KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — José Ramírez hit his first home run in nearly a month, rookie Nolan Jones connected for an impressive first homer of his career and the Cleveland Guardians stopped a five-game skid, roughing up the Kansas City Royals 13-1 Saturday.

The Guardians totaled a season-high 23 hits and led 11-0 after four innings. Amed Rosario homered off Royals center fielder Michael Taylor in a two-run ninth.

“It was good for our guys to breathe a little bit,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. "I was happy for them because it’s been a rough go and it doesn’t guarantee anything tomorrow but good for them because it should help.”

Triston McKenzie (6-6) tossed six scoreless innings of three-hit ball with four strikeouts and five walks.

Ramírez had an RBI single in the first and hit a two-run drive in the second — it was his 17th homer of the season but first since June 10 as he's been dealing with an ailing thumb ligament. He leads the AL with 66 RBIs.

A day after getting two hits in his big league debut, Jones launched a 457-foot, three-run drive with a 109.2 mph exit velocity into the Kauffman Stadium fountains to cap a five-run fourth inning.

The 24-year-old outfielder had two hits and walked twice.

“It is cool to see what he is doing now,” fellow rookie Steven Kwan said. “Me and Nolan are really close, we played in High-A ball together. It has been really cool seeing how he has been doing it.”

Kwan and Andrés Giménez each drove in two runs and Franmil Reyes had an RBI for the fifth straight game, the longest stretch of his career.

Cleveland topped the 22 hits it had against the Royals on April 10.

“I think today is just a big confidence booster for everybody,” Kwan said. “We have been barreling balls and they haven’t been finding the holes. Today we are hitting the ball hard and hitting is contagious so hopefully, we keep it going.”

Jonathan Heasley (1-5) gave up six runs and six hits in a career-low 1 1/3 innings.

“I think it was just one of those days, kind of a dead arm day," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He just couldn’t find the feel and chalk it up as one of those days moving forward. He just didn’t have a good feel coming out of his hand.”

Taylor made his first career pitching appearance and allowed two runs on five hits and two walks in two innings. He also struck out Reyes and Óscar Mercado.

Andrew Benintendi extended his AL-best on-base streak to 18 games with a walk in the first. Nicky Lopez drove in the Royals' run with a grounder.

Royals: Manager Mike Matheny said RHP Josh Staumont (neck strain) is set to begin a rehab assignment in Triple-A Omaha on Sunday. Staumont was sent to the 15-day injured list on June 26.

Zach Plesac (2-6, 3.80 ERA) will take the mound for Cleveland in the series finale. Zack Greinke (2-5, 4.85 ERA) will counter for Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — José Ramírez hit his first home run in nearly a month, rookie Nolan Jones connected for an impressive first homer of his career and the Cleveland Guardians stopped a five-game skid, roughing up the Kansas City Royals 13-1 Saturday.The Guardians totaled a season-high 23 hits and led 11-0 after four innings. Amed Rosario homered off Royals center fielder Michael Taylor in a two-run ninth.“It was good for our guys to breathe a little bit,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. "I was happy for them because it’s been a rough go and it doesn’t guarantee anything tomorrow but good for them because it should help.”Triston McKenzie (6-6) tossed six scoreless innings of three-hit ball with four strikeouts and five walks.Ramírez had an RBI single in the first and hit a two-run drive in the second — it was his 17th homer of the season but first since June 10 as he's been dealing with an ailing thumb ligament. He leads the AL with 66 RBIs.A day after getting two hits in his big league debut, Jones launched a 457-foot, three-run drive with a 109.2 mph exit velocity into the Kauffman Stadium fountains to cap a five-run fourth inning.The 24-year-old outfielder had two hits and walked twice.“It is cool to see what he is doing now,” fellow rookie Steven Kwan said. “Me and Nolan are really close, we played in High-A ball together. It has been really cool seeing how he has been doing it.”Kwan and Andrés Giménez each drove in two runs and Franmil Reyes had an RBI for the fifth straight game, the longest stretch of his career.Cleveland topped the 22 hits it had against the Royals on April 10.“I think today is just a big confidence booster for everybody,” Kwan said. “We have been barreling balls and they haven’t been finding the holes. Today we are hitting the ball hard and hitting is contagious so hopefully, we keep it going.”Jonathan Heasley (1-5) gave up six runs and six hits in a career-low 1 1/3 innings.“I think it was just one of those days, kind of a dead arm day," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He just couldn’t find the feel and chalk it up as one of those days moving forward. He just didn’t have a good feel coming out of his hand.”Taylor made his first career pitching appearance and allowed two runs on five hits and two walks in two innings. He also struck out Reyes and Óscar Mercado.Andrew Benintendi extended his AL-best on-base streak to 18 games with a walk in the first. Nicky Lopez drove in the Royals' run with a grounder.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Manager Mike Matheny said RHP Josh Staumont (neck strain) is set to begin a rehab assignment in Triple-A Omaha on Sunday. Staumont was sent to the 15-day injured list on June 26.UP NEXTZach Plesac (2-6, 3.80 ERA) will take the mound for Cleveland in the series finale. Zack Greinke (2-5, 4.85 ERA) will counter for Kansas City.

⚾ Royals fall behind early in loss to Cleveland

HAYS - The Hays Larks scored 13 runs n the second inning which was more than plenty in 22-0 rout of the Colorado Springs Outlaws Friday at Larks Park.

Catcher Brady Evans went 4-for-5 and was a double away from hitting for the cycle and drove in seven runs. Evans hit a grand slam and a single in the decisive second inning as the Larks sent 18 batters to the plate.

Five Larks pitchers held the Outlaws to five singles. Starter Ben Baker-Livingston pitched the first three and picked up the win.

The Larks improved to 21-6 overall and 15-3&nbsp; in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. They play the middle game of their three-game series with the Outlaws Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Larks Park.

HAYS - The Hays Larks scored 13 runs n the second inning which was more than plenty in 22-0 rout of the Colorado Springs Outlaws Friday at Larks Park.Catcher Brady Evans went 4-for-5 and was a double away from hitting for the cycle and drove in seven runs. Evans hit a grand slam and a single in the decisive second inning as the Larks sent 18 batters to the plate.Five Larks pitchers held the Outlaws to five singles. Starter Ben Baker-Livingston pitched the first three and picked up the win.The Larks improved to 21-6 overall and 15-3&nbsp; in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. They play the middle game of their three-game series with the Outlaws Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Larks Park.

⚾ Evans, big inning lead Larks to rout of Outlaws

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor hit a game-ending RBI single, and the Kansas City Royals beat the slumping Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Friday night.

Vinnie Pasquantino opened the Kansas City ninth with a double to right against Sam Hentges (2-1) that nearly cleared the fence. Edward Olivares then entered the game as a pinch-runner.

“I'm really happy that I kept hitting even though a lefty was pitching,” Pasquantino said. “At the end of the day, I'm glad we set the stage for Michael to send us home.”

After Kyle Isbel struck out on a foul bunt, Taylor poked a 1-2 pitch into right for the winning hit.

“Two strikes I was just trying to protect and make contact and was thinking the other way,” Taylor said. “It's a lot of fun especially with all the energy in this ballpark and the fans.”

Cleveland led 3-1 after seven innings, but Whit Merrifield hit a tying two-run homer in the eighth against Eli Morgan. It was just his second homer in 42 games.

“That was one of my better ones,” Merrifield said. “It even kind of left me on balance so I could kind of admire it."

The Guardians have lost five straight and seven of eight overall.

Scott Barlow (3-2) pitched a shaky ninth for the win. Cleveland loaded the bases with one out, but Myles Straw bounced into a forceout at home and Steven Kwan flied to right.

“We knew it had to be hit real hard to have a chance,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said about the forceout. “We like Scott's chances, and Isbel made a nice play in right field to put that away.”

Franmil Reyes hit a tiebreaking two-run homer for the Guardians in the seventh. Aaron Civale pitched seven effective innings in his longest outing since June 11, 2021.

“Luckily Franmil took a really good swing because (Brady) Singer pitched well,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said.

Cleveland prospect Nolan Jones hit an RBI double in his first major league at-bat in the second. He also singled in the seventh.

“He swung the bat really well,” Francona said. “I'm sure his heart was beating a beat or two, but I thought we swung the ball well.”

Reyes hit his eighth homer on a 3-0 pitch from Singer. He also went deep during Wednesday's 8-2 loss at Detroit.

Civale allowed six hits, struck out six and walked none.

“I think I just needed to focus on me,” Civale said. “My skillset is reading hitters and reading the game. I am trying to get a little bit away from the scouting report and focus on that.”

Andrew Benintendi hit an RBI single for Kansas City in the third. Singer allowed six hits, struck out five and walked none in seven innings.

Guardians: Activated C Austin Hedges from the injured list and designated C Sandy León for assignment.

The Guardians also recalled Jones from Triple-A and optioned OF Richie Palacios.

The Guardians send RHP Triston McKenzie (5-6, 3.71 ERA) to the mound against RHP Jonathan Heasley (1-4, 4.76 ERA) for the Royals on Saturday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor hit a game-ending RBI single, and the Kansas City Royals beat the slumping Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Friday night.Vinnie Pasquantino opened the Kansas City ninth with a double to right against Sam Hentges (2-1) that nearly cleared the fence. Edward Olivares then entered the game as a pinch-runner.“I'm really happy that I kept hitting even though a lefty was pitching,” Pasquantino said. “At the end of the day, I'm glad we set the stage for Michael to send us home.”After Kyle Isbel struck out on a foul bunt, Taylor poked a 1-2 pitch into right for the winning hit.“Two strikes I was just trying to protect and make contact and was thinking the other way,” Taylor said. “It's a lot of fun especially with all the energy in this ballpark and the fans.”Cleveland led 3-1 after seven innings, but Whit Merrifield hit a tying two-run homer in the eighth against Eli Morgan. It was just his second homer in 42 games.“That was one of my better ones,” Merrifield said. “It even kind of left me on balance so I could kind of admire it."The Guardians have lost five straight and seven of eight overall.Scott Barlow (3-2) pitched a shaky ninth for the win. Cleveland loaded the bases with one out, but Myles Straw bounced into a forceout at home and Steven Kwan flied to right.“We knew it had to be hit real hard to have a chance,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said about the forceout. “We like Scott's chances, and Isbel made a nice play in right field to put that away.”Franmil Reyes hit a tiebreaking two-run homer for the Guardians in the seventh. Aaron Civale pitched seven effective innings in his longest outing since June 11, 2021.“Luckily Franmil took a really good swing because (Brady) Singer pitched well,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said.Cleveland prospect Nolan Jones hit an RBI double in his first major league at-bat in the second. He also singled in the seventh.“He swung the bat really well,” Francona said. “I'm sure his heart was beating a beat or two, but I thought we swung the ball well.”Reyes hit his eighth homer on a 3-0 pitch from Singer. He also went deep during Wednesday's 8-2 loss at Detroit.Civale allowed six hits, struck out six and walked none.“I think I just needed to focus on me,” Civale said. “My skillset is reading hitters and reading the game. I am trying to get a little bit away from the scouting report and focus on that.”Andrew Benintendi hit an RBI single for Kansas City in the third. Singer allowed six hits, struck out five and walked none in seven innings.TRAINER’S ROOMGuardians: Activated C Austin Hedges from the injured list and designated C Sandy León for assignment.ROSTER MOVESThe Guardians also recalled Jones from Triple-A and optioned OF Richie Palacios.UP NEXTThe Guardians send RHP Triston McKenzie (5-6, 3.71 ERA) to the mound against RHP Jonathan Heasley (1-4, 4.76 ERA) for the Royals on Saturday.

⚾ Royals rally late for walkoff win over Guardians

SEMINOLE, Okla. - The Hays Hammer 18U attempted to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory during their second day&nbsp;of the Perfect Game Oklahoma Championships against Precision Baseball Moore 18U.

While the team wrung a victory out of the morning, the Hammer — formerly the Hays Eagles — gave up a seven-run fifth inning with one out to go to end the game in an 11-1 run rule, eventually winning at the time limit after six innings 12-8.

Starting pitcher Carson Spray pitched a strong 4 2/3 innings before hitting his pitch limit, striking out four, walking five and giving up just three hits. Reliever Jack Fields was called on to get the final out with the score 11-1 to earn the run-rule win. Fields surrendered Spray's inherited baserunners and gave up four of his own before being pulled without getting an out — walking three and giving up four hits.&nbsp;

Garrett Wellbrock came on to get the final four outs, striking out three and surrendering one hit.&nbsp;

Offensively, the Hammer started strong, plating 10 in the first three innings. Dalton Dale had a three-run home run to left in the second, and Spray went 4-for-4 at the plate with two knocked in. Lex Lummus went 3-for-4 with two RBIs.

Spray earned the win, and Wellbrock collected his third save of the season. The Hammer committed three errors on the day, but stole six on the base paths.

The 18U Hammer will play at 6 p.m. Saturday against Amarillo, Texas-based Offspeed 2023 17U to close out pool play.&nbsp;

Hays PostSEMINOLE, Okla. - The Hays Hammer 18U attempted to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory during their second day&nbsp;of the Perfect Game Oklahoma Championships against Precision Baseball Moore 18U.While the team wrung a victory out of the morning, the Hammer — formerly the Hays Eagles — gave up a seven-run fifth inning with one out to go to end the game in an 11-1 run rule, eventually winning at the time limit after six innings 12-8.Starting pitcher Carson Spray pitched a strong 4 2/3 innings before hitting his pitch limit, striking out four, walking five and giving up just three hits. Reliever Jack Fields was called on to get the final out with the score 11-1 to earn the run-rule win. Fields surrendered Spray's inherited baserunners and gave up four of his own before being pulled without getting an out — walking three and giving up four hits.&nbsp;Garrett Wellbrock came on to get the final four outs, striking out three and surrendering one hit.&nbsp;Offensively, the Hammer started strong, plating 10 in the first three innings. Dalton Dale had a three-run home run to left in the second, and Spray went 4-for-4 at the plate with two knocked in. Lex Lummus went 3-for-4 with two RBIs.Spray earned the win, and Wellbrock collected his third save of the season. The Hammer committed three errors on the day, but stole six on the base paths.The 18U Hammer will play at 6 p.m. Saturday against Amarillo, Texas-based Offspeed 2023 17U to close out pool play.&nbsp;

⚾ Hays Hammer 18U clings to victory in second day of Okla. tourney

By ERIC THOMAS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/08/midwest-college-grudge-matches-vanish-during-conference-realignment/">Courtesy Kansas Reflector</a>

My wife’s stepdad, Mike, was 
notoriously slow to soften. This was especially true if you were me, the
 bouncy, naive kid dating his stepdaughter.

One particular interaction between us
 lives in family lore. I came to visit Kansas City as a mop-haired 
photojournalism freshman at the University of Missouri. However, a baby 
shower swamped the house with diapers, pink baby toys and cooing aunts. I
 retreated to the safety of Mike’s workshop. The menagerie of power 
tools, wood glue and sawdust lured me.

With some mid-1990s “hey dude” enthusiasm, I asked Mike, “What are you working on?”

Bunkered behind his bench, his hand 
tightening a vise on a piece of wood that he was filing, Mike looked up.
 Over the top of his oversized glasses perched at the tip of his nose, 
he said, “Why don’t you go back inside?”

I got the message. For years, I 
tiptoed around him, until we established a tender and public truce 
during the weekend I married Polly. Still, I worried about bringing him 
big news, even after decades of being family.

Eight years ago, I had some news for him.

My wife’s family adores the 
University of Missouri and its sports teams. Black-and-gold diplomas 
decorate offices of so many family members. We have rearranged birthday 
parties to avoid distracting from Tiger basketball games. Cousins, 
uncles and parents tailgated in bitter cold and absurd heat in Columbia.
 My wife and I had season tickets for Mizzou basketball while we lived 
in Kansas City, zombie-driving west on Interstate 70 at midnight from 
Wednesday night home games against Texas to make it to work the next 
day.

Yet, eight years ago, I accepted <a target="_blank" href="https://journalism.ku.edu/people/eric-thomas">a job at the University of Kansas</a>. I was going to be a Jayhawk. I was, impossibly, trading black and gold for crimson and blue.

When I told Mike about the new job in Lawrence, he lounged on the couch in his favorite Missouri polo. He didn’t blink.&nbsp;

“When are you leaving the family?” he said.&nbsp;

This kind of rivalry — with this hellbent allegiance — is the fuel of college sports. Or, it was.

This week’s announcement that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/30/sport/usc-ucla-big-ten-spt/index.html">USC and UCLA would join the Big 10 conference</a> in 2024 was Step #247 in the 458-step plan to disassemble college sports and its quirky yet searing regional rivalries.

That news was preceded by step #246, <a target="_blank" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10038310-report-cincinnati-houston-ucf-and-byu-to-join-big-12-in-summer-of-2023">which was the recruitment</a>
 of Brigham Young University, the University of Houston, the University 
of Central Florida and University of Cincinnati to the Big 12 to join 
KU, Kansas State and others. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/31920686/texas-longhorns-oklahoma-sooners-unanimously-accept-invitation-sec">Texas and Oklahoma had signaled their exits</a> from the Big 12 last summer. Only six of the original Big 12 will remain in a conference stretching from Florida to Utah.

Fans who have clustered for decades 
around the Jayhawks, Tigers and Wildcats have experienced the 
disintegration earlier and more completely than any others.

Before I go further, I admit this: I forever begrudge my two-time alma mater, the University of Missouri, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com.au/college-sports/story/_/id/7199062/missouri-tigers-move-sec-official-big-12-hurdles-remain">its choice to leave the Big 12 in 2012</a>. That early yet deliberate domino nudge invited the chaos and perpetual realignment we are living through.

MU and Texas A&amp;M leaving the Big 
12 (plus Colorado and Nebraska leaving for other conferences) provided a
 roadmap to others. Meet secretly. Leak the possible move to the press. 
Sprinkle in some dubious talk about academic benefits for the 
student-athletes. Ignore that the conference names make no sense (the 
Big 10 has 14 teams and two affiliates?). Collect the oversized check at
 the end.

It seemed simple. The SEC 
conference’s media deals ballooned, and many fans quickly accepted the 
additional schools as the new status quo.

However, I hungered for the “old Big 
12.” The regionally compact version of the conference offered up weekly 
games that mattered because you knew the opponent school, their colors 
and their history.

There was familiarity. At your 
office, three people in neighboring cubicles wore K-State shirts. A few 
years ago, you visited Ames on a road trip. You and your uncle had a 
standing bet anytime you played Nebraska. There was weekly, if not 
daily, significance to games against schools in neighboring states.

The evidence of how much these games 
mattered could be heard on talk radio and seen on the “House Divided” 
license plates. I have a video, taken with my cellphone, from the seats 
at the 2012 Big 12 men’s basketball championship in Kansas City. 
Celebrating my Tigers winning the tournament, you can hear my voice 
breaking — in a way that I reserved for the birth of my children and 
family funerals. That win mattered.

In winning the tournament, the Tigers beat Oklahoma State, Texas and Baylor.

The Tigers’ rivalries now? My 
enthusiasm for a Missouri vs. South Carolina game is zilch. I don’t know
 a single person I can pester or bet or avoid after a game against the 
Gamecocks, Commodores, Bulldogs or … well, I don’t even know all the SEC
 mascots, to be honest.

During football seasons, my 
brother-in-law, a fervent Mizzou fan, still props his cellphone up on 
restaurant dinner tables to watch games. However, the games that 
“matter” are between Texas A&amp;M and Alabama or Michigan and Nebraska.
 These blue-blood football teams would have seldom played one another 
before the scrambling of conferences.

As Josh Levin pointed out during this week’s <a target="_blank" href="https://slate.com/podcasts/hang-up-and-listen/2022/07/kevin-durant-and-kyrie-irving-ucla-and-usc-and-nick-kyrgios-and-stefanos-tsitsipas-on-hang-up-and-listen">“Hang Up and Listen” podcast</a>,
 sports fans are becoming more impatient for anything that isn’t a 
“showcase” game with one historic program playing another. (I would note
 here that traveling youth sports is rapidly reorganizing itself in the 
same way to create marquee matchups … <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/introducing-usys-national-league-elite-64/">between “elite” 12-year-olds</a>.)&nbsp;

Jayhawks, Wildcats and Tigers: How do
 we, fans of some of the earliest disbanded and realigned conferences, 
feel a decade later? I have yet to find a local college sports fan who 
is free of nostalgia for the era of playing nearby rival schools, rather
 than super leagues crisscrossing the country for potential games of the
 century each week.

Living in Kansas and Missouri, we had a preview. We resent realignment, and yet it rolls forward and becomes even larger.

If there is a silver lining, it is 
this: Realignment is surely not done. With conferences stretching from 
coast to coast and powerhouse conferences still containing weak schools (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.secsports.com/standings/football">hi, Vanderbilt</a>), the dominoes are still falling 11 years later.

Let’s hope when the university 
presidents, football coaches and athletic directors complete their 
master plan, regional rivalries return. After all, those grudge matches 
define college sports.

Eric Thomas directs the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, a nonprofit that supports student journalism throughout the state. He also teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.&nbsp;

By ERIC THOMAS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/08/midwest-college-grudge-matches-vanish-during-conference-realignment/">Courtesy Kansas Reflector</a>My wife’s stepdad, Mike, was 
notoriously slow to soften. This was especially true if you were me, the
 bouncy, naive kid dating his stepdaughter.One particular interaction between us
 lives in family lore. I came to visit Kansas City as a mop-haired 
photojournalism freshman at the University of Missouri. However, a baby 
shower swamped the house with diapers, pink baby toys and cooing aunts. I
 retreated to the safety of Mike’s workshop. The menagerie of power 
tools, wood glue and sawdust lured me.With some mid-1990s “hey dude” enthusiasm, I asked Mike, “What are you working on?”Bunkered behind his bench, his hand 
tightening a vise on a piece of wood that he was filing, Mike looked up.
 Over the top of his oversized glasses perched at the tip of his nose, 
he said, “Why don’t you go back inside?”I got the message. For years, I 
tiptoed around him, until we established a tender and public truce 
during the weekend I married Polly. Still, I worried about bringing him 
big news, even after decades of being family.Eight years ago, I had some news for him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>My wife’s family adores the 
University of Missouri and its sports teams. Black-and-gold diplomas 
decorate offices of so many family members. We have rearranged birthday 
parties to avoid distracting from Tiger basketball games. Cousins, 
uncles and parents tailgated in bitter cold and absurd heat in Columbia.
 My wife and I had season tickets for Mizzou basketball while we lived 
in Kansas City, zombie-driving west on Interstate 70 at midnight from 
Wednesday night home games against Texas to make it to work the next 
day.Yet, eight years ago, I accepted <a target="_blank" href="https://journalism.ku.edu/people/eric-thomas">a job at the University of Kansas</a>. I was going to be a Jayhawk. I was, impossibly, trading black and gold for crimson and blue.When I told Mike about the new job in Lawrence, he lounged on the couch in his favorite Missouri polo. He didn’t blink.&nbsp;“When are you leaving the family?” he said.&nbsp;I laughed, but he didn’t.This kind of rivalry — with this hellbent allegiance — is the fuel of college sports. Or, it was.This week’s announcement that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/30/sport/usc-ucla-big-ten-spt/index.html">USC and UCLA would join the Big 10 conference</a> in 2024 was Step #247 in the 458-step plan to disassemble college sports and its quirky yet searing regional rivalries.That news was preceded by step #246, <a target="_blank" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10038310-report-cincinnati-houston-ucf-and-byu-to-join-big-12-in-summer-of-2023">which was the recruitment</a>
 of Brigham Young University, the University of Houston, the University 
of Central Florida and University of Cincinnati to the Big 12 to join 
KU, Kansas State and others. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/31920686/texas-longhorns-oklahoma-sooners-unanimously-accept-invitation-sec">Texas and Oklahoma had signaled their exits</a> from the Big 12 last summer. Only six of the original Big 12 will remain in a conference stretching from Florida to Utah.Fans who have clustered for decades 
around the Jayhawks, Tigers and Wildcats have experienced the 
disintegration earlier and more completely than any others.Before I go further, I admit this: I forever begrudge my two-time alma mater, the University of Missouri, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com.au/college-sports/story/_/id/7199062/missouri-tigers-move-sec-official-big-12-hurdles-remain">its choice to leave the Big 12 in 2012</a>. That early yet deliberate domino nudge invited the chaos and perpetual realignment we are living through.MU and Texas A&amp;M leaving the Big 
12 (plus Colorado and Nebraska leaving for other conferences) provided a
 roadmap to others. Meet secretly. Leak the possible move to the press. 
Sprinkle in some dubious talk about academic benefits for the 
student-athletes. Ignore that the conference names make no sense (the 
Big 10 has 14 teams and two affiliates?). Collect the oversized check at
 the end.It seemed simple. The SEC 
conference’s media deals ballooned, and many fans quickly accepted the 
additional schools as the new status quo.However, I hungered for the “old Big 
12.” The regionally compact version of the conference offered up weekly 
games that mattered because you knew the opponent school, their colors 
and their history.There was familiarity. At your 
office, three people in neighboring cubicles wore K-State shirts. A few 
years ago, you visited Ames on a road trip. You and your uncle had a 
standing bet anytime you played Nebraska. There was weekly, if not 
daily, significance to games against schools in neighboring states.The evidence of how much these games 
mattered could be heard on talk radio and seen on the “House Divided” 
license plates. I have a video, taken with my cellphone, from the seats 
at the 2012 Big 12 men’s basketball championship in Kansas City. 
Celebrating my Tigers winning the tournament, you can hear my voice 
breaking — in a way that I reserved for the birth of my children and 
family funerals. That win mattered.In winning the tournament, the Tigers beat Oklahoma State, Texas and Baylor.The Tigers’ rivalries now? My 
enthusiasm for a Missouri vs. South Carolina game is zilch. I don’t know
 a single person I can pester or bet or avoid after a game against the 
Gamecocks, Commodores, Bulldogs or … well, I don’t even know all the SEC
 mascots, to be honest.During football seasons, my 
brother-in-law, a fervent Mizzou fan, still props his cellphone up on 
restaurant dinner tables to watch games. However, the games that 
“matter” are between Texas A&amp;M and Alabama or Michigan and Nebraska.
 These blue-blood football teams would have seldom played one another 
before the scrambling of conferences.As Josh Levin pointed out during this week’s <a target="_blank" href="https://slate.com/podcasts/hang-up-and-listen/2022/07/kevin-durant-and-kyrie-irving-ucla-and-usc-and-nick-kyrgios-and-stefanos-tsitsipas-on-hang-up-and-listen">“Hang Up and Listen” podcast</a>,
 sports fans are becoming more impatient for anything that isn’t a 
“showcase” game with one historic program playing another. (I would note
 here that traveling youth sports is rapidly reorganizing itself in the 
same way to create marquee matchups … <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/introducing-usys-national-league-elite-64/">between “elite” 12-year-olds</a>.)&nbsp;Jayhawks, Wildcats and Tigers: How do
 we, fans of some of the earliest disbanded and realigned conferences, 
feel a decade later? I have yet to find a local college sports fan who 
is free of nostalgia for the era of playing nearby rival schools, rather
 than super leagues crisscrossing the country for potential games of the
 century each week.Living in Kansas and Missouri, we had a preview. We resent realignment, and yet it rolls forward and becomes even larger.If there is a silver lining, it is 
this: Realignment is surely not done. With conferences stretching from 
coast to coast and powerhouse conferences still containing weak schools (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.secsports.com/standings/football">hi, Vanderbilt</a>), the dominoes are still falling 11 years later.Let’s hope when the university 
presidents, football coaches and athletic directors complete their 
master plan, regional rivalries return. After all, those grudge matches 
define college sports.Eric Thomas directs the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, a nonprofit that supports student journalism throughout the state. He also teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.&nbsp;

OPINION: Midwest college grudge matches vanish during realignment

SEMINOLE, Okla. – The Hays Hammer 18U baseball team dropped
their opening game of the Perfect Game Oklahoma Championships 12-4 Thursday in
Oklahoma City against the Arkansas Patriots. 

Hays jumped out to an early 2-0 lead scoring a run on a Dalton
Dale RBI double and Jack Fields RBI single in the bottom of the first inning.

The Patriots answered with two runs in the top of the second
inning and then exploded for nine runs in the top of the third taking an 11-2
lead through two and a half innings.

Carson Spray singled home a run and Derick Riggs walked with
the bases loaded cutting the Patriots lead to 11-4 in the bottom of the third
innings.

Arkansas added a single run in the top of the fourth on
their way to the 12-4 run-rule victory in five innings.

Dalton Dale allowed eight runs, seven earned, on three hits in
two innings and suffered the loss.

Dale, Fields and Spray all tallied a pair of hits in the
loss.

Hays will play Precision baseball at 9 a.m. Friday.

SEMINOLE, Okla. – The Hays Hammer 18U baseball team dropped
their opening game of the Perfect Game Oklahoma Championships 12-4 Thursday in
Oklahoma City against the Arkansas Patriots. Hays jumped out to an early 2-0 lead scoring a run on a Dalton
Dale RBI double and Jack Fields RBI single in the bottom of the first inning.The Patriots answered with two runs in the top of the second
inning and then exploded for nine runs in the top of the third taking an 11-2
lead through two and a half innings.Carson Spray singled home a run and Derick Riggs walked with
the bases loaded cutting the Patriots lead to 11-4 in the bottom of the third
innings.Arkansas added a single run in the top of the fourth on
their way to the 12-4 run-rule victory in five innings.Dalton Dale allowed eight runs, seven earned, on three hits in
two innings and suffered the loss.Dale, Fields and Spray all tallied a pair of hits in the
loss.Hays will play Precision baseball at 9 a.m. Friday.

⚾ HBC 18U drops Oklahoma Championship opener

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Defending Big 12 champion Baylor has been tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the conference title again, based on a poll of media who cover the league.

It is the first time Baylor has been favored in the preseason vote. Coach Dave Aranda's Bears got&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2022/7/7/baylor-makes-first-appearance-atop-big-12-football-media-preseason-poll.aspx">17 of the 41 first-place votes</a>&nbsp;in the poll released Thursday.

Oklahoma was picked second ahead of Oklahoma State, which lost 21-16 to Baylor in the Big 12 championship game last December. Baylor and Oklahoma State were both 12-2 last season, while the Sooners were 11-2.

Texas junior running back Bijan Robinson, who ran for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, was named the&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/documents/2022/7/6//2022_Big_12_Preseason_Team.pdf">preseason offensive player of the year</a>&nbsp;in the media vote.

Kansas State junior linebacker Felix Anudike-Uzomah was picked as the top defender and Oklahoma junior quarterback Dillon Gabriel the best newcomer.

Anudike-Uzomah had 11 sacks and 14 1/2 tackles for loss last year. Gabriel transferred from UCF to Oklahoma after throwing for 8,037 yards and 70 touchdowns in 26 games with the Golden Knights.

The Sooners were picked as the preseason favorite each of the past six years. They saw their run of six consecutive conference titles end last season when they didn't make the Big 12 title game.

Oklahoma got 12 first-place votes. Oklahoma State got nine and Texas, picked fourth, got two. Kansas State, Iowa State, TCU, West Virginia, Texas Tech and Kansas rounded out the poll. Iowa State got the final first-place vote.

The Big 12 will be the first Power Five conference to conduct its football media days this summer. Its two-day session begins Wednesday with the introductory news conference for Brett Yormark, the conference's incoming commissioner.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Defending Big 12 champion Baylor has been tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the conference title again, based on a poll of media who cover the league.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657281568159.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It is the first time Baylor has been favored in the preseason vote. Coach Dave Aranda's Bears got&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2022/7/7/baylor-makes-first-appearance-atop-big-12-football-media-preseason-poll.aspx">17 of the 41 first-place votes</a>&nbsp;in the poll released Thursday.Oklahoma was picked second ahead of Oklahoma State, which lost 21-16 to Baylor in the Big 12 championship game last December. Baylor and Oklahoma State were both 12-2 last season, while the Sooners were 11-2.Texas junior running back Bijan Robinson, who ran for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, was named the&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/documents/2022/7/6//2022_Big_12_Preseason_Team.pdf">preseason offensive player of the year</a>&nbsp;in the media vote.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657281605521.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State junior linebacker Felix Anudike-Uzomah was picked as the top defender and Oklahoma junior quarterback Dillon Gabriel the best newcomer.Anudike-Uzomah had 11 sacks and 14 1/2 tackles for loss last year. Gabriel transferred from UCF to Oklahoma after throwing for 8,037 yards and 70 touchdowns in 26 games with the Golden Knights.The Sooners were picked as the preseason favorite each of the past six years. They saw their run of six consecutive conference titles end last season when they didn't make the Big 12 title game.Oklahoma got 12 first-place votes. Oklahoma State got nine and Texas, picked fourth, got two. Kansas State, Iowa State, TCU, West Virginia, Texas Tech and Kansas rounded out the poll. Iowa State got the final first-place vote.The Big 12 will be the first Power Five conference to conduct its football media days this summer. Its two-day session begins Wednesday with the introductory news conference for Brett Yormark, the conference's incoming commissioner.

🏈Defending Big 12 champ Baylor tabbed preseason favorite

HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander got his MLB-leading 11th
win, Yordan Alvarez hit his 26th homer and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas
City Royals 5-2 on Thursday to take the series 3-1.

Jose Altuve added a homer and three RBIs for the Astros, who
bounced back after a 7-4 loss Wednesday night that snapped an eight-game
winning streak.

Verlander (11-3) grinded through six innings, allowing seven
hits and two runs — one earned — with eight strikeouts to lower his ERA to 2.00
in his remarkable return from Tommy John surgery. His ERA, opponent average
(1.90) and WHIP (0.97) all rank second in the American League.

The Royals led 2-0 and Kris Bubic (1-6) had walked five
batters but had allowed just one hit on a single by Jake Meyers in the second
when Martín Maldonado doubled with one out in the fifth.

Altuve jumped on the first pitch of the at-bat, sending it
into the seats in left field to tie it at 2-2.

There were two outs in the inning when Alvarez connected on
his opposite-field shot to the first row in left field to put the Astros on top
3-2. His 26 home runs rank second in the AL to Yankees’ star Aaron Judge, who
has 30.

Houston added two insurance runs in the eighth on a
sacrifice fly by Altuve and an RBI double by Aledmys Díaz.

Ryan Pressly pitched a scoreless ninth to get his 18th save.

The victory gives Verlander 24 wins all-time against the
Royals, which is his most against any team and ties him with Nolan Ryan for
fourth-most in league history against Kansas City.

The Royals led early in this one just as they had in the
first three games of the series.

Emmanuel Rivera and Edward Olivares hit consecutive singles
to start the second. Rivera was picked off trying to steal third for the second
out of the inning before a single by Nicky Lopez scored Olivares to put Kansas
City up 1-0.

Olivares got things going in the fourth when he singled with
no outs and made it all the way to third on the play on an error by center
fielder Jake Meyers. The Royals made it 2-0 when Olivares scored on a sacrifice
fly by Kyle Isbel.

Verlander took a one-hopper hit by MJ Melendez off the leg
with one out in the fifth. It didn’t slow him down, as he chased the ball after
it deflected off his leg and made the throw in time to beat Melendez to first.

Rivera singled to start the sixth before Verlander walked
Isbel with one out. After a short visit to the mound, Verlander retired Lopez
and Cam Gallagher on groundouts to preserve the lead and end his day.

Bubic yielded four hits and three runs while tying a
career-high with six walks in 5 1/3 innings for his second straight loss.

Royals: INF Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup for a
second straight game after fouling a ball off his hand Tuesday night. He still
had some swelling Thursday, but manager Mike Matheny said he expected Witt to
hit in the cage and that he was still listed as day to day.

Astros: SS Jeremy Peña was scratched from the lineup about
an hour before the game due to health and safety protocols.

Thursday’s win was a milestone victory for manager Dusty
Baker, moving him out of a tie with Walter Alston (2,040) into sole possession
of ninth place on the all-time wins list with 2,041.

Royals: Brady Singer (3-3, 4.30 ERA) will face Cleveland’s
Aaron Civale (2-5, 7.05) on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series
against the Guardians.

Astros: José Urquidy (7-3, 4.15) will oppose Oakland’s Paul
Blackburn (6-3, 2.90) when the Astros open a three-game series against the
Athletics on Friday night.

HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander got his MLB-leading 11th
win, Yordan Alvarez hit his 26th homer and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas
City Royals 5-2 on Thursday to take the series 3-1.Jose Altuve added a homer and three RBIs for the Astros, who
bounced back after a 7-4 loss Wednesday night that snapped an eight-game
winning streak.Verlander (11-3) grinded through six innings, allowing seven
hits and two runs — one earned — with eight strikeouts to lower his ERA to 2.00
in his remarkable return from Tommy John surgery. His ERA, opponent average
(1.90) and WHIP (0.97) all rank second in the American League.The Royals led 2-0 and Kris Bubic (1-6) had walked five
batters but had allowed just one hit on a single by Jake Meyers in the second
when Martín Maldonado doubled with one out in the fifth.Altuve jumped on the first pitch of the at-bat, sending it
into the seats in left field to tie it at 2-2.There were two outs in the inning when Alvarez connected on
his opposite-field shot to the first row in left field to put the Astros on top
3-2. His 26 home runs rank second in the AL to Yankees’ star Aaron Judge, who
has 30.Houston added two insurance runs in the eighth on a
sacrifice fly by Altuve and an RBI double by Aledmys Díaz.Ryan Pressly pitched a scoreless ninth to get his 18th save.The victory gives Verlander 24 wins all-time against the
Royals, which is his most against any team and ties him with Nolan Ryan for
fourth-most in league history against Kansas City.The Royals led early in this one just as they had in the
first three games of the series.Emmanuel Rivera and Edward Olivares hit consecutive singles
to start the second. Rivera was picked off trying to steal third for the second
out of the inning before a single by Nicky Lopez scored Olivares to put Kansas
City up 1-0.Olivares got things going in the fourth when he singled with
no outs and made it all the way to third on the play on an error by center
fielder Jake Meyers. The Royals made it 2-0 when Olivares scored on a sacrifice
fly by Kyle Isbel.Verlander took a one-hopper hit by MJ Melendez off the leg
with one out in the fifth. It didn’t slow him down, as he chased the ball after
it deflected off his leg and made the throw in time to beat Melendez to first.Rivera singled to start the sixth before Verlander walked
Isbel with one out. After a short visit to the mound, Verlander retired Lopez
and Cam Gallagher on groundouts to preserve the lead and end his day.Bubic yielded four hits and three runs while tying a
career-high with six walks in 5 1/3 innings for his second straight loss.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup for a
second straight game after fouling a ball off his hand Tuesday night. He still
had some swelling Thursday, but manager Mike Matheny said he expected Witt to
hit in the cage and that he was still listed as day to day.Astros: SS Jeremy Peña was scratched from the lineup about
an hour before the game due to health and safety protocols.DUSTY’S MILESTONEThursday’s win was a milestone victory for manager Dusty
Baker, moving him out of a tie with Walter Alston (2,040) into sole possession
of ninth place on the all-time wins list with 2,041.UP NEXTRoyals: Brady Singer (3-3, 4.30 ERA) will face Cleveland’s
Aaron Civale (2-5, 7.05) on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series
against the Guardians.Astros: José Urquidy (7-3, 4.15) will oppose Oakland’s Paul
Blackburn (6-3, 2.90) when the Astros open a three-game series against the
Athletics on Friday night.

⚾Verlander wins 11th as Astros beat Royals 5-2, take 3 of 4

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:49 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Keith Harper"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/SxU5cN3V-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/SxU5cN3V-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/SxU5cN3V-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Keith Harper" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Keith Harper

Raymond Lee, one of the greatest players in Fort Hays State Men's Basketball history and member of the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame, passed away on June 16, 2022. The Detroit, Michigan native was 58 years old. Lee helped Fort Hays State to consecutive NAIA National Championships in 1983-84 and 1984-85. The four-year standout from Detroit, Michigan played the most games of any player in the program's history, taking the court 145 times. In four seasons at FHSU, Lee amassed a school record 899 assists. He is third on the all-time scoring list with 1,615 points, but was second at the time he completed his career. Lee is one of the most decorated players in program history. He is the only three-time All-America selection in program history, earning the distinction as a sophomore (1984), junior (1985), and senior (1986). He is one of 10 players in program history to accomplish All-America honors at least twice. Fort Hays State enjoyed an overall record of 127-18 over his four seasons on the court at FHSU, including three conference regular season titles to go with the two national titles during that span. He was an all-conference selection all four of his seasons at FHSU and was the Central States Intercollegiate Conference (CSIC) Freshman of the Year in 1982-83. The Life Celebration Service for Raymond Lee will be on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City, Mo. (Address - 7110 North State Route 9). Lee's family will also be holding a Repass Dinner on Saturday, July 16 from 4-11 p.m. at the Marriott Kansas City Airport (Address - 775 Brasilia Ave. Kansas City, MO).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Raymond Jeffrey Lee was born May 18, 1964, to the union of Percy and Olivia Lee in Detroit, Michigan.&nbsp;He passed away on June 16, 2022, at the age of 58.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his mother Olivia and brother Anthony.

Raymond, affectionately known as Sugar Ray, received his high school education at the University of Detroit Jesuit Academy&nbsp;in Detroit, Michigan&nbsp;where he was&nbsp;an&nbsp;all-state&nbsp;selection&nbsp;in basketball in 1982. &nbsp;Ray proceeded to attend Fort Hays State U<a></a>niversity from 1982 to 1986.&nbsp;He helped lead Fort Hays State University to&nbsp;two&nbsp;NAIA&nbsp;National Championships&nbsp;in 1983-84 and 1984-85&nbsp;and three conference championships over&nbsp;his&nbsp;four years&nbsp;on the court.&nbsp;

Ray&nbsp;is the only three-time All-America selection in the history of the storied Fort Hays State Men’s Basketball program&nbsp;and was a first-team selection in 1985.&nbsp;He was a four-time all-conference selection and was the Central States Intercollegiate Conference Freshman of the Year in 1983.&nbsp;He played the most games of any player in FHSU Men’s Basketball history, taking the court 145 times. He still holds the FHSU career assists record with 899 and his 1,615 points ranked second best at the completion of his career.&nbsp;Ray was&nbsp;also&nbsp;inducted into the FHSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.&nbsp;After college Ray worked several years for Chrysler Corporation.&nbsp;He also worked for American Airlines in Kansas City and was an Independent Contractor for Horizon Transport.&nbsp;

Ray met the love of his life Marci Merchant in 1990 and married on December 23rd, 1996. &nbsp;Marci had a son Henri whom Ray helped guide to become&nbsp;a successful young man. &nbsp;Marci and Ray added to their family in April of 1993 with the birth of&nbsp;Rayci&nbsp;and Raymond Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ray was a very proud father of all his children. &nbsp;He also took his athletic talents and knowledge into coaching youth in the KC area. &nbsp;Ray coached youth basketball and soccer. &nbsp;His oldest son Henri and wife Alexis gave him&nbsp;three&nbsp;grandchildren. &nbsp;He loved being a grandfather. &nbsp;He also was a fun loving and competitive individual. &nbsp;He loved music and being with family and friends. &nbsp;Ray would talk&nbsp;your ear off if you gave him one. Ray was a friend to everyone he met. &nbsp;His smile was contagious. &nbsp;One of Ray’s greatest memories was being a card member of the Midnight Funk Association. &nbsp;

Raymond Jeffrey Lee leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Marci&nbsp;of Kansas&nbsp;City; his father Percy Lee Jr. of Detroit, Michigan; his sons Henri (Alexis) of Detroit, son Raymond Jr of Kansas City; daughter&nbsp;Rayci&nbsp;of Kansas City; brother Paul Lee (Allison) of Wichita, KS; sister Kim Lee Ousley (Bobby-deceased) of Detroit, Michigan;&nbsp;3 grandchildren Asher, Emery, and Kennedy of Detroit, Michigan; several nieces and nephews and family and friends.

The Life Celebration Service for Raymond will be on July 16, 2022, from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City, Mo. (7110 N, MO-9).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657214687234.jpeg" alt="Photos courtesy FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsRaymond Lee, one of the greatest players in Fort Hays State Men's Basketball history and member of the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame, passed away on June 16, 2022. The Detroit, Michigan native was 58 years old. Lee helped Fort Hays State to consecutive NAIA National Championships in 1983-84 and 1984-85. The four-year standout from Detroit, Michigan played the most games of any player in the program's history, taking the court 145 times. In four seasons at FHSU, Lee amassed a school record 899 assists. He is third on the all-time scoring list with 1,615 points, but was second at the time he completed his career. Lee is one of the most decorated players in program history. He is the only three-time All-America selection in program history, earning the distinction as a sophomore (1984), junior (1985), and senior (1986). He is one of 10 players in program history to accomplish All-America honors at least twice. Fort Hays State enjoyed an overall record of 127-18 over his four seasons on the court at FHSU, including three conference regular season titles to go with the two national titles during that span. He was an all-conference selection all four of his seasons at FHSU and was the Central States Intercollegiate Conference (CSIC) Freshman of the Year in 1982-83. The Life Celebration Service for Raymond Lee will be on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City, Mo. (Address - 7110 North State Route 9). Lee's family will also be holding a Repass Dinner on Saturday, July 16 from 4-11 p.m. at the Marriott Kansas City Airport (Address - 775 Brasilia Ave. Kansas City, MO).&nbsp;&nbsp; Raymond Jeffrey Lee was born May 18, 1964, to the union of Percy and Olivia Lee in Detroit, Michigan.&nbsp;He passed away on June 16, 2022, at the age of 58.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his mother Olivia and brother Anthony.Raymond, affectionately known as Sugar Ray, received his high school education at the University of Detroit Jesuit Academy&nbsp;in Detroit, Michigan&nbsp;where he was&nbsp;an&nbsp;all-state&nbsp;selection&nbsp;in basketball in 1982. &nbsp;Ray proceeded to attend Fort Hays State U<a></a>niversity from 1982 to 1986.&nbsp;He helped lead Fort Hays State University to&nbsp;two&nbsp;NAIA&nbsp;National Championships&nbsp;in 1983-84 and 1984-85&nbsp;and three conference championships over&nbsp;his&nbsp;four years&nbsp;on the court.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657214802443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ray&nbsp;is the only three-time All-America selection in the history of the storied Fort Hays State Men’s Basketball program&nbsp;and was a first-team selection in 1985.&nbsp;He was a four-time all-conference selection and was the Central States Intercollegiate Conference Freshman of the Year in 1983.&nbsp;He played the most games of any player in FHSU Men’s Basketball history, taking the court 145 times. He still holds the FHSU career assists record with 899 and his 1,615 points ranked second best at the completion of his career.&nbsp;Ray was&nbsp;also&nbsp;inducted into the FHSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.&nbsp;After college Ray worked several years for Chrysler Corporation.&nbsp;He also worked for American Airlines in Kansas City and was an Independent Contractor for Horizon Transport.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657214829558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ray met the love of his life Marci Merchant in 1990 and married on December 23rd, 1996. &nbsp;Marci had a son Henri whom Ray helped guide to become&nbsp;a successful young man. &nbsp;Marci and Ray added to their family in April of 1993 with the birth of&nbsp;Rayci&nbsp;and Raymond Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ray was a very proud father of all his children. &nbsp;He also took his athletic talents and knowledge into coaching youth in the KC area. &nbsp;Ray coached youth basketball and soccer. &nbsp;His oldest son Henri and wife Alexis gave him&nbsp;three&nbsp;grandchildren. &nbsp;He loved being a grandfather. &nbsp;He also was a fun loving and competitive individual. &nbsp;He loved music and being with family and friends. &nbsp;Ray would talk&nbsp;your ear off if you gave him one. Ray was a friend to everyone he met. &nbsp;His smile was contagious. &nbsp;One of Ray’s greatest memories was being a card member of the Midnight Funk Association. &nbsp;Raymond Jeffrey Lee leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Marci&nbsp;of Kansas&nbsp;City; his father Percy Lee Jr. of Detroit, Michigan; his sons Henri (Alexis) of Detroit, son Raymond Jr of Kansas City; daughter&nbsp;Rayci&nbsp;of Kansas City; brother Paul Lee (Allison) of Wichita, KS; sister Kim Lee Ousley (Bobby-deceased) of Detroit, Michigan;&nbsp;3 grandchildren Asher, Emery, and Kennedy of Detroit, Michigan; several nieces and nephews and family and friends.The Life Celebration Service for Raymond will be on July 16, 2022, from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City, Mo. (7110 N, MO-9).

🏀 FHSU basketball great Lee dies at age 58

DODGE CITY – After falling behind 3-0 the Hays Larks scored
15 straight runs on their way to a 15-3 win in seven innings of the Dodge City
A’s Wednesday night in Dodge City. 

The A’s scored three runs in the first off Hays starter Cade
Brown who allowed three unearned runs on two hits in two innings.

With Dodge City leading 3-0 after the first inning before
Hays (20-6, 14-3 RMBL) chipped away at the lead scoring a single run in the
third and then trailing 3-1 the offense came to life for the Larks. 

In the fourth Hays got a run on a Leo Jiminian sacrifice
fly, a wild pitch to tie the game at three. Tanner Rice followed that with an
RBI single that gave the Larks a 4-3 lead. A lead they never relinquished on
their way to the run-rule victory.

Hays added six in the fifth, one in the sixth and four in
the seventh for the 15-3 win in seven innings. 

Tanner Rice and Leo Jiminian each drove in three runs and
nine of the 11 Larks that came to plate in the game recorded an RBI. 

Sam Hendon earned the win with two scoreless innings of
relief. 

The Larks host Colorado Springs Friday at Larks Park. 

DODGE CITY – After falling behind 3-0 the Hays Larks scored
15 straight runs on their way to a 15-3 win in seven innings of the Dodge City
A’s Wednesday night in Dodge City. The A’s scored three runs in the first off Hays starter Cade
Brown who allowed three unearned runs on two hits in two innings.With Dodge City leading 3-0 after the first inning before
Hays (20-6, 14-3 RMBL) chipped away at the lead scoring a single run in the
third and then trailing 3-1 the offense came to life for the Larks. In the fourth Hays got a run on a Leo Jiminian sacrifice
fly, a wild pitch to tie the game at three. Tanner Rice followed that with an
RBI single that gave the Larks a 4-3 lead. A lead they never relinquished on
their way to the run-rule victory.Hays added six in the fifth, one in the sixth and four in
the seventh for the 15-3 win in seven innings. Tanner Rice and Leo Jiminian each drove in three runs and
nine of the 11 Larks that came to plate in the game recorded an RBI. Sam Hendon earned the win with two scoreless innings of
relief. Hays has won three straight. The Larks host Colorado Springs Friday at Larks Park.

⚾Larks rally from early deficit to rout Dodge City

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - Four student-athletes from the Fort Hays State women's golf team were listed on the 2021-22 Women's Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar Team, announced Tuesday (July 5) by the organization. Individuals must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 in order to be recognized on the All-America team. FHSU's list of honorees&nbsp;includes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6388">Morgan Brasser</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6391">Shauna Lee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6389">Kira Mestl</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6390">Kerrigan Rudolph</a>. Fort Hays State's four recipients is tied with Rogers State for the most amongst MIAA programs. FHSU 2021-22 WGCA All-American Scholars Name - Class - GPA - Major <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6388">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;- So. - 3.88 - Nursing <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6391">Shauna Lee</a>&nbsp;- Fr. - 3.67 - Management (Operations Management) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6389">Kira Mestl</a>&nbsp;- Sr. - 3.65 - Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6390">Kerrigan Rudolph</a>&nbsp;- So. - 3.62 - Pre-Education, Elementary Education&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU AthleticsCORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - Four student-athletes from the Fort Hays State women's golf team were listed on the 2021-22 Women's Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar Team, announced Tuesday (July 5) by the organization. Individuals must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 in order to be recognized on the All-America team. FHSU's list of honorees&nbsp;includes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6388">Morgan Brasser</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6391">Shauna Lee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6389">Kira Mestl</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6390">Kerrigan Rudolph</a>. Fort Hays State's four recipients is tied with Rogers State for the most amongst MIAA programs. FHSU 2021-22 WGCA All-American Scholars Name - Class - GPA - Major <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6388">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;- So. - 3.88 - Nursing <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6391">Shauna Lee</a>&nbsp;- Fr. - 3.67 - Management (Operations Management) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6389">Kira Mestl</a>&nbsp;- Sr. - 3.65 - Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6390">Kerrigan Rudolph</a>&nbsp;- So. - 3.62 - Pre-Education, Elementary Education&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳Four Tigers named to WGCA All-American Scholar Team

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:51 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Preston Tabor"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/Ni3yvSWL-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/Ni3yvSWL-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/Ni3yvSWL-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Preston Tabor" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Preston Tabor

HOUSTON (AP) — Whit Merrifield, Hunter Dozier and Emmanuel Rivera all homered as the Kansas City Royals roughed up Cristian Javier early and held on for a 7-4 win over Houston on Wednesday night, ending the Astros' major league-best eight-game winning streak.

Javier (6-4) had allowed one hit in 14 innings over his last two starts, which included seven innings of a combined no-hitter against the Yankees on June 25. He struck out 27 in those two appearances, both wins. But the Royals got to him almost immediately.

Merrifield sent Javier's third pitch into the seats in left field for his fourth homer this season. Javier walked Andrew Benintendi before Dozier’s two-out shot to the Crawford Boxes in left field made it 3-0. Rivera homered to left-center in the second.

Brad Keller (4-9) allowed five hits and four runs in 5 2/3 innings and the Royals' bullpen shut the Astros down the rest of the way. Scott Barlow allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for his 13th save.

“I was just real proud of the offense," manager Mike Matheny said. “Coming out, even though the last couple of days we get something going and not being able to put it away, but (we) come back resilient and aggressive. And you can tell they believe in themselves and that's a beautiful thing."

Kansas City was clinging to a one-run lead entering the ninth inning before Nicky Lopez hit a ground-rule double with one out and scored on a two-out double by Andrew Benintendi. MJ Melendez followed with an RBI single that pushed the lead to 7-4.

“They jumped us early," manager Dusty Baker said. “They were hitting the ball out of the ballpark and the game boiled down to, they really beat us in the first and the ninth. It was a bookend game for them."

Javier yielded five runs on four hits with three walks and seven strikeouts in five innings for his first lost since June 6. His three homers allowed tied a career high after he entered the game having given up just five all season.

Matheny was asked about the key to his team's success against Javier.

“It’s just some of that momentum," he said. “It’s always a really good thing for an offense to have. Guys have just been building on what they’ve seen the last couple of days."

Aledmys Díaz homered for a second straight game and Jake Meyers had two hits and two RBIs. But the Astros were unable to overcome their early deficit after come-from-behind wins in the first two games of the series.

Houston cut the lead to 4-1 on an RBI double by Meyers with two outs in the second.

Benintendi walked again to open the third before scoring on a two-out double by Dozier that made it 5-1.

The Astros got within 5-3 in the fourth on Kyle Tucker's run-scoring single and Meyers' RBI groundout.

There were two outs in the sixth when Díaz homered to cut the lead to one and chase Keller. Reliever José Cuas loaded the bases before getting out of the jam.

Royals: Rookie INF Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup a day after fouling a pitch off his right hand. X-rays Tuesday night were negative, but Matheny said he was awaiting the results of more extensive tests.

Astros: 2B Jose Altuve and 1B Yuli Gurriel got rare days off for rest. ... LHP Parker Mushinski (left elbow discomfort) allowed two hits, two runs and walked two without getting an out in the first game of a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land Wednesday night. He threw 20 pitches.

Houston’s Justin Verlander (10-3, 2.03 ERA), whose 10 wins are tied for the major league lead, opposes Kris Bubic (1-5, 7.06) when the series wraps up Thursday.

HOUSTON (AP) — Whit Merrifield, Hunter Dozier and Emmanuel Rivera all homered as the Kansas City Royals roughed up Cristian Javier early and held on for a 7-4 win over Houston on Wednesday night, ending the Astros' major league-best eight-game winning streak.Javier (6-4) had allowed one hit in 14 innings over his last two starts, which included seven innings of a combined no-hitter against the Yankees on June 25. He struck out 27 in those two appearances, both wins. But the Royals got to him almost immediately.Merrifield sent Javier's third pitch into the seats in left field for his fourth homer this season. Javier walked Andrew Benintendi before Dozier’s two-out shot to the Crawford Boxes in left field made it 3-0. Rivera homered to left-center in the second.Brad Keller (4-9) allowed five hits and four runs in 5 2/3 innings and the Royals' bullpen shut the Astros down the rest of the way. Scott Barlow allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for his 13th save.“I was just real proud of the offense," manager Mike Matheny said. “Coming out, even though the last couple of days we get something going and not being able to put it away, but (we) come back resilient and aggressive. And you can tell they believe in themselves and that's a beautiful thing."Kansas City was clinging to a one-run lead entering the ninth inning before Nicky Lopez hit a ground-rule double with one out and scored on a two-out double by Andrew Benintendi. MJ Melendez followed with an RBI single that pushed the lead to 7-4.“They jumped us early," manager Dusty Baker said. “They were hitting the ball out of the ballpark and the game boiled down to, they really beat us in the first and the ninth. It was a bookend game for them."Javier yielded five runs on four hits with three walks and seven strikeouts in five innings for his first lost since June 6. His three homers allowed tied a career high after he entered the game having given up just five all season.Matheny was asked about the key to his team's success against Javier.“It’s just some of that momentum," he said. “It’s always a really good thing for an offense to have. Guys have just been building on what they’ve seen the last couple of days."Aledmys Díaz homered for a second straight game and Jake Meyers had two hits and two RBIs. But the Astros were unable to overcome their early deficit after come-from-behind wins in the first two games of the series.Houston cut the lead to 4-1 on an RBI double by Meyers with two outs in the second.Benintendi walked again to open the third before scoring on a two-out double by Dozier that made it 5-1.The Astros got within 5-3 in the fourth on Kyle Tucker's run-scoring single and Meyers' RBI groundout.There were two outs in the sixth when Díaz homered to cut the lead to one and chase Keller. Reliever José Cuas loaded the bases before getting out of the jam.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Rookie INF Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup a day after fouling a pitch off his right hand. X-rays Tuesday night were negative, but Matheny said he was awaiting the results of more extensive tests.Astros: 2B Jose Altuve and 1B Yuli Gurriel got rare days off for rest. ... LHP Parker Mushinski (left elbow discomfort) allowed two hits, two runs and walked two without getting an out in the first game of a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land Wednesday night. He threw 20 pitches.UP NEXTHouston’s Justin Verlander (10-3, 2.03 ERA), whose 10 wins are tied for the major league lead, opposes Kris Bubic (1-5, 7.06) when the series wraps up Thursday.

⚾Royals hit 3 HRs off Javier, end Astros' 8-game win streak

By RYAN LACKEY Associate Athletics Director for Communications

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Led by the Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in junior defensive end&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State had a league-high six players land on the 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Joining Anudike-Uzomah on the list was junior running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn, junior offensive lineman&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, senior kickoff returner&nbsp;Malik Knowles, senior linebacker&nbsp;Daniel Green&nbsp;and senior cornerback&nbsp;Julius Brents.

K-State had the most players on the 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 team, followed by Baylor (5), Iowa State (4) and West Virginia (4). The six Wildcats selected to the Preseason All-Big 12 team were the most since at least 2000. Anudike-Uzomah is the first Wildcat to be named the preseason offensive or defensive player of the year since Darren Sproles was the Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2004.

Anudike-Uzomah is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he was named an All-American after tying for the national lead in forced fumbles per game (0.46), while he ranked 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 in sacks per game (0.85). He tied the school record with six forced fumbles, and his 11.0 total sacks tied for fifth in school history. A product of Kansas City, Missouri, he enters the 2022 season ranked second nationally in career forced fumbles per game (0.33) and third in career sacks per game (0.67).

One of just two unanimous selections for the Preseason All-Big 12 team, Vaughn was a Consensus All-American in 2021 – just the 11th&nbsp;in school history – after accounting for 1,872 yards from scrimmage as he was one of just three players in the nation with 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards. Named the 2021 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year by Pro Football Focus, Vaughn finished the season ranked in the top 10 nationally in eight categories, including total touchdowns (4th; 22), points per game (5th; 10.2), scrimmage yards per game (5th; 144.0), all-purpose yards per game (6th; 144.0), rushing touchdowns (8th; 18), total rushing yards (9th; 1,404), rushing yards per game (9th; 108.0) and total points scored (10th; 132).

A Round Rock, Texas, native, Vaughn enters the 2022 season ranking in the top 10 nationally among active players in six categories. Additionally, he needs 98 receiving yards to become just the 10th&nbsp;player in Big 12 history with 2,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career.

Beebe was a 13-game starter at left tackle as a sophomore in 2021 who picked up First Team All-Big 12 honors from both the league’s coaches and Associated Press, the youngest offensive lineman to be named to the first team by either organization. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, he was the first Wildcat freshman or sophomore offensive lineman to be named a First Team All-Big 12 performer since Dalton Risner in 2016.

Knowles was an All-American as a kick returner in 2021 and earned First Team All-Big 12 honors for the discipline after finishing second in the nation in kickoff-return touchdowns (2) and fourth in average (33.1). He enters the 2022 season tied for second nationally among active players in career kickoff-return touchdowns (3) and fifth in average (28.9). A product of Mansfield, Texas, Knowles is in the top five in school history in career kickoff-return touchdowns (t4th); average (4th) and yards (6th; 1,099).

A senior from Portland, Oregon, Green picked up Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades last season after leading the team in both tackles (89) and tackles for loss (16.0). He ranked 18th&nbsp;nationally and fourth in the Big 12 with 5.3 solo tackles per game, while he also finished 22nd&nbsp;in the country with two fumble recoveries. He has 115 solo tackles in his career, needing 54 in 2022 to enter the school’s top-10 list.

Brents, a transfer from Iowa prior to the 2021 season, also earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition last season after starting all 13 games at cornerback. He posted his first interception as a Wildcat against Oklahoma and knocked away two other passes, including one in K-State’s 42-20 victory over LSU in the Texas Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657138092506.jpeg" alt="footbal.jpg" />
 <figcaption>footbal.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN LACKEY Associate Athletics Director for CommunicationsMANHATTAN —&nbsp;Led by the Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in junior defensive end&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State had a league-high six players land on the 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Wednesday.Joining Anudike-Uzomah on the list was junior running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn, junior offensive lineman&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, senior kickoff returner&nbsp;Malik Knowles, senior linebacker&nbsp;Daniel Green&nbsp;and senior cornerback&nbsp;Julius Brents.K-State had the most players on the 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 team, followed by Baylor (5), Iowa State (4) and West Virginia (4). The six Wildcats selected to the Preseason All-Big 12 team were the most since at least 2000. Anudike-Uzomah is the first Wildcat to be named the preseason offensive or defensive player of the year since Darren Sproles was the Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2004.Anudike-Uzomah is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he was named an All-American after tying for the national lead in forced fumbles per game (0.46), while he ranked 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 in sacks per game (0.85). He tied the school record with six forced fumbles, and his 11.0 total sacks tied for fifth in school history. A product of Kansas City, Missouri, he enters the 2022 season ranked second nationally in career forced fumbles per game (0.33) and third in career sacks per game (0.67).One of just two unanimous selections for the Preseason All-Big 12 team, Vaughn was a Consensus All-American in 2021 – just the 11th&nbsp;in school history – after accounting for 1,872 yards from scrimmage as he was one of just three players in the nation with 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards. Named the 2021 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year by Pro Football Focus, Vaughn finished the season ranked in the top 10 nationally in eight categories, including total touchdowns (4th; 22), points per game (5th; 10.2), scrimmage yards per game (5th; 144.0), all-purpose yards per game (6th; 144.0), rushing touchdowns (8th; 18), total rushing yards (9th; 1,404), rushing yards per game (9th; 108.0) and total points scored (10th; 132).A Round Rock, Texas, native, Vaughn enters the 2022 season ranking in the top 10 nationally among active players in six categories. Additionally, he needs 98 receiving yards to become just the 10th&nbsp;player in Big 12 history with 2,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career.Beebe was a 13-game starter at left tackle as a sophomore in 2021 who picked up First Team All-Big 12 honors from both the league’s coaches and Associated Press, the youngest offensive lineman to be named to the first team by either organization. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, he was the first Wildcat freshman or sophomore offensive lineman to be named a First Team All-Big 12 performer since Dalton Risner in 2016.Knowles was an All-American as a kick returner in 2021 and earned First Team All-Big 12 honors for the discipline after finishing second in the nation in kickoff-return touchdowns (2) and fourth in average (33.1). He enters the 2022 season tied for second nationally among active players in career kickoff-return touchdowns (3) and fifth in average (28.9). A product of Mansfield, Texas, Knowles is in the top five in school history in career kickoff-return touchdowns (t4th); average (4th) and yards (6th; 1,099).A senior from Portland, Oregon, Green picked up Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades last season after leading the team in both tackles (89) and tackles for loss (16.0). He ranked 18th&nbsp;nationally and fourth in the Big 12 with 5.3 solo tackles per game, while he also finished 22nd&nbsp;in the country with two fumble recoveries. He has 115 solo tackles in his career, needing 54 in 2022 to enter the school’s top-10 list.Brents, a transfer from Iowa prior to the 2021 season, also earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition last season after starting all 13 games at cornerback. He posted his first interception as a Wildcat against Oklahoma and knocked away two other passes, including one in K-State’s 42-20 victory over LSU in the Texas Bowl.

🏈Six Wildcats earn preseason All-Big 12 honors

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:49 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Dylan Dreiling"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/FnOGtkam-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/FnOGtkam-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/FnOGtkam-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Dylan Dreiling" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Dylan Dreiling

HOUSTON (AP) — Long established as a star at the plate, Yordan Alvarez has been showing flashes of brilliance on defense this season, too.

Alvarez&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1544517627825065988">threw out Hunter Dozier at the plate</a>&nbsp;from just short of the warning track in left field to preserve a two-run, eighth-inning lead, then hit his 25th homer as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 9-7 on Tuesday night.

The Astros also got homers from Jeremy Peña, Alex Bregman and Aledmys Díaz as they extended their winning streak to a major league-best eight games.

Houston trailed 4-3 entering the fifth inning before Peña homered off Zack Greinke (2-5) to tie it. Bregman’s two-run shot later in the fifth put the Astros ahead 6-4.

Bryan Abreu’s bases-loaded walk of Michael A. Taylor got the Royals within two. Phil Maton took over and Nicky Lopez hit a deep flyball that Alvarez caught and fired on the fly to catcher Martin Maldonado, who tagged out Dozier for an inning-ending double play.

“When the ball was hit, I just focused and thought I’d have a chance at home if I made a pretty good throw," Alvarez said through a translator. “That was where my focus was, just to make a good, strong throw there.”

After playing primarily at designated hitter in his first three major league seasons, Alvarez has been splitting time between DH and left field this year.

HOUSTON (AP) — Long established as a star at the plate, Yordan Alvarez has been showing flashes of brilliance on defense this season, too.Alvarez&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1544517627825065988">threw out Hunter Dozier at the plate</a>&nbsp;from just short of the warning track in left field to preserve a two-run, eighth-inning lead, then hit his 25th homer as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 9-7 on Tuesday night.The Astros also got homers from Jeremy Peña, Alex Bregman and Aledmys Díaz as they extended their winning streak to a major league-best eight games.Houston trailed 4-3 entering the fifth inning before Peña homered off Zack Greinke (2-5) to tie it. Bregman’s two-run shot later in the fifth put the Astros ahead 6-4.The eighth belonged to Alvarez.Bryan Abreu’s bases-loaded walk of Michael A. Taylor got the Royals within two. Phil Maton took over and Nicky Lopez hit a deep flyball that Alvarez caught and fired on the fly to catcher Martin Maldonado, who tagged out Dozier for an inning-ending double play.“When the ball was hit, I just focused and thought I’d have a chance at home if I made a pretty good throw," Alvarez said through a translator. “That was where my focus was, just to make a good, strong throw there.”After playing primarily at designated hitter in his first three major league seasons, Alvarez has been splitting time between DH and left field this year.“It all goes back to work," manager Dusty Baker said. “And he’s worked on it. He’s worked on his defense a lot."With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Alvarez homered to left-center off Jackson Kowar to make it 9-6. Chants of “M-V-P” rained down on the slugger as he rounded the bases.“It felt exciting that the fan base was calling for that," he said. “It definitely felt good.”His 25 homers are tied with Philadelphia's Kyle Schwarber for second in the majors, four behind the Yankees' Aaron Judge.Alvarez was asked if he enjoyed his big defensive play or his homer more.“I think the thing that is the most fun is today is it's my mom’s birthday," he said. “At first, when I threw out the runner, I said: ‘Oh wow.’ Then I hit the home run and I said: ‘Oh wow, (what) a good gift (for her).'”Luis Garcia (7-5) allowed eight hits and five runs in 6 1/3 innings for his fourth straight win. Rafael Montero allowed a run on a groundout in the ninth before striking out the next two batters for his sixth save.Greinke tied a season high by allowing 10 hits with six runs in five innings in his first start against Houston since signing with the Royals in the offseason. The veteran spent 2 1/2 seasons with the Astros, going to the World Series in 2019 and last year.“Stuff felt pretty sharp but I made a lot of mistakes and didn’t really make a lot of quality strikes," Greinke said. “I think ... they had 10 hits or something and at least like eight of them were mistakes."The Astros played a video honoring Greinke’s time in Houston while he warmed up and capped it by playing John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind,” which was his warmup music. He received a warm ovation and waved to the crowd from the bullpen.“Yeah, that was good," Greinke said. “The Diamondbacks decided to show them hitting some home runs off me and then did a tribute, so it was nicer to do it before the game. Kind of a nice way of doing it.”MJ Melendez hit a solo homer off Garcia in the second and Bobby Witt Jr. connected off him for a two-run shot in the third. It was the third home run of the series for Melendez, who went deep twice in the series opener on Monday.Díaz hit a two-run homer in the seventh off Kowar.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Witt left the game after fouling a ball off his hand in the ninth inning. Manager Mike Matheny said X-rays were negative but his hand was swollen after the game. ... LHP Daniel Lynch (left index finger blister) is scheduled to make his first rehabilitation start for Triple-A Omaha Wednesday.Astros: RHP Lance McCullers Jr., who has been out all season with a forearm injury, threw another live batting practice session Tuesday. He threw about 30 pitches and Baker said he will do that a couple more times before moving to simulated games.CLIMBING THE CHARTSBaker tied Walter Alston for ninth all-time among managers with 2,040 career wins.UP NEXTHouston’s Cristian Javier (6-3, 2.58 ERA), who has struck out 27 batters combined in his last two starts, opposes Brad Keller (3-9, 4.24) when the four-game series continues Wednesday night.