KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Sonny Gray gave up two runs over seven innings, and Jonathan India hit a two-run double as the Cincinnati Reds rallied for three runs in the seventh inning and beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Wednesday.

Gray (2-4) allowed seven hits, struck out seven and walked two to end a three-start winless streak.

“It was a hot day. He was battling," Cincinnati manager David Bell said. “And probably around the fourth inning or so, I didn’t know how much more he had left. It really does speak to number one, how great of a competitor he is. He found a way, and in that process of finding a way to kind of gather himself and get back out there.”

“I feel like I definitely had an edge, maybe I was just trying to fake it until I could make it,” he said. “I tried all my tricks to get my nerves gone and I guess they just slowly went away where I could just go.”

A day after blowing a 6-1 lead entering the eighth inning, the Reds bullpen came through.

“Every now and then, sometimes a win is maybe a little bit more than a win, and maybe today was one of those days,” Bell said.

Art Warren stranded the bases loaded in the eighth by retiring Hunter Dozier on an inning-ending flyout to deep left.

“As soon as he hit it, I thought it was gone,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It didn’t sound good when it came off the bat, but it looked right. We were probably wishing it out of the ballpark as much as anything, but it was so close to being what we were looking for.”

Heath Hembree pitched a perfect ninth for his fourth save in five chances, helping the Reds to their second win in the three-game series.

The game was interrupted by rain for 1 hour, 12 minutes.

Jorge Soler put the Royals ahead in the fourth with a slow roller to third with one out and two on. Eugenio Suárez threw to second for a forceout but India, the second baseman, hit the helmet of Ryan O’Hearn as he threw to first trying for an inning-ending double play. The ball popped into the air, and by the time the ball was retrieved, Carlos Santana slid home ahead of the throw.

Singles by Dozier and Michael A. Taylor led to a 2-0 lead.

Cincinnati went ahead in the seventh after Tucker Barnhart singled off Brady Singer and Scott Barlow (2-3) relieved.

Shogo Akiyama and Mike Freeman singled, cutting the deficit, and India doubled for a 3-2 lead.

Akiyama added an RBI double in the eighth, and Tyler Naquin hit an RBI single in the ninth.

Singer gave up one run and five hits in six-plus innings.

“He had great tempo,” Matheny said. “His slider was sharp. His fastball was locating on both sides. He had a lot of movement today. You could tell by a lot of their reactions. I thought he did a great job of pounding the zone and trusting his defense.”

Reds: RHP Tyler Mahle (7-3, 3.63 ERA) starts Thursday’s series opener at NL Central-leading Milwaukee and RHP Adrian Houser (5-5, 3.94 ERA).

Royals: LHP Danny Duffy (4-3, 2.60 ERA), seeking his first win since May 1, starts Thursday at Cleveland. He is 5-13 with a 4.81 ERA in 21 starts and four relief appearances against the Indians, his most losses against any opponent.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Sonny Gray gave up two runs over seven innings, and Jonathan India hit a two-run double as the Cincinnati Reds rallied for three runs in the seventh inning and beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Wednesday.Gray (2-4) allowed seven hits, struck out seven and walked two to end a three-start winless streak.“It was a hot day. He was battling," Cincinnati manager David Bell said. “And probably around the fourth inning or so, I didn’t know how much more he had left. It really does speak to number one, how great of a competitor he is. He found a way, and in that process of finding a way to kind of gather himself and get back out there.”Gray said he woke up feeling sick.“I feel like I definitely had an edge, maybe I was just trying to fake it until I could make it,” he said. “I tried all my tricks to get my nerves gone and I guess they just slowly went away where I could just go.”A day after blowing a 6-1 lead entering the eighth inning, the Reds bullpen came through.“Every now and then, sometimes a win is maybe a little bit more than a win, and maybe today was one of those days,” Bell said.Art Warren stranded the bases loaded in the eighth by retiring Hunter Dozier on an inning-ending flyout to deep left.“As soon as he hit it, I thought it was gone,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It didn’t sound good when it came off the bat, but it looked right. We were probably wishing it out of the ballpark as much as anything, but it was so close to being what we were looking for.”Heath Hembree pitched a perfect ninth for his fourth save in five chances, helping the Reds to their second win in the three-game series.The game was interrupted by rain for 1 hour, 12 minutes.Jorge Soler put the Royals ahead in the fourth with a slow roller to third with one out and two on. Eugenio Suárez threw to second for a forceout but India, the second baseman, hit the helmet of Ryan O’Hearn as he threw to first trying for an inning-ending double play. The ball popped into the air, and by the time the ball was retrieved, Carlos Santana slid home ahead of the throw.Singles by Dozier and Michael A. Taylor led to a 2-0 lead.Cincinnati went ahead in the seventh after Tucker Barnhart singled off Brady Singer and Scott Barlow (2-3) relieved.Shogo Akiyama and Mike Freeman singled, cutting the deficit, and India doubled for a 3-2 lead.Akiyama added an RBI double in the eighth, and Tyler Naquin hit an RBI single in the ninth.Singer gave up one run and five hits in six-plus innings.“He had great tempo,” Matheny said. “His slider was sharp. His fastball was locating on both sides. He had a lot of movement today. You could tell by a lot of their reactions. I thought he did a great job of pounding the zone and trusting his defense.”UP NEXTReds: RHP Tyler Mahle (7-3, 3.63 ERA) starts Thursday’s series opener at NL Central-leading Milwaukee and RHP Adrian Houser (5-5, 3.94 ERA).Royals: LHP Danny Duffy (4-3, 2.60 ERA), seeking his first win since May 1, starts Thursday at Cleveland. He is 5-13 with a 4.81 ERA in 21 starts and four relief appearances against the Indians, his most losses against any opponent.

⚾ Royals give up late lead, drop series with loss to Reds

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Pérez’s walk-off single capped Kansas City’s four-run rally as the Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-6. 

The Royals scored six runs off the Reds’ bullpen in the final two innings and Pérez got his third game-ending hit this season. 

Trailing 6-3 to start the ninth, the Royals got the tying run on second with no outs without the benefit of a hit. 

Ryan O’Hearn walked and Hunter Dozier was hit by a pitch. Michael A. Taylor then rolled a ground ball through the legs of Eugenio Suarez at third, scoring O’Hearn. 

With one out, Nicky Lopez flared a ball into short left field, scoring both runners to tie it 6-6. He advanced to third on a throw and error on the play. 

Whit Merrifield walked and Andrew Benintendi struck out, bringing Pérez to the plate.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Pérez’s walk-off single capped Kansas City’s four-run rally as the Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-6. The Royals scored six runs off the Reds’ bullpen in the final two innings and Pérez got his third game-ending hit this season. Trailing 6-3 to start the ninth, the Royals got the tying run on second with no outs without the benefit of a hit. Ryan O’Hearn walked and Hunter Dozier was hit by a pitch. Michael A. Taylor then rolled a ground ball through the legs of Eugenio Suarez at third, scoring O’Hearn. With one out, Nicky Lopez flared a ball into short left field, scoring both runners to tie it 6-6. He advanced to third on a throw and error on the play. Whit Merrifield walked and Andrew Benintendi struck out, bringing Pérez to the plate.

⚾Pérez's RBI single caps 4-run 9th as Royals beat Reds 7-6

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Versatile forward Ochai Agbaji and high-scoring point guard Remy Martin have withdrawn from the NBA draft, opting instead to help Kansas chase a sixth national championship. 

Agbaji announced his decision to return to the Jayhawks, whom he helped reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament, about two hours before Martin withdrew from the draft.

 Martin starred for Arizona State last season but announced he was transferring to Kansas if he withdrew from the draft.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Versatile forward Ochai Agbaji and high-scoring point guard Remy Martin have withdrawn from the NBA draft, opting instead to help Kansas chase a sixth national championship. Agbaji announced his decision to return to the Jayhawks, whom he helped reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament, about two hours before Martin withdrew from the draft. Martin starred for Arizona State last season but announced he was transferring to Kansas if he withdrew from the draft.

🏀Jayhawks' Agbaji, Martin withdraw from NBA draft

AUGUSTA – The Hays Larks scored 11 runs after the seventh
inning last night as they rallied to beat the Kansas Cannons 15-11 in 10
innings Tuesday in Augusta. 

The Cannons jumped out to a 7-2 lead through three innings. 

Hays starter Jackson Blue allowed all seven of those runs on
six hits with three walks and two strikeouts in two innings. 

Trailing 8-2 Hays got a pair of runs back in the top of the
sixth inning. With two outs in the inning Tyler Palmer doubled with the bases
loaded to cut the Cannons lead to 8-4.

The Kansas answered right back with back-to-back homeruns
and lead 11-4 through six innings. 

In the eighth the Larks took advantage of eight walks, five
with the bases loaded to cut the Cannons lead 11-9.

Brady Evans led off the top of the ninth with a solo homerun
making it 11-10 Cannons. Then two batters later Grant Lung’s RBI double tied
the game at 11.

In the extra frame Zach Henry’s RBI single gave Hays to
12-11 lead in the 10th and then two batters later Palmer’s three-run
homerun put Hays up 15-11.

Palmer got the win with four innings of scoreless relief. He
allowed just two hits with five strikeouts.

Seven of the 10 Larks who recorded an at bat in the game drove
in at least one run. Palmer was three-for-six with a homerun and six RBI’s.

Hays is 15-4 and will travel to Junction City Wednesday to
take on the Brigade.

AUGUSTA – The Hays Larks scored 11 runs after the seventh
inning last night as they rallied to beat the Kansas Cannons 15-11 in 10
innings Tuesday in Augusta. The Cannons jumped out to a 7-2 lead through three innings. Hays starter Jackson Blue allowed all seven of those runs on
six hits with three walks and two strikeouts in two innings. Trailing 8-2 Hays got a pair of runs back in the top of the
sixth inning. With two outs in the inning Tyler Palmer doubled with the bases
loaded to cut the Cannons lead to 8-4.The Kansas answered right back with back-to-back homeruns
and lead 11-4 through six innings. In the eighth the Larks took advantage of eight walks, five
with the bases loaded to cut the Cannons lead 11-9.Brady Evans led off the top of the ninth with a solo homerun
making it 11-10 Cannons. Then two batters later Grant Lung’s RBI double tied
the game at 11.In the extra frame Zach Henry’s RBI single gave Hays to
12-11 lead in the 10th and then two batters later Palmer’s three-run
homerun put Hays up 15-11.Palmer got the win with four innings of scoreless relief. He
allowed just two hits with five strikeouts.Seven of the 10 Larks who recorded an at bat in the game drove
in at least one run. Palmer was three-for-six with a homerun and six RBI’s.Hays is 15-4 and will travel to Junction City Wednesday to
take on the Brigade.

⚾Larks rally past Kansas Cannons

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eugenio Suarez clubbed a tiebreaking three-run home run shortly after Nick Castellanos hit a tying solo shot and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2. 

Suarez hit a 1-1 pitch off the Royals Hall of Fame in left field to give his team a three-run lead in the seventh inning. 

The homer was his 17th of the season and came off Kyle Zimmer against his first batter of the game. 

Vladimir Gutierrez went six innings and gave up two runs, five hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eugenio Suarez clubbed a tiebreaking three-run home run shortly after Nick Castellanos hit a tying solo shot and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2. Suarez hit a 1-1 pitch off the Royals Hall of Fame in left field to give his team a three-run lead in the seventh inning. The homer was his 17th of the season and came off Kyle Zimmer against his first batter of the game. Vladimir Gutierrez went six innings and gave up two runs, five hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

⚾Suarez, Castellanos lift Reds over Royals 6-2

BOULDER, Colo. – Wyatt Divis got a strikeout with the tying
run and third and the winning run on first and the Hays Larks held off a late
rally to beat the Boulder Collegians 7-6 in a non-league game Sunday. The Larks
(14-4) led 6-2 after five but the Collegians answered with three in the sixth
then after the Larks scored a run in the eighth, the Collegians got one in the
ninth.

Divis pitched the final 3 1/3 innings allowing on unearned
run with three strikeouts and no walks for his first save of the season.
Starter Luuk ter Beek (3-1) gave up two runs on seven hits with three
strikeouts and a walk over five innings for the win.

Tyler Palmer hit two home runs. His three-run shot in the fourth
gave the Larks a 5-2 lead. He added a solo shot in the eighth put Hays up 7-5.

Palmer finished 2-for-4 with two home runs and drove in four
runs while scoring twice. 

The Larks scored two in the first on a Cortland Lawson
triple and an error. The Collegians scored a run in the bottom of the first and
one in the third to tie the game 2-2. The Larks then struck for three in the fourth
on the Palmer three-run homer then added a run in the fifth on a Palmer
Hutchison sacrifice fly. 

The Collegians took advantage of a leadoff error followed by
back-to-back doubles and a single to close the gap to 6-4 in the sixth. They
made it a one-run game later in the inning scoring a run on a bases-loaded hit
by pitch.

Palmer’s second homer of the night in the eighth pushed the
Larks lead to 7-5. The Collegians then rallied in the bottom of the ninth. A
two-out error followed by back-to-back singles closed the gap to 7-6 but Divis
struck out AJ Rouco with runners and the corners to end the game.

Due to rainouts Thursday and Friday in Colorado, the Larks schedule has been altered. The Larks game with Oklahoma City on Sunday, July 18th has been cancelled. The Larks will now host the Colorado Roughriders for four games starting with a single game on Monday, July 19th at 7:00 p.m. The two will play a doubleheader on Tuesday, July 20th beginning at 5:30 p.m. then play another single game on Wednesday, July&nbsp; 21st at 7:00 p.m.

The Roughriders will be the home team for the July 19th game as well as first game of the doubleheader on the 20th.

The Larks are back on the road Tuesday in Augusta against
the Kansas Cannons. They close out their final road swing of the season
Wednesday in Junction City against the Brigade. They then return home for a key
RMBL series with the Fort Collins Foxes beginning Saturday at Larks Park.

BOULDER, Colo. – Wyatt Divis got a strikeout with the tying
run and third and the winning run on first and the Hays Larks held off a late
rally to beat the Boulder Collegians 7-6 in a non-league game Sunday. The Larks
(14-4) led 6-2 after five but the Collegians answered with three in the sixth
then after the Larks scored a run in the eighth, the Collegians got one in the
ninth.Divis pitched the final 3 1/3 innings allowing on unearned
run with three strikeouts and no walks for his first save of the season.
Starter Luuk ter Beek (3-1) gave up two runs on seven hits with three
strikeouts and a walk over five innings for the win.Tyler Palmer hit two home runs. His three-run shot in the fourth
gave the Larks a 5-2 lead. He added a solo shot in the eighth put Hays up 7-5.Palmer finished 2-for-4 with two home runs and drove in four
runs while scoring twice. The Larks scored two in the first on a Cortland Lawson
triple and an error. The Collegians scored a run in the bottom of the first and
one in the third to tie the game 2-2. The Larks then struck for three in the fourth
on the Palmer three-run homer then added a run in the fifth on a Palmer
Hutchison sacrifice fly. The Collegians took advantage of a leadoff error followed by
back-to-back doubles and a single to close the gap to 6-4 in the sixth. They
made it a one-run game later in the inning scoring a run on a bases-loaded hit
by pitch.Palmer’s second homer of the night in the eighth pushed the
Larks lead to 7-5. The Collegians then rallied in the bottom of the ninth. A
two-out error followed by back-to-back singles closed the gap to 7-6 but Divis
struck out AJ Rouco with runners and the corners to end the game.SCHEDULE CHANGEDue to rainouts Thursday and Friday in Colorado, the Larks schedule has been altered. The Larks game with Oklahoma City on Sunday, July 18th has been cancelled. The Larks will now host the Colorado Roughriders for four games starting with a single game on Monday, July 19th at 7:00 p.m. The two will play a doubleheader on Tuesday, July 20th beginning at 5:30 p.m. then play another single game on Wednesday, July&nbsp; 21st at 7:00 p.m.The Roughriders will be the home team for the July 19th game as well as first game of the doubleheader on the 20th.UP NEXTThe Larks are back on the road Tuesday in Augusta against
the Kansas Cannons. They close out their final road swing of the season
Wednesday in Junction City against the Brigade. They then return home for a key
RMBL series with the Fort Collins Foxes beginning Saturday at Larks Park.

⚾ Larks hold off late rally to beat Boulder

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kenta Maeda struck out a season-best 10 in six scoreless innings, Jorge Polanco homered and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Sunday to halt a five-game losing streak.

“I think all my pitches were working today,” Maeda said through a translator. “I thought I’ve lost my command the last few outings, and today I aggressively attacked the strike zone.”

Maeda (4-3) gave up two hits and a walk in a splendid outing that matched his longest of the year.

“That’s the Kenta we’ve seen a lot of. It’s a marvelous outing, and I think he got stronger as he went on,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I think physically he felt excellent, and his stuff was really kicking up.”

Minnesota avoided a three-game sweep, building a cushion in the seventh inning when a two-run homer by Polanco and a solo shot by Alex Kirilloff extended the lead to 5-0.

Max Kepler hit a solo homer to right field in the sixth, his seventh of the season. He has seven hits, six RBIs, two home runs and six walks since returning from the injured list on June 18.

Polanco turned on a fastball and sent it into the left-field bullpen. Two batters later, Kirilloff also connected off Richard Lovelady.

Kansas City starter Brad Keller (6-9) permitted two runs, five hits and two walks. He struck out seven in 6.1 innings, his second-longest outing of the season.

“Maeda was pretty good,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We got nothing for a long time and he was what we thought he’d do.”

The Twins struck first in the third after Luis Arraez singled with two outs and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Arraez scored on Trevor Larnach’s single.

Larnach also singled home Arraez in the ninth.

Jarrod Dyson hit a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth off Hansel Robles to break up the shutout.

Twins: 3B Josh Donaldson sat out after hurting his hamstring Saturday on a double. Baldelli said it’s not a major issue and plans to have Donaldson back soon. ... DH Nelson Cruz (stiff neck) was scratched from the lineup.

Royals: Activated OF Andrew Benintendi (fractured rib) off the injured list and optioned Edward Olivares, who hit his first home run of the season Saturday. Kansas City went 5-13 with Benintendi on the IL.

The Twins head home to take on the Chicago White Sox with Bailey Ober (0-1, 5.84 ERA) pitching Monday.

The Royals host Cincinnati on Monday, with Mike Minor (6-6, 5.33) scheduled to start.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kenta Maeda struck out a season-best 10 in six scoreless innings, Jorge Polanco homered and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Sunday to halt a five-game losing streak.“I think all my pitches were working today,” Maeda said through a translator. “I thought I’ve lost my command the last few outings, and today I aggressively attacked the strike zone.”Maeda (4-3) gave up two hits and a walk in a splendid outing that matched his longest of the year.“That’s the Kenta we’ve seen a lot of. It’s a marvelous outing, and I think he got stronger as he went on,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I think physically he felt excellent, and his stuff was really kicking up.”Minnesota avoided a three-game sweep, building a cushion in the seventh inning when a two-run homer by Polanco and a solo shot by Alex Kirilloff extended the lead to 5-0.Max Kepler hit a solo homer to right field in the sixth, his seventh of the season. He has seven hits, six RBIs, two home runs and six walks since returning from the injured list on June 18.Polanco turned on a fastball and sent it into the left-field bullpen. Two batters later, Kirilloff also connected off Richard Lovelady.Kansas City starter Brad Keller (6-9) permitted two runs, five hits and two walks. He struck out seven in 6.1 innings, his second-longest outing of the season.“Maeda was pretty good,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We got nothing for a long time and he was what we thought he’d do.”The Twins struck first in the third after Luis Arraez singled with two outs and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Arraez scored on Trevor Larnach’s single.Larnach also singled home Arraez in the ninth.Jarrod Dyson hit a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth off Hansel Robles to break up the shutout.TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: 3B Josh Donaldson sat out after hurting his hamstring Saturday on a double. Baldelli said it’s not a major issue and plans to have Donaldson back soon. ... DH Nelson Cruz (stiff neck) was scratched from the lineup.Royals: Activated OF Andrew Benintendi (fractured rib) off the injured list and optioned Edward Olivares, who hit his first home run of the season Saturday. Kansas City went 5-13 with Benintendi on the IL.UP NEXTThe Twins head home to take on the Chicago White Sox with Bailey Ober (0-1, 5.84 ERA) pitching Monday.The Royals host Cincinnati on Monday, with Mike Minor (6-6, 5.33) scheduled to start.

⚾ Keller tosses quality start but Royals fall to Twins

BOULDER, Colo. – After being rained out two nights in a row,
the Hays Larks were finally able to open their final road trip of the season
with a 16-6 blowout win over the Boulder Collegians Saturday night. Trailing
6-4, the Larks scored five in the seventh and seven in the eighth for the
run-rule victory at Scott Carpenter Field.

Cam Pehrson’s double to left field scored Palmer Hutchison
and Leo Jiminian to give the Larks the lead for good in the seventh. Cortland
Lawson added a two-run homer in the decisive frame.

Pehrson finished 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Palmer Hutchison also had two doubles and drove in three. Tyler Palmer had
three hits including a home run and knocked in two runs.

Jose Velazquez (4-0) allowed on unearned run on four hits
with two strikeouts and two walks over the final four innings for the win.

The Larks close out the series with the Collegians Sunday
evening.

BOULDER, Colo. – After being rained out two nights in a row,
the Hays Larks were finally able to open their final road trip of the season
with a 16-6 blowout win over the Boulder Collegians Saturday night. Trailing
6-4, the Larks scored five in the seventh and seven in the eighth for the
run-rule victory at Scott Carpenter Field.Cam Pehrson’s double to left field scored Palmer Hutchison
and Leo Jiminian to give the Larks the lead for good in the seventh. Cortland
Lawson added a two-run homer in the decisive frame.Pehrson finished 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Palmer Hutchison also had two doubles and drove in three. Tyler Palmer had
three hits including a home run and knocked in two runs.Jose Velazquez (4-0) allowed on unearned run on four hits
with two strikeouts and two walks over the final four innings for the win.The Larks close out the series with the Collegians Sunday
evening.

⚾ Larks pull away late for win on Boulder

The Eagles (15-4) rallied for an 8-5 win over Iola in the
semifinals, scoring two in the fifth to take the lead then adding single runs
in the sixth and seventh. The game was intense throughout after a controversial
out call at the plate in the first and a crash play late in the game that
resulted in an Iola player getting ejected and an Indian coach getting tossed earlier
in the game.

Hays took the lead for good on Brady Kreutzer’s two-run
double that scored Gage Porter and Ben Krannawitter who both reached on errors.
Brayden Dreher drove in a run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly and Dalton Dale’s
single scored a run for the final margin.

Iola threatened in the bottom of the seventh. Following a
leadoff triple from Ryker Curry, Bradyn Cole flied out to left fielder Jack Fields who
threw Curry out at the plate trying to score. Curry crashed into Eagles catcher
Remington Cox and was ejected for not sliding and crashing into the catcher.

Dale had three of the Eagles eight hits and drove in two.
Kreutzer finished with three RBIs.

Garrett Wellbrock (4-2) allowed two earned runs on eight
hits with one strikeout and three walks in the complete game victory as the Eagles
overcame six errors to advance to the title game.

Hays held a slim 4-3 lead in the title game before scoring a
run in the fifth, two in the sixth and five in the seventh.

Dalton Dale had three hits and drove in two runs. Ben
Krannawitter, Brady Kreutzer and Jack Fields all added two hits and Garrett
Wellbrock drove in three runs.

Carson Spray (4-0) allowed three runs on four hits over four
innings. Brady Kreutzer allowed one unearned run over the final three innings
and picked up the save.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625381295595.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Eagles (15-4) rallied for an 8-5 win over Iola in the
semifinals, scoring two in the fifth to take the lead then adding single runs
in the sixth and seventh. The game was intense throughout after a controversial
out call at the plate in the first and a crash play late in the game that
resulted in an Iola player getting ejected and an Indian coach getting tossed earlier
in the game.Hays took the lead for good on Brady Kreutzer’s two-run
double that scored Gage Porter and Ben Krannawitter who both reached on errors.
Brayden Dreher drove in a run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly and Dalton Dale’s
single scored a run for the final margin.Iola threatened in the bottom of the seventh. Following a
leadoff triple from Ryker Curry, Bradyn Cole flied out to left fielder Jack Fields who
threw Curry out at the plate trying to score. Curry crashed into Eagles catcher
Remington Cox and was ejected for not sliding and crashing into the catcher.Dale had three of the Eagles eight hits and drove in two.
Kreutzer finished with three RBIs.Garrett Wellbrock (4-2) allowed two earned runs on eight
hits with one strikeout and three walks in the complete game victory as the Eagles
overcame six errors to advance to the title game.Hays held a slim 4-3 lead in the title game before scoring a
run in the fifth, two in the sixth and five in the seventh.Dalton Dale had three hits and drove in two runs. Ben
Krannawitter, Brady Kreutzer and Jack Fields all added two hits and Garrett
Wellbrock drove in three runs.Carson Spray (4-0) allowed three runs on four hits over four
innings. Brady Kreutzer allowed one unearned run over the final three innings
and picked up the save.

⚾ Senior Legion defeats Iola twice to win WWF Tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals manager Mike Matheny gazed across the happy Kansas City clubhouse Saturday as, one by one, each of his players pointed to a teammate and praised them for a job well done.

Must have taken a while. Just about everybody had a hand in their win over Minnesota.

Hunter Dozier drove in three runs, and Edward Olivares hit a two-run homer. Danny Duffy got through four innings before handing a lead to his bullpen. And the Kansas City relief corps held the Twins to one run on three hits over the final five innings, giving the Royals a 6-3 victory — their second straight on the heels of a nine-game skid.

“We will not get tired of that. It does not get old, hearing the guys celebrate each other,” Matheny said. “We need to keep getting this group to talk about, ‘What can I do to help us win today?’ It's steps in the right direction.”

Kyle Zimmer (4-0) was the first of five relievers who pitched an inning apiece, and Scott Barlow handled the ninth for his fourth save and second in as many games to set up the Royals for a shot at the series sweep.

“To see how we've played the last two games, it's a good start,” Duffy said. “We need to continue down this path.”

The Fourth of July weekend wasn't nearly as kind to Griffin Jax (1-1), the first draft pick ever from the Air Force Academy. In his first career start and fifth big league appearance, the right-handed Air Force captain allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings while striking out three.

“He battled through that start,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “Got us through five, you know, gave us a chance. Kind of held it together enough to give us a chance to stay in the ballgame. We needed to tack on some more runs.”

Trevor Larnach homered in the eighth for Minnesota, which is 0-5 on its six-game road trip. Josh Donaldson and Nelson Cruz also drove in runs.

The Twins struck first for the second consecutive game when their first two batters reached in the fourth and Gilberto Celestino grounded to shortstop. The Royals tried to turn a double play, but second baseman Hanser Alberto's throw to first went wide for his second error in as many games, and Ryan Jeffers scored the first of two runs in the inning.

The Royals wiped out all of Minnesota's work in the bottom half, though.

Jax had set them down without a problem the first three innings, but the Royals tagged the current Air Force reserve officer with four runs in the fourth. The first two came on Dozier's double and the second two when Olivares hit the first pitch he saw into the left-field bullpen for his first homer of the year.

The Royals pushed across a couple more runs in the fifth before Jax's day was finally done.

“It's what we saw (Friday),” Baldelli said after watching another early lead slip away. “Coming up with adjectives to really get into what it feels like, it's hard to do. But we had to do more today in order to get this win. It wasn't just about any particular thing. I think we could have played better overall.”

Royals: OF Andrew Benintendi (fractured rib) has been taking light swings in batting practice and remains on schedule to return sometime after the All-Star break. Benintendi got hurt last month during a game in Oakland.

Twins: Donaldson came up with a tight right hamstring rounding first on a double in the third inning. He slowed so much heading into second that he was nearly tagged out. Nick Gordon pinch ran and remained in the game.

The Royals traded Kelvin Gutierrez to the Orioles for cash. The 26-year-old infielder has struggled with injuries the past couple of years and was hitting .215 with a homer and eight RBIs before he was designated for assignment June 28. Gutierrez arrived in Kansas City in a 2018 trade with Washington.

Twins RHP Kenta Maeda (3-3, 5.56 ERA) and Royals RHP Brad Keller (6-8, 6.67) take the mound in Sunday's series finale trying to rebound from lousy outings. Maeda gave up seven runs on eight hits and five walks Tuesday against the White Sox, while Keller allowed six runs on 10 hits and five walks the same night in Boston.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals manager Mike Matheny gazed across the happy Kansas City clubhouse Saturday as, one by one, each of his players pointed to a teammate and praised them for a job well done.Must have taken a while. Just about everybody had a hand in their win over Minnesota.Hunter Dozier drove in three runs, and Edward Olivares hit a two-run homer. Danny Duffy got through four innings before handing a lead to his bullpen. And the Kansas City relief corps held the Twins to one run on three hits over the final five innings, giving the Royals a 6-3 victory — their second straight on the heels of a nine-game skid.“We will not get tired of that. It does not get old, hearing the guys celebrate each other,” Matheny said. “We need to keep getting this group to talk about, ‘What can I do to help us win today?’ It's steps in the right direction.”Kyle Zimmer (4-0) was the first of five relievers who pitched an inning apiece, and Scott Barlow handled the ninth for his fourth save and second in as many games to set up the Royals for a shot at the series sweep.“To see how we've played the last two games, it's a good start,” Duffy said. “We need to continue down this path.”The Fourth of July weekend wasn't nearly as kind to Griffin Jax (1-1), the first draft pick ever from the Air Force Academy. In his first career start and fifth big league appearance, the right-handed Air Force captain allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings while striking out three.“He battled through that start,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “Got us through five, you know, gave us a chance. Kind of held it together enough to give us a chance to stay in the ballgame. We needed to tack on some more runs.”Trevor Larnach homered in the eighth for Minnesota, which is 0-5 on its six-game road trip. Josh Donaldson and Nelson Cruz also drove in runs.The Twins struck first for the second consecutive game when their first two batters reached in the fourth and Gilberto Celestino grounded to shortstop. The Royals tried to turn a double play, but second baseman Hanser Alberto's throw to first went wide for his second error in as many games, and Ryan Jeffers scored the first of two runs in the inning.The Royals wiped out all of Minnesota's work in the bottom half, though.Jax had set them down without a problem the first three innings, but the Royals tagged the current Air Force reserve officer with four runs in the fourth. The first two came on Dozier's double and the second two when Olivares hit the first pitch he saw into the left-field bullpen for his first homer of the year.The Royals pushed across a couple more runs in the fifth before Jax's day was finally done.“It's what we saw (Friday),” Baldelli said after watching another early lead slip away. “Coming up with adjectives to really get into what it feels like, it's hard to do. But we had to do more today in order to get this win. It wasn't just about any particular thing. I think we could have played better overall.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: OF Andrew Benintendi (fractured rib) has been taking light swings in batting practice and remains on schedule to return sometime after the All-Star break. Benintendi got hurt last month during a game in Oakland.Twins: Donaldson came up with a tight right hamstring rounding first on a double in the third inning. He slowed so much heading into second that he was nearly tagged out. Nick Gordon pinch ran and remained in the game.TRADE TIMEThe Royals traded Kelvin Gutierrez to the Orioles for cash. The 26-year-old infielder has struggled with injuries the past couple of years and was hitting .215 with a homer and eight RBIs before he was designated for assignment June 28. Gutierrez arrived in Kansas City in a 2018 trade with Washington.UP NEXTTwins RHP Kenta Maeda (3-3, 5.56 ERA) and Royals RHP Brad Keller (6-8, 6.67) take the mound in Sunday's series finale trying to rebound from lousy outings. Maeda gave up seven runs on eight hits and five walks Tuesday against the White Sox, while Keller allowed six runs on 10 hits and five walks the same night in Boston.

⚾ Olivares homers, Dozier has three-RBI day as Royals beat Twins

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Salvador Perez celebrated his selection for the All-Star Home Run Derby in the most appropriate way possible.

The Kansas City catcher swatted a pitch from Twins starter J.A. Happ that was nowhere near the strike zone into the right-field stands Friday night, his solo shot triggering a big comeback for the Royals. They tied the game later in the second inning, pulled ahead on Hanser Alberto's two-run shot in the third and went on to a 7-4 victory over Minnesota.

“That wasn't even close to a strike,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli marveled afterward. “That's not a pitch that's normally hit out, but that's not where the ball was intended, either.”

Perez's 20th homer of the season changed the entire complexion of the game for Kansas City.

Brady Singer had spotted the Twins a 3-0 lead in the first inning, and the young starter was pulled after three. But the Kansas City bullpen allowed one run and three hits the rest of the way. Richard Lovelady (1-0) got his first major league win with two scoreless innings, and Scott Barlow handled the ninth for his third save of the season.

“It's incredible,” Lovelady said. “It really is.”

So is ending a nine-game skid before a crowd of 31,824 fans, the largest of the season at Kauffman Stadium.

“That was as good a crowd as we've had,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We're down three and they were still into it. I think it plays into it. Nothing like coming home when you’ve been on a bad run and you give them something.”

J.A. Happ (4-4) took the loss for Minnesota. The 38-year-old left-hander gave up the homers to Perez and Alberto along with Carlos Santana's RBI single in the fifth before departing. Happ wound up allowing six runs — five earned — and nine hits in a disappointing follow-up to a solid start in Cleveland.

“We came out with some energy and got out early, obviously, hoping to keep that and hoping to add on and you know, just have a more comfortable game than it was,” Happ said, “but you know, it didn't happen for me.”

The Twins did manage to get a run back against Jake Brentz in the sixth. But they squandered a chance for more after they loaded the bases with nobody out. Luis Arraez grounded into a double play to score only one run, and Josh Donaldson struck out to leave a runner stranded on third base.

The Royals tacked on another run in the eighth while sending Minnesota to its fourth straight loss.

“When you do get some momentum going and then give it back, whether it be the beginning of the game or any time — it's big to put runs on the board and put up zeroes after that,” Baldelli said. “That's something that can really get everyone going and then you have something to build off and really create some separation, and we didn't do that.”

The Twins signed Joe Harvey and assigned him to Triple-A St. Paul. The right-hander had a 2.63 ERA in 15 games for Triple-A Albuquerque before Colorado designated him for assignment late last month. He made his big league debut in 2019 for the Yankees and pitched in four games for the Rockies last season.

Royals outfielder Bubba Starling was chosen Friday for the U.S. team for the Summer Olympics. The former first-round pick made his big league debut in 2019 and appeared in 35 games for Kansas City last season. He was hitting .271 with seven homers at Triple-A Omaha. The Olympic team is due in Cary, North Carolina, for workouts beginning next week.

The Twins have not announced their starter for Saturday's matinee. The Royals are going with left-hander Danny Duffy (4-3, 2.44 ERA), who is coming off a shaky performance in Boston in which he allowed three homers in a no-decision.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Salvador Perez celebrated his selection for the All-Star Home Run Derby in the most appropriate way possible.The Kansas City catcher swatted a pitch from Twins starter J.A. Happ that was nowhere near the strike zone into the right-field stands Friday night, his solo shot triggering a big comeback for the Royals. They tied the game later in the second inning, pulled ahead on Hanser Alberto's two-run shot in the third and went on to a 7-4 victory over Minnesota.“That wasn't even close to a strike,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli marveled afterward. “That's not a pitch that's normally hit out, but that's not where the ball was intended, either.”Perez's 20th homer of the season changed the entire complexion of the game for Kansas City.Brady Singer had spotted the Twins a 3-0 lead in the first inning, and the young starter was pulled after three. But the Kansas City bullpen allowed one run and three hits the rest of the way. Richard Lovelady (1-0) got his first major league win with two scoreless innings, and Scott Barlow handled the ninth for his third save of the season.“It's incredible,” Lovelady said. “It really is.”So is ending a nine-game skid before a crowd of 31,824 fans, the largest of the season at Kauffman Stadium.“That was as good a crowd as we've had,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We're down three and they were still into it. I think it plays into it. Nothing like coming home when you’ve been on a bad run and you give them something.”J.A. Happ (4-4) took the loss for Minnesota. The 38-year-old left-hander gave up the homers to Perez and Alberto along with Carlos Santana's RBI single in the fifth before departing. Happ wound up allowing six runs — five earned — and nine hits in a disappointing follow-up to a solid start in Cleveland.“We came out with some energy and got out early, obviously, hoping to keep that and hoping to add on and you know, just have a more comfortable game than it was,” Happ said, “but you know, it didn't happen for me.”The Twins did manage to get a run back against Jake Brentz in the sixth. But they squandered a chance for more after they loaded the bases with nobody out. Luis Arraez grounded into a double play to score only one run, and Josh Donaldson struck out to leave a runner stranded on third base.The Royals tacked on another run in the eighth while sending Minnesota to its fourth straight loss.“When you do get some momentum going and then give it back, whether it be the beginning of the game or any time — it's big to put runs on the board and put up zeroes after that,” Baldelli said. “That's something that can really get everyone going and then you have something to build off and really create some separation, and we didn't do that.”TWINS SIGNINGThe Twins signed Joe Harvey and assigned him to Triple-A St. Paul. The right-hander had a 2.63 ERA in 15 games for Triple-A Albuquerque before Colorado designated him for assignment late last month. He made his big league debut in 2019 for the Yankees and pitched in four games for the Rockies last season.HEADED FOR TOKYORoyals outfielder Bubba Starling was chosen Friday for the U.S. team for the Summer Olympics. The former first-round pick made his big league debut in 2019 and appeared in 35 games for Kansas City last season. He was hitting .271 with seven homers at Triple-A Omaha. The Olympic team is due in Cary, North Carolina, for workouts beginning next week.UP NEXTThe Twins have not announced their starter for Saturday's matinee. The Royals are going with left-hander Danny Duffy (4-3, 2.44 ERA), who is coming off a shaky performance in Boston in which he allowed three homers in a no-decision.

⚾ Perez, Alberto homer as Royals snap skid, 7-4 over Twins

The Hays High Indian girls soccer teams had a pair of players named to
the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State teams. 

Senior Maddie Robben and Junior Caroline Robben were both
named to the 5A All-State Honorable Mention team.

The Hays High Indian girls soccer teams had a pair of players named to
the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State teams. Senior Maddie Robben and Junior Caroline Robben were both
named to the 5A All-State Honorable Mention team.

⚽Hays lands two on All-State team

HAYS – The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion baseball team
improved to 4-0 at the Wild West Fest Tournament thanks to a couple of wins
Friday. The Eagles (13-4) knocked off Russell 11-1 then beat the Smith County
Raiders 4-2.

Blake Schmidt (3-0) allowed one earned run on six hits with
six strikeouts and two walks in the win over 5 2/3 innings against Smith
County. Schmidt was removed because of pitch count. Dalton Dale recorded the
final out for the save.

Brayden Dreher’s ground out to second scored Remington Cox
to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the second. After the Raiders tied the game
with a run in the top of the third, the Eagles answered with two in the bottom
of the inning on a Garrett Wellbrock RBI triple followed by an RBI double from
Dale. Dale’s single to right scored Wellbrock in the in the fourth to push the
lead to 4-1.

Smith County scored a run in the top of the sixth but the
game was called after the inning due to time limit.

The Eagles scored seven in the fourth in the run-rule win
over Russell to start the day. Garrett Wellbrock and Carson Spray both had two
hits and Ben Krannawitter and Brady Kreutzer both drove in two runs.

Dalton Dale picked up the complete game victory allowing one
unearned run on two hits with five strikeouts and no walks over four innings.

The Eagles will play Iola at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Larks
Park. The Indians advanced with an 8-1 win over TMP Friday.

The Hays Eagles Junior Legion went 1-1 Friday, defeating
Ottawa 4-3 then losing to Iola 10-2. They play the Kansas Senators at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday at Larks Park.

The 15U Eagles lost 6-5 to Smith County Friday. They play
Ottawa at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Hays High School.

TMP defeated the Kansas Senators 7-3 before their loss to
Iola. They await the winner of Saturday’s Ottawa/Hays Eagles 15U game at 11:00
a.m. Saturday at HHS.

HAYS – The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion baseball team
improved to 4-0 at the Wild West Fest Tournament thanks to a couple of wins
Friday. The Eagles (13-4) knocked off Russell 11-1 then beat the Smith County
Raiders 4-2.Blake Schmidt (3-0) allowed one earned run on six hits with
six strikeouts and two walks in the win over 5 2/3 innings against Smith
County. Schmidt was removed because of pitch count. Dalton Dale recorded the
final out for the save.Brayden Dreher’s ground out to second scored Remington Cox
to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the second. After the Raiders tied the game
with a run in the top of the third, the Eagles answered with two in the bottom
of the inning on a Garrett Wellbrock RBI triple followed by an RBI double from
Dale. Dale’s single to right scored Wellbrock in the in the fourth to push the
lead to 4-1.Smith County scored a run in the top of the sixth but the
game was called after the inning due to time limit.The Eagles scored seven in the fourth in the run-rule win
over Russell to start the day. Garrett Wellbrock and Carson Spray both had two
hits and Ben Krannawitter and Brady Kreutzer both drove in two runs.Dalton Dale picked up the complete game victory allowing one
unearned run on two hits with five strikeouts and no walks over four innings.The Eagles will play Iola at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Larks
Park. The Indians advanced with an 8-1 win over TMP Friday.The Hays Eagles Junior Legion went 1-1 Friday, defeating
Ottawa 4-3 then losing to Iola 10-2. They play the Kansas Senators at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday at Larks Park.The 15U Eagles lost 6-5 to Smith County Friday. They play
Ottawa at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Hays High School.TMP defeated the Kansas Senators 7-3 before their loss to
Iola. They await the winner of Saturday’s Ottawa/Hays Eagles 15U game at 11:00
a.m. Saturday at HHS.

⚾ Senior Legion unbeaten in Wild West Fest Tournament

<a href="https://www.ldisd.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&amp;DomainID=4&amp;ModuleInstanceID=613&amp;ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&amp;RenderLoc=0&amp;FlexDataID=15518&amp;PageID=1">Lake Dallas (Texas) Independent School District</a>

The Lake Dallas ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously approved Jason 
Young as the new head coach of the varsity Falcon football program, 
elevating the former defensive coordinator to lead the program to new 
success.

Coach Young has served on the Falcons’ coaching staff for the past 10
 years. In that time, he has assisted the program to UIL 5A Division II 
State Semifinal in 2015 the as well as additional playoff appearances in
 2018, 2017, 2014 and 2012. His oversight of the defensive unit extends 
across all football teams, from the middle school level to varsity 
football.

Under his guidance, Lake Dallas High School’s defense has contributed
 to two district championships. Outside of his football 
responsibilities, Coach Young has improved the district’s athletic 
program as a whole by implementing and leading the strength and 
conditioning program at both the middle school and high school level.

“It’s an honor to be named to this position, as I know and have 
experienced the strong history of the Falcon football team,” Coach Young
 said. “The Lake Dallas ISD community is second to none, and I know how 
much our school and this program means to this community. We’re going to
 work very hard to keep that pride in the Falcon program strong, from 
working with younger students in camps to providing ample programs for 
current student-athletes to continue to improve.”

In addition to his time at Lake Dallas High School, Coach Young 
brings experience from 10 years of coaching and teaching across the 
collegiate level. He worked with Division I student-athletes as a member
 of the Oklahoma State University coaching staff. At the high school 
level, he brings additional experience as a coach and teacher at Spring 
Westfield High School and Klein Oak High School.

Coach Young earned his master’s degree in exercise science from Fort 
Hays State University and his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the 
University of Texas at El Paso. He comes from a family of coaches, with 
his father, Tom Young, earning the second-most wins as a head coach in 
Kansas high school football history.

Before beginning his career in education and coaching, Coach Young 
played football at Butler Community College and the University of Texas 
at El Paso. He competed as a dual-sport student-athlete at the latter 
college, having also represented UTEP on the track and field team. In 
2000, he competed at the United States Olympic Track &amp; Field Team 
Trials in the javelin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625244197058.png" alt="Young / Lake Dallas ISD photo" />
 <figcaption>Young / Lake Dallas ISD photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ldisd.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&amp;DomainID=4&amp;ModuleInstanceID=613&amp;ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&amp;RenderLoc=0&amp;FlexDataID=15518&amp;PageID=1">Lake Dallas (Texas) Independent School District</a>The Lake Dallas ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously approved Jason 
Young as the new head coach of the varsity Falcon football program, 
elevating the former defensive coordinator to lead the program to new 
success.Coach Young has served on the Falcons’ coaching staff for the past 10
 years. In that time, he has assisted the program to UIL 5A Division II 
State Semifinal in 2015 the as well as additional playoff appearances in
 2018, 2017, 2014 and 2012. His oversight of the defensive unit extends 
across all football teams, from the middle school level to varsity 
football.Under his guidance, Lake Dallas High School’s defense has contributed
 to two district championships. Outside of his football 
responsibilities, Coach Young has improved the district’s athletic 
program as a whole by implementing and leading the strength and 
conditioning program at both the middle school and high school level.“It’s an honor to be named to this position, as I know and have 
experienced the strong history of the Falcon football team,” Coach Young
 said. “The Lake Dallas ISD community is second to none, and I know how 
much our school and this program means to this community. We’re going to
 work very hard to keep that pride in the Falcon program strong, from 
working with younger students in camps to providing ample programs for 
current student-athletes to continue to improve.”In addition to his time at Lake Dallas High School, Coach Young 
brings experience from 10 years of coaching and teaching across the 
collegiate level. He worked with Division I student-athletes as a member
 of the Oklahoma State University coaching staff. At the high school 
level, he brings additional experience as a coach and teacher at Spring 
Westfield High School and Klein Oak High School.Coach Young earned his master’s degree in exercise science from Fort 
Hays State University and his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the 
University of Texas at El Paso. He comes from a family of coaches, with 
his father, Tom Young, earning the second-most wins as a head coach in 
Kansas high school football history.Before beginning his career in education and coaching, Coach Young 
played football at Butler Community College and the University of Texas 
at El Paso. He competed as a dual-sport student-athlete at the latter 
college, having also represented UTEP on the track and field team. In 
2000, he competed at the United States Olympic Track &amp; Field Team 
Trials in the javelin.

Fort Hays State alum named head football coach at Texas school

The second day of the Wild West Fest baseball tournament
gets underway at 9 a.m. Friday in Hays.

Standings after day one: Iola – 2-0 Hays Eagles – 19U 2-0 Smith Center – 2-0 TMP – 1-1| Eagles – 15U 1-1 Russell – 1-1 17U Eagle – 0-2 Ottawa – 0-2 Colby – 0-2

9a.m. Ottawa 3, Hays Eagles 4 Hays Eagles 19 U 11, Russell 1

11 a.m. Smith Center v Hays Eagles 15U @ Larks Park Topeka v TMP @ Hays High

1 p.m. Iola v TBD @ Larks Park TBD v TBD @ Hays High

5 p.m. TBD v TBD @ Larks Park TBD v TBD @ Hays High

The second day of the Wild West Fest baseball tournament
gets underway at 9 a.m. Friday in Hays.Standings after day one: Iola – 2-0 Hays Eagles – 19U 2-0 Smith Center – 2-0 TMP – 1-1| Eagles – 15U 1-1 Russell – 1-1 17U Eagle – 0-2 Ottawa – 0-2 Colby – 0-2 9a.m. Ottawa 3, Hays Eagles 4 Hays Eagles 19 U 11, Russell 111 a.m. Smith Center v Hays Eagles 15U @ Larks Park Topeka v TMP @ Hays High1 p.m. Iola v TBD @ Larks Park TBD v TBD @ Hays High5 p.m. TBD v TBD @ Larks Park TBD v TBD @ Hays High

⚾Wild West Fest tournament day No. 2

HAYS – The Hays Eagles 19U American Legion team finished 2-0
on day one of the Wild West Fest tournament.

After the first games of the day were delayed an hour due to
the rain the 19U Eagles picked up a 4-1 win over Topeka in their first game of
the day.

Garrett Wellbrock turned in three shutout innings for the
win and was two-for-three with an RBI at the plate.

Hays scored a run in the first inning on a Carson Spray RBI
single. A second run, in the second inning came on a fielder’s choice and their
third run, in the fourth inning, came as a result of a dropped third strike.

Wellbrock followed that with an RBI single to put Hays up
4-0. Topeka’s lone run came on an error in the bottom of the seventh inning.

In the Eagles second game they scored in all but one inning
in a 10-6 win over Ottawa.

After Ottawa got a run in the top of the first Hays answered
with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Wellbrock drive in his first of
three runs in the game tying it at one.

Hays made it 2-1 on a run scored when Dalton Dale grounded
into a double play.

A bases loaded walk in the bottom of the second put Hays up
3-1.

Remington Cox singled in a run making it 4-1 in the bottom
of the third. Hays added a fifth run on a wild pitch.

Ottawa plated five runs in the top of the fourth inning
tying the game at five but Dale answered right back with an RBI double to put
Hays back up 6-5.

Wellbrock plated two more with a double in the bottom of the
sixth inning making it 8-5. An RBI single for Dale made it 9-5 Hays and then
the Eagles added another run on a dropped third strike for a 10-5 lead.

Wellbrock drove in three and Dale added two RBI’s in the
win.

Brady Kreutzer got the win in relief for Hays. 

Iola and Smith Center also finished 2-0 on day one.

TMP, the Eagles 15U and Russell were 1-1 and the 17U Eagles,
Ottawa and Colby finished 0-2. 

Day two has the 17U Eagles and Ottawa at 9 a.m. at Larks
Park. The 19U Eagles and Russell at Hays High.

HAYS – The Hays Eagles 19U American Legion team finished 2-0
on day one of the Wild West Fest tournament.After the first games of the day were delayed an hour due to
the rain the 19U Eagles picked up a 4-1 win over Topeka in their first game of
the day.Garrett Wellbrock turned in three shutout innings for the
win and was two-for-three with an RBI at the plate.Hays scored a run in the first inning on a Carson Spray RBI
single. A second run, in the second inning came on a fielder’s choice and their
third run, in the fourth inning, came as a result of a dropped third strike.Wellbrock followed that with an RBI single to put Hays up
4-0. Topeka’s lone run came on an error in the bottom of the seventh inning.In the Eagles second game they scored in all but one inning
in a 10-6 win over Ottawa.After Ottawa got a run in the top of the first Hays answered
with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Wellbrock drive in his first of
three runs in the game tying it at one.Hays made it 2-1 on a run scored when Dalton Dale grounded
into a double play.A bases loaded walk in the bottom of the second put Hays up
3-1.Remington Cox singled in a run making it 4-1 in the bottom
of the third. Hays added a fifth run on a wild pitch.Ottawa plated five runs in the top of the fourth inning
tying the game at five but Dale answered right back with an RBI double to put
Hays back up 6-5.Wellbrock plated two more with a double in the bottom of the
sixth inning making it 8-5. An RBI single for Dale made it 9-5 Hays and then
the Eagles added another run on a dropped third strike for a 10-5 lead.Wellbrock drove in three and Dale added two RBI’s in the
win.Brady Kreutzer got the win in relief for Hays. Iola and Smith Center also finished 2-0 on day one.TMP, the Eagles 15U and Russell were 1-1 and the 17U Eagles,
Ottawa and Colby finished 0-2. Day two has the 17U Eagles and Ottawa at 9 a.m. at Larks
Park. The 19U Eagles and Russell at Hays High.

⚾Hays Eagles 19U picks up two WWF wins

	Grant Lung has been a constant at second base for the Hays Larks. He has had different double-play partners due to injuries and matchups. Saturday night, Lung welcomed a new Larks shortstop.

	Cortland Lawson, a sophomore infielder for the Tennessee Volunteers, arrived in Hays on Friday night shortly after the squad was eliminated at the College World Series. Less than 24 hours later, he was in the starting lineup at Larks Park.

	“It has been hectic,” Lawson said. “I got here, didn’t know what to expect.”

	Lawson wasn’t expecting to have a big night at the plate against the Colorado Sox. He homered to left field in his first at-bat, hit another home run later in the game and finished with three hits and four RBI. While watching his long fly ball in his first at-bat, he saw the Sox left fielder jump for the ball at the wall. At first, Lwson was unsure if he hit it out.

	“I was looking out there to see if he had the ball,” Lawson said. “I saw the home plate umpire twirl his finger (to signal a home run). I said, ‘All right, how about that.’ ”

	Lung had an all right night at the plate, too. The left-handed hitting leadoff man doubled off the wall in his first at-bat to set the tone for the night, as Hays won 21-2 and pounded out 17 hits. Lung finished 5-for-5 with two home runs, two doubles, five runs scored and five RBI.

	“I just felt good at the dish, got some good pitches to hit,” Lung said. “I've had a couple five-hit games, but nothing like (Saturday) night. I don’t know if I’ve ever hit two home runs in a game, and had two doubles. That was probably my best game ever.”

	While running to second base on his double to start the game, Lung slipped rounding first. He got up in time to still safely make it to second, but still was the subject of some good-natured barbs.

	“I heard about it for an inning or two,” Lung said with a laugh. “I got a bunch of text messages and a couple phone calls about it. It was all in good fun.

	“The turf is a little slick, especially when it’s hot,” he added. “Sliding into second, it’s really slick.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625061075945.png" alt="Cortland Lawson, left, and Grant Lung / Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Cortland Lawson, left, and Grant Lung / Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted	Grant Lung has been a constant at second base for the Hays Larks. He has had different double-play partners due to injuries and matchups. Saturday night, Lung welcomed a new Larks shortstop.	Cortland Lawson, a sophomore infielder for the Tennessee Volunteers, arrived in Hays on Friday night shortly after the squad was eliminated at the College World Series. Less than 24 hours later, he was in the starting lineup at Larks Park.	“It has been hectic,” Lawson said. “I got here, didn’t know what to expect.”	Lawson wasn’t expecting to have a big night at the plate against the Colorado Sox. He homered to left field in his first at-bat, hit another home run later in the game and finished with three hits and four RBI. While watching his long fly ball in his first at-bat, he saw the Sox left fielder jump for the ball at the wall. At first, Lwson was unsure if he hit it out.	“I was looking out there to see if he had the ball,” Lawson said. “I saw the home plate umpire twirl his finger (to signal a home run). I said, ‘All right, how about that.’ ”	Lung had an all right night at the plate, too. The left-handed hitting leadoff man doubled off the wall in his first at-bat to set the tone for the night, as Hays won 21-2 and pounded out 17 hits. Lung finished 5-for-5 with two home runs, two doubles, five runs scored and five RBI.	“I just felt good at the dish, got some good pitches to hit,” Lung said. “I've had a couple five-hit games, but nothing like (Saturday) night. I don’t know if I’ve ever hit two home runs in a game, and had two doubles. That was probably my best game ever.”	While running to second base on his double to start the game, Lung slipped rounding first. He got up in time to still safely make it to second, but still was the subject of some good-natured barbs.	“I heard about it for an inning or two,” Lung said with a laugh. “I got a bunch of text messages and a couple phone calls about it. It was all in good fun.	“The turf is a little slick, especially when it’s hot,” he added. “Sliding into second, it’s really slick.”	Lung and Lawson turned in a slick double play in their first game together. New DP combo, but it’s still just baseball.	“It’s not as hard as some people might think,” Lung said. “You take some ground balls before the game, communicate there a little bit.”	Lawson found it easy to team up with Lung the first night out.	“He’s a good dude,” Lawson said. “It was a pretty easy transition.”	Veteran Larks manager Frank Leo was happy to see the big night at the plate for his team. Hays had a nine-run inning and a seven-run inning and in addition to Lung and Lawson’s hitting, catcher Sam Crowell belted a grand slam.	“Offense caught on fire, didn’t stop,” Leo said.	Leo wanted Lawson in Hays as soon as possible after the CWS because shortstop Matt Cavanagh went down with a hamstring injury in the team’s last game. Ironically, Cavanagh, in his first game as a Lark in 2019, also hit a homer and had four hits.	“That’s one of the reasons I pushed getting him here,” Leo said. “He can play all three positions. He’s going to give us some great infield depth.”	Lawson played shortstop again on Sunday and hit an RBI single and walked three times. On Monday against Junction City, Lawson filled in for Lung at second. He singled, tripled and walked.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623436169488.png" alt="Dreiling" />
 <figcaption>Dreiling</figcaption>
 </figure>	Lawson also is getting to know a future teammate at Tennessee in outfielder Dylan Dreiling, who will be a senior at Hays High next year. Dreiling has been getting some at-bats with the Larks, and Lawson has taken batting practice with him.	“He’s got a lot of potential,” Lawson said. “I think he can be a really good player for us.”	Lawson had heard about the good crowds at Larks Park before arriving in Hays, and saw the packed stands first-hand over the weekend.	“That was pretty awesome, makes the games better than they already are,” Lawson said. “Gives you a lot of energy.”	Lung, who joined the Larks for the postseason in 2019 and was with the team all of last summer, said Hays is a special place.	“It’s incredible. I enjoy it so much,” Lung said. “The fans are awesome.	“It’s completely different from a lot of summer teams,” he added. “I played on another summer team, and it was nothing like this. It’s some of the most fun I’ve had playing baseball.”

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