HAYS – The Hays Larks scored 16 runs from the fourth inning
on Wednesday night as they rallied from a six-run deficit to beat the Gameday
Saints 17-7 in seven innings. 

Gameday jumped out to a 4-0 lead through and inning and a
half. With one out in the top of the second reliever Trey Riggs walked the
bases loaded and then the Saints got an RBI single and a
bases clearing double to take the four-run lead. Riggs lasted just two-thirds
of the inning allowing four runs.

Hays (29-6) got a run back in the bottom of the inning on a
Dylan Dreiling RBI groundout.

In the top of the four Gameday scored two more runs to build
a 6-1 lead.

The Larks offense came alive in the bottom of the frame outscoring
Gameday 16-1 the rest of the way.

In the five-run fourth, Hays scored on three wild pitches,
an RBI groundout and a Courtland Lawson RBI double tying the game at six.

After Gameday retook the lead with a solo homerun in the top
of the fifth the Larks answered with three in the bottom of the inning to take
the lead back for good.

After back-to-back doubles to open the inning Zach Henry
tied the game with an RBI single and Lawson followed with an RBI single that
gave Hays the 8-7 lead. They added a third run in the inning on an error for a
9-7 lead through five innings.

Jackson Blue struck out the side in the top of the sixth
inning, he finished with seven strikeout and picked up the win. In the bottom of the frame Hays scored five more runs.

Hays took a 10-7 lead with a run on a passed ball. Lawson
followed with a bases loaded double making it 13-7. Two batters later Grant
Schmidt made it 14-7 with an RBI double.

In the seventh inning Matt Cavanagh tripled in a run and
then Henry drove in Cavanagh to put Hays up 16-7. Three batters later Schmidt
singled in Henry giving the Larks the 17-7 run-rule walk-off win.

Courtland Lawson drove in five runs and Zach Henry collected
four hits as he and Grant Schmidt each plated three runs. 

The Larks are 29-6 and are off until the NBC World Series
that starts next week.

HAYS – The Hays Larks scored 16 runs from the fourth inning
on Wednesday night as they rallied from a six-run deficit to beat the Gameday
Saints 17-7 in seven innings. Gameday jumped out to a 4-0 lead through and inning and a
half. With one out in the top of the second reliever Trey Riggs walked the
bases loaded and then the Saints got an RBI single and a
bases clearing double to take the four-run lead. Riggs lasted just two-thirds
of the inning allowing four runs.Hays (29-6) got a run back in the bottom of the inning on a
Dylan Dreiling RBI groundout.In the top of the four Gameday scored two more runs to build
a 6-1 lead.The Larks offense came alive in the bottom of the frame outscoring
Gameday 16-1 the rest of the way.In the five-run fourth, Hays scored on three wild pitches,
an RBI groundout and a Courtland Lawson RBI double tying the game at six.After Gameday retook the lead with a solo homerun in the top
of the fifth the Larks answered with three in the bottom of the inning to take
the lead back for good.After back-to-back doubles to open the inning Zach Henry
tied the game with an RBI single and Lawson followed with an RBI single that
gave Hays the 8-7 lead. They added a third run in the inning on an error for a
9-7 lead through five innings.Jackson Blue struck out the side in the top of the sixth
inning, he finished with seven strikeout and picked up the win. In the bottom of the frame Hays scored five more runs.Hays took a 10-7 lead with a run on a passed ball. Lawson
followed with a bases loaded double making it 13-7. Two batters later Grant
Schmidt made it 14-7 with an RBI double.In the seventh inning Matt Cavanagh tripled in a run and
then Henry drove in Cavanagh to put Hays up 16-7. Three batters later Schmidt
singled in Henry giving the Larks the 17-7 run-rule walk-off win.Courtland Lawson drove in five runs and Zach Henry collected
four hits as he and Grant Schmidt each plated three runs. Hays amassed 21 hits in the win.The Larks are 29-6 and are off until the NBC World Series
that starts next week.

⚾Larks offense explodes in regular season finale win over Saints

PITTSBURG – The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion baseball
team was held to three hits and lost 12-0 to the host Pittsburg Patriots in
their opening game at the American Legion State Baseball Tournament at Jaycees Ballpark.
It’s the first time the Eagles have been shutout this summer and the most runs
they’ve allowed.

The Patriots (20-7) scored five in the second then added
four in the fifth and three in the sixth.

Starting pitcher Garrett Wellbrock (6-3) allowed five runs on
nine hits with one strikeout and two walks over two innings and takes the loss.

Dalton Dale allowed one earned run on no hits over 2 1/3 innings. Brady Kreutzer gave up two runs on one hits in 2/3 innings and Caden Morgan pitched the final frame and allowed three runs on two hits. Dale and Kreutzer both threw 30 pitches and are available Thursday.

After inducing a double-play to get out of a jam in the first
innings, Wellbrock gave up a double to Brett Sutterby to open the second. Sutterby
advanced to third on a passed ball then scored on an infield single. With two
outs, Eathan Light found hole into right to drive in the second run of the
game. He scored on Kameron Willianmson’s infield single. A hit batter loaded
the bases for Shay Mahnken who doubled into the gap in right center to make it
a 5-0 game.

Wellbrock had two of the Eagles (19-5) three hits.

Kameron Williams went the distance for the Patriots allowing
only one hit after the first inning with seven strikeouts and no walks.

The Eagles are back in action Thursday at 12:30 p.m. against
the Kansas Senators who defeated the Ottawa Arrows 6-3. You can hear the game
on KFIX (96.9-FM).

Day 1 Results 
Larned 2, Silver Lake 0 
Kansas Senators 6, Ottawa Arrows 3 
Marysville 10, Republic County Rebels 3 
Pittsburg Patriots 12, Hays Eagles 0 
 
Day 2 Schedule 
Larned vs. Marysville, 10:00 a.m. 
Kansas Senators vs. Hays Eagles, 12:30 p.m. 
Silver Lake vs. Republic County Rebels 6:00 p.m. 
Ottawa Arrows vs. Pittsburg Patriots, 8:30 p.m.

PITTSBURG – The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion baseball
team was held to three hits and lost 12-0 to the host Pittsburg Patriots in
their opening game at the American Legion State Baseball Tournament at Jaycees Ballpark.
It’s the first time the Eagles have been shutout this summer and the most runs
they’ve allowed.<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/1096065496&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/tanner-willhoft-postgame-vs-pittsburg-patriots-072821" title="Tanner Willhoft Postgame vs. Pittsburg Patriots 072821" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tanner Willhoft Postgame vs. Pittsburg Patriots 072821</a></div></div>The Patriots (20-7) scored five in the second then added
four in the fifth and three in the sixth.Starting pitcher Garrett Wellbrock (6-3) allowed five runs on
nine hits with one strikeout and two walks over two innings and takes the loss.Dalton Dale allowed one earned run on no hits over 2 1/3 innings. Brady Kreutzer gave up two runs on one hits in 2/3 innings and Caden Morgan pitched the final frame and allowed three runs on two hits. Dale and Kreutzer both threw 30 pitches and are available Thursday.After inducing a double-play to get out of a jam in the first
innings, Wellbrock gave up a double to Brett Sutterby to open the second. Sutterby
advanced to third on a passed ball then scored on an infield single. With two
outs, Eathan Light found hole into right to drive in the second run of the
game. He scored on Kameron Willianmson’s infield single. A hit batter loaded
the bases for Shay Mahnken who doubled into the gap in right center to make it
a 5-0 game.Wellbrock had two of the Eagles (19-5) three hits.Kameron Williams went the distance for the Patriots allowing
only one hit after the first inning with seven strikeouts and no walks.The Eagles are back in action Thursday at 12:30 p.m. against
the Kansas Senators who defeated the Ottawa Arrows 6-3. You can hear the game
on KFIX (96.9-FM).Day 1 Results 
Larned 2, Silver Lake 0 
Kansas Senators 6, Ottawa Arrows 3 
Marysville 10, Republic County Rebels 3 
Pittsburg Patriots 12, Hays Eagles 0 
 
Day 2 Schedule 
Larned vs. Marysville, 10:00 a.m. 
Kansas Senators vs. Hays Eagles, 12:30 p.m. 
Silver Lake vs. Republic County Rebels 6:00 p.m. 
Ottawa Arrows vs. Pittsburg Patriots, 8:30 p.m.

⚾ Eagles shutout in state tourney opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor's two-out single in the bottom of the 10th inning drove Hunter Dozier home from second base as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Wednesday night.

The Royals had tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth when Salvador Perez hit his 24th homer, a solo shot to left-center off Liam Hendricks.

Scott Barlow (3-3), who took over in the 10th as the fifth Royals pitcher, struck out two and walked one. Ryan Burr (2-1) pitched the final inning for Chicago.

Kansas City opened the 10th inning when Hanser Alberto's sacrifice bunt that sent Andrew Benintendi to third. Dozier reached on a fielder's choice and moved to second after shortstop Tim Anderson threw home to get out Benintendi. Taylor then singled to center for his fourth career game-ending RBI.

White Sox starter Lucas Giolito allowed one run on four hits in six-plus innings, walking one and striking out seven. Giolito is 5-1 all-time in Kauffman Stadium with a 2.74 ERA (19 earned runs in 62 1/3 innings). He has had 10 quality starts in his 10 starts in Kansas City, allowing no more than three runs in any of them.

Kris Bubic allowed two runs on five hits in six-plus innings for Kansas City. He walked one and struck out three.

The White Sox scored twice in the fifth. Bubic gave up singles to Andrew Vaughn, Leury Garcia and Danny Mendick on a hit up the middle that scored Vaughn. Center fielder Taylor's throw home was off line, but catcher Perez threw to second. Garcia scored when Whit Merrifield chased Mendick back to first.

The Royals finally scored when Giolito allowed back-to-back doubles to Perez and Jorge Soler to start the seventh.

White Sox DH Eloy Jimenez left the game with groin tightness.

The White Sox send LHP Carlos Rodon (8-4, 2.24 ERA) to the mound Thursday afternoon for the finale of the four-game series. The Royals will counter with RHP Carlos Hernandez (1-1, 5.72 ERA), making his third consecutive start after pitching out of the bullpen.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor's two-out single in the bottom of the 10th inning drove Hunter Dozier home from second base as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Wednesday night.The Royals had tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth when Salvador Perez hit his 24th homer, a solo shot to left-center off Liam Hendricks.Scott Barlow (3-3), who took over in the 10th as the fifth Royals pitcher, struck out two and walked one. Ryan Burr (2-1) pitched the final inning for Chicago.Kansas City opened the 10th inning when Hanser Alberto's sacrifice bunt that sent Andrew Benintendi to third. Dozier reached on a fielder's choice and moved to second after shortstop Tim Anderson threw home to get out Benintendi. Taylor then singled to center for his fourth career game-ending RBI.White Sox starter Lucas Giolito allowed one run on four hits in six-plus innings, walking one and striking out seven. Giolito is 5-1 all-time in Kauffman Stadium with a 2.74 ERA (19 earned runs in 62 1/3 innings). He has had 10 quality starts in his 10 starts in Kansas City, allowing no more than three runs in any of them.Kris Bubic allowed two runs on five hits in six-plus innings for Kansas City. He walked one and struck out three.The White Sox scored twice in the fifth. Bubic gave up singles to Andrew Vaughn, Leury Garcia and Danny Mendick on a hit up the middle that scored Vaughn. Center fielder Taylor's throw home was off line, but catcher Perez threw to second. Garcia scored when Whit Merrifield chased Mendick back to first.The Royals finally scored when Giolito allowed back-to-back doubles to Perez and Jorge Soler to start the seventh.TRAINER'S ROOMWhite Sox DH Eloy Jimenez left the game with groin tightness.UP NEXTThe White Sox send LHP Carlos Rodon (8-4, 2.24 ERA) to the mound Thursday afternoon for the finale of the four-game series. The Royals will counter with RHP Carlos Hernandez (1-1, 5.72 ERA), making his third consecutive start after pitching out of the bullpen.

⚾ Perez's homer, Taylor's walk-off hit lead Royals to comeback win over White Sox

The Hays Eagles 19U American Legion baseball team opens play at the state tournament Wednesday at 8 p.m. against Pittsburg.

First pitch is set for 8:30 p.m. from Pittsburg. You can here the game on 96.9 KFIX or online by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE</a>.

The Hays Eagles 19U American Legion baseball team opens play at the state tournament Wednesday at 8 p.m. against Pittsburg.First pitch is set for 8:30 p.m. from Pittsburg. You can here the game on 96.9 KFIX or online by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE</a>.

⚾📻Hays Eagles vs Pittsburg

Hear from Fort Hays State football coach Chris Brown, quarterback Chance Fuller and defensive back Jordan Sparks from MIAA Football Media Day in Kansas City.

Hear from Fort Hays State football coach Chris Brown, quarterback Chance Fuller and defensive back Jordan Sparks from MIAA Football Media Day in Kansas City.<div><iframe title="2021 MIAA Football Media Day" 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=hbt69-109eb62-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: MIAA Football Media Day

ATLANTA - With a cumulative team grade-point average of 3.764, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team is ranked third on the 2020-21 WBCA Division II Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll, released Tuesday (July 13) by the coaches association. It is both the highest ranking ever achieved by the team in the 26-year history of the poll and the highest team GPA since at least 2001. It was the 10th time the Tigers have been listed in the Academic Top 25 under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=947">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;and the third time FHSU has been in the top 10. The Tigers have been listed in the Academic Top 25 11 times since 2001. The Tigers were one of just three schools ranked in the top 25 in both the final WBCA DII national coaches poll and the academic team honor roll (Lubbock Christian, Nebraska-Kearney). Fort Hays State is one of just two MIAA programs ranked in this year's Academic Top 25, and the only team in the top five. The Tigers have been the top-ranked conference school three of the last four years. Eleven Tigers were listed on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll this season, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5845">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;earning the MIAA Academic Excellence Award and Bergmann, Randall and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5854">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;all receiving the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award. The WBCA Academic Top 25 annually recognizes NCAA Division I, II and III; NAIA; and junior/community college women's basketball teams across the nation that carry the highest combined grade point average (GPA) inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. Several teams that would have qualified for the top 25 in their respective divisions are not eligible to be ranked because they did not compete athletically during the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are recognized as special mentions. Fort Hays State's historical rankings in the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll and the complete 2020-21 Top 25 can be found below. FHSU in the&nbsp;WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor RollYearRankGPA 20-21 3rd3.764 18-196th3.708 17-1813th3.667 16-1713th3.624 15-1622nd3.559 14-1523rd3.536 12-1314th3.50011-12 4th3.62810-11 12th3.52309-10 T14th3.47302-03 16th3.4442020-21

WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll Rank Institution GPA 1Lubbock Christian University3.783 2Ursuline College3.780 3Fort Hays State University3.764 4Minnesota State University Moorhead3.750 5William Jewell College3.748 T6Mercyhurst University3.721 T6Tiffin University3.721 T6Southwest Minnesota State University3.721 9Lindenwood University3.718 10Trevecca Nazarene University3.711 11University of Montevallo3.710 12Minnesota State University, Mankato3.688 T13Saginaw Valley State University3.684 T13University of Colorado Colorado Springs3.684 15Davenport University3.681 16University of Mary3.673 17Chadron State College3.662 18Western Colorado University3.660 19Winona State University3.657 20University of Nebraska Kearney3.656 21Truman State University3.650 22Northwood University3.647 23Kentucky Wesleyan College3.646 24Miles College3.639 25University of Findlay3.637

Special Mention:&nbsp;Kutztown University, 3.852; Seton Hill, 3.857; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Fla.), 3.815; Pace University, 3.764; East Stroudsburg University, 3.743; Eckerd College, 3.694; Southern New Hampshire University, 3.692; Michigan Technological University, 3.685; University of the Sciences, 3.667.

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ATLANTA - With a cumulative team grade-point average of 3.764, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team is ranked third on the 2020-21 WBCA Division II Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll, released Tuesday (July 13) by the coaches association. It is both the highest ranking ever achieved by the team in the 26-year history of the poll and the highest team GPA since at least 2001. It was the 10th time the Tigers have been listed in the Academic Top 25 under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=947">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;and the third time FHSU has been in the top 10. The Tigers have been listed in the Academic Top 25 11 times since 2001. The Tigers were one of just three schools ranked in the top 25 in both the final WBCA DII national coaches poll and the academic team honor roll (Lubbock Christian, Nebraska-Kearney). Fort Hays State is one of just two MIAA programs ranked in this year's Academic Top 25, and the only team in the top five. The Tigers have been the top-ranked conference school three of the last four years. Eleven Tigers were listed on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll this season, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5845">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;earning the MIAA Academic Excellence Award and Bergmann, Randall and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5854">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;all receiving the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award. The WBCA Academic Top 25 annually recognizes NCAA Division I, II and III; NAIA; and junior/community college women's basketball teams across the nation that carry the highest combined grade point average (GPA) inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. Several teams that would have qualified for the top 25 in their respective divisions are not eligible to be ranked because they did not compete athletically during the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are recognized as special mentions. Fort Hays State's historical rankings in the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll and the complete 2020-21 Top 25 can be found below. FHSU in the&nbsp;WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor RollYearRankGPA 20-21 3rd3.764 18-196th3.708 17-1813th3.667 16-1713th3.624 15-1622nd3.559 14-1523rd3.536 12-1314th3.50011-12 4th3.62810-11 12th3.52309-10 T14th3.47302-03 16th3.4442020-21 WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll Rank Institution GPA 1Lubbock Christian University3.783 2Ursuline College3.780 3Fort Hays State University3.764 4Minnesota State University Moorhead3.750 5William Jewell College3.748 T6Mercyhurst University3.721 T6Tiffin University3.721 T6Southwest Minnesota State University3.721 9Lindenwood University3.718 10Trevecca Nazarene University3.711 11University of Montevallo3.710 12Minnesota State University, Mankato3.688 T13Saginaw Valley State University3.684 T13University of Colorado Colorado Springs3.684 15Davenport University3.681 16University of Mary3.673 17Chadron State College3.662 18Western Colorado University3.660 19Winona State University3.657 20University of Nebraska Kearney3.656 21Truman State University3.650 22Northwood University3.647 23Kentucky Wesleyan College3.646 24Miles College3.639 25University of Findlay3.637Special Mention:&nbsp;Kutztown University, 3.852; Seton Hill, 3.857; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Fla.), 3.815; Pace University, 3.764; East Stroudsburg University, 3.743; Eckerd College, 3.694; Southern New Hampshire University, 3.692; Michigan Technological University, 3.685; University of the Sciences, 3.667.

🏀Women's Basketball Third in WBCA Academic Honor Roll

HAYS – The Hays Larks were down 4-0 before they
even came to bat Tuesday night and were unable to dig out of the early hole and
lost 5-4 to the Gameday Saints at Larks Parks. 

The Saints (14-12, 10-9 RMBL) took advantage of
three straight walked then a double and a single, all with two outs, to score four
off Kade Brown in the top of the first. 

Brown (3-1) allowed the four runs on two hits
with three walks and five strikeouts over two innings.

Zach Henry hit a two-run homer in the sixth and
Dylan Dreiling added a pinch-hit, two-run single in the eighth to pull the Larks (28-6,
15-4 RMBL) within a run but they were retired in order in the ninth to end the
comeback bid.

The Larks close out their regular season
Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Larks Park. 

HAYS – The Hays Larks were down 4-0 before they
even came to bat Tuesday night and were unable to dig out of the early hole and
lost 5-4 to the Gameday Saints at Larks Parks. The Saints (14-12, 10-9 RMBL) took advantage of
three straight walked then a double and a single, all with two outs, to score four
off Kade Brown in the top of the first. Brown (3-1) allowed the four runs on two hits
with three walks and five strikeouts over two innings.Zach Henry hit a two-run homer in the sixth and
Dylan Dreiling added a pinch-hit, two-run single in the eighth to pull the Larks (28-6,
15-4 RMBL) within a run but they were retired in order in the ninth to end the
comeback bid.The Larks close out their regular season
Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Larks Park.

⚾ Larks can't dig out of early hole, lose to Saints

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Eloy Jiménez logged his first big hit of the season, launching a go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning that sent the Chicago White Sox over the Kansas City Royals 5-3 Tuesday night.

The 24-year-old slugger, who was the 2019 AL Rookie of the Year and then kept up his power surge during the pandemic-shortened season, tore a pectoral muscle in spring training. He hadn’t played in the majors until going 0 for 4 Monday night.

But Jiménez quickly made up for lost time in his second game. After hitting a single in his first at-bat, he came up in the eighth after a two-out intentional walk to Jose Abreu with Chicago trailing 3-2.

Jiménez connected for a 459-foot drive to left-center off Kyle Zimmer (4-1) to cap a four-run rally.

“I was thinking they were going to walk Jose because they didn’t think I was ready,” Jiménez said. “But I was ready for that.”

Jiménez, known more for his bat than mitt, started in left field.

“First of all, Eloy was the defensive star of the game,” Chicago manager Tony La Russa said. “That was Gold Glove stuff out there. But if I’m (Royals manager) Mike (Matheny), I make the same move. (Eloy) hadn’t taken serious at-bats in four or five months."

“But that’s a legitimate home run," he said.

The White Sox increased their AL Central lead to 9 1/2 games. They’ve been winning all season despite a lack of power — they began the game next-to-last in the AL with 106 homers, three more than the Royals.

Yoán Moncada had an RBI grounder in the eighth that got Chicago within 3-2.

The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for Kansas City.

Reynaldo Lopez (1-0) picked up the win in relief. Liam Hendriks earned his 25th save.

The Royals wasted a stellar effort by Brad Keller, who allowed one run on four hits over seven innings. He pitched on his birthday for the first time in his professional career as he turned 26.

“It’s baseball,” Keller said of the bullpen’s failure. “It’s just how the game rolls. Our bullpen has been nails all year. It’s going to happen. It’s a tough loss; no one wants to see that. Those guys have been nasty all season.”

It was Keller’s fourth straight quality start after throwing only three in his first 17 starts.

Chicago starter Dylan Cease also had a quality start, giving up two earned runs and six hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out six.

White Sox right fielder Andrew Vaughn dropped a line drive, helping the Royals score twice in the second.

Gavin Sheets hit a solo homer in the fourth, giving the White Sox rookie six home runs in 63 major league at-bats.

White Sox: OF Luis Robert was transferred from High-A Winston-Salem to Triple-A Charlotte in his injury rehab assignment. Robert is coming off a right hip flexor strain, a complete tear that has left him sidelined since early May.

The White Sox send RHP Lucas Giolito (8-7, 3.78 ERA) to the mound. He is 1-1 with a (six earned runs in 11 innings) against Kansas City in 2021. For his career, he is 8-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 15 starts.

The Royals will counter with LHP Kris Bubic (3-4, 4.72 ERA). Bubic has been much better out of the bullpen this season. Prior to his last start, Bubic owned a 6.34 ERA (27 earned runs in 38 1/3 innings) in his eight previous starts, and a 2.96 ERA (eight earned runs in 24 1/3 innings) in eight relief appearances. But in his last start, July 23 against Detroit, he allowed one run on six hits in six innings.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Eloy Jiménez logged his first big hit of the season, launching a go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning that sent the Chicago White Sox over the Kansas City Royals 5-3 Tuesday night.The 24-year-old slugger, who was the 2019 AL Rookie of the Year and then kept up his power surge during the pandemic-shortened season, tore a pectoral muscle in spring training. He hadn’t played in the majors until going 0 for 4 Monday night.But Jiménez quickly made up for lost time in his second game. After hitting a single in his first at-bat, he came up in the eighth after a two-out intentional walk to Jose Abreu with Chicago trailing 3-2.Jiménez connected for a 459-foot drive to left-center off Kyle Zimmer (4-1) to cap a four-run rally.“I was thinking they were going to walk Jose because they didn’t think I was ready,” Jiménez said. “But I was ready for that.”Jiménez, known more for his bat than mitt, started in left field.“First of all, Eloy was the defensive star of the game,” Chicago manager Tony La Russa said. “That was Gold Glove stuff out there. But if I’m (Royals manager) Mike (Matheny), I make the same move. (Eloy) hadn’t taken serious at-bats in four or five months."“But that’s a legitimate home run," he said.The White Sox increased their AL Central lead to 9 1/2 games. They’ve been winning all season despite a lack of power — they began the game next-to-last in the AL with 106 homers, three more than the Royals.Yoán Moncada had an RBI grounder in the eighth that got Chicago within 3-2.The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for Kansas City.Reynaldo Lopez (1-0) picked up the win in relief. Liam Hendriks earned his 25th save.The Royals wasted a stellar effort by Brad Keller, who allowed one run on four hits over seven innings. He pitched on his birthday for the first time in his professional career as he turned 26.“It’s baseball,” Keller said of the bullpen’s failure. “It’s just how the game rolls. Our bullpen has been nails all year. It’s going to happen. It’s a tough loss; no one wants to see that. Those guys have been nasty all season.”It was Keller’s fourth straight quality start after throwing only three in his first 17 starts.Chicago starter Dylan Cease also had a quality start, giving up two earned runs and six hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out six.White Sox right fielder Andrew Vaughn dropped a line drive, helping the Royals score twice in the second.Gavin Sheets hit a solo homer in the fourth, giving the White Sox rookie six home runs in 63 major league at-bats.TRAINER’S ROOMWhite Sox: OF Luis Robert was transferred from High-A Winston-Salem to Triple-A Charlotte in his injury rehab assignment. Robert is coming off a right hip flexor strain, a complete tear that has left him sidelined since early May.UP NEXTThe White Sox send RHP Lucas Giolito (8-7, 3.78 ERA) to the mound. He is 1-1 with a (six earned runs in 11 innings) against Kansas City in 2021. For his career, he is 8-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 15 starts.The Royals will counter with LHP Kris Bubic (3-4, 4.72 ERA). Bubic has been much better out of the bullpen this season. Prior to his last start, Bubic owned a 6.34 ERA (27 earned runs in 38 1/3 innings) in his eight previous starts, and a 2.96 ERA (eight earned runs in 24 1/3 innings) in eight relief appearances. But in his last start, July 23 against Detroit, he allowed one run on six hits in six innings.

⚾ Keller solid in start but Royals' bullpen surrenders lead late in loss to White Sox

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.

The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.

USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.

Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.

The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.

She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.

When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.

“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.

The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.

Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.

Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many. <a href="https://t.co/6ILdtSQF7o">pic.twitter.com/6ILdtSQF7o</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1420266286441922562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re thinking of you, Simone. ❤️ Your strength and courage to focus on your wellbeing is something we can all learn from. Thank you for being the leader you are. <a href="https://t.co/Jnaa96AKse">pic.twitter.com/Jnaa96AKse</a>&mdash; Team USA (@TeamUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/1420306841351819265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

Superstar Simone Biles withdraws from all-around competition

The MIAA held their annual Football Media Day in Tuesday Kansas City.

Fort Hays State coach Chris Brown and quarterback Chance Fuller and defensive back Jordan Starks talked with the media.

The MIAA held their annual Football Media Day in Tuesday Kansas City.Fort Hays State coach Chris Brown and quarterback Chance Fuller and defensive back Jordan Starks talked with the media.<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/1095300856&color=%23f7ed00&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/fhsu-tedder-miaa-md" title="7-27-21 - FHSU Football at MIAA Media Day" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">7-27-21 - FHSU Football at MIAA Media Day</a></div></div>

🏈LISTEN to the MIAA Football Media Day

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.

Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.

So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.

The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.

Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.

“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”

The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.

“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.

In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.

Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.

Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.

Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”

Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.

The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.

She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.

“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.

“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”

Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.

“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.

In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.

The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.

The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.

Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.

The U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.

The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”

Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.

The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.

USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.

Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.

The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.

Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.

The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.

Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official statement: &quot;Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.&quot; Thinking of you, Simone! <a href="https://t.co/QA1GYHwWTv">pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1419992728352526339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.Perhaps in more ways than one.In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”-------TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.Great Britain edged Italy for bronzeThe U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.---------TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.

U.S. star, Biles withdraws from gymnastics final to protect team, self

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its 2021 Preseason Polls for football on Tuesday, July 27 at its annual Football Media Day in Kansas City. The Tigers tied Central Missouri for second in the Coaches Poll, each with 105 points, while the Tigers received a third-place selection in the Media Poll. Northwest Missouri State was a strong for first place in both polls. Fort Hays State matched Central Missouri in the Coaches Poll in vote count, and both received a first-place vote. The Tigers were four total points behind the Mules in the Media Poll, though both also received one first-place vote in that poll. Northwest Missouri State received 10 first-place votes in both polls. The upper third of the Media Poll looks pretty similar to the 2019 final MIAA standings. Northwest Missouri State and Central Missouri shared the regular season title in 2019, each at 10-1 in conference play, while Fort Hays State and Missouri Western tied for third at 8-3 in conference play. Nebraska-Kearney shakes up the top four in the Coaches Poll with a fourth-place nod. The improved Lopers posted big wins in 2019, including an upset of Northwest Missouri State, a dominant 28-point win over Missouri Western, and a win over Winona State in the Mineral Water Bowl. They could be a team to watch this upcoming season with their steady rise of success the past three seasons. The Lopers lost by six to FHSU and seven to Central Missouri in 2019. UNK was only one voting point shy of Missouri Western in the Media Poll. Fort Hays State returns four starters from 2019 on each side of the ball.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;(QB),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6154">Ted Hessing</a>&nbsp;(OL), and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6120">Amari Angram-Boldin</a>&nbsp;(OL) are returning starters that received All-MIAA selections in 2019, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a>&nbsp;(DB) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6180">Javaris Sanders</a>&nbsp;(DL) received all-conference nods as defensive starters for the Tigers in 2019. Hessing and Angram-Boldin helped Fuller throw for a school-record 35 touchdowns in 2019, while racking up 3,344 passing yards.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6174">Manny Ramsey</a>, one of Fuller's top targets and an All-MIAA pick in 2019, also returns after a breakout season that saw him collect 47 passes for 808 yards and 10 touchdowns. Starks, a safety, is the top returning tackler for the Tigers after recording 78 in 2019, while also tying for a team-best three interceptions. With high picks in the polls, several eyes will be on Hays in the first week of play. Northwest Missouri State travels to Fort Hays State for the season opener on September 2, a 7 pm kickoff at Lewis Field Stadium. The last three contests between the Tigers and Bearcats have been decided by a total of five points with FHSU claiming 1-point wins in both 2017 and 2018, then Northwest Missouri State claiming an overtime win by 3 points in 2019. Get your season tickets today by contacting the FHSU Athletic Department at (785) 628-4050 or drop by the office in person. The Tigers play at home six times in 2021 and reserved chairback seats are available for $90 per seat. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule">2021 Fort Hays State Football Schedule</a> Below are the 2021 MIAA Football Coaches and Media Polls. 2021 MIAA Football Preseason Coaches Poll Rank Team (1stPlace Votes)Points 1. Northwest Missouri (10) 120 T2. Fort Hays State (1) 105 T2. Central Missouri (1) 105 4. Nebraska-Kearney 86 5. Missouri Western 71 6. Washburn 69 7. Pittsburg State 66 8. Emporia State 55 9. Central Oklahoma 52 T10. Missouri Southern 24 T10. Northeastern State 24 12. Lincoln 15 Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team. 2021 MIAA Football Preseason Media Poll Rank Team (1stPlace Votes)Points 1. Northwest Missouri (10) 142 2. Central Missouri (1) 124 3. Fort Hays State (1) 120 4. Missouri Western 99 5. Nebraska Kearney 98 6. Pittsburg State 91 7. Washburn 70 8. Central Oklahoma 62 9. Emporia State 56 10. Missouri Southern 33 11. Northeastern State 25 12. Lincoln 16

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627397291266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its 2021 Preseason Polls for football on Tuesday, July 27 at its annual Football Media Day in Kansas City. The Tigers tied Central Missouri for second in the Coaches Poll, each with 105 points, while the Tigers received a third-place selection in the Media Poll. Northwest Missouri State was a strong for first place in both polls. Fort Hays State matched Central Missouri in the Coaches Poll in vote count, and both received a first-place vote. The Tigers were four total points behind the Mules in the Media Poll, though both also received one first-place vote in that poll. Northwest Missouri State received 10 first-place votes in both polls. The upper third of the Media Poll looks pretty similar to the 2019 final MIAA standings. Northwest Missouri State and Central Missouri shared the regular season title in 2019, each at 10-1 in conference play, while Fort Hays State and Missouri Western tied for third at 8-3 in conference play. Nebraska-Kearney shakes up the top four in the Coaches Poll with a fourth-place nod. The improved Lopers posted big wins in 2019, including an upset of Northwest Missouri State, a dominant 28-point win over Missouri Western, and a win over Winona State in the Mineral Water Bowl. They could be a team to watch this upcoming season with their steady rise of success the past three seasons. The Lopers lost by six to FHSU and seven to Central Missouri in 2019. UNK was only one voting point shy of Missouri Western in the Media Poll. Fort Hays State returns four starters from 2019 on each side of the ball.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;(QB),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6154">Ted Hessing</a>&nbsp;(OL), and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6120">Amari Angram-Boldin</a>&nbsp;(OL) are returning starters that received All-MIAA selections in 2019, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a>&nbsp;(DB) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6180">Javaris Sanders</a>&nbsp;(DL) received all-conference nods as defensive starters for the Tigers in 2019. Hessing and Angram-Boldin helped Fuller throw for a school-record 35 touchdowns in 2019, while racking up 3,344 passing yards.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6174">Manny Ramsey</a>, one of Fuller's top targets and an All-MIAA pick in 2019, also returns after a breakout season that saw him collect 47 passes for 808 yards and 10 touchdowns. Starks, a safety, is the top returning tackler for the Tigers after recording 78 in 2019, while also tying for a team-best three interceptions. With high picks in the polls, several eyes will be on Hays in the first week of play. Northwest Missouri State travels to Fort Hays State for the season opener on September 2, a 7 pm kickoff at Lewis Field Stadium. The last three contests between the Tigers and Bearcats have been decided by a total of five points with FHSU claiming 1-point wins in both 2017 and 2018, then Northwest Missouri State claiming an overtime win by 3 points in 2019. Get your season tickets today by contacting the FHSU Athletic Department at (785) 628-4050 or drop by the office in person. The Tigers play at home six times in 2021 and reserved chairback seats are available for $90 per seat. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule">2021 Fort Hays State Football Schedule</a> Below are the 2021 MIAA Football Coaches and Media Polls. 2021 MIAA Football Preseason Coaches Poll Rank Team (1stPlace Votes)Points 1. Northwest Missouri (10) 120 T2. Fort Hays State (1) 105 T2. Central Missouri (1) 105 4. Nebraska-Kearney 86 5. Missouri Western 71 6. Washburn 69 7. Pittsburg State 66 8. Emporia State 55 9. Central Oklahoma 52 T10. Missouri Southern 24 T10. Northeastern State 24 12. Lincoln 15 Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team. 2021 MIAA Football Preseason Media Poll Rank Team (1stPlace Votes)Points 1. Northwest Missouri (10) 142 2. Central Missouri (1) 124 3. Fort Hays State (1) 120 4. Missouri Western 99 5. Nebraska Kearney 98 6. Pittsburg State 91 7. Washburn 70 8. Central Oklahoma 62 9. Emporia State 56 10. Missouri Southern 33 11. Northeastern State 25 12. Lincoln 16

🏈 Tigers picked 2nd and 3rd in MIAA football preseason polls

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The annual MIAA Football Media Day, presented by Seigfreid Bingham, will be available to watch live for FREE on&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The&nbsp;</a><a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">MIAA Network</a>, Tuesday, July 27. All 12 MIAA football head coaches and two student-athletes from each school will be in attendance along with media from Kansas City and throughout the conference footprint. Live coverage of press conferences begin on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a>&nbsp;at 9:30 am with opening comments from MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy, including the release of the preseason coaches and media polls. The MIAA Network app is also available on&nbsp;Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Roku. The MIAA Network is available via your computer or mobile device. The complete schedule of appearances and times for each school are listed below. No subscription is required to watch the press conferences with free viewing throughout the entire day. Fans are encouraged to submit their questions for head coaches and student-athletes on Twitter with #AskMIAA. A question using the hashtag that is asked during a press conference will receive a prize from the MIAA office. The Fort Hays State press conference is set for 11:15 am as head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=823">Chris Brown</a>&nbsp;and student-athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a>&nbsp;will be in attendance. 2021 Football Media Day Schedule 9:30 a.m. MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy 9:45 a.m. Supervisor of Officials Phil Laurie Session I 10 a.m. Missouri Southern – Atiba Bradley (HC), Brian Boyd, Malachi Broadnax 10:15 a.m. Nebraska-Kearney – Josh Lynn (HC), Corey Hoelck, Travis Holcomb 10:30 a.m. Pittsburg State – Brian Wright (HC), Morgan Selemaea, Kaden Roy 10:45 a.m. Break 11 a.m. Central Missouri – Jim Svoboda (HC), TBD, TBD 11:15 a.m. Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=823">Chris Brown</a>&nbsp;(HC),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a> 11:30 a.m. Central Oklahoma - Nick Bobeck (HC), Daunte McGee, Jason Harris Session II 12 p.m. Lincoln – Malik Hoskins (HC), Hosea Franklin, TeAndre Skinner 12:15 p.m. Northwest Missouri State – Rich Wright (HC), TBD, TBD 12:30 p.m. Northeastern State – J.J. Eckert (HC), Madison Wrather, Damani Carter 12:45 p.m. Break 1 p.m. Emporia State – Garin Higgins (HC), Jace McDown, Hayden Reed 1:15 p.m. Missouri Western – Matt Williamson (HC), Keegan Zars, Evan Chohon 1:30 p.m. Washburn – Craig Schurig (HC), Grant Bruner, Mitch Schurig Closing 1:45 p.m. MIAA Staff&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627390400155.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The annual MIAA Football Media Day, presented by Seigfreid Bingham, will be available to watch live for FREE on&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The&nbsp;</a><a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">MIAA Network</a>, Tuesday, July 27. All 12 MIAA football head coaches and two student-athletes from each school will be in attendance along with media from Kansas City and throughout the conference footprint. Live coverage of press conferences begin on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a>&nbsp;at 9:30 am with opening comments from MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy, including the release of the preseason coaches and media polls. The MIAA Network app is also available on&nbsp;Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Roku. The MIAA Network is available via your computer or mobile device. The complete schedule of appearances and times for each school are listed below. No subscription is required to watch the press conferences with free viewing throughout the entire day. Fans are encouraged to submit their questions for head coaches and student-athletes on Twitter with #AskMIAA. A question using the hashtag that is asked during a press conference will receive a prize from the MIAA office. The Fort Hays State press conference is set for 11:15 am as head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=823">Chris Brown</a>&nbsp;and student-athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a>&nbsp;will be in attendance. 2021 Football Media Day Schedule 9:30 a.m. MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy 9:45 a.m. Supervisor of Officials Phil Laurie Session I 10 a.m. Missouri Southern – Atiba Bradley (HC), Brian Boyd, Malachi Broadnax 10:15 a.m. Nebraska-Kearney – Josh Lynn (HC), Corey Hoelck, Travis Holcomb 10:30 a.m. Pittsburg State – Brian Wright (HC), Morgan Selemaea, Kaden Roy 10:45 a.m. Break 11 a.m. Central Missouri – Jim Svoboda (HC), TBD, TBD 11:15 a.m. Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=823">Chris Brown</a>&nbsp;(HC),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a> 11:30 a.m. Central Oklahoma - Nick Bobeck (HC), Daunte McGee, Jason Harris Session II 12 p.m. Lincoln – Malik Hoskins (HC), Hosea Franklin, TeAndre Skinner 12:15 p.m. Northwest Missouri State – Rich Wright (HC), TBD, TBD 12:30 p.m. Northeastern State – J.J. Eckert (HC), Madison Wrather, Damani Carter 12:45 p.m. Break 1 p.m. Emporia State – Garin Higgins (HC), Jace McDown, Hayden Reed 1:15 p.m. Missouri Western – Matt Williamson (HC), Keegan Zars, Evan Chohon 1:30 p.m. Washburn – Craig Schurig (HC), Grant Bruner, Mitch Schurig Closing 1:45 p.m. MIAA Staff&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈Watch MIAA Football Media Day FREE on The MIAA Network - Tuesday, July 27

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jorge Soler hit two home runs for the second straight game and the Kansas City Royals extended their winning streak to six games with a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

Mike Minor (8-8) gave the Royals their fifth quality start in the last six games. He allowed two runs on three hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out seven. Minor’s victory in Milwaukee on July 20 started the Royals’ current winning streak.

“I had a really good idea (how I wanted to pitch them) going into it,” Minor said. “For the most part, we know what to throw them. It’s more about executing pitches. I threw some really good pitches.”

Scott Barlow worked the final two innings and picked up his sixth save.

Dallas Keuchel (7-4) took the loss after surrendering three solo home runs. He allowed four runs on six hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out three.

“Dallas made a lot of good pitches, but he made some mistakes and paid for it,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “He has the ability to make pitches. But tonight, when he got the ball in places he didn’t want to, the damage was done.”

Soler hit the first Keuchel pitch of the second inning for his 12th home run, and his fifth in the last six games. Soler’s blast went 449 feet to dead center.

“He has the capability to do some things that most people who play this game don’t have,” manager Mike Matheny said. “When he gets it figured out ... he’s a game-changer.”

In his next at-bat, Soler hit another home run, this one 413 feet to left. It was the ninth time in his career — and the second time in as many games — that Soler has hit multiple home runs in a game.

“I have a lot of confidence right now,” Soler said through an interpreter. “I’m identifying pitches well. The biggest difference (from earlier in the season) is loading earlier.”

The Royals missed an opportunity to pile on in the fifth. Michael A. Taylor stroked a one-out single, but was caught stealing. Jarrod Dyson then hit a ground-rule double. Whit Merrifield scored Dyson with a double to right.

The White Sox got two runs in the sixth. Minor walked the lead-off batter, Seby Zavala. Zavala advanced to third on Tim Anderson’s double to the wall in left. Both runners scored when Andrew Vaughn singled down the right-field line.

Andrew Benintendi helped the Royals extend the lead to two runs with a home run to the opposite field. He snapped an 0-for-13 skid with the homer.

“When the ball jumps for Benny to that part of the field just amazes me,” Matheny said. “To be able to hit it out of ‘The K’ to the opposite gap like that — that’s when his swing is right.”

The White Sox got a run in the ninth when Adam Engel singled in Yoan Moncada.

White Sox OF Eloy Jiménez was activated from the 60-day injured list and was in Monday’s lineup as the designated hitter. He was 0 for 4 with a strikeout. Jiménez suffered a torn left pectoral tendon in a spring training game March 24. “I feel really excited to be back with the boys,” Jiménez said before Monday’s game. “I don’t know, I can’t explain right now how I feel.” To make room for Jiménez, the White Sox optioned INF Jake Burger to Triple-A Charlotte.

Royals SS Nicky Lopez was out of the lineup again with a “hitch in his giddy-up,” according to manager Mike Matheny. Lopez appeared to injure his leg on July 24, but remained in the game.

The White Sox will send RHP Dylan Cease (7-6, 4.21 ERA) to the mound. Cease has lost his last three decisions, with a 6.00 ERA in four starts.

The Royals will start RHP Brad Keller (7-9, 5.84 ERA). Keller, who will pitch on his birthday for the first time in his professional career, has had three of his four longest outings of the season. In those starts, he’s 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jorge Soler hit two home runs for the second straight game and the Kansas City Royals extended their winning streak to six games with a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.Mike Minor (8-8) gave the Royals their fifth quality start in the last six games. He allowed two runs on three hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out seven. Minor’s victory in Milwaukee on July 20 started the Royals’ current winning streak.“I had a really good idea (how I wanted to pitch them) going into it,” Minor said. “For the most part, we know what to throw them. It’s more about executing pitches. I threw some really good pitches.”Scott Barlow worked the final two innings and picked up his sixth save.Dallas Keuchel (7-4) took the loss after surrendering three solo home runs. He allowed four runs on six hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out three.“Dallas made a lot of good pitches, but he made some mistakes and paid for it,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “He has the ability to make pitches. But tonight, when he got the ball in places he didn’t want to, the damage was done.”Soler hit the first Keuchel pitch of the second inning for his 12th home run, and his fifth in the last six games. Soler’s blast went 449 feet to dead center.“He has the capability to do some things that most people who play this game don’t have,” manager Mike Matheny said. “When he gets it figured out ... he’s a game-changer.”In his next at-bat, Soler hit another home run, this one 413 feet to left. It was the ninth time in his career — and the second time in as many games — that Soler has hit multiple home runs in a game.“I have a lot of confidence right now,” Soler said through an interpreter. “I’m identifying pitches well. The biggest difference (from earlier in the season) is loading earlier.”The Royals missed an opportunity to pile on in the fifth. Michael A. Taylor stroked a one-out single, but was caught stealing. Jarrod Dyson then hit a ground-rule double. Whit Merrifield scored Dyson with a double to right.The White Sox got two runs in the sixth. Minor walked the lead-off batter, Seby Zavala. Zavala advanced to third on Tim Anderson’s double to the wall in left. Both runners scored when Andrew Vaughn singled down the right-field line.Andrew Benintendi helped the Royals extend the lead to two runs with a home run to the opposite field. He snapped an 0-for-13 skid with the homer.“When the ball jumps for Benny to that part of the field just amazes me,” Matheny said. “To be able to hit it out of ‘The K’ to the opposite gap like that — that’s when his swing is right.”The White Sox got a run in the ninth when Adam Engel singled in Yoan Moncada.ROSTER NEWSWhite Sox OF Eloy Jiménez was activated from the 60-day injured list and was in Monday’s lineup as the designated hitter. He was 0 for 4 with a strikeout. Jiménez suffered a torn left pectoral tendon in a spring training game March 24. “I feel really excited to be back with the boys,” Jiménez said before Monday’s game. “I don’t know, I can’t explain right now how I feel.” To make room for Jiménez, the White Sox optioned INF Jake Burger to Triple-A Charlotte.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals SS Nicky Lopez was out of the lineup again with a “hitch in his giddy-up,” according to manager Mike Matheny. Lopez appeared to injure his leg on July 24, but remained in the game.UP NEXTThe White Sox will send RHP Dylan Cease (7-6, 4.21 ERA) to the mound. Cease has lost his last three decisions, with a 6.00 ERA in four starts.The Royals will start RHP Brad Keller (7-9, 5.84 ERA). Keller, who will pitch on his birthday for the first time in his professional career, has had three of his four longest outings of the season. In those starts, he’s 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA.

⚾ Soler hits two homers for second straight game as Royals beat White Sox

By RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated Press

Oklahoma and Texas took the first formal step Monday toward moving to the Southeastern Conference, notifying the Big 12 they would not be renewing an agreement that binds the league’s members through 2025.

The schools sent out a joint statement that made no mention of the SEC and said “the universities intend to honor their existing grant of rights agreements.”

“However, both universities will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape as they consider how best to position their athletics programs in the future,” the schools said.

The “grant of rights” gives the conference control of the school’s media rights and runs concurrent with the Big 12′s television contracts with ESPN and Fox, which expire in 2025.

The Big 12′s TV deals make up the bulk of the conference’s revenue. The conference distributed $345 million to its 10 members this year ($34.5 million apiece), down from the previous year because of the pandemic.

The SEC announced an average payout to each of its members of $44.6 million in January.

Texas and Oklahoma have been in discussions with the SEC about joining the league, though neither school nor the powerhouse conference has acknowledged that publicly.

Joining another conference with the grant of rights still in effect is a nonstarter. Texas and Oklahoma would bring no value to their new conference and it would cost the schools tens of millions of dollars per year.

The Big 12 announced Sunday that its executive committee, including Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, held a video conference with the presidents of Texas and Oklahoma.

The remaining eight Big 12 schools — Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Baylor, Texas Tech and West Virginia —- are still hoping to persuade the conference’s flagships schools to stay put.

“The meeting was cordial, and the executive committee expressed a willingness to discuss proposals that would strengthen the conference and be mutually beneficial to OU and UT, as well as the other member institutions of the conference,” Bowlsby said in a statement. “I expect that we will continue our conversations in the days ahead and we look forward to discussing thoughts, ideas and concepts that may be of shared interest and impact.”

Without Texas and Oklahoma, the Big 12 is in danger of falling apart. Even if it were to stay together by adding other schools, the value of the league would likely be severely diminished when it goes looking for its next television contract.

By RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated PressOklahoma and Texas took the first formal step Monday toward moving to the Southeastern Conference, notifying the Big 12 they would not be renewing an agreement that binds the league’s members through 2025.The schools sent out a joint statement that made no mention of the SEC and said “the universities intend to honor their existing grant of rights agreements.”“However, both universities will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape as they consider how best to position their athletics programs in the future,” the schools said.The “grant of rights” gives the conference control of the school’s media rights and runs concurrent with the Big 12′s television contracts with ESPN and Fox, which expire in 2025.The Big 12′s TV deals make up the bulk of the conference’s revenue. The conference distributed $345 million to its 10 members this year ($34.5 million apiece), down from the previous year because of the pandemic.The SEC announced an average payout to each of its members of $44.6 million in January.Texas and Oklahoma have been in discussions with the SEC about joining the league, though neither school nor the powerhouse conference has acknowledged that publicly.Joining another conference with the grant of rights still in effect is a nonstarter. Texas and Oklahoma would bring no value to their new conference and it would cost the schools tens of millions of dollars per year.The Big 12 announced Sunday that its executive committee, including Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, held a video conference with the presidents of Texas and Oklahoma.The remaining eight Big 12 schools — Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Baylor, Texas Tech and West Virginia —- are still hoping to persuade the conference’s flagships schools to stay put.“The meeting was cordial, and the executive committee expressed a willingness to discuss proposals that would strengthen the conference and be mutually beneficial to OU and UT, as well as the other member institutions of the conference,” Bowlsby said in a statement. “I expect that we will continue our conversations in the days ahead and we look forward to discussing thoughts, ideas and concepts that may be of shared interest and impact.”Without Texas and Oklahoma, the Big 12 is in danger of falling apart. Even if it were to stay together by adding other schools, the value of the league would likely be severely diminished when it goes looking for its next television contract.

With eye on SEC, Oklahoma, Texas move toward leaving Big 12

HAYS – The Hays Larks took
advantage of three two-out walks in the bottom of the first and scored three
runs to take the early lead. They didn’t get another hit until the seventh, but
it didn’t matter as they knocked off the Denver Cougars 7-2 in a non-league
game Sunday night at Larks Park.

Palmer Hutchison’s
bases-loaded walk drove the Larks (28-5) first run. Cade Brown followed with a
two-run single to give the Larks the early 3-0 lead. It would stay that way
until the seventh when they scored three more, two of them on a Leo Jiminian
two-run homer. Grant Lung also drove in a run. Zach Henry closed out the Larks
scoring with an RBI double in the eighth.

The Cougars (10-19-1) scored a
run in the fifth but a line-out to left resulted in an inning ending
double-play when the Larks picked off a runner at first. They added another run
in the top of the seventh to cut the Larks lead to 3-2.

Starters Hunter Parker (4-0) allowed
one hit over three innings and picked up the win. Trevor Munsch and Dylan
Dreiling both allowed one run over two innings of relief before Jacob Ensz
recorded the final six outs.

The Larks are off Monday
before opening their final scheduled series of the regular season Tuesday
against the Game Day Saints.

HAYS – The Hays Larks took
advantage of three two-out walks in the bottom of the first and scored three
runs to take the early lead. They didn’t get another hit until the seventh, but
it didn’t matter as they knocked off the Denver Cougars 7-2 in a non-league
game Sunday night at Larks Park.<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/1094097481&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-814667509/07-25-21-hays-larks-int" title="Frank Leo Postgame vs, Denver Cougars 072521" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame vs, Denver Cougars 072521</a></div></div>Palmer Hutchison’s
bases-loaded walk drove the Larks (28-5) first run. Cade Brown followed with a
two-run single to give the Larks the early 3-0 lead. It would stay that way
until the seventh when they scored three more, two of them on a Leo Jiminian
two-run homer. Grant Lung also drove in a run. Zach Henry closed out the Larks
scoring with an RBI double in the eighth.<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/1094097544&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-814667509/07-25-21-hays-larks-highlights" title="Hays Larks Highlights vs. Denver Cougars 072521" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays Larks Highlights vs. Denver Cougars 072521</a></div></div>The Cougars (10-19-1) scored a
run in the fifth but a line-out to left resulted in an inning ending
double-play when the Larks picked off a runner at first. They added another run
in the top of the seventh to cut the Larks lead to 3-2.Starters Hunter Parker (4-0) allowed
one hit over three innings and picked up the win. Trevor Munsch and Dylan
Dreiling both allowed one run over two innings of relief before Jacob Ensz
recorded the final six outs.The Larks are off Monday
before opening their final scheduled series of the regular season Tuesday
against the Game Day Saints.

⚾ Quick starts lifts Larks over Denver

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jorge Soler hit two home runs, Salvador Perez added a three-run blast and Daniel Lynch pitched eight scoreless innings for his first major league win as the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 6-1 Sunday.

The Royals grabbed a 4-0 first-inning lead as Perez hit his team-leading 23rd home run and Soler followed with his 11th for the Royals, who have won fifth straight games.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jorge Soler hit two home runs, Salvador Perez added a three-run blast and Daniel Lynch pitched eight scoreless innings for his first major league win as the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 6-1 Sunday.The Royals grabbed a 4-0 first-inning lead as Perez hit his team-leading 23rd home run and Soler followed with his 11th for the Royals, who have won fifth straight games.It was the second straight game Perez has hit a three-run homer.Soler hit his second home run of the day in the third inning, his fourth blast in five games.Jarrod Dyson collected an RBI single in the seventh. The Royals finished the afternoon with eight hits and only two left on base in sweeping the three-game series.“You don’t pitch eight major league innings without having confidence in your stuff,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “For him to step in against a team that has been swinging the bat really well, I am just impressed with him.”After being recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Sunday morning, Lynch (1-2) gave up five hits and struck out four. He was the first Kansas City starter this season to toss eight innings.“I just told myself to just go out and make pitches.” Lynch said. “Cam Gallagher caught a great game and my team played great defense.”Eric Haas tacked on the lone run for the Tigers off of Ervin Santana in the ninth. Jake Brentz came in and closed the door on Detroit.Tarik Skubal (6-9) gave up five runs on five hits in five innings of work with four strikeouts.“They were aggressive on Skubal's fastball early," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. "They did a lot of damage with it.”The longball has punished Skubal all season. He had allowed 19 entering the game.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: Kansas City optioned Tyler Zuber to Triple-A Omaha to correspond the move to recall Lynch.UP NEXTMatt Manning (2-3, 5.79 ERA) will open a three-game series in Minnesota for the Tigers on Monday.Kansas City begins a four-game series against Chicago Monday. Mike Minor (7-8, 5.45) will take the mound for the Royals.

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