ST. LOUIS — Nolan Arenado homered, pinch-hitter Matt Carpenter delivered a tiebreaking double and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Saturday night.

Yadier Molina had an early two-run single for the Cardinals (55-55), who reached .500 for the 21st time this season. They have won 16 of their last 22 against Kansas City.

St. Louis starter Kwang Hyun Kim allowed two runs and three hits on 83 pitches over four innings in his first outing since giving up a season-high five runs in a season-low 2.2 innings July 28 at Cleveland.

“It was 27 pitches to finish up the fourth,” Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said about pulling Kim early. “It just wasn’t quite as crisp.”

Shildt said Kim developed an elbow issue during his July 22 start against the Chicago Cubs.

“It just felt sore a little bit,” Kim said through a translator. “I checked with the trainer about that and they just told me it’s just a minor problem.”

Luís García (1-0) had three strikeouts in two shutout innings for his first major league win since Aug. 29, 2019, with the Angels against Boston.

“He’s pitched great,” Shildt said. “We just keep giving him opportunities, and he goes out and keeps attacking the zone.”

Ryan Helsley and Génesis Cabrera each tossed a scoreless inning before Giovanny Gallegos worked the ninth for his second save.

Brad Keller (7-11) yielded five runs on seven hits and five walks. He was pulled after allowing singles to Paul DeJong and Tommy Edman to start the bottom of the sixth.

“It’s actually amazing he was able to compete as long as he did without a fastball,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He didn’t have command of that pitch from the start.”

Carpenter, batting for Kim, doubled off the right-field wall to score DeJong and give St. Louis a 3-2 lead in the fourth.

Arenado hit his 22nd home run to left field in the fifth, making it 4-2.

Lars Nootbaar drove in DeJong with a pinch-hit single off reliever Josh Staumont in the sixth.

Michael A. Taylor and Hanser Alberto delivered RBI singles for Kansas City in the fourth to tie it 2-all.

Molina drove in Paul Goldschmidt and Dylan Carlson with a two-out single in the first that dropped in front of right fielder Hunter Dozier, who momentarily lost the ball in the sun.

Former Royals and Cardinals Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog was in attendance. The 89-year-old Herzog is the second-oldest living Hall of Famer, six months younger than 90-year-old Willie Mays.

Royals: All-Star C Salvador Perez (non-COVID-19 illness) was back in the lineup after being scratched Friday night. Perez had appeared in each of the club’s first 107 games.

Cardinals: RHP Jack Flaherty (oblique) allowed three runs over four innings in a rehabilitation start with Double-A Springfield on Friday night. Shildt said it’s safe to consider Flaherty probable to be activated in time for the team’s next series in Pittsburgh.

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (3-5, 4.57 ERA) brings a four-start road losing streak into his first career start against St. Louis on Sunday.

The Cardinals counter with LHP Jon Lester (3-6, 5.38), who will be making his second start for the team since being acquired July 30. It will be his first start against the Royals since Aug. 12, 2014, for Boston.

ST. LOUIS — Nolan Arenado homered, pinch-hitter Matt Carpenter delivered a tiebreaking double and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Saturday night.Yadier Molina had an early two-run single for the Cardinals (55-55), who reached .500 for the 21st time this season. They have won 16 of their last 22 against Kansas City.St. Louis starter Kwang Hyun Kim allowed two runs and three hits on 83 pitches over four innings in his first outing since giving up a season-high five runs in a season-low 2.2 innings July 28 at Cleveland.“It was 27 pitches to finish up the fourth,” Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said about pulling Kim early. “It just wasn’t quite as crisp.”Shildt said Kim developed an elbow issue during his July 22 start against the Chicago Cubs.“It just felt sore a little bit,” Kim said through a translator. “I checked with the trainer about that and they just told me it’s just a minor problem.”Luís García (1-0) had three strikeouts in two shutout innings for his first major league win since Aug. 29, 2019, with the Angels against Boston.“He’s pitched great,” Shildt said. “We just keep giving him opportunities, and he goes out and keeps attacking the zone.”Ryan Helsley and Génesis Cabrera each tossed a scoreless inning before Giovanny Gallegos worked the ninth for his second save.Brad Keller (7-11) yielded five runs on seven hits and five walks. He was pulled after allowing singles to Paul DeJong and Tommy Edman to start the bottom of the sixth.“It’s actually amazing he was able to compete as long as he did without a fastball,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He didn’t have command of that pitch from the start.”Carpenter, batting for Kim, doubled off the right-field wall to score DeJong and give St. Louis a 3-2 lead in the fourth.Arenado hit his 22nd home run to left field in the fifth, making it 4-2.Lars Nootbaar drove in DeJong with a pinch-hit single off reliever Josh Staumont in the sixth.Michael A. Taylor and Hanser Alberto delivered RBI singles for Kansas City in the fourth to tie it 2-all.Molina drove in Paul Goldschmidt and Dylan Carlson with a two-out single in the first that dropped in front of right fielder Hunter Dozier, who momentarily lost the ball in the sun.LIVING LEGENDFormer Royals and Cardinals Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog was in attendance. The 89-year-old Herzog is the second-oldest living Hall of Famer, six months younger than 90-year-old Willie Mays.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: All-Star C Salvador Perez (non-COVID-19 illness) was back in the lineup after being scratched Friday night. Perez had appeared in each of the club’s first 107 games.Cardinals: RHP Jack Flaherty (oblique) allowed three runs over four innings in a rehabilitation start with Double-A Springfield on Friday night. Shildt said it’s safe to consider Flaherty probable to be activated in time for the team’s next series in Pittsburgh.UP NEXTRoyals LHP Kris Bubic (3-5, 4.57 ERA) brings a four-start road losing streak into his first career start against St. Louis on Sunday.The Cardinals counter with LHP Jon Lester (3-6, 5.38), who will be making his second start for the team since being acquired July 30. It will be his first start against the Royals since Aug. 12, 2014, for Boston.

⚾ Keller, Royals fall behind early in loss to Cardinals

HUTCHINSON – The Hays Larks had the bats going again on Saturday
as they advanced into the winner’s bracket semifinals of the 87th National
Baseball Congress World Series after a 13-1, five inning run-rule win over the Hutchinson
Monarchs.

After Jake Fitzgibbons worked a 1-2-3 top of the first, the Larks
offense took care of business in the bottom of the inning. The first five batters
all reached safely and scored in a five-run first. Hays would add four in the
third and four fourth to move to 2-0 in the tournament.

Zak Henry opened the inning with a walk. Cortland Lawson
singled then Wyatt Divis doubled to give the Larks a 1-0 lead. Grant Schmidt
walked followed by a Grant Lung RBI single to push the lead to 2-0. After
Palmer Hutchison popped out to short right field, Leo Jiminian singled to left
to make the score 3-0 and drive Monarch starter Zak Gould from the game. Brady
Evans drove the first pitch from Hunter Meche down the left field line which
scored two to give the Larks a 5-0 lead.

After loading the bases but failing to score in the second, the
Larks loaded them again in the third thanks to leadoff hit by pitch and
followed by two walks. Lawson doubled to left which scored two to make the lead
7-0. DIvis added a sacrifice fly to push the lead to 8-0. Grant Schmidt followed
with a double to right for a 9-0 lead.

Hays loaded the bases again in the fifth then Wyatt Divis
cleared them with a grand slam over the right field wall. Divis finished
2-for-3 with six RBIs and two runs scored.

Fitzgibbons (4-0) gave up a run in the top of the fifth but
got a groundout to end the game early. The Tennessee product held the Monarchs (32-12)
to a season-low two hits with ten strikeouts and three walks.

Saturday’s game marked the fifth time the Larks and Monarchs
have played in the NBC World Series, all in the last 10 years. The two had
split the first four meetings with Hutchinson eliminating the Larks with an
11-3 run-rule win last year.

Jake Fitzgibbons has struck out 41 batters in his last four
starts. After fanning 13 over five innings in a win over the Fort Collins Foxes
on July 11th. He followed that with a 15 strikeout performance against the Colorado
Rough Riders on July 20th. He struck out the side in his only inning in his
last start in the regular season finale against the Gameday Saints on July 28th
before striking out 10 in five innings against the Monarchs.

Wyatt DIvis final at-bat at Hobart-Detter Field was a grand
slam. The Larks designated hitter and pitcher called the ballpark home for two
seasons while a member of the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons.

The Larks will play the Santa Barbara (CA) Forester in Monday’s winner’s
bracket semifinals at 6:00 p.m. at the new Riverfront
Stadium. The Foresters beat the 316 (KS) Sluggers 9-4 in a game that was suspended due to rain late Saturday night and finished Sunday morning.

HUTCHINSON – The Hays Larks had the bats going again on Saturday
as they advanced into the winner’s bracket semifinals of the 87th National
Baseball Congress World Series after a 13-1, five inning run-rule win over the Hutchinson
Monarchs.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1102190359&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/08-07-21-hays-larks-coach" title="Frank Leo Postgame vs. Hutchinson Monarchs 080721" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame vs. Hutchinson Monarchs 080721</a></div></div>After Jake Fitzgibbons worked a 1-2-3 top of the first, the Larks
offense took care of business in the bottom of the inning. The first five batters
all reached safely and scored in a five-run first. Hays would add four in the
third and four fourth to move to 2-0 in the tournament.Zak Henry opened the inning with a walk. Cortland Lawson
singled then Wyatt Divis doubled to give the Larks a 1-0 lead. Grant Schmidt
walked followed by a Grant Lung RBI single to push the lead to 2-0. After
Palmer Hutchison popped out to short right field, Leo Jiminian singled to left
to make the score 3-0 and drive Monarch starter Zak Gould from the game. Brady
Evans drove the first pitch from Hunter Meche down the left field line which
scored two to give the Larks a 5-0 lead.After loading the bases but failing to score in the second, the
Larks loaded them again in the third thanks to leadoff hit by pitch and
followed by two walks. Lawson doubled to left which scored two to make the lead
7-0. DIvis added a sacrifice fly to push the lead to 8-0. Grant Schmidt followed
with a double to right for a 9-0 lead.Hays loaded the bases again in the fifth then Wyatt Divis
cleared them with a grand slam over the right field wall. Divis finished
2-for-3 with six RBIs and two runs scored.Fitzgibbons (4-0) gave up a run in the top of the fifth but
got a groundout to end the game early. The Tennessee product held the Monarchs (32-12)
to a season-low two hits with ten strikeouts and three walks.ALL-TIME AGAINST HUTCHSaturday’s game marked the fifth time the Larks and Monarchs
have played in the NBC World Series, all in the last 10 years. The two had
split the first four meetings with Hutchinson eliminating the Larks with an
11-3 run-rule win last year.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1102190389&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/08-07-21-hays-lark-highlights" title="Hays Larks vs. Hutchinson Monarchs Highlights 080721" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays Larks vs. Hutchinson Monarchs Highlights 080721</a></div></div>FITZ FANSJake Fitzgibbons has struck out 41 batters in his last four
starts. After fanning 13 over five innings in a win over the Fort Collins Foxes
on July 11th. He followed that with a 15 strikeout performance against the Colorado
Rough Riders on July 20th. He struck out the side in his only inning in his
last start in the regular season finale against the Gameday Saints on July 28th
before striking out 10 in five innings against the Monarchs.GRAND FINALEWyatt DIvis final at-bat at Hobart-Detter Field was a grand
slam. The Larks designated hitter and pitcher called the ballpark home for two
seasons while a member of the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons.UP NEXTThe Larks will play the Santa Barbara (CA) Forester in Monday’s winner’s
bracket semifinals at 6:00 p.m. at the new Riverfront
Stadium. The Foresters beat the 316 (KS) Sluggers 9-4 in a game that was suspended due to rain late Saturday night and finished Sunday morning.

⚾ Bats stay hot in Larks win over Hutch at NBC

The Hays Larks continue play at the 87th National Baseball Congress World Series Saturday against the Hutchinson Monarchs of the Sunflower Collegiate League.

First pitch at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson is set for approximately 6:00 p.m. with the Larks Pregame Show around 5:45 p.m. on KFIX (96.9-FM) or online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620244103982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks continue play at the 87th National Baseball Congress World Series Saturday against the Hutchinson Monarchs of the Sunflower Collegiate League.First pitch at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson is set for approximately 6:00 p.m. with the Larks Pregame Show around 5:45 p.m. on KFIX (96.9-FM) or online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾📻 LISTEN LIVE Hays Larks vs. Hutchinson Monarchs

We had a chance to visit with MIAA commissioner Mike Racy at the 2021 MIAA Football Media Day.

Racy talks about the MIAA's response to COVID as well as the upcoming football season.

We had a chance to visit with MIAA commissioner Mike Racy at the 2021 MIAA Football Media Day.Racy talks about the MIAA's response to COVID as well as the upcoming football season.<div><iframe title="Mike Racy" 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=95ujd-10aa8ba-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Mike Racy

CHICAGO (AP) — Daniel Lynch and four relievers held the Chicago White Sox in check, and Emmanuel Rivera's line drive was misplayed into an early two-run double Thursday night that helped the Kansas City Royals hang on for a 3-2 victory.

Kansas City won its second consecutive game, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the ninth time in their last 14.

Chicago has scored two runs or fewer in three of its past four games.

"We've got to have a better strike zone," White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. "We did some chasing tonight."

White Sox designated hitter Eloy Jimenez hit a two-out RBI double that snapped an 0-for-13 slump, but reliever Scott Barlow ranged quickly to his right to field a grounder by Andrew Vaughn for the final out of the eighth.

Jake Brentz worked a hitless ninth for his first major league save.

"My adrenaline was through the roof," Brentz said.

Lynch (2-3) pitched five-plus innings of one-run ball. He limited the White Sox to four hits and has given up only four runs over his last 19 innings.

"I thought his slider was really good," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "He had some tough-looking swings from some very good hitters."

Lynch gained some redemption for a May 8 start against Chicago in which he allowed eight runs on seven hits in two-thirds of an inning

"It's on your mind a little bit," he said. "But I knew I'd have to battle, so I framed it that way."

The Royals' bullpen has held the White Sox to one run over its last nine innings.

Josh Staumont bailed Lynch out of a jam by getting Vaughn to ground into a double play with the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base, and first baseman Carlos Santana made a diving stop to rob Yoan Moncada of an extra-base hit to end the sixth.

White Sox left-hander Dallas Keuchel (7-5) gave up a two-run double to Rivera with two outs in the first. Center fielder Adam Engel stepped to his left, only to see Rivera's line drive sail behind him.

La Russa said he heard Engel say he lost track of the ball in the lights.

"I certainly don't want to pound him," La Russa said. "I think he lost it for a minute. When you play nine innings, that shouldn't have been the ballgame. But I think that's what happened."

Chicago slugger Jose Abreu hit his second home run in two games, a solo shot off Lynch in the first. It marked the seventh time Abreu has reached 20 homers in a season, tying Harold Baines for third on the franchise list behind Paul Konerko (13) and Frank Thomas (11).

Abreu's 218th homer moved him within three of Baines for fourth place in club history. Last year's AL MVP has at least one RBI in each of his last six games.

Edward Olivares hit his third homer in four games for the Royals, a solo shot off reliever Reynaldo Lopez that barely eluded Engel's glove in right-center.

After Rivera's double, Keuchel retired 11 of the next 13 batters until Santana led off the sixth with a single. Vaughn, making his second start in right field, made a diving catch to rob Rivera of a hit to end the inning.

Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield stole his major league-leading 29th base in the seventh. After getting thrown out on his first attempt of the season, Merrifield has 29 consecutive stolen bases. His streak trails only Carlos Beltran (33, 1999-2001), Willie Wilson (32, 1980) and Alcides Escobar (30, 2012-14) for the longest in team history.

The White Sox fell to 34-11 in games against left-handed starters.

White Sox: Jimenez will start Friday in left field when the White Sox face the Cubs at Wrigley Field, La Russa said. Jimenez hasn't played left since July 27, one day before sustaining a groin strain that has relegated him to DH the last three games. ... OF Luis Robert (hip flexor tear) won't join the White Sox this weekend and will instead remain on a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Charlotte. "But it's gotten to the point where it's imminent," La Russa said. ... OF Jake Lamb (right quadriceps strain) is close to concluding his rehab assignment at Charlotte. "You may see him sooner rather than later," La Russa said.

Royals: LHP Mike Minor (8-9, 5.31 ERA) opens a three-game series Friday night at St. Louis. Minor allowed four runs and five hits in seven innings of a 4-0 loss Saturday at Toronto.

White Sox: RHP Lance Lynn (10-3, 2.07 ERA) takes the mound Friday against the crosstown-rival Cubs in the opener of a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

CHICAGO (AP) — Daniel Lynch and four relievers held the Chicago White Sox in check, and Emmanuel Rivera's line drive was misplayed into an early two-run double Thursday night that helped the Kansas City Royals hang on for a 3-2 victory.Kansas City won its second consecutive game, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the ninth time in their last 14.Chicago has scored two runs or fewer in three of its past four games."We've got to have a better strike zone," White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. "We did some chasing tonight."White Sox designated hitter Eloy Jimenez hit a two-out RBI double that snapped an 0-for-13 slump, but reliever Scott Barlow ranged quickly to his right to field a grounder by Andrew Vaughn for the final out of the eighth.Jake Brentz worked a hitless ninth for his first major league save."My adrenaline was through the roof," Brentz said.Lynch (2-3) pitched five-plus innings of one-run ball. He limited the White Sox to four hits and has given up only four runs over his last 19 innings."I thought his slider was really good," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "He had some tough-looking swings from some very good hitters."Lynch gained some redemption for a May 8 start against Chicago in which he allowed eight runs on seven hits in two-thirds of an inning"It's on your mind a little bit," he said. "But I knew I'd have to battle, so I framed it that way."The Royals' bullpen has held the White Sox to one run over its last nine innings.Josh Staumont bailed Lynch out of a jam by getting Vaughn to ground into a double play with the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base, and first baseman Carlos Santana made a diving stop to rob Yoan Moncada of an extra-base hit to end the sixth.White Sox left-hander Dallas Keuchel (7-5) gave up a two-run double to Rivera with two outs in the first. Center fielder Adam Engel stepped to his left, only to see Rivera's line drive sail behind him.La Russa said he heard Engel say he lost track of the ball in the lights."I certainly don't want to pound him," La Russa said. "I think he lost it for a minute. When you play nine innings, that shouldn't have been the ballgame. But I think that's what happened."Chicago slugger Jose Abreu hit his second home run in two games, a solo shot off Lynch in the first. It marked the seventh time Abreu has reached 20 homers in a season, tying Harold Baines for third on the franchise list behind Paul Konerko (13) and Frank Thomas (11).Abreu's 218th homer moved him within three of Baines for fourth place in club history. Last year's AL MVP has at least one RBI in each of his last six games.Edward Olivares hit his third homer in four games for the Royals, a solo shot off reliever Reynaldo Lopez that barely eluded Engel's glove in right-center.After Rivera's double, Keuchel retired 11 of the next 13 batters until Santana led off the sixth with a single. Vaughn, making his second start in right field, made a diving catch to rob Rivera of a hit to end the inning.Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield stole his major league-leading 29th base in the seventh. After getting thrown out on his first attempt of the season, Merrifield has 29 consecutive stolen bases. His streak trails only Carlos Beltran (33, 1999-2001), Willie Wilson (32, 1980) and Alcides Escobar (30, 2012-14) for the longest in team history.The White Sox fell to 34-11 in games against left-handed starters.TRAINER'S ROOMWhite Sox: Jimenez will start Friday in left field when the White Sox face the Cubs at Wrigley Field, La Russa said. Jimenez hasn't played left since July 27, one day before sustaining a groin strain that has relegated him to DH the last three games. ... OF Luis Robert (hip flexor tear) won't join the White Sox this weekend and will instead remain on a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Charlotte. "But it's gotten to the point where it's imminent," La Russa said. ... OF Jake Lamb (right quadriceps strain) is close to concluding his rehab assignment at Charlotte. "You may see him sooner rather than later," La Russa said.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Mike Minor (8-9, 5.31 ERA) opens a three-game series Friday night at St. Louis. Minor allowed four runs and five hits in seven innings of a 4-0 loss Saturday at Toronto.White Sox: RHP Lance Lynn (10-3, 2.07 ERA) takes the mound Friday against the crosstown-rival Cubs in the opener of a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

⚾ Royals top White Sox

HUTCHINSON – The Hays Larks hit four home runs, three of
them with two runners on, and beat the Mid-Crest (IL) Pumas 16-8 in their
National Baseball Congress World Series opener at Hobart-Detter Field. The four
home runs tie an NBC World Series wood-bat era record set by the Santa Barbara
Foresters last summer.

Grant Schmidt gave the Larks (30-6) the early lead with a
three-run shot over the center field wall in the top of the first. Leo Jiminian
added a solo shot to center to lead off the second to push the lead to 4-0.
Zach Henry’s three-run bomb to straight-way center put the Larks up 8-3 in the top
of the third. Matt Cavanagh hit the last of the homers, a three-run shot to
center, in the fourth to put the Larks up 11-3.

The Pumas (14-31) didn’t go easy, scoring two runs in the bottom
of the fourth on an Isaiah Hart two-run homer to pull within 11-5. Hart’s
second three-run blast in the sixth cut the gap to 13-8 but the Larks answered
with three in the top of the seventh for the final margin.

Starter Cade Brown (4-1) allowed five runs (two earned) on
four hits with eight strikeouts and one walk over four innings for the win. Tyler
Palmer pitched a scoreless fifth. Jacob Ensz allowed three runs on four hits in
the sixth. Jose Velazquez got the final four outs to close the game.

Zach Henry led the Larks 18-hit attack going 4-for-6 with a
homer, two doubles, three RBIs and three runs scored. Palmer Hutchison and Leo
Jiminian both added three hits. Jiminian drove in three and scored twice,
Hutchison doubled, drove in a run and scored four times. Grant Schmidt, Sam
Crowell and Matt Cavanagh all had two hits.

The Larks will play Hutchinson at either 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
Saturday. The Monarchs knocked off the San Diego Stars 4-3 Thursday evening.

Thursday’s scores 
Wichita (KS) 316 Sluggers 11, Puerto Rican Collegiate Team 1 (8 innings) 
Hays (KS) arks 16, Mid-Crest (IL) Pumas 8 (7 innings) 
Hutchinson (KS) Monarchs 4, San Diego (CA) Stars 3 (10 innings) Santa Barbara (CA) Foresters 14, Waco (TX) Sultanes 0 (5 innings)

HUTCHINSON – The Hays Larks hit four home runs, three of
them with two runners on, and beat the Mid-Crest (IL) Pumas 16-8 in their
National Baseball Congress World Series opener at Hobart-Detter Field. The four
home runs tie an NBC World Series wood-bat era record set by the Santa Barbara
Foresters last summer.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1100950069&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-larks-coach-08-05-21" title="Frank Leo Postgame vs. MId-Crest (IL) Pumas 080521" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame vs. MId-Crest (IL) Pumas 080521</a></div></div>Grant Schmidt gave the Larks (30-6) the early lead with a
three-run shot over the center field wall in the top of the first. Leo Jiminian
added a solo shot to center to lead off the second to push the lead to 4-0.
Zach Henry’s three-run bomb to straight-way center put the Larks up 8-3 in the top
of the third. Matt Cavanagh hit the last of the homers, a three-run shot to
center, in the fourth to put the Larks up 11-3.The Pumas (14-31) didn’t go easy, scoring two runs in the bottom
of the fourth on an Isaiah Hart two-run homer to pull within 11-5. Hart’s
second three-run blast in the sixth cut the gap to 13-8 but the Larks answered
with three in the top of the seventh for the final margin.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1100950042&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/08-05-21-hays-larks-vs-mid-crest-highlights" title="Hays Larks vs. Mid-Crest (IL) Pumas Highlights 080521" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays Larks vs. Mid-Crest (IL) Pumas Highlights 080521</a></div></div>Starter Cade Brown (4-1) allowed five runs (two earned) on
four hits with eight strikeouts and one walk over four innings for the win. Tyler
Palmer pitched a scoreless fifth. Jacob Ensz allowed three runs on four hits in
the sixth. Jose Velazquez got the final four outs to close the game.Zach Henry led the Larks 18-hit attack going 4-for-6 with a
homer, two doubles, three RBIs and three runs scored. Palmer Hutchison and Leo
Jiminian both added three hits. Jiminian drove in three and scored twice,
Hutchison doubled, drove in a run and scored four times. Grant Schmidt, Sam
Crowell and Matt Cavanagh all had two hits.The Larks will play Hutchinson at either 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
Saturday. The Monarchs knocked off the San Diego Stars 4-3 Thursday evening.Thursday’s scores 
Wichita (KS) 316 Sluggers 11, Puerto Rican Collegiate Team 1 (8 innings) 
Hays (KS) arks 16, Mid-Crest (IL) Pumas 8 (7 innings) 
Hutchinson (KS) Monarchs 4, San Diego (CA) Stars 3 (10 innings) Santa Barbara (CA) Foresters 14, Waco (TX) Sultanes 0 (5 innings)

⚾ Larks use long ball to win NBC WS opener

CHICAGO — Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer, and the Kansas City Royals went deep four times to beat the Chicago White Sox 9-1 on Wednesday night.

Kansas City ended a four-game losing streak, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the eighth time in 13 games.

Royals starter Carlos Hernández (3-1) yielded only two hits over five innings in beating the White Sox for the second time in seven days. Hernández has allowed six hits while striking out 10 in his last 11 innings against Chicago.

Perez launched his 27th homer in the third, tying a career high previously accomplished in 2017 and 2018.

“Seriously, I don’t think about it,” Perez said. “I worry more about my defense and try to call a good game.”

Edward Olivares hit his second homer in three games, a solo shot in the second off Chicago starter Lucas Giolito. Michael A. Taylor led off the fourth with a homer against Giolito (8-8) and made a diving catch in center field to rob Cesar Hernandez of a hit in the sixth.

Taylor snapped an 0-for-14 slump with a drive that struck the left-field foul pole.

The Royals had managed only two runs on 12 hits in their previous three games before scoring in each of the first four innings.

Giolito gave up three home runs in four innings and lost for only the second time in his last seven home starts. The three homers allowed tied a season high and were one short of his career worst, against Minnesota on July 25, 2019.

It marked the third time this season Giolito permitted at least six runs. He was tagged for a season-high eight runs (seven earned) in one inning at Boston on April 19.

“I felt fine, but I made way too many mistakes, and they didn’t miss them,” Giolito said. “They just raked. I was pulling off pretty bad, with the slider especially. I was in between, and couldn’t get the good one going. It was either hanging or a ball in the dirt."

“Move on. It (stinks) because I’m the reason we lost tonight. It’s a brutal feeling, but just use that as motivation for the next one.”

Ryan O’Hearn, who hit a sacrifice fly in the first, added a two-run homer off reliever Jose Ruiz in the seventh.

Whit Merrifield had three of the Royals’ 12 hits. Merrifield’s two-out single scored Nicky Lopez in the second and snapped the team’s 0-for-26 stretch with runners in scoring position.

Perez has played in all 106 games for the Royals this season. His 84 starts behind the plate are one behind Christian Vazquez of the Red Sox for the league lead among catchers.

“It’s pretty incredible what he’s doing as a catcher in the Kansas City heat in the summer,” Merrifield said.

Hall of Fame announcer and former White Sox general manager Ken “Hawk” Harrelson revealed he and current Chicago manager Tony La Russa made their peace seven years after Harrelson fired him in the middle of the 1986 season. Harrelson, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch, spoke with La Russa for several minutes before Wednesday night’s game.

“The first thing I like is Tony La Russa,” Harrelson said. “I didn’t fire him because he was a bad manager. Only he knows and I know why, and it’s going to stay that way.”

Royals: INF Emmanuel Rivera returned from his rehabilitation assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. Rivera had been sidelined since June 30 due to a left hamate fracture. ... RHP Kyle Zimmer was placed on the IL due to neck/trap spasms. ... OF Andrew Benintendi (left shoulder strain) reported improved strength and range of motion. Benintendi has yet to perform baseball work, manager Mike Matheny said. Benintendi injured his shoulder on a slide into second base Tuesday night.

White Sox: 3B Jake Burger was placed on the seven-day injured list by Triple-A Charlotte. Burger batted .263 in 38 at-bats for the White Sox before he was optioned on July 26.

The Royals will send LHP Daniel Lynch (1-3, 6.95 ERA) to the mound Thursday, while the White Sox counter with LHP Dallas Keuchel (7-4, 4.32).

Lynch allowed three runs over six innings Friday in a 6-3 loss at Toronto. Keuchel couldn’t hold a 6-1 lead Saturday as he allowed three home runs in 5 1/3 innings and left with no decision as Chicago lost 12-11 to Cleveland.

CHICAGO — Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer, and the Kansas City Royals went deep four times to beat the Chicago White Sox 9-1 on Wednesday night.Kansas City ended a four-game losing streak, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the eighth time in 13 games.Royals starter Carlos Hernández (3-1) yielded only two hits over five innings in beating the White Sox for the second time in seven days. Hernández has allowed six hits while striking out 10 in his last 11 innings against Chicago.Perez launched his 27th homer in the third, tying a career high previously accomplished in 2017 and 2018.“Seriously, I don’t think about it,” Perez said. “I worry more about my defense and try to call a good game.”Edward Olivares hit his second homer in three games, a solo shot in the second off Chicago starter Lucas Giolito. Michael A. Taylor led off the fourth with a homer against Giolito (8-8) and made a diving catch in center field to rob Cesar Hernandez of a hit in the sixth.Taylor snapped an 0-for-14 slump with a drive that struck the left-field foul pole.The Royals had managed only two runs on 12 hits in their previous three games before scoring in each of the first four innings.Giolito gave up three home runs in four innings and lost for only the second time in his last seven home starts. The three homers allowed tied a season high and were one short of his career worst, against Minnesota on July 25, 2019.It marked the third time this season Giolito permitted at least six runs. He was tagged for a season-high eight runs (seven earned) in one inning at Boston on April 19.“I felt fine, but I made way too many mistakes, and they didn’t miss them,” Giolito said. “They just raked. I was pulling off pretty bad, with the slider especially. I was in between, and couldn’t get the good one going. It was either hanging or a ball in the dirt."“Move on. It (stinks) because I’m the reason we lost tonight. It’s a brutal feeling, but just use that as motivation for the next one.”Ryan O’Hearn, who hit a sacrifice fly in the first, added a two-run homer off reliever Jose Ruiz in the seventh.Whit Merrifield had three of the Royals’ 12 hits. Merrifield’s two-out single scored Nicky Lopez in the second and snapped the team’s 0-for-26 stretch with runners in scoring position.Perez has played in all 106 games for the Royals this season. His 84 starts behind the plate are one behind Christian Vazquez of the Red Sox for the league lead among catchers.“It’s pretty incredible what he’s doing as a catcher in the Kansas City heat in the summer,” Merrifield said.PEACE SUMMITHall of Fame announcer and former White Sox general manager Ken “Hawk” Harrelson revealed he and current Chicago manager Tony La Russa made their peace seven years after Harrelson fired him in the middle of the 1986 season. Harrelson, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch, spoke with La Russa for several minutes before Wednesday night’s game.“The first thing I like is Tony La Russa,” Harrelson said. “I didn’t fire him because he was a bad manager. Only he knows and I know why, and it’s going to stay that way.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF Emmanuel Rivera returned from his rehabilitation assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. Rivera had been sidelined since June 30 due to a left hamate fracture. ... RHP Kyle Zimmer was placed on the IL due to neck/trap spasms. ... OF Andrew Benintendi (left shoulder strain) reported improved strength and range of motion. Benintendi has yet to perform baseball work, manager Mike Matheny said. Benintendi injured his shoulder on a slide into second base Tuesday night.White Sox: 3B Jake Burger was placed on the seven-day injured list by Triple-A Charlotte. Burger batted .263 in 38 at-bats for the White Sox before he was optioned on July 26.UP NEXTThe Royals will send LHP Daniel Lynch (1-3, 6.95 ERA) to the mound Thursday, while the White Sox counter with LHP Dallas Keuchel (7-4, 4.32).Lynch allowed three runs over six innings Friday in a 6-3 loss at Toronto. Keuchel couldn’t hold a 6-1 lead Saturday as he allowed three home runs in 5 1/3 innings and left with no decision as Chicago lost 12-11 to Cleveland.

⚾ Royals' offense explodes for four home runs in win over White Sox

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Fort Hays State men's soccer student-athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6241">Alec Bevis</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6244">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;received Great American Conference All-Academic honors for 2020-21. For student-athletes to receive GAC All-Academic honors, they must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing (true freshmen and redshirt freshmen are not eligible) and must have completed at least one full academic year at the nominating institution. In addition, their grade-point average must be a minimum of 3.30 based on the 4.0 system. The GPA is cumulative for the athlete's entire collegiate career. The GAC and MIAA combined to make an eight-team men's soccer conference prior to the 2019 season. The GAC oversees operations for men's soccer and the conference now has seven members in men's soccer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628159908233.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Fort Hays State men's soccer student-athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6241">Alec Bevis</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6244">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;received Great American Conference All-Academic honors for 2020-21. For student-athletes to receive GAC All-Academic honors, they must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing (true freshmen and redshirt freshmen are not eligible) and must have completed at least one full academic year at the nominating institution. In addition, their grade-point average must be a minimum of 3.30 based on the 4.0 system. The GPA is cumulative for the athlete's entire collegiate career. The GAC and MIAA combined to make an eight-team men's soccer conference prior to the 2019 season. The GAC oversees operations for men's soccer and the conference now has seven members in men's soccer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Bevis and Brown earn All-Academic honors from the GAC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer received votes in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25 Poll, released on Wednesday. The Tigers will begin where they left off at the end of their brief 2021 spring campaign. Last year, FHSU posted a record of 4-2-1 in a brief spring season that saw them finish second in the Great American Conference standings. The Tigers enjoyed time inside the Top 25 of the United Soccer Coaches spring poll in 2021 before finishing the year in the receiving votes section. Rogers State, the GAC regular season and tournament champion of the brief 2021 spring season starts the year at No. 12 in the poll, while Northeastern State is tabbed No. 19. By receiving votes, Fort Hays State gives the Great American Conference three of its eight men's soccer programs referenced in the preseason poll. Fort Hays State will look to continue the longest active streak in NCAA Division II of making the NCAA National Tournament. The FHSU men have qualified for the national tournament eight consecutive years. The NCAA did not hold national championship tournaments for fall sports in 2020-21 due to issues with the COVID-19 pandemic. Fort Hays State's deepest run in the national tournament occurred in 2018 when it made the national semifinals. Below is the 2021 United Soccer Coaches Preseason Men's Soccer Poll. RankSchoolPrevW-L-T1University Of Charleston110-0-02California State University-Los AngelesNR0-0-03Lynn UniversityNR0-0-04University Of Indianapolis413-0-45Franklin Pierce University26-0-06Wingate University77-1-17California State University-San BernardinoNR0-0-08Colorado School Of Mines97-0-19Maryville University of St. Louis2411-4-210Lander University58-0-111West Texas A&amp;M University78-2-012Rogers State University86-0-213Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityNR0-0-014Azusa Pacific UniversityNR0-0-015Adelphi UniversityNR0-0-016Union University106-1-017Gannon UniversityNR0-0-018University Of West FloridaNR0-0-019Northeastern State University255-3-020Saginaw Valley State University132-0-021Colorado Mesa University146-1-122Cedarville University237-2-122Midwestern State University207-3-124St. Mary's University (Texas)RV6-3-125Lake Erie CollegeNR5-5-0 Receiving Votes: Point Loma Nazarene, Notre Dame (Ohio), Lenoir-Rhyne, Erskine, Mississippi College, Davis &amp; Elkins, Fresno Pacific, Carson-Newman, Saint Rose (N.Y.), Florida Tech, Anderson (S.C.),&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Post, Wilmington (Del.), Francis Marion, Young Harris, Cal Poly Pomona, McKendree, Mercy, Queens (N.C.), Tiffin, Assumption, Nova Southeastern.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628108709606.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer received votes in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25 Poll, released on Wednesday. The Tigers will begin where they left off at the end of their brief 2021 spring campaign. Last year, FHSU posted a record of 4-2-1 in a brief spring season that saw them finish second in the Great American Conference standings. The Tigers enjoyed time inside the Top 25 of the United Soccer Coaches spring poll in 2021 before finishing the year in the receiving votes section. Rogers State, the GAC regular season and tournament champion of the brief 2021 spring season starts the year at No. 12 in the poll, while Northeastern State is tabbed No. 19. By receiving votes, Fort Hays State gives the Great American Conference three of its eight men's soccer programs referenced in the preseason poll. Fort Hays State will look to continue the longest active streak in NCAA Division II of making the NCAA National Tournament. The FHSU men have qualified for the national tournament eight consecutive years. The NCAA did not hold national championship tournaments for fall sports in 2020-21 due to issues with the COVID-19 pandemic. Fort Hays State's deepest run in the national tournament occurred in 2018 when it made the national semifinals. Below is the 2021 United Soccer Coaches Preseason Men's Soccer Poll. RankSchoolPrevW-L-T1University Of Charleston110-0-02California State University-Los AngelesNR0-0-03Lynn UniversityNR0-0-04University Of Indianapolis413-0-45Franklin Pierce University26-0-06Wingate University77-1-17California State University-San BernardinoNR0-0-08Colorado School Of Mines97-0-19Maryville University of St. Louis2411-4-210Lander University58-0-111West Texas A&amp;M University78-2-012Rogers State University86-0-213Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityNR0-0-014Azusa Pacific UniversityNR0-0-015Adelphi UniversityNR0-0-016Union University106-1-017Gannon UniversityNR0-0-018University Of West FloridaNR0-0-019Northeastern State University255-3-020Saginaw Valley State University132-0-021Colorado Mesa University146-1-122Cedarville University237-2-122Midwestern State University207-3-124St. Mary's University (Texas)RV6-3-125Lake Erie CollegeNR5-5-0 Receiving Votes: Point Loma Nazarene, Notre Dame (Ohio), Lenoir-Rhyne, Erskine, Mississippi College, Davis &amp; Elkins, Fresno Pacific, Carson-Newman, Saint Rose (N.Y.), Florida Tech, Anderson (S.C.),&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Post, Wilmington (Del.), Francis Marion, Young Harris, Cal Poly Pomona, McKendree, Mercy, Queens (N.C.), Tiffin, Assumption, Nova Southeastern.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU men receive votes in coaches preseason national poll

CHICAGO (AP) — Dylan Cease allowed one hit in six scoreless innings, matching a season high with 11 strikeouts, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Tuesday night.

Tim Anderson and Andrew Vaughn homered for AL Central-leading Chicago, which had dropped three of four at fourth-place Kansas City last week.

“That was definitely one of my better ones,” Cease said. “I still need to be a little bit more efficient. But the stuff was good, and to get through six was solid. To finish strong, it means a lot to me.”

Cease (8-6) walked two and threw 103 pitches, allowing only Edward Olivares' leadoff single in the third inning, to nab his first win since June 30.

“He showed a lot of composure and competitiveness in those early innings,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa. “Then, towards the end, he did the shut-it-down thing and just got better as he went along.”

Michael Kopech, Garrett Crochet and Ryan Tepera pitched an inning apiece to complete the three-hitter. Kopech allowed the only Kansas City run on Ryan O'Hearn's sacrifice fly in the seventh, just the second run in three games for the Royals.

Vaughn sent a changeup from Kris Bubic (3-5) into the center field bleachers in the second, and Anderson bounced a two-run homer off the top of the right field wall in the third.

Anderson added an RBI single in Chicago's four-run seventh, his third hit of the night, and José Abreu had a two-run single in the frame.

Bubic went six innings, allowing three runs on three hits.

“He had everything working. It just took him a while to get to his heater,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He obviously had a better feel for his fastball later, but he didn’t give it a chance to find it until there was already some damage done.”

Chicago recalled right-hander Matt Foster from Triple-A Charlotte. He has appeared in 27 games in the majors this season, going 2-1 with a 6.04 ERA. Right-hander Jimmy Lambert was sent to Charlotte on Sunday.

Royals: LF Andrew Benintendi exited in the fourth inning after he strained his left shoulder sliding into second base. ... SS Adalberto Mondesi (left oblique strain) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday night. “He’s very optimistic,” Matheny said. “Trying to be smart about the workload we give him. His body will let us know how he’s going to respond to that.”

Carlos Hernández (2-1, 4.98 ERA) starts for the Royals against Chicago's Lucas Giolito (8-7, 3.67) on Wednesday night.

CHICAGO (AP) — Dylan Cease allowed one hit in six scoreless innings, matching a season high with 11 strikeouts, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Tuesday night.Tim Anderson and Andrew Vaughn homered for AL Central-leading Chicago, which had dropped three of four at fourth-place Kansas City last week.“That was definitely one of my better ones,” Cease said. “I still need to be a little bit more efficient. But the stuff was good, and to get through six was solid. To finish strong, it means a lot to me.”Cease (8-6) walked two and threw 103 pitches, allowing only Edward Olivares' leadoff single in the third inning, to nab his first win since June 30.“He showed a lot of composure and competitiveness in those early innings,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa. “Then, towards the end, he did the shut-it-down thing and just got better as he went along.”Michael Kopech, Garrett Crochet and Ryan Tepera pitched an inning apiece to complete the three-hitter. Kopech allowed the only Kansas City run on Ryan O'Hearn's sacrifice fly in the seventh, just the second run in three games for the Royals.Vaughn sent a changeup from Kris Bubic (3-5) into the center field bleachers in the second, and Anderson bounced a two-run homer off the top of the right field wall in the third.Anderson added an RBI single in Chicago's four-run seventh, his third hit of the night, and José Abreu had a two-run single in the frame.Bubic went six innings, allowing three runs on three hits.“He had everything working. It just took him a while to get to his heater,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He obviously had a better feel for his fastball later, but he didn’t give it a chance to find it until there was already some damage done.”ROSTER MOVEChicago recalled right-hander Matt Foster from Triple-A Charlotte. He has appeared in 27 games in the majors this season, going 2-1 with a 6.04 ERA. Right-hander Jimmy Lambert was sent to Charlotte on Sunday.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: LF Andrew Benintendi exited in the fourth inning after he strained his left shoulder sliding into second base. ... SS Adalberto Mondesi (left oblique strain) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday night. “He’s very optimistic,” Matheny said. “Trying to be smart about the workload we give him. His body will let us know how he’s going to respond to that.”UP NEXTCarlos Hernández (2-1, 4.98 ERA) starts for the Royals against Chicago's Lucas Giolito (8-7, 3.67) on Wednesday night.

⚾ Royals suffer fourth straight loss, fall to White Sox

The Hays Larks will open the 2021 NBC World Series on Thursday,
Aug. 5 against the Mid-Crest, Illinois Pumas at 3p.m.

The first five days of the 87th NBC World Series
will be played at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson with the final six days of
the event hosted by the Wichita Wind Surge at Riverfront Stadium in Wichita.

The Larks enter the NBC World Series 29-6 and are coming off
clinching their second straight Rocky Mountain Baseball League championship in their
second year as a member of the league.

The Mid-Crest Pumas are members of the Chicago Suburban
League and finished 8-19 on the season.

The winner will advance to a Saturday matchup with the winner
of the Hutchinson Monarchs and the San Diego Stars. The losers will also matchup
Saturday in an elimination game.

The Great Bend Bat Cats open world series play against the
on Wednesday against Lonestar, Texas.

Wednesday, Aug. 4 (in Hutchinson) 12 p.m. - Great Bend Bat Cats vs Austin Lonestar Baseball 3 p.m. - Boulder, Colorado Collegians vs Cheney Diamond Dogs 6 p.m. - Derby Twins vs Liberal Bee Jays 8:30 p.m. - Wichita 316 Elite vs Seattle Studs

Thursday, Aug. 5 (in Hutchinson) 12 p.m. - Puerto Rican Collegiate Team vs Wichita 316 Sluggers 3 p.m. - Mid-Crest, IL Pumas vs Hays Larks 6 p.m. - San Diego Stars vs Hutchinson Monarchs 8:30 p.m. - Waco, TX Sultanes vs Santa Barbara, CA Foresters&nbsp;

You can find a link to the bracket on the <a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/">NBC World Series</a> website or by clicking <a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-NBCWS-Bracket-.pdf">HERE</a>.

The Hays Larks will open the 2021 NBC World Series on Thursday,
Aug. 5 against the Mid-Crest, Illinois Pumas at 3p.m.The first five days of the 87th NBC World Series
will be played at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson with the final six days of
the event hosted by the Wichita Wind Surge at Riverfront Stadium in Wichita.The Larks enter the NBC World Series 29-6 and are coming off
clinching their second straight Rocky Mountain Baseball League championship in their
second year as a member of the league.The Mid-Crest Pumas are members of the Chicago Suburban
League and finished 8-19 on the season.The winner will advance to a Saturday matchup with the winner
of the Hutchinson Monarchs and the San Diego Stars. The losers will also matchup
Saturday in an elimination game.The Great Bend Bat Cats open world series play against the
on Wednesday against Lonestar, Texas.Opening round schedule:Wednesday, Aug. 4 (in Hutchinson) 12 p.m. - Great Bend Bat Cats vs Austin Lonestar Baseball 3 p.m. - Boulder, Colorado Collegians vs Cheney Diamond Dogs 6 p.m. - Derby Twins vs Liberal Bee Jays 8:30 p.m. - Wichita 316 Elite vs Seattle StudsThursday, Aug. 5 (in Hutchinson) 12 p.m. - Puerto Rican Collegiate Team vs Wichita 316 Sluggers 3 p.m. - Mid-Crest, IL Pumas vs Hays Larks 6 p.m. - San Diego Stars vs Hutchinson Monarchs 8:30 p.m. - Waco, TX Sultanes vs Santa Barbara, CA Foresters&nbsp;You can find a link to the bracket on the <a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/">NBC World Series</a> website or by clicking <a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-NBCWS-Bracket-.pdf">HERE</a>.

⚾ Bracket set for NBC World Series

&nbsp;HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team will hold walk-on tryouts on Thursday, August 26 at 4 p.m. at Larks Park. Those interested must complete the required medical paperwork and turn it in to the athletic compliance office (Cunningham Hall 135) by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25. Students will not be allowed to participate in tryouts if they fail to submit the attached paperwork (pre-participation physical and tryout form/sickle cell waiver) along with a copy of their insurance card before the 4 p.m. deadline on August 25. Participants need to wear shorts or baseball pants, a short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt, hat and spikes or turf shoes. Individuals should also bring their own glove and catcher's equipment (if applicable), while bats, balls and helmets will be provided. Contact coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=289">Kody Sindelar</a>&nbsp;with any questions via email - kasindelar@fhsu.edu - or by phone -&nbsp;(785) 628-4724.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team will hold walk-on tryouts on Thursday, August 26 at 4 p.m. at Larks Park. Those interested must complete the required medical paperwork and turn it in to the athletic compliance office (Cunningham Hall 135) by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25. Students will not be allowed to participate in tryouts if they fail to submit the attached paperwork (pre-participation physical and tryout form/sickle cell waiver) along with a copy of their insurance card before the 4 p.m. deadline on August 25. Participants need to wear shorts or baseball pants, a short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt, hat and spikes or turf shoes. Individuals should also bring their own glove and catcher's equipment (if applicable), while bats, balls and helmets will be provided. Contact coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=289">Kody Sindelar</a>&nbsp;with any questions via email - kasindelar@fhsu.edu - or by phone -&nbsp;(785) 628-4724.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾FHSU Baseball Schedules Walk-On Tryouts for August 26

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball received the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award for the 2020-21 season. To receive the honor, a team must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better for the 2020-21 academic year. Fort Hays State and Central Missouri were the only two programs from the MIAA to receive the honor. A total of 253 teams in NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA, and two-year colleges received the honor. Fort Hays State also had four individuals named to the NABC Honors Court. Student-athletes named to the Honors Court must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, have at least one year matriculated at their current institution, and academically be a junior or senior as an undergraduate student. Graduate students are not eligible for the award. Individuals from FHSU named to the Honors Court included&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5863">Gabe Pieschl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5866">Devin Walker</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5867">Nyjee Wright</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5861">Jackson Miller</a>. Since&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;is a graduate student, he is no longer eligible for the Honors Court even though his GPA is far above a 3.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627561905866.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball received the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award for the 2020-21 season. To receive the honor, a team must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better for the 2020-21 academic year. Fort Hays State and Central Missouri were the only two programs from the MIAA to receive the honor. A total of 253 teams in NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA, and two-year colleges received the honor. Fort Hays State also had four individuals named to the NABC Honors Court. Student-athletes named to the Honors Court must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, have at least one year matriculated at their current institution, and academically be a junior or senior as an undergraduate student. Graduate students are not eligible for the award. Individuals from FHSU named to the Honors Court included&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5863">Gabe Pieschl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5866">Devin Walker</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5867">Nyjee Wright</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5861">Jackson Miller</a>. Since&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;is a graduate student, he is no longer eligible for the Honors Court even though his GPA is far above a 3.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀FHSU Men’s Basketball Receives NABC Academic Excellence Award, Four Individuals Honored

TORONTO (AP) — José Berríos pitched six shutout innings in his Toronto debut and the Blue Jays completed a three-game sweep in their first series north of the border since 2019, beating the Kansas City Royals 5-1 Sunday.

Marcus Semien and Santiago Espinal homered to back Toronto’s big-name newcomer.

Acquired from Minnesota at the trade deadline Friday for two minor leaguers, Berríos (8-5) allowed five hits, four of them singles.

“I feel really happy about what I did today,” Berríos said. “I was able to throw strikes.”

The two-time All-Star walked one and struck out seven, including four straight in the third and fourth innings.

“His stuff was electric today,” Semien said.

Kansas City loaded the bases with two out in the sixth, but Berríos ended his outing by striking out Edward Olivares and exited with a 5-0 lead.

“I didn’t want to let them take the game from my hands,” Berríos said.

Berríos threw five straight curveballs to fan Olivares and escape the jam.

“I got all breaking balls,” Olivares said via a translator. “He worked both sides of the plate.”

Berríos is 3-0 in three starts against Kansas City this season.

Trevor Richards retired all four batters he faced and Tim Mayza got five outs as Toronto won for the fifth time in six games.

The Blue Jays returned to Canada on Friday after having played the entire 2020 season and the first half of 2021 in both Buffalo and Dunedin, Florida, because of border restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We couldn’t have had a better series to start out our Toronto season,” Semien said.

After George Springer opened the scoring with an RBI double in the third, Semien hit his 25th homer, a two-run drive off Brad Keller (7-10).

Espinal added a solo drive off right-hander Josh Staumont in the fourth.

The Blue Jays hit two home runs in all three games against the Royals. Toronto has hit an MLB-leading 159 homers this season.

Keller stayed in the game after a visit from the trainer in the third but left after the inning because of lower back tightness. He allowed three runs and seven hits.

Olivares ended Kansas City’s 17-inning scoreless streak with a two-out homer off Mayza in the ninth, his second.

Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got the day off for the first time this season. The All-Star slugger played all 60 games last year and had appeared 101 consecutive games to begin this season.

Springer and Teoscar Hernandez jokingly taped Guerrero to the railing at the end of the dugout bench in the early innings, but freed him soon after.

“His teammates were telling me, ‘Please play him, please play him,’ because he was driving everybody crazy,” manager Charlie Montoyo said of Guerrero. “That's just who he is, you know? He's always having fun. He had a good day off, he earned it, and he’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”

Kansas City’s White Merrifield had a leadoff single in the first, extending his hitting streak to 12 games. Merrifield has had one hit in each of his past 10 games.

Blue Jays: Cavan Biggio started at 1B in Guerrero’s place. … Springer started at DH.

Blue Jays: RHP Thomas Hatch and LHP Taylor Saucedo were optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to make room on the roster for Berríos and RHP Joakim Soria.

oyals: Kansas City is off Monday. The Royals open a three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox on Tuesday. LHP Kris Bubic (3-4, 4.58) starts for Kansas City and RHP Dylan Cease (7-6, 4.14) goes for the White Sox.

Blue Jays: LHP Robbie Ray (9-5, 3.04) starts the opener of a four-game series against Cleveland. Ray will face RHP Eli Morgan (1-3, 7.47).

TORONTO (AP) — José Berríos pitched six shutout innings in his Toronto debut and the Blue Jays completed a three-game sweep in their first series north of the border since 2019, beating the Kansas City Royals 5-1 Sunday.Marcus Semien and Santiago Espinal homered to back Toronto’s big-name newcomer.Acquired from Minnesota at the trade deadline Friday for two minor leaguers, Berríos (8-5) allowed five hits, four of them singles.“I feel really happy about what I did today,” Berríos said. “I was able to throw strikes.”The two-time All-Star walked one and struck out seven, including four straight in the third and fourth innings.“His stuff was electric today,” Semien said.Kansas City loaded the bases with two out in the sixth, but Berríos ended his outing by striking out Edward Olivares and exited with a 5-0 lead.“I didn’t want to let them take the game from my hands,” Berríos said.Berríos threw five straight curveballs to fan Olivares and escape the jam.“I got all breaking balls,” Olivares said via a translator. “He worked both sides of the plate.”Berríos is 3-0 in three starts against Kansas City this season.Trevor Richards retired all four batters he faced and Tim Mayza got five outs as Toronto won for the fifth time in six games.The Blue Jays returned to Canada on Friday after having played the entire 2020 season and the first half of 2021 in both Buffalo and Dunedin, Florida, because of border restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.“We couldn’t have had a better series to start out our Toronto season,” Semien said.After George Springer opened the scoring with an RBI double in the third, Semien hit his 25th homer, a two-run drive off Brad Keller (7-10).Espinal added a solo drive off right-hander Josh Staumont in the fourth.The Blue Jays hit two home runs in all three games against the Royals. Toronto has hit an MLB-leading 159 homers this season.Keller stayed in the game after a visit from the trainer in the third but left after the inning because of lower back tightness. He allowed three runs and seven hits.Olivares ended Kansas City’s 17-inning scoreless streak with a two-out homer off Mayza in the ninth, his second.CHECK THE TAPEBlue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got the day off for the first time this season. The All-Star slugger played all 60 games last year and had appeared 101 consecutive games to begin this season.Springer and Teoscar Hernandez jokingly taped Guerrero to the railing at the end of the dugout bench in the early innings, but freed him soon after.“His teammates were telling me, ‘Please play him, please play him,’ because he was driving everybody crazy,” manager Charlie Montoyo said of Guerrero. “That's just who he is, you know? He's always having fun. He had a good day off, he earned it, and he’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”Kansas City’s White Merrifield had a leadoff single in the first, extending his hitting streak to 12 games. Merrifield has had one hit in each of his past 10 games.TRAINER’S ROOMBlue Jays: Cavan Biggio started at 1B in Guerrero’s place. … Springer started at DH.ROSTER MOVESBlue Jays: RHP Thomas Hatch and LHP Taylor Saucedo were optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to make room on the roster for Berríos and RHP Joakim Soria.UP NEXToyals: Kansas City is off Monday. The Royals open a three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox on Tuesday. LHP Kris Bubic (3-4, 4.58) starts for Kansas City and RHP Dylan Cease (7-6, 4.14) goes for the White Sox.Blue Jays: LHP Robbie Ray (9-5, 3.04) starts the opener of a four-game series against Cleveland. Ray will face RHP Eli Morgan (1-3, 7.47).

⚾ Royals offense continues to struggle in loss to Blue Jays

The Hays Larks begin play at the 87th National Baseball Congress World Series Thursday against the Mid-Crest (IL) Pumas out of the Chicago Suburban Baseball League.

First pitch at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson is set for approximately 3:00 p.m. with the Larks Pregame Show around 2:15 p.m. on KFIX (96.9-FM) or online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620244103982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks begin play at the 87th National Baseball Congress World Series Thursday against the Mid-Crest (IL) Pumas out of the Chicago Suburban Baseball League.First pitch at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson is set for approximately 3:00 p.m. with the Larks Pregame Show around 2:15 p.m. on KFIX (96.9-FM) or online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾📻 Hays Larks vs. Mid-Crest (IL) Pumas

&nbsp;NEW ORLEANS - The Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field programs both earned the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award in 2020-21, announced Thursday (July 22) by the coaches organization. It is the fifth year in a row both teams have earned the distinction. Fort Hays State was also well-represented on the All-Academic individual award list, with 15 Tigers being named All-Academic athletes. Tigers receiving the honor in 2020-21 include&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5986">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5987">Rhyann Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5964">Laurel Haley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5976">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5977">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;on the women's side while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5909">David Enns</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5910">Mark Faber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5922">Kolgan Ohl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5931">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;represented the men's team. To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic award, student-athletes must compile a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and reach a provisional or automatic qualifying standard for the NCAA Championships in either indoor or outdoor seasons. It was the third-such honor for Stanley, while Rossi, Faber and Robinson were all named for the second time. To earn the team academic distinction, a program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The Tiger women carry a team GPA of 3.544, while the men's squad maintains a mark of 3.10. A total of 216 programs earned All-Academic Team distinction in 2020-21, including 130 women's teams and 86 men's teams. More than 700 athletes from across the country earned the individual honor at the Division II level, including 398 women and 338 men. 2020-21 USTFCCCA All-Academic Athletes From Fort Hays State Name GPA Event Mark Major <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5986">Addie Berens</a>3.75Javelin (O)151-10 (46.29m)Elementary Education <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5987">Rhyann Brown</a>3.62Javelin (O)154-3 (47.01m)Health and Human Performance (Sport and Exercise Therapy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5964">Laurel Haley</a>3.61Hammer Throw (O)186-3 (56.76m) #Art (Art History) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a>3.4160m Dash (I)7.59 #Psychology100m Dash (O)11.46 #200m Dash (O)23.71 #4x400m Relay (O)3:45.73 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a>3.73Pentathlon (I)3,497 #Agricultural Business100m Hurdles (O)14.04400m Hurdles (O)1:00.70 #4x400m Relay (O)3:45.73 #Heptathlon (O)4,984 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5976">Emily Salmans</a>3.99800m Run (O)2:11.68 #Elementary Education4x400m Relay (O)3:45.73 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5977">Taylor Savolt</a>3.85Triple Jump (I)39-0.25 (11.89m)Marketing4x400m Relay (O)3:45.73 #Heptathlon (O)4,609 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>3.774x100m Relay (O)40.46Information Networking and Telecommunications (Cybersecurity)4x400m Relay (O)3:11.32 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5909">David Enns</a>3.91Javelin (O)202-1 (61.59m)Health and Human Performance (K-12 Teaching/Coaching) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5910">Mark Faber</a>4.00Pole Vault (I)15-9.25 (4.81m)Biology (Health Professions)Pole&nbsp;Vault (O)16-9.5 (5.12m)| <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a>3.79800m Run (I)1:52.22Finance (Financial Planning)Distance Medley Relay (I)10:01.41800m Run (O)1:51.644x400m Relay (O)3:11.32 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5922">Kolgan Ohl</a>3.82Discus (O)164-6 (50.14m)Agriculture (Agronomy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>3.534x400m Relay (O)3:11.32 #PhysicsDecathlon (O)6,456 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>3.77Triple Jump (I)47-11 (14.60m)Finance4x100m Relay (O)40.46 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5931">Ryan Stanley</a>3.97Pole Vault (I)16-9.25 (5.11m) #ManagementPole Vault (O)17-2.25 (5.24m) # # indicates school record&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;NEW ORLEANS - The Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field programs both earned the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award in 2020-21, announced Thursday (July 22) by the coaches organization. It is the fifth year in a row both teams have earned the distinction. Fort Hays State was also well-represented on the All-Academic individual award list, with 15 Tigers being named All-Academic athletes. Tigers receiving the honor in 2020-21 include&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5986">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5987">Rhyann Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5964">Laurel Haley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5976">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5977">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;on the women's side while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5909">David Enns</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5910">Mark Faber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5922">Kolgan Ohl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5931">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;represented the men's team. To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic award, student-athletes must compile a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and reach a provisional or automatic qualifying standard for the NCAA Championships in either indoor or outdoor seasons. It was the third-such honor for Stanley, while Rossi, Faber and Robinson were all named for the second time. To earn the team academic distinction, a program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The Tiger women carry a team GPA of 3.544, while the men's squad maintains a mark of 3.10. A total of 216 programs earned All-Academic Team distinction in 2020-21, including 130 women's teams and 86 men's teams. More than 700 athletes from across the country earned the individual honor at the Division II level, including 398 women and 338 men. 2020-21 USTFCCCA All-Academic Athletes From Fort Hays State Name GPA Event Mark Major <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5986">Addie Berens</a>3.75Javelin (O)151-10 (46.29m)Elementary Education <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5987">Rhyann Brown</a>3.62Javelin (O)154-3 (47.01m)Health and Human Performance (Sport and Exercise Therapy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5964">Laurel Haley</a>3.61Hammer Throw (O)186-3 (56.76m) #Art (Art History) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a>3.4160m Dash (I)7.59 #Psychology100m Dash (O)11.46 #200m Dash (O)23.71 #4x400m Relay (O)3:45.73 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a>3.73Pentathlon (I)3,497 #Agricultural Business100m Hurdles (O)14.04400m Hurdles (O)1:00.70 #4x400m Relay (O)3:45.73 #Heptathlon (O)4,984 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5976">Emily Salmans</a>3.99800m Run (O)2:11.68 #Elementary Education4x400m Relay (O)3:45.73 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5977">Taylor Savolt</a>3.85Triple Jump (I)39-0.25 (11.89m)Marketing4x400m Relay (O)3:45.73 #Heptathlon (O)4,609 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>3.774x100m Relay (O)40.46Information Networking and Telecommunications (Cybersecurity)4x400m Relay (O)3:11.32 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5909">David Enns</a>3.91Javelin (O)202-1 (61.59m)Health and Human Performance (K-12 Teaching/Coaching) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5910">Mark Faber</a>4.00Pole Vault (I)15-9.25 (4.81m)Biology (Health Professions)Pole&nbsp;Vault (O)16-9.5 (5.12m)| <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a>3.79800m Run (I)1:52.22Finance (Financial Planning)Distance Medley Relay (I)10:01.41800m Run (O)1:51.644x400m Relay (O)3:11.32 # <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5922">Kolgan Ohl</a>3.82Discus (O)164-6 (50.14m)Agriculture (Agronomy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>3.534x400m Relay (O)3:11.32 #PhysicsDecathlon (O)6,456 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>3.77Triple Jump (I)47-11 (14.60m)Finance4x100m Relay (O)40.46 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5931">Ryan Stanley</a>3.97Pole Vault (I)16-9.25 (5.11m) #ManagementPole Vault (O)17-2.25 (5.24m) # # indicates school record&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃FHSU Track and Field Picks Up USTFCCCA Academic Honors

TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays rookie Alek Manoah didn’t show any signs of rust in his return from a bruised back.

Manoah pitched seven dominant innings, George Springer hit two home runs and Toronto beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 Saturday for its third straight win.

Activated off the 10-day injured list before the game, Manoah (3-1) allowed just two singles. Manoah hadn’t pitched since July 9 after slipping on the dugout steps and hurting his back during Toronto’s first series following the All-Star break.

“It kind of got me pretty good,” Manoah said of his fall, which happened at Buffalo’s Sahlen Field. “It was a long couple of weeks and I’m just so happy and so grateful to be back on that mound.

“Body felt really good, everything felt good. I was able to throw a lot of strikes and get the boys a win," he said.

Manoah’s outing was far better than manager Charlie Montoyo expected.

“We didn’t know what to expect and he was sharp,” Montoyo said. “His fastball wasn’t as hard today but that’s more impressive to me because he was pitching. He knows how to pitch for a young guy.”

Royals manager Mike Matheny was equally impressed with Manoah’s performance.

“He had good, heavy sink,” Matheny said. “Established the inside of the plate and then spun the ball really well. He was speeding us up and slowing us down, and he executed when he needed to. We just couldn’t get anything going.”

Kansas City was shut out for the sixth time this season. The Royals are 17-33 on the road.

Manoah has struck out 56 batters in his first nine career starts, the most by any pitcher in Blue Jays history

Manoah retired 16 straight batters in between the pair of hits. He walked one and struck out four.

Reliever Ryan Borucki got two outs in the eighth and Adam Cimber finished the combined three-hitter by striking out four straight batters.

Springer jumped on Mike Minor’s first pitch of the game and hit it into the second deck in left field, the 40th leadoff homer of his career.

“I knew I hit it OK but off the bat it looked like it was going to go foul,” Springer said. “I just said, ‘Stay fair,’ and I’m glad it did.”

Springer went the other way off Minor (8-9) in the third, a two-run drive to right-center. The home runs were his 10th and 11th of the season, and gave him 16 career multihomer games.

Springer has six home runs and six doubles in his past 13 games. He’s hitting .388 (19 for 49) in that span, and has 10 RBIs.

The Blue Jays have hit an MLB-leading 157 home runs this season.

“I love the way everybody approaches every at-bat, especially with guys on base,” Springer said.

Toronto made it 4-0 in the sixth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached on an infield single and Marcus Semien followed with a triple past a diving Michael A. Taylor in center field.

Minor allowed four runs and five hits in seven innings, losing to Toronto for the second time in nine outings, both this season.

The roof at Rogers Centre slid closed when a light rain began falling in the bottom of the third, but opened again before the seventh after the rain had passed.

Cimber has not allowed a home run in 52 innings, the longest active streak in the majors.

Royals: INF Emmanuel Rivera (broken left hand) went 0 for 3 with a sacrifice fly in his third rehab game at Double-A Northwest Arkansas Friday.

TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays rookie Alek Manoah didn’t show any signs of rust in his return from a bruised back.Manoah pitched seven dominant innings, George Springer hit two home runs and Toronto beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 Saturday for its third straight win.Activated off the 10-day injured list before the game, Manoah (3-1) allowed just two singles. Manoah hadn’t pitched since July 9 after slipping on the dugout steps and hurting his back during Toronto’s first series following the All-Star break.“It kind of got me pretty good,” Manoah said of his fall, which happened at Buffalo’s Sahlen Field. “It was a long couple of weeks and I’m just so happy and so grateful to be back on that mound.“Body felt really good, everything felt good. I was able to throw a lot of strikes and get the boys a win," he said.Manoah’s outing was far better than manager Charlie Montoyo expected.“We didn’t know what to expect and he was sharp,” Montoyo said. “His fastball wasn’t as hard today but that’s more impressive to me because he was pitching. He knows how to pitch for a young guy.”Royals manager Mike Matheny was equally impressed with Manoah’s performance.“He had good, heavy sink,” Matheny said. “Established the inside of the plate and then spun the ball really well. He was speeding us up and slowing us down, and he executed when he needed to. We just couldn’t get anything going.”Kansas City was shut out for the sixth time this season. The Royals are 17-33 on the road.Manoah has struck out 56 batters in his first nine career starts, the most by any pitcher in Blue Jays historyManoah retired 16 straight batters in between the pair of hits. He walked one and struck out four.Reliever Ryan Borucki got two outs in the eighth and Adam Cimber finished the combined three-hitter by striking out four straight batters.Springer jumped on Mike Minor’s first pitch of the game and hit it into the second deck in left field, the 40th leadoff homer of his career.“I knew I hit it OK but off the bat it looked like it was going to go foul,” Springer said. “I just said, ‘Stay fair,’ and I’m glad it did.”Springer went the other way off Minor (8-9) in the third, a two-run drive to right-center. The home runs were his 10th and 11th of the season, and gave him 16 career multihomer games.Springer has six home runs and six doubles in his past 13 games. He’s hitting .388 (19 for 49) in that span, and has 10 RBIs.The Blue Jays have hit an MLB-leading 157 home runs this season.“I love the way everybody approaches every at-bat, especially with guys on base,” Springer said.Toronto made it 4-0 in the sixth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached on an infield single and Marcus Semien followed with a triple past a diving Michael A. Taylor in center field.Minor allowed four runs and five hits in seven innings, losing to Toronto for the second time in nine outings, both this season.OPEN AND SHUT CASEThe roof at Rogers Centre slid closed when a light rain began falling in the bottom of the third, but opened again before the seventh after the rain had passed.NO HOMERSCimber has not allowed a home run in 52 innings, the longest active streak in the majors.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF Emmanuel Rivera (broken left hand) went 0 for 3 with a sacrifice fly in his third rehab game at Double-A Northwest Arkansas Friday.Blue Jays: RHP Trent Thornton was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to open a roster spot for Manoah.ROSTER MOVESThe Royals recalled OF Edward Olivares from Triple-A Omaha and optioned INF Lucius Fox to Triple-A. Fox will remain on the taxi squad.UP NEXTRHP José Berríos (7-5, 3.48) is expected to make his Toronto debut in Sunday’s series finale after being acquired from Minnesota on Friday. RHP Brad Keller (7-9, 5.55) starts for the Royals.

Sports