MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With the 2021 football home opener right around the corner, K-State – continually striving to provide its fans with the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12 – announced today a list of new improvements for fans attending games this fall at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

“We are excited to welcome back the best fans in all of college football to Bill Snyder Family Stadium,” Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “The past year has allowed us to really think about how we operate and what we can do to make their experience the best it can be possibly be each week. Our fans do an outstanding job informing us of their concerns through surveys and emails, and we take that input very seriously when considering making improvements and enhancements that will serve as a benefit for them.”

Headlining the new amenities are aspects of the South End Zone Concourse and Shamrock Zone that will impact all K-State fans inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Those include:

Kansas State opens the 2021 campaign next Saturday, September 4, as the Wildcats take on Stanford in the Allstate Kickoff Classic inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game, which kicks off at 11 a.m., will be shown nationally on FS1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629817989423.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With the 2021 football home opener right around the corner, K-State – continually striving to provide its fans with the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12 – announced today a list of new improvements for fans attending games this fall at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.“We are excited to welcome back the best fans in all of college football to Bill Snyder Family Stadium,” Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “The past year has allowed us to really think about how we operate and what we can do to make their experience the best it can be possibly be each week. Our fans do an outstanding job informing us of their concerns through surveys and emails, and we take that input very seriously when considering making improvements and enhancements that will serve as a benefit for them.”Headlining the new amenities are aspects of the South End Zone Concourse and Shamrock Zone that will impact all K-State fans inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Those include:<ul>
 <li>The Powercat Porch, a new beer garden available to all fans located behind Sections 18 and 19</li><li>Willie’s Fun Zone located behind Sections 10 and 11</li><li>Expanded concessions offerings, including:</li><li>EMAW Chos – Featuring various types of meat or vegetarian nachos</li><li>Willie’s Fair Favorites – Bacon Wrapped Corndog, Fried PB&amp;J, Funnel Cake, Fried Bologna Sandwich</li><li>Gridiron Grill – Featuring various types of hamburgers</li><li>Wabash Wraps and Little Cat’s Snacks</li><li>New restrooms located behind Sections 12 and 17</li><li>Nursing Mother’s Room located behind Section 16</li><li>The Touchdown Terrace at the top of the Shamrock Zone, a premium space that includes 50 standing-room tickets with access to the Shamrock Zone Club for an all-inclusive buffet, non-alcoholic beverages and access to a private cash bar.</li>
 </ul>Other amenities include:<ul>
 <li>Updated K-State Sports mobile app that allows you to easily manage your digital tickets</li><li>The return of tailgating beginning five hours prior to kickoff</li><li>The return of the Pride of Wildcat Land to the student section</li><li>Re-entry into the stadium throughout the game (Gates D and M at the conclusion of the third quarter)</li><li>The return of the South Tailgate Terrace Beer Garden located behind Section 9</li><li>A new North Tailgate Terrace Beer Garden located behind Section 2</li>
 </ul>Kansas State opens the 2021 campaign next Saturday, September 4, as the Wildcats take on Stanford in the Allstate Kickoff Classic inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game, which kicks off at 11 a.m., will be shown nationally on FS1.Kansas State Athletics

🏈 K-State announces football gameday improvements for 2021 season

HOUSTON (AP) — Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBIs, Salvador Perez extended a career high with his 33rd homer and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-1 on Monday night.

The Royals have won seven of their last eight games, taking three of four from Houston at home last week before sweeping the Chicago Cubs this past weekend.

“We’re building off of yesterday, and each day we just take something positive that we’ve been doing," manager Mike Matheny said.

Perez has 81 RBIs this season, which leads the team and is a career best, eclipsing the 80 he had in both 2017 and 2018. He got back on track against the AL West leaders after going 0 for 5 on Sunday.

Merrifield had an RBI double in the seventh inning and drove in two more with a triple in Kansas City’s three-run eighth.

Kansas City rookie starter Daniel Lynch (4-3) yielded six hits and one run with three walks in five innings for his third straight win.

“We had good at-bats, but it always starts with starting pitching and Daniel was fantastic," Matheny said.

Houston manager Dusty Baker is disappointed his team has dropped four of five in the season series against a team with a losing record.

“They’re hot and feeling pretty good about themselves," he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the softer part of the schedule as far as everybody is concerned. They don’t feel like the softer part of the schedule."

The Royals got a double from Ryan O’Hearn in the second and took a 1-0 lead when he scored on a ground-rule double by Emmanuel Rivera with two outs.

The homer by Perez off Zack Greinke (11-4) came in the third to make it 2-0.

Taylor Jones singled and Martín Maldonado walked to start the Houston third. Michael Brantley grounded into a force out before Yuli Gurriel doubled to score Jones and cut the lead to 2-1.

The Astros loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth, but Yordan Alvarez grounded out.

“(Lynch) seemed to just really make quality pitches in counts where a lot of pitchers aren’t going to be able to execute," Matheny said. “Just a really impressive mix."

Greinke permitted six hits and two runs in six innings.

Yimi García took over for him and walked Michael A. Taylor to start the seventh before Rivera singled. Merrifield doubled on a grounder down the third-base line just out of the reach of a diving Aledmys Díaz to score Taylor and make it 3-1.

Perez hit a grounder to Garcia, but his throw home sailed over Maldonado’s head for an error that allowed Rivera to score. Perez initially advanced to second on the play and was called safe, but the Astros challenged the ruling and it was overturned after a replay review.

The Astros scored 27 runs combined in wins over Seattle on Friday and Saturday but have struggled to take advantage of scoring opportunities in their last two games. They went 3 for 16 with runners in scoring position in a 6-3 loss to the Mariners in 11 innings Sunday and were 1 for 9 in those situations Monday.

Houston certainly isn't happy with its recent results against the Royals, but the Astros remained 3 1/2 games ahead of second-place Oakland and are trying to keep things in perspective.

“I don’t think it’s a huge deal," Gurriel said through a translator. “It’s better that we have a bad stretch now than at the end of the season."

Royals: 1B Carlos Santana exited in the ninth after he was injured running to first base on a force out. Matheny said Santana has a Grade 1 hip strain and is day to day. ... RHP Kyle Zimmer was activated from the injured list after missing about three weeks with neck spasms. ... LHP Jake Brentz was placed on the injured list with a left shoulder injury.

Astros: OF Chas McCormick was out of the lineup for a third straight game because of soreness in his left hand. ... 3B Alex Bregman (strained left quadriceps) had three hits for Triple-A Sugar Land in a rehab game. He will return to Houston on Tuesday to be evaluated before the team determines if he’s ready to be activated. ... RHP José Urquidy (right shoulder discomfort) will make a rehabilitation start for Sugar Land on Tuesday night.

It was Merrifield's 36th multi-hit game, tied with Perez for most on the team.

Kansas City’s Brady Singer (3-8, 5.23 ERA) opposes Luis Garcia (9-6, 3.39) when the series continues Tuesday night.

HOUSTON (AP) — Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBIs, Salvador Perez extended a career high with his 33rd homer and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-1 on Monday night.The Royals have won seven of their last eight games, taking three of four from Houston at home last week before sweeping the Chicago Cubs this past weekend.“We’re building off of yesterday, and each day we just take something positive that we’ve been doing," manager Mike Matheny said.Perez has 81 RBIs this season, which leads the team and is a career best, eclipsing the 80 he had in both 2017 and 2018. He got back on track against the AL West leaders after going 0 for 5 on Sunday.Merrifield had an RBI double in the seventh inning and drove in two more with a triple in Kansas City’s three-run eighth.Kansas City rookie starter Daniel Lynch (4-3) yielded six hits and one run with three walks in five innings for his third straight win.“We had good at-bats, but it always starts with starting pitching and Daniel was fantastic," Matheny said.Houston manager Dusty Baker is disappointed his team has dropped four of five in the season series against a team with a losing record.“They’re hot and feeling pretty good about themselves," he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the softer part of the schedule as far as everybody is concerned. They don’t feel like the softer part of the schedule."The Royals got a double from Ryan O’Hearn in the second and took a 1-0 lead when he scored on a ground-rule double by Emmanuel Rivera with two outs.The homer by Perez off Zack Greinke (11-4) came in the third to make it 2-0.Taylor Jones singled and Martín Maldonado walked to start the Houston third. Michael Brantley grounded into a force out before Yuli Gurriel doubled to score Jones and cut the lead to 2-1.The Astros loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth, but Yordan Alvarez grounded out.“(Lynch) seemed to just really make quality pitches in counts where a lot of pitchers aren’t going to be able to execute," Matheny said. “Just a really impressive mix."Greinke permitted six hits and two runs in six innings.Yimi García took over for him and walked Michael A. Taylor to start the seventh before Rivera singled. Merrifield doubled on a grounder down the third-base line just out of the reach of a diving Aledmys Díaz to score Taylor and make it 3-1.Perez hit a grounder to Garcia, but his throw home sailed over Maldonado’s head for an error that allowed Rivera to score. Perez initially advanced to second on the play and was called safe, but the Astros challenged the ruling and it was overturned after a replay review.The Astros scored 27 runs combined in wins over Seattle on Friday and Saturday but have struggled to take advantage of scoring opportunities in their last two games. They went 3 for 16 with runners in scoring position in a 6-3 loss to the Mariners in 11 innings Sunday and were 1 for 9 in those situations Monday.Houston certainly isn't happy with its recent results against the Royals, but the Astros remained 3 1/2 games ahead of second-place Oakland and are trying to keep things in perspective.“I don’t think it’s a huge deal," Gurriel said through a translator. “It’s better that we have a bad stretch now than at the end of the season."RAINER’S ROOMRoyals: 1B Carlos Santana exited in the ninth after he was injured running to first base on a force out. Matheny said Santana has a Grade 1 hip strain and is day to day. ... RHP Kyle Zimmer was activated from the injured list after missing about three weeks with neck spasms. ... LHP Jake Brentz was placed on the injured list with a left shoulder injury.Astros: OF Chas McCormick was out of the lineup for a third straight game because of soreness in his left hand. ... 3B Alex Bregman (strained left quadriceps) had three hits for Triple-A Sugar Land in a rehab game. He will return to Houston on Tuesday to be evaluated before the team determines if he’s ready to be activated. ... RHP José Urquidy (right shoulder discomfort) will make a rehabilitation start for Sugar Land on Tuesday night.MULTI-HIT GAMESIt was Merrifield's 36th multi-hit game, tied with Perez for most on the team.UP NEXTKansas City’s Brady Singer (3-8, 5.23 ERA) opposes Luis Garcia (9-6, 3.39) when the series continues Tuesday night.

⚾ Merrifield, Rivera collect three hits each as Royals beat Astros

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran defensive end Taco Charlton, offensive lineman Bryan Witzmann and defensive back Will Parks on Monday as they made the next round of roster cuts ahead of their preseason finale.

The Chiefs also waived linebacker Riley Cole and quarterback Anthony Gordon.

Charlton was a first-round pick of the Cowboys in the 2017 draft, but he’s been unable to break into a consistent role in the NFL. After not working out in Dallas he was claimed by the Dolphins in 2019, then signed with the Chiefs prior to last season, eventually appearing in seven games with a pair of sacks and a forced fumble.

Yet even with his college teammate, Frank Clark, providing some guidance on the other side of the defensive line, Charlton was unable to make enough of an impact to carve out a spot on the Chiefs roster for the upcoming season.

“Listen, Taco is going to play in this league. He’s too good of a player not to,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday. “It just didn’t work out in this case. The way these cuts are set up, it’s a little different than years past, so you have to make these decisions. I’m hoping he hooks up with someone or eventually comes back here.”

One of the reasons the Chiefs felt comfortable cutting Charleton loose was that the experiment of moving Chris Jones from defensive tackle to defensive end has proven seamless. Jones dropped some weight and improved his quickness in this past offseason, and he’s been able to translate that into plenty of quarterback pressure in limited preseason snaps.

“I’m a veteran in the room,” Jones said, “but I feel so good rushing off the edge. So my thing is to continue to get 1 percent better throughout this camp, and when we do that by the time the season reaches, we just keep on elevating baby, keep on elevating, and we’re going to be where we want to be by the end of the year.”

The Chiefs also have high expectations for second-year pro Mike Danna, who has carved out a backup job behind Clark, and Joshua Kaindoh, whom they chose in the fourth round out of Florida State this past April.

Then there’s the fact that Jarran Reed, one of their important free-agent acquisitions, has played well in the middle of the defensive line. That has kept the Chiefs from being tempted to move Jones back to his previous spot up front.

“I mean, they’re communicating well,” Reid said. “As much as the offensive lines move, you have to move and just do it, and they’re playing strong in there right now. We have to keep growing. We have to keep getting better. But we will.”

Improved performance on the defensive line is important for the Chiefs this season. They struggled against the run much of last season, and they were particularly poor on defense when it came to defending the red zone.

“Coach Reid and the rest of our coaching staff put together a plan for us to get more reps in the red zone, so all you can do is go out there and work at it,” said Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens. “That’s the forefront of our mind right now, so just getting better in all areas, especially in the red zone.”

Witzmann started 13 games for the Chiefs in 2017, then spent the next two seasons with the Bears and Panthers. He returned to Kansas City last season, when injuries ravaged the offensive line, but appeared in just one game. And it became difficult to earn a spot this season when the Chiefs completely reworked their offensive line.

Parks was brought in to provide experience in the secondary, but became expendable with the emergence of young players such as Devon Key. The Chiefs chose to release him ahead of final cutdowns to give him a chance to sign elsewhere.

In other news, Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill practiced Monday after missing last weekend’s preseason game in Arizona with a tight hamstring. But running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who sprained his ankle early in the game, was still trying to get the soreness out of it after a walkthrough Monday morning and could miss practice time this week.

The Chiefs play their preseason finale — and only home preseason game — against the Vikings on Friday night.

“It’ll be great to be back at Arrowhead Stadium and with our fans there,” Reid said. “I know they’re looking forward to it and the players are, even though we had a small number last year. It’ll be good to get that place packed up. There’s no better venue in the NFL than Arrowhead Stadium.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran defensive end Taco Charlton, offensive lineman Bryan Witzmann and defensive back Will Parks on Monday as they made the next round of roster cuts ahead of their preseason finale.The Chiefs also waived linebacker Riley Cole and quarterback Anthony Gordon.Charlton was a first-round pick of the Cowboys in the 2017 draft, but he’s been unable to break into a consistent role in the NFL. After not working out in Dallas he was claimed by the Dolphins in 2019, then signed with the Chiefs prior to last season, eventually appearing in seven games with a pair of sacks and a forced fumble.Yet even with his college teammate, Frank Clark, providing some guidance on the other side of the defensive line, Charlton was unable to make enough of an impact to carve out a spot on the Chiefs roster for the upcoming season.“Listen, Taco is going to play in this league. He’s too good of a player not to,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday. “It just didn’t work out in this case. The way these cuts are set up, it’s a little different than years past, so you have to make these decisions. I’m hoping he hooks up with someone or eventually comes back here.”One of the reasons the Chiefs felt comfortable cutting Charleton loose was that the experiment of moving Chris Jones from defensive tackle to defensive end has proven seamless. Jones dropped some weight and improved his quickness in this past offseason, and he’s been able to translate that into plenty of quarterback pressure in limited preseason snaps.“I’m a veteran in the room,” Jones said, “but I feel so good rushing off the edge. So my thing is to continue to get 1 percent better throughout this camp, and when we do that by the time the season reaches, we just keep on elevating baby, keep on elevating, and we’re going to be where we want to be by the end of the year.”The Chiefs also have high expectations for second-year pro Mike Danna, who has carved out a backup job behind Clark, and Joshua Kaindoh, whom they chose in the fourth round out of Florida State this past April.Then there’s the fact that Jarran Reed, one of their important free-agent acquisitions, has played well in the middle of the defensive line. That has kept the Chiefs from being tempted to move Jones back to his previous spot up front.“I mean, they’re communicating well,” Reid said. “As much as the offensive lines move, you have to move and just do it, and they’re playing strong in there right now. We have to keep growing. We have to keep getting better. But we will.”Improved performance on the defensive line is important for the Chiefs this season. They struggled against the run much of last season, and they were particularly poor on defense when it came to defending the red zone.“Coach Reid and the rest of our coaching staff put together a plan for us to get more reps in the red zone, so all you can do is go out there and work at it,” said Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens. “That’s the forefront of our mind right now, so just getting better in all areas, especially in the red zone.”Witzmann started 13 games for the Chiefs in 2017, then spent the next two seasons with the Bears and Panthers. He returned to Kansas City last season, when injuries ravaged the offensive line, but appeared in just one game. And it became difficult to earn a spot this season when the Chiefs completely reworked their offensive line.Parks was brought in to provide experience in the secondary, but became expendable with the emergence of young players such as Devon Key. The Chiefs chose to release him ahead of final cutdowns to give him a chance to sign elsewhere.In other news, Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill practiced Monday after missing last weekend’s preseason game in Arizona with a tight hamstring. But running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who sprained his ankle early in the game, was still trying to get the soreness out of it after a walkthrough Monday morning and could miss practice time this week.The Chiefs play their preseason finale — and only home preseason game — against the Vikings on Friday night.“It’ll be great to be back at Arrowhead Stadium and with our fans there,” Reid said. “I know they’re looking forward to it and the players are, even though we had a small number last year. It’ll be good to get that place packed up. There’s no better venue in the NFL than Arrowhead Stadium.”

🏈 Chiefs trim DE Charlton, OL Witzmann as roster cuts continue

COLBY — The Colby Community College Athletic Department announced that tickets for home games are on sale at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbytrojans.com/tickets">www.ColbyTrojans.com/tickets</a>. A new feature this year is the option to buy and store digital tickets with the HomeTown Fan App available for both iOS and Android devices.

A variety of options are available, including reserved season tickets, all-sports season passes, and single-game tickets. Season tickets are available for volleyball and basketball, allowing fans to select their seat for home games. All-Sport season passes give fans access to general admission seating for all CCC home games in 2021-22.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Colby CCCOLBY — The Colby Community College Athletic Department announced that tickets for home games are on sale at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbytrojans.com/tickets">www.ColbyTrojans.com/tickets</a>. A new feature this year is the option to buy and store digital tickets with the HomeTown Fan App available for both iOS and Android devices.A variety of options are available, including reserved season tickets, all-sports season passes, and single-game tickets. Season tickets are available for volleyball and basketball, allowing fans to select their seat for home games. All-Sport season passes give fans access to general admission seating for all CCC home games in 2021-22.&nbsp;

Tickets for Colby Community College athletics on sale 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team was picked ninth in the 2021 MIAA preseason coaches poll, released Monday by the league office. The Tigers received 25 points in the balloting process, five points ahead of 10th-place Emporia State and 10 clear of 11th-place Newman. Nebraska-Kearney, winners of the 2021 MIAA Spring Volleyball Tournament, tops the poll with 96 points thanks to seven first-place votes. Washburn (88 points) and Northwest Missouri State (86 points) both received two first-place votes and are separated by just two points for second and third, respectively. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1001">Jessica Wood-Atkins</a>&nbsp;enters her fourth year at the helm in 2021 with a squad consisting of eight returners and six newcomers.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6111">Isabelle Reynolds</a>, an honorable mention All-MIAA outside hitter in 2019, is the lone returning senior on this year's roster, but she is joined on the front line by four other returning hitters in juniors&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6107">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6106">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6104">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6112">Riley Tinder</a>. Returning setter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6108">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;is joined by two transfers, senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6365">Olivia Hessman</a>&nbsp;from Southern Arkansas and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6237">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;from Nicholls State. Defensive responsibilities will be up to returners&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6105">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6110">Morgan McIntire</a>, while Coffeyville CC transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6236">Jaysa Wichers</a>&nbsp;and freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6208">Claire Olson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6209">Delanie Patterson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6210">Jessica Saunders</a>&nbsp;round out the Tiger attacking group. The Tigers will open the season for their first official competition in nearly 22 months on September 3-4 when they travel to Pueblo, Colo. for the Steel City Showcase, hosted by CSU-Pueblo. Fort Hays State will play at home for the first time September 10-11 when they host the 2021 Tiger Classic, consisting of 12 games on two courts across the two days of action. Conference action kicks off on Friday, September 17 when the Tigers host Washburn. 2021 MIAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Nebraska-Kearney - 96 points (7 first-place votes) 2. Washburn - 88 points (2) 3. Northwest Missouri State - 86 points (2) 4. Central Missouri - 75 points 5. Central Oklahoma - 62 points 6. Missouri Western - 48 points 7. Missouri Southern - 47 points 8. Pittsburg State - 43 points 9. Fort Hays State - 25 points 10. Emporia State - 20 points 11. Newman - 15 points&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629747488610.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team was picked ninth in the 2021 MIAA preseason coaches poll, released Monday by the league office. The Tigers received 25 points in the balloting process, five points ahead of 10th-place Emporia State and 10 clear of 11th-place Newman. Nebraska-Kearney, winners of the 2021 MIAA Spring Volleyball Tournament, tops the poll with 96 points thanks to seven first-place votes. Washburn (88 points) and Northwest Missouri State (86 points) both received two first-place votes and are separated by just two points for second and third, respectively. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1001">Jessica Wood-Atkins</a>&nbsp;enters her fourth year at the helm in 2021 with a squad consisting of eight returners and six newcomers.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6111">Isabelle Reynolds</a>, an honorable mention All-MIAA outside hitter in 2019, is the lone returning senior on this year's roster, but she is joined on the front line by four other returning hitters in juniors&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6107">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6106">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6104">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6112">Riley Tinder</a>. Returning setter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6108">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;is joined by two transfers, senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6365">Olivia Hessman</a>&nbsp;from Southern Arkansas and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6237">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;from Nicholls State. Defensive responsibilities will be up to returners&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6105">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6110">Morgan McIntire</a>, while Coffeyville CC transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6236">Jaysa Wichers</a>&nbsp;and freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6208">Claire Olson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6209">Delanie Patterson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6210">Jessica Saunders</a>&nbsp;round out the Tiger attacking group. The Tigers will open the season for their first official competition in nearly 22 months on September 3-4 when they travel to Pueblo, Colo. for the Steel City Showcase, hosted by CSU-Pueblo. Fort Hays State will play at home for the first time September 10-11 when they host the 2021 Tiger Classic, consisting of 12 games on two courts across the two days of action. Conference action kicks off on Friday, September 17 when the Tigers host Washburn. 2021 MIAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Nebraska-Kearney - 96 points (7 first-place votes) 2. Washburn - 88 points (2) 3. Northwest Missouri State - 86 points (2) 4. Central Missouri - 75 points 5. Central Oklahoma - 62 points 6. Missouri Western - 48 points 7. Missouri Southern - 47 points 8. Pittsburg State - 43 points 9. Fort Hays State - 25 points 10. Emporia State - 20 points 11. Newman - 15 points&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 FHSU picked ninth in MIAA preseason coaches poll

CHICAGO (AP) — Andrew Benintendi drove in three runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat the sliding Chicago Cubs 9-1 on Sunday for a sweep of their weekend series.

It was Chicago’s franchise-record 13th consecutive loss at Wrigley Field.

Benintendi and Carlos Santana each had three hits in Kansas City’s sixth win in seven games. Hunter Dozier doubled and drove in two runs.

Royals right-hander Carlos Hernández (4-1) struck out a career-high eight in seven innings, also a career best. He allowed one run and four hits.

Frank Schwindel had two hits for the Cubs, who have dropped 18 of 22 since trading away stars Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Báez and Craig Kimbrel.

“Listen, it’s no fun to lose,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “It’s like, nobody is having a good time.”

Benintendi helped Kansas City get off to a fast start. He singled, advanced on second baseman Matt Duffy’s error and scored on Dozier’s single in the second. He added a two-run double in the third against Alec Mills (5-6).

“I wish I knew,” Whit Merrifield said of the 55-68 Royals’ recent success. “If we all knew, we would have been doing this in April and continued it through the course of the year. That’s how it goes sometimes.”

Merrifield’s sacrifice fly and Nicky Lopez’s single extended the lead to 5-0 in the fourth.

The Cubs got one back in the bottom half, with some help from the Royals. Center fielder Michael A. Taylor and right fielder Dozier misplayed Ian Happ’s fly ball into a ground-rule double. Both outfielders pursued the ball before it dropped between them. Happ scored on Duffy’s single.

Mills was charged with seven runs, six earned, and 11 hits in four-plus innings.

“You gotta do what you gotta do,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “You pull into this park and see the flags like they were today, elevating is not the secret. It’s doing exactly what they did. That was a relentless offensive attack, guys moving runners over.”

“We just want to win,” Mills said. “It’s obviously not a fun clubhouse after games right now.”

Royals: C Salvador Perez returned to the lineup. He was scratched Saturday before he pinch-hit in the ninth and grounded out. Perez left Friday’s game in the eighth due to a headache after a foul tip hit him two innings earlier.

Cubs: INF Nico Hoerner (right oblique strain) exited the first game of his rehab assignment with Class A South Bend during his third-inning at-bat. He felt increased tension across his oblique and pulled himself as a precaution, according to the Cubs. Hoerner was originally scheduled to continue his rehab with Triple-A Iowa later this week. Ross said Hoerner will primarily play shortstop when he comes off the IL. …C Willson Contreras (right knee sprain) has been doing some catching and may see time at designated hitter when he returns, Ross said. The Cubs play the White Sox and Twins this month.

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch (3-3, 5.12 ERA) is set to make his second straight start against the Astros to begin Monday’s series at Houston. RHP Zack Greinke (11-3, 3.43 ERA) will pitch for the Astros.

Cubs: RHP Kyle Hendricks (14-5, 4.04 ERA) is scheduled to start Monday’s series opener against Colorado and RHP Antonio Senzatela (2-9, 4.58 ERA). Hendricks leads the majors with 14 wins.

CHICAGO (AP) — Andrew Benintendi drove in three runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat the sliding Chicago Cubs 9-1 on Sunday for a sweep of their weekend series.It was Chicago’s franchise-record 13th consecutive loss at Wrigley Field.Benintendi and Carlos Santana each had three hits in Kansas City’s sixth win in seven games. Hunter Dozier doubled and drove in two runs.Royals right-hander Carlos Hernández (4-1) struck out a career-high eight in seven innings, also a career best. He allowed one run and four hits.Frank Schwindel had two hits for the Cubs, who have dropped 18 of 22 since trading away stars Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Báez and Craig Kimbrel.“Listen, it’s no fun to lose,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “It’s like, nobody is having a good time.”Benintendi helped Kansas City get off to a fast start. He singled, advanced on second baseman Matt Duffy’s error and scored on Dozier’s single in the second. He added a two-run double in the third against Alec Mills (5-6).“I wish I knew,” Whit Merrifield said of the 55-68 Royals’ recent success. “If we all knew, we would have been doing this in April and continued it through the course of the year. That’s how it goes sometimes.”Merrifield’s sacrifice fly and Nicky Lopez’s single extended the lead to 5-0 in the fourth.The Cubs got one back in the bottom half, with some help from the Royals. Center fielder Michael A. Taylor and right fielder Dozier misplayed Ian Happ’s fly ball into a ground-rule double. Both outfielders pursued the ball before it dropped between them. Happ scored on Duffy’s single.Mills was charged with seven runs, six earned, and 11 hits in four-plus innings.“You gotta do what you gotta do,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “You pull into this park and see the flags like they were today, elevating is not the secret. It’s doing exactly what they did. That was a relentless offensive attack, guys moving runners over.”HE SAID IT“We just want to win,” Mills said. “It’s obviously not a fun clubhouse after games right now.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez returned to the lineup. He was scratched Saturday before he pinch-hit in the ninth and grounded out. Perez left Friday’s game in the eighth due to a headache after a foul tip hit him two innings earlier.Cubs: INF Nico Hoerner (right oblique strain) exited the first game of his rehab assignment with Class A South Bend during his third-inning at-bat. He felt increased tension across his oblique and pulled himself as a precaution, according to the Cubs. Hoerner was originally scheduled to continue his rehab with Triple-A Iowa later this week. Ross said Hoerner will primarily play shortstop when he comes off the IL. …C Willson Contreras (right knee sprain) has been doing some catching and may see time at designated hitter when he returns, Ross said. The Cubs play the White Sox and Twins this month.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch (3-3, 5.12 ERA) is set to make his second straight start against the Astros to begin Monday’s series at Houston. RHP Zack Greinke (11-3, 3.43 ERA) will pitch for the Astros.Cubs: RHP Kyle Hendricks (14-5, 4.04 ERA) is scheduled to start Monday’s series opener against Colorado and RHP Antonio Senzatela (2-9, 4.58 ERA). Hendricks leads the majors with 14 wins.

⚾ Hernández strikes out eight; Royals batter Cubs

The Fort Hays State football team closed out their season week of camp with a scrimmage Saturday morning at Lewis Field.

Below are comments from head coach Chris Brown as well as defensive coordinator Cooper Harris and offensive coordinator Jeff Bryant.

The Tigers open their season at home September 2nd vs. No. 4 Northwest Missouri State.

The Fort Hays State football team closed out their season week of camp with a scrimmage Saturday morning at Lewis Field.Below are comments from head coach Chris Brown as well as defensive coordinator Cooper Harris and offensive coordinator Jeff Bryant.The Tigers open their season at home September 2nd vs. No. 4 Northwest Missouri State.<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/1110548065&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/chris-brown-082121" title="Chris Brown 082121" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown 082121</a></div></div><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/1110549088&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/cooper-harris-082121" title="Cooper Harris 082121" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Cooper Harris 082121</a></div></div><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/1110551092&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/jeff-bryant-082121" title="Jeff Bryant 082121" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jeff Bryant 082121</a></div></div>

🏈 🎧 Tigers wrap up week two with scrimmage

CHICAGO (AP) — Kris Bubic carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on Saturday.

Whit Merrifield had three hits and stole home as part of a double steal, helping Kansas City to its fifth win in six games. Nicky Lopez also had three hits and drove in a run, and Andrew Benintendi finished with two hits.

Bubic (4-6) was working on a no-hitter when the game was delayed in the middle of the seventh because of an approaching storm.

The heavy rain never materialized, and Bubic returned after a 34-minute delay. Frank Schwindel then led off with his second walk and Patrick Wisdom followed with a drive into the bleachers in left for his 20th homer.

“That's just a shame he wasn't able to finish that,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “That's an embarrassment. You pull us off the field, that rain better happen. I hope there's some sort of follow up. That can't happen.”

During the delay, Bubic went to the bullpen to try and stay loose.

“A situation like that is never ideal,” he said. “It is what it is. I'm not going to make excuses.”

Bubic retired Matt Duffy before Domingo Tapia got the last two outs of the seventh. Josh Staumont worked the eighth and Scott Barlow finished the one-hitter for his eighth save.

Bubic, who turned 24 on Thursday, struck out nine and walked two. He was roughed up in his previous start, allowing seven runs in 1.1 innings against St. Louis.

“I think he learned something the last time that is probably going to stick with him a long time,” Matheny said. “That's one of the best adjustments from one start to the next you'll see a young pitcher make.”

Chicago dropped its 12th straight home game, matching the franchise record. It has lost 20 of 24 overall.

Rookie right-hander Keegan Thompson (3-3) allowed two runs and five hits in four innings in his second big league start.

Merrifield singled and scored on a wild pitch in the first. Lopez added an RBI single in the second.

The Royals stretched its lead to 3-0 in the fifth after Chicago appeared to throw Benintendi out at the plate trying to score from first base on a double by Michael A. Taylor. The relay from left fielder Michael Hermosillo and second baseman David Bote easily beat Benintendi, who was tagged out by catcher Robinson Chirinos.

But Kansas City challenged that Chirinos didn’t allow Benintendi a path to the plate, and the call was overturned after review.

“My only issue is he was out by five or six steps,” Chicago manager David Ross said. “He was dead to rights. Where the catcher is shouldn't matter.”

Merrifield and Lopez combined on a double steal in the seventh. Lopez stole second and Merrifield raced home on the throw.

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Iowa before the game, and right-hander Jake Jewell was sent down.

Royals: C Salvador Perez was scratched. Perez left Friday’s game in the eighth inning with a headache after being hit in the head by a foul tip two innings earlier. Perez pinch-hit in the ninth and grounded out.

Cubs: INF Nico Hoerner (right oblique strain) will begin a rehab assignment with Class A South Bend on Sunday. He’s expected to join Triple-A Iowa later in the week when the team returns from a road trip.

Royals right-hander Carlos Hernández (3-1, 4.33 ERA) makes his seventh start of the season in the series finale Sunday. Right-hander Alec Mills (5-5, 4.19 ERA) takes the mound for the Cubs.

CHICAGO (AP) — Kris Bubic carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on Saturday.Whit Merrifield had three hits and stole home as part of a double steal, helping Kansas City to its fifth win in six games. Nicky Lopez also had three hits and drove in a run, and Andrew Benintendi finished with two hits.Bubic (4-6) was working on a no-hitter when the game was delayed in the middle of the seventh because of an approaching storm.The heavy rain never materialized, and Bubic returned after a 34-minute delay. Frank Schwindel then led off with his second walk and Patrick Wisdom followed with a drive into the bleachers in left for his 20th homer.“That's just a shame he wasn't able to finish that,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “That's an embarrassment. You pull us off the field, that rain better happen. I hope there's some sort of follow up. That can't happen.”During the delay, Bubic went to the bullpen to try and stay loose.“A situation like that is never ideal,” he said. “It is what it is. I'm not going to make excuses.”Bubic retired Matt Duffy before Domingo Tapia got the last two outs of the seventh. Josh Staumont worked the eighth and Scott Barlow finished the one-hitter for his eighth save.Bubic, who turned 24 on Thursday, struck out nine and walked two. He was roughed up in his previous start, allowing seven runs in 1.1 innings against St. Louis.“I think he learned something the last time that is probably going to stick with him a long time,” Matheny said. “That's one of the best adjustments from one start to the next you'll see a young pitcher make.”Chicago dropped its 12th straight home game, matching the franchise record. It has lost 20 of 24 overall.Rookie right-hander Keegan Thompson (3-3) allowed two runs and five hits in four innings in his second big league start.Merrifield singled and scored on a wild pitch in the first. Lopez added an RBI single in the second.The Royals stretched its lead to 3-0 in the fifth after Chicago appeared to throw Benintendi out at the plate trying to score from first base on a double by Michael A. Taylor. The relay from left fielder Michael Hermosillo and second baseman David Bote easily beat Benintendi, who was tagged out by catcher Robinson Chirinos.But Kansas City challenged that Chirinos didn’t allow Benintendi a path to the plate, and the call was overturned after review.“My only issue is he was out by five or six steps,” Chicago manager David Ross said. “He was dead to rights. Where the catcher is shouldn't matter.”Merrifield and Lopez combined on a double steal in the seventh. Lopez stole second and Merrifield raced home on the throw.ROSTER MOVEThompson was recalled from Triple-A Iowa before the game, and right-hander Jake Jewell was sent down.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez was scratched. Perez left Friday’s game in the eighth inning with a headache after being hit in the head by a foul tip two innings earlier. Perez pinch-hit in the ninth and grounded out.Cubs: INF Nico Hoerner (right oblique strain) will begin a rehab assignment with Class A South Bend on Sunday. He’s expected to join Triple-A Iowa later in the week when the team returns from a road trip.UP NEXTRoyals right-hander Carlos Hernández (3-1, 4.33 ERA) makes his seventh start of the season in the series finale Sunday. Right-hander Alec Mills (5-5, 4.19 ERA) takes the mound for the Cubs.

⚾ Bubic deals six innings of no-hit ball in Royals victory over Cubs

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Chad Henne and rookie Shane Buechele threw touchdown passes to help the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Arizona Cardinals 17-10 in a preseason game Friday night.

Patrick Mahomes started and completed 10 of 18 passes for 78 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The 2018 Most Valuable Player led two 15-play drives in his most extensive action so far this preseason.

The first 15-play drive ended on a 24-yard field goal by Harrison Butker and the second abruptly stopped when Byron Murphy Jr. intercepted Mahomes' pass in the end zone.

Henne was 6 of 8 for 82 yards and a touchdown. Buechele was 9 of 11 for 115 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Byron Pringle caught four passes for 63 yards.

Kansas City (2-0) led 10-0 at halftime. Juan Thornhill snagged an interception on a diving catch with 30 seconds left in the second quarter to stop a promising Arizona drive.

Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray saw his first preseason action, playing the first three series. He was 1-of-4 passing for 2 yards and also gained 8 yards on the ground. The Cardinals (1-1) didn't get a first down on any of the possessions.

Backup Colt McCoy was 13 of 18 for 113 yards and one interception. The Cardinals managed just 239 total yards.

Kansas City pushed ahead 17-0 midway through the third quarter when Buechele hit Jerick McKinnon for a 5-yard touchdown strike.

The Cardinals scored for the first time when Matt Prater made a 22-yard field goal late in the third. Chris Streveler connected with Ross Travis on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 9:03 left in the fourth.

The game was a reunion for Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury and Mahomes, who played for Kingsbury in college at Texas Tech. The two talked on the field before the game.

Kingsbury's success in helping Mahomes develop into an NFL-caliber quarterback is part of the reason he got the job with the Arizona Cardinals prior to the 2019 season. Mahomes threw for more than 5,000 yards over 12 games in his final season at Texas Tech and was then drafted by the Chiefs, where he's led the franchise on back-to-back Super Bowl runs.

Chiefs: RB Darrel Williams left the game in the second quarter and was evaluated for a concussion.

Cardinals: NFL Network reported that two assistant coaches, including tight ends coach Steve Heiden, missed the game due to COVID-19 protocols. Kingsbury said earlier in training camp that the entire coaching staff was vaccinated. Three players — including starting left guard Justin Pugh and defensive lineman Jordan Phillips — also missed the game because of COVID-19.

The Chiefs wrap up their preseason schedule at home against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 27.

The Cardinals play their final preseason game on the road against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 28.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Chad Henne and rookie Shane Buechele threw touchdown passes to help the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Arizona Cardinals 17-10 in a preseason game Friday night.Patrick Mahomes started and completed 10 of 18 passes for 78 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The 2018 Most Valuable Player led two 15-play drives in his most extensive action so far this preseason.The first 15-play drive ended on a 24-yard field goal by Harrison Butker and the second abruptly stopped when Byron Murphy Jr. intercepted Mahomes' pass in the end zone.Henne was 6 of 8 for 82 yards and a touchdown. Buechele was 9 of 11 for 115 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Byron Pringle caught four passes for 63 yards.Kansas City (2-0) led 10-0 at halftime. Juan Thornhill snagged an interception on a diving catch with 30 seconds left in the second quarter to stop a promising Arizona drive.Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray saw his first preseason action, playing the first three series. He was 1-of-4 passing for 2 yards and also gained 8 yards on the ground. The Cardinals (1-1) didn't get a first down on any of the possessions.Backup Colt McCoy was 13 of 18 for 113 yards and one interception. The Cardinals managed just 239 total yards.Kansas City pushed ahead 17-0 midway through the third quarter when Buechele hit Jerick McKinnon for a 5-yard touchdown strike.The Cardinals scored for the first time when Matt Prater made a 22-yard field goal late in the third. Chris Streveler connected with Ross Travis on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 9:03 left in the fourth.TEXAS TECH REUNIONThe game was a reunion for Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury and Mahomes, who played for Kingsbury in college at Texas Tech. The two talked on the field before the game.Kingsbury's success in helping Mahomes develop into an NFL-caliber quarterback is part of the reason he got the job with the Arizona Cardinals prior to the 2019 season. Mahomes threw for more than 5,000 yards over 12 games in his final season at Texas Tech and was then drafted by the Chiefs, where he's led the franchise on back-to-back Super Bowl runs.INJURIESChiefs: RB Darrel Williams left the game in the second quarter and was evaluated for a concussion.Cardinals: NFL Network reported that two assistant coaches, including tight ends coach Steve Heiden, missed the game due to COVID-19 protocols. Kingsbury said earlier in training camp that the entire coaching staff was vaccinated. Three players — including starting left guard Justin Pugh and defensive lineman Jordan Phillips — also missed the game because of COVID-19.UP NEXTThe Chiefs wrap up their preseason schedule at home against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 27.The Cardinals play their final preseason game on the road against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 28.

🏈 Henne, Buechele throw TD passes, Chiefs beat Cardinals

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City’s five home runs in the Royals’ 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

Emmanuel Rivera hit his first career homer, and Andrew Benitendi and Cam Gallagher also connected. The Royals are last in the American League in home runs with 124.

Perez broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning with his second homer of the day off Zach Davies (6-10). The catcher also connected in the fourth.

“The guy loves to play the game and I love watching him,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said.

Royals starter Brad Keller (8-12) had his second straight strong start after giving up two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings against St. Louis on Saturday. The right-hander struck out eight, allowing one earned run on four hits in six innings.

Richard Lovelady, Jake Brentz and Scott Barlow finished for the Royals in the opener of a 10-game trip. Kansas City has won four of its last five games.

“I’m just trying to build upon every start,” Keller said. “I felt pretty good toward my last start and tried to bring it into this start.”

Chicago’s Patrick Wisdom homered in the third. He leads NL rookies with 19 homers.

Davies allowed four home runs. The right-hander threw six innings, allowing five hits and striking out five.

Rivera tied it with his homer in the fifth, Benitendi hit a solo shot in the sixth and Jarrod Dyson added an insurance run in the eighth when he drove in a run on a grounder off reliever Ryan Meisinger. Gallagher homered off Jake Jewell in the ninth.

“After we got a lead early, I put our team in a bad spot,” Davies said. “With Keller on the mound, with their bullpen, we just couldn’t come back home.”

Chicago has lost 11 straight home games. The Cubs have dropped 43 of their last 58 games after leading the NL Central in June.

Cubs: INF Nico Hoerner (right oblique) will take ground balls all weekend and could go on a rehab assignment next week … RHP Adbert Alzolay (left hamstring) threw a bullpen Friday that Cubs manager David Ross said went well … C Wilson Contreras (right knee) hit in the batting cage and will be examined by a doctor.

Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (3-6, 5.09 ERA) and Cubs right-hander Keegan Thompson (3-2, 2.21 ERA) start Saturday. Bubic will look to rebound after giving up seven runs and nine hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched against St. Louis on Sunday. Thompson will make his second career start.

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City’s five home runs in the Royals’ 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday.Emmanuel Rivera hit his first career homer, and Andrew Benitendi and Cam Gallagher also connected. The Royals are last in the American League in home runs with 124.Perez broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning with his second homer of the day off Zach Davies (6-10). The catcher also connected in the fourth.“The guy loves to play the game and I love watching him,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said.Royals starter Brad Keller (8-12) had his second straight strong start after giving up two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings against St. Louis on Saturday. The right-hander struck out eight, allowing one earned run on four hits in six innings.Richard Lovelady, Jake Brentz and Scott Barlow finished for the Royals in the opener of a 10-game trip. Kansas City has won four of its last five games.“I’m just trying to build upon every start,” Keller said. “I felt pretty good toward my last start and tried to bring it into this start.”Chicago’s Patrick Wisdom homered in the third. He leads NL rookies with 19 homers.Davies allowed four home runs. The right-hander threw six innings, allowing five hits and striking out five.Rivera tied it with his homer in the fifth, Benitendi hit a solo shot in the sixth and Jarrod Dyson added an insurance run in the eighth when he drove in a run on a grounder off reliever Ryan Meisinger. Gallagher homered off Jake Jewell in the ninth.“After we got a lead early, I put our team in a bad spot,” Davies said. “With Keller on the mound, with their bullpen, we just couldn’t come back home.”Chicago has lost 11 straight home games. The Cubs have dropped 43 of their last 58 games after leading the NL Central in June.TRAINER’S ROOMCubs: INF Nico Hoerner (right oblique) will take ground balls all weekend and could go on a rehab assignment next week … RHP Adbert Alzolay (left hamstring) threw a bullpen Friday that Cubs manager David Ross said went well … C Wilson Contreras (right knee) hit in the batting cage and will be examined by a doctor.UP NEXTRoyals left-hander Kris Bubic (3-6, 5.09 ERA) and Cubs right-hander Keegan Thompson (3-2, 2.21 ERA) start Saturday. Bubic will look to rebound after giving up seven runs and nine hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched against St. Louis on Sunday. Thompson will make his second career start.

⚾ Royals hit five solo home runs in victory over Cubs

Former Fort Hays State head baseball coach Bob Fornelli chats about his time in Hays.

Former Fort Hays State head baseball coach Bob Fornelli chats about his time in Hays.<div><iframe title="Bob Fornelli" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bqrnf-10bc537-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Bob Fornelli

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;-
 The MIAA has announced new league COVID protocols and policies for the 2021
 fall semester. These protocols and policies were proposed by the MIAA
 COVID-19 Task Force and approved by the MIAA Athletic Administrators
 Committee and CEO Council. 
 &nbsp; 
 The MIAA policies follow the general guidance the NCAA has provided to the
 membership this year. These policies state that COVID-19 prevention and
 management strategies should be&nbsp;developed at the school and community
 level, in each case with federal, state and local public health guidance. 
 &nbsp; 
 “Our&nbsp;primary concern continues to be taking care of each other in the
 conference, and staying healthy,” explains MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. “In
 this regard,&nbsp;we&nbsp;will look to&nbsp;each school to decide health
 management and prevention strategies for their athletics teams based on
 guidance and direction from local health authorities.” 
 &nbsp; 
 Under the fall semester protocol, MIAA Tier 1 individuals who are
 vaccinated will be exempt from campus COVID testing and exempt from being
 asked to quarantine unless the individual is exhibiting COVID symptoms or
 unless vaccinated individuals are mandated to test and/or quarantine per
 institutional policy. MIAA Tier 1 individuals who are not vaccinated will
 be subject to campus COVID testing requirements, isolation restrictions
 following a positive test, and quarantine restrictions as a result of
 contact tracing. 
 &nbsp; 
 The MIAA will follow the current CDC and NCAA guidance for quarantine
 restrictions which suggests a 10-day isolation period. However, quarantine
 restrictions may end after day seven if the individual receives a negative
 test following testing on day five or later of the quarantine period. 
 &nbsp; 
 Fall attendance policies and mask requirements of athletes, coaches and
 spectators will be campus-level decisions. 
 &nbsp; 
 The MIAA continues to encourage the use of masks by all Tier 1 individuals,
 whether vaccinated or not vaccinated, when engaging in nonphysical team
 activities. 
 &nbsp; 
 The fall semester protocols also include policies on the management of MIAA
 officials, contact tracing and postponements of contests. 
 &nbsp; 
 These protocols and policies are effective immediately. Official
 competition for the 2021 fall seasons is scheduled to begin Thursday,
 September 2. 
 &nbsp; 
 The MIAA office is collecting campus restrictions for fans and visitors.
 &nbsp;The MIAA will manage a Fan Page dedicated to this campus information
 on the MIAA website and it will be updated each week. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596047302939.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;-
 The MIAA has announced new league COVID protocols and policies for the 2021
 fall semester. These protocols and policies were proposed by the MIAA
 COVID-19 Task Force and approved by the MIAA Athletic Administrators
 Committee and CEO Council. 
 &nbsp; 
 The MIAA policies follow the general guidance the NCAA has provided to the
 membership this year. These policies state that COVID-19 prevention and
 management strategies should be&nbsp;developed at the school and community
 level, in each case with federal, state and local public health guidance. 
 &nbsp; 
 “Our&nbsp;primary concern continues to be taking care of each other in the
 conference, and staying healthy,” explains MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. “In
 this regard,&nbsp;we&nbsp;will look to&nbsp;each school to decide health
 management and prevention strategies for their athletics teams based on
 guidance and direction from local health authorities.” 
 &nbsp; 
 Under the fall semester protocol, MIAA Tier 1 individuals who are
 vaccinated will be exempt from campus COVID testing and exempt from being
 asked to quarantine unless the individual is exhibiting COVID symptoms or
 unless vaccinated individuals are mandated to test and/or quarantine per
 institutional policy. MIAA Tier 1 individuals who are not vaccinated will
 be subject to campus COVID testing requirements, isolation restrictions
 following a positive test, and quarantine restrictions as a result of
 contact tracing. 
 &nbsp; 
 The MIAA will follow the current CDC and NCAA guidance for quarantine
 restrictions which suggests a 10-day isolation period. However, quarantine
 restrictions may end after day seven if the individual receives a negative
 test following testing on day five or later of the quarantine period. 
 &nbsp; 
 Fall attendance policies and mask requirements of athletes, coaches and
 spectators will be campus-level decisions. 
 &nbsp; 
 The MIAA continues to encourage the use of masks by all Tier 1 individuals,
 whether vaccinated or not vaccinated, when engaging in nonphysical team
 activities. 
 &nbsp; 
 The fall semester protocols also include policies on the management of MIAA
 officials, contact tracing and postponements of contests. 
 &nbsp; 
 These protocols and policies are effective immediately. Official
 competition for the 2021 fall seasons is scheduled to begin Thursday,
 September 2. 
 &nbsp; 
 The MIAA office is collecting campus restrictions for fans and visitors.
 &nbsp;The MIAA will manage a Fan Page dedicated to this campus information
 on the MIAA website and it will be updated each week. &nbsp;

MIAA announces COVID protocols for 2021 fall semester 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aledmys Díaz singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Thursday, avoiding a four-game sweep.

Díaz finished 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs for the AL West leaders. With the bases loaded in the 10th, he fouled off a 3-2 pitch from Wade Davis and drove the next one up the middle.

“I was looking for a pitch in the middle,” Díaz said matter-of-factly.

Houston added two more runs on a bases-loaded walk by Chas McCormick and a sacrifice fly by Taylor Jones.

“We haven’t been very good in extra-inning games,” Houston manager Dusty Baker said. “That’s one more extra-inning game that we won.”

Baker is excited about the stretch run for his team, which leads Oakland by 2 1/2 games in the division.

“I’ve been scoreboard watching every day,” he said. “Scoreboard watching is something I do between innings when I’m not thinking about what to do. We’re just looking forward to the finish line. We have a ways to go, and we haven’t played our best ball yet.”

Ryan Pressly (5-1) worked a scoreless ninth for Houston. Christian Javier pitched a perfect 10th for his second save.

Davis (0-3) allowed two hits and a walk in the 10th and did not record an out.

Royals manager Mike Matheny was happy with his team's series against a tough opponent.

“We made our way through the clubhouse and made sure the guys know that’s a great series,” Matheny said. “The pain of this one is hard, but overall we went about this whole series the way we want to.”

Nicky Lopez hit a two-run homer in the third to put the Royals ahead 3-0, his first home run since Aug. 8, 2020 — a span of 464 at-bats.

Carlos Correa led off the fourth with a double for the Astros. He went to third on a single by Díaz, but the Astros only scored once, on a fielder’s-choice grounder by McCormick.

Houston tied it in the sixth. Correa had a one-out single and scored on a double by Díaz, who then scored on a double by McCormick, chasing Royals starter Mike Minor.

“You can tell what (Díaz) means to this club (by looking at) the six weeks he was out,” Baker said. “That was expensive to have him and (Bregman) out at the same time.”

Astros: RHP Jose Urquidy (right shoulder) will begin a rehab stint Friday with the team’s Florida complex team. He has not pitched since June 30.

Royals SS Adalberto Mondesi (left oblique strain) was to begin another rehab assignment Thursday night with Triple-A Omaha. Mondesi’s last rehab assignment was cut short with tightness in his oblique on Monday. He’s played in only 10 games this season, hitting .361 with four homers.

The Astros return home to play a three-game series against division rival Seattle. RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (9-4, 3.22 ERA) will get the start against the Mariners’ Yusei Kikuchi (7-6, 3.82).

The Royals head to Chicago to face the Cubs. RHP Brad Keller (7-12, 5.62) starts for Kansas City on Friday against RHP Zach Davies (6-9, 5.00).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aledmys Díaz singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Thursday, avoiding a four-game sweep.Díaz finished 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs for the AL West leaders. With the bases loaded in the 10th, he fouled off a 3-2 pitch from Wade Davis and drove the next one up the middle.“I was looking for a pitch in the middle,” Díaz said matter-of-factly.Houston added two more runs on a bases-loaded walk by Chas McCormick and a sacrifice fly by Taylor Jones.“We haven’t been very good in extra-inning games,” Houston manager Dusty Baker said. “That’s one more extra-inning game that we won.”Baker is excited about the stretch run for his team, which leads Oakland by 2 1/2 games in the division.“I’ve been scoreboard watching every day,” he said. “Scoreboard watching is something I do between innings when I’m not thinking about what to do. We’re just looking forward to the finish line. We have a ways to go, and we haven’t played our best ball yet.”Ryan Pressly (5-1) worked a scoreless ninth for Houston. Christian Javier pitched a perfect 10th for his second save.Davis (0-3) allowed two hits and a walk in the 10th and did not record an out.Royals manager Mike Matheny was happy with his team's series against a tough opponent.“We made our way through the clubhouse and made sure the guys know that’s a great series,” Matheny said. “The pain of this one is hard, but overall we went about this whole series the way we want to.”Nicky Lopez hit a two-run homer in the third to put the Royals ahead 3-0, his first home run since Aug. 8, 2020 — a span of 464 at-bats.Carlos Correa led off the fourth with a double for the Astros. He went to third on a single by Díaz, but the Astros only scored once, on a fielder’s-choice grounder by McCormick.Houston tied it in the sixth. Correa had a one-out single and scored on a double by Díaz, who then scored on a double by McCormick, chasing Royals starter Mike Minor.“You can tell what (Díaz) means to this club (by looking at) the six weeks he was out,” Baker said. “That was expensive to have him and (Bregman) out at the same time.”TRAINER’S ROOMAstros: RHP Jose Urquidy (right shoulder) will begin a rehab stint Friday with the team’s Florida complex team. He has not pitched since June 30.Royals SS Adalberto Mondesi (left oblique strain) was to begin another rehab assignment Thursday night with Triple-A Omaha. Mondesi’s last rehab assignment was cut short with tightness in his oblique on Monday. He’s played in only 10 games this season, hitting .361 with four homers.UP NEXTThe Astros return home to play a three-game series against division rival Seattle. RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (9-4, 3.22 ERA) will get the start against the Mariners’ Yusei Kikuchi (7-6, 3.82).The Royals head to Chicago to face the Cubs. RHP Brad Keller (7-12, 5.62) starts for Kansas City on Friday against RHP Zach Davies (6-9, 5.00).

⚾ Royals unable to complete sweep, fall to Astros

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's soccer team heads into the 2021 season ranked fifth in the MIAA preseason coaches poll, released Thursday (Aug. 19) by the league office. The Tigers received 80 points in the balloting process, just eight behind fourth-place Northeastern State. Central Oklahoma, winners of the 2021 spring tournament, open the season atop the poll with 116 points thanks to eight first-place votes. Emporia State received three first-place votes and sits in second, while Central Missouri received the other top vote and is third. The Tigers have now been listed in the top five of the preseason poll each of the last six seasons, dating back to 2015. Fort Hays State has also finished the season in the top five in the MIAA standings for six-consecutive seasons going back to 2014. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1019">Blake Reynolds</a>, now in his fifth year at Fort Hays State, enters the season with a veteran squad, including 21 returners and just four newcomers this fall. The Tigers will first face off with outside competition on Saturday (Aug. 21) when they host Kansas Wesleyan in an exhibition contest at noon. The regular season kicks off on Friday, September 3 when FHSU hosts Augustana at FHSU Soccer Stadium beginning at 6 p.m. 2021 MIAA Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Central Oklahoma - 116 points (8 first-place votes) 2. Emporia State - 110 points (3) 3. Central Missouri - 104 points (1) 4. Northeastern State - 88 points 5. Fort Hays State - 80 points 6. Missouri Western - 72 points 7. Northwest Missouri - 59 points 8. Rogers State - 49 points 9. Washburn - 39 points 10. Missouri Southern - 32 points 11. Newman - 31 points 12. Nebraska Kearney - 12 points&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629400340182.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's soccer team heads into the 2021 season ranked fifth in the MIAA preseason coaches poll, released Thursday (Aug. 19) by the league office. The Tigers received 80 points in the balloting process, just eight behind fourth-place Northeastern State. Central Oklahoma, winners of the 2021 spring tournament, open the season atop the poll with 116 points thanks to eight first-place votes. Emporia State received three first-place votes and sits in second, while Central Missouri received the other top vote and is third. The Tigers have now been listed in the top five of the preseason poll each of the last six seasons, dating back to 2015. Fort Hays State has also finished the season in the top five in the MIAA standings for six-consecutive seasons going back to 2014. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1019">Blake Reynolds</a>, now in his fifth year at Fort Hays State, enters the season with a veteran squad, including 21 returners and just four newcomers this fall. The Tigers will first face off with outside competition on Saturday (Aug. 21) when they host Kansas Wesleyan in an exhibition contest at noon. The regular season kicks off on Friday, September 3 when FHSU hosts Augustana at FHSU Soccer Stadium beginning at 6 p.m. 2021 MIAA Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Central Oklahoma - 116 points (8 first-place votes) 2. Emporia State - 110 points (3) 3. Central Missouri - 104 points (1) 4. Northeastern State - 88 points 5. Fort Hays State - 80 points 6. Missouri Western - 72 points 7. Northwest Missouri - 59 points 8. Rogers State - 49 points 9. Washburn - 39 points 10. Missouri Southern - 32 points 11. Newman - 31 points 12. Nebraska Kearney - 12 points&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⚽ FHSU women tabbed fifth in MIAA preseason poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hunter Dozier hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning, and the Kansas City Royals earned their third straight win over Houston, beating the Astros 3-2 Wednesday night.

Dozier homered off a slider from reliever Blake Taylor to help the Royals post their 31st come-from-behind victory of the season, fourth-most in the American League.

The Royals go for a four-game series sweep over Houston on Thursday.

The game ended when Andrew Benintendi threw out Chas McCormick trying to score from second on a single by Jose Altuve.

“I’m just hoping they don’t change their minds,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said of the review that upheld the call. “Does it get any more exciting than that? We ended up smiling at the end.”

The loss dropped the Astros to 33-25 this year against teams with a losing record. Houston is 37-25 against teams with a .500 record or better.

“(Taylor) made a mistake,” Houston manager Dusty Baker said. “He had one ball and two strikes and he hung one (to Benintendi leading off the seventh). Then he hung the pitch to Dozier as well that resulted in the two-run homer. They got a number of seeing-eye hits through the course of the game.”

Nicky Lopez had three hits for the Royals. Domingo Tapia (1-0) earned the victory and Scott Barlow picked up his seventh save.

“I wasn’t sitting slider right there,” Dozier said. “He’s a guy who likes to pound fastballs in, really everything in. I was just trying to drive something hard in the gap. I just hit that slider pretty well.”

Neither starter factored in the decision. Zack Greinke gave up one run on five hits over six innings. He didn’t walk or strike out a Royals batter. Brady Singer allowed two runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings, walking two and striking out six.

“(Singer had) phenomenal movement,” Matheny said. “It seems like it’s different every night how much it’s going to have vertical drop and how much it’s going to have horizontal run. He was really making strong pitches with both of his pitches.”

Neither starter allowed a hit in the first three innings. Singer gave up a walk in the first and then retired the next nine straight before Carlos Correa’s one-out bloop single in the fourth. He got all three batters in the third on called third strikes.

Greinke was perfect through three innings without recording a strikeout. He allowed his first hit in the fourth with one out, a single by Lopez. Salvador Perez followed with a single, sending Lopez to third, and Carlos Santana’s single drove in Lopez.

Singer allowed three hits through six innings before giving up the lead in the seventh. With two outs, he gave up back-to-back hits to Yuli Gurriel and McCormick and walked Jake Meyers. Pinch-hitter Jason Castro singled to center with the bases loaded to give the Astros the lead.

“I got two pretty quick outs there and the ground ball from Gurriel came right back at me,” Singer said. “It was a little bit further than I thought it was. I’m still happy with (my outing).”

The Royals took advantage when Greinke came out of the game. Benintendi led off with a double off Taylor and Dozier followed with his 10th home run of the season to give the Royals the lead.

The Astros will try to salvage the final game of the series. They will send RHP Luis Garcia (9-6, 3.30 ERA) to the mound. Garcia has won his last two starts, allowing two runs in 11 innings. He has never faced the Royals

The Royals will counter with LHP Mike Minor (8-11, 5.35 ERA). Minor is 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA in 16 appearances (13 starts) all-time against the Astros.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hunter Dozier hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning, and the Kansas City Royals earned their third straight win over Houston, beating the Astros 3-2 Wednesday night.Dozier homered off a slider from reliever Blake Taylor to help the Royals post their 31st come-from-behind victory of the season, fourth-most in the American League.The Royals go for a four-game series sweep over Houston on Thursday.The game ended when Andrew Benintendi threw out Chas McCormick trying to score from second on a single by Jose Altuve.“I’m just hoping they don’t change their minds,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said of the review that upheld the call. “Does it get any more exciting than that? We ended up smiling at the end.”The loss dropped the Astros to 33-25 this year against teams with a losing record. Houston is 37-25 against teams with a .500 record or better.“(Taylor) made a mistake,” Houston manager Dusty Baker said. “He had one ball and two strikes and he hung one (to Benintendi leading off the seventh). Then he hung the pitch to Dozier as well that resulted in the two-run homer. They got a number of seeing-eye hits through the course of the game.”Nicky Lopez had three hits for the Royals. Domingo Tapia (1-0) earned the victory and Scott Barlow picked up his seventh save.Taylor (2-4) took the loss.“I wasn’t sitting slider right there,” Dozier said. “He’s a guy who likes to pound fastballs in, really everything in. I was just trying to drive something hard in the gap. I just hit that slider pretty well.”Neither starter factored in the decision. Zack Greinke gave up one run on five hits over six innings. He didn’t walk or strike out a Royals batter. Brady Singer allowed two runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings, walking two and striking out six.“(Singer had) phenomenal movement,” Matheny said. “It seems like it’s different every night how much it’s going to have vertical drop and how much it’s going to have horizontal run. He was really making strong pitches with both of his pitches.”Neither starter allowed a hit in the first three innings. Singer gave up a walk in the first and then retired the next nine straight before Carlos Correa’s one-out bloop single in the fourth. He got all three batters in the third on called third strikes.Greinke was perfect through three innings without recording a strikeout. He allowed his first hit in the fourth with one out, a single by Lopez. Salvador Perez followed with a single, sending Lopez to third, and Carlos Santana’s single drove in Lopez.Singer allowed three hits through six innings before giving up the lead in the seventh. With two outs, he gave up back-to-back hits to Yuli Gurriel and McCormick and walked Jake Meyers. Pinch-hitter Jason Castro singled to center with the bases loaded to give the Astros the lead.“I got two pretty quick outs there and the ground ball from Gurriel came right back at me,” Singer said. “It was a little bit further than I thought it was. I’m still happy with (my outing).”The Royals took advantage when Greinke came out of the game. Benintendi led off with a double off Taylor and Dozier followed with his 10th home run of the season to give the Royals the lead.The Astros will try to salvage the final game of the series. They will send RHP Luis Garcia (9-6, 3.30 ERA) to the mound. Garcia has won his last two starts, allowing two runs in 11 innings. He has never faced the RoyalsThe Royals will counter with LHP Mike Minor (8-11, 5.35 ERA). Minor is 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA in 16 appearances (13 starts) all-time against the Astros.

⚾ Dozier's homer, Benintendi's game-ending throw spark Royals to win over Astros

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have been required to make changes to their coaching staff over the years, the natural byproduct of success, as top assistants such as Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy got hired away for better jobs elsewhere.

This past offseason, though, Andy Reid made some changes that seemed unnecessary at first glance.

It began when running backs coach Deland McCullough left for a job as the associate head coach at Indiana, opening up a job once held by current Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Rather than simply hire someone to replace McCullough, Reid decided to move wide receivers coach Greg Lewis into the role — even though his work with Tyreek Hill and the rest of the Chiefs’ pass-catching crew has been a big reason for their offensive success.

That began a game of musical chairs, of course.

Joe Bleymaier moved from the quarterbacks room, where he was helping Patrick Mahomes become one of the league’s best players, to handle the wide receivers. David Girardi moved into that role as assistant quarterbacks coach, and his spot was taken by Connor Embree, who was working on the defensive side.

So why did Reid agree to so much maneuvering on a staff returning from back-to-back AFC titles relatively intact?

“I want guys to have the opportunity to grow,” Reid said.

“Greg actually came to me about wanting the challenge of coaching the running backs,” he continued, “and as you guys know about how I feel about Greg, he’s very, very intelligent, has a great feel for the game, did a phenomenal job with the wide receivers. And now he’s able to learn that other side — the protection side and all that goes into coaching the running backs and the run game, and still give them tips in the pass game to make them even better than what they are now.”

It’s a position that the 41-year-old Lewis, who spent eight years playing wide receiver in the NFL, has never coached before, and he’s taking on the job for a team that once again has Super Bowl aspirations.

Yet the change could come at the perfect time. Several wide receivers, such as Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman, appeared to stagnate in their development the past couple of seasons. And with the departure of Sammy Watkins in free agency, the Chiefs are desperate for someone to establish themselves as the No. 2 wide receiver.

Just maybe, Bleymaier will be able to pull something out of them.

“It’s a little unique with Greg still being here, Coach Lewis being just down the hall,” Bleymaier said. “I go to him daily for questions, advice, our guys go to him. I’m the new wide receiver coach, but we kind of just gained an extra receiver coach because Greg is still there, and the guys feel free to go talk to him as well. So it’s been seamless at least for me.”

As for the running backs room, Lewis brings a unique skillset that could push Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the rest of his buddies to a whole new level. The Chiefs have always required them to be just as adept at catching the ball as running it, and Lewis should be able to help them with releases, refining their routes and even blocking downfield.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have been required to make changes to their coaching staff over the years, the natural byproduct of success, as top assistants such as Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy got hired away for better jobs elsewhere.This past offseason, though, Andy Reid made some changes that seemed unnecessary at first glance.It began when running backs coach Deland McCullough left for a job as the associate head coach at Indiana, opening up a job once held by current Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Rather than simply hire someone to replace McCullough, Reid decided to move wide receivers coach Greg Lewis into the role — even though his work with Tyreek Hill and the rest of the Chiefs’ pass-catching crew has been a big reason for their offensive success.That began a game of musical chairs, of course.Joe Bleymaier moved from the quarterbacks room, where he was helping Patrick Mahomes become one of the league’s best players, to handle the wide receivers. David Girardi moved into that role as assistant quarterbacks coach, and his spot was taken by Connor Embree, who was working on the defensive side.So why did Reid agree to so much maneuvering on a staff returning from back-to-back AFC titles relatively intact?“I want guys to have the opportunity to grow,” Reid said.“Greg actually came to me about wanting the challenge of coaching the running backs,” he continued, “and as you guys know about how I feel about Greg, he’s very, very intelligent, has a great feel for the game, did a phenomenal job with the wide receivers. And now he’s able to learn that other side — the protection side and all that goes into coaching the running backs and the run game, and still give them tips in the pass game to make them even better than what they are now.”It’s a position that the 41-year-old Lewis, who spent eight years playing wide receiver in the NFL, has never coached before, and he’s taking on the job for a team that once again has Super Bowl aspirations.No pressure there.Yet the change could come at the perfect time. Several wide receivers, such as Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman, appeared to stagnate in their development the past couple of seasons. And with the departure of Sammy Watkins in free agency, the Chiefs are desperate for someone to establish themselves as the No. 2 wide receiver.Just maybe, Bleymaier will be able to pull something out of them.“It’s a little unique with Greg still being here, Coach Lewis being just down the hall,” Bleymaier said. “I go to him daily for questions, advice, our guys go to him. I’m the new wide receiver coach, but we kind of just gained an extra receiver coach because Greg is still there, and the guys feel free to go talk to him as well. So it’s been seamless at least for me.”As for the running backs room, Lewis brings a unique skillset that could push Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the rest of his buddies to a whole new level. The Chiefs have always required them to be just as adept at catching the ball as running it, and Lewis should be able to help them with releases, refining their routes and even blocking downfield.Edwards-Helaire had 36 catches for nearly 400 yards last season, even though he missed three games to injuries. Darrel Williams and current free agent Le’Veon Bell also had roles in the passing game.“I don’t see it as a challenge. I see all of us as football coaches,” Lewis said as the Chiefs wrapped up camp at Missouri Western State University, and looked forward to their second preseason game in Arizona on Friday night.“For me,” Lewis said, “it’s understanding the different aspects of the game. ... Obviously, I haven’t played running back, but I understand football and I’ve been around great players, great coaches, and I think I am going to bring some more insight to just help them develop and help us be better as a group.”NOTES: Reid said the starters will play most of the first half against the Cardinals, then the second and third teams will handle the second half. ... DE Frank Clark (hamstring), DT Derrick Nnadi (hip) and RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (hand) did not work out Wednesday. ... Reid said at least one more player received his COVID-19 shots during camp, but the Chiefs were already near the top of the league in percentage of players vaccinated. “I know these guys talk to their families and tell them, ‘If you come here, you better be vaccinated,’ and that type of thing, which isn’t always an easy thing to do with family and friends,” Reid said. “So, the guys have been good with that.”