ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit the longest homer of his major league career in the first inning, and the surging Los Angeles Angels pounded five homers in an 8-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Ohtani's 17th homer of the season was a 470-foot shot deep into the outfield bleachers off Kansas City starter Kris Bubic (1-1). Ohtani then added a third-inning double that had an even higher exit velocity — 112.6 mph off the bat, compared to 111.7 for his homer.

Max Stassi, José Iglesias and Justin Upton also homered for Los Angeles off Bubic. Taylor Ward added a two-run shot in the eighth.

Andrew Heaney (4-3) allowed six hits and a run while pitching into the seventh inning of the Angels' 10th win in 15 games.

Hanser Alberto had an RBI double in the seventh for the Royals, who have lost four straight.

Stassi drove Ohtani home with his fourth homer of the season to left in the third. The Angels' veteran catcher and unlikely cleanup hitter delivered a two-run homer for the second straight night.

Iglesias added a solo shot in the fourth, his fifth homer of the season. Upton followed later in the inning with his fourth homer on the Angels' six-game homestand, continuing his impressive surge since moving into the leadoff spot for the first time in his major league career in late May. Upton also has an extra-base hit in five consecutive games.

Bubic yielded six hits and six runs with two walks over four innings.

One night after Jackson Kowar threw three wild pitches and didn't get out of the first inning in his major league debut, Bubic gave up four homers — twice as many as he had allowed in his first 34 innings combined this season.

Heaney came through with another strong performance in the 100th start of his major league career, striking out seven with two walks. Until Kansas City broke through in the seventh, Heaney extended his streak of 16 consecutive scoreless innings against Kansas City across three starts.

Alberto chased Heaney with a two-out double to left on the starter's 109th pitch, but Steve Cishek retired Salvador Pérez on a bases-loaded groundout to end the seventh.

Although the Angels lost two of three at Kauffman Stadium in April, Los Angeles has won 13 of its last 18 meetings with the Royals since 2018, including the first two games of this series.

Kansas City's Carlos Santana was called out for interference to end the third inning when he moved to avoid a pitch at his feet and accidentally got in Stassi's way while the Angels catcher attempted to throw out Whit Merrifield stealing second.

Angels: 1B Jared Walsh had a scheduled day off, but came in as a defensive replacement in the eighth. The slugger was batting .343 against right-handers and .206 against left-handers like Bubic.

The series concludes with the Angels' Griffin Canning (4-4, 5.82 ERA) on the mound. He has a 1.50 career ERA against Kansas City. The Royals counter with Brad Keller (6-4, 5.50), who is 4-0 despite a 3.62 ERA over his last five starts.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit the longest homer of his major league career in the first inning, and the surging Los Angeles Angels pounded five homers in an 8-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Ohtani's 17th homer of the season was a 470-foot shot deep into the outfield bleachers off Kansas City starter Kris Bubic (1-1). Ohtani then added a third-inning double that had an even higher exit velocity — 112.6 mph off the bat, compared to 111.7 for his homer.Max Stassi, José Iglesias and Justin Upton also homered for Los Angeles off Bubic. Taylor Ward added a two-run shot in the eighth.Andrew Heaney (4-3) allowed six hits and a run while pitching into the seventh inning of the Angels' 10th win in 15 games.Hanser Alberto had an RBI double in the seventh for the Royals, who have lost four straight.Stassi drove Ohtani home with his fourth homer of the season to left in the third. The Angels' veteran catcher and unlikely cleanup hitter delivered a two-run homer for the second straight night.Iglesias added a solo shot in the fourth, his fifth homer of the season. Upton followed later in the inning with his fourth homer on the Angels' six-game homestand, continuing his impressive surge since moving into the leadoff spot for the first time in his major league career in late May. Upton also has an extra-base hit in five consecutive games.Bubic yielded six hits and six runs with two walks over four innings.One night after Jackson Kowar threw three wild pitches and didn't get out of the first inning in his major league debut, Bubic gave up four homers — twice as many as he had allowed in his first 34 innings combined this season.Heaney came through with another strong performance in the 100th start of his major league career, striking out seven with two walks. Until Kansas City broke through in the seventh, Heaney extended his streak of 16 consecutive scoreless innings against Kansas City across three starts.Alberto chased Heaney with a two-out double to left on the starter's 109th pitch, but Steve Cishek retired Salvador Pérez on a bases-loaded groundout to end the seventh.ONE-SIDED MATCHUPAlthough the Angels lost two of three at Kauffman Stadium in April, Los Angeles has won 13 of its last 18 meetings with the Royals since 2018, including the first two games of this series.IN THE WAYKansas City's Carlos Santana was called out for interference to end the third inning when he moved to avoid a pitch at his feet and accidentally got in Stassi's way while the Angels catcher attempted to throw out Whit Merrifield stealing second.TRAINER'S ROOMAngels: 1B Jared Walsh had a scheduled day off, but came in as a defensive replacement in the eighth. The slugger was batting .343 against right-handers and .206 against left-handers like Bubic.UP NEXTThe series concludes with the Angels' Griffin Canning (4-4, 5.82 ERA) on the mound. He has a 1.50 career ERA against Kansas City. The Royals counter with Brad Keller (6-4, 5.50), who is 4-0 despite a 3.62 ERA over his last five starts.

⚾ Royals give up five home runs in loss to Angels

HAYS -&nbsp;
















The Kansas Junior Amateur
Golf Tournament got underway Tuesday at Smoky Hill Country Club with 101 boys competing in five age divisions and 36 girls in one age division.

<a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/v2tournaments/2016845?player_stats_for_portal=true&amp;round_index=2">Boys Junior Amateur Championship - Boys Junior Amateur Championship</a>

<a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/v2tournaments/2016849?player_stats_for_portal=true&amp;round_index=2">Boys Junior Amateur Championship - By Age Division - Boys Junior Amateur Championship</a>

<a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/v2tournaments/2016853?player_stats_for_portal=true&amp;round_index=2">Girls Junior Amateur Championship - Girls Junior Amateur Championship</a>

Gianna Clemente of Warren, Ohio shot a 1-under-par 70 to lead the girls' division and had the low round of the day. Hays High's Katie Dinkel shot a 95 and was tied for 29th.

Kameron Shaw of Salina and Ian McCrary of Overland Park are the
overall boys leaders. Both are competing in the 18-year-old
division and both shot even-par 71s. Great Bend’s Cole Streck fired a 5-over-par 76. and is tied for 9th. Hays High senior Jason Krannawitter was tied for 12th after a 7-over-par 78. Parker Krob of Stockton shot a 79 and is tied for 17th. 

In the
16-year-old division, Hays High’s Braden Hoskins sat in 14th place after a 12-over,
83. Blake Buckles is tied for 20th after a 91. The field in each age division will be trimmed to the top-15 following Wednesday's second. Final round play is on Thursday.

The champion and runner-up in each age group earn a spot into the Kansas Regional in July at Firekeeper Golf Course.

HAYS -&nbsp;
















The Kansas Junior Amateur
Golf Tournament got underway Tuesday at Smoky Hill Country Club with 101 boys competing in five age divisions and 36 girls in one age division.<a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/v2tournaments/2016845?player_stats_for_portal=true&amp;round_index=2">Boys Junior Amateur Championship - Boys Junior Amateur Championship</a><a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/v2tournaments/2016849?player_stats_for_portal=true&amp;round_index=2">Boys Junior Amateur Championship - By Age Division - Boys Junior Amateur Championship</a><a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/v2tournaments/2016853?player_stats_for_portal=true&amp;round_index=2">Girls Junior Amateur Championship - Girls Junior Amateur Championship</a>Gianna Clemente of Warren, Ohio shot a 1-under-par 70 to lead the girls' division and had the low round of the day. Hays High's Katie Dinkel shot a 95 and was tied for 29th.Kameron Shaw of Salina and Ian McCrary of Overland Park are the
overall boys leaders. Both are competing in the 18-year-old
division and both shot even-par 71s. Great Bend’s Cole Streck fired a 5-over-par 76. and is tied for 9th. Hays High senior Jason Krannawitter was tied for 12th after a 7-over-par 78. Parker Krob of Stockton shot a 79 and is tied for 17th. In the
16-year-old division, Hays High’s Braden Hoskins sat in 14th place after a 12-over,
83. Blake Buckles is tied for 20th after a 91. The field in each age division will be trimmed to the top-15 following Wednesday's second. Final round play is on Thursday.The champion and runner-up in each age group earn a spot into the Kansas Regional in July at Firekeeper Golf Course.

⛳ Kansas Junior Amateur underway at SHCC

Steve “Greek” Antonopulos announced this week he will be retired after 45 seasons with the Denver Broncos.&nbsp;

Antonopulos was formerly the head trainer and a physical education teacher at Fort Hays State University in the 1970s.

Read the story of&nbsp;Antonopulos' career by Ryan O'Halloran of the Denver Post <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2021/06/07/broncos-trainer-steve-greek-antonopulos-retires/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623158775792.jpeg" alt="Steve Antonopulos / Photo by Gabe Christus, Denver Broncos" />
 <figcaption>Steve Antonopulos / Photo by Gabe Christus, Denver Broncos</figcaption>
 </figure>Steve “Greek” Antonopulos announced this week he will be retired after 45 seasons with the Denver Broncos.&nbsp;Antonopulos was formerly the head trainer and a physical education teacher at Fort Hays State University in the 1970s.Read the story of&nbsp;Antonopulos' career by Ryan O'Halloran of the Denver Post <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2021/06/07/broncos-trainer-steve-greek-antonopulos-retires/">HERE</a>.

Broncos trainer with FHSU ties set to retire after 45 seasons

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Max Stassi and the Angels turned Jackson Kowar's major league debut into a Royal nightmare.

Stassi homered and drove in three runs as Los Angeles defeated Kansas City 8-3 on Monday night for its ninth victory in 13 games.

The Angels catcher, who finished with three hits, has a .318 batting average in 16 games this season. He is 7 for 15 with two home runs and five RBIs since returning last Tuesday from a concussion.

“I'm not surprised,” Angels manager Joe Maddon said. “He swung the bat well last year and is doing it again this year. I think as he continues along, you’re going to see a pretty good hitting catcher. I don’t think it’s a fluke."

Stassi had an RBI single off Kowar (0-1) during a four-run first inning and hit a two-run, opposite-field shot to right-center in the fifth.

It was only the fourth time in Stassi’s nine-year career that he had three or more hits in a game.

“Anytime you are rehabbing during an injury you look at the finer things you can improve. I put in a lot of work to get my swing right,” Stassi said.

Dylan Bundy (1-6) snapped a 10-game winless streak. He allowed two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out two.

Kowar, the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 amateur draft, was 5-0 with an 0.85 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings at Triple-A Omaha. But the touted prospect faced only seven batters and threw three wild pitches in his big-league debut before being lifted after two-thirds of an inning.

The 24-year-old right-hander allowed four runs on three hits and two walks. He became the second AL starter in the expansion era to give up four or more runs in less than an inning in his major league debut (Taylor Hearn was the other in 2019 for Texas).

“Obviously frustrated with the way it went,” Kowar said. “I was expecting to have a lot of juice with being in the game, so I accounted for that, but it’s hard to prepare for that until you’re out there.”

Royals manager Mike Matheny said it was a perfect storm of circumstances that contributed to the short night for Kowar. Of his 39 pitches, 18 were called balls but many weren't too far out of the strike zone.

“He had some close pitches and they fought off some pitches I didn't think they would,” Matheny said. “His count got to the point where we had to protect him. I hated to take him out there. He was throwing fine, but I'm just not going to put him in a spot to where we potentially put him in harm.

“You take tonight as one of those growing opportunities. You let it go and look forward to start preparing for the next one.”

Kowar's three wild pitches in the first inning marked the first time since 2003 any pitcher had done that in the opening frame.

Hunter Dozier, who came into the game batting .146, went 3 for 4 with two doubles for the Royals.

Kowar got Justin Upton to ground out on his second pitch before things went south as the next four batters reached base.

Shohei Ohtani walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch before scoring on Anthony Rendon's single. Jared Walsh also walked before both runners moved up on another wild pitch. Stassi's RBI single scored Ohtani and gave the Angels a 2-0 lead.

Stassi went to second on a wild pitch before José Iglesias made the second out with a grounder that brought in Walsh. Kowar's night ended after Juan Lagares' single drove in Stassi.

The Royals got to 4-2 in the second on Jorge Soler's solo homer to left-center and Dozier's RBI double.

David Fletcher's run-scoring single extended Los Angeles' lead to 5-2 in the fifth before Stassi's homer an inning later.

Whit Merrifield's RBI single drew Kansas City to 7-3 in the seventh. Stassi led off the Angels eighth with a double, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Greg Holland committed a balk.

Los Angeles' Kean Wong, making his first start in right field, jumped at the wall to rob Carlos Santana of a home run in the first inning.

Soler was beaned by James Hoyt leading off the ninth but remained in the game. Hoyt had been called up from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier in the day.

Angels: LHP José Quintana (left shoulder inflammation) threw well during his bullpen session before the game and could be activated by the end of the week. ... RHP Hunter Strickland was designated for assignment after compiling a 9.95 ERA in nine appearances. Strickland was acquired from Tampa Bay on May 15.

Kansas City LHP Kris Bubic (1-0, 2.12 ERA) allowed a season-high four runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings last Thursday against Minnesota. He will be opposed Tuesday by Los Angeles LHP Andrew Heaney (3-3, 4.76), who is looking to earn three straight wins for the first time since 2015.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Max Stassi and the Angels turned Jackson Kowar's major league debut into a Royal nightmare.Stassi homered and drove in three runs as Los Angeles defeated Kansas City 8-3 on Monday night for its ninth victory in 13 games.The Angels catcher, who finished with three hits, has a .318 batting average in 16 games this season. He is 7 for 15 with two home runs and five RBIs since returning last Tuesday from a concussion.“I'm not surprised,” Angels manager Joe Maddon said. “He swung the bat well last year and is doing it again this year. I think as he continues along, you’re going to see a pretty good hitting catcher. I don’t think it’s a fluke."Stassi had an RBI single off Kowar (0-1) during a four-run first inning and hit a two-run, opposite-field shot to right-center in the fifth.It was only the fourth time in Stassi’s nine-year career that he had three or more hits in a game.“Anytime you are rehabbing during an injury you look at the finer things you can improve. I put in a lot of work to get my swing right,” Stassi said.Dylan Bundy (1-6) snapped a 10-game winless streak. He allowed two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out two.Kowar, the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 amateur draft, was 5-0 with an 0.85 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings at Triple-A Omaha. But the touted prospect faced only seven batters and threw three wild pitches in his big-league debut before being lifted after two-thirds of an inning.The 24-year-old right-hander allowed four runs on three hits and two walks. He became the second AL starter in the expansion era to give up four or more runs in less than an inning in his major league debut (Taylor Hearn was the other in 2019 for Texas).“Obviously frustrated with the way it went,” Kowar said. “I was expecting to have a lot of juice with being in the game, so I accounted for that, but it’s hard to prepare for that until you’re out there.”Royals manager Mike Matheny said it was a perfect storm of circumstances that contributed to the short night for Kowar. Of his 39 pitches, 18 were called balls but many weren't too far out of the strike zone.“He had some close pitches and they fought off some pitches I didn't think they would,” Matheny said. “His count got to the point where we had to protect him. I hated to take him out there. He was throwing fine, but I'm just not going to put him in a spot to where we potentially put him in harm.“You take tonight as one of those growing opportunities. You let it go and look forward to start preparing for the next one.”Kowar's three wild pitches in the first inning marked the first time since 2003 any pitcher had done that in the opening frame.Hunter Dozier, who came into the game batting .146, went 3 for 4 with two doubles for the Royals.Kowar got Justin Upton to ground out on his second pitch before things went south as the next four batters reached base.Shohei Ohtani walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch before scoring on Anthony Rendon's single. Jared Walsh also walked before both runners moved up on another wild pitch. Stassi's RBI single scored Ohtani and gave the Angels a 2-0 lead.Stassi went to second on a wild pitch before José Iglesias made the second out with a grounder that brought in Walsh. Kowar's night ended after Juan Lagares' single drove in Stassi.The Royals got to 4-2 in the second on Jorge Soler's solo homer to left-center and Dozier's RBI double.David Fletcher's run-scoring single extended Los Angeles' lead to 5-2 in the fifth before Stassi's homer an inning later.Whit Merrifield's RBI single drew Kansas City to 7-3 in the seventh. Stassi led off the Angels eighth with a double, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Greg Holland committed a balk.NICE PLAYLos Angeles' Kean Wong, making his first start in right field, jumped at the wall to rob Carlos Santana of a home run in the first inning.SCARY MOMENTSoler was beaned by James Hoyt leading off the ninth but remained in the game. Hoyt had been called up from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier in the day.TRAINER'S ROOMAngels: LHP José Quintana (left shoulder inflammation) threw well during his bullpen session before the game and could be activated by the end of the week. ... RHP Hunter Strickland was designated for assignment after compiling a 9.95 ERA in nine appearances. Strickland was acquired from Tampa Bay on May 15.UP NEXTKansas City LHP Kris Bubic (1-0, 2.12 ERA) allowed a season-high four runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings last Thursday against Minnesota. He will be opposed Tuesday by Los Angeles LHP Andrew Heaney (3-3, 4.76), who is looking to earn three straight wins for the first time since 2015.

⚾ Kowar gets quick hook in major league debut as Royals fall to Angels

HAYS
– Grant Schmidt and Zach Henry both drove in three runs and starting pitcher
Hunter Parker pitched three scoreless innings to lead the Hays Larks to a 12-2,
seven-inning run-rule victory and three-game sweep over the Colorado Roughnecks Sunday night at
Larks Park.

Schmidt,
who will be a senior at Fort Hays State, singled to right which scored Leo
Jiminian and gave the Larks the lead in the first. Henry pushed the lead to 3-0
with a two-run single in the fourth. Schmidt’s two-run homer jump started a
five-run fifth inning. Core Jackson and Brock Lummus also drove in runs. The
Larks put the game away with four in the sixth.

Jiminian,
Schmidt, Cade Brown and Brady Evans all had two of the Larks 11 hits. Lummus
added two RBIs.

Starting
pitcher Hunter Parker (1-0) allowed two hits in two scoreless innings for the
win. The sophomore to be at Fort Hays State struck out five and walked one.
Tyler Palmer allowed two hits but no runs in the fourth. Dylan Dreiling struck
out four with one walk and one hit over two scoreless frames. Maxx Casellucci
allowed two runs on one hit with two strikeouts and two walks in the seventh.

The
Larks are off until Friday when they begin their first road swing and league
play at the Game Day Saints in Colorado.

HAYS
– Grant Schmidt and Zach Henry both drove in three runs and starting pitcher
Hunter Parker pitched three scoreless innings to lead the Hays Larks to a 12-2,
seven-inning run-rule victory and three-game sweep over the Colorado Roughnecks Sunday night at
Larks Park.Schmidt,
who will be a senior at Fort Hays State, singled to right which scored Leo
Jiminian and gave the Larks the lead in the first. Henry pushed the lead to 3-0
with a two-run single in the fourth. Schmidt’s two-run homer jump started a
five-run fifth inning. Core Jackson and Brock Lummus also drove in runs. The
Larks put the game away with four in the sixth.Jiminian,
Schmidt, Cade Brown and Brady Evans all had two of the Larks 11 hits. Lummus
added two RBIs.Starting
pitcher Hunter Parker (1-0) allowed two hits in two scoreless innings for the
win. The sophomore to be at Fort Hays State struck out five and walked one.
Tyler Palmer allowed two hits but no runs in the fourth. Dylan Dreiling struck
out four with one walk and one hit over two scoreless frames. Maxx Casellucci
allowed two runs on one hit with two strikeouts and two walks in the seventh.The
Larks are off until Friday when they begin their first road swing and league
play at the Game Day Saints in Colorado.

⚾ Larks sweep Roughnecks with run-rule win

TOPEKA
– The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion baseball team lost their final pool
play game 8-3 to Iola but bounced back to beat the Topeka Senators 4-2 in the third-place
game at the Senators season opening tournament Sunday at McDonald Park.

Garrett
Wellbrock (1-0) scattered eight hits and allowed one earned run with five
strikeouts and no walks in the complete game victory in Sunday’s finale. Wellbrock
and Brady Kreutzer both doubled and combined for three of the Eagles six hits.
Carson Spray had two hits and drove in a run.

After the Senators scored in the top of the first, the Eagles (3-1) answered with three in the bottom of the inning and never trailed again.&nbsp; Remington Cox drove in two runs on a fielders choice.

Kreutzer doubled with two outs in the fourth scoring Gage Porter to make the score 4-1.

The Senators put together back-to-back singles with one out in the sixth and scored a run on a groundout.

Jack Fields made a diving catch in left center with a runner at first and one out in the seventh. Wellbrock followed with a strikeout of the Senators No. 2 hitter to end the game.

The
Eagles committed five errors which resulted in five unearned runs in the loss
to Iola earlier in the day. Dalton Dale (0-1) allowed three earned runs with four strikeouts and four walks over five innings and took the loss. Brady Kreutzer allowed one hit over two scoreless innings to close the game.

The
Eagles grabbed the early lead with three runs in the bottom of the first but
the Indians took advantage of a leadoff hit by pitch and two errors to score
four in the second and led the rest of the way.

Derrick
Riggs had two of the Eagles four hits and drove in two runs.

The Hays 17U Junior Legion finishes
runner-up at the Jim Allen Memorial Wood Bat Tournament in Ottawa over the weekend. 
 
The 15U Eagles opened their season with a pair of run-rule routs over Buhler
Friday. The Eagles won 23-2 in three innings and 13-5 in five innings.

All three teams will be in Oak Grove,
Missouri for a tournament this weekend.

TOPEKA
– The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion baseball team lost their final pool
play game 8-3 to Iola but bounced back to beat the Topeka Senators 4-2 in the third-place
game at the Senators season opening tournament Sunday at McDonald Park.Garrett
Wellbrock (1-0) scattered eight hits and allowed one earned run with five
strikeouts and no walks in the complete game victory in Sunday’s finale. Wellbrock
and Brady Kreutzer both doubled and combined for three of the Eagles six hits.
Carson Spray had two hits and drove in a run.After the Senators scored in the top of the first, the Eagles (3-1) answered with three in the bottom of the inning and never trailed again.&nbsp; Remington Cox drove in two runs on a fielders choice.Kreutzer doubled with two outs in the fourth scoring Gage Porter to make the score 4-1.The Senators put together back-to-back singles with one out in the sixth and scored a run on a groundout.Jack Fields made a diving catch in left center with a runner at first and one out in the seventh. Wellbrock followed with a strikeout of the Senators No. 2 hitter to end the game.The
Eagles committed five errors which resulted in five unearned runs in the loss
to Iola earlier in the day. Dalton Dale (0-1) allowed three earned runs with four strikeouts and four walks over five innings and took the loss. Brady Kreutzer allowed one hit over two scoreless innings to close the game.The
Eagles grabbed the early lead with three runs in the bottom of the first but
the Indians took advantage of a leadoff hit by pitch and two errors to score
four in the second and led the rest of the way.Derrick
Riggs had two of the Eagles four hits and drove in two runs. 
The Hays 17U Junior Legion finishes
runner-up at the Jim Allen Memorial Wood Bat Tournament in Ottawa over the weekend. 
 
The 15U Eagles opened their season with a pair of run-rule routs over Buhler
Friday. The Eagles won 23-2 in three innings and 13-5 in five innings. All three teams will be in Oak Grove,
Missouri for a tournament this weekend.

⚾ Senior Legion finishes third in Topeka, Juniors runner-up in Ottawa

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Minnesota first baseman Miguel Sanó swooped in to catch a popped-up bunt and start a triple play, highlighting the Twins' 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Sanó hit an RBI double in the third inning, then made the key defensive play in the bottom half.

Sanó has made a habit of these trifectas — while playing third base and first during his career, he's been a part of the last four triple plays turned by the Twins.

With Jarrod Dyson on second and Cam Gallagher on first, Nicky Lopez bunted to the right side. Sanó charged in to make the catch and threw to shortstop Andrelton Simmons to double off Dyson.

Simmons then trotted toward Gallagher and tossed to second baseman Nick Gordon, who was covering first, to complete the Twins' first triple play since 2019.

“As soon as I saw the ball, I tried to catch the ball, I tried to make the play. I saw the runners running so I threw to second and we were able to turn it," Sanó said.

The previous time Kansas City hit into a triple play was 2012.

“Triple plays normally don’t fare too well especially in close games,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It was the right idea, but unfortunately we just did not have the right execution.”

Twins starter Bailey Ober gave up one run and five hits in four innings, striking out four in his second career start. The lone run came in the fourth when Andrew Benintendi singled home a run, his sixth RBI of the four-game series.

Relievers Luke Ferrell (1-0), Jorge Alcala, Tyler Duffy and Hansel Robles kept the Royals off the bases until the ninth inning, when Whit Merrifield hit a leadoff double. Taylor Rogers entered and finished for his fifth save of the year.

“The bullpen train came on in the fifth inning and every guy came in locked and loaded and throwing the ball the way we wanted to,” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I wouldn’t say that those who came in were well-rested, but they just went in and did the job.”

Brady Singer (3-5) allowed two runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven.

The Twins took the lead in the fifth when Trevor Larnach was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Royals: RHP Josh Staumont was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and RHP Tyler Zuber was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

Twins: RHP Shaun Anderson (finger blisters) was placed on the 10-day IL. Ober was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul in the corresponding move. ... RHP Kenta Maeda (right adductor strain) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session, and a rehab assignment will likely be the next step for the 33-year-old righty, who is currently on the 10-day IL.

Royals: The Royals placed INF Adalberto Mondesí (left hamstring strain) on the 10-day IL and recalled OF Edward Olivares. Mondesí had returned to the major league roster on May 25 after missing the start of the season with a right oblique strain.

Minnesota will return home to face the Yankees on Tuesday. Michael Pineda (3-3, 3.40) will take the mound for the Twins.

Kansas City begins a West Coast swing starting against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Jackson Kowar will make his major league debut on the mound.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Minnesota first baseman Miguel Sanó swooped in to catch a popped-up bunt and start a triple play, highlighting the Twins' 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Sanó hit an RBI double in the third inning, then made the key defensive play in the bottom half.Sanó has made a habit of these trifectas — while playing third base and first during his career, he's been a part of the last four triple plays turned by the Twins.With Jarrod Dyson on second and Cam Gallagher on first, Nicky Lopez bunted to the right side. Sanó charged in to make the catch and threw to shortstop Andrelton Simmons to double off Dyson.Simmons then trotted toward Gallagher and tossed to second baseman Nick Gordon, who was covering first, to complete the Twins' first triple play since 2019.“As soon as I saw the ball, I tried to catch the ball, I tried to make the play. I saw the runners running so I threw to second and we were able to turn it," Sanó said.The previous time Kansas City hit into a triple play was 2012.“Triple plays normally don’t fare too well especially in close games,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It was the right idea, but unfortunately we just did not have the right execution.”Twins starter Bailey Ober gave up one run and five hits in four innings, striking out four in his second career start. The lone run came in the fourth when Andrew Benintendi singled home a run, his sixth RBI of the four-game series.Relievers Luke Ferrell (1-0), Jorge Alcala, Tyler Duffy and Hansel Robles kept the Royals off the bases until the ninth inning, when Whit Merrifield hit a leadoff double. Taylor Rogers entered and finished for his fifth save of the year.“The bullpen train came on in the fifth inning and every guy came in locked and loaded and throwing the ball the way we wanted to,” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I wouldn’t say that those who came in were well-rested, but they just went in and did the job.”Brady Singer (3-5) allowed two runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven.The Twins took the lead in the fifth when Trevor Larnach was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: RHP Josh Staumont was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and RHP Tyler Zuber was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: RHP Shaun Anderson (finger blisters) was placed on the 10-day IL. Ober was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul in the corresponding move. ... RHP Kenta Maeda (right adductor strain) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session, and a rehab assignment will likely be the next step for the 33-year-old righty, who is currently on the 10-day IL.Royals: The Royals placed INF Adalberto Mondesí (left hamstring strain) on the 10-day IL and recalled OF Edward Olivares. Mondesí had returned to the major league roster on May 25 after missing the start of the season with a right oblique strain.UP NEXTMinnesota will return home to face the Yankees on Tuesday. Michael Pineda (3-3, 3.40) will take the mound for the Twins.Kansas City begins a West Coast swing starting against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Jackson Kowar will make his major league debut on the mound.

⚾ Royals make another ninth-inning push but come up short in loss to Twins

HAYS – Dylan Dreiling had three hits, drove in four runs and
scored twice to help lead the Hays Larks to a 13-5 win over the Colorado
Roughnecks Saturday at Larks Park. The senior-to-be at Hays High also stole a
base in the game which was called after seven innings by mutual agreement.

Cam Pehrson drove in three runs on the night. His first
inning triple gave the Larks (2-0) the early lead. He later scored on an error
in the inning.

The Roughnecks grabbed a brief lead when they scored three
in the top of the fourth but the Larks quickly responded with five in the bottom
of the inning. Dylan Dreiling drove in two with a &nbsp;double to center. Pehrson singled home
Dreiling then Wyatt Divis singled to center which scored Pehrson and Grant
Lung.

Colorado added two in the top of the fifth to make it a 7-5
game but the Larks put it away with three in the fifth and three more in the sixth.

Starter Jose Velazquez (1-0) pitched three hitless innings
with two strikeouts, one walk and three hit batters and picked up the win.
Former Hays High Indian Trey Riggs allowed five runs on five hits with three
strikeouts and five walks over 2 1/3 innings. Cade Brown struck out five over
the final 1 2/3 innings.

The two teams close out the non-league series Sunday night
at 7:00 p.m. at Larks Park.

HAYS – Dylan Dreiling had three hits, drove in four runs and
scored twice to help lead the Hays Larks to a 13-5 win over the Colorado
Roughnecks Saturday at Larks Park. The senior-to-be at Hays High also stole a
base in the game which was called after seven innings by mutual agreement.Cam Pehrson drove in three runs on the night. His first
inning triple gave the Larks (2-0) the early lead. He later scored on an error
in the inning.The Roughnecks grabbed a brief lead when they scored three
in the top of the fourth but the Larks quickly responded with five in the bottom
of the inning. Dylan Dreiling drove in two with a &nbsp;double to center. Pehrson singled home
Dreiling then Wyatt Divis singled to center which scored Pehrson and Grant
Lung.Colorado added two in the top of the fifth to make it a 7-5
game but the Larks put it away with three in the fifth and three more in the sixth.Starter Jose Velazquez (1-0) pitched three hitless innings
with two strikeouts, one walk and three hit batters and picked up the win.
Former Hays High Indian Trey Riggs allowed five runs on five hits with three
strikeouts and five walks over 2 1/3 innings. Cade Brown struck out five over
the final 1 2/3 innings.The two teams close out the non-league series Sunday night
at 7:00 p.m. at Larks Park.

⚾ Dreiling leads Larks to win over Roughnecks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ryan Jeffers, Kyle Garlick and Miguel Sanó homered, and the Minnesota Twins turned a game-ending double play with the potential tying run at third base to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 Saturday and stop a four-game losing streak.

Tyler Duffy and Taylor Rogers each got three straight outs, and Hansel Robles gave up Kelvin Gutiérrez's leadoff double in the ninth before getting his fifth save in seven chances.

Jorge Soler grounded to shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who bobbled the ball and threw to Sanó at first for the out. Sanó threw to second, trying to catch pinch-runner Jarrod Dyson off the base, and the ball got away from second baseman Jorge Polanco.

Simmons retrieved the ball and threw to third, where Dyson was called out by umpire Manny Gonzalez. But a video review determined Dyson got his arm onto the base under third baseman Josh Donaldson's tag with a headfirst slide.

With the infield in, Michael A. Taylor lined an 0-2 pitch to Simmons. Dyson was halfway between third and home, and Simmons had an easy flip to third for the final out.

“It is fun being in the dugout when you finish a game like that,” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I think we played a well-played game and the excitement of the end was the cherry on top."

Minnesota homered for the 16th consecutive game, tying the longest streak in club history.

José Berríos (6-2) gave up four runs and six hits in six innings.

“He did a good job executing and moving the ball in and out today,” said Jeffers, the Twins catcher,

Mike Minor (4-3) allowed five runs and seven hits in seven innings. He has given up 11 homers in 67 innings this season.

“It was the homer that got him today,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “He had all four pitches working today, but a couple of pitches in the wrong spot at the wrong time ended up getting us.”

Jeffres hit a two-run homer in the second, Garlick went deep in the third and Sanó's 449-foot, two-run drive in the sixth overcame a 4-3 deficit.

Nelson Cruz had two hits, a walk and his first stolen base since 2018.

Whit Merrifield hit a two-run single in the second and Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run homer in the fifth, his sixth home run this season.

Minnesota selected the contract of RHP Griffin Jax from Triple-A St. Paul. RHP Juan Minaya was designated for assignment, a day after he struck out three in 2 1/3 innings of relief.

RHP Brady Singer (3-4, 5.06) starts Sunday for the Royals and RHP Bailey Ober (0-0, 9.00) makes his second big league start for the Twins.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ryan Jeffers, Kyle Garlick and Miguel Sanó homered, and the Minnesota Twins turned a game-ending double play with the potential tying run at third base to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 Saturday and stop a four-game losing streak.Tyler Duffy and Taylor Rogers each got three straight outs, and Hansel Robles gave up Kelvin Gutiérrez's leadoff double in the ninth before getting his fifth save in seven chances.Jorge Soler grounded to shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who bobbled the ball and threw to Sanó at first for the out. Sanó threw to second, trying to catch pinch-runner Jarrod Dyson off the base, and the ball got away from second baseman Jorge Polanco.Simmons retrieved the ball and threw to third, where Dyson was called out by umpire Manny Gonzalez. But a video review determined Dyson got his arm onto the base under third baseman Josh Donaldson's tag with a headfirst slide.With the infield in, Michael A. Taylor lined an 0-2 pitch to Simmons. Dyson was halfway between third and home, and Simmons had an easy flip to third for the final out.“It is fun being in the dugout when you finish a game like that,” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I think we played a well-played game and the excitement of the end was the cherry on top."Minnesota homered for the 16th consecutive game, tying the longest streak in club history.José Berríos (6-2) gave up four runs and six hits in six innings.“He did a good job executing and moving the ball in and out today,” said Jeffers, the Twins catcher,Mike Minor (4-3) allowed five runs and seven hits in seven innings. He has given up 11 homers in 67 innings this season.“It was the homer that got him today,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “He had all four pitches working today, but a couple of pitches in the wrong spot at the wrong time ended up getting us.”Jeffres hit a two-run homer in the second, Garlick went deep in the third and Sanó's 449-foot, two-run drive in the sixth overcame a 4-3 deficit.Nelson Cruz had two hits, a walk and his first stolen base since 2018.Whit Merrifield hit a two-run single in the second and Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run homer in the fifth, his sixth home run this season.ROSTER MOVEMinnesota selected the contract of RHP Griffin Jax from Triple-A St. Paul. RHP Juan Minaya was designated for assignment, a day after he struck out three in 2 1/3 innings of relief.UP NEXTRHP Brady Singer (3-4, 5.06) starts Sunday for the Royals and RHP Bailey Ober (0-0, 9.00) makes his second big league start for the Twins.

⚾ Royals ninth inning push comes up short in loss to Twins

TOPEKA – The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion baseball
team rallied with four runs in the top of the fifth inning to erase a couple of two-run deficits and defeat the Ottawa Arrows 5-4 in their second pool play game at the Topeka
Senators Tournament Saturday morning at McDonald Park. The Eagles used a
five-run first inning to cruise past the Blue Springs (Mo.) Elks 12-3 in their
opener.

Garrett Wellbrock started the fifth inning rally against the
Arrows with a four-pitch walk then advanced to second on a balk. He scored on a
Dalton Dale single. After Dale stole second, Carson Spray tied the game with a single to center. Derrick Riggs walked then advanced to second when Jack Fields reached on an
error. Riggs scored the go-ahead run on Caden Morgan’s two-out single to left
center. Fields scored the final run on a delayed steal.

The Arrows scored a run in the bottom of the fifth and had runners and first and third when Blake Schmidt came in and got the final out. The game was then called due to time limit.

Ottawa jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and second. The Eagles scored on a fly out from Carson Spray which scored Brady Kreutzer in the third. The Arrows added another run in the fourth.&nbsp;

Carson Spray (1-0) picked up the win after allowing four
runs (two earned) on four hits with seven strikeouts and four walks over 4 2/3
innings. 

In their opener against the Blue Springs (Mo.) Elks, the Eagles scored five in
the first inning then added three in the second and four in the third. The game was called after five innings by run rule.

Garrett Wellbrock went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and
two runs scored. Carson Spray also doubled and drove in two while scoring twice.
Blake Schmidt knocked in two on a first inning single. Jack Fields had two hits
and Brady Kreutzer tripled. 

Schmidt (1-0) didn’t allow a hit over the first three innings
and picked up the win. He struck out four and walked two. Jack Fields pitched
the final two innings, allowing two runs with four strikeouts and one walk.

The Eagles close out pool play against the Iola Indians Sunday at 8:00 a.m. They will then play at either noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. 

TOPEKA – The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion baseball
team rallied with four runs in the top of the fifth inning to erase a couple of two-run deficits and defeat the Ottawa Arrows 5-4 in their second pool play game at the Topeka
Senators Tournament Saturday morning at McDonald Park. The Eagles used a
five-run first inning to cruise past the Blue Springs (Mo.) Elks 12-3 in their
opener.Garrett Wellbrock started the fifth inning rally against the
Arrows with a four-pitch walk then advanced to second on a balk. He scored on a
Dalton Dale single. After Dale stole second, Carson Spray tied the game with a single to center. Derrick Riggs walked then advanced to second when Jack Fields reached on an
error. Riggs scored the go-ahead run on Caden Morgan’s two-out single to left
center. Fields scored the final run on a delayed steal.The Arrows scored a run in the bottom of the fifth and had runners and first and third when Blake Schmidt came in and got the final out. The game was then called due to time limit.Ottawa jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and second. The Eagles scored on a fly out from Carson Spray which scored Brady Kreutzer in the third. The Arrows added another run in the fourth.&nbsp;Carson Spray (1-0) picked up the win after allowing four
runs (two earned) on four hits with seven strikeouts and four walks over 4 2/3
innings. In their opener against the Blue Springs (Mo.) Elks, the Eagles scored five in
the first inning then added three in the second and four in the third. The game was called after five innings by run rule.Garrett Wellbrock went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and
two runs scored. Carson Spray also doubled and drove in two while scoring twice.
Blake Schmidt knocked in two on a first inning single. Jack Fields had two hits
and Brady Kreutzer tripled. Schmidt (1-0) didn’t allow a hit over the first three innings
and picked up the win. He struck out four and walked two. Jack Fields pitched
the final two innings, allowing two runs with four strikeouts and one walk.The Eagles close out pool play against the Iola Indians Sunday at 8:00 a.m. They will then play at either noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. or 6 p.m.

⚾ Hays Senior Legion opens season with two wins

HAYS – The Hays Larks used some early offense and solid
pitching to defeat the Northern Colorado Roughnecks 10-1 in their season opener in front of a capacity crowd Friday
night at Larks Park. The Larks scored three in the first and four in the second
and were never threatened the rest of the way.

Sam Crowell hit a three-run homer to get the Larks on the board
in the first. Leo Jiminian’s triple to right field scored three to highlight
the four-run second.

Cam Pehrson had three of the Larks 10 hits and drove in two
runs. Crowell finished the night with four RBIs and Jiminian drove in three.

Three Larks pitchers held the Roughnecks hitless until the ninth. Starter Wyatt Divis (1-0) pitched the first three innings and struck out five. Jackson Blue allowed on unearned run over the
next three innings with three strikeouts and four walks. Netherlands native Luuk ter Beek pitched the final three innings, allowing two hits with four
strikeouts and no walks and picked up the save.

The Larks and Roughnecks continue the season opening series
Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

HAYS – The Hays Larks used some early offense and solid
pitching to defeat the Northern Colorado Roughnecks 10-1 in their season opener in front of a capacity crowd Friday
night at Larks Park. The Larks scored three in the first and four in the second
and were never threatened the rest of the way.Sam Crowell hit a three-run homer to get the Larks on the board
in the first. Leo Jiminian’s triple to right field scored three to highlight
the four-run second.Cam Pehrson had three of the Larks 10 hits and drove in two
runs. Crowell finished the night with four RBIs and Jiminian drove in three.Three Larks pitchers held the Roughnecks hitless until the ninth. Starter Wyatt Divis (1-0) pitched the first three innings and struck out five. Jackson Blue allowed on unearned run over the
next three innings with three strikeouts and four walks. Netherlands native Luuk ter Beek pitched the final three innings, allowing two hits with four
strikeouts and no walks and picked up the save.The Larks and Roughnecks continue the season opening series
Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

⚾ Larks cruise in season opener

Hays High placed six players on the All-Western Athletic
Conference girls’ soccer team. Senior Maggie Robben along with juniors Caroline
Robben, Madelyn Martin and sophomore Katie Dinkel were named to the first team.
Seniors Maia Lummus and Allison Shubert are on the second team.

The Indians went undefeated in Western Athletic Conference
play and finished the season 14-3.

Hays High placed six players on the All-Western Athletic
Conference girls’ soccer team. Senior Maggie Robben along with juniors Caroline
Robben, Madelyn Martin and sophomore Katie Dinkel were named to the first team.
Seniors Maia Lummus and Allison Shubert are on the second team.The Indians went undefeated in Western Athletic Conference
play and finished the season 14-3.

⚽ HHS lands six on All-WAC team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Whit Merrifield capped a nine-run first inning with a three-run homer and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 14-5 Friday night for their fifth straight win.

Merrifield started the big burst with a leadoff single and his home run ended the evening for Matt Shoemaker (2-7). He retired just one batter, allowing six hits and two walks.

Kansas City made it 13-0 in the second. All nine Royals in batting order had already scored with no outs in the inning.

Michael A. Taylor drove in three runs for the Royals.

Brad Keller (6-4) got his third straight win and hasn't allowed more than three runs in an outing since April. He went five innings, giving up two earned runs.

Jorge Polanco hit his sixth home run of the season into the right field fountains in the Twins fifth. Miguel Sano broke an 0-for-24 with a two-run drive and Nick Gordon hit his first career home run.

Taylor and Salvador Perez had two RBIs apiece in the first inning while Andrew Benintendi and Nicky Lopez each had one.

Carlos Santana added a two-run single in the second.

Kansas City has scored at least five runs in its last seven games.

Minnesota: Kenta Maeda (groin) completed a 20-pitch bullpen session and is scheduled to throw another on Sunday.

The Twins send Jose Berrios (5-2, 3.36) to the mound to face Mike Minor (4-2, 4.65) on Saturday afternoon.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Whit Merrifield capped a nine-run first inning with a three-run homer and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 14-5 Friday night for their fifth straight win.Merrifield started the big burst with a leadoff single and his home run ended the evening for Matt Shoemaker (2-7). He retired just one batter, allowing six hits and two walks.Kansas City made it 13-0 in the second. All nine Royals in batting order had already scored with no outs in the inning.Michael A. Taylor drove in three runs for the Royals.Brad Keller (6-4) got his third straight win and hasn't allowed more than three runs in an outing since April. He went five innings, giving up two earned runs.Minnesota lost its fourth in a row.Jorge Polanco hit his sixth home run of the season into the right field fountains in the Twins fifth. Miguel Sano broke an 0-for-24 with a two-run drive and Nick Gordon hit his first career home run.Taylor and Salvador Perez had two RBIs apiece in the first inning while Andrew Benintendi and Nicky Lopez each had one.Carlos Santana added a two-run single in the second.Kansas City has scored at least five runs in its last seven games.TRAINER'S ROOMMinnesota: Kenta Maeda (groin) completed a 20-pitch bullpen session and is scheduled to throw another on Sunday.UP NEXTThe Twins send Jose Berrios (5-2, 3.36) to the mound to face Mike Minor (4-2, 4.65) on Saturday afternoon.

⚾ Royals score 9 in 1st, rout Twins for 5th straight win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>,
 the MIAA Women's Winter Student-Athlete of the Year, will be honored in
 person at the MIAA Awards Celebration, presented by Husch Blackwell, on
 Monday at the Kansas City Music Hall inside Municipal 
Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The event begins at 6 p.m. and 
will be available to view for free on <a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a>. 
The invitation only event will feature recognition of 2020 Hall of Fame 
class and the 2020-21 MIAA Winter Student-Athletes of the Year, 
presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group. The evening will also 
include announcements for this year's winners of the MIAA SAAC Mentor of
 the Year, the Dr. Bob Boerigter Officiating Award of Excellence and the
 2020-21 MIAA Commissioner's Cup, presented by McCownGordon 
Construction. 
The Women's and Men's Winter Student-Athletes of the Year will be the 
first honorees recognized during the event. Randall will be recognized 
alongside Kizan David of Lincoln University, the Men's Winter 
Student-Athlete of the Year. 
Below is the order of events for the awards celebration… 
-Winter Student-Athletes of the Year 
-Officiating Award of Excellence 
-SAAC Mentor of the Year 
-Commissioners Cup 
-MIAA Hall of Fame

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622842253592.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>,
 the MIAA Women's Winter Student-Athlete of the Year, will be honored in
 person at the MIAA Awards Celebration, presented by Husch Blackwell, on
 Monday at the Kansas City Music Hall inside Municipal 
Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The event begins at 6 p.m. and 
will be available to view for free on <a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a>. 
The invitation only event will feature recognition of 2020 Hall of Fame 
class and the 2020-21 MIAA Winter Student-Athletes of the Year, 
presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group. The evening will also 
include announcements for this year's winners of the MIAA SAAC Mentor of
 the Year, the Dr. Bob Boerigter Officiating Award of Excellence and the
 2020-21 MIAA Commissioner's Cup, presented by McCownGordon 
Construction. 
The Women's and Men's Winter Student-Athletes of the Year will be the 
first honorees recognized during the event. Randall will be recognized 
alongside Kizan David of Lincoln University, the Men's Winter 
Student-Athlete of the Year. 
Below is the order of events for the awards celebration… 
-Winter Student-Athletes of the Year 
-Officiating Award of Excellence 
-SAAC Mentor of the Year 
-Commissioners Cup 
-MIAA Hall of Fame

FHSU's Randall to be honored at MIAA Awards Celebration

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rarely has the crucial but often overlooked positions on the offensive line been so scrutinized as they have been in Kansas City. 

But after a miserable performance in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs have a whole bunch of new faces protecting their half-billion dollar quarterback. 

Through the first two weeks of voluntary workouts, Patrick Mahomes has liked what he's seen from the guys up front. And together, they could help Mahomes reach the 20-0 goal he talked about this past week.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rarely has the crucial but often overlooked positions on the offensive line been so scrutinized as they have been in Kansas City. But after a miserable performance in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs have a whole bunch of new faces protecting their half-billion dollar quarterback. Through the first two weeks of voluntary workouts, Patrick Mahomes has liked what he's seen from the guys up front. And together, they could help Mahomes reach the 20-0 goal he talked about this past week.

🏈Mahomes liking look of rebuilt O-line in offseason workouts

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Pérez became only the fourth Kansas City player with consecutive multi-homer games and Jarrod Dyson scored the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning when centerfielder Gilberto Celestino made a pair of errors on a simple fly ball, helping the Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5. 

Pérez hit a 456-foot solo homer in the first and another solo and drive that just cleared the wall in the fifth off JA Happ. 

With the score 5-5 in the seventh, Jarrod Dyson scored from first  when Celestino dropped the ball and followed with an errant throw.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Pérez became only the fourth Kansas City player with consecutive multi-homer games and Jarrod Dyson scored the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning when centerfielder Gilberto Celestino made a pair of errors on a simple fly ball, helping the Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5. Pérez hit a 456-foot solo homer in the first and another solo and drive that just cleared the wall in the fifth off JA Happ. With the score 5-5 in the seventh, Jarrod Dyson scored from first when Celestino dropped the ball and followed with an errant throw.

⚾Pérez homers twice again, Royals beat Twins 6-5 with error

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State men's soccer head coach Gerry Cleary&nbsp;has announced the signing of 12 incoming freshmen that will join the Tiger squad in the fall of 2021. Included in the Class of 2021 is five midfielders, three forwards, three goalkeepers and one defender in addition to five Texans, three Kansans, three international student-athletes and one player from Colorado. Jose Avendano&nbsp;| Defender | San Antonio, Texas | Cornerstone Christian HS Jose Avendano is an outside back from San Antonio, Texas where he was named captain at Cornerstone Christian High School. Jose played his most recent club soccer at Classics Elite in addition to spending time with SAFC and Austin Bold DA. Johan Becker&nbsp;| Midfielder | Copenhagen, Denmark Johan Becker is a center midfielder from Copenhagen, Denmark where he plays his club soccer with Sundby Boldklub. Johan has been involved with senior soccer since he was 16.&nbsp; Theo Bennetts&nbsp;| Midfielder | Chichester, England Theo Bennetts is a midfielder out of Chichester, England. Theo plays club soccer for Chichester FC and plays high school soccer at Portsmouth ITC. Isaac Bohrer&nbsp;| Midfielder | Castle Rock, Colo. | Castle View HS Isaac Bohrer is a midfielder out of Castle Rock, Colo. Isaac has played for Colorado Rapids ECNL as well as Castle View High School. He is a three-time varsity letter recipient and two-time ECNL conference winner. Josh Caan&nbsp;| Forward | Bradford, England Josh Caan is a forward that hails from Bradford, England. The left-footed forward formerly played for Bradford City and FC Halifax Town before playing with CD Almuñécar City U23 in Spain last season. Landon Crawley&nbsp;| Goalkeeper | Austin, Texas | James Bowie HS Landon Crawley is a 6-2 goalkeeper from Austin, Texas. Landon plays club soccer with the River City Rangers in addition to playing at James Bowie High School. He was named district goalkeeper of the year and was placed on the academic all-district team during his time at JBHS. Jonathan Facio&nbsp;| Midfielder | San Antonio, Texas | LEE HS Jonathan Facio is a midfielder from San Antonio, Texas. Jonathan played high school soccer at LEE High School where he was twice named first team all-district. He started for the Volunteers as a senior, helping LEE to a 28-1 record and the Class 6A State Championship. He also played club soccer with Classics Elite. Mikey Guerrero&nbsp;| Forward | San Antonio, Texas | Cornerstone Christian HS Mikey Guerrero is a forward hailing from San Antonio, Texas. Mikey attended Cornerstone Christian School while playing club soccer with Classics Elite. He was named MaxPreps player of the week for the state of Texas during his freshman season in addition to earning all-district honors in 2018. Chezney Haney&nbsp;| Goalkeeper | Spring Hill, Kan. | Spring Hill HS Chezney Haney is a 6-4 goalkeeper and a native of Spring Hill, Kan. Chezney attended Spring Hill High School where he collected a host of honors, including honorable mention All-State honors from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association as a senior, three All-Frontier League selections (two first team, one second team) and back-to-back Tri-County Spotlight defensive player of the year selections. A three-year starter, Haney earned four letters in soccer during his high school career. He plays club soccer at Puma FC where he won a Kansas State Championship in 2019. Brandon Mejia&nbsp;| Midfielder | Cypress, Texas | Cypress Park HS Brandon Mejia is a center midfielder from Cypress Park High School in Cypress, Texas. He was a three-year starter with the Tigers, earning all-district honors in addition to a spot on the Academic All-State team. Michael Samuel&nbsp;| Forward | Leawood, Kan. | Blue Valley HS Michael Samuel is a forward from Leawood, Kan. Michael played for Blue Valley High School in addition to playing club soccer with Kansas Rush. He was a first team Class 6A All-State selection by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association as a senior in 2020 after picking up second team All-State accolades in 2019. He also earned all-conference honors twice while helping the Tigers to a third place finish at the 6A State Championships as a senior in 2020. D'Alessandro Sosa&nbsp;| Goalkeeper | Wichita, Kan. | Campus HS D'Alessandro Sosa is a 6-2 goalkeeper out of Wichita, Kan. He was a two-time letterwinner at Campus High School, helping the Colts finished second in their league while being recognized as one of the top 50 players in Wichita. Fort Hays State Men's Soccer Signing Class of 2021 Jose Avendano - D - San Antonio, Texas (Cornerstone Christian HS) Johan Becker - MF - Copenhagen, Denmark Theo Bennetts - MF - Chichester, England Isaac Bohrer - MF - Castle Rock, Colo. (Castle View HS) Josh Caan - F - Bradford, England Landon Crawley - GK - Austin, Texas (James Bowie HS_ Jonathan Facio - MF - San Antonio, Texas (LEE HS) Mikey Guerrero - F - San Antonio, Texas (Cornerstone Christian HS) Chezney Haney - GK - Spring Hill, Kan. (Spring Hill HS) Brandon Mejia - MF - Cypress, Texas (Cypress Park HS) Michael Samuel - F - Leawood, Kan. (Blue Valley HS) D'Alessandro Sosa - GK - Wichita, Kan. (Campus HS)

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State men's soccer head coach Gerry Cleary&nbsp;has announced the signing of 12 incoming freshmen that will join the Tiger squad in the fall of 2021. Included in the Class of 2021 is five midfielders, three forwards, three goalkeepers and one defender in addition to five Texans, three Kansans, three international student-athletes and one player from Colorado. Jose Avendano&nbsp;| Defender | San Antonio, Texas | Cornerstone Christian HS Jose Avendano is an outside back from San Antonio, Texas where he was named captain at Cornerstone Christian High School. Jose played his most recent club soccer at Classics Elite in addition to spending time with SAFC and Austin Bold DA. Johan Becker&nbsp;| Midfielder | Copenhagen, Denmark Johan Becker is a center midfielder from Copenhagen, Denmark where he plays his club soccer with Sundby Boldklub. Johan has been involved with senior soccer since he was 16.&nbsp; Theo Bennetts&nbsp;| Midfielder | Chichester, England Theo Bennetts is a midfielder out of Chichester, England. Theo plays club soccer for Chichester FC and plays high school soccer at Portsmouth ITC. Isaac Bohrer&nbsp;| Midfielder | Castle Rock, Colo. | Castle View HS Isaac Bohrer is a midfielder out of Castle Rock, Colo. Isaac has played for Colorado Rapids ECNL as well as Castle View High School. He is a three-time varsity letter recipient and two-time ECNL conference winner. Josh Caan&nbsp;| Forward | Bradford, England Josh Caan is a forward that hails from Bradford, England. The left-footed forward formerly played for Bradford City and FC Halifax Town before playing with CD Almuñécar City U23 in Spain last season. Landon Crawley&nbsp;| Goalkeeper | Austin, Texas | James Bowie HS Landon Crawley is a 6-2 goalkeeper from Austin, Texas. Landon plays club soccer with the River City Rangers in addition to playing at James Bowie High School. He was named district goalkeeper of the year and was placed on the academic all-district team during his time at JBHS. Jonathan Facio&nbsp;| Midfielder | San Antonio, Texas | LEE HS Jonathan Facio is a midfielder from San Antonio, Texas. Jonathan played high school soccer at LEE High School where he was twice named first team all-district. He started for the Volunteers as a senior, helping LEE to a 28-1 record and the Class 6A State Championship. He also played club soccer with Classics Elite. Mikey Guerrero&nbsp;| Forward | San Antonio, Texas | Cornerstone Christian HS Mikey Guerrero is a forward hailing from San Antonio, Texas. Mikey attended Cornerstone Christian School while playing club soccer with Classics Elite. He was named MaxPreps player of the week for the state of Texas during his freshman season in addition to earning all-district honors in 2018. Chezney Haney&nbsp;| Goalkeeper | Spring Hill, Kan. | Spring Hill HS Chezney Haney is a 6-4 goalkeeper and a native of Spring Hill, Kan. Chezney attended Spring Hill High School where he collected a host of honors, including honorable mention All-State honors from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association as a senior, three All-Frontier League selections (two first team, one second team) and back-to-back Tri-County Spotlight defensive player of the year selections. A three-year starter, Haney earned four letters in soccer during his high school career. He plays club soccer at Puma FC where he won a Kansas State Championship in 2019. Brandon Mejia&nbsp;| Midfielder | Cypress, Texas | Cypress Park HS Brandon Mejia is a center midfielder from Cypress Park High School in Cypress, Texas. He was a three-year starter with the Tigers, earning all-district honors in addition to a spot on the Academic All-State team. Michael Samuel&nbsp;| Forward | Leawood, Kan. | Blue Valley HS Michael Samuel is a forward from Leawood, Kan. Michael played for Blue Valley High School in addition to playing club soccer with Kansas Rush. He was a first team Class 6A All-State selection by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association as a senior in 2020 after picking up second team All-State accolades in 2019. He also earned all-conference honors twice while helping the Tigers to a third place finish at the 6A State Championships as a senior in 2020. D'Alessandro Sosa&nbsp;| Goalkeeper | Wichita, Kan. | Campus HS D'Alessandro Sosa is a 6-2 goalkeeper out of Wichita, Kan. He was a two-time letterwinner at Campus High School, helping the Colts finished second in their league while being recognized as one of the top 50 players in Wichita. Fort Hays State Men's Soccer Signing Class of 2021 Jose Avendano - D - San Antonio, Texas (Cornerstone Christian HS) Johan Becker - MF - Copenhagen, Denmark Theo Bennetts - MF - Chichester, England Isaac Bohrer - MF - Castle Rock, Colo. (Castle View HS) Josh Caan - F - Bradford, England Landon Crawley - GK - Austin, Texas (James Bowie HS_ Jonathan Facio - MF - San Antonio, Texas (LEE HS) Mikey Guerrero - F - San Antonio, Texas (Cornerstone Christian HS) Chezney Haney - GK - Spring Hill, Kan. (Spring Hill HS) Brandon Mejia - MF - Cypress, Texas (Cypress Park HS) Michael Samuel - F - Leawood, Kan. (Blue Valley HS) D'Alessandro Sosa - GK - Wichita, Kan. (Campus HS)FHSU Athletics

⚽ FHSU men sign 12

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head tennis coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=937">Brian Flax</a>&nbsp;has announced the signing of a trio of future Tigers in advance of the 2020-21 season. The Tiger Tennis class of 2021 includes Gracen Friess, Heidi Lubbers and Hope Lubbers. Gracen Friess heads to Hays after a decorated high school career at Parsons (Kan.) High School. Friess is a three-time Class 4A state qualifier in singles action, including a pair of state placements. She won the Southeastern Kansas League title as a junior and senior while also winning the regional title both years. Friess placed 12th at state as a sophomore in 2018 before finishing 11th as a junior in 2019. A four-time letterwinner, she compiled a singles record of 79-17 over her last three years of high school, including a 25-5 mark as a senior in 2020, a 28-7 record as a junior in 2019 and a 26-5 record as a sophomore in 2018. Friess also qualified for the state championships in track and field, doing so in the hurdles races in addition to multiple relay races. Heidi and Hope Lubbers signed with the Tigers after impressive careers at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita. The pair medaled at the Class 5A State Championships twice, finishing as the state runner-up in 2020 after placing fourth in 2019. Their run to the state title match in 2020 helped the Golden Eagles win the 5A state championship as a team. Each a four-time letterwinner in tennis, the sisters compiled a record of 58-25 in doubles action over their last three seasons at BCCHS, including a record of 22-9 as seniors in 2020 and a mark of 23-10 as juniors in 2019. They are both two-time selections on the Kansas Tennis Coaches Association All-State Tennis team, earning the honor in 2019 and 2020. They were also named to the 2020&nbsp;Wichita Eagle&nbsp;All-Metro team. The pair also excelled in the classroom, with each earning a spot on the Academic All-State team all four years. Heidi and Hope are the younger sisters of Natalie and Nicole Lubbers, who played for the Tigers from 2016-20.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head tennis coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=937">Brian Flax</a>&nbsp;has announced the signing of a trio of future Tigers in advance of the 2020-21 season. The Tiger Tennis class of 2021 includes Gracen Friess, Heidi Lubbers and Hope Lubbers. Gracen Friess heads to Hays after a decorated high school career at Parsons (Kan.) High School. Friess is a three-time Class 4A state qualifier in singles action, including a pair of state placements. She won the Southeastern Kansas League title as a junior and senior while also winning the regional title both years. Friess placed 12th at state as a sophomore in 2018 before finishing 11th as a junior in 2019. A four-time letterwinner, she compiled a singles record of 79-17 over her last three years of high school, including a 25-5 mark as a senior in 2020, a 28-7 record as a junior in 2019 and a 26-5 record as a sophomore in 2018. Friess also qualified for the state championships in track and field, doing so in the hurdles races in addition to multiple relay races. Heidi and Hope Lubbers signed with the Tigers after impressive careers at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita. The pair medaled at the Class 5A State Championships twice, finishing as the state runner-up in 2020 after placing fourth in 2019. Their run to the state title match in 2020 helped the Golden Eagles win the 5A state championship as a team. Each a four-time letterwinner in tennis, the sisters compiled a record of 58-25 in doubles action over their last three seasons at BCCHS, including a record of 22-9 as seniors in 2020 and a mark of 23-10 as juniors in 2019. They are both two-time selections on the Kansas Tennis Coaches Association All-State Tennis team, earning the honor in 2019 and 2020. They were also named to the 2020&nbsp;Wichita Eagle&nbsp;All-Metro team. The pair also excelled in the classroom, with each earning a spot on the Academic All-State team all four years. Heidi and Hope are the younger sisters of Natalie and Nicole Lubbers, who played for the Tigers from 2016-20.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🎾 FHSU tennis signs trio

Join the Hays Larks for postgame fireworks Friday at Larks Park, Fourth and Oak streets.

The fireworks will start after the game approximately between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.&nbsp; The fireworks are sponsored by the Golden Q. &nbsp;

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Fireworks show scheduled after Larks home opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andrew Benintendi hit a grand slam and drove in five runs, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 10-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.

Salvador Perez had two homers and three RBIs to help the Royals sweep the two-game series. Brady Singer (3-4) allowed five runs — four earned — and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Wil Crowe (0-4) took the loss. He gave up eight runs and eight hits in four-plus innings.

“What a show,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said after his team’s offensive outburst. “The top-of-the-order hitters gave the opportunities for Beni and what a sweet swing that was."

“It was great to see a lot of different guys make things happen.”

Adam Frazier, who led the National League with 40 hits in May, doubled twice for Pittsburgh.

Benintendi drove in Kansas City’s first run with a single in the first inning.

The Pirates scored three times in the third. Singer loaded the bases with no outs on an infield single, a walk and a hit batter. An RBI single by Bryan Reynolds and sacrifice flies by Gregory Polanco and Ben Gamel knocked in the next two runs.

Kevin Newman singled and raced home when Michael Perez sent one to the wall in right-center for a double to give the Pirates a 4-1 lead in the fourth.

Singer was not thrilled with his outing, but he wasn’t worried about his club’s ability to come back.

“I struggled with a little bit of my control there,” he said. “It wasn’t terrible, but up in the zone a lot. But the whole lineup was incredible. It was really good to see those guys do that.”

Perez drew the Royals to 4-3 with his 11th home run in the bottom half. Carlos Santana led off with a single. With one out, Perez launched a two-run drive into the Pirates’ bullpen in left.

Benintendi’s grand slam capped a five-run fifth. Crowe gave up a leadoff triple to Michael A. Taylor, then walked Nicky Lopez. Whit Merrifield singled in Taylor before Crowe walked Santana to load the bases. Benintendi sent his second career slam into the Royals’ bullpen.

“I was just looking for a pitch to drive to the outfield,” Benintendi said.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton was second-guessing the decision to leave Crowe in to face Benintendi.

“We didn’t execute a pitch,” Shelton said. “We tried to go up and away with a fastball, and he threw a fastball down and in. In retrospect, we probably should have made a move.”

The Pirates scored in the sixth on Frazier’s bloop double with two outs, but they left the bases loaded.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andrew Benintendi hit a grand slam and drove in five runs, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 10-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.Salvador Perez had two homers and three RBIs to help the Royals sweep the two-game series. Brady Singer (3-4) allowed five runs — four earned — and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.Wil Crowe (0-4) took the loss. He gave up eight runs and eight hits in four-plus innings.“What a show,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said after his team’s offensive outburst. “The top-of-the-order hitters gave the opportunities for Beni and what a sweet swing that was."“It was great to see a lot of different guys make things happen.”Adam Frazier, who led the National League with 40 hits in May, doubled twice for Pittsburgh.Benintendi drove in Kansas City’s first run with a single in the first inning.The Pirates scored three times in the third. Singer loaded the bases with no outs on an infield single, a walk and a hit batter. An RBI single by Bryan Reynolds and sacrifice flies by Gregory Polanco and Ben Gamel knocked in the next two runs.Kevin Newman singled and raced home when Michael Perez sent one to the wall in right-center for a double to give the Pirates a 4-1 lead in the fourth.Singer was not thrilled with his outing, but he wasn’t worried about his club’s ability to come back.“I struggled with a little bit of my control there,” he said. “It wasn’t terrible, but up in the zone a lot. But the whole lineup was incredible. It was really good to see those guys do that.”Perez drew the Royals to 4-3 with his 11th home run in the bottom half. Carlos Santana led off with a single. With one out, Perez launched a two-run drive into the Pirates’ bullpen in left.Benintendi’s grand slam capped a five-run fifth. Crowe gave up a leadoff triple to Michael A. Taylor, then walked Nicky Lopez. Whit Merrifield singled in Taylor before Crowe walked Santana to load the bases. Benintendi sent his second career slam into the Royals’ bullpen.“I was just looking for a pitch to drive to the outfield,” Benintendi said.Pirates manager Derek Shelton was second-guessing the decision to leave Crowe in to face Benintendi.“We didn’t execute a pitch,” Shelton said. “We tried to go up and away with a fastball, and he threw a fastball down and in. In retrospect, we probably should have made a move.”The Pirates scored in the sixth on Frazier’s bloop double with two outs, but they left the bases loaded.Perez’s second home run came with one out in the seventh.Taylor’s sacrifice fly in the eighth provided the final run.TRAINER’S ROOMPirates: Shelton said 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (left wrist strain) is likely to return to the roster Thursday against Miami. Hayes has been out of the lineup since April 4.Royals: SS Adalberto Mondesi was not in the starting lineup after coming out of Monday’s game with a “tweaked” left hamstring. Matheny said he wouldn’t rule out an appearance by Mondesi in Tuesday’s game, but he preferred to wait until Thursday with Wednesday’s off day.UP NEXTFollowing an off day on Wednesday, Pirates LHP Tyler Anderson (3-5, 4.63 ERA) will take the ball against the Miami Marlins. He had a bounce-back performance against the Cubs, allowing two earned runs in five innings.The Royals are also off Wednesday. LHP Kris Bubic (1-0, 1.52 ERA) will face the Twins for the second straight start, this time in Kansas City on Thursday. He allowed one run and four hits over six innings in Minnesota.

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