HAYS – The Hays High girl’s tennis team finished second at their
own invitational Thursday. Scott City won the team title with 28 points. HHS
scored 25 and Norton 23.

The Indians were led by Morgan Shorb who won No. 2 singles
and Caroline Robben and Sage Zweifel who won No. 2 doubles. Both Shorb as well
as Robben and Zweifel went 4-0 on the day.

Maggie Robben finished fourth in No. 1 singles and the No. 1
doubles team of Taylor Deines and McKena McBride finished in a three-way tie
for second but placed fourth.

TEAM STANDINGS 1. Scott City – 28 2. Hays – 25 3. Norton – 23 
4. Victoria – 22 
5. Goodland – 2 (3 points for #1 win, 2 points for #2 win)

HAYS – The Hays High girl’s tennis team finished second at their
own invitational Thursday. Scott City won the team title with 28 points. HHS
scored 25 and Norton 23.The Indians were led by Morgan Shorb who won No. 2 singles
and Caroline Robben and Sage Zweifel who won No. 2 doubles. Both Shorb as well
as Robben and Zweifel went 4-0 on the day.Maggie Robben finished fourth in No. 1 singles and the No. 1
doubles team of Taylor Deines and McKena McBride finished in a three-way tie
for second but placed fourth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599316396020.jpeg" alt="Morgan Shorb" />
 <figcaption>Morgan Shorb</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599316441336.jpeg" alt="Caroline Robben/Sage Zweifel" />
 <figcaption>Caroline Robben/Sage Zweifel</figcaption>
 </figure>TEAM STANDINGS 1. Scott City – 28 2. Hays – 25 3. Norton – 23 
4. Victoria – 22 
5. Goodland – 2 (3 points for #1 win, 2 points for #2 win)

🎾 HHS finishes second at own invite

GREAT BEND -&nbsp;The Hays High
cross country team opened their season Thursday afternoon in Great Bend. The girls finished fourth
and the boys were fifth. 

Both teams had one medalist. Sophomore Amelia Jaeger placed ninth for the girls with a time of 21:35. Leo Hernandez was 14th for the boys with
a time of 18:40.

BOYS RESULTS 1. Bishop Carroll - 41 2. Buhler - 47 3. Garden City - 81 4. Great Bend - 100 5. Hays - 130 6. McPherson - 137 7. Salina South -&nbsp; 183

HHS INDIVIDUAL VARSITY RESULTS Leo Hernandez - 14th - 18:40 Matthew Dempsey - 18th - 18:53 Elijah McCullough - 32nd - 19:31 Landon Viegra - 37th - 20:05 Ty Dempsey - 39th - 20:13 Damian Lang - 44th - 20:41

GIRLS RESULTS 1. Bishop Carroll - 30 2. Great Bend - 56 3. Buhler - 59 4. Hays - 93 5. Salina South - 115 6. Garden City - 139

HHS INDIVIDUAL VARSITY RESULTS Amelia Jeagar - 9th - 21:35 Brynn Kinderknecht - 18th - 22:41 Brenlynn Albers - 20th - 22:54 Landri Dotts - 23rd - 22:59 Claire Shippy - 26th - 23:19 Arely Maldonado - 31st - 23:41

GREAT BEND -&nbsp;The Hays High
cross country team opened their season Thursday afternoon in Great Bend. The girls finished fourth
and the boys were fifth. Both teams had one medalist. Sophomore Amelia Jaeger placed ninth for the girls with a time of 21:35. Leo Hernandez was 14th for the boys with
a time of 18:40.BOYS RESULTS 1. Bishop Carroll - 41 2. Buhler - 47 3. Garden City - 81 4. Great Bend - 100 5. Hays - 130 6. McPherson - 137 7. Salina South -&nbsp; 183HHS INDIVIDUAL VARSITY RESULTS Leo Hernandez - 14th - 18:40 Matthew Dempsey - 18th - 18:53 Elijah McCullough - 32nd - 19:31 Landon Viegra - 37th - 20:05 Ty Dempsey - 39th - 20:13 Damian Lang - 44th - 20:41GIRLS RESULTS 1. Bishop Carroll - 30 2. Great Bend - 56 3. Buhler - 59 4. Hays - 93 5. Salina South - 115 6. Garden City - 139HHS INDIVIDUAL VARSITY RESULTS Amelia Jeagar - 9th - 21:35 Brynn Kinderknecht - 18th - 22:41 Brenlynn Albers - 20th - 22:54 Landri Dotts - 23rd - 22:59 Claire Shippy - 26th - 23:19 Arely Maldonado - 31st - 23:41

🏃‍♂️ HHS opens season in Great Bend

The Hays High football team opens the 2020 season on the road in Goddard as they take on the Eisenhower Tigers.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the pregame show at 6:30 p.m.

You can also listen to the game on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>.

The Hays High football team opens the 2020 season on the road in Goddard as they take on the Eisenhower Tigers.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the pregame show at 6:30 p.m.<div><iframe width="750" height="672" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SCjE0BJioqM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>You can also listen to the game on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>.

🏈 WATCH Hays High at Goddard-Eisenhower

This week, we visit with FHSU Hall of Fame quarterback Robert Long who played from 1982-85. 

The Macon, Mo., product still ranks second in career pass attempts and is third in career passing yards and completions and is tied for third in career passing touchdowns — records that stood for over 25 years.

His 458 pass attempts in the 1985 season still tops the record books as the most in a single-season in FHSU history and his 63 pass attempts vs. Pittsburg State during the 1983 season is still the most by a Tiger in a single game as is his 465 passing yards vs. then Kearney State in 1985.

This week, we visit with FHSU Hall of Fame quarterback Robert Long who played from 1982-85. The Macon, Mo., product still ranks second in career pass attempts and is third in career passing yards and completions and is tied for third in career passing touchdowns — records that stood for over 25 years.His 458 pass attempts in the 1985 season still tops the record books as the most in a single-season in FHSU history and his 63 pass attempts vs. Pittsburg State during the 1983 season is still the most by a Tiger in a single game as is his 465 passing yards vs. then Kearney State in 1985.<div><iframe title="Robert Long" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/xx272-ea0a2a?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=7&pfauth="></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Robert Long

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston McKenzie tossed six innings of three-hit ball to celebrate his 23rd birthday, Tyler Naquin hit a pair of homers for the only runs of the game, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Wednesday night.

McKenzie (2-0) needed just 81 pitches thanks to six strikeouts, no walks and some slick defense behind him. His bullpen went the rest of the way, holding the Royals without a hit over the final three innings.

“I mean, the nerves are definitely still there beforehand. I don’t think that’s ever going to go away,” McKenzie said, “but I’m going out there and feeling more comfortable in terms of treating it like a learning experience.”

Naquin’s first homer was a two-run shot off Jakob Junis (0-1) in the second inning. Naquin then provided his relievers with some much-needed breathing room by adding a three-run homer off Scott Barlow in the ninth.

“He was unbelievable. His swing is the best I’ve seen it,” Indians interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr. said. “He did the work this offseason. He kind of restructured his swing a little bit — he’s been more efficient with his swing. Pretty good.”

The result was the fifth consecutive loss in a series-deciding game for the Royals, and their 10th straight defeat in rubber games involving Cleveland. In fact, Kansas City has won just three of its last 35 games to decide a series.

“A couple balls we did hit hard just seemed to be at people,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Just couldn’t put the hits together.”

McKenzie had a lot to do with it Wednesday night. The youngster, who missed all of last season with injuries, retired the first 10 batters he faced. And when he ran into the slightest bit of trouble, his defense was there to help.

The first time came when Hunter Dozier hit an infield single to deep shortstop; he was wiped out by an inning-ending double play. The next came when the Royals put runners on second and third with one out in the fifth, and Carlos Santana snared a sharp grounder by Adalberto Mondesi, stepped on first and then doubled Ryan McBroom off third.

And when McKenzie whiffed on a grounder in the sixth, Francisco Lindor was there to field it and throw the runner out.

“I just wanted Frankie to make the play,” McKenzie said with a grin.

Junis was nearly as good with the exception of a couple of base hits and the big mistake to Naquin. The right-hander set down the Indians in order in the first and third, and he was cruising along in the fourth when Josh Naylor’s line drive hit Junis in the right arm between the biceps and triceps — he recovered to throw out Naylor and end the inning.

Junis was removed before the start of the fifth for precautionary reasons.

“He was really on track right there, in my mind,” Matheny said. “He’s getting good, quick outs and was on a nice little roll there. He probably had two more innings of keeping us in the ballgame. Just a bad break there.”

A single by Franmil Reyes in the first inning was his eighth consecutive hit, the longest streak by an Indians player since Julio Franco also had eight hits in a row in June 1988. Reyes’ streak ended with a fly out to right field in the fourth.

Indians RHP Shane Bieber was voted American League pitcher of the month for August after piling up 57 strikeouts with a 1.63 ERA over six starts. He had at least 10 strikeouts in five of those outings, and the 2019 All-Star Game MVP now leads the AL in ERA (1.20), wins (six) and strikeouts (84).

Indians: C Roberto Perez started behind the plate and struck out in the second inning before departing with what the club called shoulder fatigue. Sandy Leon finished the game in his place. “They did all tests with him,” Alomar said. “It feels like his arm is just dead in some area, but he’s day to day.”

Royals: DH Jorge Soler left with tenderness in his right oblique and tightness in his back. Ryan O’Hearn struck out batting for him in the seventh. “It’s something that he’s kind of had before, actually early in the season,” Matheny said. “He kind of knows how to monitor but it was getting to the point we needed the trainers to look at him.”

Royals LHP Danny Duffy (2-2, 4.11 ERA) makes his second straight start against the White Sox on Thursday night when the clubs open a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium. The Indians have a day off before starting a three-game series against Milwaukee on Friday night in Cleveland.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston McKenzie tossed six innings of three-hit ball to celebrate his 23rd birthday, Tyler Naquin hit a pair of homers for the only runs of the game, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Wednesday night.McKenzie (2-0) needed just 81 pitches thanks to six strikeouts, no walks and some slick defense behind him. His bullpen went the rest of the way, holding the Royals without a hit over the final three innings.“I mean, the nerves are definitely still there beforehand. I don’t think that’s ever going to go away,” McKenzie said, “but I’m going out there and feeling more comfortable in terms of treating it like a learning experience.”Naquin’s first homer was a two-run shot off Jakob Junis (0-1) in the second inning. Naquin then provided his relievers with some much-needed breathing room by adding a three-run homer off Scott Barlow in the ninth.“He was unbelievable. His swing is the best I’ve seen it,” Indians interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr. said. “He did the work this offseason. He kind of restructured his swing a little bit — he’s been more efficient with his swing. Pretty good.”The result was the fifth consecutive loss in a series-deciding game for the Royals, and their 10th straight defeat in rubber games involving Cleveland. In fact, Kansas City has won just three of its last 35 games to decide a series.“A couple balls we did hit hard just seemed to be at people,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Just couldn’t put the hits together.”McKenzie had a lot to do with it Wednesday night. The youngster, who missed all of last season with injuries, retired the first 10 batters he faced. And when he ran into the slightest bit of trouble, his defense was there to help.The first time came when Hunter Dozier hit an infield single to deep shortstop; he was wiped out by an inning-ending double play. The next came when the Royals put runners on second and third with one out in the fifth, and Carlos Santana snared a sharp grounder by Adalberto Mondesi, stepped on first and then doubled Ryan McBroom off third.And when McKenzie whiffed on a grounder in the sixth, Francisco Lindor was there to field it and throw the runner out.“I just wanted Frankie to make the play,” McKenzie said with a grin.Junis was nearly as good with the exception of a couple of base hits and the big mistake to Naquin. The right-hander set down the Indians in order in the first and third, and he was cruising along in the fourth when Josh Naylor’s line drive hit Junis in the right arm between the biceps and triceps — he recovered to throw out Naylor and end the inning.Junis was removed before the start of the fifth for precautionary reasons.“He was really on track right there, in my mind,” Matheny said. “He’s getting good, quick outs and was on a nice little roll there. He probably had two more innings of keeping us in the ballgame. Just a bad break there.”STREAK STOPPEDA single by Franmil Reyes in the first inning was his eighth consecutive hit, the longest streak by an Indians player since Julio Franco also had eight hits in a row in June 1988. Reyes’ streak ended with a fly out to right field in the fourth.HARDWARE TIMEIndians RHP Shane Bieber was voted American League pitcher of the month for August after piling up 57 strikeouts with a 1.63 ERA over six starts. He had at least 10 strikeouts in five of those outings, and the 2019 All-Star Game MVP now leads the AL in ERA (1.20), wins (six) and strikeouts (84).TRAINER’S ROOMIndians: C Roberto Perez started behind the plate and struck out in the second inning before departing with what the club called shoulder fatigue. Sandy Leon finished the game in his place. “They did all tests with him,” Alomar said. “It feels like his arm is just dead in some area, but he’s day to day.”Royals: DH Jorge Soler left with tenderness in his right oblique and tightness in his back. Ryan O’Hearn struck out batting for him in the seventh. “It’s something that he’s kind of had before, actually early in the season,” Matheny said. “He kind of knows how to monitor but it was getting to the point we needed the trainers to look at him.”UP NEXTRoyals LHP Danny Duffy (2-2, 4.11 ERA) makes his second straight start against the White Sox on Thursday night when the clubs open a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium. The Indians have a day off before starting a three-game series against Milwaukee on Friday night in Cleveland.

⚾ McKenzie, Naquin propel Indians to win over Royals

Sports sponsorship requirements waived for 2020-21; team equivalency limits addressed

All Division II fall sport student-athletes can play up to their sport’s maximum permissible amount of competition and receive both an additional year of eligibility and a season of competition through a waiver the Division II Administrative Committee approved Wednesday.

The committee also waived the Division II sports sponsorship and three-season requirement for schools and conferences for the 2020-21 academic year, citing the financial, scheduling and roster management challenges they are facing. This action&nbsp;does not&nbsp;impact the current&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/resources/d2/D2CH_SponsorshipMaximumandMinimumContestRequirements.pdf">contest and participant minimums for NCAA championship</a>&nbsp;eligibility, however.

The waiver the Administrative Committee passed is similar to a pair of waivers it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/dii-approves-season-competition-eligibility-relief-2020-21">approved July 22</a>, which granted all student-athletes additional eligibility and season-of-competition opportunities if their team completes 50% or less of the sport’s Bylaw 17 maximum contests/dates of competition. The first waiver still applies for winter and spring sports. Fall sport athletes, through the waiver approved Wednesday, are now permitted to play up to their sport’s maximum permissible competition limit and retain the same eligibility opportunities the previous waiver offered. This includes an extension of eligibility.

As part of their rationale for the additional waiver, committee members emphasized that fall sport athletes will not have the opportunity to compete for NCAA championships this academic year. Members also pointed out that any amount of competition fall sport athletes are offered in the spring will look much different than in previous years.

Additionally, the Administrative Committee provided flexibility for team equivalency limits for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years.

For the upcoming spring 2021 term, schools can exempt athletics aid given to fall sport student-athletes who would have exhausted their eligibility in the fall 2020 term and who qualify for the eligibility extension waiver.

For the 2021-22 academic year, schools can exempt athletics aid given to all student-athletes who would have exhausted their eligibility or season-of-competition limit during this academic year. This relief applies only to student-athletes who remain at their current schools. Transfers who would have exhausted their eligibility or season-of-competition limits this academic year and receive athletics aid in 2021-22 will count toward team equivalency limits.

The committee’s decision to permit schools to exempt athletics aid from team equivalency limits for the spring 2021 term and the 2021-22 academic year aligned with its commitment to provide flexibility for schools and opportunities for student-athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Committee members said this waiver is a proactive measure to help schools navigate future budget and roster challenges. Members said while not all schools will be able to use this permissive waiver for financial reasons and not all student-athletes who can take advantage of it will choose to do so, it was important to allow these opportunities for student-athletes when possible.

The Administrative Committee is composed of the chairs and vice chairs of the Division II Presidents Council and Management Council and one additional member of the Presidents Council. The committee is tasked with handling important Division II business in between quarterly meetings of the Presidents Council.

By&nbsp;Corbin McGuire | NCAA<h2>Sports sponsorship requirements waived for 2020-21; team equivalency limits addressed</h2>All Division II fall sport student-athletes can play up to their sport’s maximum permissible amount of competition and receive both an additional year of eligibility and a season of competition through a waiver the Division II Administrative Committee approved Wednesday.The committee also waived the Division II sports sponsorship and three-season requirement for schools and conferences for the 2020-21 academic year, citing the financial, scheduling and roster management challenges they are facing. This action&nbsp;does not&nbsp;impact the current&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/resources/d2/D2CH_SponsorshipMaximumandMinimumContestRequirements.pdf">contest and participant minimums for NCAA championship</a>&nbsp;eligibility, however.The waiver the Administrative Committee passed is similar to a pair of waivers it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/dii-approves-season-competition-eligibility-relief-2020-21">approved July 22</a>, which granted all student-athletes additional eligibility and season-of-competition opportunities if their team completes 50% or less of the sport’s Bylaw 17 maximum contests/dates of competition. The first waiver still applies for winter and spring sports. Fall sport athletes, through the waiver approved Wednesday, are now permitted to play up to their sport’s maximum permissible competition limit and retain the same eligibility opportunities the previous waiver offered. This includes an extension of eligibility.As part of their rationale for the additional waiver, committee members emphasized that fall sport athletes will not have the opportunity to compete for NCAA championships this academic year. Members also pointed out that any amount of competition fall sport athletes are offered in the spring will look much different than in previous years.Additionally, the Administrative Committee provided flexibility for team equivalency limits for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years.For the upcoming spring 2021 term, schools can exempt athletics aid given to fall sport student-athletes who would have exhausted their eligibility in the fall 2020 term and who qualify for the eligibility extension waiver.For the 2021-22 academic year, schools can exempt athletics aid given to all student-athletes who would have exhausted their eligibility or season-of-competition limit during this academic year. This relief applies only to student-athletes who remain at their current schools. Transfers who would have exhausted their eligibility or season-of-competition limits this academic year and receive athletics aid in 2021-22 will count toward team equivalency limits.The committee’s decision to permit schools to exempt athletics aid from team equivalency limits for the spring 2021 term and the 2021-22 academic year aligned with its commitment to provide flexibility for schools and opportunities for student-athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic.Committee members said this waiver is a proactive measure to help schools navigate future budget and roster challenges. Members said while not all schools will be able to use this permissive waiver for financial reasons and not all student-athletes who can take advantage of it will choose to do so, it was important to allow these opportunities for student-athletes when possible.The Administrative Committee is composed of the chairs and vice chairs of the Division II Presidents Council and Management Council and one additional member of the Presidents Council. The committee is tasked with handling important Division II business in between quarterly meetings of the Presidents Council.

DII grants all fall athletes further season-of-competition relief

HAYS - The Hays High boys soccer team dropped their season and home opener Tuesday, losing 2-1 to Garden City.

The team's seniors were honored before the match

HAYS - The Hays High boys soccer team dropped their season and home opener Tuesday, losing 2-1 to Garden City.The Indians trialed 2-0 at halftime.The team's seniors were honored before the match

⚽ HHS drops season opener

HAYS - Fresh off their win at the Hays High Maroon and Gold Invitational, the fourth-ranked TMP-Marian volleyball team was back in action Tuesday hosting Oakley and Hill City at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

The Monarchs won both matches, defeating Oakley 25-9, 25-13 then Hill City 25-22, 25-18.

The Monarchs are now 7-0 on the season. They play at a quad in Abilene Thursday.

HAYS - Fresh off their win at the Hays High Maroon and Gold Invitational, the fourth-ranked TMP-Marian volleyball team was back in action Tuesday hosting Oakley and Hill City at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.The Monarchs won both matches, defeating Oakley 25-9, 25-13 then Hill City 25-22, 25-18.The Monarchs are now 7-0 on the season. They play at a quad in Abilene Thursday.

🏐 TMP-Marian wins twice in home opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zach Plesac returned to the Indians with six solid innings after being punished for breaking coronavirus protocols, and Cleveland beat the Kansas City Royals 10-1 Tuesday night.

The right-handed Plesac (2-1) allowed a run and four hits, striking out six and walking none. The 25-year-old has a 1.33 ERA in three starts this season.

Plesac hadn’t pitched since Aug. 8 after being caught breaking curfew with rotation-mate Mike Clevinger. Plesac and Clevinger were placed on the restricted list and later demoted to the alternate site as punishment. Clevinger returned and made one start last week before being traded to San Diego on Monday, opening a spot for Plesac.

“I definitely had butterflies,” Plesac said. “I wanted to come in and give these guys a chance to win.

“This group of guys are special. There has been a lot of learning for myself and my teammates. I think it’s something we can look forward and know that we have each other’s backs.”

Plesac also apologized for a video he posted to social media days after being sent home from the team, in which he complained about his public portrayal and claimed his night out with eight friends wasn’t irresponsible. He filmed the video driving a car and not wearing a seatbelt.

“I don’t think my words came out as clear as I would have liked them to,” Plesac said.

Francisco Lindor and Franmil Reyes homered in the first and Roberto Perez homered in the second, all off Kansas City starter Matt Harvey. Reyes, who had never had a four-hit game, went 5 for 5 with two doubles and a homer.

“I’m seeing the ball well,” Reyes said. “I decided to not guess up there. Hopefully I recognize the pitch early.”

He did acknowledge that he was thinking about the cycle in his last two at-bats with a homer, single and double.

“Right before the inning started I went to stretch my legs,” he said, “just in case.”

Harvey (0-2) had failed to get out of the third in his first two starts with the club, but this was his shortest outing yet. He gave up five runs and six hits in 1 1/3 innings, with all the runs coming on home runs.

“They were taking pretty good swings today,” was all Kansas City manager Mike Matheny would say about the Indians’ offensive attack.

Cleveland’s Cesar Hernandez led off the first inning with an infield single, and with one out, Lindor ripped one just inside the foul pole for a two-run home run. One out later, Reyes launched a shot to right center for a 3-0 lead.

Perez extended Harvey’s trouble with a two-run home run into the right field bullpen. After allowing another hit and a walk, Harvey was done for the night.

Plesac continued to cruise. He retired 12 straight and faced one over the minimum through four innings.

The Indians added a run in the sixth. Delino DeShields reached on a single and went to second on a wild pitch. Jose Ramirez hit a sharp single off the glove of first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, and DeShields scored.

The Royals finally got a run off Plesac in the sixth when Hunter Dozier lined a home run into the bullpen in right field.

Cleveland got three more runs in the seventh, and one in the eighth on Ramirez’s eighth home run.

Royals SS Adalberto Mondesi was not in the starting lineup for the first time this season, but it’s for a “mental break,” according to manager Mike Matheny. “You give a guy a day off without him feeling like he’s been grounded.” Mondesi has the lowest OPS in Major League Baseball among players who qualify at .451.

The Indians will send RHP Triston McKenzie (1-0, 2.70 ERA) to the mound in the series finale. McKenzie had a spectacular debut, striking out 10, but struggled a bit in his second start. He gave up two runs on three hits in four innings against St. Louis.

Jakob Junis (0-0, 4.26) will get the start for the Royals. Junis gave up two runs on four hits over 3 2/3 innings in his last start in St. Louis. He struck out six.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zach Plesac returned to the Indians with six solid innings after being punished for breaking coronavirus protocols, and Cleveland beat the Kansas City Royals 10-1 Tuesday night.The right-handed Plesac (2-1) allowed a run and four hits, striking out six and walking none. The 25-year-old has a 1.33 ERA in three starts this season.Plesac hadn’t pitched since Aug. 8 after being caught breaking curfew with rotation-mate Mike Clevinger. Plesac and Clevinger were placed on the restricted list and later demoted to the alternate site as punishment. Clevinger returned and made one start last week before being traded to San Diego on Monday, opening a spot for Plesac.“I definitely had butterflies,” Plesac said. “I wanted to come in and give these guys a chance to win.“This group of guys are special. There has been a lot of learning for myself and my teammates. I think it’s something we can look forward and know that we have each other’s backs.”Plesac also apologized for a video he posted to social media days after being sent home from the team, in which he complained about his public portrayal and claimed his night out with eight friends wasn’t irresponsible. He filmed the video driving a car and not wearing a seatbelt.“I don’t think my words came out as clear as I would have liked them to,” Plesac said.Francisco Lindor and Franmil Reyes homered in the first and Roberto Perez homered in the second, all off Kansas City starter Matt Harvey. Reyes, who had never had a four-hit game, went 5 for 5 with two doubles and a homer.“I’m seeing the ball well,” Reyes said. “I decided to not guess up there. Hopefully I recognize the pitch early.”He did acknowledge that he was thinking about the cycle in his last two at-bats with a homer, single and double.“Right before the inning started I went to stretch my legs,” he said, “just in case.”Harvey (0-2) had failed to get out of the third in his first two starts with the club, but this was his shortest outing yet. He gave up five runs and six hits in 1 1/3 innings, with all the runs coming on home runs.“They were taking pretty good swings today,” was all Kansas City manager Mike Matheny would say about the Indians’ offensive attack.Cleveland’s Cesar Hernandez led off the first inning with an infield single, and with one out, Lindor ripped one just inside the foul pole for a two-run home run. One out later, Reyes launched a shot to right center for a 3-0 lead.Perez extended Harvey’s trouble with a two-run home run into the right field bullpen. After allowing another hit and a walk, Harvey was done for the night.Plesac continued to cruise. He retired 12 straight and faced one over the minimum through four innings.The Indians added a run in the sixth. Delino DeShields reached on a single and went to second on a wild pitch. Jose Ramirez hit a sharp single off the glove of first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, and DeShields scored.The Royals finally got a run off Plesac in the sixth when Hunter Dozier lined a home run into the bullpen in right field.Cleveland got three more runs in the seventh, and one in the eighth on Ramirez’s eighth home run.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals SS Adalberto Mondesi was not in the starting lineup for the first time this season, but it’s for a “mental break,” according to manager Mike Matheny. “You give a guy a day off without him feeling like he’s been grounded.” Mondesi has the lowest OPS in Major League Baseball among players who qualify at .451.UP NEXTThe Indians will send RHP Triston McKenzie (1-0, 2.70 ERA) to the mound in the series finale. McKenzie had a spectacular debut, striking out 10, but struggled a bit in his second start. He gave up two runs on three hits in four innings against St. Louis.Jakob Junis (0-0, 4.26) will get the start for the Royals. Junis gave up two runs on four hits over 3 2/3 innings in his last start in St. Louis. He struck out six.

Indians’ Plesac returns with 6 solid innings vs Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Reports began to filter out late Monday that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid had agreed to six-year contract extensions that would tie them to Kansas City through the 2025 season.

In typical fashion, Reid downplayed the talks Tuesday — he alluded to the fact that nothing had been signed, even if an agreement had been reached.

But he did acknowledge the importance of continuity on the roster, among his coaching staff and within the front office as the Chiefs seek to turn their Super Bowl title last year into the makings of a dynasty.

“There’s nothing done with the contract right this minute,” Reid said, “but I mean, if it happens that way, I’d love it. I love Kansas City and the people. Our fans are phenomenal. Ownership is phenomenal. Clark (Hunt) does it the right way.

“We’re all willing to work,” Reid continued before heading out to practice. “That’s what I don’t want to get lost in that talk, that people are willing to work here, and that’s so important to the organization. If you’re going to be a good organization for more than one year, you have to keep putting it in each year.”

Reid bounced around early in his career as he worked up the rungs of the coaching ladder. But beginning with his work under Mike Holmgren in Green Bay in 1992, he has become known for his loyalty. He remained with the Packers until 1998, when he took over the head job in Philadelphia, and remained with the Eagles through the 2012 season.

He’s been in Kansas City ever since, leading the Chiefs to four consecutive AFC West titles and back-to-back conference championship games. And he finally won his long-sought championship this past February, leading the Chiefs to a second-half comeback against the San Francisco 49ers to deliver Kansas City its first title in 50 years.

Veach has been there every step of the way, starting off in the personnel department and eventually replacing John Dorsey as the GM, choosing whom to draft, whom to sign and whom to let go as he rebuilt the roster in his image.

Reid and Veach aren’t the only ones settling into the prospect of long-term stays in Kansas City. The Chiefs have doled out what could amount to more than $600 million in extensions that tie quarterback Patrick Mahomes to the franchise for about a decade, and tied up tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones for the foreseeable future.

“Continuity with players and coaches is great. I mean, that’s great,” Reid said. “But the bottom line is everybody has to work. All the contracts, all the money aside from whomever — it doesn’t matter, players or coaches. It’s how you handle yourself in the sport. And how you attack it. That’s where our primary focus has been throughout this.”

The proof that it works is in the hardware.

In a typical year, the Super Bowl champions would dole out their rings in June. But with the coronavirus pandemic preventing any in-person work, the Chiefs have been forced to push that back into September. But a member of the Hunt Sports Group hinted over the weekend that those diamond-encrusted rings could be arriving this week.

In the case of Reid, it will join the Super Bowl ring that he won as an assistant with the Packers.

“You wear it for special occasions, or if you want a free cheeseburger, you point right there and show them the ring and you might get one,” he said. “I had a sneak peek at one and I know what it looks like on paper, but I look forward to seeing it like we all look forward to seeing it. We’re all looking forward to this event.”

NOTES: The Chiefs are finally getting healthy as they point toward their Sept. 10 opener against Houston. The only players missing practice Tuesday were OLs Kelechi Osemele (stiff neck) and Martinas Rankin (knee). ... The Chiefs approached the afternoon workout like a typical Thursday in the season. The reason is that they will be playing on Thursday night, giving them a short week next week.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Reports began to filter out late Monday that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid had agreed to six-year contract extensions that would tie them to Kansas City through the 2025 season.In typical fashion, Reid downplayed the talks Tuesday — he alluded to the fact that nothing had been signed, even if an agreement had been reached.But he did acknowledge the importance of continuity on the roster, among his coaching staff and within the front office as the Chiefs seek to turn their Super Bowl title last year into the makings of a dynasty.“There’s nothing done with the contract right this minute,” Reid said, “but I mean, if it happens that way, I’d love it. I love Kansas City and the people. Our fans are phenomenal. Ownership is phenomenal. Clark (Hunt) does it the right way.“We’re all willing to work,” Reid continued before heading out to practice. “That’s what I don’t want to get lost in that talk, that people are willing to work here, and that’s so important to the organization. If you’re going to be a good organization for more than one year, you have to keep putting it in each year.”Reid bounced around early in his career as he worked up the rungs of the coaching ladder. But beginning with his work under Mike Holmgren in Green Bay in 1992, he has become known for his loyalty. He remained with the Packers until 1998, when he took over the head job in Philadelphia, and remained with the Eagles through the 2012 season.He’s been in Kansas City ever since, leading the Chiefs to four consecutive AFC West titles and back-to-back conference championship games. And he finally won his long-sought championship this past February, leading the Chiefs to a second-half comeback against the San Francisco 49ers to deliver Kansas City its first title in 50 years.Veach has been there every step of the way, starting off in the personnel department and eventually replacing John Dorsey as the GM, choosing whom to draft, whom to sign and whom to let go as he rebuilt the roster in his image.Reid and Veach aren’t the only ones settling into the prospect of long-term stays in Kansas City. The Chiefs have doled out what could amount to more than $600 million in extensions that tie quarterback Patrick Mahomes to the franchise for about a decade, and tied up tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones for the foreseeable future.“Continuity with players and coaches is great. I mean, that’s great,” Reid said. “But the bottom line is everybody has to work. All the contracts, all the money aside from whomever — it doesn’t matter, players or coaches. It’s how you handle yourself in the sport. And how you attack it. That’s where our primary focus has been throughout this.”The proof that it works is in the hardware.In a typical year, the Super Bowl champions would dole out their rings in June. But with the coronavirus pandemic preventing any in-person work, the Chiefs have been forced to push that back into September. But a member of the Hunt Sports Group hinted over the weekend that those diamond-encrusted rings could be arriving this week.In the case of Reid, it will join the Super Bowl ring that he won as an assistant with the Packers.“You wear it for special occasions, or if you want a free cheeseburger, you point right there and show them the ring and you might get one,” he said. “I had a sneak peek at one and I know what it looks like on paper, but I look forward to seeing it like we all look forward to seeing it. We’re all looking forward to this event.”NOTES: The Chiefs are finally getting healthy as they point toward their Sept. 10 opener against Houston. The only players missing practice Tuesday were OLs Kelechi Osemele (stiff neck) and Martinas Rankin (knee). ... The Chiefs approached the afternoon workout like a typical Thursday in the season. The reason is that they will be playing on Thursday night, giving them a short week next week.

Chiefs’ Reid downplays contract extension through ’25

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State football will open the season with a pair of daytime kicks as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced game times and television designations for the first weekend of action and select games throughout the season. The Wildcats' September 12 home opener against Arkansas State is slated for a 2:30 p.m., kickoff on FS1. Following a bye week, K-State travels to Norman, Oklahoma, for an 11 a.m., contest that will be shown on FOX. Fans attending K-State's season opener against the Red Wolves next Saturday are reminded of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2020/8/17/k-state-approved-for-reduced-capacity-during-2020-football-season.aspx">new guidelines that will be in place for the 2020 season</a>, which includes mandatory face coverings, no tailgating, no re-entry, alcohols sales for purchase in the general seating sections and additional safety measures. Beginning with K-State's home game against Texas Tech on October 3, game times and television selections will be announced on a 12- or six-day basis for the remainder of the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State football will open the season with a pair of daytime kicks as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced game times and television designations for the first weekend of action and select games throughout the season. The Wildcats' September 12 home opener against Arkansas State is slated for a 2:30 p.m., kickoff on FS1. Following a bye week, K-State travels to Norman, Oklahoma, for an 11 a.m., contest that will be shown on FOX. Fans attending K-State's season opener against the Red Wolves next Saturday are reminded of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2020/8/17/k-state-approved-for-reduced-capacity-during-2020-football-season.aspx">new guidelines that will be in place for the 2020 season</a>, which includes mandatory face coverings, no tailgating, no re-entry, alcohols sales for purchase in the general seating sections and additional safety measures. Beginning with K-State's home game against Texas Tech on October 3, game times and television selections will be announced on a 12- or six-day basis for the remainder of the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics

🏈 Game times, TV announced for first two K-State games

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks football season-opener against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Saturday, Sept. 12 will air in front of a national TV audience on Fox Sports 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. CT at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman will be calling the Week 1 matchup.

“While we are not able to have fans in attendance for this game due to the pandemic, the next highest priority was getting our student-athletes on national television,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “We have players from all across the country on our football team and playing on FS1 in the 9 p.m. time slot will provide their families and KU football fans the opportunity to watch. While it may be a later kickoff than we are accustomed to, Coach Miles and the team are excited to play in front of a national audience to start the season.”

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks football season-opener against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Saturday, Sept. 12 will air in front of a national TV audience on Fox Sports 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. CT at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman will be calling the Week 1 matchup.“While we are not able to have fans in attendance for this game due to the pandemic, the next highest priority was getting our student-athletes on national television,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “We have players from all across the country on our football team and playing on FS1 in the 9 p.m. time slot will provide their families and KU football fans the opportunity to watch. While it may be a later kickoff than we are accustomed to, Coach Miles and the team are excited to play in front of a national audience to start the season.”News and Notes:<ul>
 <li>The Jayhawks are 74-50-7 all-time in season-openers, including a 14-6 mark since 2000.</li><li>This marks the Jayhawks’ first season-opener against a Sun Belt opponent.</li><li>KU holds a 5-2 overall record against the Sun Belt Conference.</li><li>The Sept. 12 matchup will be the latest played season-opener for the Jayhawks since 1987, when KU opened its season on the same date at Auburn.</li><li>The Jayhawks earned a 37-34 homecoming victory over Texas Tech on Oct. 26 last season on Fox Sports 1.</li><li>Head Coach Les Miles is 13-4 in season-openers as a college head coach.</li>
 </ul>Kansas Athletics

🏈 Kansas football season-opener slated for FS1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After careful consideration and concern for the health and well-being of our fans, employees and players, the Kansas City Royals announced today that Royals FanFest 2021 presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has been cancelled. The original event was scheduled for January 29 and 30, 2021.

Royals FanFest has been the annual winter event, thanks to our fans and partners, that thousands attend every year. The Club determined that staging an in-person Royals FanFest the way the fans have enjoyed over the years would not be possible this coming January.

The Royals also announced that FanFest 2022 will be held January 28 and 29 at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City will return as title sponsor. Schedules and more details will be released at a later date.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After careful consideration and concern for the health and well-being of our fans, employees and players, the Kansas City Royals announced today that Royals FanFest 2021 presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has been cancelled. The original event was scheduled for January 29 and 30, 2021.Royals FanFest has been the annual winter event, thanks to our fans and partners, that thousands attend every year. The Club determined that staging an in-person Royals FanFest the way the fans have enjoyed over the years would not be possible this coming January.The Royals also announced that FanFest 2022 will be held January 28 and 29 at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City will return as title sponsor. Schedules and more details will be released at a later date.Royals Release

Royals cancel 2021 FanFest

Goddard-Eisenhower High School is limiting their seating to 25% of capacity for Thursday's season-opener vs. Hays High.

HHS will have 400 seats available. Players' families and coaching staff list will be the first priority. The general public can fill in the remaining spots beginning at noon Wednesday.

HHS will be sharing a spreadsheet for signup and guaranteed tickets.

Goddard-Eisenhower High School is limiting their seating to 25% of capacity for Thursday's season-opener vs. Hays High.HHS will have 400 seats available. Players' families and coaching staff list will be the first priority. The general public can fill in the remaining spots beginning at noon Wednesday.HHS will be sharing a spreadsheet for signup and guaranteed tickets.

Limited seating for HHS football game in Goddard

HAYS - The Hays High girls' golf team opened their season with a convincing win on the home course, taking their own invitational by 36 strokes Monday afternoon at the Smoky Hill Country Club.

The Indians shot a 335. Salina South finished second with a 371 and Dodge City third with a 377. TMP-Marian placed sixth with a 403.

The Indians placed four in the top ten led by Taleia McCrae who won the individual title with an 80. Sophia Garrison finished fifth with an 84. Abbie Norris also fired an 84 and finished sixth. Katie Dinkel shot an 87 and placed ninth.

Grace Wente played on the Indians JV team and placed 10th with an 89.

TMP-Marian had two finish in the top-20. Ella	Brummer shot a 96 and finished 17th.&nbsp;Allison	Applequist fired a 97 and finished 19th.

Team Standings 1. Hays, 335 2. Salina South, 371 3. Dodge City, 377 4. Garden City, 384 5. Great Bend, 393 6. TMP-Marian, 403 7. Salina Central, 413 8. Liberal, 453

Top-10 Individual Results 1. Taleia	McCrae-Hays, 42-38, 80 2. Zoe	Norton-Salina South, 38-43, 81 3. Ryan	Warren-Garden City, 48-36, 84 4. Nina	Frees-Salina South, 42-42, 84 5. Sophia	Garrison-Hays, 41-43, 84 6. Abbie	Norris-Hays, 38-46, 84 7. Ashlyn	Harbaugh-Great Bend, 44-43, 87 8. Tiley	Fry-Dodge City, 42-45, 87 9. Katie	Dinkel-Hays, 41-46, 87 10. Gracie	Wente-Hays, 39-50, 89

HAYS - The Hays High girls' golf team opened their season with a convincing win on the home course, taking their own invitational by 36 strokes Monday afternoon at the Smoky Hill Country Club.The Indians shot a 335. Salina South finished second with a 371 and Dodge City third with a 377. TMP-Marian placed sixth with a 403. The Indians placed four in the top ten led by Taleia McCrae who won the individual title with an 80. Sophia Garrison finished fifth with an 84. Abbie Norris also fired an 84 and finished sixth. Katie Dinkel shot an 87 and placed ninth.Grace Wente played on the Indians JV team and placed 10th with an 89.TMP-Marian had two finish in the top-20. Ella	Brummer shot a 96 and finished 17th.&nbsp;Allison	Applequist fired a 97 and finished 19th.Team Standings 1. Hays, 335 2. Salina South, 371 3. Dodge City, 377 4. Garden City, 384 5. Great Bend, 393 6. TMP-Marian, 403 7. Salina Central, 413 8. Liberal, 453Top-10 Individual Results 1. Taleia	McCrae-Hays, 42-38, 80 2. Zoe	Norton-Salina South, 38-43, 81 3. Ryan	Warren-Garden City, 48-36, 84 4. Nina	Frees-Salina South, 42-42, 84 5. Sophia	Garrison-Hays, 41-43, 84 6. Abbie	Norris-Hays, 38-46, 84 7. Ashlyn	Harbaugh-Great Bend, 44-43, 87 8. Tiley	Fry-Dodge City, 42-45, 87 9. Katie	Dinkel-Hays, 41-46, 87 10. Gracie	Wente-Hays, 39-50, 89

HHS girl's golf wins own tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Franco and Bubba Starling had RBI singles in the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals rallied to beat the Cleveland Indians 2-1 on Monday night in the first game of a three-game series.

It was the Royals’ first win this season when trailing after seven innings.

“They just keep playing,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “That’s the message before the game. We’re going to be sticklers on the little things.

“They just continued, even when we were down. I still felt like we were about to do something.”

Scott Barlow (2-1) picked up the win in relief for Kansas City. He pitched one inning, allowing two hits and no runs. Greg Holland recorded his second save.

James Karinchak (0-2) took the loss. He walked the first two batters he faced, and they scored on the hits by Franco and Starling.

“It was tough; I haven’t had an at-bat in a week,” Starling said. “I’ve been going in on defense and running the bases. But I continued to stay locked in. Going into that at-bat against a sinker-slider guy, I just tried to stay to the middle, to the big part of the field.”

Shane Bieber continued his stellar start to the 2020 season. He threw six scoreless innings, striking out nine and allowing just one hit. He also lowered his major league-leading ERA to 1.20, and increased his major league lead to 84 strikeouts.

“It was a tough one,” he said. “I never fell into a rhythm. I’m a guy that kind of depends on getting into a rhythm early. That’s generally when I have my best outings. I kind of struggled to find that rhythm.

“It was apparent from early on that their approach was to make me throw pitches, not to chase anything out of the zone. They weren’t swinging at breaking balls underneath the zone or good chase pitches and they were taking fastballs in the zone.

“I felt like we were able to counter that pretty well. Obviously four walks is not ideal but we battled through it. It was a little bit of a frustrating outing, but all in all we ended up making it work.”

Brad Keller allowed just one run in 6 1/3 innings on three hits. He walked just one and struck out four.

“I felt like racked up my pitch count in the first inning,” Keller said. “I felt like I finally got into a groove, but not until the fourth, fifth or sixth inning. I was finally able to put the fastball where I wanted to.”

The pitcher’s duel came as no surprise, with Bieber and Keller on the mound. Bieber came in leading the MLB with a 1.35 ERA in seven starts. Keller did not allow a run in his first three starts after beginning the season on the injured list recovering from COVID-19. He allowed five runs on six hits in four innings in his last start, and had a 2.08 ERA.

The starters lived up to the hype. Through six innings, Bieber and Keller had allowed one hit each. Keller retired 11 straight at one point.

The Indians finally got to Keller in the seventh. After retiring Francisco Lindor leading off, he gave up a single to Carlos Santana, and then an RBI double to Franmil Reyes. Keller left after allowing one run on three hits. It was one too many against Bieber.

Once Bieber left the game, the Royals got two runners on in the seventh. But Nick Wittgren made an over-the-shoulder catch on a Whit Merrifield line drive to end the threat.

Royals C Salvador Perez remains on the 10-day injured list, but is building up his workload, according to manager Mike Matheny. No date was given for his return.

Cleveland traded RHP Mike Clevinger, OF Greg Allen and a player to be named later to San Diego in exchange for a group of Padres prospects, all from the 60-man roster. The Indians received INF Gabriel Arias, LHP Joey Cantillo, C Austin Hedges, INF Owen Miller, 1B/OF Josh Naylor and RHP Cal Quantrill. Naylor, Hedges, and Quantrill will join the major league roster once they report. To make room on the 40-man roster, OF Domingo Santana has been designated for assignment.

The Royals placed RHP Ian Kennedy on the 10-day IL and recalled RHP Chance Adams. They also activated OF Nick Heath from the IL and optioned him to their alternate site.

The Indians will send RHP Zach Plesac (1-1, 1.29 ERA). Plesac will take the mound for the first time since Aug. 8 after getting optioned for violating team protocols. In three starts, Plesac owns a 1.29 ERA with 24 strikeouts and two walks in 21 innings.

The Royals will start Matt Harvey (0-1, 11.12 ERA). Harvey, who will be making his third start of the season, hasn’t been able to make it past the third inning so far. He hasn’t allowed a run in the first two innings of either start, but he’s allowed seven runs in 1 2/3 innings in the third innings.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Franco and Bubba Starling had RBI singles in the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals rallied to beat the Cleveland Indians 2-1 on Monday night in the first game of a three-game series.It was the Royals’ first win this season when trailing after seven innings.“They just keep playing,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “That’s the message before the game. We’re going to be sticklers on the little things.“They just continued, even when we were down. I still felt like we were about to do something.”Scott Barlow (2-1) picked up the win in relief for Kansas City. He pitched one inning, allowing two hits and no runs. Greg Holland recorded his second save.James Karinchak (0-2) took the loss. He walked the first two batters he faced, and they scored on the hits by Franco and Starling.“It was tough; I haven’t had an at-bat in a week,” Starling said. “I’ve been going in on defense and running the bases. But I continued to stay locked in. Going into that at-bat against a sinker-slider guy, I just tried to stay to the middle, to the big part of the field.”Shane Bieber continued his stellar start to the 2020 season. He threw six scoreless innings, striking out nine and allowing just one hit. He also lowered his major league-leading ERA to 1.20, and increased his major league lead to 84 strikeouts.Bieber was not satisfied with his night.“It was a tough one,” he said. “I never fell into a rhythm. I’m a guy that kind of depends on getting into a rhythm early. That’s generally when I have my best outings. I kind of struggled to find that rhythm.“It was apparent from early on that their approach was to make me throw pitches, not to chase anything out of the zone. They weren’t swinging at breaking balls underneath the zone or good chase pitches and they were taking fastballs in the zone.“I felt like we were able to counter that pretty well. Obviously four walks is not ideal but we battled through it. It was a little bit of a frustrating outing, but all in all we ended up making it work.”Brad Keller allowed just one run in 6 1/3 innings on three hits. He walked just one and struck out four.“I felt like racked up my pitch count in the first inning,” Keller said. “I felt like I finally got into a groove, but not until the fourth, fifth or sixth inning. I was finally able to put the fastball where I wanted to.”The pitcher’s duel came as no surprise, with Bieber and Keller on the mound. Bieber came in leading the MLB with a 1.35 ERA in seven starts. Keller did not allow a run in his first three starts after beginning the season on the injured list recovering from COVID-19. He allowed five runs on six hits in four innings in his last start, and had a 2.08 ERA.The starters lived up to the hype. Through six innings, Bieber and Keller had allowed one hit each. Keller retired 11 straight at one point.The Indians finally got to Keller in the seventh. After retiring Francisco Lindor leading off, he gave up a single to Carlos Santana, and then an RBI double to Franmil Reyes. Keller left after allowing one run on three hits. It was one too many against Bieber.Once Bieber left the game, the Royals got two runners on in the seventh. But Nick Wittgren made an over-the-shoulder catch on a Whit Merrifield line drive to end the threat.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals C Salvador Perez remains on the 10-day injured list, but is building up his workload, according to manager Mike Matheny. No date was given for his return.ROSTER MOVESCleveland traded RHP Mike Clevinger, OF Greg Allen and a player to be named later to San Diego in exchange for a group of Padres prospects, all from the 60-man roster. The Indians received INF Gabriel Arias, LHP Joey Cantillo, C Austin Hedges, INF Owen Miller, 1B/OF Josh Naylor and RHP Cal Quantrill. Naylor, Hedges, and Quantrill will join the major league roster once they report. To make room on the 40-man roster, OF Domingo Santana has been designated for assignment.The Royals placed RHP Ian Kennedy on the 10-day IL and recalled RHP Chance Adams. They also activated OF Nick Heath from the IL and optioned him to their alternate site.UP NEXTThe Indians will send RHP Zach Plesac (1-1, 1.29 ERA). Plesac will take the mound for the first time since Aug. 8 after getting optioned for violating team protocols. In three starts, Plesac owns a 1.29 ERA with 24 strikeouts and two walks in 21 innings.The Royals will start Matt Harvey (0-1, 11.12 ERA). Harvey, who will be making his third start of the season, hasn’t been able to make it past the third inning so far. He hasn’t allowed a run in the first two innings of either start, but he’s allowed seven runs in 1 2/3 innings in the third innings.

Franco, Starling rally Kansas City to win over Indians

LAWRENCE, Kan (AP) - The University of Kansas announced Monday that it will begin its fall sports season without fans upon the recommendation of its pandemic medical advisory team.

That includes the Jayhawks’ football season-opener against Coastal Carolina on Sept. 12, along with volleyball, soccer and cross country contests.

The prohibition of fans includes tailgating for football at Memorial Stadium and games at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena, Rock Chalk Park and Rim Rock Farm through September.

The school plans to revisit the situation before its football game against Oklahoma State on Oct. 3.

Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod said “this is the right decision for our community at this time.”

LAWRENCE, Kan (AP) - The University of Kansas announced Monday that it will begin its fall sports season without fans upon the recommendation of its pandemic medical advisory team.That includes the Jayhawks’ football season-opener against Coastal Carolina on Sept. 12, along with volleyball, soccer and cross country contests.The prohibition of fans includes tailgating for football at Memorial Stadium and games at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena, Rock Chalk Park and Rim Rock Farm through September.The school plans to revisit the situation before its football game against Oklahoma State on Oct. 3.Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod said “this is the right decision for our community at this time.”

KU to begin fall sports without fans

By ARNIE STAPLETON- Associated Press

With Tom Brady leaving New England for Tampa Bay, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have supplanted the Patriots as the biggest bully on the NFL block.

While Kansas City’s four consecutive AFC West crowns aren’t anywhere close to New England’s string of 11 straight AFC East titles, not even the Patriots have dominated their division like the Chiefs have ruled theirs over the last five seasons.

In that span, the Patriots are 24-6 despite an ordinary 6-4 mark against Miami, and the Chiefs are 27-3 with 9-1 marks against every one of their division rivals.

If not for these last-minute heroics, the Chiefs would be perfect in that stretch:

--The Broncos scored two touchdowns in the final 36 seconds to snare a 31-24 win in 2015, the last time they beat the Chiefs.

--The Raiders scored a touchdown with no time left for a 31-30 win in 2017.

--The Chargers scored a TD with 4 seconds left for a 29-28 win in 2018.

The Chiefs used their blazing speed on offense to end five frustrating decades without a Super Bowl title. So their AFC West rivals all added speed to their rosters this offseason in hopes of reining in the champs.

“Every move and signing we make we have to have them in mind,” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said of the Chiefs, who raced past San Francisco with a 21-0 blitz in the final six minutes of the Super Bowl.

“Let’s be honest, the entire league is chasing the Kansas City Chiefs,” said Raiders GM Mike Mayock. “But we’re in the same division. They keep getting faster and more athletic, more dynamic every time you turn around. Other teams have to do the same.”

In the first round of the draft, the Raiders chose receiver Henry Ruggs III, the fastest player at the combine; the Broncos selected receiver Jerry Jeudy; and the Chargers added fleet-footed linebacker Kenneth Murray.

“We just feel like we had to add that explosiveness,” Broncos GM John Elway said.

The Broncos even bypassed a big need at tackle to select another speedy receiver, KJ Hamler, in the second round. That strategy took on greater scrutiny when right tackle Ja’Wuan James opted out of the 2020 season over coronavirus concerns and Hamler spent much of training camp sidelined by a hamstring injury.

In addition to grabbing standout LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round, they spent the draft getting their defense up to speed to complement all the burners they have on offense.

Second-round pick Willie Gay Jr. ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash among linebackers at the combine, and fourth-round pick L’Jarius Sneed not only had the fastest time among safeties at 4.37 seconds, but was the fourth fastest of any player that ran during the week in Indianapolis.

“They keep getting faster and keep raising the bar,” Mayock said.

Other subplots to watch as the Chiefs defend their second Super Bowl title:

Although the Chiefs hope to have about 16,000 fans at each of their games, their division rivals won’t have any spectators until further notice. The Broncos got a taste of what that will be like when they held a stadium scrimmage at empty Empower Field.

“It was sad,” said guard Dalton Risner, a Colorado native. “I love Denver. I love the fans. ... I was fake pointing up into the stands all day acting like I saw a few 66 jerseys.”

The Broncos pumped in crowd noise and they’re selling cardboard cutouts of fans for $100, which will go to charity.

“We’d rather have real fans there obviously,” QB Drew Lock said, “but it’s something we have to adjust to.”

For the first time since 2006, someone other than Philip Rivers is the Chargers’ starting quarterback. Tyrod Taylor gets first crack but he looks like a placeholder for Justin Herbert, whom the Chargers selected with the sixth overall pick as their QB of the future.

Rivers, now with the Colts, led the AFC with 4,615 passing yards and had 23 touchdown throws. But he also threw 20 interceptions, led an offense that committed six red-zone turnovers and twice gave away the ball on downs.

The Chiefs begin defense of their crown and kick off a season like none other Sept. 10 against the Houston Texans.

Kansas City was due to return 20 of its 22 starters before guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and running back Damien Williams opted out. “If you’re going to have a year where bringing a lot of guys back that are experienced — not having rookie minicamps, OTAs — this would be the year to have it,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach said.

The Raiders have left Oakland and the famed Black Hole behind for the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas. But did they leave behind their middling offensive performances?

With Ruggs, breakout tight end Darren Waller, versatile back Josh Jacobs and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, the Raiders have their most complete offense since coach Jon Gruden returned in 2018.

“The opportunities are limitless,” QB Derek Carr said.

By ARNIE STAPLETON- Associated PressWith Tom Brady leaving New England for Tampa Bay, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have supplanted the Patriots as the biggest bully on the NFL block.While Kansas City’s four consecutive AFC West crowns aren’t anywhere close to New England’s string of 11 straight AFC East titles, not even the Patriots have dominated their division like the Chiefs have ruled theirs over the last five seasons.In that span, the Patriots are 24-6 despite an ordinary 6-4 mark against Miami, and the Chiefs are 27-3 with 9-1 marks against every one of their division rivals.If not for these last-minute heroics, the Chiefs would be perfect in that stretch:--The Broncos scored two touchdowns in the final 36 seconds to snare a 31-24 win in 2015, the last time they beat the Chiefs.--The Raiders scored a touchdown with no time left for a 31-30 win in 2017.--The Chargers scored a TD with 4 seconds left for a 29-28 win in 2018.The Chiefs used their blazing speed on offense to end five frustrating decades without a Super Bowl title. So their AFC West rivals all added speed to their rosters this offseason in hopes of reining in the champs.“Every move and signing we make we have to have them in mind,” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said of the Chiefs, who raced past San Francisco with a 21-0 blitz in the final six minutes of the Super Bowl.“Let’s be honest, the entire league is chasing the Kansas City Chiefs,” said Raiders GM Mike Mayock. “But we’re in the same division. They keep getting faster and more athletic, more dynamic every time you turn around. Other teams have to do the same.”In the first round of the draft, the Raiders chose receiver Henry Ruggs III, the fastest player at the combine; the Broncos selected receiver Jerry Jeudy; and the Chargers added fleet-footed linebacker Kenneth Murray.“We just feel like we had to add that explosiveness,” Broncos GM John Elway said.The Broncos even bypassed a big need at tackle to select another speedy receiver, KJ Hamler, in the second round. That strategy took on greater scrutiny when right tackle Ja’Wuan James opted out of the 2020 season over coronavirus concerns and Hamler spent much of training camp sidelined by a hamstring injury.The Chiefs didn’t stand still.In addition to grabbing standout LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round, they spent the draft getting their defense up to speed to complement all the burners they have on offense.Second-round pick Willie Gay Jr. ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash among linebackers at the combine, and fourth-round pick L’Jarius Sneed not only had the fastest time among safeties at 4.37 seconds, but was the fourth fastest of any player that ran during the week in Indianapolis.“They keep getting faster and keep raising the bar,” Mayock said.Other subplots to watch as the Chiefs defend their second Super Bowl title:NO FANSAlthough the Chiefs hope to have about 16,000 fans at each of their games, their division rivals won’t have any spectators until further notice. The Broncos got a taste of what that will be like when they held a stadium scrimmage at empty Empower Field.“It was sad,” said guard Dalton Risner, a Colorado native. “I love Denver. I love the fans. ... I was fake pointing up into the stands all day acting like I saw a few 66 jerseys.”The Broncos pumped in crowd noise and they’re selling cardboard cutouts of fans for $100, which will go to charity.“We’d rather have real fans there obviously,” QB Drew Lock said, “but it’s something we have to adjust to.”NO RIVERSFor the first time since 2006, someone other than Philip Rivers is the Chargers’ starting quarterback. Tyrod Taylor gets first crack but he looks like a placeholder for Justin Herbert, whom the Chargers selected with the sixth overall pick as their QB of the future.Rivers, now with the Colts, led the AFC with 4,615 passing yards and had 23 touchdown throws. But he also threw 20 interceptions, led an offense that committed six red-zone turnovers and twice gave away the ball on downs.NO PROBLEMThe Chiefs begin defense of their crown and kick off a season like none other Sept. 10 against the Houston Texans.Kansas City was due to return 20 of its 22 starters before guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and running back Damien Williams opted out. “If you’re going to have a year where bringing a lot of guys back that are experienced — not having rookie minicamps, OTAs — this would be the year to have it,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach said.NO BLACK HOLEThe Raiders have left Oakland and the famed Black Hole behind for the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas. But did they leave behind their middling offensive performances?With Ruggs, breakout tight end Darren Waller, versatile back Josh Jacobs and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, the Raiders have their most complete offense since coach Jon Gruden returned in 2018.“The opportunities are limitless,” QB Derek Carr said.PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISHChiefs, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders.

Chiefs get better, faster as AFC West rivals try to catch up

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head baseball coach Jerod Goodale&nbsp;has announced three additional signees that have joined the team for the 2020-21 academic year, bringing the total incoming class to eight student-athletes. All three newcomers are transfers, giving this class four transfers and four true freshmen.

Max McGuire&nbsp;| Catcher | Lincoln, Neb. (Doane/Hutchinson CC) Max McGuire will play as a Tiger for the second year in a row in 2021 after spending last season at Doane&nbsp;University in Crete, Neb. As a junior, McGuire made seven starts behind the dish, ranking second on the team with 52 putouts and a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage while gunning down two would-be base stealers. He finished the year 4-for-18 at the plate with two doubles and one RBI. Prior to Doane, McGuire spent his sophomore season at Hutchinson CC in 2019, where he batted 34-for-144 (.236) with nine doubles and six home runs. He scored 33 runs as a sophomore and drove in 30 more. McGuire caught 11 baserunners stealing while posting a fielding percentage of .991. McGuire played for Missouri State as a freshman in 2018, appearing in four games as a true freshman. He was a standout athlete at Lincoln Southwest High School, earning Nebraska Super-State honors and Class A All-State recognition as both a junior and senior. He was ranked as the top catcher and the No. 4 overall recruit in Nebraska by&nbsp;Prep Baseball Report. McGuire was a 2016 Underclass High Honorable Mention All-America selection by&nbsp;Perfect Game&nbsp;after his junior season.&nbsp; McGuire has played the last two summers with the Hays Larks.

Easton Rindt&nbsp;| First Baseman/Catcher | Salina, Kan. (Coffeyville CC) Easton Rindt&nbsp;joins the Tigers after a two-year stint at Coffeyville CC. He appeared in 60 games over the last two seasons, batting .306 (55-for-180) with 15 doubles and three home runs. Rindt scored 32 runs and drove in another 43, while posting an on-base percentage of .392 and a .439 slugging percentage. He was batting .397/.463/.586 as a sophomore in 2020 before the season was cut short. Rindt posted a .970 fielding percentage as a Red Raven, totaling 240 putouts and 20 assists while gunning down five would-be base stealers. Rindt also excels in the classroom, earning a spot on the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team. He was a three-time letterwinner&nbsp;at Junction City High School, earning honorable mention All-State honors from&nbsp;Sports In Kansas&nbsp;as a senior in 2018 alongside multiple All-Centennial League honors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ed Scott&nbsp;| Outfielder&nbsp;| Manhattan, Kan. (Cloud County CC) Ed Scott heads to Hays after spending the last three spring seasons at Cloud County CC. He appeared in 50 games as a Thunderbird, batting .324 (45-for-139) with an on-base percentage of .426 and a slugging percentage of .511. Scott totaled seven doubles, two triples and five home runs in his career, scoring 44 runs and driving in 38 more. He appeared in 32 contests as a freshman in 2018 before redshirting the 2019 season due to injury. He spent the fall of 2019 as a member of the Texas Christian University baseball team before returning to Cloud County to play last spring, appearing in 18 games before the season was cancelled. Scott also suceeded in the classroom, earning NJCAA Academic Honors each of the last three years. He was on the second team in 2017-18, the first team in 2018-19 and the third team in 2019-20. A 2017 graduate of Manhattan High School, Scott earned three baseball letters while earning second team All-State honors as a senior. He helped his team to a runner-up finish in the 6A State Tournament as a senior in 2016, also earning first team all-league honors. Scott also earned honorable mention All-Centennial League honors as a junior.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fort Hays State Baseball Signing Class Dylan Hupfer	INF/OF	R/R	5-10	170	Fr.	Fort Collins, Colo. (Rocky Mountain HS) Conner Kessler	INF/RHP	R/R	5-8	150	Jr.	Peyton, Colo. (Dodge City CC) Brady Kreutzer	INF	R/R	5-8	160	Fr.	Hays, Kan. (Thomas More Prep-Marian) Max McGuire	C	R/R	6-2	225	Jr.	Lincoln, Neb. (Doane/Hutchinson CC) Dustin Menard	LHP	L/L	6-0	195	Fr.	New Iberia, La. (New Iberia Senior High) Jayce Meyer	LHP	L/L	6-1	160	Fr.	Wichita, Kan. (Maize South HS) Easton Rindt	1B/C	L/R	6-3	215	R-So.	Salina, Kan. (Coffeyville CC) Ed Scott	OF	S/R	5-10	185	R-So.	Manhattan, Kan. (Cloud County CC)

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head baseball coach Jerod Goodale&nbsp;has announced three additional signees that have joined the team for the 2020-21 academic year, bringing the total incoming class to eight student-athletes. All three newcomers are transfers, giving this class four transfers and four true freshmen.Max McGuire&nbsp;| Catcher | Lincoln, Neb. (Doane/Hutchinson CC) Max McGuire will play as a Tiger for the second year in a row in 2021 after spending last season at Doane&nbsp;University in Crete, Neb. As a junior, McGuire made seven starts behind the dish, ranking second on the team with 52 putouts and a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage while gunning down two would-be base stealers. He finished the year 4-for-18 at the plate with two doubles and one RBI. Prior to Doane, McGuire spent his sophomore season at Hutchinson CC in 2019, where he batted 34-for-144 (.236) with nine doubles and six home runs. He scored 33 runs as a sophomore and drove in 30 more. McGuire caught 11 baserunners stealing while posting a fielding percentage of .991. McGuire played for Missouri State as a freshman in 2018, appearing in four games as a true freshman. He was a standout athlete at Lincoln Southwest High School, earning Nebraska Super-State honors and Class A All-State recognition as both a junior and senior. He was ranked as the top catcher and the No. 4 overall recruit in Nebraska by&nbsp;Prep Baseball Report. McGuire was a 2016 Underclass High Honorable Mention All-America selection by&nbsp;Perfect Game&nbsp;after his junior season.&nbsp; McGuire has played the last two summers with the Hays Larks.Easton Rindt&nbsp;| First Baseman/Catcher | Salina, Kan. (Coffeyville CC) Easton Rindt&nbsp;joins the Tigers after a two-year stint at Coffeyville CC. He appeared in 60 games over the last two seasons, batting .306 (55-for-180) with 15 doubles and three home runs. Rindt scored 32 runs and drove in another 43, while posting an on-base percentage of .392 and a .439 slugging percentage. He was batting .397/.463/.586 as a sophomore in 2020 before the season was cut short. Rindt posted a .970 fielding percentage as a Red Raven, totaling 240 putouts and 20 assists while gunning down five would-be base stealers. Rindt also excels in the classroom, earning a spot on the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team. He was a three-time letterwinner&nbsp;at Junction City High School, earning honorable mention All-State honors from&nbsp;Sports In Kansas&nbsp;as a senior in 2018 alongside multiple All-Centennial League honors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ed Scott&nbsp;| Outfielder&nbsp;| Manhattan, Kan. (Cloud County CC) Ed Scott heads to Hays after spending the last three spring seasons at Cloud County CC. He appeared in 50 games as a Thunderbird, batting .324 (45-for-139) with an on-base percentage of .426 and a slugging percentage of .511. Scott totaled seven doubles, two triples and five home runs in his career, scoring 44 runs and driving in 38 more. He appeared in 32 contests as a freshman in 2018 before redshirting the 2019 season due to injury. He spent the fall of 2019 as a member of the Texas Christian University baseball team before returning to Cloud County to play last spring, appearing in 18 games before the season was cancelled. Scott also suceeded in the classroom, earning NJCAA Academic Honors each of the last three years. He was on the second team in 2017-18, the first team in 2018-19 and the third team in 2019-20. A 2017 graduate of Manhattan High School, Scott earned three baseball letters while earning second team All-State honors as a senior. He helped his team to a runner-up finish in the 6A State Tournament as a senior in 2016, also earning first team all-league honors. Scott also earned honorable mention All-Centennial League honors as a junior.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fort Hays State Baseball Signing Class Dylan Hupfer	INF/OF	R/R	5-10	170	Fr.	Fort Collins, Colo. (Rocky Mountain HS) Conner Kessler	INF/RHP	R/R	5-8	150	Jr.	Peyton, Colo. (Dodge City CC) Brady Kreutzer	INF	R/R	5-8	160	Fr.	Hays, Kan. (Thomas More Prep-Marian) Max McGuire	C	R/R	6-2	225	Jr.	Lincoln, Neb. (Doane/Hutchinson CC) Dustin Menard	LHP	L/L	6-0	195	Fr.	New Iberia, La. (New Iberia Senior High) Jayce Meyer	LHP	L/L	6-1	160	Fr.	Wichita, Kan. (Maize South HS) Easton Rindt	1B/C	L/R	6-3	215	R-So.	Salina, Kan. (Coffeyville CC) Ed Scott	OF	S/R	5-10	185	R-So.	Manhattan, Kan. (Cloud County CC) FHSU Athletics