KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Juan Soto homered to lead the New York Mets past the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday.

Soto’s two-run shot into the right field fountains opened the scoring in the fourth. Over his last 20 games, Soto has nine home runs and 19 RBIs.

Frankie Montas (2-1) threw first-pitch strikes to 14 of 19 batters while allowing a run on four hits and striking out five.

Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India opened the sixth with doubles, reducing the Mets lead to 2-1. India had two of the Royals four hits, both doubles.

Reed Garrett relieved Montas and permitted India to advance on a wild pickoff attempt before retiring the heart of the Royals lineup, stranding the tying run.

Jeff McNeil’s two-out RBI single capped the scoring in the ninth.

Edwin Díaz allowed a walk in two hitless frames, earning his 19th save.

Scheduled Royals starter Michael Lorenzen missed the game with illness.

Jonathan Bowlan (1-2), the second of six Royals bullpen pitchers, threw three innings, allowing two runs on four hits, including Soto’s 435-foot home run.

For the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-royals-score-0422928fba3a49675263472a78de8105">second straight game</a>, the Mets successfully challenged a safe call on a Royals stolen base attempt. In both instances — Tyler Tolbert on Friday and Bobby Witt Jr. on Saturday — the runner didn’t maintain contact with the base during a head-first slide.

Witt popped up twice with runners in scoring position while his 14-game hitting streak ended. The Royals batted 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position during the first two games of the series.

With a runner at third and the infield drawn in, first baseman Pete Alonso made a diving stop of Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp grounder, preserving the Mets one-run lead in the sixth.

Soto leads the majors with 77 walks, the most in Mets history prior to the All-Star break.

Mets RHP Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.56) on Sunday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Juan Soto homered to lead the New York Mets past the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday.Soto’s two-run shot into the right field fountains opened the scoring in the fourth. Over his last 20 games, Soto has nine home runs and 19 RBIs.Frankie Montas (2-1) threw first-pitch strikes to 14 of 19 batters while allowing a run on four hits and striking out five.Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India opened the sixth with doubles, reducing the Mets lead to 2-1. India had two of the Royals four hits, both doubles.Reed Garrett relieved Montas and permitted India to advance on a wild pickoff attempt before retiring the heart of the Royals lineup, stranding the tying run.Jeff McNeil’s two-out RBI single capped the scoring in the ninth.Edwin Díaz allowed a walk in two hitless frames, earning his 19th save.Scheduled Royals starter Michael Lorenzen missed the game with illness.Jonathan Bowlan (1-2), the second of six Royals bullpen pitchers, threw three innings, allowing two runs on four hits, including Soto’s 435-foot home run.For the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-royals-score-0422928fba3a49675263472a78de8105">second straight game</a>, the Mets successfully challenged a safe call on a Royals stolen base attempt. In both instances — Tyler Tolbert on Friday and Bobby Witt Jr. on Saturday — the runner didn’t maintain contact with the base during a head-first slide.Witt popped up twice with runners in scoring position while his 14-game hitting streak ended. The Royals batted 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position during the first two games of the series.<h2>Key moment</h2>With a runner at third and the infield drawn in, first baseman Pete Alonso made a diving stop of Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp grounder, preserving the Mets one-run lead in the sixth.<h2>Key stat</h2>Soto leads the majors with 77 walks, the most in Mets history prior to the All-Star break.<h2>Up next</h2>Mets RHP Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.56) on Sunday.

⚾ Juan Soto's 435-foot homer lifts Mets over Royals

The Hays Larks host Colorado Roughriders in game three of a four-game series Saturday at Larks Park.

The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Larks Park.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks host Colorado Roughriders in game three of a four-game series Saturday at Larks Park.The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Larks Park.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks host Roughriders

🎥 Meet the Larks Brooks Jones

🎥 Meet the Larks Braxton Bjur

🎥 Meet the Larks Brady Kreutzer

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp;

Saturday, July 12 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 2:30pm

Sunday, July 13 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; Saturday, July 12 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 2:30pmSunday, July 13 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mark Vientos had a three-run double in the eighth inning, Francisco Lindor hit a three-run homer in the ninth and the New York Mets beat the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Friday night.

Brandon Nimmo singled to open the eighth and Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto walked to load the bases against Steven Cruz (2-1). Carlos Estévez entered to strike out Pete Alonso before Vientos cleared the bases for a 4-3 lead.

Lindor added his 19th homer in the ninth. He has 29 home runs and 81 RBIs against the Royals, his most against any opponent. Juan Soto followed with his 22nd homer, the sixth pair of back-to-back homers by the Mets.

Huascar Brazobán (5-2) won after allowing four hits and a two-run homer by Bobby Witt Jr. while pitching the seventh.

Kodai Senga returned from the injured list to make his first start in since leaving a June 12 start with a right hamstring strain.

Working on a pitch limit, Senga threw four scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks, striking out four.

Michael Wacha allowed a run on two hits and three walks in five innings, striking out five.

After Kyle Isbel’s seventh-inning leadoff single, pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert stole second. The Mets challenged and the safe call was overturned because Tolbert came off the bag during his head-first slide. Witt homered two batters later.

Senga’s “ghost fork” has induced 113 of his 206 career strikeouts.

Mets RHP Frankie Montas (1-1, 6.14 ERA) was set to face Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752331158597.jpeg" alt="New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, July 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, July 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mark Vientos had a three-run double in the eighth inning, Francisco Lindor hit a three-run homer in the ninth and the New York Mets beat the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Friday night.Brandon Nimmo singled to open the eighth and Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto walked to load the bases against Steven Cruz (2-1). Carlos Estévez entered to strike out Pete Alonso before Vientos cleared the bases for a 4-3 lead.Lindor added his 19th homer in the ninth. He has 29 home runs and 81 RBIs against the Royals, his most against any opponent. Juan Soto followed with his 22nd homer, the sixth pair of back-to-back homers by the Mets.Huascar Brazobán (5-2) won after allowing four hits and a two-run homer by Bobby Witt Jr. while pitching the seventh.Kodai Senga returned from the injured list to make his first start in since leaving a June 12 start with a right hamstring strain.Working on a pitch limit, Senga threw four scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks, striking out four.Michael Wacha allowed a run on two hits and three walks in five innings, striking out five.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Kyle Isbel’s seventh-inning leadoff single, pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert stole second. The Mets challenged and the safe call was overturned because Tolbert came off the bag during his head-first slide. Witt homered two batters later.<h2>Key stat</h2>Senga’s “ghost fork” has induced 113 of his 206 career strikeouts.<h2>Up next</h2>Mets RHP Frankie Montas (1-1, 6.14 ERA) was set to face Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61) on Saturday.___

⚾ Vientos and Lindor lead the Mets past the Royals

HAYS – The Hays Larks scored double-digit runs for a 12th
time this season in a 17-5 run-rule victory over the Colorado Collegiate Roughriders
Friday night at Larks Park.

While the Larks (21-4-1) ran their win streak to six straight,
with a blowout victory Friday night, it wasn’t an easy victory for the home
team. 

Colorado jumped out to a 5-0 lead through an inning and a
half, but the Larks answered in a big way, scoring 17 unanswered runs. 

The Larks used a hit by pitch and back-to-back walks to load
the bases. Kaleb Duncan followed that with a two-run double, cutting the
Colorado lead to 5-2. 

CJ Reid added a two-run triple in the next at-bat,
pulling the Larks within a run at 5-4.

Two batters later, Lane Sparks connected on a two-run home
run to right field, putting the Larks up 6-5.

Later in the inning, Brady Kreutzer singled home the seventh
run of the inning, giving the Larks the 7-5 lead.

The Larks continued to pile on the lead in the bottom of the
third inning, scoring three more times.

Reid homered, Sparks doubled and scored on a wild pitch,
making it 10-5 Larks through three innings.

Following on their second scoreless inning of the game, Hays’
offensive outburst continued in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five times.

Tabor Stokes led off the inning with a solo home run. After
a Sparks triple, Jackson Babcock drove him home with an RBI single for a 12-5
Hays lead.

A sacrifice fly made it 13-5, Hays and then Kreutzer hit a
two-run home run to left, making it 15-5.

In the bottom of the sixth, Hays plated a pair of runs on
RBI groundouts for a 17-5 lead, and they went on to secure that run-rule
victory in the seventh. 

Lane Sparks hit for the cycle. He finished 4-for-5 with a
home run, triple, double and single. He also scored four times and drove in
three runs. 

Brady Kreutzer homered and drove in four runs. Jackson Babcock
was a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs scored.

Trent Baker was awarded with victory for Hays. 

He allowed five runs in four innings with five strikeouts
and one walk. 

Hays and the Roughriders play game three Saturday at 7 p.m.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – The Hays Larks scored double-digit runs for a 12th
time this season in a 17-5 run-rule victory over the Colorado Collegiate Roughriders
Friday night at Larks Park.While the Larks (21-4-1) ran their win streak to six straight,
with a blowout victory Friday night, it wasn’t an easy victory for the home
team. Colorado jumped out to a 5-0 lead through an inning and a
half, but the Larks answered in a big way, scoring 17 unanswered runs. The Larks used a hit by pitch and back-to-back walks to load
the bases. Kaleb Duncan followed that with a two-run double, cutting the
Colorado lead to 5-2. CJ Reid added a two-run triple in the next at-bat,
pulling the Larks within a run at 5-4.Two batters later, Lane Sparks connected on a two-run home
run to right field, putting the Larks up 6-5.Later in the inning, Brady Kreutzer singled home the seventh
run of the inning, giving the Larks the 7-5 lead.The Larks continued to pile on the lead in the bottom of the
third inning, scoring three more times.Reid homered, Sparks doubled and scored on a wild pitch,
making it 10-5 Larks through three innings.Following on their second scoreless inning of the game, Hays’
offensive outburst continued in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five times.Tabor Stokes led off the inning with a solo home run. After
a Sparks triple, Jackson Babcock drove him home with an RBI single for a 12-5
Hays lead.A sacrifice fly made it 13-5, Hays and then Kreutzer hit a
two-run home run to left, making it 15-5.In the bottom of the sixth, Hays plated a pair of runs on
RBI groundouts for a 17-5 lead, and they went on to secure that run-rule
victory in the seventh. Lane Sparks hit for the cycle. He finished 4-for-5 with a
home run, triple, double and single. He also scored four times and drove in
three runs. Brady Kreutzer homered and drove in four runs. Jackson Babcock
was a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs scored.Trent Baker was awarded with victory for Hays. He allowed five runs in four innings with five strikeouts
and one walk. Hays and the Roughriders play game three Saturday at 7 p.m.

⚾ Larks homer four times, Sparks hits for cycle in win over Roughriders

🎥 Meet the Larks Ben Tinus

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals will be sending four players to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, with closer Carlos Estévez and utilityman Maikel Garcia earning late additions to the American League roster.

Both players were named All-Stars on Friday, joining shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic for Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic in Atlanta.

Estévez was selected as a replacement for Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who is scheduled to pitch Saturday and will not be available for the All-Star Game. It marks the second career All-Star appearance for Estévez, who made the team in 2023 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

Now in his first season with Kansas City, the 32-year-old right-hander is enjoying a career year. He leads the American League with 25 saves and holds a 2.03 ERA across 39 outings. Among AL relievers with at least 40 innings pitched, his ERA ranks fifth. Estévez is on pace to eclipse his personal best of 31 saves, set just two seasons ago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752255065645.png" alt="Kansas City Royals photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals will be sending four players to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, with closer Carlos Estévez and utilityman Maikel Garcia earning late additions to the American League roster.Both players were named All-Stars on Friday, joining shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic for Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic in Atlanta.Estévez was selected as a replacement for Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who is scheduled to pitch Saturday and will not be available for the All-Star Game. It marks the second career All-Star appearance for Estévez, who made the team in 2023 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.Now in his first season with Kansas City, the 32-year-old right-hander is enjoying a career year. He leads the American League with 25 saves and holds a 2.03 ERA across 39 outings. Among AL relievers with at least 40 innings pitched, his ERA ranks fifth. Estévez is on pace to eclipse his personal best of 31 saves, set just two seasons ago.

⚾ Royals' Carlos Estévez and Maikel Garcia added to ASG roster

🎥 Meet the Larks Andy Lewton

🎥 Meet the Larks Adrian Najar

Friday, July 11 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 6:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; Friday, July 11 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 6:30pmSaturday, July 12 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 2:30pmSunday, July 13 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 12:30pm

HAYS
– The Hays Larks scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to break open a
one-run game and beat the Collegiate Roughriders in the opening game of a four-game
series at Larks Park.

The
Larks (20-4-1, 13-4 RMBL) have won five straight and 10 of their last 11 and increased
their lead to five games over Liberal in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League.

Lane
Sparks walked, advanced to second on a groundout then scored on a wild pitch to
give the Larks a 4-2 lead in the seventh. Jackson Babcock singled and Wilbert
Espinal doubled, both scored on a Paul Smith single to round out the scoring.

Trent
Baker scored on a groundout in the bottom of the fifth to give the Larks a 3-2
lead.

The
Larks grabbed the lead in the third when they scored a pair of runs with two
outs off a couple of Roughriders errors. The Roughriders (8-13, 4-6 RMBL) answered
with two runs in the fifth.

Brooks
Jones and Nolan Wilson combine to pitch 4 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to
close out the game. Jones didn’t allow a hit with five strikeouts and two walks
over 3 2/3 innings. Wilson gave up a hit but struck out the side in the ninth. 

Starter
Dalton Campbell (4-1) allowed one earned run on five hits with four strikeouts and
four walks over 4 1/3 innings and was awarded the win.

Taber
Stokes had three of the Larks nine hits.

The
Larks pitchers combined to strikeout out 12 Roughrider batters. It’s the 10th
consecutive game and 19th game overall this season in which they’ve fanned 10 or
more opponent batters.

The Larks and Roughriders play game two of their
four-game series Friday night at 7:00 p.m. It’s Educators Night with free
admission courtesy of the First United Methodist Church, First Care Clinic,
Werth Eye Group and Adams Brown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHAYS
– The Hays Larks scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to break open a
one-run game and beat the Collegiate Roughriders in the opening game of a four-game
series at Larks Park.The
Larks (20-4-1, 13-4 RMBL) have won five straight and 10 of their last 11 and increased
their lead to five games over Liberal in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League.Lane
Sparks walked, advanced to second on a groundout then scored on a wild pitch to
give the Larks a 4-2 lead in the seventh. Jackson Babcock singled and Wilbert
Espinal doubled, both scored on a Paul Smith single to round out the scoring.Trent
Baker scored on a groundout in the bottom of the fifth to give the Larks a 3-2
lead.The
Larks grabbed the lead in the third when they scored a pair of runs with two
outs off a couple of Roughriders errors. The Roughriders (8-13, 4-6 RMBL) answered
with two runs in the fifth.Brooks
Jones and Nolan Wilson combine to pitch 4 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to
close out the game. Jones didn’t allow a hit with five strikeouts and two walks
over 3 2/3 innings. Wilson gave up a hit but struck out the side in the ninth. Starter
Dalton Campbell (4-1) allowed one earned run on five hits with four strikeouts and
four walks over 4 1/3 innings and was awarded the win.Taber
Stokes had three of the Larks nine hits.DOUBLE
DIGIT STRIKEOUTSThe
Larks pitchers combined to strikeout out 12 Roughrider batters. It’s the 10th
consecutive game and 19th game overall this season in which they’ve fanned 10 or
more opponent batters.UP
NEXTThe Larks and Roughriders play game two of their
four-game series Friday night at 7:00 p.m. It’s Educators Night with free
admission courtesy of the First United Methodist Church, First Care Clinic,
Werth Eye Group and Adams Brown.

⚾ Larks take series opener with Roughriders

The Hays Larks begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season Thursday night when they hast the Colorado Roughridgers.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season Thursday night when they hast the Colorado Roughridgers.&nbsp;The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Larks Park.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

TOPEKA, Kan. - The KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament format and sites have been selected for the next two seasons. In 2026, the 1A Division I semifinals and finals will be played at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City. The 2A and 1A Division II semifinals and finals will be played at White Auditorium in Emporia while 3A and 4A semifinals and finals will be played at The Hutchinson Sports Arena at Hutchinson Community College. In the largest school classifications, 5A and 6A semifinals and finals will be played at Koch Arena at Wichita State University. This will mark the first time since 1953 when state championship games of multiple classes were played at the same place. 

In 2027, both Divisions of 1A semifinals and finals will be played at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. Class 2A and Class 4A semifinals and finals will be played at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. The 3A semifinals and finals will be played at The Sports Arena at Hutchinson Community College. The 5A and 6A semifinals will be played at White Auditorium in Emporia.   

“The KSHSAA is an association of member schools, and the school leaders have asked for class consolidation of championships.” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “This new format will achieve that result and provide a greater focus on the student athletes competing at the highest level with four state title games being played consecutively on championship Saturday. This modification allows basketball to follow the recently implemented format for championship soccer and football championship games.&nbsp; With more titles being determined at one location, the atmosphere in the championship arenas will be at an all-time high.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The state tournament begins with the quarterfinal round which will be hosted at seven venues in five cities. To advance to the semifinals and finals sites, teams will need to win the state quarterfinal round games which will be played at United Wireless Arena, Tony’s Pizza Events &nbsp;Center in Salina, Mabee Arena at Kansas Wesleyan University, Koch Arena, Garvey Center at Friends University, White Auditorium, and the Kansas City Kansas Community College Fieldhouse in Kansas City.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2026 State Basketball Tournament Quarterfinal Schedule:&nbsp;

6A, 4A, 2A Girls, 5A, 3A, 1A Boys Quarterfinals – March 10 (United Wireless Arena, Koch Arena, Friends University, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Kansas Wesleyan University, White Auditorium, KCKCC Fieldhouse)&nbsp;

5A, 3A, 1A Girls, 6A, 4A, 2A Boys Quarterfinals – March 11 (United Wireless Arena, Koch Arena, Friends University, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Kansas Wesleyan University, White Auditorium, KCKCC Fieldhouse)&nbsp;

The quarterfinal round games are determined by proximity to the higher seed, not class. The highest four seeds of the state tournament will be placed as close to home as possible in the 28 quarterfinal round games across the state. &nbsp;If the distance from the lower seed is greater than 250 miles from where the game would be played near the higher seed, that game will be played at one of the quarterfinal sites centrally located. State brackets will not be reseeded after the state quarterfinals.&nbsp;

“With the top four seeds earning the right to play close to home, the quarterfinal rounds will provide a better environment and experience allowing more friends and family to attend the quarterfinal round,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director and Basketball Administrator Kyle Doperalski.&nbsp; “This new format is a win for teams and school communities with an incredible atmosphere of four state championship games in the same venue on the same day.&nbsp; Fans and media along with non-advancing teams and coaches will have less decisions to make about what site to go to and watch the&nbsp;teams and players they want to see at the state tournament.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The dates of the quarterfinal games are March 10-11, 2026 and March 9-10, 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;The dates of the semifinals and finals are March 12-14, 2026 and March 11-13, 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two years ago, the membership expressed desire through the October Regional Administrator Meetings to combine classes at the state basketball tournament.&nbsp;Each class individually supported this concept. Working with the host sites to ensure top level tournament management, it was determined that the best course of action is the final four in each class advance to the site of the semifinals and finals with state quarterfinal games being played in proximity to the higher seed at neutral/college sites.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620403640441.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KSHAAA ReleaseTOPEKA, Kan. - The KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament format and sites have been selected for the next two seasons. In 2026, the 1A Division I semifinals and finals will be played at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City. The 2A and 1A Division II semifinals and finals will be played at White Auditorium in Emporia while 3A and 4A semifinals and finals will be played at The Hutchinson Sports Arena at Hutchinson Community College. In the largest school classifications, 5A and 6A semifinals and finals will be played at Koch Arena at Wichita State University. This will mark the first time since 1953 when state championship games of multiple classes were played at the same place. In 2027, both Divisions of 1A semifinals and finals will be played at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. Class 2A and Class 4A semifinals and finals will be played at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. The 3A semifinals and finals will be played at The Sports Arena at Hutchinson Community College. The 5A and 6A semifinals will be played at White Auditorium in Emporia. “The KSHSAA is an association of member schools, and the school leaders have asked for class consolidation of championships.” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “This new format will achieve that result and provide a greater focus on the student athletes competing at the highest level with four state title games being played consecutively on championship Saturday. This modification allows basketball to follow the recently implemented format for championship soccer and football championship games.&nbsp; With more titles being determined at one location, the atmosphere in the championship arenas will be at an all-time high.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The state tournament begins with the quarterfinal round which will be hosted at seven venues in five cities. To advance to the semifinals and finals sites, teams will need to win the state quarterfinal round games which will be played at United Wireless Arena, Tony’s Pizza Events &nbsp;Center in Salina, Mabee Arena at Kansas Wesleyan University, Koch Arena, Garvey Center at Friends University, White Auditorium, and the Kansas City Kansas Community College Fieldhouse in Kansas City.&nbsp;&nbsp;2026 State Basketball Tournament Quarterfinal Schedule:&nbsp;6A, 4A, 2A Girls, 5A, 3A, 1A Boys Quarterfinals – March 10 (United Wireless Arena, Koch Arena, Friends University, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Kansas Wesleyan University, White Auditorium, KCKCC Fieldhouse)&nbsp;5A, 3A, 1A Girls, 6A, 4A, 2A Boys Quarterfinals – March 11 (United Wireless Arena, Koch Arena, Friends University, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Kansas Wesleyan University, White Auditorium, KCKCC Fieldhouse)&nbsp;The quarterfinal round games are determined by proximity to the higher seed, not class. The highest four seeds of the state tournament will be placed as close to home as possible in the 28 quarterfinal round games across the state. &nbsp;If the distance from the lower seed is greater than 250 miles from where the game would be played near the higher seed, that game will be played at one of the quarterfinal sites centrally located. State brackets will not be reseeded after the state quarterfinals.&nbsp;“With the top four seeds earning the right to play close to home, the quarterfinal rounds will provide a better environment and experience allowing more friends and family to attend the quarterfinal round,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director and Basketball Administrator Kyle Doperalski.&nbsp; “This new format is a win for teams and school communities with an incredible atmosphere of four state championship games in the same venue on the same day.&nbsp; Fans and media along with non-advancing teams and coaches will have less decisions to make about what site to go to and watch the&nbsp;teams and players they want to see at the state tournament.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The dates of the quarterfinal games are March 10-11, 2026 and March 9-10, 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;The dates of the semifinals and finals are March 12-14, 2026 and March 11-13, 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;Two years ago, the membership expressed desire through the October Regional Administrator Meetings to combine classes at the state basketball tournament.&nbsp;Each class individually supported this concept. Working with the host sites to ensure top level tournament management, it was determined that the best course of action is the final four in each class advance to the site of the semifinals and finals with state quarterfinal games being played in proximity to the higher seed at neutral/college sites.&nbsp;

🏀 State sites and format set for 2026 and 2027

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; Thursday, July 10 noneFriday, July 11 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 6:30pmSaturday, July 12 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 2:30pmSunday, July 13 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 12:30pm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice, Jac Caglianone hit the longest measured homer by a Royals rookie, and Kansas City beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.

Perez broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning with his longball off Isaac Mattson (2-1). He opened the scoring with a 444-foot shot to center in the second.

But the most impressive homer of the game belonged to Caglianone —&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943109192639762689">a 466-foot, two-run drive</a>&nbsp;to center in the fourth against Bailey Falter. It was the longest homer by a Royals rookie since Statcast started tracking in 2015 and the fourth-longest by any Kansas City player at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals have won six of seven overall. They did not have a multi-homer game this season before doing it Monday night against Pittsburgh, and now they've done it three games in a row. Kansas City hit nine homers in the series.

Pittsburgh fell to 0-6 on its nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star break after getting shut out in three straight games at Seattle.

Perez had his second multi-homer game of the season and 19th of his career, extending his franchise record.

Lucas Erceg (4-2) worked a scoreless eighth and Carlos Estevez pitched the ninth for his 25th save.

Ke'Bryan Hayes had a two-run single in the Pirates' three-run sixth.

<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943129622788354333">Perez sent the first pitch of the eighth</a>&nbsp;to the walkway just short of the fountains in right-center.

Kansas City swept a series at home for the first time since a four-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox in early May.

Pirates: Begin a three-game series at Minnesota on Friday.

Royals: Host the New York Mets for three games starting Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752142974949.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone watches his two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone watches his two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice, Jac Caglianone hit the longest measured homer by a Royals rookie, and Kansas City beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.Perez broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning with his longball off Isaac Mattson (2-1). He opened the scoring with a 444-foot shot to center in the second.But the most impressive homer of the game belonged to Caglianone —&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943109192639762689">a 466-foot, two-run drive</a>&nbsp;to center in the fourth against Bailey Falter. It was the longest homer by a Royals rookie since Statcast started tracking in 2015 and the fourth-longest by any Kansas City player at Kauffman Stadium.The Royals have won six of seven overall. They did not have a multi-homer game this season before doing it Monday night against Pittsburgh, and now they've done it three games in a row. Kansas City hit nine homers in the series.Pittsburgh fell to 0-6 on its nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star break after getting shut out in three straight games at Seattle.Perez had his second multi-homer game of the season and 19th of his career, extending his franchise record.Lucas Erceg (4-2) worked a scoreless eighth and Carlos Estevez pitched the ninth for his 25th save.Ke'Bryan Hayes had a two-run single in the Pirates' three-run sixth.<h2>Key moment</h2><a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943129622788354333">Perez sent the first pitch of the eighth</a>&nbsp;to the walkway just short of the fountains in right-center.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City swept a series at home for the first time since a four-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox in early May.<h2>Up next</h2>Pirates: Begin a three-game series at Minnesota on Friday.Royals: Host the New York Mets for three games starting Friday.

⚾ Perez and Caglianone power Royals to win over Pirates 

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to use its robot umpire technology for ball-strike challenges in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Atlanta, another step toward possible regular-season use next season.

MLB said Wednesday it intends to make the All-Star announcement Thursday.

Teams won 52.2% of their ball/strike challenges during the spring training test, with 617 of 1,182 challenges successful in the 288 exhibition games using the Automated Ball-Strike System. ABS was installed at 13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teams, and an animation of the pitch was shown on video boards displaying the challenge result for spectators to see.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said last month that the ABS system was likely to be considered for regular-season use by the 11-man competition committee, which includes six management representatives.

“I do think that we’re going to pursue the possibility of change in that process and we’ll see what comes out at the end of that,” he said. “The teams are really positive about ABS. I do have that unscientific system that I use: my email traffic. And my distinct impression is that using ABS in spring training has made people more prone to complain of balls and strike calls via email to me referencing the need for ABS.”

During the 2024 regular season, 10.9% of called pitches in the strike zone were ruled balls and 6.3% of called pitches outside of the strike zone were ruled strikes, according to MLB Statcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740110201518.png" alt="MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)" />
 <figcaption>MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to use its robot umpire technology for ball-strike challenges in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Atlanta, another step toward possible regular-season use next season.MLB said Wednesday it intends to make the All-Star announcement Thursday.Teams won 52.2% of their ball/strike challenges during the spring training test, with 617 of 1,182 challenges successful in the 288 exhibition games using the Automated Ball-Strike System. ABS was installed at 13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teams, and an animation of the pitch was shown on video boards displaying the challenge result for spectators to see.Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said last month that the ABS system was likely to be considered for regular-season use by the 11-man competition committee, which includes six management representatives.“I do think that we’re going to pursue the possibility of change in that process and we’ll see what comes out at the end of that,” he said. “The teams are really positive about ABS. I do have that unscientific system that I use: my email traffic. And my distinct impression is that using ABS in spring training has made people more prone to complain of balls and strike calls via email to me referencing the need for ABS.”During the 2024 regular season, 10.9% of called pitches in the strike zone were ruled balls and 6.3% of called pitches outside of the strike zone were ruled strikes, according to MLB Statcast.

⚾ MLB plans to use robot umpire challenge system in All-Star Game next week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals signed former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league deal, the team announced Wednesday, hours before they played the finale of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 37-year-old Keuchel worked out for the Royals last week. He will head to their training facility in Surprise, Arizona, and then is expected to spend time at Triple-A Omaha in the hopes of returning to the big leagues.

Keuchel appeared in only four games for Milwaukee last season. His last appearance came on July 13, 2024.

Keuchel spent his first seven seasons with the Astros, helping them win the 2017 World Series. He was a two-time All-Star and won the Cy Young in 2015, when he went 20-8 with a 2.48 ERA and won the second of his five Gold Gloves.

Keuchel has bounced through six organizations over the past four seasons, though, going just 4-10 with a 7.59 ERA in 24 starts and 28 appearances. He has a career record of 103-92 with a 4.04 ERA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752072321868.jpeg" alt="Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images" />
 <figcaption>Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals signed former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league deal, the team announced Wednesday, hours before they played the finale of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.The 37-year-old Keuchel worked out for the Royals last week. He will head to their training facility in Surprise, Arizona, and then is expected to spend time at Triple-A Omaha in the hopes of returning to the big leagues.Keuchel appeared in only four games for Milwaukee last season. His last appearance came on July 13, 2024.Keuchel spent his first seven seasons with the Astros, helping them win the 2017 World Series. He was a two-time All-Star and won the Cy Young in 2015, when he went 20-8 with a 2.48 ERA and won the second of his five Gold Gloves.Keuchel has bounced through six organizations over the past four seasons, though, going just 4-10 with a 7.59 ERA in 24 starts and 28 appearances. He has a career record of 103-92 with a 4.04 ERA.

⚾ Royals sign former Cy Young winner to minor league contract

AUSTIN, Texas - Fort Hays State men's golfer Cooper Scheck has been named to the 2024-25 CSC Academic All-America At-Large Team as a second team selection, announced Wednesday. The Academic All-America Team is voted on by members of College Sports Communicators nationwide, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.

A native of Dodge City, Kan., Scheck put together a strong junior season, becoming the first PING All-Region selection in program history after averaging 72.15 across 12 events and 33 rounds of competition. Scheck earned six top 10 finishes, including one victory at the Newman Invitational in October.

He qualified as an individual for the Central/Midwest Regional Championships, becoming the first Tiger to qualify for NCAA postseason competition in a decade. Scheck finished in a tie for 22nd out of 108 golfers at regionals at 4-over for the week (72-75-70). He also earned All-MIAA honors for his performance this season, becoming just the second player in team history to earn multiple All-MIAA recognitions.

Scheck turned in 11 rounds at-or-under par, including the lowest round in recorded team history of 7-under 64 at the Hillcat Classic in March. He posted eight rounds in the 60s on the year, including five rounds of 67 or lower.

He earned his second-consecutive MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award in addition to picking up the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for a second year in a row. He was one of just two men's golfers league-wide to take home both awards.

Scheck continues to maintain a perfect 4.00 GPA through six semesters of higher education coursework. He is a health and human performance major at FHSU with an emphasis in sport and exercise therapy.

He was the only male and one of only two MIAA athletes to earn a spot on one of the Academic All-America At-Large Teams, joined by Mia Rallo (UCM women's golf) who was also listed on the second team.

Scheck is the first men's golfer in school history to earn the prestigious award and is the second golfer overall after Morgan Brasser represented the women's golf team with a second team recognition in 2022-23.

He brings Fort Hays State's all-time CSC Academic All-America count to 76 for all sports, with the first awarded back in 1975. Scheck is the fifth CSC Academic All-America selection during the 2024-25 academic year for Fort Hays State, joining Tadhg Walsh of men's soccer, Myles Menges and Josh Shaw of football and Katie DeGarmo of women's basketball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752142015014.png" alt="Image Courtesy FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsAUSTIN, Texas - Fort Hays State men's golfer Cooper Scheck has been named to the 2024-25 CSC Academic All-America At-Large Team as a second team selection, announced Wednesday. The Academic All-America Team is voted on by members of College Sports Communicators nationwide, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.A native of Dodge City, Kan., Scheck put together a strong junior season, becoming the first PING All-Region selection in program history after averaging 72.15 across 12 events and 33 rounds of competition. Scheck earned six top 10 finishes, including one victory at the Newman Invitational in October.He qualified as an individual for the Central/Midwest Regional Championships, becoming the first Tiger to qualify for NCAA postseason competition in a decade. Scheck finished in a tie for 22nd out of 108 golfers at regionals at 4-over for the week (72-75-70). He also earned All-MIAA honors for his performance this season, becoming just the second player in team history to earn multiple All-MIAA recognitions.Scheck turned in 11 rounds at-or-under par, including the lowest round in recorded team history of 7-under 64 at the Hillcat Classic in March. He posted eight rounds in the 60s on the year, including five rounds of 67 or lower.He earned his second-consecutive MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award in addition to picking up the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for a second year in a row. He was one of just two men's golfers league-wide to take home both awards.Scheck continues to maintain a perfect 4.00 GPA through six semesters of higher education coursework. He is a health and human performance major at FHSU with an emphasis in sport and exercise therapy.He was the only male and one of only two MIAA athletes to earn a spot on one of the Academic All-America At-Large Teams, joined by Mia Rallo (UCM women's golf) who was also listed on the second team.Scheck is the first men's golfer in school history to earn the prestigious award and is the second golfer overall after Morgan Brasser represented the women's golf team with a second team recognition in 2022-23.He brings Fort Hays State's all-time CSC Academic All-America count to 76 for all sports, with the first awarded back in 1975. Scheck is the fifth CSC Academic All-America selection during the 2024-25 academic year for Fort Hays State, joining Tadhg Walsh of men's soccer, Myles Menges and Josh Shaw of football and Katie DeGarmo of women's basketball.

⛳ FHSU's Scheck named to CSC Academic All-America Team

Wednesday, July 9 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; Wednesday, July 9 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:00pmThursday, July 10 noneFriday, July 11 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 6:30pmSaturday, July 12 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 2:30pmSunday, July 13 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 12:30pm

AUGUSTA
– Brady Kreutzer hit the go-ahead homer in the fifth, Thomas Lyssy and CJ Reid both had
three hits and the Hays Larks beat the Kansas Cannons 9-5 Tuesday evening at Augusts
High School. The Larks scored single runs in the fourth and fifth to take the
lead then added two in the seventh and one in the ninth to run their winning
streak to four while handing the Cannons their sixth straight loss.

The
Larks (19-4-1) grabbed the early lead with a four-run third. A hit
batter followed by back-to-back singles from Reid and Kaleb Duncan loaded the
bases. Jackson Babcock drove in the first run with an infield single. Dylan
LaRue drove in the second run with a single to right, Lorenzo Rios walked then Brady
Kreutzer had a sacrifice fly.

The
Cannons (12-13-1) answered with five in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-4
lead, but the Larks came right back with single runs in fourth and fifth. Lane
Sparks sacrifice fly scored Duncan to tie the game 5-5 in the fourth. Brady
Kreutzer’s two-out solo home run to left gave them the lead for good.

Wilbert Espinal had an RBI double and Lyssy an RBI single in the seventh. Espinal
scored on a Duncan’s sacrifice fly in the ninth to cap the scoring.

Four
Larks pitchers combined to throw 6 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Adrian
Najar (2-0) allowed one hit with five strikeouts and one walk over 2 2/3
innings and picked up the win. Paul Smith pitched two hitless innings with four
strikeouts, Lane Sparks and Trent Baker both pitched a hitless frame to close
out the game. 

Starter
Dylan Hill allowed five runs on three hits with five walks and no strikeouts.

The
five pitchers combined to strike out 14 Cannon batters.

The
Larks had 13 hits against the Cannons. It’s their 10th-straight game of double-digit
hits. The Larks have had 10 or more hits in 17 of their 24 games this season.

The
Larks begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season Thursday with the
first game of the four-game series with the Collegiate Roughriders.

Hays Post SportsAUGUSTA
– Brady Kreutzer hit the go-ahead homer in the fifth, Thomas Lyssy and CJ Reid both had
three hits and the Hays Larks beat the Kansas Cannons 9-5 Tuesday evening at Augusts
High School. The Larks scored single runs in the fourth and fifth to take the
lead then added two in the seventh and one in the ninth to run their winning
streak to four while handing the Cannons their sixth straight loss.The
Larks (19-4-1) grabbed the early lead with a four-run third. A hit
batter followed by back-to-back singles from Reid and Kaleb Duncan loaded the
bases. Jackson Babcock drove in the first run with an infield single. Dylan
LaRue drove in the second run with a single to right, Lorenzo Rios walked then Brady
Kreutzer had a sacrifice fly.The
Cannons (12-13-1) answered with five in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-4
lead, but the Larks came right back with single runs in fourth and fifth. Lane
Sparks sacrifice fly scored Duncan to tie the game 5-5 in the fourth. Brady
Kreutzer’s two-out solo home run to left gave them the lead for good.Wilbert Espinal had an RBI double and Lyssy an RBI single in the seventh. Espinal
scored on a Duncan’s sacrifice fly in the ninth to cap the scoring.Four
Larks pitchers combined to throw 6 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Adrian
Najar (2-0) allowed one hit with five strikeouts and one walk over 2 2/3
innings and picked up the win. Paul Smith pitched two hitless innings with four
strikeouts, Lane Sparks and Trent Baker both pitched a hitless frame to close
out the game. Starter
Dylan Hill allowed five runs on three hits with five walks and no strikeouts.The
five pitchers combined to strike out 14 Cannon batters.DOUBLE
DIGIT HITSThe
Larks had 13 hits against the Cannons. It’s their 10th-straight game of double-digit
hits. The Larks have had 10 or more hits in 17 of their 24 games this season.UP
NEXTThe
Larks begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season Thursday with the
first game of the four-game series with the Collegiate Roughriders.

⚾ Kreutzer homer, relief pitching carries Larks past Cannons

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Loftin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning, then won it in the ninth with a one-out RBI single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Tuesday night.

Rookie Jac Caglianone homered for the Royals,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1942737397579669574">a 421-foot drive</a>&nbsp;leading off the second inning that was his first extra-base hit in 14 games at Kauffman Stadium. He had been 5 for 46 at home before Tuesday.

Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz tied it in the fourth with&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1942743739161596193">a 458-foot shot</a>&nbsp;over the fountains in right field on the day he was announced as a participant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oneil-cruz-pirates-home-run-derby-e0d48db4b4f6792bbca476b590a1dac1">in next-week's Home Run Derby</a>.

Nick Gonzales put the Pirates ahead with a homer in the top of the seventh before Loftin's drive made it 3-2.

Bryan Reynolds tied it with an RBI grounder in the eighth.

Maikel Garcia singled leading off the ninth against Dennis Santana (2-2) and Salvador Perez followed with a base hit. With one out, Isaac Mattson came in and gave up Loftin's game-ending hit on a 1-0 fastball.

The Pirates fell to 0-5 to start their nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star Break. Kansas City has won five of six.

Carlos Estevez (3-2) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City.

The Pirates' Mitch Keller and the Royals' Seth Lugo, both rumored to be trade candidates before the July 31 deadline, were nearly identical through six innings. Each allowed one run on three hits with five strikeouts.

The Pirates loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against Lucas Erceg, who gave up Reynolds' tying fielder's-choice grounder and then retired Gonzales on another groundball.

The Royals had their second straight multi-homer game after not having done that all season.

The teams complete their three-game series Wednesday night with Pittsburgh's Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.69 ERA) facing Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.36).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752030418171.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Loftin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning, then won it in the ninth with a one-out RBI single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Tuesday night.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyals%2Fvideos%2F722270243999771%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Rookie Jac Caglianone homered for the Royals,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1942737397579669574">a 421-foot drive</a>&nbsp;leading off the second inning that was his first extra-base hit in 14 games at Kauffman Stadium. He had been 5 for 46 at home before Tuesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyals%2Fvideos%2F1427201965159858%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz tied it in the fourth with&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1942743739161596193">a 458-foot shot</a>&nbsp;over the fountains in right field on the day he was announced as a participant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oneil-cruz-pirates-home-run-derby-e0d48db4b4f6792bbca476b590a1dac1">in next-week's Home Run Derby</a>.Nick Gonzales put the Pirates ahead with a homer in the top of the seventh before Loftin's drive made it 3-2.Bryan Reynolds tied it with an RBI grounder in the eighth.Maikel Garcia singled leading off the ninth against Dennis Santana (2-2) and Salvador Perez followed with a base hit. With one out, Isaac Mattson came in and gave up Loftin's game-ending hit on a 1-0 fastball.The Pirates fell to 0-5 to start their nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star Break. Kansas City has won five of six.Carlos Estevez (3-2) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City.The Pirates' Mitch Keller and the Royals' Seth Lugo, both rumored to be trade candidates before the July 31 deadline, were nearly identical through six innings. Each allowed one run on three hits with five strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Pirates loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against Lucas Erceg, who gave up Reynolds' tying fielder's-choice grounder and then retired Gonzales on another groundball.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals had their second straight multi-homer game after not having done that all season.<h2>Up next</h2>The teams complete their three-game series Wednesday night with Pittsburgh's Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.69 ERA) facing Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.36).

⚾ Nick Loftin hits 2-run homer in 7th as Royals beat the Pirates

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — There are no official Big 12 predictions going into this season, so there will be no last-to-first narrative like what Arizona State had in its league debut.

Going into its 30th football season, the Big 12 didn't conduct a preseason media poll predicting the order of finish for the 16-team conference. The results were way off last year.

“I try to ignore it as best I can,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said Tuesday at Big 12 media days. “It’s one of the reasons we as coaches did not do a coaches poll because I think the narrative has really hurt our league. I know it hurt Arizona State and I know it hurt BYU last year.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-championship-score-45a03c18f90e196ef6e24670e17ee178">Arizona State won the Big 12 championship</a>&nbsp;game last season after being picked to finish at the bottom of the Big 12 standings. The Sun Devils were in a four-way tie for first place in the regular-season standings, beat Iowa State in the title game and were the only league team to make the College Football Playoff.

Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham said he couldn't care less about any of the predictions last year, or what anybody might have guessed for this season. They do have back quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was picked as the league's preseason offensive player of the year since media still voted on a&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2025/7/6/big-12-announces-2025-preseason-all-conference-football-team.aspx">preseason All-Big 12 team</a>.

“I don’t really care where people put us. Vote us first, vote us last, vote us in the middle. If we’re so focused on other people’s expectations of us, then you’re going to limit yourself,” Dillingham said Tuesday. “Who knows? Are we supposed to win six games? Are we supposed to win nine games? Are we supposed to go undefeated? Are we supposed to win zero? ... All I know is when we show up to work, we should be the very best version of ourselves. And if we compete in something, you better compete to win.”

BYU was picked to finish 13th in the Big 12, and was part of that four-way tie at the end of the regular season with 7-2 conference records. The Cougars finished 11-2 overall, including a 9-0 start in which they had an early win over ACC newcomer SMU, which made the 12-team playoff field even after losing its conference championship game.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-yormark-cfp-f2e97ef7c5e4c2848df5514309db9104">Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark</a>&nbsp;said there's no value to such preseason football polls, especially with the ever-changing landscape in the game these days. He felt Arizona State was disadvantaged because of being picked 16th long before even playing its first game.

“With the transfer portal and with roster management and what goes on as you build that roster, no one knows what they really have. They know what they have on paper, but it hasn’t played out,” Yormark said. “And that was the case with Arizona State last year. So I don’t know if it’s a trend or not but certainly it’s the right thing for the Big 12 and I’m glad we did it.”

The Big Ten Conference has long forgone doing preseason polls.

Arizona State went into the Big 12 title game last December at 15th in the CFP rankings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-yormark-cfp-rankings-rant-e16daf082149313f9cc8641118c178cf">behind three SEC teams with three losses</a>&nbsp;and Mountain West Conference champion Boise State. The Sun Devils were then 12th in the final CFP rankings, but got a first-round bye as one of the top four-ranked conference champions before the format changed for this season to more-direct seeding.

A series of tiebreakers had put Arizona State and Iowa State in the Big 12 title game, and eliminated BYU and Colorado from title contention.

Utah, which like Arizona State made its Big 12 debut last year, was the preseason favorite to win the league. The Utes won all three of their non-conference games, but went 2-7 otherwise to finish near the bottom of the Big 12 standings.

Oklahoma State was last after going 0-9 in conference play. The Cowboys had been picked third.

The Big 12 season will open Aug. 23 with Kansas State playing Iowa State in Ireland.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-tcu-football-ireland-belichick-efcca9bb2490629f514a683ccec86b6d">TCU will play its 2026 season opener there</a>&nbsp;against North Carolina.

“I’ve been on the record to say that I want this conference to be a global conference," said Yormark, who is going into his fourth year as Big 12 commissioner. “I think we can win globally big time. Playing in Ireland obviously is that first step.”

Football isn't the league's only sport going international for a league in which Yormark said 11% of the student-athletes are from outside the United States.

“Just from a recruitment standpoint, it makes sense to carry that flag outside of the domestic marketplace,” he said.

Baylor's women's basketball team will open the upcoming season in Paris. Yormark said there is a good chance of a baseball game in Mexico City next spring, and that there are conversations about events in other international markets, like Germany.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752072199712.jpeg" alt="Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman speaks during Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman speaks during Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)</figcaption>
 </figure>FRISCO, Texas (AP) — There are no official Big 12 predictions going into this season, so there will be no last-to-first narrative like what Arizona State had in its league debut.Going into its 30th football season, the Big 12 didn't conduct a preseason media poll predicting the order of finish for the 16-team conference. The results were way off last year.“I try to ignore it as best I can,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said Tuesday at Big 12 media days. “It’s one of the reasons we as coaches did not do a coaches poll because I think the narrative has really hurt our league. I know it hurt Arizona State and I know it hurt BYU last year.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-championship-score-45a03c18f90e196ef6e24670e17ee178">Arizona State won the Big 12 championship</a>&nbsp;game last season after being picked to finish at the bottom of the Big 12 standings. The Sun Devils were in a four-way tie for first place in the regular-season standings, beat Iowa State in the title game and were the only league team to make the College Football Playoff.Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham said he couldn't care less about any of the predictions last year, or what anybody might have guessed for this season. They do have back quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was picked as the league's preseason offensive player of the year since media still voted on a&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2025/7/6/big-12-announces-2025-preseason-all-conference-football-team.aspx">preseason All-Big 12 team</a>.“I don’t really care where people put us. Vote us first, vote us last, vote us in the middle. If we’re so focused on other people’s expectations of us, then you’re going to limit yourself,” Dillingham said Tuesday. “Who knows? Are we supposed to win six games? Are we supposed to win nine games? Are we supposed to go undefeated? Are we supposed to win zero? ... All I know is when we show up to work, we should be the very best version of ourselves. And if we compete in something, you better compete to win.”BYU was picked to finish 13th in the Big 12, and was part of that four-way tie at the end of the regular season with 7-2 conference records. The Cougars finished 11-2 overall, including a 9-0 start in which they had an early win over ACC newcomer SMU, which made the 12-team playoff field even after losing its conference championship game.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-yormark-cfp-f2e97ef7c5e4c2848df5514309db9104">Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark</a>&nbsp;said there's no value to such preseason football polls, especially with the ever-changing landscape in the game these days. He felt Arizona State was disadvantaged because of being picked 16th long before even playing its first game.“With the transfer portal and with roster management and what goes on as you build that roster, no one knows what they really have. They know what they have on paper, but it hasn’t played out,” Yormark said. “And that was the case with Arizona State last year. So I don’t know if it’s a trend or not but certainly it’s the right thing for the Big 12 and I’m glad we did it.”The Big Ten Conference has long forgone doing preseason polls.Arizona State went into the Big 12 title game last December at 15th in the CFP rankings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-yormark-cfp-rankings-rant-e16daf082149313f9cc8641118c178cf">behind three SEC teams with three losses</a>&nbsp;and Mountain West Conference champion Boise State. The Sun Devils were then 12th in the final CFP rankings, but got a first-round bye as one of the top four-ranked conference champions before the format changed for this season to more-direct seeding.A series of tiebreakers had put Arizona State and Iowa State in the Big 12 title game, and eliminated BYU and Colorado from title contention.Utah, which like Arizona State made its Big 12 debut last year, was the preseason favorite to win the league. The Utes won all three of their non-conference games, but went 2-7 otherwise to finish near the bottom of the Big 12 standings.Oklahoma State was last after going 0-9 in conference play. The Cowboys had been picked third.<h2>Global stages</h2>The Big 12 season will open Aug. 23 with Kansas State playing Iowa State in Ireland.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-tcu-football-ireland-belichick-efcca9bb2490629f514a683ccec86b6d">TCU will play its 2026 season opener there</a>&nbsp;against North Carolina.“I’ve been on the record to say that I want this conference to be a global conference," said Yormark, who is going into his fourth year as Big 12 commissioner. “I think we can win globally big time. Playing in Ireland obviously is that first step.”Football isn't the league's only sport going international for a league in which Yormark said 11% of the student-athletes are from outside the United States.“Just from a recruitment standpoint, it makes sense to carry that flag outside of the domestic marketplace,” he said.Baylor's women's basketball team will open the upcoming season in Paris. Yormark said there is a good chance of a baseball game in Mexico City next spring, and that there are conversations about events in other international markets, like Germany.