CLASS 6A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DERBY (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLATHE NORTH
(0-0)&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
NORTH (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
NORTHWEST (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 5A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA
NORTHWEST (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. THOMAS
AQUINAS (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MILL VALLEY
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP
CARROLL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MAIZE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 4A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP MIEGE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. JAMES
ACADEMY (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDOVER
CENTRAL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ARKANSAS
CITY (0-0)&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MCPHERSON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 3A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDALE (0-0)&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA
COLLEGIATE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FRONTENAC
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHENEY (0-0)&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOLTON (0-0)

CLASS 2A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ROSSVILLE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SILVER LAKE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEMAHA
CENTRAL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BELOIT (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOISINGTON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 1A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLPE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SMITH CENTER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; INMAN (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SEDGWICK
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CENTRALIA
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 8M-I RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LITTLE RIVER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MADISON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CANTON-GALVA
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOXIE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HILL CITY
(0-0)

CLASS 8M-II RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HANOVER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VICTORIA
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OSBORNE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUNDER
RIDGE (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WHEATLAND-GRINNELL
(0-0)

CLASS 6A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DERBY (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLATHE NORTH
(0-0)&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
NORTH (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
NORTHWEST (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 5A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA
NORTHWEST (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. THOMAS
AQUINAS (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MILL VALLEY
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP
CARROLL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MAIZE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 4A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP MIEGE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. JAMES
ACADEMY (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDOVER
CENTRAL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ARKANSAS
CITY (0-0)&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MCPHERSON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 3A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDALE (0-0)&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA
COLLEGIATE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FRONTENAC
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHENEY (0-0)&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOLTON (0-0) CLASS 2A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ROSSVILLE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SILVER LAKE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEMAHA
CENTRAL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BELOIT (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOISINGTON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 1A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLPE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SMITH CENTER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; INMAN (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SEDGWICK
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CENTRALIA
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 8M-I RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LITTLE RIVER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MADISON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CANTON-GALVA
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOXIE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HILL CITY
(0-0) CLASS 8M-II RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HANOVER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VICTORIA
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OSBORNE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUNDER
RIDGE (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WHEATLAND-GRINNELL
(0-0)

🏈Kpreps week 1 rankings

If you missed the first Tiger Talk of the football season you can listen here.

Tiger Talk airs Mondays at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (1400-AM, 94.3-FM) live from the Golden Q in Hays.

If you missed the first Tiger Talk of the football season you can listen here.Tiger Talk airs Mondays at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (1400-AM, 94.3-FM) live from the Golden Q in Hays.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Aug 30)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fakq5-10c9f05-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Major League Baseball announced Monday that Salvador Perez&nbsp;&nbsp;has been named American League Player of the Week
for the period of August 23-29, a stretch in which he hit .357 (10-for-28)
across seven games and led the Major Leagues in both home runs (6) and RBI
(14).

Perez is the
first Royals player to earn the award since Adalberto Mondesi from
September 21-27, 2020.

Perez homered
in six of seven games last week, including each of the last five, matching a
Royals record for consecutive games with a home run, previously set by Mike
Sweeney from June 25-29, 2002. The five-game homer streak, which Perez will
carry into tomorrow night’s game vs. Cleveland, is tied for the second-longest
run in the Majors this season, trailing only Joey Votto, who homered in
seven straight games from July 24-30.

A week ago
today in Houston, Perez reached safely four times, including a solo home run
off&nbsp;Zack Greinke, en route to a 7-1 win. On Wednesday in Houston, Perez
hit a game-tying home run off Lance McCullers Jr. in the fourth inning
in a game the Royals lost in 10 innings.

Salvy homered
in all four games vs. Seattle last weekend, including a grand slam in
back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday, becoming just the 25th
player in AL/NL history, according to Elias, to record a grand slam in
back-to-back team games. Thursday’s slam turned a 4-1 deficit into a 5-4 lead
in an eventual 6-4 win, and Friday’s slam was one of his three hits that night
and tied the game at 5-5 in an eventual 8-7 win in 12 innings.

On Saturday,
Perez hit a two-run home run that proved to be the difference in a 4-2 win, and
on Sunday, he hit a game-tying solo home run and an RBI single in the eighth.
The homer on Sunday was the 190th of his career, matching Alex
Gordon for the fourth most in the 53-year history of the franchise. It was
also his 38th home run of the season, which are the second most in
the Majors, and matches Mike Moustakas for the second-highest single-season
total in Royals history. 

Perez reached
in 15 of his 33 plate appearances last week for a .455 on-base percentage.
Among players with at least 30 plate appearances last week, his 1.455 OPS led
the Majors. He led the Royals to a 7-3 road trip that began on August 20, a
stretch in which he hit eight home runs and 16 RBI, becoming the first player
in Royals history with eight homers on a single road trip, and the first on any
team to do it, according to Elias, since Washington’s Ryan Zimmerman
from Sept. 2-12, 2013.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Major League Baseball announced Monday that Salvador Perez&nbsp;&nbsp;has been named American League Player of the Week
for the period of August 23-29, a stretch in which he hit .357 (10-for-28)
across seven games and led the Major Leagues in both home runs (6) and RBI
(14).Perez is the
first Royals player to earn the award since Adalberto Mondesi from
September 21-27, 2020.Perez homered
in six of seven games last week, including each of the last five, matching a
Royals record for consecutive games with a home run, previously set by Mike
Sweeney from June 25-29, 2002. The five-game homer streak, which Perez will
carry into tomorrow night’s game vs. Cleveland, is tied for the second-longest
run in the Majors this season, trailing only Joey Votto, who homered in
seven straight games from July 24-30.A week ago
today in Houston, Perez reached safely four times, including a solo home run
off&nbsp;Zack Greinke, en route to a 7-1 win. On Wednesday in Houston, Perez
hit a game-tying home run off Lance McCullers Jr. in the fourth inning
in a game the Royals lost in 10 innings. Salvy homered
in all four games vs. Seattle last weekend, including a grand slam in
back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday, becoming just the 25th
player in AL/NL history, according to Elias, to record a grand slam in
back-to-back team games. Thursday’s slam turned a 4-1 deficit into a 5-4 lead
in an eventual 6-4 win, and Friday’s slam was one of his three hits that night
and tied the game at 5-5 in an eventual 8-7 win in 12 innings.On Saturday,
Perez hit a two-run home run that proved to be the difference in a 4-2 win, and
on Sunday, he hit a game-tying solo home run and an RBI single in the eighth.
The homer on Sunday was the 190th of his career, matching Alex
Gordon for the fourth most in the 53-year history of the franchise. It was
also his 38th home run of the season, which are the second most in
the Majors, and matches Mike Moustakas for the second-highest single-season
total in Royals history. Perez reached
in 15 of his 33 plate appearances last week for a .455 on-base percentage.
Among players with at least 30 plate appearances last week, his 1.455 OPS led
the Majors. He led the Royals to a 7-3 road trip that began on August 20, a
stretch in which he hit eight home runs and 16 RBI, becoming the first player
in Royals history with eight homers on a single road trip, and the first on any
team to do it, according to Elias, since Washington’s Ryan Zimmerman
from Sept. 2-12, 2013.

⚾ Royals Perez named AL Player of the Week

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez homered for the fifth consecutive game, but Kyle Seager connected for a two-run drive to help the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Sunday.

Seager hit his career-high 31st homer in the seventh inning, lifting the Mariners to a 4-2 lead and helping them avoid a four-game series sweep at home.

“Getting his career high with 31 homers, it's something special,” teammate Marco Gonzales said. “I hope he plays for 10 more years.”

Perez nearly recorded another homer, lasering an RBI single off the top of the wall in right-center in the eighth. Nicky Lopez scored from first to cut Seattle's lead to 4-3, but Drew Steckenrider worked a perfect ninth for his seventh save.

Asked if he thought it was a home run off the bat, Perez smiled and said: “100 percent."

Perez’s solo shot off Gonzales (6-5) in the sixth was his fifth in five games. He started the series with grand slams in consecutive games, provided the deciding margin with a two-run homer Saturday, and then tied the game at 1 on Sunday.

The catcher matched Mike Sweeney’s team record of five consecutive games with a homer, set in 2002. The major league record for consecutive games with a homer is eight.

Perez also moved into a tie for fourth with Alex Gordon on the franchise list with 190 career homers, a former teammate who Perez said taught him a lot about being a professional.

“So I appreciate everything he did for us when he was here,” he said. “It's amazing, though.”

He has 38 homers this year, tied with Mike Moustakas (2017) for second on Kansas City’s single-season list. Jorge Soler holds the record with 48 in 2019.

His 12 homers in August tied Chili Davis and John Mayberry for Kansas City’s most homers in a month.

Perez has 17 homers since the All-Star break, tied for the major league lead. Seager has 15 since the break, playing in every game.

“Kyle's been huge,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “And certainly after the All-Star break he's found that home-run swing, and we've needed it.”

Michael A. Taylor of Kansas City and Seattle’s Jarred Kelenic also went deep.

Gonzales pitched seven innings of five-hit ball to improve to 5-0 in his last 10 starts dating to July 9.

“He can really execute pitches when he gets on a roll,” Servais said. “The fastball truly was awesome, the way he located it.”

Royals starter Brady Singer permitted two runs, one earned, and three hits in six innings. Tyler Zuber (0-1) took the loss after giving up Seager’s home run.

Perez is the first player to hit eight home runs on a road trip since Ryan Zimmerman in September 2013.

Servais took the unusual measure to make a mound visit in the eighth inning before Perez's at-bat so reliever Paul Sewald would be clear on his instructions.

“I will never forget that mound visit for as long as I manage the game,” Servais said. “Certainly he is the hottest hitter on the planet the last four days. ... I wanted to make sure we execute pitches. Paul assured me that he was not going to throw him anything he could hit. Unfortunately, we did not execute. And we were actually very fortunate that ball did hit the wall.”

Royals: LHP Richard Lovelady was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained ligament in his left elbow. Manager Mike Matheny said Lovelady is scheduled for tests on Monday morning.

Mariners: CF Kyle Lewis (right meniscus surgery) could make a rehab appearance at Triple-A Tacoma on Monday or Tuesday after completing a workout in the outfield, Servais said. Servais met with Lewis recently to discuss the possibilities for the rest of the season, including a return to the lineup if his rehab assignment goes well. He’ll start out in a designated hitter role in Tacoma.

Royals: After an off day, Kansas City hosts Cleveland on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series. The Royals did not announced a starter. RHP Zach Plesac (8-4, 4.78 ERA) pitches for the Indians.

Mariners: RHP Chris Flexen (11-5, 3.54 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a three-game set against AL West-leading Houston. Seattle is 17-7 when Flexen starts.

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez homered for the fifth consecutive game, but Kyle Seager connected for a two-run drive to help the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Sunday.Seager hit his career-high 31st homer in the seventh inning, lifting the Mariners to a 4-2 lead and helping them avoid a four-game series sweep at home.“Getting his career high with 31 homers, it's something special,” teammate Marco Gonzales said. “I hope he plays for 10 more years.”Perez nearly recorded another homer, lasering an RBI single off the top of the wall in right-center in the eighth. Nicky Lopez scored from first to cut Seattle's lead to 4-3, but Drew Steckenrider worked a perfect ninth for his seventh save.Asked if he thought it was a home run off the bat, Perez smiled and said: “100 percent."Perez’s solo shot off Gonzales (6-5) in the sixth was his fifth in five games. He started the series with grand slams in consecutive games, provided the deciding margin with a two-run homer Saturday, and then tied the game at 1 on Sunday.The catcher matched Mike Sweeney’s team record of five consecutive games with a homer, set in 2002. The major league record for consecutive games with a homer is eight.Perez also moved into a tie for fourth with Alex Gordon on the franchise list with 190 career homers, a former teammate who Perez said taught him a lot about being a professional.“So I appreciate everything he did for us when he was here,” he said. “It's amazing, though.”He has 38 homers this year, tied with Mike Moustakas (2017) for second on Kansas City’s single-season list. Jorge Soler holds the record with 48 in 2019.His 12 homers in August tied Chili Davis and John Mayberry for Kansas City’s most homers in a month.Perez has 17 homers since the All-Star break, tied for the major league lead. Seager has 15 since the break, playing in every game.“Kyle's been huge,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “And certainly after the All-Star break he's found that home-run swing, and we've needed it.”Michael A. Taylor of Kansas City and Seattle’s Jarred Kelenic also went deep.Gonzales pitched seven innings of five-hit ball to improve to 5-0 in his last 10 starts dating to July 9.“He can really execute pitches when he gets on a roll,” Servais said. “The fastball truly was awesome, the way he located it.”Royals starter Brady Singer permitted two runs, one earned, and three hits in six innings. Tyler Zuber (0-1) took the loss after giving up Seager’s home run.MOUND VISITPerez is the first player to hit eight home runs on a road trip since Ryan Zimmerman in September 2013.Servais took the unusual measure to make a mound visit in the eighth inning before Perez's at-bat so reliever Paul Sewald would be clear on his instructions.“I will never forget that mound visit for as long as I manage the game,” Servais said. “Certainly he is the hottest hitter on the planet the last four days. ... I wanted to make sure we execute pitches. Paul assured me that he was not going to throw him anything he could hit. Unfortunately, we did not execute. And we were actually very fortunate that ball did hit the wall.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: LHP Richard Lovelady was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained ligament in his left elbow. Manager Mike Matheny said Lovelady is scheduled for tests on Monday morning.Mariners: CF Kyle Lewis (right meniscus surgery) could make a rehab appearance at Triple-A Tacoma on Monday or Tuesday after completing a workout in the outfield, Servais said. Servais met with Lewis recently to discuss the possibilities for the rest of the season, including a return to the lineup if his rehab assignment goes well. He’ll start out in a designated hitter role in Tacoma.UP NEXTRoyals: After an off day, Kansas City hosts Cleveland on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series. The Royals did not announced a starter. RHP Zach Plesac (8-4, 4.78 ERA) pitches for the Indians.Mariners: RHP Chris Flexen (11-5, 3.54 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a three-game set against AL West-leading Houston. Seattle is 17-7 when Flexen starts.

⚾ Royals drop series finale to Mariners

TOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2021 pre-season volleyball rankings. Current classifications for the rankings are based on enrollments from the 2020-21 school year, and the rankings will be adjusted when the updated classifications are released at the end of September.

Class 6A 1. Blue Valley West 2. Olathe Northwest 3. Washburn Rural 4. Blue Valley North 5. Lawrence-Free State 6. Blue Valley Northwest 7. Blue Valley 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 9. Wichita Northwest 10. Wichita East

Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. St. James Academy 3. Lansing 4. Spring Hill 5. Maize South 6. Mill Valley 7. Bishop Carroll 8. Newton 9. Great Bend 10. Topeka-Seaman

Class 4A 1. Bishop Miege 2. Andale 3. McPherson 4. Ottawa 5. Circle 6. Louisburg 7. Clearwater 8. Clay Center 9. Nickerson 10. Wamego

Class 3A 1. Smoky Valley 2. Cheney 3. Thomas More Prep-Marian 4. Sabetha 5. Nemaha Central 6. Phillipsburg 7. West Franklin 8. Riverton 9. Goodland 10. Silver Lake

Class 2A 1. Heritage Christian 2. Smith Center 3. Garden Plain 4. Wabaunsee 5. Jefferson County North 6. Sedgwick 7. Meade/Fowler 8. Hillsboro 9. St. Mary’s-Colgan 10. Spearville

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Central Plains 2. Lebo 3. Pretty Prairie 4. St. John-Hudson 5. Little River 6. Jackson Heights 7. Victoria 8. Burlingame 9. Kiowa County 10. Thunder Ridge

Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 2. Attica 3. Central Christian 4. Golden Plains 5. St. Francis 6. Wheatland-Grinnell 7. Linn 8. Dighton 9. South Central 10. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton

TOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2021 pre-season volleyball rankings. Current classifications for the rankings are based on enrollments from the 2020-21 school year, and the rankings will be adjusted when the updated classifications are released at the end of September.Class 6A 1. Blue Valley West 2. Olathe Northwest 3. Washburn Rural 4. Blue Valley North 5. Lawrence-Free State 6. Blue Valley Northwest 7. Blue Valley 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 9. Wichita Northwest 10. Wichita EastClass 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. St. James Academy 3. Lansing 4. Spring Hill 5. Maize South 6. Mill Valley 7. Bishop Carroll 8. Newton 9. Great Bend 10. Topeka-SeamanClass 4A 1. Bishop Miege 2. Andale 3. McPherson 4. Ottawa 5. Circle 6. Louisburg 7. Clearwater 8. Clay Center 9. Nickerson 10. WamegoClass 3A 1. Smoky Valley 2. Cheney 3. Thomas More Prep-Marian 4. Sabetha 5. Nemaha Central 6. Phillipsburg 7. West Franklin 8. Riverton 9. Goodland 10. Silver LakeClass 2A 1. Heritage Christian 2. Smith Center 3. Garden Plain 4. Wabaunsee 5. Jefferson County North 6. Sedgwick 7. Meade/Fowler 8. Hillsboro 9. St. Mary’s-Colgan 10. SpearvilleClass 1A – Division 1 1. Central Plains 2. Lebo 3. Pretty Prairie 4. St. John-Hudson 5. Little River 6. Jackson Heights 7. Victoria 8. Burlingame 9. Kiowa County 10. Thunder RidgeClass 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 2. Attica 3. Central Christian 4. Golden Plains 5. St. Francis 6. Wheatland-Grinnell 7. Linn 8. Dighton 9. South Central 10. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton

🏐 KVA preseason volleyball rankings

HAYS - The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 4-1 and finished third at Hays High's Maroon and Gold Invitational Saturday at the Hays High gym. After going 3-0 in pool play, the Monarchs lost to Scott City in the semifinals before beating Salina South in the third place match.

In pool play, the Monarchs (4-2) beat Wheatland-Grinnell 25-16, 25-13; Olathe West 25-20. 14-25, 25-19 and Colby 25-19, 25-12.

Hays High went 1-2. They beat Oakley 25-11, 25-20 then lost 25-19, 25-21 to Scott City and 25-20, 26-24 to Salina South.

Olathe West won the tournament with a 4-1 record. The Owls went 2-1 in pool play then knocked off Salina South and Scott City in bracket play.

The Monarchs Emilee Lane and Kassidi Yost were named to the all-tournament team along with Hays High's Lauryn Miller. Lane was named the most outstanding defensive player. The rest of the all-tournament team included Ava Testrake of Olathe West who was named most outstanding player, Riley Ourth of Olathe West, Baylee Brin from Salina South, Ella Rumford from Scott City, Livia Schultz from Wheatland-Grinnell, Liberty Booker of Oakley and Colby's Brooklyn Jones.

HAYS - The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 4-1 and finished third at Hays High's Maroon and Gold Invitational Saturday at the Hays High gym. After going 3-0 in pool play, the Monarchs lost to Scott City in the semifinals before beating Salina South in the third place match.In pool play, the Monarchs (4-2) beat Wheatland-Grinnell 25-16, 25-13; Olathe West 25-20. 14-25, 25-19 and Colby 25-19, 25-12.Hays High went 1-2. They beat Oakley 25-11, 25-20 then lost 25-19, 25-21 to Scott City and 25-20, 26-24 to Salina South.Olathe West won the tournament with a 4-1 record. The Owls went 2-1 in pool play then knocked off Salina South and Scott City in bracket play.The Monarchs Emilee Lane and Kassidi Yost were named to the all-tournament team along with Hays High's Lauryn Miller. Lane was named the most outstanding defensive player. The rest of the all-tournament team included Ava Testrake of Olathe West who was named most outstanding player, Riley Ourth of Olathe West, Baylee Brin from Salina South, Ella Rumford from Scott City, Livia Schultz from Wheatland-Grinnell, Liberty Booker of Oakley and Colby's Brooklyn Jones.

🏐 Monarchs finish third at Maroon and Gold Invitational

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez is grinding down the Seattle Mariners' postseason hopes, one big swing at a time.

Perez homered for the fourth straight game, lining a two-run shot off the top of the fence for his 37th of the season to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Mariners 4-2 on Saturday.

Perez's four-game home run streak is tied for the longest of his career, the last coming in 2017. He has 16 homers since the All-Star break, including seven on the Royals' current 10-game trip.

"The way I do it is I prepare myself every day to play and compete and try to win the game," Perez said.

Whit Merrifield also homered for Kansas City, which won its third straight over Seattle to damage the Mariners' postseason aspirations.

Merrifield hit the 11th leadoff home run of his career on the second pitch of the game from starter Tyler Anderson (6-9). Perez, who hit grand slams in each of the first two games of the series, homered with two outs in the fifth, a drive that barely eluded the leap of Dylan Moore at the wall in left field.

Perez popped out in the third inning with the bases loaded but got the better of Anderson two innings later.

"I'm surprised he didn't hit another grand slam," Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. "I mean that's just the kind of player he is right now. It's unbelievable."

Cam Gallagher added a two-out RBI single in the ninth after Emmanuel Rivera doubled on a popup that fell in the outfield between Jarred Kelenic and Mitch Haniger.

Seattle picked an inopportune time for a three-game skid, especially after a successful 6-2 road trip that kept the Mariners in contention in the AL wild-card race. They fell 5.5 games behind Boston for the final spot.

"It's been a rough series against the Royals. The games have been very close, very competitive. They have gotten the big hits, and we haven't," Seattle manager Scott Servais said.

The Mariners' first run came on Cal Raleigh's bases-loaded walk in the fifth inning, the only run charged to starter Daniel Lynch. Lynch missed out on getting the win by lasting just 4.2 innings, but the Royals' bullpen was solid.

Domingo Tapia, Joel Payamps (1-3) and Scott Barlow combined for 4.1 innings, allowing four hits and a run. Barlow ran into trouble in the ninth on consecutive two-out doubles by Haniger and Luis Torrens but got Kyle Seager to ground out to finish and secure his 10th save.

Royals relievers have allowed three earned runs in 16.2 innings in the first three games of the series.

Other than the two homers, Anderson was terrific. The lefty pitched into the eighth for the second time this season but was pulled after Nicky Lopez led off the inning with a single. Anderson allowed eight hits and had six strikeouts.

Anderson has gone 26 straight starts of at least five innings pitched, 24 of them this season.

"A couple pitches that I obviously would like back that probably weren't that bad of pitches, but they were too good of pitches to those guys right now, who are really swinging the bat hot," Anderson said.

Seattle made a flurry of roster moves prior to Saturday's game, including outfielder Jake Fraley going on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder injury. Fraley appeared to be hurt crashing into the wall trying to rob a home run in the 12th inning of Friday's loss.

Left-handed reliever Anthony Misiewicz also went on the 10-day injured list with a left forearm strain.

Seattle recalled RHP Wyatt Mills and selected RHP Jimmy Yacabonis from Triple-A Tacoma. IF Shed Long Jr. was transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man roster spot. RHP Keynan Middleton was also outrighted to Tacoma after being designated for assignment earlier this week.

Royals: 1B Carlos Santana was a late scratch due to hip soreness.

Mariners: Seager was out of the starting lineup due to a sore back that developed during Friday's loss but came on as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and has appeared in 128 of 130 games this season.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (3-9, 5.07) will make his first ever start against the Mariners. Singer took the loss in his last outing allowing four runs in five innings against Houston.

Mariners: LHP Marco Gonzales (5-5, 4.13) is 4-0 with a 2.19 ERA in his last nine starts dating to July 9. Gonzales had a no decision in his last start against Oakland.

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez is grinding down the Seattle Mariners' postseason hopes, one big swing at a time.Perez homered for the fourth straight game, lining a two-run shot off the top of the fence for his 37th of the season to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Mariners 4-2 on Saturday.Perez's four-game home run streak is tied for the longest of his career, the last coming in 2017. He has 16 homers since the All-Star break, including seven on the Royals' current 10-game trip."The way I do it is I prepare myself every day to play and compete and try to win the game," Perez said.Whit Merrifield also homered for Kansas City, which won its third straight over Seattle to damage the Mariners' postseason aspirations.Merrifield hit the 11th leadoff home run of his career on the second pitch of the game from starter Tyler Anderson (6-9). Perez, who hit grand slams in each of the first two games of the series, homered with two outs in the fifth, a drive that barely eluded the leap of Dylan Moore at the wall in left field.Perez popped out in the third inning with the bases loaded but got the better of Anderson two innings later."I'm surprised he didn't hit another grand slam," Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. "I mean that's just the kind of player he is right now. It's unbelievable."Cam Gallagher added a two-out RBI single in the ninth after Emmanuel Rivera doubled on a popup that fell in the outfield between Jarred Kelenic and Mitch Haniger.Seattle picked an inopportune time for a three-game skid, especially after a successful 6-2 road trip that kept the Mariners in contention in the AL wild-card race. They fell 5.5 games behind Boston for the final spot."It's been a rough series against the Royals. The games have been very close, very competitive. They have gotten the big hits, and we haven't," Seattle manager Scott Servais said.The Mariners' first run came on Cal Raleigh's bases-loaded walk in the fifth inning, the only run charged to starter Daniel Lynch. Lynch missed out on getting the win by lasting just 4.2 innings, but the Royals' bullpen was solid.Domingo Tapia, Joel Payamps (1-3) and Scott Barlow combined for 4.1 innings, allowing four hits and a run. Barlow ran into trouble in the ninth on consecutive two-out doubles by Haniger and Luis Torrens but got Kyle Seager to ground out to finish and secure his 10th save.Royals relievers have allowed three earned runs in 16.2 innings in the first three games of the series.Other than the two homers, Anderson was terrific. The lefty pitched into the eighth for the second time this season but was pulled after Nicky Lopez led off the inning with a single. Anderson allowed eight hits and had six strikeouts.Anderson has gone 26 straight starts of at least five innings pitched, 24 of them this season."A couple pitches that I obviously would like back that probably weren't that bad of pitches, but they were too good of pitches to those guys right now, who are really swinging the bat hot," Anderson said.ROSTER SHUFFLESeattle made a flurry of roster moves prior to Saturday's game, including outfielder Jake Fraley going on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder injury. Fraley appeared to be hurt crashing into the wall trying to rob a home run in the 12th inning of Friday's loss.Left-handed reliever Anthony Misiewicz also went on the 10-day injured list with a left forearm strain.Seattle recalled RHP Wyatt Mills and selected RHP Jimmy Yacabonis from Triple-A Tacoma. IF Shed Long Jr. was transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man roster spot. RHP Keynan Middleton was also outrighted to Tacoma after being designated for assignment earlier this week.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: 1B Carlos Santana was a late scratch due to hip soreness.Mariners: Seager was out of the starting lineup due to a sore back that developed during Friday's loss but came on as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and has appeared in 128 of 130 games this season.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (3-9, 5.07) will make his first ever start against the Mariners. Singer took the loss in his last outing allowing four runs in five innings against Houston.Mariners: LHP Marco Gonzales (5-5, 4.13) is 4-0 with a 2.19 ERA in his last nine starts dating to July 9. Gonzales had a no decision in his last start against Oakland.

⚾ Merrifield, Perez power Royals to victory over Mariners

Fort Hays State coach Chris Brown, offensive lineman Amari Angram-Boldin and linebacker Layke Heimerman talked with the media Friday ahead a week one matchup with Northwest Missouri State.

Fort Hays State coach Chris Brown, offensive lineman Amari Angram-Boldin and linebacker Layke Heimerman talked with the media Friday ahead a week one matchup with Northwest Missouri State.Chris Brown<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5v-Aen2xEk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Amari Angram-Boldin<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r_vhWKISJlY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Layke Heimerman<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r-eKm4XgIgA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹FHSU weekly press conference

SEATTLE (AP) — Edward Olivares hit a two-run home run in the 12th inning, Salvador Perez hit a grand slam in a second straight game and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 8-7 on Friday night.

Olivares gave the Royals a chance to win twice after being called up, driving in the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th with a sacrifice fly before Luis Torrens drove in the tying run in the bottom of the inning.

“You just never know who's going to be the hero,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He didn't even start the game.”

Perez became the 25th player in major league history to hit grand slams in back-to-back games when he launched one in the fourth inning, tying the game at 5-all.

It was the third straight game with a grand slam for the Royals, who are one shy of tying the major league record set by the San Diego Padres in 2020. Four other teams have hit slams in three straight games since 1895.

Perez has hit six home runs in the eight games on the team’s current road trip, bringing his season total to 36. The Royals have won six of those games. His 15 home runs since the All-Star break lead the AL.

“He's in a unique space doing what he's able to do on both sides of the ball,” Matheny said of the catcher.

Carlos Hernandez, Saturday’s scheduled starter, took over for starter Kris Bubic with an out in the fifth inning. He held the Mariners hitless, retiring 14 straight batters in regulation to keep the game tied.

“They really flipped the script on us,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said, adding of Hernandez, “He just absolutely slammed the door on us.”

Hernandez pitched the 10th, giving up his first hit to Abraham Toro. The infield single moved designated runner Kyle Seager to third, and he scored on Torrens’ deep sacrifice fly to the warning track in left, making it 6-all.

Hernandez finished with six strikeouts and no walks in 5 2/3 innngs.

“They gave me the heads up that I was going to be the emergency guy, and I was ready,” Hernandez said.

Josh Staumont (3-2) gave up a run in the 12th, but earned the win with 1 1/3 innings pitched and two strikeouts after being activated from the injured list earlier in the day.

Yohan Ramirez (0-2) picked up the loss after allowing Olivares' fifth homer of the season.

Kansas City has 34 come-from-behind wins this season.

The Mariners loaded the bases to start the first and second innings on the way to a 5-1 lead. Toro drew a bases-loaded walk – the Mariners’ 19th of the season — off starter Kris Bubic to begin the scoring for Seattle. Torrens had a two-run double in the first and drove in another run in the second. He finished with four RBIs.

The Royals used three hits in the fourth inning to load the bases against starter Logan Gilbert, setting up Perez’s fifth career slam – tied for second-most in Royals history behind Frank White’s six.

Royals: CF Jarrod Dyson has been claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays, ending his second stint with the team. Dyson spent the first seven years of his career, including the 2015 World Series season, with the Royals and returned this offseason.

“He was a fantastic teammate here, and every day he brought light into this clubhouse,” manager Mike Matheny said.

Mariners: Recently acquired LHP Sean Doolittle was added to the roster and made his debut, giving up three hits with a strikeout in one inning. He was claimed off waivers from Cincinnati on Thursday.

Royals: RHP Brad Keller has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right lat strain. Keller sustained the injury early in Kansas City’s win over the Mariners on Thursday night, but continued to pitch through mounting pain. Manager Mike Matheny said the injury started behind Keller’s shoulder and crept into his lat overnight.

“So there’s still tests to be run, but I’m not excited about this being a shoulder issue,” Matheny said.

SEATTLE (AP) — Edward Olivares hit a two-run home run in the 12th inning, Salvador Perez hit a grand slam in a second straight game and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 8-7 on Friday night.Olivares gave the Royals a chance to win twice after being called up, driving in the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th with a sacrifice fly before Luis Torrens drove in the tying run in the bottom of the inning.“You just never know who's going to be the hero,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He didn't even start the game.”Perez became the 25th player in major league history to hit grand slams in back-to-back games when he launched one in the fourth inning, tying the game at 5-all.It was the third straight game with a grand slam for the Royals, who are one shy of tying the major league record set by the San Diego Padres in 2020. Four other teams have hit slams in three straight games since 1895.Perez has hit six home runs in the eight games on the team’s current road trip, bringing his season total to 36. The Royals have won six of those games. His 15 home runs since the All-Star break lead the AL.“He's in a unique space doing what he's able to do on both sides of the ball,” Matheny said of the catcher.Carlos Hernandez, Saturday’s scheduled starter, took over for starter Kris Bubic with an out in the fifth inning. He held the Mariners hitless, retiring 14 straight batters in regulation to keep the game tied.“They really flipped the script on us,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said, adding of Hernandez, “He just absolutely slammed the door on us.”Hernandez pitched the 10th, giving up his first hit to Abraham Toro. The infield single moved designated runner Kyle Seager to third, and he scored on Torrens’ deep sacrifice fly to the warning track in left, making it 6-all.Hernandez finished with six strikeouts and no walks in 5 2/3 innngs.“They gave me the heads up that I was going to be the emergency guy, and I was ready,” Hernandez said.Josh Staumont (3-2) gave up a run in the 12th, but earned the win with 1 1/3 innings pitched and two strikeouts after being activated from the injured list earlier in the day.Yohan Ramirez (0-2) picked up the loss after allowing Olivares' fifth homer of the season.Kansas City has 34 come-from-behind wins this season.The Mariners loaded the bases to start the first and second innings on the way to a 5-1 lead. Toro drew a bases-loaded walk – the Mariners’ 19th of the season — off starter Kris Bubic to begin the scoring for Seattle. Torrens had a two-run double in the first and drove in another run in the second. He finished with four RBIs.The Royals used three hits in the fourth inning to load the bases against starter Logan Gilbert, setting up Perez’s fifth career slam – tied for second-most in Royals history behind Frank White’s six.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: CF Jarrod Dyson has been claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays, ending his second stint with the team. Dyson spent the first seven years of his career, including the 2015 World Series season, with the Royals and returned this offseason.“He was a fantastic teammate here, and every day he brought light into this clubhouse,” manager Mike Matheny said.Mariners: Recently acquired LHP Sean Doolittle was added to the roster and made his debut, giving up three hits with a strikeout in one inning. He was claimed off waivers from Cincinnati on Thursday.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Brad Keller has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right lat strain. Keller sustained the injury early in Kansas City’s win over the Mariners on Thursday night, but continued to pitch through mounting pain. Manager Mike Matheny said the injury started behind Keller’s shoulder and crept into his lat overnight.“So there’s still tests to be run, but I’m not excited about this being a shoulder issue,” Matheny said.

⚾ Perez hits grand slam in second straight game, Royals defeat Mariners

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill have talked openly about the Kansas City Chiefs chasing a perfect season.

Well, the two were nearly perfect Friday night.

Mahomes was 8 of 9 for 117 yards and two touchdowns in his only two chances with the ball, including a 35-yard TD strike to the fleet-footed Hill, and the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 28-25 to finish 3-0 in the preseason.

Now come 17 regular-season games and, the Chiefs hope, three more in the postseason.

“We didn’t change the script,” Mahomes said, “but we went through that pregame mock week. You had a couple preseason games they had played, and we went through that routine I’ve built. And having that and going against the defense playing a scout-team defense, we came out a little faster and crisper and were able to move the ball.”

Indeed, Mahomes was sharper than he'd been his first two exhibitions, his only miss a throw-away with nobody open. After his touchdown toss to Hill, Mahomes finished his night with a short touchdown pass to tight end Blake Bell.

“I knew going in that we had enough reps — what I thought were enough reps — so it was strictly the comfort the offense had working together, and the defense had,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We had some long drives, some good work.”

Mahomes' counterpart, Kirk Cousins, wasn't nearly as effective for Minnesota. He led the Vikings to a field goal on his first offensive series but went three-and-out on each of the next two, finishing 5 of 7 for 57 yards. Cousins looked out of sync with his receivers and took a big loss on a sack by Anthony Hitchens.

Third-round pick Kellen Mond, who appears to have the edge on Jake Browning for the Vikings' backup job, was 16 of 23 for 196 yards with an interception. Browning was just 2 of 8 for 41 yards.

“We moved the ball well the first drive. We got stopped when we got to the red zone,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “Then we didn't do much the next two drives. And defensively we had a few of our horses that didn't play tonight and you could see that some of these backups need to improve quickly.”

Chiefs backup Chad Henne didn't play Friday night, so Shane Buechele got plenty of work. The rookie was sharp driving KC for a TD and a 21-3 halftime lead, but Buechele also threw a pick-six to Parry Nickerson in the fourth quarter.

“Chad’s had enough reps,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I wanted to get the young kid some good, extended play time.”

The Vikings' defense scored two touchdowns during their three preseason losses. Their offense had scored only one until the final minutes Friday night, a 32-yard scamper by backup running back A.J. Rose Jr. in the third quarter.

Derrick Gore answered with a 56-yard catch-and-run to help Kansas City finish its perfect preseason.

“They know they've got a good football team coming in here in Cleveland, so you don't have to say a whole lot," said Reid, who now must trim his roster to the 53-man limit by Tuesday. “They know what’s ahead of them.”

Defensive ends Chris Jones (sinus infection) and Frank Clark (hamstring), running backs Clyde Edward-Helaire (ankle) and Darrel Williams (concussion) and defensive back Rashad Fenton (hamstring) did not play for Kansas City.

Defensive end Everson Griffen, who signed with Minnesota for the veteran minimum this week, joined the team for its final dress rehearsal. He even got some pressure on the quarterback on one of his first chances on the field.

“The times he was in there,” Zimmer said, “he had some good rushes. He hit the quarterback on one. He did good in there."

It was 91 degrees at kickoff with a heat index of 96, though at least most of the field was shaded. Those fans sitting behind the Minnesota bench on the north side of Arrowhead Stadium also spent the first half baking in the setting sun.

The Chiefs donated $10,000 to a scholarship fund at Howard University in honor of Terez Paylor, the longtime NFL writer for the Kansas City Star and Yahoo! Sports who died earlier this year. Mayor Quinton Lucas signed a proclamation making it Terez A. Paylor Day in Kansas City, and the Chiefs retired his seat in the Arrowhead Stadium press box.

“His legacy of excellent reporting with a human touch, deep knowledge of football and being someone who always had time to help out a friend or offer mentorship will now impact future generations, too," his fiancée Ebony Reed said.

Minnesota visits Cincinnati on Sept. 12 for the first of back-to-back road games to start the season.

Kansas City awaits Cleveland on Sept. 12 in a rematch of last year's divisional-round playoff game.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill have talked openly about the Kansas City Chiefs chasing a perfect season.Well, the two were nearly perfect Friday night.Mahomes was 8 of 9 for 117 yards and two touchdowns in his only two chances with the ball, including a 35-yard TD strike to the fleet-footed Hill, and the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 28-25 to finish 3-0 in the preseason.Now come 17 regular-season games and, the Chiefs hope, three more in the postseason.“We didn’t change the script,” Mahomes said, “but we went through that pregame mock week. You had a couple preseason games they had played, and we went through that routine I’ve built. And having that and going against the defense playing a scout-team defense, we came out a little faster and crisper and were able to move the ball.”Indeed, Mahomes was sharper than he'd been his first two exhibitions, his only miss a throw-away with nobody open. After his touchdown toss to Hill, Mahomes finished his night with a short touchdown pass to tight end Blake Bell.“I knew going in that we had enough reps — what I thought were enough reps — so it was strictly the comfort the offense had working together, and the defense had,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We had some long drives, some good work.”Mahomes' counterpart, Kirk Cousins, wasn't nearly as effective for Minnesota. He led the Vikings to a field goal on his first offensive series but went three-and-out on each of the next two, finishing 5 of 7 for 57 yards. Cousins looked out of sync with his receivers and took a big loss on a sack by Anthony Hitchens.Third-round pick Kellen Mond, who appears to have the edge on Jake Browning for the Vikings' backup job, was 16 of 23 for 196 yards with an interception. Browning was just 2 of 8 for 41 yards.“We moved the ball well the first drive. We got stopped when we got to the red zone,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “Then we didn't do much the next two drives. And defensively we had a few of our horses that didn't play tonight and you could see that some of these backups need to improve quickly.”Chiefs backup Chad Henne didn't play Friday night, so Shane Buechele got plenty of work. The rookie was sharp driving KC for a TD and a 21-3 halftime lead, but Buechele also threw a pick-six to Parry Nickerson in the fourth quarter.“Chad’s had enough reps,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I wanted to get the young kid some good, extended play time.”The Vikings' defense scored two touchdowns during their three preseason losses. Their offense had scored only one until the final minutes Friday night, a 32-yard scamper by backup running back A.J. Rose Jr. in the third quarter.Derrick Gore answered with a 56-yard catch-and-run to help Kansas City finish its perfect preseason.“They know they've got a good football team coming in here in Cleveland, so you don't have to say a whole lot," said Reid, who now must trim his roster to the 53-man limit by Tuesday. “They know what’s ahead of them.”MISSING CHIEFSDefensive ends Chris Jones (sinus infection) and Frank Clark (hamstring), running backs Clyde Edward-Helaire (ankle) and Darrel Williams (concussion) and defensive back Rashad Fenton (hamstring) did not play for Kansas City.VIKINGS FOUNDDefensive end Everson Griffen, who signed with Minnesota for the veteran minimum this week, joined the team for its final dress rehearsal. He even got some pressure on the quarterback on one of his first chances on the field.“The times he was in there,” Zimmer said, “he had some good rushes. He hit the quarterback on one. He did good in there."HEAT ADVISORYIt was 91 degrees at kickoff with a heat index of 96, though at least most of the field was shaded. Those fans sitting behind the Minnesota bench on the north side of Arrowhead Stadium also spent the first half baking in the setting sun.TIME FOR TEREZThe Chiefs donated $10,000 to a scholarship fund at Howard University in honor of Terez Paylor, the longtime NFL writer for the Kansas City Star and Yahoo! Sports who died earlier this year. Mayor Quinton Lucas signed a proclamation making it Terez A. Paylor Day in Kansas City, and the Chiefs retired his seat in the Arrowhead Stadium press box.“His legacy of excellent reporting with a human touch, deep knowledge of football and being someone who always had time to help out a friend or offer mentorship will now impact future generations, too," his fiancée Ebony Reed said.UP NEXTMinnesota visits Cincinnati on Sept. 12 for the first of back-to-back road games to start the season.Kansas City awaits Cleveland on Sept. 12 in a rematch of last year's divisional-round playoff game.

🏈 Chiefs finish preseason undefeated, down Vikings

Listen to daily updates from Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph, Mo. with "Voice of the Chiefs" Mitch Holthus. 

The reports air Monday - Friday around 6:30 p.m. on your home for Kansas City Chiefs football, KFIX (96.9-FM).

🎧 Chiefs Training Camp Reports with Mitch Holthus

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's cross country team was picked sixth in the 2021 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday by the league office. The Tigers accumulated 59 points in the balloting process, just one shy of fifth-place Central Missouri and 10 points behind fourth-place Pittsburg State. Missouri Southern received all 10 possible first-place votes and led the way with 100 points. Northwest Missouri State is second with 87 points, with Nebraska-Kearney sitting in third with 79 points. This year's Tiger squad includes just five runners that were on the team two years ago when FHSU qualified for the NCAA Championships.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6428">Robbie Schmidt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6416">Caleb Carrasco</a>&nbsp;both ran for the Tigers in 2019 and are the lone seniors on this year's team, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6421">Sebastian Garcia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6423">Aaron Mangan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6424">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;all redshirted in 2019 and are still in their first year of eligibility. Schmidt was the top finisher for the Tigers at the 2019 National Championships, placing 125th at the national meet. The Tigers placed fourth at the league meet two years ago and fourth at the Central Region Championships. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1039">Dr. Jason McCullough</a>&nbsp;is entering his 17th year as the head cross country coach. He's led 57 runners to All-MIAA status and 20 runners to All-Region honors since his start in 2005. McCullough will get a sneak peek at his team in action this evening when the Tigers run in the FHSU Sand Plum Alumni Open. The exhibition five-kilometer race is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the Sand Plum Nature Trail in Victoria, Kan. The regular season will kick off on Friday, September 3 when FHSU travels to Kearney, Neb. for the UNK Invitational. The Tigers will run at home once in the regular season when they host the FHSU Tiger Open on Saturday, October 9 beginning at 9 a.m. 2021 MIAA Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Missouri Southern - 100 points (10 first-place votes) 2. Northwest Missouri State - 87 points 3. Nebraska-Kearney - 79 points 4. Pittsburg State - 69 points (1) 5. Central Missouri - 60 points 6. Fort Hays State - 59 points 7. Washburn - 40 points 8. Emporia State - 38 points 9. Missouri Western - 33 points 10. Rogers State - 30 points 11. Newman - 10 points

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630090284953.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's cross country team was picked sixth in the 2021 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday by the league office. The Tigers accumulated 59 points in the balloting process, just one shy of fifth-place Central Missouri and 10 points behind fourth-place Pittsburg State. Missouri Southern received all 10 possible first-place votes and led the way with 100 points. Northwest Missouri State is second with 87 points, with Nebraska-Kearney sitting in third with 79 points. This year's Tiger squad includes just five runners that were on the team two years ago when FHSU qualified for the NCAA Championships.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6428">Robbie Schmidt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6416">Caleb Carrasco</a>&nbsp;both ran for the Tigers in 2019 and are the lone seniors on this year's team, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6421">Sebastian Garcia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6423">Aaron Mangan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6424">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;all redshirted in 2019 and are still in their first year of eligibility. Schmidt was the top finisher for the Tigers at the 2019 National Championships, placing 125th at the national meet. The Tigers placed fourth at the league meet two years ago and fourth at the Central Region Championships. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1039">Dr. Jason McCullough</a>&nbsp;is entering his 17th year as the head cross country coach. He's led 57 runners to All-MIAA status and 20 runners to All-Region honors since his start in 2005. McCullough will get a sneak peek at his team in action this evening when the Tigers run in the FHSU Sand Plum Alumni Open. The exhibition five-kilometer race is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the Sand Plum Nature Trail in Victoria, Kan. The regular season will kick off on Friday, September 3 when FHSU travels to Kearney, Neb. for the UNK Invitational. The Tigers will run at home once in the regular season when they host the FHSU Tiger Open on Saturday, October 9 beginning at 9 a.m. 2021 MIAA Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Missouri Southern - 100 points (10 first-place votes) 2. Northwest Missouri State - 87 points 3. Nebraska-Kearney - 79 points 4. Pittsburg State - 69 points (1) 5. Central Missouri - 60 points 6. Fort Hays State - 59 points 7. Washburn - 40 points 8. Emporia State - 38 points 9. Missouri Western - 33 points 10. Rogers State - 30 points 11. Newman - 10 pointsFHSU Athletics

🏃‍♂️ FHSU men tabbed sixth in MIAA preseason coaches poll

Hays High will be hosting their 3rd Annual Maroon and Gold Invitational Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at Hays High School. Matches will start at 9:00 a.m. Printed programs will be limited. A QR code will be provided to access the program online.

Tickets will only be available online at http://gofan.co/search and type in Hays High School. There is a Hays HS in TX, DON'T CHOOSE THAT ONE!

 You can also access tickets at&nbsp;https://gofan.co/app/events/382137?schoolId=KS25142

Hays High will be hosting their 3rd Annual Maroon and Gold Invitational Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at Hays High School. Matches will start at 9:00 a.m. Printed programs will be limited. A QR code will be provided to access the program online.Tickets will only be available online at http://gofan.co/search and type in Hays High School. There is a Hays HS in TX, DON'T CHOOSE THAT ONE! You can also access tickets at&nbsp;https://gofan.co/app/events/382137?schoolId=KS25142

Maroon and Gold Volleyball Ticket Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's cross country team was picked seventh in the 2021 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday by the league office. Fort Hays State received 84 points in the voting process, 11 behind sixth-place Northwest Missouri State and 15 clear of eighth-place Missouri Western. Pittsburg State tops the poll with 128 points thanks to six first-place votes, with Central Missouri close behind with two first-place selections and 121 points. Missouri Southern came in third, while Washburn picked up three first-place votes and settled in fourth. Nebraska-Kearney received the final first-place selection and is fifth. Despite not having a single senior on the roster according to their athletic eligibility, the Tigers return a veteran squad that includes eight student-athletes that competed for the 2019 team that finished sixth at the MIAA Championships. All-MIAA performers&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6399">Brooke Navarro</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6403">Abigail Stewart</a>&nbsp;highlight the group and are joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6402">Emily Salmans</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6401">Carson Pierce</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6400">Mya Navarro</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6407">Tabitha Stowers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6404">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6398">Faith Little</a>. The Tigers have finished sixth or better at the league meet every year since 2013, including three finishes in the top three and a runner-up finish in 2017. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=839">Dr. Jason McCullough</a>&nbsp;is entering his 17th year as the head cross country coach. He's led 57 runners to All-MIAA status and 20 runners to All-Region honors since his start in 2005. McCullough will get a sneak peek at his team in action this evening when the Tigers run in the FHSU Sand Plum Alumni Open. The exhibition five-kilometer race is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the Sand Plum Nature Trail in Victoria, Kan. The regular season will kick off on Friday, September 3 when FHSU travels to Kearney, Neb. for the UNK Invitational. The Tigers will run at home once in the regular season when they host the FHSU Tiger Open on Saturday, October 9 beginning at 9 a.m. 2021 MIAA Women's Cross Country Coaches Poll 1. Pittsburg State - 128 points (6 first-place votes) 2. Central Missouri - 121 points (2) 3. Missouri Southern - 116 points 4. Washburn - 112 points (3) 5. Nebraska-Kearney - 108 points (1) 6. Northwest Missouri State - 95 points 7. Fort Hays State - 84 points 8. Missouri Western - 69 points 9. Emporia State - 55 points 10. Central Oklahoma - 36 points 11. Lincoln - 35 points 12. Rogers State - 32 points 13. Newman - 23 points&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630077607945.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's cross country team was picked seventh in the 2021 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday by the league office. Fort Hays State received 84 points in the voting process, 11 behind sixth-place Northwest Missouri State and 15 clear of eighth-place Missouri Western. Pittsburg State tops the poll with 128 points thanks to six first-place votes, with Central Missouri close behind with two first-place selections and 121 points. Missouri Southern came in third, while Washburn picked up three first-place votes and settled in fourth. Nebraska-Kearney received the final first-place selection and is fifth. Despite not having a single senior on the roster according to their athletic eligibility, the Tigers return a veteran squad that includes eight student-athletes that competed for the 2019 team that finished sixth at the MIAA Championships. All-MIAA performers&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6399">Brooke Navarro</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6403">Abigail Stewart</a>&nbsp;highlight the group and are joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6402">Emily Salmans</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6401">Carson Pierce</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6400">Mya Navarro</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6407">Tabitha Stowers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6404">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6398">Faith Little</a>. The Tigers have finished sixth or better at the league meet every year since 2013, including three finishes in the top three and a runner-up finish in 2017. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=839">Dr. Jason McCullough</a>&nbsp;is entering his 17th year as the head cross country coach. He's led 57 runners to All-MIAA status and 20 runners to All-Region honors since his start in 2005. McCullough will get a sneak peek at his team in action this evening when the Tigers run in the FHSU Sand Plum Alumni Open. The exhibition five-kilometer race is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the Sand Plum Nature Trail in Victoria, Kan. The regular season will kick off on Friday, September 3 when FHSU travels to Kearney, Neb. for the UNK Invitational. The Tigers will run at home once in the regular season when they host the FHSU Tiger Open on Saturday, October 9 beginning at 9 a.m. 2021 MIAA Women's Cross Country Coaches Poll 1. Pittsburg State - 128 points (6 first-place votes) 2. Central Missouri - 121 points (2) 3. Missouri Southern - 116 points 4. Washburn - 112 points (3) 5. Nebraska-Kearney - 108 points (1) 6. Northwest Missouri State - 95 points 7. Fort Hays State - 84 points 8. Missouri Western - 69 points 9. Emporia State - 55 points 10. Central Oklahoma - 36 points 11. Lincoln - 35 points 12. Rogers State - 32 points 13. Newman - 23 points&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏃‍♀️ FHSU women's cross country seventh in preseason coaches poll

Fort Hays State athletic director Curtis Hammeke chats about the return of fall sports.

Fort Hays State athletic director Curtis Hammeke chats about the return of fall sports.<div><iframe title="Curtis Hammeke" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=q24iu-10c5fb2-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Curtis Hammeke

CIMARRON - The Hays High girls tennis team finished fourth at their season-opening tournament in Cimarron Thursday.

The Indians were led by Morgen Berry and Ava Neil who went 6-0 and and won No. 2 Doubles.&nbsp;

Danica Scheve and Kayler Wellbrock went 3-2 in No. 1 Doubles and placed third.

Jamie Haddaway went 2-3 in No. 1 Singles and placed fourth. Brittnee Leiker was also 2-3 in No. 2 Singles and placed fourth.

CIMARRON - The Hays High girls tennis team finished fourth at their season-opening tournament in Cimarron Thursday.The Indians were led by Morgen Berry and Ava Neil who went 6-0 and and won No. 2 Doubles.&nbsp;Danica Scheve and Kayler Wellbrock went 3-2 in No. 1 Doubles and placed third.Jamie Haddaway went 2-3 in No. 1 Singles and placed fourth. Brittnee Leiker was also 2-3 in No. 2 Singles and placed fourth.

🎾 HHS finishes fourth at season-opening tournament

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez hit his fourth career grand slam and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 6-4 on Thursday night.

Perez’s 35th home run fueled a five-run sixth inning during which the team batted around and helped the Royals snap the Mariners’ three-game winning streak.

It was the catcher’s fifth homer in seven games on Kansas City’s current road trip. The Royals have won five of those seven.

“What's so impressive is that it doesn't surprise you when he does it,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said.

Matheny said the grand slam might not even have been his most impressive play in a game filled with defensive gems for Kansas City. Perez finished off a play at home plate in the first inning that started with Kyle Seager's double. Michael A. Taylor tracked down the ball in the gap and threw it to Nicky Lopez. The shortstop fired the relay home to Perez, who dove and caught Haniger on the arm as he tried to score from first.

Taylor also made a great running catch over the shoulder in the fourth inning to hamper a rally, and Andrew Benintendi robbed Jarred Kelenic of a home run in the seventh when he pulled the ball back from the bullpen with a leaping grab.

Even after those plays, Matheny was still talking about that relay play in the first.

“It was just all the pieces,” Matheny said. “Those are game changers. That was just the beginning of a special defensive win.”

The Mariners took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on Jake Fraley’s bases-loaded walk, his fourth of the year. Kyle Seager made it 2-0 with a solo homer in the fifth, tying his career high with his 30th home run.

Starter Brad Keller grabbed the area behind his right elbow and called for a trainer after the homer. He left the game with what the team called posterior right shoulder discomfort and will be re-evaluated Friday. Reliever Joel Payamps entered the game, and after striking out Ty France, he gave up a single to Abraham Toro and a homer to Fraley, making it 4-0.

The Royals answered in the sixth with three consecutive hits off starter Yusei Kikuchi to begin the inning. They cut the lead to 4-1 on Whit Merrifield’s RBI single. Kikuchi loaded the bases with a walk and then was replaced with reliever Joe Smith (2-2).

Perez said he was not surprised by Smith's appearance.

“I think they brought him in because in the past I was 0 for 7 against him with five strikeouts, or maybe six strikeouts,” Perez said. “... That means you got to do it.”

Perez's no-doubt homer off the left-field scoreboard made it 5-4: “I hit it pretty good. Sometimes you hit the ball hard and you know it's a homer.”

Emmanuel Rivera added an insurance run in the seventh, reaching on second baseman Toro’s fielding error, stealing second and scoring on Lopez’s single.

Ervin Santana (1-1) pitched two innings with two strikeouts for the win.

Perez and Seager lead the AL with 14 home runs apiece since the All-Star break. Perez is now tied with Gary Gaetti for fifth-most home runs in a season in Royals history.

The Mariners, who have won six of their last nine despite the loss, left eight runners on base and were 2 for 8 with men in scoring position.

“Offensively I thought we had a lot of chances to put a lot more runs up on the board,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “It wasn't our best night of situational hitting with people standing on third.”

Seattle claimed LHP Sean Doolittle off waivers from Cincinnati, adding a veteran arm to its bullpen to help with its wild-card run. Doolittle, a 34-year-old former closer for the Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals, has 446 career relief appearances since 2012, 10th among all active left handers, and 112 saves. He’s 3-1 this season with a 4.46 ERA in 45 appearances.

The Mariners optioned RHP Keynan Middleton to Triple-A Tacoma to make room on the roster.

Royals: Keller said he was stiff and sore after the game. He started feeling pain in his shoulder in the fourth inning and tried to pitch through it. “It was like a pain that wouldn't go away,” he said. ... RHP Josh Staumont went to the injured list with an undisclosed ailment, likely meaning he has entered COVID-19 protocols. Matheny said he could not give a reason for Staumont’s absence. The team selected RHP Scott Blewett from Triple-A Omaha to replace him on the roster.

Mariners: LHP Justus Sheffield (left forearm strain) worked out of the bullpen during his rehab assignment Thursday night and will be used as a reliever when he returns to the lineup. Servais said he’s happy with the starting rotation the Mariners are fielding as they make a wild-card run, and believes Sheffield can make a valuable contribution in a relief role. He likely will have at least one more rehab appearance at Triple-A Tacoma before returning to the team. … CF Kyle Lewis (right meniscus surgery) could begin a rehab assignment in Tacoma as soon as this weekend, Servais said.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (4-6, 4.94) returns to the mound after earning his first road win since May 28th last Saturday.

Mariners: Seattle is 11-6 with rookie RHP Logan Gilbert (5-5, 4.13) in the starting lineup.

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez hit his fourth career grand slam and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 6-4 on Thursday night.Perez’s 35th home run fueled a five-run sixth inning during which the team batted around and helped the Royals snap the Mariners’ three-game winning streak.It was the catcher’s fifth homer in seven games on Kansas City’s current road trip. The Royals have won five of those seven.“What's so impressive is that it doesn't surprise you when he does it,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said.Matheny said the grand slam might not even have been his most impressive play in a game filled with defensive gems for Kansas City. Perez finished off a play at home plate in the first inning that started with Kyle Seager's double. Michael A. Taylor tracked down the ball in the gap and threw it to Nicky Lopez. The shortstop fired the relay home to Perez, who dove and caught Haniger on the arm as he tried to score from first.Taylor also made a great running catch over the shoulder in the fourth inning to hamper a rally, and Andrew Benintendi robbed Jarred Kelenic of a home run in the seventh when he pulled the ball back from the bullpen with a leaping grab.Even after those plays, Matheny was still talking about that relay play in the first.“It was just all the pieces,” Matheny said. “Those are game changers. That was just the beginning of a special defensive win.”The Mariners took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on Jake Fraley’s bases-loaded walk, his fourth of the year. Kyle Seager made it 2-0 with a solo homer in the fifth, tying his career high with his 30th home run.Starter Brad Keller grabbed the area behind his right elbow and called for a trainer after the homer. He left the game with what the team called posterior right shoulder discomfort and will be re-evaluated Friday. Reliever Joel Payamps entered the game, and after striking out Ty France, he gave up a single to Abraham Toro and a homer to Fraley, making it 4-0.The Royals answered in the sixth with three consecutive hits off starter Yusei Kikuchi to begin the inning. They cut the lead to 4-1 on Whit Merrifield’s RBI single. Kikuchi loaded the bases with a walk and then was replaced with reliever Joe Smith (2-2).Perez said he was not surprised by Smith's appearance.“I think they brought him in because in the past I was 0 for 7 against him with five strikeouts, or maybe six strikeouts,” Perez said. “... That means you got to do it.”Perez's no-doubt homer off the left-field scoreboard made it 5-4: “I hit it pretty good. Sometimes you hit the ball hard and you know it's a homer.”Emmanuel Rivera added an insurance run in the seventh, reaching on second baseman Toro’s fielding error, stealing second and scoring on Lopez’s single.Ervin Santana (1-1) pitched two innings with two strikeouts for the win.Perez and Seager lead the AL with 14 home runs apiece since the All-Star break. Perez is now tied with Gary Gaetti for fifth-most home runs in a season in Royals history.The Mariners, who have won six of their last nine despite the loss, left eight runners on base and were 2 for 8 with men in scoring position.“Offensively I thought we had a lot of chances to put a lot more runs up on the board,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “It wasn't our best night of situational hitting with people standing on third.”VETERAN ARMSeattle claimed LHP Sean Doolittle off waivers from Cincinnati, adding a veteran arm to its bullpen to help with its wild-card run. Doolittle, a 34-year-old former closer for the Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals, has 446 career relief appearances since 2012, 10th among all active left handers, and 112 saves. He’s 3-1 this season with a 4.46 ERA in 45 appearances.The Mariners optioned RHP Keynan Middleton to Triple-A Tacoma to make room on the roster.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Keller said he was stiff and sore after the game. He started feeling pain in his shoulder in the fourth inning and tried to pitch through it. “It was like a pain that wouldn't go away,” he said. ... RHP Josh Staumont went to the injured list with an undisclosed ailment, likely meaning he has entered COVID-19 protocols. Matheny said he could not give a reason for Staumont’s absence. The team selected RHP Scott Blewett from Triple-A Omaha to replace him on the roster.Mariners: LHP Justus Sheffield (left forearm strain) worked out of the bullpen during his rehab assignment Thursday night and will be used as a reliever when he returns to the lineup. Servais said he’s happy with the starting rotation the Mariners are fielding as they make a wild-card run, and believes Sheffield can make a valuable contribution in a relief role. He likely will have at least one more rehab appearance at Triple-A Tacoma before returning to the team. … CF Kyle Lewis (right meniscus surgery) could begin a rehab assignment in Tacoma as soon as this weekend, Servais said.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Kris Bubic (4-6, 4.94) returns to the mound after earning his first road win since May 28th last Saturday.Mariners: Seattle is 11-6 with rookie RHP Logan Gilbert (5-5, 4.13) in the starting lineup.

⚾ Perez' Grand Slam gives Royals win over Mariners

HOUSTON (AP) — Alex Bregman had two hits and an RBI in his first action in more than two months, and he scored the winning run in the 10th inning on a groundout by Jake Meyers to lift the Houston Astros to a 6-5 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

Kyle Tucker singled with no outs in the 10th to send automatic runner Bregman to third. Meyers then hit a comebacker that struck pitcher Joel Payamps (0-3) and pulled him toward first base. Payamps tossed the ball to first for the meaningless out as Bregman slid home.

Manager Dusty Baker is glad to see his team getting back to full strength with Bregman and Tucker, who returned Tuesday night after spending 10 days on the COVID-19 injured list.

“We're starting to get whole again," Baker said. “It was great to have both my guys back."

Houston won two of three in this series after dropping three of four to the Royals last week in Kansas City.

“We’ve been on the verge of rolling for a while,” Baker said. “Hopefully this is the beginning of the roll. It starts with one."

Kendall Graveman (5-0) struck out one in a scoreless 10th.

HOUSTON (AP) — Alex Bregman had two hits and an RBI in his first action in more than two months, and he scored the winning run in the 10th inning on a groundout by Jake Meyers to lift the Houston Astros to a 6-5 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.Kyle Tucker singled with no outs in the 10th to send automatic runner Bregman to third. Meyers then hit a comebacker that struck pitcher Joel Payamps (0-3) and pulled him toward first base. Payamps tossed the ball to first for the meaningless out as Bregman slid home.Manager Dusty Baker is glad to see his team getting back to full strength with Bregman and Tucker, who returned Tuesday night after spending 10 days on the COVID-19 injured list.“We're starting to get whole again," Baker said. “It was great to have both my guys back."Houston won two of three in this series after dropping three of four to the Royals last week in Kansas City.“We’ve been on the verge of rolling for a while,” Baker said. “Hopefully this is the beginning of the roll. It starts with one."Kendall Graveman (5-0) struck out one in a scoreless 10th.Whit Merrifield hit a grand slam with two outs in the seventh to put the Royals up 5-3.Meyers singled in the bottom of the inning and scored on a two-out single by Aledmys Díaz. Pinch-hitter Michael Brantley’s RBI single with two outs in the eighth inning tied it at 5.“When you have an opportunity to put it away in the last third of the game, we’ve been pretty good about figuring out how to do that,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We needed some guys to throw in some spots that maybe they haven’t thrown in before. Unfortunately, just got us into a (bad) spot.”Salvador Perez extended his career high with his 34th homer in the fourth inning for the Royals.Martín Maldonado and Yordan Alvarez hit solo homers for the Astros.“We felt like it was a must-win game for us today," Maldonado said.Bregman, who had been sidelined since June 16 with a strained left quadriceps, singled in the fourth and had an RBI double in the sixth that made it 3-1.The Astros had runners at first and second with two outs in the ninth, but Scott Barlow retired Bregman on a groundout.Royals starter Mike Minor allowed six hits and three runs in six innings.Houston's Lance McCullers Jr. permitted five hits and four runs with seven strikeouts in 6.2 innings. He departed after consecutive walks to load the bases in the seventh, and Merrifield sent reliever Cristian Javier's first pitch over the wall in left-center for Kansas City's second grand slam this season.Baker felt like the grand slam was on him for leaving McCullers in too long.“That was a tough game to swallow," he said. “I was just praying that the boys bailed me out because I was feeling terrible."TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: 1B Carlos Santana was out of the lineup for a second straight game after injuring his hip running to first base in the ninth inning on Monday night. Santana has a grade 1 hip flexor strain and is listed as day to day.Astros: RHP José Urquidy (right shoulder discomfort) threw four innings in a rehabilitation start for Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday night and Baker said he will be evaluated to see if he needs another minor league outing. ... INF Jacob Wilson was optioned to Sugar Land to make room for Bregman on the roster.ALVAREZ'S AUGUSTAlvarez is batting .301 with seven doubles, seven homers and 19 RBIs in 21 games this month.UP NEXTRoyals: Brad Keller (8-12, 5.43 ERA) will start for Kansas City in the opener of a four-game series at Seattle on Thursday. The Mariners will start Yusei Kikuchi (7-7, 4.22).Astros: Houston is off Thursday before opening a nine-game trip with the first of three games against Texas on Friday night. Jake Odorizzi (6-6, 4.52) will start for the Astros against Spencer Howard (0-3, 6.56).