KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha allowed one run on two hits over six innings, Salvador Perez drove in a pair of runs and the Kansas City Royals got a spectacular defensive play from Kyle Isbel in the ninth to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 on Wednesday night.

After reliever Chris Stratton gave up a run in the eighth, Royals closer James McArthur entered the game and got Jose Siri to fly out to right field and Richie Palacios to pop foul, leaving runners stranded on second and third.

McArthur came back for the ninth and gave up a leadoff single to Ben Rortvedt before striking out Yandy Diaz. Taylor Walls followed with a shot to deep center, where Isbel leaped up and slammed into the wall, barely hanging onto the catch as he hit the ground. McArthur then got Isaac Paredes to ground back to the pitcher to finish off his 15th save.

“I was kind of surprised I hung onto it. The wall is pretty hard out there," Isbel said. “I knew there was going to be a collision, but the game is on the line right there.”

Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino also drove in runs, pushing Kansas City to its AL-leading 31st home victory.

Wacha (5-6), who pitched for the Rays in 2021, walked three and struck out eight. The only run he allowed came on Paredes’ homer in the first, making it eight consecutive starts allowing two earned runs or fewer.

“He's really thrown the ball all season,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We just couldn't get anything going. Mixed speeds really well, altered his delivery when we got guys on base. Slide-stepping and throwing timing off. Good performance.”

Ryan Pepiot (4-5) allowed two runs on four his over four innings for Tampa Bay. He struck out three.

After the series opener was delayed 2 1/2 hours by rain and finished after midnight, and Wednesday night's game started amid a drizzle, the clouds finally cleared off and a brilliant double rainbow appeared beyond the right-field wall at sunset.

Tampa Bay jumped ahead on Parades' two-out homer, but that was all the Rays could manage with Wacha on the mound. He left Amed Rosario on third in the second inning, stranded two in the third and worked around a leadoff double in the fourth.

The Royals took advantage of the opening, stringing together three hits in the third inning to take the lead. Isbel led off with a single, but it was Witt's double to left and Pasquantino's single moments later that pushed the runs across.

Kansas City still led 2-1 in the seventh when Shawn Armstrong walked Maikel Garcia and Witt. Perez stepped to the plate and got just enough barrel on the ball to bloop a single to right, scoring both of them and giving the Royals a cushion.

McArthur and Isbel made sure in the ninth that a two-run lead was enough.

“That was the most amazing catch I've seen,” McArthur said. “I knew (Isbel) had a chance on it because he's such a good outfielder, but that was just incredible.”

Tampa Bay traded RHP Aaron Civale to the NL Central-leading Brewers, who hope he can help a starting rotation decimated by injuries. The Rays received INF Gregory Barrios in the deal and assigned him to Class-A Bowling Green. Tampa Bay filled Civale's roster spot by recalling RHP Justin Sterner from Triple-A Durham.

Rays RHP Zach Eflin (4-5, 3.92 ERA) will start the season finale Thursday night. He is coming off six scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over Washington, his first victory since May 13. Royals RHP Alec Marsh (6-5, 4.19) gets the nod for the finale of a 10-game homestand.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720090132598.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha allowed one run on two hits over six innings, Salvador Perez drove in a pair of runs and the Kansas City Royals got a spectacular defensive play from Kyle Isbel in the ninth to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 on Wednesday night.After reliever Chris Stratton gave up a run in the eighth, Royals closer James McArthur entered the game and got Jose Siri to fly out to right field and Richie Palacios to pop foul, leaving runners stranded on second and third.McArthur came back for the ninth and gave up a leadoff single to Ben Rortvedt before striking out Yandy Diaz. Taylor Walls followed with a shot to deep center, where Isbel leaped up and slammed into the wall, barely hanging onto the catch as he hit the ground. McArthur then got Isaac Paredes to ground back to the pitcher to finish off his 15th save.“I was kind of surprised I hung onto it. The wall is pretty hard out there," Isbel said. “I knew there was going to be a collision, but the game is on the line right there.”Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino also drove in runs, pushing Kansas City to its AL-leading 31st home victory.Wacha (5-6), who pitched for the Rays in 2021, walked three and struck out eight. The only run he allowed came on Paredes’ homer in the first, making it eight consecutive starts allowing two earned runs or fewer.“He's really thrown the ball all season,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We just couldn't get anything going. Mixed speeds really well, altered his delivery when we got guys on base. Slide-stepping and throwing timing off. Good performance.”Ryan Pepiot (4-5) allowed two runs on four his over four innings for Tampa Bay. He struck out three.After the series opener was delayed 2 1/2 hours by rain and finished after midnight, and Wednesday night's game started amid a drizzle, the clouds finally cleared off and a brilliant double rainbow appeared beyond the right-field wall at sunset.Tampa Bay jumped ahead on Parades' two-out homer, but that was all the Rays could manage with Wacha on the mound. He left Amed Rosario on third in the second inning, stranded two in the third and worked around a leadoff double in the fourth.The Royals took advantage of the opening, stringing together three hits in the third inning to take the lead. Isbel led off with a single, but it was Witt's double to left and Pasquantino's single moments later that pushed the runs across.Kansas City still led 2-1 in the seventh when Shawn Armstrong walked Maikel Garcia and Witt. Perez stepped to the plate and got just enough barrel on the ball to bloop a single to right, scoring both of them and giving the Royals a cushion.McArthur and Isbel made sure in the ninth that a two-run lead was enough.“That was the most amazing catch I've seen,” McArthur said. “I knew (Isbel) had a chance on it because he's such a good outfielder, but that was just incredible.”RAYS MAKE A DEALTampa Bay traded RHP Aaron Civale to the NL Central-leading Brewers, who hope he can help a starting rotation decimated by injuries. The Rays received INF Gregory Barrios in the deal and assigned him to Class-A Bowling Green. Tampa Bay filled Civale's roster spot by recalling RHP Justin Sterner from Triple-A Durham.UP NEXTRays RHP Zach Eflin (4-5, 3.92 ERA) will start the season finale Thursday night. He is coming off six scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over Washington, his first victory since May 13. Royals RHP Alec Marsh (6-5, 4.19) gets the nod for the finale of a 10-game homestand.

⚾ Salvador Perez drives in 2 as the Royals beat the Rays 

Drew Labertew was selected to lead&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr/Sr High activities after the position&nbsp;opened in early June.

“When [outgoing AD] James Harris indicated that he wanted to&nbsp;return to the PE classroom, it created a late opening that required us&nbsp;to seek potential replacements right away,” TMP-M principal Chad&nbsp;Meitner said. “When we quickly garnered strong candidates, I&nbsp;breathed a lot easier. Drew is a rising star that will fit right in as a&nbsp;leader of TMP-M’s proud traditions and programs.”

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve as the activities director for TMP-Marian Jr./Sr. High&nbsp;School,” Labertew said. “I am excited to be a part of the Hays community and work with the students,&nbsp;coaches and staff.”

As a full-time AD, Labertew is relatively new to the position; however, his path of preparation goes&nbsp;back to when he was still in high school. 

Labertew assisted and shadowed his high school AD Shane&nbsp;Backhus his junior and senior years. That early experience only increased his desire to help youth&nbsp;through activities.

After one year at Fort Hays State University, Labertew returned home to attend McPherson College&nbsp;and play football. He earned his bachelor of science in sports management from McPherson College while assisting in&nbsp;the Athletic Department.

He reported directly to the director of athletics and assisted in daily&nbsp;operations, including supervision of various athletic activities. His experience with gameday&nbsp;operations and scheduling served him well for his next role at Kansas State University.

At K-State, Labertew was a graduate assistant with the Center for Student Success in the College of&nbsp;Education. He supported academic advisers, recruited prospective students and monitored student&nbsp;performance to ensure they met the curriculum requirements.

At the same time, Labertew completed an internship with the K-State Football Operations office that&nbsp;included managing gameday functions and events. He helped with logistics for rosters and itineraries&nbsp;for away games and led prospective student-athletes when on campus for recruiting visits. He did all of&nbsp;this while earning his master of science in counseling and student development.

“Drew has packed an impressive amount of administrative and leadership experience into his past six years,” Meitner said. “I can’t wait for our students and families to experience his energy.”

“I look forward to continuing to develop and build upon the&nbsp;traditions of the athletic programs, clubs and organizations that are affiliated with TMP-Marian. I can't&nbsp;wait to get started!” he said.

Thomas More Prep-Marian is a Catholic school serving grades 7-12. Students&nbsp;come from Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world. The school was&nbsp;founded by the Capuchin Franciscans as Hays Catholic College in 1908 and ultimately became&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian in 1981. The school continues to serve young people in the traditions of&nbsp;spiritual growth, academic excellence and leadership formation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720038086726.png" alt="Drew Labertew" />
 <figcaption>Drew Labertew</figcaption>
 </figure>TMPDrew Labertew was selected to lead&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr/Sr High activities after the position&nbsp;opened in early June.“When [outgoing AD] James Harris indicated that he wanted to&nbsp;return to the PE classroom, it created a late opening that required us&nbsp;to seek potential replacements right away,” TMP-M principal Chad&nbsp;Meitner said. “When we quickly garnered strong candidates, I&nbsp;breathed a lot easier. Drew is a rising star that will fit right in as a&nbsp;leader of TMP-M’s proud traditions and programs.”“I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve as the activities director for TMP-Marian Jr./Sr. High&nbsp;School,” Labertew said. “I am excited to be a part of the Hays community and work with the students,&nbsp;coaches and staff.”As a full-time AD, Labertew is relatively new to the position; however, his path of preparation goes&nbsp;back to when he was still in high school. Labertew assisted and shadowed his high school AD Shane&nbsp;Backhus his junior and senior years. That early experience only increased his desire to help youth&nbsp;through activities.After one year at Fort Hays State University, Labertew returned home to attend McPherson College&nbsp;and play football. He earned his bachelor of science in sports management from McPherson College while assisting in&nbsp;the Athletic Department.He reported directly to the director of athletics and assisted in daily&nbsp;operations, including supervision of various athletic activities. His experience with gameday&nbsp;operations and scheduling served him well for his next role at Kansas State University.At K-State, Labertew was a graduate assistant with the Center for Student Success in the College of&nbsp;Education. He supported academic advisers, recruited prospective students and monitored student&nbsp;performance to ensure they met the curriculum requirements.At the same time, Labertew completed an internship with the K-State Football Operations office that&nbsp;included managing gameday functions and events. He helped with logistics for rosters and itineraries&nbsp;for away games and led prospective student-athletes when on campus for recruiting visits. He did all of&nbsp;this while earning his master of science in counseling and student development.“Drew has packed an impressive amount of administrative and leadership experience into his past six years,” Meitner said. “I can’t wait for our students and families to experience his energy.”From all indications, Labertew agrees.“I look forward to continuing to develop and build upon the&nbsp;traditions of the athletic programs, clubs and organizations that are affiliated with TMP-Marian. I can't&nbsp;wait to get started!” he said.Thomas More Prep-Marian is a Catholic school serving grades 7-12. Students&nbsp;come from Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world. The school was&nbsp;founded by the Capuchin Franciscans as Hays Catholic College in 1908 and ultimately became&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian in 1981. The school continues to serve young people in the traditions of&nbsp;spiritual growth, academic excellence and leadership formation.

TMP-Marian hires new activities director

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University Athletics signed a five-year agreement partnering with BSN Sports and Nike. BSN Sports is a supplier of Nike apparel and equipment and will serve as the official apparel and equipment provider to Fort Hays State University Athletics. The deal began on July 1, 2024.

As part of the five-year agreement with BSN Sports, Nike will provide both game/event gear and training gear for the department's 17 teams. Additionally, Nike will outfit members of the athletic department, including coaches and staff.

Along with the deal, BSN Sports is now the provider of the official apparel store for Fort Hays State Athletics. Fans can access the store here –&nbsp;<a href="https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/kansas/hays/fort-hays-state-university">BSN Sideline Store</a>.

John Ruder, an FHSU graduate and former Tiger athlete, is BSN's regional sales professional currently working with Fort Hays State Athletics.

BSN SPORTS is the leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 150,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States. Focused on providing game changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS' more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bsnsports.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crmeehan%40varsitybrands.com%7Cd53bd52b8fb748ab563608db403e96ea%7Cc94c2e0f055b4d4d804c286d873b70ce%7C1%7C0%7C638174409852413887%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=PJVLC9aPLyyu%2FHYTohHQCT3sQy0YzCa03x6oHaOYAgs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.bsnsports.com</a>.

NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://about.nike.com/en">https://about.nike.com/en</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720022956340.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University Athletics signed a five-year agreement partnering with BSN Sports and Nike. BSN Sports is a supplier of Nike apparel and equipment and will serve as the official apparel and equipment provider to Fort Hays State University Athletics. The deal began on July 1, 2024.As part of the five-year agreement with BSN Sports, Nike will provide both game/event gear and training gear for the department's 17 teams. Additionally, Nike will outfit members of the athletic department, including coaches and staff.Along with the deal, BSN Sports is now the provider of the official apparel store for Fort Hays State Athletics. Fans can access the store here –&nbsp;<a href="https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/kansas/hays/fort-hays-state-university">BSN Sideline Store</a>.John Ruder, an FHSU graduate and former Tiger athlete, is BSN's regional sales professional currently working with Fort Hays State Athletics.About BSN SportsBSN SPORTS is the leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 150,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States. Focused on providing game changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS' more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bsnsports.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crmeehan%40varsitybrands.com%7Cd53bd52b8fb748ab563608db403e96ea%7Cc94c2e0f055b4d4d804c286d873b70ce%7C1%7C0%7C638174409852413887%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=PJVLC9aPLyyu%2FHYTohHQCT3sQy0YzCa03x6oHaOYAgs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.bsnsports.com</a>.About NikeNIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://about.nike.com/en">https://about.nike.com/en</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fort Hays State signs five-year agreement with Nike/BSN Sports

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State women's wrestling head coach Alijah Jeffrey&nbsp;announced the signing of 15 newcomers for the upcoming season. The program heads into its first official season of team competition in 2024-25. The program started in 2023-24 when all of the individuals on the team were allowed to compete unattached in tournaments, but they redshirted to retain their season of eligibility.

Below are capsules on each of the 15 incoming true freshmen.

Alexis Burton, 145, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Hays HS: State runner-up at 140 in Kansas Class 6-5A as a senior with a record of 32-2…Three-time state placer overall…Was ranked second among Kansas all-class rankings…Recorded a total of 95 wins over her four years at Hays High School.

Hailey Conley, 207, Olathe, Kan. / Olathe North HS Olathe North: Four-time state placer in Kansas at 235, including a runner-up finish as a junior in 2022-23…Greco and Junior Duals All-America performer…Held a No. 1 ranking in Kansas in her class…Posted an overall record of 119-24 in high school, winning at least 40 matches each of her last two seasons.

Isabella Cross, 110, Colorado Springs, Colo. / Mesa Ridge HS Mesa Ridge HS: Won two consecutive state titles in Colorado, winning at 110 as a senior and 125 as a junior…Four-time state placer, also earning a state runner-up finish as a freshman and a third-place finish as a sophomore…Posted an overall high school record of 129-10…Folkstyle All-America performer…Ranked among the top 20 nationally in her class.

Ivy Davis, 138, Lakin, Kan. / Lakin HS Lakin HS: Posted a record of 35-8 as a senior…Multiple-time state qualifier in Kansas at 135.

Josie Houk,&nbsp;160, Torrington, Wyo. / Lingle-Fort Laramie/Southeast HS Lingle-Fort Laramie/Southeast HS: Back-to-back state championships in Wyoming as a junior and senior at 155…Had a combined record of 74-1 overall as a junior and senior, going a perfect 38-0 as a senior…State qualifier in the boys tournament as a freshman in 2021.

Amanda Jaeger, 131, Colby, Kan. / Colby HS Colby HS: Two-time state champion in Kansas Class 4-1A at 130 as a junior and senior…Went an undefeated 41-0 as a senior and 32-1 as a junior…Had an overall record of 100-8 in high school and was a three-time state placer…Folkstyle All-America performer.

Grace Johns, 180, Minneapolis, Kan. / Minneapolis HS Minneapolis HS: State champion in Kansas as a junior at 170 in 2022-23 with a record of 36-2...Two-time state finalist at 170…Wrestled her first two years of high school at Chapman High School in Chapman, Kan…Fargo and Folkstyle All-America honors.

Jamie Laswell, 125, Phoenix, Ariz. / Cesar Chavez HS Cesar Chavez HS: Arizona state champion at 132 as a senior in 2024, going 28-0 overall…State runner-up finish in 2023 at 132, going 18-1…Multiple folkstyle All-America honors…Ranked among the top 15 in the nation in her class.

Lexie Lopez, 125, Loveland, Colo. / Loveland HS Loveland HS: Colorado state champion at 125 as a senior with a 33-1 record…State runner-up as a junior at 120 with a record of 32-1…Attended Mt. Carmel High School in California her first two years of high school and was a state qualifier in 2022…Ranked among the top five of her class nationally...Fargo finalist.

Lindsey Lopez, 117, Loveland, Colo. / Loveland HS Loveland HS: Two-time state placer in Colorado at 115, including a runner-up finish as a senior and third-place finish as a junior…Had a record of 61-3 over her last two years of high school…Attended Mt. Carmel High School in California her first two years of high school and was a state qualifier in 2022…Ranked among the top five of her class nationally...Fargo All-America performer.

Ciara Monger, 207, Calhan, Colo. / Calhan HS Calhan HS: Four-time state champion in Colorado, joining Persaeus Gomez the same day as the first two girls wrestlers in state history to accomplish the feat…Won first two titles at 215 and the final two at 235…Went undefeated as a senior (33-0) and as a freshman (15-0)…Had an overall record of 93-4 in high school…Fargo Freestyle All-America honors…Folkstyle Nationals All-America performer…Ranked among the top 10 nationally in her class.

Isabella Renfro, 180, Seneca, Mo. / Seneca HS Seneca HS: Two-time Missouri state champion at 190, winning her junior and senior seasons…Went a perfect 47-0 as both a junior and senior, winning the final 94 matches of her high school career at 190…State runner-up as a sophomore at 174…Had an overall record of 164-12 in high school…Four-time state placer in Missouri and three-time state finalist…Multiple Fargo All-America honors.

Dylen Ritchey, 138, Ralston, Neb. / Ralston HS Ralston HS: Nebraska state champion at 135 as a junior…State runner-up at 140 as a senior…Went 80-1 overall as a junior and senior combined…Posted a perfect 42-0 record to win the 135 title as a junior…Ranked among the top 20 in the nation in her class.

Jazmin Roschmann, 117, Roseville, Calif. / Roseville HS Roseville HS: California state tournament qualifier…California SJS Masters runner-up…State runner-up in freestyle…Multiple All-America performances.

Sophia Schultz, 110, Raymond, Neb. / Raymond Central HS Raymond Central HS: Nebraska state champion at 110 as a senior in 2023-24…Went a perfect 35-0 as a senior…State runner-up in 2022-23…2024 USA Wrestling Southern Plains Regional freestyle champion at 110…Placed third at preseason nationals going into 2023-24…Multiple All-America honors…Four-time Nebraska state qualifier in high school, including once in the boys tournament her freshman year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720022754261.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State women's wrestling head coach Alijah Jeffrey&nbsp;announced the signing of 15 newcomers for the upcoming season. The program heads into its first official season of team competition in 2024-25. The program started in 2023-24 when all of the individuals on the team were allowed to compete unattached in tournaments, but they redshirted to retain their season of eligibility.Below are capsules on each of the 15 incoming true freshmen.Alexis Burton, 145, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Hays HS: State runner-up at 140 in Kansas Class 6-5A as a senior with a record of 32-2…Three-time state placer overall…Was ranked second among Kansas all-class rankings…Recorded a total of 95 wins over her four years at Hays High School.Hailey Conley, 207, Olathe, Kan. / Olathe North HS Olathe North: Four-time state placer in Kansas at 235, including a runner-up finish as a junior in 2022-23…Greco and Junior Duals All-America performer…Held a No. 1 ranking in Kansas in her class…Posted an overall record of 119-24 in high school, winning at least 40 matches each of her last two seasons.Isabella Cross, 110, Colorado Springs, Colo. / Mesa Ridge HS Mesa Ridge HS: Won two consecutive state titles in Colorado, winning at 110 as a senior and 125 as a junior…Four-time state placer, also earning a state runner-up finish as a freshman and a third-place finish as a sophomore…Posted an overall high school record of 129-10…Folkstyle All-America performer…Ranked among the top 20 nationally in her class.Ivy Davis, 138, Lakin, Kan. / Lakin HS Lakin HS: Posted a record of 35-8 as a senior…Multiple-time state qualifier in Kansas at 135.Josie Houk,&nbsp;160, Torrington, Wyo. / Lingle-Fort Laramie/Southeast HS Lingle-Fort Laramie/Southeast HS: Back-to-back state championships in Wyoming as a junior and senior at 155…Had a combined record of 74-1 overall as a junior and senior, going a perfect 38-0 as a senior…State qualifier in the boys tournament as a freshman in 2021.Amanda Jaeger, 131, Colby, Kan. / Colby HS Colby HS: Two-time state champion in Kansas Class 4-1A at 130 as a junior and senior…Went an undefeated 41-0 as a senior and 32-1 as a junior…Had an overall record of 100-8 in high school and was a three-time state placer…Folkstyle All-America performer.Grace Johns, 180, Minneapolis, Kan. / Minneapolis HS Minneapolis HS: State champion in Kansas as a junior at 170 in 2022-23 with a record of 36-2...Two-time state finalist at 170…Wrestled her first two years of high school at Chapman High School in Chapman, Kan…Fargo and Folkstyle All-America honors.Jamie Laswell, 125, Phoenix, Ariz. / Cesar Chavez HS Cesar Chavez HS: Arizona state champion at 132 as a senior in 2024, going 28-0 overall…State runner-up finish in 2023 at 132, going 18-1…Multiple folkstyle All-America honors…Ranked among the top 15 in the nation in her class.Lexie Lopez, 125, Loveland, Colo. / Loveland HS Loveland HS: Colorado state champion at 125 as a senior with a 33-1 record…State runner-up as a junior at 120 with a record of 32-1…Attended Mt. Carmel High School in California her first two years of high school and was a state qualifier in 2022…Ranked among the top five of her class nationally...Fargo finalist.Lindsey Lopez, 117, Loveland, Colo. / Loveland HS Loveland HS: Two-time state placer in Colorado at 115, including a runner-up finish as a senior and third-place finish as a junior…Had a record of 61-3 over her last two years of high school…Attended Mt. Carmel High School in California her first two years of high school and was a state qualifier in 2022…Ranked among the top five of her class nationally...Fargo All-America performer.Ciara Monger, 207, Calhan, Colo. / Calhan HS Calhan HS: Four-time state champion in Colorado, joining Persaeus Gomez the same day as the first two girls wrestlers in state history to accomplish the feat…Won first two titles at 215 and the final two at 235…Went undefeated as a senior (33-0) and as a freshman (15-0)…Had an overall record of 93-4 in high school…Fargo Freestyle All-America honors…Folkstyle Nationals All-America performer…Ranked among the top 10 nationally in her class.Isabella Renfro, 180, Seneca, Mo. / Seneca HS Seneca HS: Two-time Missouri state champion at 190, winning her junior and senior seasons…Went a perfect 47-0 as both a junior and senior, winning the final 94 matches of her high school career at 190…State runner-up as a sophomore at 174…Had an overall record of 164-12 in high school…Four-time state placer in Missouri and three-time state finalist…Multiple Fargo All-America honors.Dylen Ritchey, 138, Ralston, Neb. / Ralston HS Ralston HS: Nebraska state champion at 135 as a junior…State runner-up at 140 as a senior…Went 80-1 overall as a junior and senior combined…Posted a perfect 42-0 record to win the 135 title as a junior…Ranked among the top 20 in the nation in her class.Jazmin Roschmann, 117, Roseville, Calif. / Roseville HS Roseville HS: California state tournament qualifier…California SJS Masters runner-up…State runner-up in freestyle…Multiple All-America performances.Sophia Schultz, 110, Raymond, Neb. / Raymond Central HS Raymond Central HS: Nebraska state champion at 110 as a senior in 2023-24…Went a perfect 35-0 as a senior…State runner-up in 2022-23…2024 USA Wrestling Southern Plains Regional freestyle champion at 110…Placed third at preseason nationals going into 2023-24…Multiple All-America honors…Four-time Nebraska state qualifier in high school, including once in the boys tournament her freshman year.

🤼‍♀️ FHSU women announce 15 signings for 2024-25 season

Wednesday, July 3
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pm

Thursday, July 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pm

Friday, July 5&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 6:30pm

Saturday, July 6
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 7:30pm

Sunday, July 7
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 1:30pm

Wednesday, July 3
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmThursday, July 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmFriday, July 5&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 6:30pmSaturday, July 6
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 7:30pmSunday, July 7
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 1:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Littell pitched five innings of four-hit ball before rain arrived, four Tampa Bay relievers allowed one run once play resumed, and the Rays beat beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 in a game that ended just after midnight Wednesday.

Brandon Lowe homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a pair of runs, and Richie Palacios had three hits, drove in a run and scored from third on a wild pitch by Brady Singer (4-5), the only run either team scored before the 2 1/2-hour delay.

When the game continued, the trio of Kevin Kelly, Colin Poche and Jason Adam surrendered just one run — Bobby Witt Jr.‘s homer in the sixth — before handing the ball to Pete Fairbanks. The Rays’ closer took care of the ninth to wrap up the win.

“Guys stayed pretty dialed in,” Littell said. “It obviously showed the way they went back out there and jumped on them.”

Littell (3-5) was pretty dialed in, too, wiggling out of one last jam just as thunder began to sound through Kauffman Stadium. MJ Melendez had hit a two-out pitch to right in the fifth and CJ Alexander followed with his first career big league hit, only for Littell to strike out Kyle Isbel and leave runners on the corners.

Sheets of rain began to fall moments after the teams walked off the field.

“We were really just chilling in here. Talking trash. Keeping it light,” Palacios said, “and making sure we had some energy when we got back on the field. We wanted to make sure we came out there and grabbed some more runs.”

Tampa Bay added to its lead when Palacios ripped an RBI double off John Schreiber in the sixth. Paredes added a two-run double off Chris Stratton in the seventh before Lowe homered off Nick Anderson in the ninth inning.

“You have to give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “One run wasn't going to be enough.”

Singer allowed one run on three hits and three walks over five innings for Kansas City. He escaped most of his messes except for the second inning, when Palacios singled, reached third on a double by Jose Siri and scored on his wild pitch.

Singer has not won since May 19, going 0-3 in his last seven starts. But the lousy record is not entirely his fault. He's allowed one earned run apiece in each of his last three starts, yet received two runs of support or fewer in 11 of 17 this season.

“Our bullpen matched up really well,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Everybody who came in threw really well.”

Royals: INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) could begin a rehab assignment this week, Quatraro said. Frazier went on the injured list June 24. He has spent the past few days ramping up baseball activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720002823157.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' CJ Alexander watches his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' CJ Alexander watches his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Littell pitched five innings of four-hit ball before rain arrived, four Tampa Bay relievers allowed one run once play resumed, and the Rays beat beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 in a game that ended just after midnight Wednesday.Brandon Lowe homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a pair of runs, and Richie Palacios had three hits, drove in a run and scored from third on a wild pitch by Brady Singer (4-5), the only run either team scored before the 2 1/2-hour delay.When the game continued, the trio of Kevin Kelly, Colin Poche and Jason Adam surrendered just one run — Bobby Witt Jr.‘s homer in the sixth — before handing the ball to Pete Fairbanks. The Rays’ closer took care of the ninth to wrap up the win.“Guys stayed pretty dialed in,” Littell said. “It obviously showed the way they went back out there and jumped on them.”Littell (3-5) was pretty dialed in, too, wiggling out of one last jam just as thunder began to sound through Kauffman Stadium. MJ Melendez had hit a two-out pitch to right in the fifth and CJ Alexander followed with his first career big league hit, only for Littell to strike out Kyle Isbel and leave runners on the corners.Sheets of rain began to fall moments after the teams walked off the field.“We were really just chilling in here. Talking trash. Keeping it light,” Palacios said, “and making sure we had some energy when we got back on the field. We wanted to make sure we came out there and grabbed some more runs.”Tampa Bay added to its lead when Palacios ripped an RBI double off John Schreiber in the sixth. Paredes added a two-run double off Chris Stratton in the seventh before Lowe homered off Nick Anderson in the ninth inning.“You have to give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “One run wasn't going to be enough.”Singer allowed one run on three hits and three walks over five innings for Kansas City. He escaped most of his messes except for the second inning, when Palacios singled, reached third on a double by Jose Siri and scored on his wild pitch.Singer has not won since May 19, going 0-3 in his last seven starts. But the lousy record is not entirely his fault. He's allowed one earned run apiece in each of his last three starts, yet received two runs of support or fewer in 11 of 17 this season.“Our bullpen matched up really well,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Everybody who came in threw really well.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) could begin a rehab assignment this week, Quatraro said. Frazier went on the injured list June 24. He has spent the past few days ramping up baseball activity.UP NEXT

⚾ Rays beat the Royals after 2 1/2-hour rain delay

DENVER – The Hays Larks
bounced back from their first shoutout of the season with a run-rule win,
defeating the Colorado Roughriders 12-1 in seven innings Tuesday at the Regis Baseball
Field.

The Larks (18-4, 14-4
RMBL) blew the game open with six runs in the fifth inning then three more in
the sixth.

Kaleb Duncan had three
of the Larks 14 hits and drove in five runs. Houston Russell added two RBIs for
the Larks who finished up their seven-game road trip with a 5-2 record.

The Larks took the lead
in the second. Taber Stokes led off the inning with a double then scored on
Trent Baker’s groundout. They added a second run in the third. After back-to-back
singles from Kaleb Duncan and Garrett Gruell to start the inning then a walk to
Wilbert Espinal to load the bases, Duncan later scored on a Houston Russell sacrifice
fly. Thomas Lyssy was hit by a pitch to load the bases again but a popup to
short and fly ball to center ended the inning.

The Larks pushed the
lead to 3-0 with another run in the fourth on a Garrett Gruell triple which
scored Trent Baker who opened the inning with a walk.

The Larks first six
batters all had hits to open the fifth. Lyssy and Stokes both doubled followed
by singles from Gage Gilchrist, Baker, Kaiden Ashton and Duncan. Houston
Russell added an RBI single later in the inning.

The Larks used a walk,
hit by pitch and single to load the bases in the sixth. Duncan later drove in three
runs with a two-out double.

Ismael Cordoba (1-0) gave
up just the one run on two hits over five innings and picked up the win.

Houston Russell had a
hit to extend his hitting-streak to 12 games. Wilbert Espinal finished 0-for-3
to end his 12-game hit streak.

The Larks return home to
play the Junction City Brigade on July 4 at 7 p.m. at Larks Park. Admission is free courtesy
of Pepsi and Wal-Mart.

Hays PostDENVER – The Hays Larks
bounced back from their first shoutout of the season with a run-rule win,
defeating the Colorado Roughriders 12-1 in seven innings Tuesday at the Regis Baseball
Field.The Larks (18-4, 14-4
RMBL) blew the game open with six runs in the fifth inning then three more in
the sixth.Kaleb Duncan had three
of the Larks 14 hits and drove in five runs. Houston Russell added two RBIs for
the Larks who finished up their seven-game road trip with a 5-2 record.The Larks took the lead
in the second. Taber Stokes led off the inning with a double then scored on
Trent Baker’s groundout. They added a second run in the third. After back-to-back
singles from Kaleb Duncan and Garrett Gruell to start the inning then a walk to
Wilbert Espinal to load the bases, Duncan later scored on a Houston Russell sacrifice
fly. Thomas Lyssy was hit by a pitch to load the bases again but a popup to
short and fly ball to center ended the inning.The Larks pushed the
lead to 3-0 with another run in the fourth on a Garrett Gruell triple which
scored Trent Baker who opened the inning with a walk.The Larks first six
batters all had hits to open the fifth. Lyssy and Stokes both doubled followed
by singles from Gage Gilchrist, Baker, Kaiden Ashton and Duncan. Houston
Russell added an RBI single later in the inning.The Larks used a walk,
hit by pitch and single to load the bases in the sixth. Duncan later drove in three
runs with a two-out double.Ismael Cordoba (1-0) gave
up just the one run on two hits over five innings and picked up the win.HIT STREAKSHouston Russell had a
hit to extend his hitting-streak to 12 games. Wilbert Espinal finished 0-for-3
to end his 12-game hit streak.UP NEXTThe Larks return home to
play the Junction City Brigade on July 4 at 7 p.m. at Larks Park. Admission is free courtesy
of Pepsi and Wal-Mart.

⚾ Larks end road trip with run-rule win

The Hays Larks take on the Colorado Roughriders Tuesday in a single&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Baseball League game.

Tuesday's game is set for 6 p.m. at Regis Baseball Field in Denver.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXDYmEzPRBY">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 take on the Colorado Roughriders Tuesday in a single&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Baseball League game.Tuesday's game is set for 6 p.m. at Regis Baseball Field in Denver.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXDYmEzPRBY">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 take on Colorado Roughriders

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team will play host to Missouri Valley Conference Tournament champion Drake in the Wildcat Classic on Tuesday, December 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

Season ticket holders can now request tickets for the game during the current ordering and renewal process. Tickets for the public will go on sale this fall.

The matchup will mark the 13th&nbsp;Wildcat Classic game at the T-Mobile Center with K-State winning 10 of the 12 previous Classics, including victories over Nebraska in 2022 and Wichita State last season. The Wildcat Classic dates to 2007 and has included such notable opponents as Alabama, Florida, Texas A&amp;M, UNLV and Vanderbilt.

This will be the 28th&nbsp;meeting between K-State and Drake with 26 of the last 27 matchups coming between 1918 and 1956. The Bulldogs won the most recent meeting, 80-70, at Bramlage Coliseum on Nov. 25, 2020.

Drake posted a 28-7 record in 2023-24, including a second-place finish in the MVC standings with a 16-4 mark, and earned the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with an 84-80 win over top-seed Indiana State in the championship game. The Bulldogs will have a new head coach in former Northwest Missouri State coach&nbsp;Ben McCollum, who won 394 games and 4 NCAA Division II Championships (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) in building the Bearcats into a national powerhouse.

K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang’s&nbsp;tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.

The Wildcats return 3 lettermen (senior&nbsp;David N’Guessan&nbsp;and sophomores&nbsp;Taj Manning&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich) in 2024-25, along with the 10 newcomers, which includes 8 Division I transfers, a junior college All-American (Mobi Ikegwuruka) and a top-50 high school prospect (David Castillo).

The transfer class is considered one of the best in the country and includes notable additions&nbsp;Achor Achor&nbsp;(Samford),&nbsp;Coleman Hawkins&nbsp;(Illinois),&nbsp;Dug McDaniel&nbsp;(Michigan) and&nbsp;Ugonna Onyenso&nbsp;(Kentucky) as well as&nbsp;Baye Fall&nbsp;(Arkansas),&nbsp;Brendan Hausen&nbsp;(Villanova),&nbsp;C.J. Jones&nbsp;(UIC) and&nbsp;Max Jones&nbsp;(Cal State Fullerton).

The rest of the non-conference schedule is still being finalized, but the Wildcats will play a 20-game Big 12 schedule that includes 10 home games with NCAA Tournament teams Arizona, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Texas Tech as well as Arizona State, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and West Virginia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719954684628.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team will play host to Missouri Valley Conference Tournament champion Drake in the Wildcat Classic on Tuesday, December 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.Season ticket holders can now request tickets for the game during the current ordering and renewal process. Tickets for the public will go on sale this fall.The matchup will mark the 13th&nbsp;Wildcat Classic game at the T-Mobile Center with K-State winning 10 of the 12 previous Classics, including victories over Nebraska in 2022 and Wichita State last season. The Wildcat Classic dates to 2007 and has included such notable opponents as Alabama, Florida, Texas A&amp;M, UNLV and Vanderbilt.This will be the 28th&nbsp;meeting between K-State and Drake with 26 of the last 27 matchups coming between 1918 and 1956. The Bulldogs won the most recent meeting, 80-70, at Bramlage Coliseum on Nov. 25, 2020.Drake posted a 28-7 record in 2023-24, including a second-place finish in the MVC standings with a 16-4 mark, and earned the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with an 84-80 win over top-seed Indiana State in the championship game. The Bulldogs will have a new head coach in former Northwest Missouri State coach&nbsp;Ben McCollum, who won 394 games and 4 NCAA Division II Championships (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) in building the Bearcats into a national powerhouse.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang’s&nbsp;tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.The Wildcats return 3 lettermen (senior&nbsp;David N’Guessan&nbsp;and sophomores&nbsp;Taj Manning&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich) in 2024-25, along with the 10 newcomers, which includes 8 Division I transfers, a junior college All-American (Mobi Ikegwuruka) and a top-50 high school prospect (David Castillo).The transfer class is considered one of the best in the country and includes notable additions&nbsp;Achor Achor&nbsp;(Samford),&nbsp;Coleman Hawkins&nbsp;(Illinois),&nbsp;Dug McDaniel&nbsp;(Michigan) and&nbsp;Ugonna Onyenso&nbsp;(Kentucky) as well as&nbsp;Baye Fall&nbsp;(Arkansas),&nbsp;Brendan Hausen&nbsp;(Villanova),&nbsp;C.J. Jones&nbsp;(UIC) and&nbsp;Max Jones&nbsp;(Cal State Fullerton).The rest of the non-conference schedule is still being finalized, but the Wildcats will play a 20-game Big 12 schedule that includes 10 home games with NCAA Tournament teams Arizona, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Texas Tech as well as Arizona State, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and West Virginia.

🏀 K-State to face Drake in Kansas City in December

LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Utah State announced Tuesday it’s firing football coach Blake Anderson after an external review of allegations that he hadn’t complied with Title IX policies regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct cases.

Nate Dreiling, who had been Utah State’s defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach, will be Utah State’s interim coach during the upcoming season. Athletic director Diana Sabau met players and staff Tuesday to inform them of the move, the university said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-makes-significant-changes-in-football-program" target="_blank">a news release</a>.

Dreiling grew up in Victoria but played in high school at Hutchinson under his father, legendary coach Randy Dreiling. Dreiling went on to have an All-American career at Pittsburg State and was was recently inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame.

According to ESPN's Pate Thamel, Dreiling becomes the youngest FBS head coach in the nation at 33 years old. He had previously been the defensive coordinator at New Mexico State.

Utah State also said associate vice president/deputy athletic director of external affairs Jerry Bovee and football director of player development and community Austin Albrecht were fired “for violations of university policies related to the reporting of sexual and domestic violence and failures of professional responsibilities.”

Bovee was Utah State’s interim athletic director in 2023. Utah State said Anderson was being fired for actions that took place in the spring of 2023.

Utah State noted that Title IX policies “require full and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct — including domestic violence — and prohibit employees from investigating disclosures of sexual misconduct themselves.”

“As leaders, we are responsible for ensuring allegations of USU policy violations are investigated,” Sabau and Utah State President Elizabeth Cantwell said in an email they sent to faculty and staff. “Today’s actions are the result of a thorough external investigation, and we believe the evidence demands immediate action. Our job is to fearlessly hold ourselves and others accountable for their conduct and to make sure that, for the sake of our students and our community, we are living the values of our university.

“While recognizing the impact of these decisions on our student athletes and football program, we will continue to take the steps necessary to deliver a respectful, transparent and winning culture at Utah State University.”

School officials noted that Anderson has 14 days to respond to the university’s decision under terms of his employment agreement. School officials said they couldn‘t release any additional information until all opportunities to respond or appeal to the decision have expired.

Anderson posted a 23-17 record in three seasons at Utah State, with the Aggies reaching bowl games each of those years. He went&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-utah-deven-thompkins-andrew-peasley-a06e6fda70eeb9625a9c497570a9d4d5">11-3 in 2021</a>&nbsp;before going 6-7 each of the last two years.

He came to Utah State after going 51-37 at Arkansas State from 2014-20. He took a leave of absence prior to the 2019 season just before his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-0076f849b4f64c2fb1745d73d283aca5">Wendy Anderson,</a>&nbsp;died after a two-year fight with breast cancer. He returned for the second game of that season and helped Arkansas State go 8-5.

LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Utah State announced Tuesday it’s firing football coach Blake Anderson after an external review of allegations that he hadn’t complied with Title IX policies regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct cases.Nate Dreiling, who had been Utah State’s defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach, will be Utah State’s interim coach during the upcoming season. Athletic director Diana Sabau met players and staff Tuesday to inform them of the move, the university said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-makes-significant-changes-in-football-program" target="_blank">a news release</a>.Dreiling grew up in Victoria but played in high school at Hutchinson under his father, legendary coach Randy Dreiling. Dreiling went on to have an All-American career at Pittsburg State and was was recently inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame.According to ESPN's Pate Thamel, Dreiling becomes the youngest FBS head coach in the nation at 33 years old. He had previously been the defensive coordinator at New Mexico State.Utah State also said associate vice president/deputy athletic director of external affairs Jerry Bovee and football director of player development and community Austin Albrecht were fired “for violations of university policies related to the reporting of sexual and domestic violence and failures of professional responsibilities.”Bovee was Utah State’s interim athletic director in 2023. Utah State said Anderson was being fired for actions that took place in the spring of 2023.Utah State noted that Title IX policies “require full and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct — including domestic violence — and prohibit employees from investigating disclosures of sexual misconduct themselves.”“As leaders, we are responsible for ensuring allegations of USU policy violations are investigated,” Sabau and Utah State President Elizabeth Cantwell said in an email they sent to faculty and staff. “Today’s actions are the result of a thorough external investigation, and we believe the evidence demands immediate action. Our job is to fearlessly hold ourselves and others accountable for their conduct and to make sure that, for the sake of our students and our community, we are living the values of our university.“While recognizing the impact of these decisions on our student athletes and football program, we will continue to take the steps necessary to deliver a respectful, transparent and winning culture at Utah State University.”School officials noted that Anderson has 14 days to respond to the university’s decision under terms of his employment agreement. School officials said they couldn‘t release any additional information until all opportunities to respond or appeal to the decision have expired.Anderson posted a 23-17 record in three seasons at Utah State, with the Aggies reaching bowl games each of those years. He went&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-utah-deven-thompkins-andrew-peasley-a06e6fda70eeb9625a9c497570a9d4d5">11-3 in 2021</a>&nbsp;before going 6-7 each of the last two years.He came to Utah State after going 51-37 at Arkansas State from 2014-20. He took a leave of absence prior to the 2019 season just before his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-0076f849b4f64c2fb1745d73d283aca5">Wendy Anderson,</a>&nbsp;died after a two-year fight with breast cancer. He returned for the second game of that season and helped Arkansas State go 8-5.

🏈 Victoria native named interim head coach at Utah State

Tuesday, July 2&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pm

Tuesday, July 2&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmWednesday, July 3
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmThursday, July 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmFriday, July 5&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 6:30pmSaturday, July 6
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 7:30pmSunday, July 7
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 1:30pm

The Hays Striders traveled to Centerton, Arkansas last week to compete in the AAU Region 16 qualifying track meet. The Top three finishers in multi-events and top five in track and field qualified to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina July 27 - August 3.

The Striders had a record nine Regional Champions, with several athletes taking the top spot in numerous events.

Riley Leiker continued her dominance in the 9 year old girls age division taking 1st in all three of her events - Shot Put - 22’6.25,”, 400 - 1:08.45, and 800 - 2:46.72.

Danica Vap tossed the discus to a Regional Champion distance of 33’7” in the 13 year old girls division. She also placed 2nd in the shot put with a throw of 34’9.”

Sydney Lewallen scored a dominating 2690 points in the 14 year old girls Pentathlon, a full 379 points in front of the second place finisher. Lewallen captured 1st in the long jump, shot put, and 800 during the five event Pentathlon. She also placed 4th in the Individual shot put - 33’1,” 4th in the 400 - 1:03.11, and 4th in the 800 - 2:34.95.

Lyndi Zimmerman, last year's National runner-up in the Pentathlon, captured regional Championship status in the 15-16 girls shot put - 32’5.25” and 100 meter hurdles - 16.01. She finished 4th in the Heptathlon - 3567 Points, 13th in the 200 – 27.44, and 11th in the 400 Hurdles – 1:16.08.

Lakin Scott, in his first year of competition, took Regional champion status in the 8 year old boys shot put with a commanding toss of 18’3.”

Tucker Schmidt continued his banner year of running the 9 year old boys 800 with a blistering time of 2:43.71 to earn a Regional Championship.

Tayte Lewallen was impressive in the 12 year old Boys 80 meter Hurdles, capturing the regional Championship with a run of 14.10 seconds. Lewallen also took 4th in the Pentathlon, 2103 points, 3rd in the 800, 2:37.49, and 4th in the 4x100, along with Gavyn Wolf, Chris Grady, and Casen Flax, with a time of 54.92

Last year's 3000 meter National champion, Emery Zimmerman, comes into this season just as strong by winning the Pentathlon with 2276 points, the 800 - 2:25.22, and 3000 meter run - 10:28.57. Zimmerman also took 2nd in the 1500 - 5:01.38.

Jacob Leiker was crowned Regional Champion in the discus by throwing 111’9.” Leiker also took 3rd in both the Shot put - 33’2,” and javelin - 91’8;” as well as placing 13th in the 800 - 2:30.31.

In all, 20 athletes qualified at the Region 16 AAU event in Arkansas to compete in the National meet in late July. Region 16 comprises athletes from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Western Missouri and is considered one of the toughest regions in the U.S. to compete in.

Results for the rest of the Striders are listed below:

Gavyn Wolf, competing in the 12 year old boys division, placed 4th in the 4x100 meter dash, 9th in the 200, 28.65; and 10th in the 100, 14.25.

Sydney Wince, 8 Under Girls, Long Jump - 13th, 5’9.25,” Turbo Javelin - 10th, 23’5”

Cheyenne Vap, 9 Girls, Shot Put - 4th, 16’25”

Kersee Wince, 9 Girls, Long Jump - 18th, 8’3.25,” High Jump - 3rd, 2’11,” Turbo Jav - 3rd, 21’8,” Triathlon - 5th, 143

Jessie Wright, 12 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 13’9,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’4”

Kaliyah Bannister, 15-16 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 15’3”

Makayla Lewallen, 15-16 Girls, Heptathlon - 9th, 2520 points, High Jump - 7th, 4’7”

Aubrey Birney, 17-18 Young Women, Long Jump - 12th, 14’5,” Triple Jump - 6th, 31’2.50,” High Jump - 3rd, 4’11”

Zoe Brown, 17-18 Young Women, Heptathlon - 10th, 2597 points, Long Jump - 15th, 13’6”

Finley Zimmerman, 8 Under Boys, 400 - 8th, 1:19.72, 800 - 6th, 3:06.78, 1500 - 4th, 6:24.89

Pryce Day, 9 Boys, Long Jump - 25th, 9’00.25

Austin Flax, 10 Boys, Long Jump - 11th, 10’1.25,” 200 - 21, 33.40, 800 - 7th, 2:59.66

Casen Flax, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 6th, 13’8.25,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’6,” 4x100 - 4th, 54.92

Chris Grady, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 13th, 11’5.75, 200 - 10th, 28.73, 4x100 - 4th, 54.92

Robbie Readle, 13 Boys, 400 - 18th, 1:06.50, 800 - 16th, 2:40.34

Logan Leiker, 15-16 Boys, 800 - 28th, 2:26.06, 1500 - 25th, 5:04.62, 3000 m Run - 13th, 11:05

Caleb Englert, 15-16 Boys, Shot Put - 4th, 40’11,” Discus - 8th, 113’03”

Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys, 400 m H - 5th, 1:08.39, 800 - 26th, 2:25.13

Skeeter Gleason, 17-18 Young Men, 100 - 39th, 12.06, Long Jump - 19th, 18’4.50,” Triple Jump - 11th, 37’5.75”

Kamani Jones, 17-18 Young Men, Triple Jump - 4th, 43’6.50,” Long Jump - 9th, 20’11.75

SubmittedThe Hays Striders traveled to Centerton, Arkansas last week to compete in the AAU Region 16 qualifying track meet. The Top three finishers in multi-events and top five in track and field qualified to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina July 27 - August 3.The Striders had a record nine Regional Champions, with several athletes taking the top spot in numerous events.Riley Leiker continued her dominance in the 9 year old girls age division taking 1st in all three of her events - Shot Put - 22’6.25,”, 400 - 1:08.45, and 800 - 2:46.72.Danica Vap tossed the discus to a Regional Champion distance of 33’7” in the 13 year old girls division. She also placed 2nd in the shot put with a throw of 34’9.”Sydney Lewallen scored a dominating 2690 points in the 14 year old girls Pentathlon, a full 379 points in front of the second place finisher. Lewallen captured 1st in the long jump, shot put, and 800 during the five event Pentathlon. She also placed 4th in the Individual shot put - 33’1,” 4th in the 400 - 1:03.11, and 4th in the 800 - 2:34.95.Lyndi Zimmerman, last year's National runner-up in the Pentathlon, captured regional Championship status in the 15-16 girls shot put - 32’5.25” and 100 meter hurdles - 16.01. She finished 4th in the Heptathlon - 3567 Points, 13th in the 200 – 27.44, and 11th in the 400 Hurdles – 1:16.08.Lakin Scott, in his first year of competition, took Regional champion status in the 8 year old boys shot put with a commanding toss of 18’3.”Tucker Schmidt continued his banner year of running the 9 year old boys 800 with a blistering time of 2:43.71 to earn a Regional Championship.Tayte Lewallen was impressive in the 12 year old Boys 80 meter Hurdles, capturing the regional Championship with a run of 14.10 seconds. Lewallen also took 4th in the Pentathlon, 2103 points, 3rd in the 800, 2:37.49, and 4th in the 4x100, along with Gavyn Wolf, Chris Grady, and Casen Flax, with a time of 54.92Last year's 3000 meter National champion, Emery Zimmerman, comes into this season just as strong by winning the Pentathlon with 2276 points, the 800 - 2:25.22, and 3000 meter run - 10:28.57. Zimmerman also took 2nd in the 1500 - 5:01.38.Jacob Leiker was crowned Regional Champion in the discus by throwing 111’9.” Leiker also took 3rd in both the Shot put - 33’2,” and javelin - 91’8;” as well as placing 13th in the 800 - 2:30.31.In all, 20 athletes qualified at the Region 16 AAU event in Arkansas to compete in the National meet in late July. Region 16 comprises athletes from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Western Missouri and is considered one of the toughest regions in the U.S. to compete in.Results for the rest of the Striders are listed below:Gavyn Wolf, competing in the 12 year old boys division, placed 4th in the 4x100 meter dash, 9th in the 200, 28.65; and 10th in the 100, 14.25.Sydney Wince, 8 Under Girls, Long Jump - 13th, 5’9.25,” Turbo Javelin - 10th, 23’5”Cheyenne Vap, 9 Girls, Shot Put - 4th, 16’25”Kersee Wince, 9 Girls, Long Jump - 18th, 8’3.25,” High Jump - 3rd, 2’11,” Turbo Jav - 3rd, 21’8,” Triathlon - 5th, 143Jessie Wright, 12 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 13’9,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’4”Kaliyah Bannister, 15-16 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 15’3”Makayla Lewallen, 15-16 Girls, Heptathlon - 9th, 2520 points, High Jump - 7th, 4’7”Aubrey Birney, 17-18 Young Women, Long Jump - 12th, 14’5,” Triple Jump - 6th, 31’2.50,” High Jump - 3rd, 4’11”Zoe Brown, 17-18 Young Women, Heptathlon - 10th, 2597 points, Long Jump - 15th, 13’6”Finley Zimmerman, 8 Under Boys, 400 - 8th, 1:19.72, 800 - 6th, 3:06.78, 1500 - 4th, 6:24.89Pryce Day, 9 Boys, Long Jump - 25th, 9’00.25Austin Flax, 10 Boys, Long Jump - 11th, 10’1.25,” 200 - 21, 33.40, 800 - 7th, 2:59.66Casen Flax, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 6th, 13’8.25,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’6,” 4x100 - 4th, 54.92Chris Grady, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 13th, 11’5.75, 200 - 10th, 28.73, 4x100 - 4th, 54.92Robbie Readle, 13 Boys, 400 - 18th, 1:06.50, 800 - 16th, 2:40.34Logan Leiker, 15-16 Boys, 800 - 28th, 2:26.06, 1500 - 25th, 5:04.62, 3000 m Run - 13th, 11:05Caleb Englert, 15-16 Boys, Shot Put - 4th, 40’11,” Discus - 8th, 113’03”Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys, 400 m H - 5th, 1:08.39, 800 - 26th, 2:25.13Skeeter Gleason, 17-18 Young Men, 100 - 39th, 12.06, Long Jump - 19th, 18’4.50,” Triple Jump - 11th, 37’5.75”Kamani Jones, 17-18 Young Men, Triple Jump - 4th, 43’6.50,” Long Jump - 9th, 20’11.75

Hays Striders compete in AAU Region 16 qualifying track meet

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gregg Berhalter gave a single-word answer after the United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a loss to Uruguay when asked whether he was the right man to lead the Americans into the 2026 World Cup.

Plenty of others are sure to have plenty more to say about his future with the national team.

After a disastrous loss to Panama put the U.S. in a dire predicament, Berhalter's lineup of players from European clubs created precious few opportunities against Uruguay. And when Mathías Olivera found the back of the net for a questionable second-half goal, La Celeste walked out of Arrowhead Stadium with a 1-0 victory on Monday night and the Americans were left wondering how everything had gone so wrong.

“We're all going to do a review of the whole tournament and see where we fell short,” Berhalter said. “It's obvious the Panama game hurt us, put us behind the 8-ball, and I think collectively — the staff, the players, the sporting department — have to look at where do we improve. How do we get better? We know it's a talented team, one with big potential, and we didn't show it.”

Berhalter and the U.S. hoped to show the team had advanced since its round-of-16 elimination against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. Instead, the U.S. managed only a 2-0 win over lowly Bolivia and were upset 2-1 by the Panamanians.

“We had a good start and brought a lot of energy but at the end of the day, just not enough quality,” U.S. captain Christian Pulisic said. “I felt like we gave it everything but we just couldn’t score.”

Indeed, the lone goal Monday night came in the 66th minute when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the American goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araújo, who out-jumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot.

Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header but the goal stood after a video review.

Three minutes before Uruguay scored, the U.S. was in position to advance.

Bruno Miranda had tied the score for Bolivia against Panama in a game started simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, which meant the U.S. would only need a tie. But Panama went on to a 3-1 victory to claim the second spot in Group C behind Uruguay, and the U.S. was bounced from the group stage for the first time in 20 continental and global tournaments on home soil.

“This is still a young team. Still a lot of potential. But potential doesn't really matter if you go out on the pitch and you don't get the job done,” defender Antonee Robinson said. “Everyone needs to try and up the level, myself included.”

Berhalter was rehired in June 2023 and given a contract through the upcoming World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. But despite a lineup that included Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the U.S. failed to even match its last Copa America appearance, when it lost to Argentina in the 2016 semifinals.

During the second half Monday night, the home crowd of 55,460 in less-than-full Arrowhead Stadium began chanting, “Fire Gregg.”

The U.S. next plays September friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.

“It wasn't only Copa America. It's learning from these high-level games we're playing pre-tournament,” Berhalter said, “and having this collective understanding that the margins are so small, and there is very little separating any of these teams.”

Uruguay played without coach Marcelo Bielsa, suspended for sending his team out late for the second half of its first two games. Diego Reyes and Pablo Quiroga were in charge on a mild but humid night in Kansas City.

Berhalter and the Americans knew the difficulty of their situation — Pulisic at one point said they would need to play “the best game of our lives” to advance — and they looked like a team with nothing to lose for most of the first half.

It was one marked by physical play and questionable calls.

Folarin Balogun, who had two goals already in the tournament, bore the brunt of several challenges. He was left calling for help after a collision with Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, then was left rolling on the field after Araújo’s challenge later in the half. Balogun eventually had to leave with a hip pointer and Ricardo Pepi took his place.

Uruguay lost Maximiliano Araújo earlier in the half after a scary collision with Ream near the U.S. goal. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher, though he was able to move his arms before heading up the tunnel.

In the middle of the chaos was 32-year-old Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega, whose several questionable calls hurt the U.S.

The first came when Ortega began to pull a yellow card and stop play, then allowed it to continue — while still holding the card — as Uruguay nearly scored on an attack. The second came when the U.S. had a clear advantage after a hand ball on Uruguay, but the Peruvian referee eventually blew his whistle and called the play back for a free kick.

“This referee was awful,” Robinson said. “I've never seen a referee, you know, let a quick free kick go while he's got a yellow card in his hand. And it's literally embarrassing. And I hope something happens to him from that.”

Uruguay applied more pressure midway through the second half, then had the Americans in desperation mode after the goal. And while the U.S. had a few good runs and a couple of good opportunities in the box, a team that had such big expectations was unable to find the two goals it needed — or even one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719912817542.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States greets goalkeeper Matt Turner after losing 0-1 against Uruguay at the end of a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States greets goalkeeper Matt Turner after losing 0-1 against Uruguay at the end of a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gregg Berhalter gave a single-word answer after the United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a loss to Uruguay when asked whether he was the right man to lead the Americans into the 2026 World Cup.“Yes,” Berhalter said.Plenty of others are sure to have plenty more to say about his future with the national team.After a disastrous loss to Panama put the U.S. in a dire predicament, Berhalter's lineup of players from European clubs created precious few opportunities against Uruguay. And when Mathías Olivera found the back of the net for a questionable second-half goal, La Celeste walked out of Arrowhead Stadium with a 1-0 victory on Monday night and the Americans were left wondering how everything had gone so wrong.“We're all going to do a review of the whole tournament and see where we fell short,” Berhalter said. “It's obvious the Panama game hurt us, put us behind the 8-ball, and I think collectively — the staff, the players, the sporting department — have to look at where do we improve. How do we get better? We know it's a talented team, one with big potential, and we didn't show it.”Berhalter and the U.S. hoped to show the team had advanced since its round-of-16 elimination against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. Instead, the U.S. managed only a 2-0 win over lowly Bolivia and were upset 2-1 by the Panamanians.“We had a good start and brought a lot of energy but at the end of the day, just not enough quality,” U.S. captain Christian Pulisic said. “I felt like we gave it everything but we just couldn’t score.”Indeed, the lone goal Monday night came in the 66th minute when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the American goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araújo, who out-jumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot.Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header but the goal stood after a video review.Three minutes before Uruguay scored, the U.S. was in position to advance.Bruno Miranda had tied the score for Bolivia against Panama in a game started simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, which meant the U.S. would only need a tie. But Panama went on to a 3-1 victory to claim the second spot in Group C behind Uruguay, and the U.S. was bounced from the group stage for the first time in 20 continental and global tournaments on home soil.“This is still a young team. Still a lot of potential. But potential doesn't really matter if you go out on the pitch and you don't get the job done,” defender Antonee Robinson said. “Everyone needs to try and up the level, myself included.”Berhalter was rehired in June 2023 and given a contract through the upcoming World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. But despite a lineup that included Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the U.S. failed to even match its last Copa America appearance, when it lost to Argentina in the 2016 semifinals.During the second half Monday night, the home crowd of 55,460 in less-than-full Arrowhead Stadium began chanting, “Fire Gregg.”The U.S. next plays September friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.“It wasn't only Copa America. It's learning from these high-level games we're playing pre-tournament,” Berhalter said, “and having this collective understanding that the margins are so small, and there is very little separating any of these teams.”Uruguay played without coach Marcelo Bielsa, suspended for sending his team out late for the second half of its first two games. Diego Reyes and Pablo Quiroga were in charge on a mild but humid night in Kansas City.Berhalter and the Americans knew the difficulty of their situation — Pulisic at one point said they would need to play “the best game of our lives” to advance — and they looked like a team with nothing to lose for most of the first half.It was one marked by physical play and questionable calls.Folarin Balogun, who had two goals already in the tournament, bore the brunt of several challenges. He was left calling for help after a collision with Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, then was left rolling on the field after Araújo’s challenge later in the half. Balogun eventually had to leave with a hip pointer and Ricardo Pepi took his place.Uruguay lost Maximiliano Araújo earlier in the half after a scary collision with Ream near the U.S. goal. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher, though he was able to move his arms before heading up the tunnel.In the middle of the chaos was 32-year-old Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega, whose several questionable calls hurt the U.S.The first came when Ortega began to pull a yellow card and stop play, then allowed it to continue — while still holding the card — as Uruguay nearly scored on an attack. The second came when the U.S. had a clear advantage after a hand ball on Uruguay, but the Peruvian referee eventually blew his whistle and called the play back for a free kick.“This referee was awful,” Robinson said. “I've never seen a referee, you know, let a quick free kick go while he's got a yellow card in his hand. And it's literally embarrassing. And I hope something happens to him from that.”Uruguay applied more pressure midway through the second half, then had the Americans in desperation mode after the goal. And while the U.S. had a few good runs and a couple of good opportunities in the box, a team that had such big expectations was unable to find the two goals it needed — or even one.

⚽ US eliminated from Copa America with 1-0 loss to Uruguay

PARKER, Colo. – Three Hays
Larks pitches combined on a three-hitter, but the Larks failed to score and
lost 1-0 to the Gameday Angels Monday night at Double Angel Ballpark. It’s the
first time the Larks have been shoutout since July 19, 2023 when they lost 5-0 in the second game of a doubleheader with the Liberal Bee Jays.&nbsp;

The Angels took
advantage of two walks and then scored on an Owen Best single in the bottom of
the second. They would get only one hit past the third inning.

The Larks (17-4, 13-3
RMBL) had their chances, stranding five base runners in the first four innings,
three of which were in scoring position.

Their best scoring
chance came in the sixth&nbsp; after ssngles from Garrett Gruell, Wilbert Espinal and Houston
Russell loaded the bases with no outs but the next three batters struck out to
end the threat.

The Larks threatened
again in the ninth. Kaleb Duncan doubled with two outs then advanced to third
on Kaiden Ashton’s single, but Will Carpenter struck out to end the game.

The Larks out-hit the
Angels 11-3 but stranded 11 base runners, seven of which were in scoring
position.

Logan LaPierre (0-1) allowed
the one run on two hits with four strikeouts and two walks over two innings and
suffered the loss.

Felix Brunner and
Garrett Hicks combined to allow no runs on one hit over six innings of relief.

Kiaden Ashton had three
of the Larks’ 11 hits. Gruell and Russell both had two hits, all singles.

The Larks have out-hit
their opponents in each of the six games of&nbsp;
the road trip but have stranded 10 or more base runners in five of the
six games.

Monday's game was the first time the Larks have been shutout on the road since losing 3-0 in the first game of doubleheader against the Derby Twins on July 14, 2017.

The Larks close out the
seven-game road trip at the Colorado Roughriders Tuesday night. They return for
a non-league game with the Junction City Brigade on July 4.

Hays PostPARKER, Colo. – Three Hays
Larks pitches combined on a three-hitter, but the Larks failed to score and
lost 1-0 to the Gameday Angels Monday night at Double Angel Ballpark. It’s the
first time the Larks have been shoutout since July 19, 2023 when they lost 5-0 in the second game of a doubleheader with the Liberal Bee Jays.&nbsp;The Angels took
advantage of two walks and then scored on an Owen Best single in the bottom of
the second. They would get only one hit past the third inning.The Larks (17-4, 13-3
RMBL) had their chances, stranding five base runners in the first four innings,
three of which were in scoring position.Their best scoring
chance came in the sixth&nbsp; after ssngles from Garrett Gruell, Wilbert Espinal and Houston
Russell loaded the bases with no outs but the next three batters struck out to
end the threat.The Larks threatened
again in the ninth. Kaleb Duncan doubled with two outs then advanced to third
on Kaiden Ashton’s single, but Will Carpenter struck out to end the game.The Larks out-hit the
Angels 11-3 but stranded 11 base runners, seven of which were in scoring
position.Logan LaPierre (0-1) allowed
the one run on two hits with four strikeouts and two walks over two innings and
suffered the loss.Felix Brunner and
Garrett Hicks combined to allow no runs on one hit over six innings of relief.Kiaden Ashton had three
of the Larks’ 11 hits. Gruell and Russell both had two hits, all singles.MISSED OPPORTUNITIESThe Larks have out-hit
their opponents in each of the six games of&nbsp;
the road trip but have stranded 10 or more base runners in five of the
six games.RARE ROAD SHUTOUTMonday's game was the first time the Larks have been shutout on the road since losing 3-0 in the first game of doubleheader against the Derby Twins on July 14, 2017.UP NEXTThe Larks close out the
seven-game road trip at the Colorado Roughriders Tuesday night. They return for
a non-league game with the Junction City Brigade on July 4.