, who had been anticipating going back out for one more drive before being told to take a seat.“But shout-out to our guys coming out and playing today. Playing hard. Making plays. Came out with intensity from the get-go,” Allen added. “I’m proud of how we handled ourselves today. It was good to see.”It was just like old times again, Davis said, referring to an Allen-led offense which has been one of the NFL’s most dynamic over the past two seasons.“Yeah, 100% just picking up where we left off,” Davis said. “Just having that same chemistry and kind of thinking alike, I’m glad we were on the same page.”Just as important, the offensive output — the Bills totaled 510 yards and scored touchdowns on each of their first six possessions — showed the team being on the same page as newly promoted offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Buffalo's former quarterbacks coach replaces Brian Daboll, who was hired by the New York Giants this offseason.Allen completed all three attempts for 45 yards, while backup Case Keenum closed out the first half overseeing three touchdown drives and finishing 16 of 18 for 192 yards and a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1561058822101295106?s=20&amp;t=4X9ZjBOmJu_EZRGcw0MbHA">perfectly placed 7-yard touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;to tight end O.J. Howard.It was a bounce-back outing for Keenum, who threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in a 27-24 win over Indianapolis last week.“I thought Dorsey was dialing them up with some great play calls,” said Keenum, who also got a chance to play with the starters during his first series. “I think those were priceless reps that you don’t get very often, so I wanted to make the most of them.”Zach Moss rounded out the first-half scoring with a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs, while Duke Johnson scored on 2- and 8-yard runs in the second half.Buffalo extended its preseason winning streak to 10 games. The run is the NFL’s second-longest active streak behind the Baltimore Ravens, who have won a league-record 21 straight, and play at Arizona on Sunday.The Broncos took a step back after a 17-7 preseason-opening win over Dallas, while resting Russell Wilson and many of their starters for a second straight week.First-year coach Nathaniel Hackett was left disappointed, especially after entering the game intrigued to see how his young defenders and backups on defense would hold up against Allen and Co.“You get six touchdowns on six drives, obviously nobody did good. So we have to evaluate the group as a whole. We have to tackle better. We have to hold the point better. Everything,” Hackett said. “Obviously, our defense didn’t play good enough. The offense didn’t play good enough, especially in the beginning. But that’s why we do this.”Journeyman Josh Johnson finished 8 of 16 for just 70 yards in the first half in his bid to lock up the backup job.After overseeing a 12-play, 64-yard opening drive that ended with Brandon McManus hitting a 33-yard field goal, Johnson’s final three drives of the half combined for 52 yards and three first downs.Denver’s Brett Rypien finished 22 of 26 for 191 yards and a 1-yard touchdown to Eric Saubert with 10:55 remaining.INJURIESBRONCOS: P Sam Martin was ruled out after hurting his ankle in pregame warmups. ... CB Michael Ojemudia dislocated his right elbow in the second quarter. ... OT Casey Tucker wore a protective boot on his right foot after being hurt in the third quarter.BILLS: S Nick McCloud returned after requiring six stitches to close a gash on his face in the first quarter.HONORING KNOXThe Bills&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1561037691566690304?s=20&amp;t=2MfUHEPRdVjAX8XnwYJoyA">held a moment of silence</a>&nbsp;before the game to honor Florida International linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-college-football-sports-miami-florida-538b05cb9367fbb84a7b87b9fe113aeb">Luke Knox, who died on Wednesday</a>. Knox is the younger brother of Bills tight end Dawson Knox, who has been excused from the team to be with his family. Bills fans have rallied to Knox’s support by donating more than $100,000 to the P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, a charity supported by the tight end.Bills tight end Tommy Sweeney was spotted entering the stadium wearing a T-shirt, with “Long Live Luke” printed on the front.UP NEXTBroncos: Close preseason hosting the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 27.Bills: Close preseason at the Carolina Panthers on Friday.

🏈 Allen throws TD in Bills' preseason rout over Broncos

HAYS - The Fort Hays State football team wrapped up their second week of preseason camp with a scrimmage Saturday morning at Lewis Field.&nbsp;

The defense ruled the day making several key stops against both the No. 1 and No. 2 offense.

Click below to hear Chris Brown's thought's...

Photo's courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661026800959.jpeg" alt="Will White returns an interception for a touchdown in FHSU's scrimmage Saturday morning at Lewis Field. Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>Will White returns an interception for a touchdown in FHSU's scrimmage Saturday morning at Lewis Field. Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS - The Fort Hays State football team wrapped up their second week of preseason camp with a scrimmage Saturday morning at Lewis Field.&nbsp;The defense ruled the day making several key stops against both the No. 1 and No. 2 offense.Click below to hear Chris Brown's thought's...<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1328253622&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/brown-scrimmage-presser" title="Brown Scrimmage Presser" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Brown Scrimmage Presser</a></div></div>Photo's courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett<figure>
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🏈 FHSU wraps up second week of preseason camp with scrimmage

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Michael Massey's sacrifice fly in the 10th inning lifted Kansas City to a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night, ending the Royals' four-game skid.

Massey drove in automatic runner Michael A. Taylor, who had moved up to third on a groundball.

Scott Barlow (5-4) got the win in relief with help from catcher Salvador Perez, who threw out Roman Quinn on an attempted steal of third in the 10th. MJ Melendez, who had thrown out Taylor Walls attempting to stretch a single into a double for the first out in the 10th, ended the game with a diving catch of Francisco Mejia's sinking liner in left field.

Jalen Beeks (2-3) took the loss for the Rays, who have won five of seven and are in position for an AL wild card.

Bobby Witt's 16th home run put the Royals up 2-0 in the third against Rays starter Shane McClanahan. But Kansas City got only one other runner as far as second base until Taylor started the 10th there.

Witt's homer came after a walk to Melendez and was the first of only two hits McClanahan allowed in seven innings. McClanahan walked three and struck out eight.

Royals starter Brady Singer gave up two runs on five hits and four walks in six innings, striking out seven.

Randy Arozarena drove in Tampa Bay's first runs with a two-out single in the sixth after hits by David Peralta and Harold Ramirez.

Singer picked Ramirez off second base with two out and the bases loaded in the third.

Rays: OF Manuel Margot, out since June 21 with a right patellar tendon strain, is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list Saturday. ... RHP J.P. Feyereisen, who last pitched on June 2 due to a right shoulder impingement, said he hopes to return in September. ... Tampa Bay selected RHP Kevin Herget from Triple-A Durham and optioned RHP Luis Patiño to Durham.

RHP Drew Rasmussen (7-4, 2.80 ERA), who took a perfect game into the ninth inning against Baltimore on Sunday, will start Saturday for the Rays against LHP Kris Bubic (2-7, 5.11).

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Michael Massey's sacrifice fly in the 10th inning lifted Kansas City to a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night, ending the Royals' four-game skid.Massey drove in automatic runner Michael A. Taylor, who had moved up to third on a groundball.Scott Barlow (5-4) got the win in relief with help from catcher Salvador Perez, who threw out Roman Quinn on an attempted steal of third in the 10th. MJ Melendez, who had thrown out Taylor Walls attempting to stretch a single into a double for the first out in the 10th, ended the game with a diving catch of Francisco Mejia's sinking liner in left field.Jalen Beeks (2-3) took the loss for the Rays, who have won five of seven and are in position for an AL wild card.Bobby Witt's 16th home run put the Royals up 2-0 in the third against Rays starter Shane McClanahan. But Kansas City got only one other runner as far as second base until Taylor started the 10th there.Witt's homer came after a walk to Melendez and was the first of only two hits McClanahan allowed in seven innings. McClanahan walked three and struck out eight.Royals starter Brady Singer gave up two runs on five hits and four walks in six innings, striking out seven.Randy Arozarena drove in Tampa Bay's first runs with a two-out single in the sixth after hits by David Peralta and Harold Ramirez.Singer picked Ramirez off second base with two out and the bases loaded in the third.TRAINER'S ROOMRays: OF Manuel Margot, out since June 21 with a right patellar tendon strain, is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list Saturday. ... RHP J.P. Feyereisen, who last pitched on June 2 due to a right shoulder impingement, said he hopes to return in September. ... Tampa Bay selected RHP Kevin Herget from Triple-A Durham and optioned RHP Luis Patiño to Durham.UP NEXTRHP Drew Rasmussen (7-4, 2.80 ERA), who took a perfect game into the ninth inning against Baltimore on Sunday, will start Saturday for the Rays against LHP Kris Bubic (2-7, 5.11).

⚾ Massey sac fly in 10th gives Royals win over Rays

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team heads into the 2022 season ranked seventh in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Friday by the conference office. Just one week remains before the start of the 2022 season when the Tigers open the year with four non-conference games in Oklahoma City (Aug. 26-27). FHSU will then travel to Denton, Texas the following week (Sept. 2-3) for four more contests before opening league play on September 9 at Washburn. The first of 10 home matches is set for Friday, September 16 when the Tigers battle Central Oklahoma at 6 p.m. This year's roster includes 10 returners that helped the Tigers place seventh in the league last fall, reaching the fall MIAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. The Tigers lost only one starter from last season and return three All-MIAA selections in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6104">Morgan Christiansen</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6208">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6112">Riley Tinder</a>. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1001">Jessica Wood-Atkins</a>&nbsp;added 10 newcomers in 2022, including nine true freshmen and one transfer. The top four teams in the poll all received at least two first-place votes and were separated by just five points. Northwest Missouri State tops the poll with 90 points, while Nebraska-Kearney, Washburn and Central Missouri are all tied for second with 85 points. The full poll can be found below. 2022 MIAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll 1) Northwest Missouri State – 90 Points [3 First-Place Votes] T2) Nebraska-Kearney – 85 Points [3 First-Place Votes] T2) Washburn – 85 Points [3 First-Place Votes] T2) Central Missouri – 85 Points [2 First-Place Votes] 5) Central Oklahoma – 60 Points 6) Pittsburg State – 56 Points 7) Fort Hays State – 44 Points 8) Missouri Western – 43 Points 9) Emporia State – 21 Points 10) Missouri Southern – 20 Points 11) Newman – 16 Points&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660937360791.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team heads into the 2022 season ranked seventh in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Friday by the conference office. Just one week remains before the start of the 2022 season when the Tigers open the year with four non-conference games in Oklahoma City (Aug. 26-27). FHSU will then travel to Denton, Texas the following week (Sept. 2-3) for four more contests before opening league play on September 9 at Washburn. The first of 10 home matches is set for Friday, September 16 when the Tigers battle Central Oklahoma at 6 p.m. This year's roster includes 10 returners that helped the Tigers place seventh in the league last fall, reaching the fall MIAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. The Tigers lost only one starter from last season and return three All-MIAA selections in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6104">Morgan Christiansen</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6208">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6112">Riley Tinder</a>. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1001">Jessica Wood-Atkins</a>&nbsp;added 10 newcomers in 2022, including nine true freshmen and one transfer. The top four teams in the poll all received at least two first-place votes and were separated by just five points. Northwest Missouri State tops the poll with 90 points, while Nebraska-Kearney, Washburn and Central Missouri are all tied for second with 85 points. The full poll can be found below. 2022 MIAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll 1) Northwest Missouri State – 90 Points [3 First-Place Votes] T2) Nebraska-Kearney – 85 Points [3 First-Place Votes] T2) Washburn – 85 Points [3 First-Place Votes] T2) Central Missouri – 85 Points [2 First-Place Votes] 5) Central Oklahoma – 60 Points 6) Pittsburg State – 56 Points 7) Fort Hays State – 44 Points 8) Missouri Western – 43 Points 9) Emporia State – 21 Points 10) Missouri Southern – 20 Points 11) Newman – 16 Points&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 FHSU seventh in MIAA preseason poll

GREAT BEND — Retired WNBA&nbsp;Basketball legend Jackie Stiles will speak at Barton Community College&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Fine Arts Auditorium&nbsp;to commemorate the 50th&nbsp;anniversary of Title IX. Admission is free, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;public&nbsp;is invited to attend.&nbsp; Barton Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown said&nbsp;celebrating the 50th&nbsp;anniversary is an important&nbsp;milestone to acknowledge.&nbsp; “President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law in 1972,” she said.&nbsp;“Early efforts to obtain equal access for women in education focused on athletics, but it also opened the doors for women in all the professions and every field beyond education.” Brown said Stiles is an exciting figure to help celebrate this&nbsp;landmark&nbsp;anniversary. “Jackie&nbsp;is a Barton County hometown hero who was asked to speak at Barton to inspire not only our students but all of us&nbsp;—&nbsp;not just in athletics, but in all of life’s endeavors,” she said. Stiles is one of the most renowned basketball players in the history of the women's game. From her roots in Claflin,&nbsp;she led the country in scoring. Then at Southwest Missouri State University, she rewrote the NCAA women's basketball record books&nbsp;en&nbsp;route to leading the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four. Finally, during her professional career in the WNBA, Stiles has inspired and impacted millions.&nbsp;

In 2016,&nbsp;she was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660935230253.jpeg" alt="Stiles" />
 <figcaption>Stiles</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton CCGREAT BEND — Retired WNBA&nbsp;Basketball legend Jackie Stiles will speak at Barton Community College&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Fine Arts Auditorium&nbsp;to commemorate the 50th&nbsp;anniversary of Title IX. Admission is free, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;public&nbsp;is invited to attend.&nbsp; Barton Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown said&nbsp;celebrating the 50th&nbsp;anniversary is an important&nbsp;milestone to acknowledge.&nbsp; “President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law in 1972,” she said.&nbsp;“Early efforts to obtain equal access for women in education focused on athletics, but it also opened the doors for women in all the professions and every field beyond education.” Brown said Stiles is an exciting figure to help celebrate this&nbsp;landmark&nbsp;anniversary. “Jackie&nbsp;is a Barton County hometown hero who was asked to speak at Barton to inspire not only our students but all of us&nbsp;—&nbsp;not just in athletics, but in all of life’s endeavors,” she said. Stiles is one of the most renowned basketball players in the history of the women's game. From her roots in Claflin,&nbsp;she led the country in scoring. Then at Southwest Missouri State University, she rewrote the NCAA women's basketball record books&nbsp;en&nbsp;route to leading the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four. Finally, during her professional career in the WNBA, Stiles has inspired and impacted millions.&nbsp;In 2016,&nbsp;she was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn.

Central Kansas basketball legend will speak at Barton CC

RELATED: Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize last season (above) was recently selected as the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72c803bb-0790-491a-9322-074a81e05538">USA Today high school play of the year</a>.

Hays High alum Jaren Kanak has been named to ESPN's 2022 preseason true freshman All-America team.

He is slated to play linebacker this season for Oklahoma Sooners.&nbsp;

Kanak played quarterback his senior year after primarily being a receiver for the past three seasons. The 2021 season saw him break several records for Hays High football, including total yards in a season, total rushing yards and scoring total. 

Kanak also broke the school record for total rushing yards at 1,615 and points scored in a season with 142.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/19/oklahoma-sooners-football-jaren-kanak-true-freshman-all-american-espn-brent-venables/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwAR2qUdeQio_YUZbu4opUPUEe4offFZmsw0k3o94BFijAUQ_q1dxRxEdXGas&amp;fs=e&amp;s=cl">HERE</a> for more on Kanak's upcoming season from Sooners Wire.

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Tue Aug 16 2022 11:42:18 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Kanek"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M2S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/dutIjkTo-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/dutIjkTo-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/dutIjkTo-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kanek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>RELATED: Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize last season (above) was recently selected as the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72c803bb-0790-491a-9322-074a81e05538">USA Today high school play of the year</a>.--------Hays High alum Jaren Kanak has been named to ESPN's 2022 preseason true freshman All-America team.He is slated to play linebacker this season for Oklahoma Sooners.&nbsp;Kanak played quarterback his senior year after primarily being a receiver for the past three seasons. The 2021 season saw him break several records for Hays High football, including total yards in a season, total rushing yards and scoring total. Kanak also broke the school record for total rushing yards at 1,615 and points scored in a season with 142.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/19/oklahoma-sooners-football-jaren-kanak-true-freshman-all-american-espn-brent-venables/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwAR2qUdeQio_YUZbu4opUPUEe4offFZmsw0k3o94BFijAUQ_q1dxRxEdXGas&amp;fs=e&amp;s=cl">HERE</a> for more on Kanak's upcoming season from Sooners Wire.

🎥 Kanak named to ESPN true freshman All-America preseason team

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS – As the Fort Hays State football team prepares for the
upcoming season, veteran defensive back Will White is preparing for his return.
White missed the last four games of the 2021 campaign due to an injury and is
excited to be back on the field when they open in less than two weeks at No. 2
Northwest Missouri State.

“With those injuries it takes a lot out of you mentally but
it’s probably the best I’ve felt mentally coming into a fall camp.” White said.

The Tigers are coming off their first losing season since
2012 but the Topeka native is confident, they will be better this season.

“The way this fall camp has been going, the compete level that
we’ve been giving the offense and the offense has been giving us, I think we
can definitely come back to that and play honestly the way Fort Hays defense
should be playing.”

White has played in 17 games and has made 11 starts entering his
redshirt junior year and feels this year’s defense has a chance to look like
those in the past seasons.

“I think one of the
biggest things that we’ve improved on from last year is out communication on
all aspects from the d-line to the linebackers and the secondary.” White said. “Funny
thing is, I feel like that’s still the thing we need to still work at and get
better at and of course physicality, you can never be too physical.” 

Many Tiger fans my recognize White as a bagger at Dillons
where he’s worked since arriving in Hays in 2018. He says that’s given him a
special bond with the community of Hays.

“It’s funny, the Sunday (after games), you see people in the
community and they’re just like hey ‘good game’. This community is really invested
in this football team. It just motivates me.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660911316367.jpeg" alt="Will White coming off the field vs. Washburn last season at Yeager Stadium. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>Will White coming off the field vs. Washburn last season at Yeager Stadium. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS – As the Fort Hays State football team prepares for the
upcoming season, veteran defensive back Will White is preparing for his return.
White missed the last four games of the 2021 campaign due to an injury and is
excited to be back on the field when they open in less than two weeks at No. 2
Northwest Missouri State.“With those injuries it takes a lot out of you mentally but
it’s probably the best I’ve felt mentally coming into a fall camp.” White said.<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/1327052044%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-KRLhAUVW5IW&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/will-white-081622/s-KRLhAUVW5IW" title="Will White 081622" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Will White 081622</a></div></div>The Tigers are coming off their first losing season since
2012 but the Topeka native is confident, they will be better this season.“The way this fall camp has been going, the compete level that
we’ve been giving the offense and the offense has been giving us, I think we
can definitely come back to that and play honestly the way Fort Hays defense
should be playing.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660911488663.jpeg" alt="White celebrates after the defense makes a stop at last season at Central Missouri. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>White celebrates after the defense makes a stop at last season at Central Missouri. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>White has played in 17 games and has made 11 starts entering his
redshirt junior year and feels this year’s defense has a chance to look like
those in the past seasons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660912236384.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com</figcaption>
 </figure>“I think one of the
biggest things that we’ve improved on from last year is out communication on
all aspects from the d-line to the linebackers and the secondary.” White said. “Funny
thing is, I feel like that’s still the thing we need to still work at and get
better at and of course physicality, you can never be too physical.” Many Tiger fans my recognize White as a bagger at Dillons
where he’s worked since arriving in Hays in 2018. He says that’s given him a
special bond with the community of Hays.“It’s funny, the Sunday (after games), you see people in the
community and they’re just like hey ‘good game’. This community is really invested
in this football team. It just motivates me.”

🏈 FHSU's White excited for return, new season

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño pitched strongly into the sixth inning, Yandy Díaz drove in three runs, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday night.

Tampa Bay, which is tied with Toronto for the second AL wild card, has won five of six.

Patiño (1-1), recalled from Triple-A Durham to make his first big league appearance since July 23, gave up four hits in 5.2 scoreless innings. He went on the 60-day injured list following a left oblique strain in April.

“I felt really good," Patiño said through a translator. “I've been in the process of being able to recover from my injuries. Confidence has definitely gone up.”

Patiño gave up three runs and seven hits in four innings at Kansas City on July 23. The right-hander is the Rays' major league-leading 22nd pitcher to win a game this season.

“Kept us off balance,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He's got good stuff. Breaking ball is sharp, good velocity. Couldn't really predict where he was going to go and didn't make a lot of mistakes."

Díaz homered on the second pitch from Max Castillo (0-1) leading off the first, and had a two-run double during a during a five-run seventh off Brad Keller.

Michael Massey hit his first major league homer leading off the eighth against Shawn Armstrong to stop the Royals' scoreless streak at 33 innings. Kansas City, blanked by Minnesota in its previous two games, avoided being shut out in three straight for the second time this season.

Castillo allowed one run and three hits, including two on bunts, in five innings. The right-hander was acquired from Toronto in the Whit Merrifield trade on Aug. 2 and recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make the start after Keller was shifted to the bullpen on Wednesday.

“Really impressive,” Matheny said. “Couldn't have expected any more than what he did.”

Keller, who went 6-13 in 22 starts this year, entered with one out in the seventh and allowed six consecutive hits, including Díaz's double that bounced over the head of third baseman Bobby Witt Jr. He allowed five runs, six hits and threw a run-scoring wild pitch in two-thirds of an inning.

Roman Quinn had the second hit in the seventh and took advantage of the shift to get a huge lead off first. He advanced to second on Jose Siri's infield single that shortstop Nicky Lopez fielded. Lopez looked at second before making a late throw to first.

“Roman Quinn's baserunning set up that entire inning,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Just very, very heads up. We weren't knocking the ball all over the place. Keller gave up I think six or seven groundballs that inning.”

Christian Bethancourt had a solo homer in the eighth that made it 7-1.

Kansas City designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino went 0 for 3 with a walk and had his nine-game hitting streak that included five homers end. Salvador Perez walked twice, giving him 12 in 78 games this year.

The Rays arrived in the Tampa area around 5 a.m. after Wednesday night’s 8-7, 10-inning loss to the New York Yankees.

Outfielder David Peralta normally doesn’t sleep on the plane but did this time and said he was snoring so loudly he woke himself up.

Asked before the game if he thought the players were tired, Cash said, “No.”

Royals: RF Hunter Dozier was reinstated from the paternity list.

Rays: SS Wander Franco (right hamate bone surgery) sat out his second consecutive game with Triple-A Durham after departing his first rehab game Tuesday with hand soreness. Cash said Franco will take grounders Friday. ... OF Manuel Margot (right patellar strain) is expected to be activated Saturday. ... LHP Brendan McKay (thoracic outlet syndrome surgery) allowed two runs and two hits over four innings for Durham.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (6-4), coming off a one-hit, six-inning outing Sunday in a 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, starts Friday night against the Rays' Shane McClanahan (11-5), the AL All-Star Game starter.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño pitched strongly into the sixth inning, Yandy Díaz drove in three runs, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday night.Tampa Bay, which is tied with Toronto for the second AL wild card, has won five of six.Patiño (1-1), recalled from Triple-A Durham to make his first big league appearance since July 23, gave up four hits in 5.2 scoreless innings. He went on the 60-day injured list following a left oblique strain in April.“I felt really good," Patiño said through a translator. “I've been in the process of being able to recover from my injuries. Confidence has definitely gone up.”Patiño gave up three runs and seven hits in four innings at Kansas City on July 23. The right-hander is the Rays' major league-leading 22nd pitcher to win a game this season.“Kept us off balance,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He's got good stuff. Breaking ball is sharp, good velocity. Couldn't really predict where he was going to go and didn't make a lot of mistakes."Díaz homered on the second pitch from Max Castillo (0-1) leading off the first, and had a two-run double during a during a five-run seventh off Brad Keller.Michael Massey hit his first major league homer leading off the eighth against Shawn Armstrong to stop the Royals' scoreless streak at 33 innings. Kansas City, blanked by Minnesota in its previous two games, avoided being shut out in three straight for the second time this season.Castillo allowed one run and three hits, including two on bunts, in five innings. The right-hander was acquired from Toronto in the Whit Merrifield trade on Aug. 2 and recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make the start after Keller was shifted to the bullpen on Wednesday.“Really impressive,” Matheny said. “Couldn't have expected any more than what he did.”Keller, who went 6-13 in 22 starts this year, entered with one out in the seventh and allowed six consecutive hits, including Díaz's double that bounced over the head of third baseman Bobby Witt Jr. He allowed five runs, six hits and threw a run-scoring wild pitch in two-thirds of an inning.Roman Quinn had the second hit in the seventh and took advantage of the shift to get a huge lead off first. He advanced to second on Jose Siri's infield single that shortstop Nicky Lopez fielded. Lopez looked at second before making a late throw to first.“Roman Quinn's baserunning set up that entire inning,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Just very, very heads up. We weren't knocking the ball all over the place. Keller gave up I think six or seven groundballs that inning.”Christian Bethancourt had a solo homer in the eighth that made it 7-1.Kansas City designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino went 0 for 3 with a walk and had his nine-game hitting streak that included five homers end. Salvador Perez walked twice, giving him 12 in 78 games this year.LATE ARRIVALThe Rays arrived in the Tampa area around 5 a.m. after Wednesday night’s 8-7, 10-inning loss to the New York Yankees.Outfielder David Peralta normally doesn’t sleep on the plane but did this time and said he was snoring so loudly he woke himself up.Asked before the game if he thought the players were tired, Cash said, “No.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RF Hunter Dozier was reinstated from the paternity list.Rays: SS Wander Franco (right hamate bone surgery) sat out his second consecutive game with Triple-A Durham after departing his first rehab game Tuesday with hand soreness. Cash said Franco will take grounders Friday. ... OF Manuel Margot (right patellar strain) is expected to be activated Saturday. ... LHP Brendan McKay (thoracic outlet syndrome surgery) allowed two runs and two hits over four innings for Durham.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (6-4), coming off a one-hit, six-inning outing Sunday in a 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, starts Friday night against the Rays' Shane McClanahan (11-5), the AL All-Star Game starter.

⚾ Royals end scoring drought but still fall to Rays

By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph Post

The Kansas City Chiefs officially concluded training camp for 2022 in St. Joseph Thursday with a fairly short, half-padded practice.

The Chiefs held a 10-10-10 practice - 10 plays for the first-team offense, 10 for the first-team defense and then 10 minutes of special teams plays. They cycled through that order three times on a clear, cool morning with temperatures in the low 70s Thursday.

This marks the end of the 12th training camp held at Missouri Western State University. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, just like every other year, was sure to thank the University for all of their hard work getting ready for camp and then hosting the team for three weeks.

"We appreciate everything Missouri Western State University does for us," Reid said. "They roll out the red carpet. It's a great situation here."

In terms of on-the-field work, Reid felt that the 17 practices were overall productive and created strong competition across the board.

"They challenged each other and that's all you can ask for as a coach," he said. "I thought it was great for the young guys to see that and feel that. That you have to come out here every day in the right mindset."

Patrick Mahomes says a number of players jumped out to him over the last three or so weeks in camp.

"Chris Jones," he said right off the bat. "I mean, he was dominant. He's the first one I think of. I think the biggest thing with Chris this year was with the run and the pass. He was down there, dominating stuff, making tackles on the run game

Certainly on the offensive end, everyone was curious to see how Mahomes would work with the plethora of new receivers, namely Juju Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore. Justin Watson was also in the mix, while the tight ends also had a productive camp.

"Those receivers, in training camp and OTAs, there's a lot of routes run," Mahomes pointed out. "We practice fast. We keep things rolling, and they kind of have to be in and out. As you got to this middle part of camp, you could see it. They had their legs under them. They were running these routes."

Running back Jerick McKinnon returned to the field Thursday after missing Wednesday's workout with a hamstring injury. Chris Jones (back spasm), Mecole Hardman (groin spasm) and Juju Smith-Schuster (knee) did not practice, nor did Blake Bell (hip) or Lucas Niang (knee).

Niang spent the entirety of camp on the physically unable to perform list, as he recovers from offseason knee surgery.

Reid said Jones and Hardman are both "improving." He said also that Smith-Schuster is "making progress." It's not yet known if Jones or Hardman will play Saturday against Washington. Reid noted it's unlikely that Smith-Schuster will see action.

As for who&nbsp;will&nbsp;play in the game, Reid said the starters will play for most of the first half, with the third and fourth-string offense playing the entirety of the second.

Just like in last year's third preseason game against Minnesota, Chad Henne and the second-team offense will sit out to allow the younger players to get more reps.

Mahomes was very effective in the one drive he had last Saturday at Chicago, completing 6-of-7 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown to Blake Bell.

His goal for this Saturday's game remains the same.

"You want to move the ball down the field," Mahomes said. "Kind of move through the procedure of everything and hopefully you get at least one touchdown in there. I mean, our goal is to score every time we're on the field. You want to be in and out of the huddle the right way, moving the ball and executing the offense."

Saturday's game kicks off at 3 p.m. central.

This was the last required year that the Chiefs had to be at Missouri Western for training camp, per the current agreement, with two optional years left.

Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy told KFEQ Radio's&nbsp;The Hotline&nbsp;during camp that the university will officially begin negotiations with the Chiefs about exercising those two optional years in March.

The agreement is looked at and evaluated every year, and Kennedy notes how special it is for Missouri Western and St. Joseph to be in the Chiefs Kingdom spotlight for those three weeks.

"It really is just a really great atmosphere," Kennedy said. "We're happy to host it and I'm really happy to work with all of our different partners in our community who are so excited."

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus has been to every training camp the last 29 years, including all of 12 of them in St. Joseph. He doesn't believe it's a coincidence that the Chiefs started becoming consistent postseason contenders shortly after moving camp to Missouri Western in 2010.

"We've had 11 camps in St. Joe and have been to the playoffs in eight of those 11 years," Holthus said. "I don't think it's a coincidence that the most successful nine years in Chiefs history, a lot of it is Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, but this is where those seasons begin - right here on this campus and right here in this city."

"It's been fantastic for the team," Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said in late July. "Andy and his staff really enjoy being here. They believe this environment is really conducive to getting the guys ready. The University has been very responsive over the course of our relationship in terms of making changes in order to help the experience be better."&nbsp;

"(The agreement) is something we'll evaluate once camp is done. We do that every year. Certainly, I hope we'll be back in the future."

Chiefs president Mark Donovan complimented Missouri Western and St. Joseph in July before camp even started, saying, "We love our partnership, we love our relationships, and we fully intend to continue to have those relationships.”

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660841686819.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs officially concluded training camp for 2022 in St. Joseph Thursday with a fairly short, half-padded practice.The Chiefs held a 10-10-10 practice - 10 plays for the first-team offense, 10 for the first-team defense and then 10 minutes of special teams plays. They cycled through that order three times on a clear, cool morning with temperatures in the low 70s Thursday.This marks the end of the 12th training camp held at Missouri Western State University. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, just like every other year, was sure to thank the University for all of their hard work getting ready for camp and then hosting the team for three weeks."We appreciate everything Missouri Western State University does for us," Reid said. "They roll out the red carpet. It's a great situation here."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660843907815.jpeg" alt="Juan Thornhill and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuola/Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Juan Thornhill and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuola/Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>In terms of on-the-field work, Reid felt that the 17 practices were overall productive and created strong competition across the board."They challenged each other and that's all you can ask for as a coach," he said. "I thought it was great for the young guys to see that and feel that. That you have to come out here every day in the right mindset."Patrick Mahomes says a number of players jumped out to him over the last three or so weeks in camp."Chris Jones," he said right off the bat. "I mean, he was dominant. He's the first one I think of. I think the biggest thing with Chris this year was with the run and the pass. He was down there, dominating stuff, making tackles on the run game<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660843880170.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>Certainly on the offensive end, everyone was curious to see how Mahomes would work with the plethora of new receivers, namely Juju Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore. Justin Watson was also in the mix, while the tight ends also had a productive camp."Those receivers, in training camp and OTAs, there's a lot of routes run," Mahomes pointed out. "We practice fast. We keep things rolling, and they kind of have to be in and out. As you got to this middle part of camp, you could see it. They had their legs under them. They were running these routes."Injury updateRunning back Jerick McKinnon returned to the field Thursday after missing Wednesday's workout with a hamstring injury. Chris Jones (back spasm), Mecole Hardman (groin spasm) and Juju Smith-Schuster (knee) did not practice, nor did Blake Bell (hip) or Lucas Niang (knee).Niang spent the entirety of camp on the physically unable to perform list, as he recovers from offseason knee surgery.Reid said Jones and Hardman are both "improving." He said also that Smith-Schuster is "making progress." It's not yet known if Jones or Hardman will play Saturday against Washington. Reid noted it's unlikely that Smith-Schuster will see action.As for who&nbsp;will&nbsp;play in the game, Reid said the starters will play for most of the first half, with the third and fourth-string offense playing the entirety of the second.Just like in last year's third preseason game against Minnesota, Chad Henne and the second-team offense will sit out to allow the younger players to get more reps.Mahomes was very effective in the one drive he had last Saturday at Chicago, completing 6-of-7 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown to Blake Bell.His goal for this Saturday's game remains the same."You want to move the ball down the field," Mahomes said. "Kind of move through the procedure of everything and hopefully you get at least one touchdown in there. I mean, our goal is to score every time we're on the field. You want to be in and out of the huddle the right way, moving the ball and executing the offense."Saturday's game kicks off at 3 p.m. central.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660843951289.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>Future in St. JosephThis was the last required year that the Chiefs had to be at Missouri Western for training camp, per the current agreement, with two optional years left.Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy told KFEQ Radio's&nbsp;The Hotline&nbsp;during camp that the university will officially begin negotiations with the Chiefs about exercising those two optional years in March.The agreement is looked at and evaluated every year, and Kennedy notes how special it is for Missouri Western and St. Joseph to be in the Chiefs Kingdom spotlight for those three weeks."It really is just a really great atmosphere," Kennedy said. "We're happy to host it and I'm really happy to work with all of our different partners in our community who are so excited."Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus has been to every training camp the last 29 years, including all of 12 of them in St. Joseph. He doesn't believe it's a coincidence that the Chiefs started becoming consistent postseason contenders shortly after moving camp to Missouri Western in 2010."We've had 11 camps in St. Joe and have been to the playoffs in eight of those 11 years," Holthus said. "I don't think it's a coincidence that the most successful nine years in Chiefs history, a lot of it is Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, but this is where those seasons begin - right here on this campus and right here in this city.""It's been fantastic for the team," Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said in late July. "Andy and his staff really enjoy being here. They believe this environment is really conducive to getting the guys ready. The University has been very responsive over the course of our relationship in terms of making changes in order to help the experience be better."&nbsp;"(The agreement) is something we'll evaluate once camp is done. We do that every year. Certainly, I hope we'll be back in the future."Chiefs president Mark Donovan complimented Missouri Western and St. Joseph in July before camp even started, saying, "We love our partnership, we love our relationships, and we fully intend to continue to have those relationships.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660843979511.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

🏈 Chiefs end training camp in St. Joseph Thursday with short practice

Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inducted their inaugural class on Saturday, Aug. 13. A class of 16 made up of teams, athletes, and individuals made up the first group.

The night was hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn and included dinner for the 280 in attendance.

Sponsors of the night included Edward Jones, Jeter Law Firm, Bank of Hays, Premier Business Management, RD Graphics, Shutter Glimpses, Northwestern Printers and Tribe Broadcasting.

A DVD of the night can be purchased by emailing Dan Balman (<a href="mailto:dbalman@usd489.com">dbalman@usd489.com</a>) with Tribe Broadcasting at Hays High School. The cost is $20 with half going back to the Tribe Broadcasting program.

A kiosk is being purchased that will be placed inside Hays High School which will highlight the member of the Athletics Hall of Fame. Sponsorship of the kiosk is available by contacting Board President Kirk Maska.

A nomination form is now available for future classes. The deadline is Feb. 1. The form can be found on the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame Facebook page and <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfifO1Q6LWMtVi2eD-DFfr26J3Oo5YLmBkwBCVFCC0956w7Hg/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1&amp;flr=0">HERE</a>.

There is an eligibility form to review before submitting the document. Some of the key points include athletes being removed from the school for a minimum of ten years and coaches/contributors for five years.

Anybody wishing to make a tax deductible donation to support the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame and the scholarship program they are establishing can send their donation to the USD 489 Foundation tagged for Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame.

- 1944 state champion boys basketball team - 1953 football team (8-0-1) - 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) - 1989 girls track state championship team - Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) - Dale Alexander- Track (1959) - Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) - Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) - Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) - Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) - Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) - Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) - Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) - Coach Jim Maska - Coach Bob Kuhn - Athletic Director Mike Karl&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inducted their inaugural class on Saturday, Aug. 13. A class of 16 made up of teams, athletes, and individuals made up the first group.The night was hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn and included dinner for the 280 in attendance.Sponsors of the night included Edward Jones, Jeter Law Firm, Bank of Hays, Premier Business Management, RD Graphics, Shutter Glimpses, Northwestern Printers and Tribe Broadcasting.A DVD of the night can be purchased by emailing Dan Balman (<a href="mailto:dbalman@usd489.com">dbalman@usd489.com</a>) with Tribe Broadcasting at Hays High School. The cost is $20 with half going back to the Tribe Broadcasting program.A kiosk is being purchased that will be placed inside Hays High School which will highlight the member of the Athletics Hall of Fame. Sponsorship of the kiosk is available by contacting Board President Kirk Maska.A nomination form is now available for future classes. The deadline is Feb. 1. The form can be found on the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame Facebook page and <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfifO1Q6LWMtVi2eD-DFfr26J3Oo5YLmBkwBCVFCC0956w7Hg/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1&amp;flr=0">HERE</a>.There is an eligibility form to review before submitting the document. Some of the key points include athletes being removed from the school for a minimum of ten years and coaches/contributors for five years.Anybody wishing to make a tax deductible donation to support the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame and the scholarship program they are establishing can send their donation to the USD 489 Foundation tagged for Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame.2022 Inductees:- 1944 state champion boys basketball team - 1953 football team (8-0-1) - 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) - 1989 girls track state championship team - Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) - Dale Alexander- Track (1959) - Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) - Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) - Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) - Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) - Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) - Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) - Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) - Coach Jim Maska - Coach Bob Kuhn - Athletic Director Mike Karl&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inaugural banquet in the books

HAYS – Adrian Soto’s first career rushing attempt as a Fort
Hays State Tiger was a 65-yard touchdown run in the 2019 season finale at
Northeastern State. It remains the longest run of the Pueblo, Colorado native’s
career. Now a junior, the Tigers most experienced running back is hoping for big things as the Tigers try to bounce
back from their first losing season since 2012.

“You can definitely see that everybody has a little chip on
their shoulder from last season. Last season we thought we were going to be
really good and do really good and obviously it didn’t turn out the way we
wanted it to. I can definitely see it on everybody, especially the offensive
side.”

Soto led the Tigers in rushing last season with 814 yards on
123 carries and eight rushing touchdowns. He says he’s focused on the little
things so far in training camp in a hope to improve those numbers.

“Doing everything right.” Soto said. “Once you get that down
it seems like the big plays, they just happen. It’s not something you make happen.
You do the right things, you do what you’re supposed to do and the big plays
will just come.”

The Tigers ranked fourth in the MIAA in rushing in 2021,
averaging 162.5 yards per game but struggled running the ball in many short
yardage situations. It’s something Soto and the rest of the offense has focused
on changing heading into this season.

“When we’re that close and the plays coming to me it’s always
in my mind.” Soto said. “I think this year we’re working much harder because much
season it was definitely a struggle for us when we were that close and those definitely
make a difference throughout the whole game.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660823378147.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Adrian Soto runs against Washburn in 2021. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Adrian Soto runs against Washburn in 2021. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS – Adrian Soto’s first career rushing attempt as a Fort
Hays State Tiger was a 65-yard touchdown run in the 2019 season finale at
Northeastern State. It remains the longest run of the Pueblo, Colorado native’s
career. Now a junior, the Tigers most experienced running back is hoping for big things as the Tigers try to bounce
back from their first losing season since 2012.“You can definitely see that everybody has a little chip on
their shoulder from last season. Last season we thought we were going to be
really good and do really good and obviously it didn’t turn out the way we
wanted it to. I can definitely see it on everybody, especially the offensive
side.”<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/1326422464&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/adrian-soto" title="Adrian Soto" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Adrian Soto</a></div></div>Soto led the Tigers in rushing last season with 814 yards on
123 carries and eight rushing touchdowns. He says he’s focused on the little
things so far in training camp in a hope to improve those numbers.“Doing everything right.” Soto said. “Once you get that down
it seems like the big plays, they just happen. It’s not something you make happen.
You do the right things, you do what you’re supposed to do and the big plays
will just come.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660823511794.jpeg" alt="Soto breaks a tackle last season vs. Lincoln at Lewis Field. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Tylee Biera" />
 <figcaption>Soto breaks a tackle last season vs. Lincoln at Lewis Field. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Tylee Biera</figcaption>
 </figure>The Tigers ranked fourth in the MIAA in rushing in 2021,
averaging 162.5 yards per game but struggled running the ball in many short
yardage situations. It’s something Soto and the rest of the offense has focused
on changing heading into this season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660823603547.jpeg" alt="Soto heads upfield last season vs. Emporia State at Lewis Field. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Bob Duffy" />
 <figcaption>Soto heads upfield last season vs. Emporia State at Lewis Field. Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Bob Duffy</figcaption>
 </figure>“When we’re that close and the plays coming to me it’s always
in my mind.” Soto said. “I think this year we’re working much harder because much
season it was definitely a struggle for us when we were that close and those definitely
make a difference throughout the whole game.”

🏈 FHSU's Soto looking for big things heading into junior season

	The Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Of the 125 Striders on the 2022 team, 11 made the trip to compete against the best athletes in the nation. The weeklong competition serves as the culmination of the training and dedication the athletes started in April, with qualifying meets held in Hays and Joplin Missouri in June.

	“We are just so proud of our kids,” Coach Dave Haberman said of the Striders. “They have put in the work required to compete at this meet, and it definitely shows with their results.” 

The Striders have had athletes compete in every Junior Olympic meet since its inception and look to continue that tradition next year at the USATF Junior Olympic meet in Eugene, Oregon, and the AAU meet in Des Moines, Iowa.

	“Everybody is excited about the potential to compete next year at ‘Track Town, USA’ in Eugene next year,” Haberman said. Eugene is home to numerous championships, including the Olympic Trials for the USA. “Quite a few of our athletes will continue to compete in their school programs this fall and next spring, and then start up with us again once those seasons ends."

	Even though the Striders sent a contingent of athletes to the Junior Olympics every year, Haberman feels it’s important not to discount those who do not go or even qualify. 

“We have a great team of athletes with wonderful families in our area,” Haberman said. “It’s those athletes, maybe out for their first or second year, as well as those nationally competitive kids that come out every day to train, that are the backbone of our team. They are the future of track and field in Hays and their communities, and this program will hopefully give them a good start when that interscholastic season comes around with their schools. We tell parents every year that we’re just hoping that ‘track bug’ bites so they will love track and field like we hope they will.”&nbsp;

The following are the Hays Striders results from the Junior Olympics of the Girls Division:

Aliviah Ball, 14, brought home a 3rd Place medal in the high jump with a leap of 5’3”

Audrina Ortiz, 14, placed 38th in the 100 meter hurdles at 17.25 seconds, and 52nd in the 200 meter hurdles with 31.61.&nbsp;

Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, placed 12th in the Pentathlon with 2,191 points; and 27th in the 200 meter hurdles at 31.53 seconds.

Makayla Lewallen, 13, placed 9th in the Pentathlon with 2,316 points; 7612st in the 1500 meter run at 5:36.48, and 31st in the 100 meter hurdles with a run of 17.80 seconds.

Sydney Lewallen, 12, placed 87th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:49.75.

On the Boys side, results include:

Emery Zimmerman, 10, bringing home a 3rd place medal in the 1500 meter run with a time of 5:05.10; and a 10th place finish in the 800 meter run at 2:28.86

Tayte Lewallen, 10, placed 22nd in the Triathlon with 489 points; 69th in the 800 meter&nbsp;run with a time of 2:51.16, and 39th in the 1500 meter run at 5:40.39

Kobe Schmidt, 11, placed 49th in the 400 meter dash with a run of 1:06,75

Caleb Englert, 14, took a 23rd place finish in the Shot Put with a toss of 39’1 ¼”

Auston Bland, 13, placed 11th in the Javelin with a throw of 104’11”

Grayson Walburn, 17-18, placed 10th in the Discus with a throw of 153’9”; and 59th in the&nbsp;Shot Put at 40”6”.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660330630700.jpeg" alt="Emery Zimmerman, 3rd Place" />
 <figcaption>Emery Zimmerman, 3rd Place</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted	The Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Of the 125 Striders on the 2022 team, 11 made the trip to compete against the best athletes in the nation. The weeklong competition serves as the culmination of the training and dedication the athletes started in April, with qualifying meets held in Hays and Joplin Missouri in June.	“We are just so proud of our kids,” Coach Dave Haberman said of the Striders. “They have put in the work required to compete at this meet, and it definitely shows with their results.” The Striders have had athletes compete in every Junior Olympic meet since its inception and look to continue that tradition next year at the USATF Junior Olympic meet in Eugene, Oregon, and the AAU meet in Des Moines, Iowa.	“Everybody is excited about the potential to compete next year at ‘Track Town, USA’ in Eugene next year,” Haberman said. Eugene is home to numerous championships, including the Olympic Trials for the USA. “Quite a few of our athletes will continue to compete in their school programs this fall and next spring, and then start up with us again once those seasons ends."	Even though the Striders sent a contingent of athletes to the Junior Olympics every year, Haberman feels it’s important not to discount those who do not go or even qualify. “We have a great team of athletes with wonderful families in our area,” Haberman said. “It’s those athletes, maybe out for their first or second year, as well as those nationally competitive kids that come out every day to train, that are the backbone of our team. They are the future of track and field in Hays and their communities, and this program will hopefully give them a good start when that interscholastic season comes around with their schools. We tell parents every year that we’re just hoping that ‘track bug’ bites so they will love track and field like we hope they will.”&nbsp;	The following are the Hays Striders results from the Junior Olympics of the Girls Division:Aliviah Ball, 14, brought home a 3rd Place medal in the high jump with a leap of 5’3”Audrina Ortiz, 14, placed 38th in the 100 meter hurdles at 17.25 seconds, and 52nd in the 200 meter hurdles with 31.61.&nbsp;Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, placed 12th in the Pentathlon with 2,191 points; and 27th in the 200 meter hurdles at 31.53 seconds.Makayla Lewallen, 13, placed 9th in the Pentathlon with 2,316 points; 7612st in the 1500 meter run at 5:36.48, and 31st in the 100 meter hurdles with a run of 17.80 seconds.Sydney Lewallen, 12, placed 87th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:49.75.On the Boys side, results include:Emery Zimmerman, 10, bringing home a 3rd place medal in the 1500 meter run with a time of 5:05.10; and a 10th place finish in the 800 meter run at 2:28.86Tayte Lewallen, 10, placed 22nd in the Triathlon with 489 points; 69th in the 800 meter&nbsp;run with a time of 2:51.16, and 39th in the 1500 meter run at 5:40.39Kobe Schmidt, 11, placed 49th in the 400 meter dash with a run of 1:06,75Caleb Englert, 14, took a 23rd place finish in the Shot Put with a toss of 39’1 ¼”Auston Bland, 13, placed 11th in the Javelin with a throw of 104’11”Grayson Walburn, 17-18, placed 10th in the Discus with a throw of 153’9”; and 59th in the&nbsp;Shot Put at 40”6”.

👟 11 Hays Striders compete in Junior Olympics in N.C.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Emilio Pagán pitched two scoreless innings after Tyler Mahle departed with right shoulder fatigue, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Wednesday for a three-game sweep.

Jose Miranda homered for Minnesota, which is fighting with Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox for control of the crowded AL Central. Miranda finished with two hits and two RBIs, and Nick Gordon had a run-scoring double.

After Mahle left in the third, Pagán (4-6), Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran, Michael Fulmer and Trevor Megill finished Minnesota's second straight shutout. A diving catch by center fielder Gilberto Celestino saved a run in the seventh.

Making his third start since he was acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline, Mahle faced eight batters before manager Rocco Baldelli and a team trainer visited the mound in the third inning.

Mahle pitched 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball, walking one. He threw 29 of his 42 pitches for strikes, but his velocity was diminished.

Mahle is going to be further evaluated and the team is expected to provide an update later Wednesday or Thursday.

On July 6, the Reds placed Mahle on the 15-day injured list with a strained right shoulder. An MRI ruled out any serious issues.

Minnesota outscored Kansas City 17-2 in the series, bouncing back nicely from an ugly 1-4 road trip.

The Royals led 2-0 in the first inning Monday, but have gone scoreless in 26 frames since.

Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino each had two hits for Kansas City, which has been shut out 15 times this season.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Emilio Pagán pitched two scoreless innings after Tyler Mahle departed with right shoulder fatigue, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Wednesday for a three-game sweep.Jose Miranda homered for Minnesota, which is fighting with Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox for control of the crowded AL Central. Miranda finished with two hits and two RBIs, and Nick Gordon had a run-scoring double.After Mahle left in the third, Pagán (4-6), Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran, Michael Fulmer and Trevor Megill finished Minnesota's second straight shutout. A diving catch by center fielder Gilberto Celestino saved a run in the seventh.Making his third start since he was acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline, Mahle faced eight batters before manager Rocco Baldelli and a team trainer visited the mound in the third inning.Mahle pitched 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball, walking one. He threw 29 of his 42 pitches for strikes, but his velocity was diminished.Mahle is going to be further evaluated and the team is expected to provide an update later Wednesday or Thursday.On July 6, the Reds placed Mahle on the 15-day injured list with a strained right shoulder. An MRI ruled out any serious issues.Minnesota outscored Kansas City 17-2 in the series, bouncing back nicely from an ugly 1-4 road trip.The Royals led 2-0 in the first inning Monday, but have gone scoreless in 26 frames since.Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino each had two hits for Kansas City, which has been shut out 15 times this season.Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch (4-8) allowed four runs — three earned — in six innings.One strike away from getting out of the first inning, Lynch surrendered a two-run drive by Miranda. Of the 50 runs Lynch has allowed in 19 starts, 18 have come in the first inning. Last season, 43.5% of the runs he allowed occurred in the opening frame.KELLER TO THE ‘PENBrad Keller has been moved from the Royals’ rotation to the bullpen. The 6-foot-5 right-hander last worked as a reliever as a rookie in 2018.Keller, who was scheduled to start Thursday, has six wins, an AL-high 13 losses and a 4.93 ERA in 22 starts. In two of his last three starts, he allowed eight earned runs; in three innings against the Dodgers on Aug. 13, and in 5 2/3 innings Aug. 2 against the White Sox.“Many of you probably remember when Brad came up and how dominant he could look in the ’pen. So, it’s always been part of the conversation. Hate to go into the offseason wondering without actually taking a look,” manager Mike Matheny said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Joel Payamps was reinstated from the family medical emergency bereavement list and RHP Wyatt Mills was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.Twins: 2B Jorge Polanco missed his second straight game after leaving Monday’s game with left knee soreness after sliding into home plate, but Tuesday tests all came back OK.UP NEXTRoyals: Open a four-game series Thursday at Tampa Bay. Neither team has named a starter.Twins: Begin a four-game home series Friday against Texas. Starting pitchers have yet to be announced.