LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lance Leipold first walked into the head coach's office at Kansas, arguably the worst program in Division I football, amid terrible circumstances and during a time of the year that only made everything worse.

The Jayhawks were coming off a winless 2020 season under Les Miles, who had then resigned in ignominy amid a flurry of sexual harassment allegations dating to his time at LSU. The scandal also led to the departure of athletic director Jeff Long, leaving the entire program in turmoil during a crucial recruiting period and all the way into spring practices.

Leipold never even conducted a practice with the Jayhawks until the start of fall camp last year.

So even though they proceeded to win just two games in his debut, extending their streak of losing seasons to unlucky No. 13, the point at which Leipold is starting off this fall is a whole lot better than where he stood a year ago.

“There's so many things that are different for the better,” Leipold said. “We've said many times, player know the coaches, know what to expect. We still have a fair amount of new guys going through their first practice, and there's uncertainty and wandering around — Where do I go next? — everyone is understanding and we're in a much better spot.”

The long-time small-college coach pauses for a moment and thinks back to last season.

“Last year, two or three weeks into training camp we were still evaluating,” Leipold recalled. “We have an idea now. We still may be evaluating, but we're developing at the same time. That's a good feeling.”

The challenge now is turning development into success.

Six coaches have failed to produce a winning season since the Jayhawks went 8-5 under Mark Mangino in 2008, and none managed more than one conference win. That includes Charlie Weis, who arrived in Lawrence flashing Super Bowl rings, and Miles, who won a national championship with the Tigers.

The 58-year-old Leipold is about substance more than style, though, and that could be exactly what the Jayhawks need to climb the Big 12 standings. He cut his teeth at his alma mater, Wisconsin-Whitewater, going 109-6 and winning six national titles in eight seasons at the Division III school, then turned around a lowly Division I program at Buffalo.

Leipold accomplished all of that by being the antithesis of so many young, hotshot coaches across major college football whose success is largely tied to their ability to recruit five-star prospects. He is a football coach in the truest sense, rather than the CEO of a corporation, and hangs his battered cap on his ability to take good players and make them great.

He'd rather be on the practice field with his hand in the dirt than poring over spreadsheets in his office.

“There's expectations, you know? There's really no gray. There's black and white,” said Kansas defensive end Sam Burt, who is on his third coach after starting his career with David Beaty. “You can see he knows what he's doing. The whole coaching staff knows what it's doing. And like I said, there's no gray. It's always like this or that, if that makes sense.”

It makes perfect sense if you know Leipold's career arc.

He spent time at Doane, an NAIA school in Nebraska, and Nebraska-Omaha, whose football program no longer exists. And the two stints Leipold had at the Division I level were under two more consummate coaches: He was a graduate assistant to Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez in the early 1990s and worked with Frank Solich at Nebraska in the early 2000s.

“Where we're going, how we're doing it — that was Year 1,” Leipold said. “Now I think this group has a determination about them in how they want to approach things and change the direction of this program.”

There was unmistakable progress last season, highlighted by a dramatic overtime win at Texas, and a full recruiting cycle coupled with a productive spring program have only carried that momentum forward.

“It feels way different, just how we attack everything: the tempo, the pace, the excitement,” Jayhawks safety Kenny Logan said. “We believe in what we’ve done this offseason. We don’t want to go through (another rebuild).”

Rather, the Jayhawks want to finish off this one.

That task continues Sept. 2, when they open their season against Tennessee Tech. Then comes back-to-back road games against Big 12 foe West Virginia and future conference rival Houston before another non-league game against Duke.

Those four games should help to tell whether Leipold is on the right track.

“We’re not in the moral victory business and we understand that completely,” Leipold said. “But we’re always looking at, whether it be individual improvement in certain things, how we’ve gone about our daily business and really how we’ve connected dots with our players about becoming better holistically, whether it be weight room or academically and better leadership, better teammates, that these things are going to stack upon themselves and help us on game day.”

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lance Leipold first walked into the head coach's office at Kansas, arguably the worst program in Division I football, amid terrible circumstances and during a time of the year that only made everything worse.The Jayhawks were coming off a winless 2020 season under Les Miles, who had then resigned in ignominy amid a flurry of sexual harassment allegations dating to his time at LSU. The scandal also led to the departure of athletic director Jeff Long, leaving the entire program in turmoil during a crucial recruiting period and all the way into spring practices.Leipold never even conducted a practice with the Jayhawks until the start of fall camp last year.So even though they proceeded to win just two games in his debut, extending their streak of losing seasons to unlucky No. 13, the point at which Leipold is starting off this fall is a whole lot better than where he stood a year ago.“There's so many things that are different for the better,” Leipold said. “We've said many times, player know the coaches, know what to expect. We still have a fair amount of new guys going through their first practice, and there's uncertainty and wandering around — Where do I go next? — everyone is understanding and we're in a much better spot.”The long-time small-college coach pauses for a moment and thinks back to last season.“Last year, two or three weeks into training camp we were still evaluating,” Leipold recalled. “We have an idea now. We still may be evaluating, but we're developing at the same time. That's a good feeling.”The challenge now is turning development into success.Six coaches have failed to produce a winning season since the Jayhawks went 8-5 under Mark Mangino in 2008, and none managed more than one conference win. That includes Charlie Weis, who arrived in Lawrence flashing Super Bowl rings, and Miles, who won a national championship with the Tigers.The 58-year-old Leipold is about substance more than style, though, and that could be exactly what the Jayhawks need to climb the Big 12 standings. He cut his teeth at his alma mater, Wisconsin-Whitewater, going 109-6 and winning six national titles in eight seasons at the Division III school, then turned around a lowly Division I program at Buffalo.Leipold accomplished all of that by being the antithesis of so many young, hotshot coaches across major college football whose success is largely tied to their ability to recruit five-star prospects. He is a football coach in the truest sense, rather than the CEO of a corporation, and hangs his battered cap on his ability to take good players and make them great.He'd rather be on the practice field with his hand in the dirt than poring over spreadsheets in his office.“There's expectations, you know? There's really no gray. There's black and white,” said Kansas defensive end Sam Burt, who is on his third coach after starting his career with David Beaty. “You can see he knows what he's doing. The whole coaching staff knows what it's doing. And like I said, there's no gray. It's always like this or that, if that makes sense.”It makes perfect sense if you know Leipold's career arc.He spent time at Doane, an NAIA school in Nebraska, and Nebraska-Omaha, whose football program no longer exists. And the two stints Leipold had at the Division I level were under two more consummate coaches: He was a graduate assistant to Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez in the early 1990s and worked with Frank Solich at Nebraska in the early 2000s.“Where we're going, how we're doing it — that was Year 1,” Leipold said. “Now I think this group has a determination about them in how they want to approach things and change the direction of this program.”There was unmistakable progress last season, highlighted by a dramatic overtime win at Texas, and a full recruiting cycle coupled with a productive spring program have only carried that momentum forward.“It feels way different, just how we attack everything: the tempo, the pace, the excitement,” Jayhawks safety Kenny Logan said. “We believe in what we’ve done this offseason. We don’t want to go through (another rebuild).”Rather, the Jayhawks want to finish off this one.That task continues Sept. 2, when they open their season against Tennessee Tech. Then comes back-to-back road games against Big 12 foe West Virginia and future conference rival Houston before another non-league game against Duke.Those four games should help to tell whether Leipold is on the right track.“We’re not in the moral victory business and we understand that completely,” Leipold said. “But we’re always looking at, whether it be individual improvement in certain things, how we’ve gone about our daily business and really how we’ve connected dots with our players about becoming better holistically, whether it be weight room or academically and better leadership, better teammates, that these things are going to stack upon themselves and help us on game day.”

🏈 Jayhawks' Lance Leipold settled in, optimistic about Year 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The Mid-America Intercollege Athletes Association has announced it will utilize an instant replay system, approved by the NCAA, during the upcoming MIAA football season. Last week, the NCAA granted the MIAA’s request for exemption from some of the instant replay requirements listed in Rule 12 of the 2022 NCAA Football Rules Book, approving the MIAA to become the first conference outside of NCAA Division I to implement the use of an instant replay system during football contests. “The MIAA is honored to be selected as the conference to test the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myskycoach.com/">SkyCoach</a>&nbsp;Instant Replay system during the fall 2022 MIAA football season,” said Commissioner&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/sports/2018/6/13/GEN_0613184129.aspx">Mike Racy</a>.&nbsp;“The system will provide our Referee with an on-field replay system to immediately review all targeting calls, and it will permit MIAA head coaches to ask for a review of certain plays during the game per NCAA Football Rule 12.” The preliminary plan for the MIAA’s use of instant replay this season is to allow stoppages for a replay review to occur whenever a targeting foul is called by an official on the field, and/or when a coach’s challenge is made of a reviewable play as defined in Rule 12 of the Football Rules Book. In previous seasons, the MIAA has reviewed targeting calls at halftime and at the conclusion of football contests. Now, all targeting fouls that are called will be reviewable by the MIAA referee and calling officials immediately. The MIAA likes that coaches will be the ones deciding what gets reviewed rather than a replay booth. Rule 12 in the football rules book lists the challengeable plays. To see the complete summary of the MIAA replay policies and the list of reviewable plays for the 2022 season,&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/themiaa.sidearmsports.com/documents/2022/8/8/MIAA_Football_Instant_Replay_Policies.pdf">click here</a>. “We had a few plays last year that we could have fixed,” explained MIAA Supervisor of Football Officials, Phil Laurie. “We do make mistakes. Players fumble, throw interceptions—we do make mistakes. But if we can correct them and it doesn’t cost a lot of money, we need to do it.”

MIAA ReleaseKANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The Mid-America Intercollege Athletes Association has announced it will utilize an instant replay system, approved by the NCAA, during the upcoming MIAA football season. Last week, the NCAA granted the MIAA’s request for exemption from some of the instant replay requirements listed in Rule 12 of the 2022 NCAA Football Rules Book, approving the MIAA to become the first conference outside of NCAA Division I to implement the use of an instant replay system during football contests. “The MIAA is honored to be selected as the conference to test the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myskycoach.com/">SkyCoach</a>&nbsp;Instant Replay system during the fall 2022 MIAA football season,” said Commissioner&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/sports/2018/6/13/GEN_0613184129.aspx">Mike Racy</a>.&nbsp;“The system will provide our Referee with an on-field replay system to immediately review all targeting calls, and it will permit MIAA head coaches to ask for a review of certain plays during the game per NCAA Football Rule 12.” The preliminary plan for the MIAA’s use of instant replay this season is to allow stoppages for a replay review to occur whenever a targeting foul is called by an official on the field, and/or when a coach’s challenge is made of a reviewable play as defined in Rule 12 of the Football Rules Book. In previous seasons, the MIAA has reviewed targeting calls at halftime and at the conclusion of football contests. Now, all targeting fouls that are called will be reviewable by the MIAA referee and calling officials immediately. The MIAA likes that coaches will be the ones deciding what gets reviewed rather than a replay booth. Rule 12 in the football rules book lists the challengeable plays. To see the complete summary of the MIAA replay policies and the list of reviewable plays for the 2022 season,&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/themiaa.sidearmsports.com/documents/2022/8/8/MIAA_Football_Instant_Replay_Policies.pdf">click here</a>. “We had a few plays last year that we could have fixed,” explained MIAA Supervisor of Football Officials, Phil Laurie. “We do make mistakes. Players fumble, throw interceptions—we do make mistakes. But if we can correct them and it doesn’t cost a lot of money, we need to do it.”

🏈 MIAA to implement instant replay for 2022 season

By TOMMY REZAC <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a73612d5-33f7-4571-aa53-7ecf659e0f95#//">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Mitch Holthus is entering his 29th year as radio voice of the Kansas City Chiefs.

He's
 experienced the highs and lows of the modern era in Chiefs football. He
 went to training camp for 16 years in River Falls, Wisconsin, the one 
training camp in Kansas City in 2020 and now for the 12th time, he's 
watching the team come into form on the Mosaic Training Fields at 
Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

"Every 
year seems like the first year," Holthus told KFEQ Radio. "I know that 
sounds trite or corny, but truthfully, it's that feeling. I feel like 
I'm a rookie every year. That's what I tell the team. Your stomach 
churns, you get nervous and every day is just awesome."

Holthus has had a front row seat to what's surely been the best 
10-year stretch in franchise history. Six straight AFC West 
championships. Nine straight winning seasons. Eight playoff berths since
 2013. Four straight AFC Championship games at Arrowhead Stadium. The 
first Super Bowl win 50 years. The list goes on.

Yet, heading into
 2022, despite all of this recent success and a star-studded roster, 
Holthus believes this team has something to prove, even though they've 
proven themselves time and again.

"This is a team that has very 
unique focus," he said. "They're hyperfocused, starting with their 
biggest stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Truthfully, there's a 
chip on these guys' shoulder."

The 2021 season left a sour taste. 
Whether it was the 3-4 start, or blowing a 21-3 lead to Cincinnati in 
the AFC title game. The Tyreek Hill trade in March gave doubters some 
fuel as well. Holthus believes all of those factors combined gave this 
team a unique swagger in the offseason.

"They've come in here a 
little ticked off," he noted.&nbsp; "I saw it in minicamp, I saw it in OTAs 
and I've seen it so far here in St. Joe."

Hill is a franchise 
changing player, but the Chiefs picked up veteran receivers Juju 
Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency. Plus, rookie
 receiver Skyy Moore has been a breakout star in camp. As has rookie 
running back Isiah Pacheco.

You also look at running back Ronald 
Jones and safety Justin Reid - two veterans picked up in free agency 
that could have a big impact on how the Chiefs do.

"To add that 
with what's already here and the new rookies...somebody pick them fourth
 in the division, but do so at your own peril."

This marks the 
last year that Chiefs training camp is required to be in St. Joseph, 
according to the current agreement. There are two more optional years 
after this, but Missouri Western and Chiefs leadership will evaluate the
 contract once camp is over.

With only about six or seven teams 
left in the NFL that stil travel outside of their home city for camp, 
Holthus is hopeful the Chiefs will keep coming back to Missouri Western.

"They've
 been phenomenal," Holthus said of the University. "Mosaic (Life Care) 
has been phenomenal. The merchants, people like HyVee, have been 
phenomenal. It's a great camp. People say you're going away for camp. 
We're only going 50 minutes away. It's not like we're in Wisconsin."

"We've
 had 11 camps in St. Joe and have been to the playoffs in eight of those
 11 years. 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."

As for a season 
prediction? Holthus doesn't put out a specific number of wins and 
losses. Though, he's confident a Super Bowl contender is being molded 
yet again. Even if others on the outside don't feel that way anymore.

"This
 is a refocused, recharged, rebooted team," he said. "There's a lot of 
talent and the coaching is superb. It's crazy that a team that is this 
successful is actually, in a way, going to sneak up on people. But, 
that's the way I feel."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659966402055.jpeg" alt="Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus addresses the crowd at the Red Rally in St. Joseph on July 29. Photo by Matt Pike." />
 <figcaption>Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus addresses the crowd at the Red Rally in St. Joseph on July 29. Photo by Matt Pike.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a73612d5-33f7-4571-aa53-7ecf659e0f95#//">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Mitch Holthus is entering his 29th year as radio voice of the Kansas City Chiefs.He's
 experienced the highs and lows of the modern era in Chiefs football. He
 went to training camp for 16 years in River Falls, Wisconsin, the one 
training camp in Kansas City in 2020 and now for the 12th time, he's 
watching the team come into form on the Mosaic Training Fields at 
Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph."Every 
year seems like the first year," Holthus told KFEQ Radio. "I know that 
sounds trite or corny, but truthfully, it's that feeling. I feel like 
I'm a rookie every year. That's what I tell the team. Your stomach 
churns, you get nervous and every day is just awesome."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Mitch-Holthus-gives-his-thoughts-on-training-camp--2022-season-e1m59f7" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Holthus has had a front row seat to what's surely been the best 
10-year stretch in franchise history. Six straight AFC West 
championships. Nine straight winning seasons. Eight playoff berths since
 2013. Four straight AFC Championship games at Arrowhead Stadium. The 
first Super Bowl win 50 years. The list goes on.Yet, heading into
 2022, despite all of this recent success and a star-studded roster, 
Holthus believes this team has something to prove, even though they've 
proven themselves time and again."This is a team that has very 
unique focus," he said. "They're hyperfocused, starting with their 
biggest stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Truthfully, there's a 
chip on these guys' shoulder."The 2021 season left a sour taste. 
Whether it was the 3-4 start, or blowing a 21-3 lead to Cincinnati in 
the AFC title game. The Tyreek Hill trade in March gave doubters some 
fuel as well. Holthus believes all of those factors combined gave this 
team a unique swagger in the offseason."They've come in here a 
little ticked off," he noted.&nbsp; "I saw it in minicamp, I saw it in OTAs 
and I've seen it so far here in St. Joe."Hill is a franchise 
changing player, but the Chiefs picked up veteran receivers Juju 
Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency. Plus, rookie
 receiver Skyy Moore has been a breakout star in camp. As has rookie 
running back Isiah Pacheco.You also look at running back Ronald 
Jones and safety Justin Reid - two veterans picked up in free agency 
that could have a big impact on how the Chiefs do."To add that 
with what's already here and the new rookies...somebody pick them fourth
 in the division, but do so at your own peril."This marks the 
last year that Chiefs training camp is required to be in St. Joseph, 
according to the current agreement. There are two more optional years 
after this, but Missouri Western and Chiefs leadership will evaluate the
 contract once camp is over.With only about six or seven teams 
left in the NFL that stil travel outside of their home city for camp, 
Holthus is hopeful the Chiefs will keep coming back to Missouri Western."They've
 been phenomenal," Holthus said of the University. "Mosaic (Life Care) 
has been phenomenal. The merchants, people like HyVee, have been 
phenomenal. It's a great camp. People say you're going away for camp. 
We're only going 50 minutes away. It's not like we're in Wisconsin.""We've
 had 11 camps in St. Joe and have been to the playoffs in eight of those
 11 years. 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."As for a season 
prediction? Holthus doesn't put out a specific number of wins and 
losses. Though, he's confident a Super Bowl contender is being molded 
yet again. Even if others on the outside don't feel that way anymore."This
 is a refocused, recharged, rebooted team," he said. "There's a lot of 
talent and the coaching is superb. It's crazy that a team that is this 
successful is actually, in a way, going to sneak up on people. But, 
that's the way I feel."

Holthus: Chiefs enter '22 season 'hyperfocused, ticked off'

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning and had a career-high six RBIs to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Boston Red Sox 13-5 on Sunday.

The rookie Melendez blasted it an estimated 406-feet to right field which bounced into the fountains to give the Royals a 5-0 lead.

Melendez is putting together quite the campaign after being called up on May 3. He’s hit 13 home runs on the year and has back-to-back homer games four times this season. Among rookies, he’s hit the fifth most home runs this season and is just two behind teammate Bobby Witt Jr.

“Just being relaxed helps the confidence and just telling myself that definitely helps,” Melendez said. “It prevents me from over thinking. I knew that we can do this and it was just a matter of time with getting comfortable.”

The 7-8-9 hitters of Michael Massey, Nate Eaton and Kyle Isbel provided most of the production as they went a combined 6-for-9 with nine runs scored and five RBIs. All 13 RBIs came from rookies.

“When you start winning games, the energy starts getting bigger and bigger,” Eaton said. “You just take that into the next series and that'll hopefully make it really great.”

Brad Keller (6-12) had his 11th quality start of the season, going six innings, allowing one run on four hits while walking three and fanning four.

“It was hot, but our defense was unbelievable today and it was a lot of fun,” Keller said. “The offense exploded which was a lot of fun to watch so it was good.”

Rafael Devers put the lone blemish on Keller’s line when he hit his 24th homer of the year, sending one 441-feet into the right field fountains. Tommy Pham hit a towering 427-foot two-run homer to left field off Taylor Clarke in the seventh.

“Offensively, we hit the ball hard today which is good,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “I just think pitching wise we have to be better...Overall, it's not excuses, we just have to play better."

Kutter Crawford (3-4) allowed five earned runs over five innings on five hits, struck out four and walked two. Darwinzon Hernandez gave up five runs, five hits and four walks in the eighth inning.

“Just the command, not having the greatest feel and you fall behind and I just had a hard time getting back into counts," Crawford said. “They were coming out swinging early.”

With the youth movement in full bloom in Kansas City, they have won four of their last five home series and it’s the first time the Royals have won a four-game set against Boston since 2013.

“I think the chemistry is a big part of it,” Melendez explained. “A lot of these guys have played together for a while and that’s going to help our chemistry of course. We have a lot of confidence in the guys behind us.”

“We're watching a group of younger players not afraid to take a walk in big situations and pass it off to the next guy,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “I think we only had one missed opportunity today...guys are taking a lot of pride in getting runs in.”

Red Sox: hosts Atlanta for a two-game series starting Tuesday.

Royals: continues their season-high 11 game homestand as they host the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday in a doubleheader.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning and had a career-high six RBIs to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Boston Red Sox 13-5 on Sunday.The rookie Melendez blasted it an estimated 406-feet to right field which bounced into the fountains to give the Royals a 5-0 lead.Melendez is putting together quite the campaign after being called up on May 3. He’s hit 13 home runs on the year and has back-to-back homer games four times this season. Among rookies, he’s hit the fifth most home runs this season and is just two behind teammate Bobby Witt Jr.“Just being relaxed helps the confidence and just telling myself that definitely helps,” Melendez said. “It prevents me from over thinking. I knew that we can do this and it was just a matter of time with getting comfortable.”The 7-8-9 hitters of Michael Massey, Nate Eaton and Kyle Isbel provided most of the production as they went a combined 6-for-9 with nine runs scored and five RBIs. All 13 RBIs came from rookies.“When you start winning games, the energy starts getting bigger and bigger,” Eaton said. “You just take that into the next series and that'll hopefully make it really great.”Brad Keller (6-12) had his 11th quality start of the season, going six innings, allowing one run on four hits while walking three and fanning four.“It was hot, but our defense was unbelievable today and it was a lot of fun,” Keller said. “The offense exploded which was a lot of fun to watch so it was good.”Rafael Devers put the lone blemish on Keller’s line when he hit his 24th homer of the year, sending one 441-feet into the right field fountains. Tommy Pham hit a towering 427-foot two-run homer to left field off Taylor Clarke in the seventh.“Offensively, we hit the ball hard today which is good,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “I just think pitching wise we have to be better...Overall, it's not excuses, we just have to play better."Kutter Crawford (3-4) allowed five earned runs over five innings on five hits, struck out four and walked two. Darwinzon Hernandez gave up five runs, five hits and four walks in the eighth inning.“Just the command, not having the greatest feel and you fall behind and I just had a hard time getting back into counts," Crawford said. “They were coming out swinging early.”With the youth movement in full bloom in Kansas City, they have won four of their last five home series and it’s the first time the Royals have won a four-game set against Boston since 2013.“I think the chemistry is a big part of it,” Melendez explained. “A lot of these guys have played together for a while and that’s going to help our chemistry of course. We have a lot of confidence in the guys behind us.”“We're watching a group of younger players not afraid to take a walk in big situations and pass it off to the next guy,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “I think we only had one missed opportunity today...guys are taking a lot of pride in getting runs in.”UP NEXTRed Sox: hosts Atlanta for a two-game series starting Tuesday.Royals: continues their season-high 11 game homestand as they host the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday in a doubleheader.

⚾ Melendez big day carries Royals to win over Boston

By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph Post

The Kansas Chiefs were back at training camp practice on a warm, muggy Sunday morning, and it was somewhat forgettable day for the offense.

Whether it was misconnections on deep passes early or three consecutive false starts during team drills, it wasn’t the best of days offensively.

Yet, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was not discouraged and believed his players learned a lesson from it.

"I think today was a good learning lesson," Bieniemy said. "It was an outstanding practice. The defense did a heck of a job. The beauty of it is, it's training camp. You live and learn each and every day and there's a lesson you can gain from this."

The offense did eventually wake up in the latter half of Sunday's workout, particularly Mecole Hardman, who caught a couple of contested deep balls in seven-on-seven.

Daurice Fountain was also productive, as he was back on the field after hurting his finger Saturday. He seemed to have caught everything thrown his way.

On the offensive line, the Chiefs worked Geron Christian in at right tackle with the first-team offense. Up until now, it had been Andrew Wyline manning that spot, but Wylie worked with the second-team.

Bieniemy didn't elaborate too much on this change. Other than to say - execution is the main thing he and the coaching staff are looking for at every position.

"The thing I'm looking for is, when we're out there, are we all being accountable to one another," Bieniemy said. "Are we executing with great attention to details. Are we having a sense of urgency and sense of purpose in what we're doing?"

One player that continues to have a sense of purpose is rookie running back Isiah Pacheco, who's really making a strong case to be the No. 2 back behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Reid remarked Saturday that Pacheco "runs hard every time he touches the ball." Bieniemy is also impressed with the seventh-round pick out of Rutgers, but was complimentary of all the running backs.

"He's a tough kid," he said of Pacheco. "Obviously, we have a lot of good players in that room. In time, everything will tell for itself. Right now, (Pacheco) is doing some good things. He's working his tail off, but you have a lot of other guys in there competing their tails off as well."

Some good news - no new injuries Sunday. Still no Jody Forston as he deals with a strained quad. He's been out for just over a week. Receiver Gary Jennings (concussion) and Taylor Stallworth (knee bruise) also didn’t practice.

Lucas Niang (knee) and Rashad Fenton (shoulder) remain on the injured list.

He still hasn't gotten reps with the first-team defense, but the 13-year veteran is looking strong, as Dunlap at times dominated the second-team offensive line during team drills Sunday.

Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, who has been working with the first-team D-line on the interior, says he used to train with Dunlap a few years ago. He's not surprised Dunlap has caught on so quickly.

"Since (Dunlap) has been here, he's been doing his part," Nnadi said. "He'll try and throw any bit of nuggets to anybody on the D-line. So, yes. He does bring a lot of good leadership to the D-line."

It’s officially game week, as the Chiefs can now look toward that first preseason game at Chicago this Saturday.

It is just preseason, but it’s a chance for the Chiefs to go against somebody in a different jersey.

Second-year linebacker and starter Nick Bolton probably won’t play a ton of snaps, but he just wants the defense to give it their all once the game starts.

"Whatever we have in, just executing it to the highest level we can," Bolton said. "Going down there and stopping the run early. Also just playing the pass game along with that. I just want to go in, execute at the highest level and build from the ground up."

Nnadi added the biggest key to preseason, especially for younger players, is to not overthink too much and stick to what you've learned.

"It's preseason," he said. "Just play. Do what you've been coached to do. If there's anything the coaches want you to improve on, that's a good chance to do it after (the game). Go watch the film, corrections and that's how it goes. Just trust yourself. Don't overthink it and just play."

Saturday’s game at Chicago kicks off at noon central. It’ll be carried live on 96.9, KFIX.

The Chiefs have practice on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week.

By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph PostThe Kansas Chiefs were back at training camp practice on a warm, muggy Sunday morning, and it was somewhat forgettable day for the offense.Whether it was misconnections on deep passes early or three consecutive false starts during team drills, it wasn’t the best of days offensively.Yet, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was not discouraged and believed his players learned a lesson from it."I think today was a good learning lesson," Bieniemy said. "It was an outstanding practice. The defense did a heck of a job. The beauty of it is, it's training camp. You live and learn each and every day and there's a lesson you can gain from this."The offense did eventually wake up in the latter half of Sunday's workout, particularly Mecole Hardman, who caught a couple of contested deep balls in seven-on-seven.Daurice Fountain was also productive, as he was back on the field after hurting his finger Saturday. He seemed to have caught everything thrown his way.On the offensive line, the Chiefs worked Geron Christian in at right tackle with the first-team offense. Up until now, it had been Andrew Wyline manning that spot, but Wylie worked with the second-team.Bieniemy didn't elaborate too much on this change. Other than to say - execution is the main thing he and the coaching staff are looking for at every position."The thing I'm looking for is, when we're out there, are we all being accountable to one another," Bieniemy said. "Are we executing with great attention to details. Are we having a sense of urgency and sense of purpose in what we're doing?"One player that continues to have a sense of purpose is rookie running back Isiah Pacheco, who's really making a strong case to be the No. 2 back behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire.Reid remarked Saturday that Pacheco "runs hard every time he touches the ball." Bieniemy is also impressed with the seventh-round pick out of Rutgers, but was complimentary of all the running backs."He's a tough kid," he said of Pacheco. "Obviously, we have a lot of good players in that room. In time, everything will tell for itself. Right now, (Pacheco) is doing some good things. He's working his tail off, but you have a lot of other guys in there competing their tails off as well."Injury updateSome good news - no new injuries Sunday. Still no Jody Forston as he deals with a strained quad. He's been out for just over a week. Receiver Gary Jennings (concussion) and Taylor Stallworth (knee bruise) also didn’t practice.Lucas Niang (knee) and Rashad Fenton (shoulder) remain on the injured list.Carlos Dunlap catching onHe still hasn't gotten reps with the first-team defense, but the 13-year veteran is looking strong, as Dunlap at times dominated the second-team offensive line during team drills Sunday.Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, who has been working with the first-team D-line on the interior, says he used to train with Dunlap a few years ago. He's not surprised Dunlap has caught on so quickly."Since (Dunlap) has been here, he's been doing his part," Nnadi said. "He'll try and throw any bit of nuggets to anybody on the D-line. So, yes. He does bring a lot of good leadership to the D-line."Preseason game approachingIt’s officially game week, as the Chiefs can now look toward that first preseason game at Chicago this Saturday.It is just preseason, but it’s a chance for the Chiefs to go against somebody in a different jersey.Second-year linebacker and starter Nick Bolton probably won’t play a ton of snaps, but he just wants the defense to give it their all once the game starts."Whatever we have in, just executing it to the highest level we can," Bolton said. "Going down there and stopping the run early. Also just playing the pass game along with that. I just want to go in, execute at the highest level and build from the ground up."Nnadi added the biggest key to preseason, especially for younger players, is to not overthink too much and stick to what you've learned."It's preseason," he said. "Just play. Do what you've been coached to do. If there's anything the coaches want you to improve on, that's a good chance to do it after (the game). Go watch the film, corrections and that's how it goes. Just trust yourself. Don't overthink it and just play."Saturday’s game at Chicago kicks off at noon central. It’ll be carried live on 96.9, KFIX.The Chiefs have practice on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659899024531.jpeg" alt="Isiah Pacheco." />
 <figcaption>Isiah Pacheco.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659899053075.jpeg" alt="Defensive players going through individual drills." />
 <figcaption>Defensive players going through individual drills.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 A rocky day for the offense at Chiefs training camp Sunday

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

WICHITA – Traditionally there are fireworks at the end of
the NBC World Series championship game. Saturday night Santa Barbara started the
show early scoring six runs in the first two innings and cruised to a 12-1 win
over the Hays Larks to win their 10th title and denying the Larks their first
crown in six trips to the title game.

The Foresters (31-12) used two singles and took advantage of a couple of Larks errors to score two runs in the bottom of the first inning. They added four more runs in the
second after back-to-back walks to open the frame and were on their way to a third-straight NBC title.

The Larks would get their only run in the fifth on a Hunter Rosson who finished with two hits giving him a team-high
12 in the tournament.

Santa Barbara starting pitcher Parker Smith (7-0) pitched seven innings and picked up the
win. The Rice sophomore struck out five and walked one and
allowed the one run on four hits.

Larks starter Hunter Marshall (4-1) suffered the loss going
one inning and allowing six runs on five hits with three walks and one
strikeout.

Santa Barbara has now won 10-straight NBC World Series title
games and this is their 10th NBC World Series championship. They became the
third team in NBC World Series history to win three straight joining Fort Wayne
(IN) in 1947-50 and Fairbanks (AK) in 1972-74. 

The Foresters have won 15-straight games overall at the NBC
World Series which ties the record set by the Boulder Collegians for the most
consecutive wins.

The Larks are now 0-6 in NBC World Series championship
games. They are tied with Fairbanks (AK) and Anchorage (AK) for the second most
runner-up finishes, one behind Liberal who has seven.

This was the 40th appearance by a Kansas team in the championship
game. Kansas team are now 19-21 in the NBC World Series finals.

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostWICHITA – Traditionally there are fireworks at the end of
the NBC World Series championship game. Saturday night Santa Barbara started the
show early scoring six runs in the first two innings and cruised to a 12-1 win
over the Hays Larks to win their 10th title and denying the Larks their first
crown in six trips to the title game.<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/1319367823&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/hays-larks-coach-interview-08-06-22" title="Frank Leo Postgame vs. Santa Barbara (Aug 6, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame vs. Santa Barbara (Aug 6, 2022)</a></div></div>The Foresters (31-12) used two singles and took advantage of a couple of Larks errors to score two runs in the bottom of the first inning. They added four more runs in the
second after back-to-back walks to open the frame and were on their way to a third-straight NBC title.The Larks would get their only run in the fifth on a Hunter Rosson who finished with two hits giving him a team-high
12 in the tournament.Santa Barbara starting pitcher Parker Smith (7-0) pitched seven innings and picked up the
win. The Rice sophomore struck out five and walked one and
allowed the one run on four hits.<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/1319367823&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/hays-larks-coach-interview-08-06-22" title="Frank Leo Postgame vs. Santa Barbara (Aug 6, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame vs. Santa Barbara (Aug 6, 2022)</a></div></div>Larks starter Hunter Marshall (4-1) suffered the loss going
one inning and allowing six runs on five hits with three walks and one
strikeout.DOMINANTSanta Barbara has now won 10-straight NBC World Series title
games and this is their 10th NBC World Series championship. They became the
third team in NBC World Series history to win three straight joining Fort Wayne
(IN) in 1947-50 and Fairbanks (AK) in 1972-74. The Foresters have won 15-straight games overall at the NBC
World Series which ties the record set by the Boulder Collegians for the most
consecutive wins.SHORT AGAINThe Larks are now 0-6 in NBC World Series championship
games. They are tied with Fairbanks (AK) and Anchorage (AK) for the second most
runner-up finishes, one behind Liberal who has seven.KANSAS STRONGThis was the 40th appearance by a Kansas team in the championship
game. Kansas team are now 19-21 in the NBC World Series finals.

⚾ Larks come up short in NBC title game

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rookie Nick Pratto hit a game-ending home run in the ninth inning, giving the Kansas City Royals a 5-4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night.

Pratto blasted a two-out, 3-2 changeup from Garrett Whitlock (2-2) an estimated 424 feet to center field for his second career homer and first at Kauffman Stadium.

“It was just like any other at-bat where I come up there with a plan and try to execute it,” Pratto said. “Throughout the at-bat he was making a lot of pitches to the edges so I felt like I was hanging in there and not chasing. It was a situation where I felt like I executed.”

Whitlock, who had retired all eight batters he faced before Pratto, was less measured in his assessment of the walk-off homer.

“He hit it out,” Whitlock said. “I'm pissed off, obviously not at you all, not anyone but myself and the guy made a good frickin' swing, but it was a terrible pitch by me.”

The Royals began and ended the game with homers for the second time in team history — the first was on July 3, 1973. MJ Melendez hit his second leadoff homer of the series, a 434-foot drive to right field for his 12th longball this season.

“It's extra special when they have a bunch of their buddies around,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “This is just a unique situation where you have so many guys that have come up together that are pulling for each other and helped each other get here.”

Bobby Dalbec hit a two-run drive for Boston in the fourth inning and Alex Verdugo went deep in the sixth to tie the game at 4-4.

“We put together some good at-bats, especially at the end of the game,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “It was a good effort, but we didn't end up finishing the game."

Dylan Coleman (3-1) retired the Red Sox in order in the ninth.

Boston's J.D. Martinez doubled in the second inning and scored when Christian Arroyo reached on a fielding error by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Kansas City has made 27 errors in its last 32 games, the most by any team in that span.

Witt hit a two-run single in the third to put the Royals ahead 3-1.

Both starting pitchers had nearly identical numbers. Boston's Nathan Eovaldi and Kansas City's Daniel Lynch each worked six innings, and each allowed four runs on seven hits, including two homers, while walking none. Eovaldi struck out seven to Lynch's six.

Boston sends RHP Kutter Crawford (3-3, 3.86 ERA) to the mound on Sunday as it seeks a split of the four-game series. RHP Brad Keller (5-12, 4.61), who allowed a career-high eight runs against the White Sox on Tuesday, starts for the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rookie Nick Pratto hit a game-ending home run in the ninth inning, giving the Kansas City Royals a 5-4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night.Pratto blasted a two-out, 3-2 changeup from Garrett Whitlock (2-2) an estimated 424 feet to center field for his second career homer and first at Kauffman Stadium.“It was just like any other at-bat where I come up there with a plan and try to execute it,” Pratto said. “Throughout the at-bat he was making a lot of pitches to the edges so I felt like I was hanging in there and not chasing. It was a situation where I felt like I executed.”Whitlock, who had retired all eight batters he faced before Pratto, was less measured in his assessment of the walk-off homer.“He hit it out,” Whitlock said. “I'm pissed off, obviously not at you all, not anyone but myself and the guy made a good frickin' swing, but it was a terrible pitch by me.”The Royals began and ended the game with homers for the second time in team history — the first was on July 3, 1973. MJ Melendez hit his second leadoff homer of the series, a 434-foot drive to right field for his 12th longball this season.“It's extra special when they have a bunch of their buddies around,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “This is just a unique situation where you have so many guys that have come up together that are pulling for each other and helped each other get here.”Kyle Isbel also homered for Kansas City.Bobby Dalbec hit a two-run drive for Boston in the fourth inning and Alex Verdugo went deep in the sixth to tie the game at 4-4.“We put together some good at-bats, especially at the end of the game,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “It was a good effort, but we didn't end up finishing the game."Dylan Coleman (3-1) retired the Red Sox in order in the ninth.Boston's J.D. Martinez doubled in the second inning and scored when Christian Arroyo reached on a fielding error by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Kansas City has made 27 errors in its last 32 games, the most by any team in that span.Witt hit a two-run single in the third to put the Royals ahead 3-1.MIRROR IMAGESBoth starting pitchers had nearly identical numbers. Boston's Nathan Eovaldi and Kansas City's Daniel Lynch each worked six innings, and each allowed four runs on seven hits, including two homers, while walking none. Eovaldi struck out seven to Lynch's six.UP NEXTBoston sends RHP Kutter Crawford (3-3, 3.86 ERA) to the mound on Sunday as it seeks a split of the four-game series. RHP Brad Keller (5-12, 4.61), who allowed a career-high eight runs against the White Sox on Tuesday, starts for the Royals.

⚾ Pratto hits walk-off homer in Royals' win over Red Sox

The Hays Larks plat the Santa Barbara (CA) Foresters in the title game of the 88th National Baseball Congress World Series Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Eck Stadium on the Wichita State campus.

Pregame coverage at 6:45 p.m. on 96.9, KFIX or click on the link below.

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO HAYS LARKS BASEBALL</a>

The Hays Larks plat the Santa Barbara (CA) Foresters in the title game of the 88th National Baseball Congress World Series Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Eck Stadium on the Wichita State campus.Pregame coverage at 6:45 p.m. on 96.9, KFIX or click on the link below.<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO HAYS LARKS BASEBALL</a>

🎧 LISTEN - Hays Larks vs. Santa Barbara Foresters in NBC World Series finals

St. Joseph felt the heat wave Saturday, especially those at Chiefs training camp.

Temperatures were already in the 80s by Saturday morning with plenty of humidity to go around. Some high level clouds and breeze provided a little relief, as the Chiefs practiced for over two hours at Missouri Western.

Head coach Andy Reid thought the team handled the elements well.

"Little more heat again today," Reid said. "The guys battled through it. We had a day off (Friday). So, they freshened up and came out here and worked their tail off. Great competition between both sides and I appreciated that as the head coach."

After a shorter 10-10-10 practice Thursday, and a day off Friday, the Chiefs had a lengthier session Saturday with lots of install, one-on-one drills, special teams, two-minute drills, 9-on-7, 7-on-7 and full team 11-on-11.

Injury wise, tight end Jody Forston (quad) and receiver Gary Jennings (concussion) did not practice Saturday. Forston has been out for a week, but Reid says he's "progressing."

Receiver Daurice Fountain left practice with a finger injury and will be X-rayed. Defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth did not practice Saturday due to a knee bruise.&nbsp;

Right tackle Lucas Niang (knee) and corner Rashad Fenton (shoulder) are still on the injured list.

Saturday was a good day for rookie corners Trent McDuffie and Joshua Williams, who each had a handful of pass deflections against top receiver Saturday. Reid, when asked about McDuffie described him as "smart, strong and usually in position to make things happen."

Meanwhile, safety and fourth-year pro Juan Thornhill has emerged as a leader in the defensive backfield this camp, especially with the absence of Tyrann Mathieu.

Thornhill says not a lot has changed in the way he goes about his business on the field.

"Just being more vocal to the guys," Thornhill said. "Guys come to me to ask questions and they look to me to give them the right answer if they don't have the right answer. So, that's the only thing I've been doing (different) is trying to be a leader, lead by example and if the (young players) have any questions, they can just ask me."

After tearing his ACL in his left knee toward the end of 2019 and not being 100% in 2020, Thornhill says he's feeling his best now, and had said during OTAs that he felt like he could have an all-pro type of season.

"The knee is healthier," he said. "I have more mental clarity. I feel better all around. I just feel like I'm back to myself and I'm capable of having an all-pro season."

It's become apparent by now that the top running back job is once again Clyde Edwards-Helaire's to lose. However, the competition for the No. 2 back has been more interesting.

Rookie Isiah Pacheco has won a lot of praise, but Jerick McKinnon is making a case, as is Ronald Jones. Heck, even Derrick Gore got some reps with the first-team offense Saturday.

"I like the depth at running back," Reid said. "I like it. I'm curious to see those guys compete in games. We know a couple of them, because they've been here, and we're learning about the other two (Jones, Pacheco). It looks like a good group."

In the post Tyreek Hill era, Chiefs fans have been getting acquainted with new faces at wide receiver, like Juju Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Skyy Moore.

One face that is familiar from last year is fourth-year pro Mecole Hardman, who was third on the team last season with 693 receiving yards and 59 catches.

Hardman says Patrick Mahomes has done a nice job leading and bringing these receivers together.

"Pat's a leader," he said. "He's going to lead us and we're going to look to him to lead. I think he does a good job of that - putting a lot of pressure on his shoulders. So, he's getting us together and doing what he needs to do to be a leader. Can't ask anything more out of him."

&nbsp;The Chiefs practice again Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before the next day off Wednesday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659814414611.jpeg" alt="Receiver Skyy Moore (24) catches a pass during Saturday's training camp practice. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Receiver Skyy Moore (24) catches a pass during Saturday's training camp practice. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph felt the heat wave Saturday, especially those at Chiefs training camp.Temperatures were already in the 80s by Saturday morning with plenty of humidity to go around. Some high level clouds and breeze provided a little relief, as the Chiefs practiced for over two hours at Missouri Western.Head coach Andy Reid thought the team handled the elements well."Little more heat again today," Reid said. "The guys battled through it. We had a day off (Friday). So, they freshened up and came out here and worked their tail off. Great competition between both sides and I appreciated that as the head coach."After a shorter 10-10-10 practice Thursday, and a day off Friday, the Chiefs had a lengthier session Saturday with lots of install, one-on-one drills, special teams, two-minute drills, 9-on-7, 7-on-7 and full team 11-on-11.Injury wise, tight end Jody Forston (quad) and receiver Gary Jennings (concussion) did not practice Saturday. Forston has been out for a week, but Reid says he's "progressing."Receiver Daurice Fountain left practice with a finger injury and will be X-rayed. Defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth did not practice Saturday due to a knee bruise.&nbsp;Right tackle Lucas Niang (knee) and corner Rashad Fenton (shoulder) are still on the injured list.Young talent in the secondarySaturday was a good day for rookie corners Trent McDuffie and Joshua Williams, who each had a handful of pass deflections against top receiver Saturday. Reid, when asked about McDuffie described him as "smart, strong and usually in position to make things happen."Meanwhile, safety and fourth-year pro Juan Thornhill has emerged as a leader in the defensive backfield this camp, especially with the absence of Tyrann Mathieu.Thornhill says not a lot has changed in the way he goes about his business on the field."Just being more vocal to the guys," Thornhill said. "Guys come to me to ask questions and they look to me to give them the right answer if they don't have the right answer. So, that's the only thing I've been doing (different) is trying to be a leader, lead by example and if the (young players) have any questions, they can just ask me."After tearing his ACL in his left knee toward the end of 2019 and not being 100% in 2020, Thornhill says he's feeling his best now, and had said during OTAs that he felt like he could have an all-pro type of season."The knee is healthier," he said. "I have more mental clarity. I feel better all around. I just feel like I'm back to myself and I'm capable of having an all-pro season."Running back depthIt's become apparent by now that the top running back job is once again Clyde Edwards-Helaire's to lose. However, the competition for the No. 2 back has been more interesting.Rookie Isiah Pacheco has won a lot of praise, but Jerick McKinnon is making a case, as is Ronald Jones. Heck, even Derrick Gore got some reps with the first-team offense Saturday."I like the depth at running back," Reid said. "I like it. I'm curious to see those guys compete in games. We know a couple of them, because they've been here, and we're learning about the other two (Jones, Pacheco). It looks like a good group."Receivers coming togetherIn the post Tyreek Hill era, Chiefs fans have been getting acquainted with new faces at wide receiver, like Juju Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Skyy Moore.One face that is familiar from last year is fourth-year pro Mecole Hardman, who was third on the team last season with 693 receiving yards and 59 catches.Hardman says Patrick Mahomes has done a nice job leading and bringing these receivers together."Pat's a leader," he said. "He's going to lead us and we're going to look to him to lead. I think he does a good job of that - putting a lot of pressure on his shoulders. So, he's getting us together and doing what he needs to do to be a leader. Can't ask anything more out of him."&nbsp;The Chiefs practice again Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before the next day off Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659814556805.jpeg" alt="Willie Gay (50) waves to fans while a number of players come down to practice behind him." />
 <figcaption>Willie Gay (50) waves to fans while a number of players come down to practice behind him.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Sat Aug 06 2022 14:20:51 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Camp Highlights 8-6"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M8S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/k23xuwdK-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/k23xuwdK-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/k23xuwdK-3PoaQByF.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Camp Highlights 8-6" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chiefs complete long, hot practice Saturday after day off Friday

WICHITA - The Hays Larks used another strong pitching performance and a couple of late home runs to push past the Liberal Bee Jays 6-2 in the semifinals of the 88th National Baseball Congress World Series Friday night at Eck Stadium.

Garrett Gruell hit a two-run homer off the light pole in left field to break a 2-2 tie in the top of the eighth inning. Palmer Hutchison hit his second homer of the tournament, also a two-run shot to left in the ninth, to give the Larks some insurance.

The Larks (38-9), who entered the game with the lowest ERA in this year's tournament, got another great start this time from Ben Baker-Livingston. The New Mexico freshman allowed the two runs on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Sam Hendon (4-1) followed with a scoreless 1 1/3 innings and picked up the win. Ben McLaughlin, who missed Thursday's quarterfinal round game due to food poisoning, recorded the final six outs for his first save. McLaughlin struck out three of the final four Liberal to send the Larks to Saturday night's title game.

Liberal grabbed the lead in the second on a home run from Tyse Armstrong.

The Larks scored two in the fourth to take the lead.&nbsp; Dylan Dreiling was hit by pitch with one out then scored on a Garrett Gruell double. Leo Jiminian drove in Gruell with a two-out liner to center field.

The Bee Jays (34-6) answered with a run in the bottom of the inning on a groundout following a leadoff single and wild pitch to tie the game 2-2. They would only get two runners in scoring position the rest of the way.

Ben McLaughlin opened the decisive eighth inning with a walk but was forced out at second on a ground ball to second by Dreiling. Gruell followed with his third home run of the season to give Hays the lead for good.

Jack Torosian doubled with two outs in the top of the ninth then scored on Hutchison's team-leading 11th blast.

RUBBER GAME The Larks win the season series with Liberal 3-2. Each went 1-1 on their home field during the regular season with the Bee Jays clinching the Rocky Mountain Baseball League title in the final meeting at Larks Park July 22nd.

The Larks and Bee Jays are now 2-2 in games played at the NBC World Series. The Larks won in 1996 but lost in the 2000 title game and in 2008.

SIXTH TIME IS A CHARM The Larks will face the Santa Barbara Forester's in Saturday's title game at 7:00 p.m. Santa Barbara, who has won the last two titles, beat the Seattle Studs 9-2 in Friday's second semifinal.

This is the Larks sixth trip to the NBC World Series title game, losing in 2016, 2007, 2001, 2000 and 1995.

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostWICHITA - The Hays Larks used another strong pitching performance and a couple of late home runs to push past the Liberal Bee Jays 6-2 in the semifinals of the 88th National Baseball Congress World Series Friday night at Eck Stadium.<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/1318840744&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/larks-coach-interview-08-05-22" title="Frank Leo Postgame vs. Liberal (Aug 5, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame vs. Liberal (Aug 5, 2022)</a></div></div>Garrett Gruell hit a two-run homer off the light pole in left field to break a 2-2 tie in the top of the eighth inning. Palmer Hutchison hit his second homer of the tournament, also a two-run shot to left in the ninth, to give the Larks some insurance.The Larks (38-9), who entered the game with the lowest ERA in this year's tournament, got another great start this time from Ben Baker-Livingston. The New Mexico freshman allowed the two runs on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Sam Hendon (4-1) followed with a scoreless 1 1/3 innings and picked up the win. Ben McLaughlin, who missed Thursday's quarterfinal round game due to food poisoning, recorded the final six outs for his first save. McLaughlin struck out three of the final four Liberal to send the Larks to Saturday night's title game.<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/1318840729&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-814667509/08-05-22-hays-larks-vs-liberal-highlights" title="Hays Larks vs. Liberal Bee Jays Highlights (Aug 5, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays Larks vs. Liberal Bee Jays Highlights (Aug 5, 2022)</a></div></div>Liberal grabbed the lead in the second on a home run from Tyse Armstrong.The Larks scored two in the fourth to take the lead.&nbsp; Dylan Dreiling was hit by pitch with one out then scored on a Garrett Gruell double. Leo Jiminian drove in Gruell with a two-out liner to center field.The Bee Jays (34-6) answered with a run in the bottom of the inning on a groundout following a leadoff single and wild pitch to tie the game 2-2. They would only get two runners in scoring position the rest of the way.Ben McLaughlin opened the decisive eighth inning with a walk but was forced out at second on a ground ball to second by Dreiling. Gruell followed with his third home run of the season to give Hays the lead for good.Jack Torosian doubled with two outs in the top of the ninth then scored on Hutchison's team-leading 11th blast.RUBBER GAME The Larks win the season series with Liberal 3-2. Each went 1-1 on their home field during the regular season with the Bee Jays clinching the Rocky Mountain Baseball League title in the final meeting at Larks Park July 22nd.The Larks and Bee Jays are now 2-2 in games played at the NBC World Series. The Larks won in 1996 but lost in the 2000 title game and in 2008.SIXTH TIME IS A CHARM The Larks will face the Santa Barbara Forester's in Saturday's title game at 7:00 p.m. Santa Barbara, who has won the last two titles, beat the Seattle Studs 9-2 in Friday's second semifinal.This is the Larks sixth trip to the NBC World Series title game, losing in 2016, 2007, 2001, 2000 and 1995.

⚾ Larks use longball to advance to NBC World Series title game

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Xander Bogaerts had four hits, Alex Verdugo doubled twice and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 Friday night.

Verdugo had three hits as Boston evened the four-game series at a win apiece. Josh Winckowski (5-5) allowed one run on five hits over five innings for the Red Sox.

Zack Greinke (3-7) allowed four runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings for Kansas City.

“It felt good. From top to bottom a lot of really good at-bats,” Verdugo said. “We know Greinke. We know he kind of relies on over-aggression and expanding the strike zone. I think we did a really good job of making him come to us and then hitting the mistakes.”

The Red Sox got on the board in the second when ex-Royal Eric Hosmer pulled a double down the right-field line, scoring Verdugo.

Boston added two more runs in the fourth. J.D. Martinez hit a double off the wall in left-center, driving in Bogaerts and Verdugo.

“Greinke is master of throwing pitches around the zone and getting people out,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “He’s been really good throughout his career. We had to grind at-bats.”

The Royals threatened in their half of the fourth. They loaded the bases with one out, but Kyle Isbel grounded back to Winckowski, who threw to the plate for the force out, and Nicky Lopez struck out.

“Those drills from day 3 of spring training, that’s why you do them,” Winckowski said. “When you’re (facing the) bases loaded with one out, you’re either thinking about a strikeout or a groundout. It just happened to be back to me. Then I had to make another pitch after that.”

Bogaerts drove in the Red Sox fourth run with a two-out single, chasing Greinke.

“(Bogaerts is) really good at going the other way,” Cora said. “Today he did it a few times, and it started with the first at-bat. Today was one of those nights when you feel like something good is going to happen.”

Salvador Perez blasted a 454-foot home run to left in the fifth.

Boston got that run back when Reese McGuire drove in Hosmer, who had reached on an error, with a single.

Jarren Duran drove home two with a double in the eighth. The Royals got three in the eighth on Nate Eaton’s sacrifice fly and a two-run double by MJ Melendez.

All nine position players in the Royals starting lineup, plus starting pitcher Zack Greinke, were originally signed or drafted by Kansas City. According to Elias, it’s just the third game in franchise history — and second this season — in which the Royals have done this. They did it last Friday night at Yankee Stadium and on Sept. 19, 1990 at Minnesota.

Boston: RHP Michael Wacha is nearing his return to the Red Sox. He pitched 4 2/3 hitless innings Thursday night for Triple-A Worcester. He and reliever Chase Shugart combined for the first no-hitter in WooSox history. Cora said Wacha felt good today and likely will get one more start before returning to the parent club.

Kansas City: SS Bobby Witt Jr. was not in the lineup Friday. Manager Mike Matheny said the amount of distance he covered in Thursday’s game prompted him to give his prized rookie a rest. Witt was available as a substitute.

The Red Sox and Royals will continue their four-game series Saturday night. RHP Nathan Eovaldi (5-3, 4.11 ERA) will start for Boston. LHP Daniel Lynch (4-7, 4.70 ERA) will get the start for the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Xander Bogaerts had four hits, Alex Verdugo doubled twice and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 Friday night.Verdugo had three hits as Boston evened the four-game series at a win apiece. Josh Winckowski (5-5) allowed one run on five hits over five innings for the Red Sox.Zack Greinke (3-7) allowed four runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings for Kansas City.“It felt good. From top to bottom a lot of really good at-bats,” Verdugo said. “We know Greinke. We know he kind of relies on over-aggression and expanding the strike zone. I think we did a really good job of making him come to us and then hitting the mistakes.”The Red Sox got on the board in the second when ex-Royal Eric Hosmer pulled a double down the right-field line, scoring Verdugo.Boston added two more runs in the fourth. J.D. Martinez hit a double off the wall in left-center, driving in Bogaerts and Verdugo.“Greinke is master of throwing pitches around the zone and getting people out,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “He’s been really good throughout his career. We had to grind at-bats.”The Royals threatened in their half of the fourth. They loaded the bases with one out, but Kyle Isbel grounded back to Winckowski, who threw to the plate for the force out, and Nicky Lopez struck out.“Those drills from day 3 of spring training, that’s why you do them,” Winckowski said. “When you’re (facing the) bases loaded with one out, you’re either thinking about a strikeout or a groundout. It just happened to be back to me. Then I had to make another pitch after that.”Bogaerts drove in the Red Sox fourth run with a two-out single, chasing Greinke.“(Bogaerts is) really good at going the other way,” Cora said. “Today he did it a few times, and it started with the first at-bat. Today was one of those nights when you feel like something good is going to happen.”Salvador Perez blasted a 454-foot home run to left in the fifth.Boston got that run back when Reese McGuire drove in Hosmer, who had reached on an error, with a single.Jarren Duran drove home two with a double in the eighth. The Royals got three in the eighth on Nate Eaton’s sacrifice fly and a two-run double by MJ Melendez.HOMEGROWNAll nine position players in the Royals starting lineup, plus starting pitcher Zack Greinke, were originally signed or drafted by Kansas City. According to Elias, it’s just the third game in franchise history — and second this season — in which the Royals have done this. They did it last Friday night at Yankee Stadium and on Sept. 19, 1990 at Minnesota.TRAINING ROOMBoston: RHP Michael Wacha is nearing his return to the Red Sox. He pitched 4 2/3 hitless innings Thursday night for Triple-A Worcester. He and reliever Chase Shugart combined for the first no-hitter in WooSox history. Cora said Wacha felt good today and likely will get one more start before returning to the parent club.Kansas City: SS Bobby Witt Jr. was not in the lineup Friday. Manager Mike Matheny said the amount of distance he covered in Thursday’s game prompted him to give his prized rookie a rest. Witt was available as a substitute.UP NEXTThe Red Sox and Royals will continue their four-game series Saturday night. RHP Nathan Eovaldi (5-3, 4.11 ERA) will start for Boston. LHP Daniel Lynch (4-7, 4.70 ERA) will get the start for the Royals.

⚾Royals rally fall short in loss to Red Sox

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a line drive, three-run homer run to break open a close game and finished with four RBIs, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 7-3 win over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night.

Perez’s blast in the seventh inning appeared to hit the wall below a railing in left field. The play was reviewed and the original call stood. The call prompted Boston manager Alex Cora to argue with home plate umpire Bill Welke, who tossed Cora.

“I saw a homer,” a smiling Perez said when asked about the call. “I looked at the umpire and he said it was a homer. So it’s a homer. I’m not going to argue with a homer.”

Even after the game, Cora maintained a different opinion.

“We all thought it was going to be overturned,” he said. “In our eyes, the ball was in the ballpark and in play. Probably a double and they score two. But not a homer.”

Bobby Witt Jr. broke a 3-all tie with an RBI single prior to Perez’s home run.

Former Royals star Eric Hosmer made his Boston debut, returning to Kauffman Stadium for the first time since the final game of the 2017 season. He finished 0 for 3 with a walk.

Taylor Clarke (3-1) earned the win, despite blowing the lead in the top of the seventh. Darwinzon Hernandez (0-1) took the loss, allowing four runs in the seventh.

Kris Bubic recorded his fourth straight quality start in a no-decision. He allowed two runs on four hits in six innings. He walked the first batter he faced and no more. He struck out six. Nick Pivetta allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out five.

“It was the classic ‘get better as you go,’” Bubic said after the game. “Obviously, I’ve made a bad habit out of starting games poorly, but I was able to right the ship. The curveball for strikes, especially early on, kind of helped me get the command of the other two (pitches, his fastball and changeup). Once the fastball and changeup started clicking, I rolled that combo throughout the rest of the outing.”

The Red Sox led 2-0 three batters into the game. Bubic walked Jaylin Davis leading off and Davis went to third on a double by recently acquired Tommy Pham. Rafael Devers hit one down the left-field line for a two-run single. Bubic then got the next three batters to fly out.

“We’re watching our younger guys have rough starts and then turn the page,” Matheny said. “He had three quality starts in a row. That puts yourself in a bind to think you’re going to get through the sixth and keep the runs down after giving up two in the first.

“I love the style of pitching. He didn’t have his fastball early. He’s learned the lesson of the importance of his breaking ball, because his breaking ball got him back into counts.”

MJ Melendez led off the bottom of the first with a home run. Witt then reached on an infield single. He stole second, advanced to third on a fly ball to center by Perez and scored on a sacrifice fly by Vinnie Pasquantino.

Perez drove in Nicky Lopez with the go-ahead run in the fifth inning. Lopez led off the inning with a walk, but back-to-back strikeouts found him standing on first with two outs. After stealing second, he scored when Perez’s line drive was just beyond the reach of Eric Hosmer at first.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a line drive, three-run homer run to break open a close game and finished with four RBIs, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 7-3 win over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night.Perez’s blast in the seventh inning appeared to hit the wall below a railing in left field. The play was reviewed and the original call stood. The call prompted Boston manager Alex Cora to argue with home plate umpire Bill Welke, who tossed Cora.“I saw a homer,” a smiling Perez said when asked about the call. “I looked at the umpire and he said it was a homer. So it’s a homer. I’m not going to argue with a homer.”Even after the game, Cora maintained a different opinion.“We all thought it was going to be overturned,” he said. “In our eyes, the ball was in the ballpark and in play. Probably a double and they score two. But not a homer.”Bobby Witt Jr. broke a 3-all tie with an RBI single prior to Perez’s home run.Former Royals star Eric Hosmer made his Boston debut, returning to Kauffman Stadium for the first time since the final game of the 2017 season. He finished 0 for 3 with a walk.Taylor Clarke (3-1) earned the win, despite blowing the lead in the top of the seventh. Darwinzon Hernandez (0-1) took the loss, allowing four runs in the seventh.Kris Bubic recorded his fourth straight quality start in a no-decision. He allowed two runs on four hits in six innings. He walked the first batter he faced and no more. He struck out six. Nick Pivetta allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out five.“It was the classic ‘get better as you go,’” Bubic said after the game. “Obviously, I’ve made a bad habit out of starting games poorly, but I was able to right the ship. The curveball for strikes, especially early on, kind of helped me get the command of the other two (pitches, his fastball and changeup). Once the fastball and changeup started clicking, I rolled that combo throughout the rest of the outing.”The Red Sox led 2-0 three batters into the game. Bubic walked Jaylin Davis leading off and Davis went to third on a double by recently acquired Tommy Pham. Rafael Devers hit one down the left-field line for a two-run single. Bubic then got the next three batters to fly out.“We’re watching our younger guys have rough starts and then turn the page,” Matheny said. “He had three quality starts in a row. That puts yourself in a bind to think you’re going to get through the sixth and keep the runs down after giving up two in the first.“I love the style of pitching. He didn’t have his fastball early. He’s learned the lesson of the importance of his breaking ball, because his breaking ball got him back into counts.”MJ Melendez led off the bottom of the first with a home run. Witt then reached on an infield single. He stole second, advanced to third on a fly ball to center by Perez and scored on a sacrifice fly by Vinnie Pasquantino.Perez drove in Nicky Lopez with the go-ahead run in the fifth inning. Lopez led off the inning with a walk, but back-to-back strikeouts found him standing on first with two outs. After stealing second, he scored when Perez’s line drive was just beyond the reach of Eric Hosmer at first.Kevin Plawecki drove in Christian Arroyo with the tying run with a two-out single in the seventh inning.UP NEXTThe Red Sox and Royals will play the second game of a four-game series Friday night. RHP Zack Greinke (3-6, 4.41 ERA) will start for KC against Boston's Josh Winckowski (4-5, 5.00 ERA).

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