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;

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

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; 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

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

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.

<figure>
 <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.

Big 12 making no official predictions, so no last-to-first narrative this year like Arizona State

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals placed outfielder Mark Canha on the 10-day injured list with a left elbow injury Tuesday.

Canha is in his first season with the Royals after being acquired in a trade during spring training. He’s hitting .212 with a .537 OPS in 46 games this season.

Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said Canha’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious.

“I did some research,” he said. “Epicondylitis is ‘tennis elbow tendinitis.’ It’s been bothering him for a week or so. He thought he’d work through it and turn the corner a little bit. But a couple of swings yesterday really aggravated it, and he’s more sore. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to put good swings on the ball.”

In a corresponding move, infielder Cam Devanney was selected from Triple-A Omaha. He will make his MLB debut in his first appearance with the club, though he was not in the starting lineup Tuesday.

To make room on the 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans was transferred to the 60-day IL. He has been on the IL since June 11 with a left rotator cuff strain.

Quatraro said Ragans' move was strictly “procedural.”

“It gives us a roster spot to call up,” he continued. “He’s not going to be back by that date (when he's eligible to return from the 60-day list), so there was no risk for us to do that. And it gives us the 40-man spot.”

Ragans has had injuries all season after a 2024 season that saw him reach his first All-Star Game and finish fourth in the AL Cy Young voting.

Ragans said this move won't affect his return to the Royals rotation.

“That’s a month away,” he said. “I started throwing yesterday, so I don’t really have a full timeline, but it’ll be a lot further into the throwing progression. We needed a roster spot, and that made sense. It literally does not change anything on how I come back, or when I come back.”

For Devanney, it's a dream come true. He said his parents, his sister and a couple of friends who could get off work will be in attendance.

“I think they’re getting here about an hour before game time, so it’s gonna be a little close," he said. "But I think they’re gonna make it.”

In 69 games with Omaha, he's batting .272 with 18 home runs and 55 RBIs.

“It’s surreal, man, I’m still processing,” he said. “I think you survive in this game (by) being adaptable and versatile. I understand the dynamic up here and what they’re looking for, so I’m just trying to fit their needs.”

Quatraro complimented Devanney's versatility.

“Cam's had a great year in Triple-A,” Quatraro said. “He had a good year last year. He’s played really well in the infield. He’s played some outfield as well. So his versatility and another right-handed bat was something we were looking for. He could be a versatile player off the bench, which is what he’ll be tonight, but we’re not going to be afraid to play him either.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752061333584.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Mark Canha watches his force out to score a run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Mark Canha watches his force out to score a run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals placed outfielder Mark Canha on the 10-day injured list with a left elbow injury Tuesday.Canha is in his first season with the Royals after being acquired in a trade during spring training. He’s hitting .212 with a .537 OPS in 46 games this season.Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said Canha’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious.“I did some research,” he said. “Epicondylitis is ‘tennis elbow tendinitis.’ It’s been bothering him for a week or so. He thought he’d work through it and turn the corner a little bit. But a couple of swings yesterday really aggravated it, and he’s more sore. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to put good swings on the ball.”In a corresponding move, infielder Cam Devanney was selected from Triple-A Omaha. He will make his MLB debut in his first appearance with the club, though he was not in the starting lineup Tuesday.To make room on the 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans was transferred to the 60-day IL. He has been on the IL since June 11 with a left rotator cuff strain.Quatraro said Ragans' move was strictly “procedural.”“It gives us a roster spot to call up,” he continued. “He’s not going to be back by that date (when he's eligible to return from the 60-day list), so there was no risk for us to do that. And it gives us the 40-man spot.”Ragans has had injuries all season after a 2024 season that saw him reach his first All-Star Game and finish fourth in the AL Cy Young voting.Ragans said this move won't affect his return to the Royals rotation.“That’s a month away,” he said. “I started throwing yesterday, so I don’t really have a full timeline, but it’ll be a lot further into the throwing progression. We needed a roster spot, and that made sense. It literally does not change anything on how I come back, or when I come back.”For Devanney, it's a dream come true. He said his parents, his sister and a couple of friends who could get off work will be in attendance.“I think they’re getting here about an hour before game time, so it’s gonna be a little close," he said. "But I think they’re gonna make it.”In 69 games with Omaha, he's batting .272 with 18 home runs and 55 RBIs.“It’s surreal, man, I’m still processing,” he said. “I think you survive in this game (by) being adaptable and versatile. I understand the dynamic up here and what they’re looking for, so I’m just trying to fit their needs.”Quatraro complimented Devanney's versatility.“Cam's had a great year in Triple-A,” Quatraro said. “He had a good year last year. He’s played really well in the infield. He’s played some outfield as well. So his versatility and another right-handed bat was something we were looking for. He could be a versatile player off the bench, which is what he’ll be tonight, but we’re not going to be afraid to play him either.”

⚾ Royals outfielder Mark Canha placed on 10-day IL with left elbow injury

The Hays Larks are on the road for the final time in 2025 as they travel to Augusta to take on the Kansas Cannons in a non-league contest Tuesday.

The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Augusta High School

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 are on the road for the final time in 2025 as they travel to Augusta to take on the Kansas Cannons in a non-league contest Tuesday.The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Augusta High SchoolYou 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 on the road at Kansas Cannons

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is doubling down on his preference to stay with only five automatic qualifiers if the College Football Playoff does expand from 12 to 16 teams as many expect after this season, instead of each of the four power conferences being guaranteed multiple bids.

“We have the responsibility to do what’s right for college football ... not what's right for one or two or more conferences,” Yormark said Tuesday at Big 12 football media days. “I think 5-11 is fair. Earn it on the field, assuming we want to expand. I love the current format, but if we’re going to expand, let’s do it in a way that’s fair and equitable and gives everyone a chance.”

While the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten will have more of a say on the playoff format starting in 2026, when ESPN's $7.8 billion contract kicks in, Yormark believes the 5-11 format would be good for now and in the future. He said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips feels the same way, and is expected to express that during his league's media days in two weeks.

“We do not need a professional model because we are not the NFL,” Yormark said. "We are college football and we must act like it."

In the 12-team format still in place for this season, the five highest-ranked conference champions are guaranteed spots in the playoff. The difference this year is that the top four highest-ranked champions are no longer guaranteed the top four seeds that come with first-round byes.

Among potential 16-team formats would be four automatic qualifiers from both the SEC and Big Ten, and two each for the Big 12 and ACC. The Big 12 last season had only conference champion Arizona State make the playoff last season.

“We want to earn it on the field," Yormark said. “It might not be the best solution today for the Big 12, given your comments about (automatic qualifiers), but long term, knowing the progress we’re making, the investments we’re making, it’s the right format for us.”

Yormark, who is going into his fourth year as Big 12 commissioner, believes that the landmark NCAA House settlement will have a positive impact for all conferences, especially if the College Sports Commission works the way it is intended in enforcing the rules in the remade system.

“It will. I have a lot of faith in Bryan Seely,” Yormark said of the former Major League Baseball executive named CEO of the new CSC. “It should create a level playing field, and I'm not giving that up.”

The Big 12 was already in transition and still at 10 teams when Yormark arrived in 2022. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF joined the league the following year.

Texas and Oklahoma, who won football national championships while in the Big 12, completed their long-planned move to the SEC last year. That is when Pac-12 schools Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah came into what is now a 16-team Big 12.

"I think parity matters, and I think ultimately over time, and that’s hopefully sooner than later, there’ll be a couple of our schools that will emerge, you know, as elite schools that are always part of the conversations at the highest levels. And that’s what we’re working towards,” Yormark said. “But it starts with parity and being competitive top to bottom. And I think we’re there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752066475109.jpeg" alt="Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks at the Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)" />
 <figcaption>Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks at the Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)</figcaption>
 </figure>FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is doubling down on his preference to stay with only five automatic qualifiers if the College Football Playoff does expand from 12 to 16 teams as many expect after this season, instead of each of the four power conferences being guaranteed multiple bids.“We have the responsibility to do what’s right for college football ... not what's right for one or two or more conferences,” Yormark said Tuesday at Big 12 football media days. “I think 5-11 is fair. Earn it on the field, assuming we want to expand. I love the current format, but if we’re going to expand, let’s do it in a way that’s fair and equitable and gives everyone a chance.”While the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten will have more of a say on the playoff format starting in 2026, when ESPN's $7.8 billion contract kicks in, Yormark believes the 5-11 format would be good for now and in the future. He said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips feels the same way, and is expected to express that during his league's media days in two weeks.“We do not need a professional model because we are not the NFL,” Yormark said. "We are college football and we must act like it."In the 12-team format still in place for this season, the five highest-ranked conference champions are guaranteed spots in the playoff. The difference this year is that the top four highest-ranked champions are no longer guaranteed the top four seeds that come with first-round byes.Among potential 16-team formats would be four automatic qualifiers from both the SEC and Big Ten, and two each for the Big 12 and ACC. The Big 12 last season had only conference champion Arizona State make the playoff last season.“We want to earn it on the field," Yormark said. “It might not be the best solution today for the Big 12, given your comments about (automatic qualifiers), but long term, knowing the progress we’re making, the investments we’re making, it’s the right format for us.”Yormark, who is going into his fourth year as Big 12 commissioner, believes that the landmark NCAA House settlement will have a positive impact for all conferences, especially if the College Sports Commission works the way it is intended in enforcing the rules in the remade system.“It will. I have a lot of faith in Bryan Seely,” Yormark said of the former Major League Baseball executive named CEO of the new CSC. “It should create a level playing field, and I'm not giving that up.”The Big 12 was already in transition and still at 10 teams when Yormark arrived in 2022. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF joined the league the following year.Texas and Oklahoma, who won football national championships while in the Big 12, completed their long-planned move to the SEC last year. That is when Pac-12 schools Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah came into what is now a 16-team Big 12."I think parity matters, and I think ultimately over time, and that’s hopefully sooner than later, there’ll be a couple of our schools that will emerge, you know, as elite schools that are always part of the conversations at the highest levels. And that’s what we’re working towards,” Yormark said. “But it starts with parity and being competitive top to bottom. And I think we’re there.”

🏈 Big 12 commissioner doubles down on preference for 5-11 playoff model if CFP expands

INDIANAPOLIS — High school baseball teams across the country will be required to use a double first base beginning with the 2027 season, following a rules change approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee proposed the revision during its annual meeting June 8-10 in Indianapolis. It was one of 10 rule changes accepted by the NFHS Board of Directors aimed at improving player safety and game flow.

The new rule, added as Rule 1-2-9, requires a double first base with a white and a contrasting colored portion. The white half must be placed in fair territory, while the colored portion lies in foul territory, divided by the foul line. The two parts must be adjacent with no gap between them.

Additional rules, including Rule 8-2-2a, outline how the double base is to be used. Batter-runners are expected to use the colored half on plays at first base unless a fielder moves into foul territory to receive a throw, in which case the white portion may be used. Batter-runners must return to the white base when leading off or tagging up. The rule also addresses interference and obstruction involving improper use of the double base during collisions.

Other changes include updates to Rule 2-5-1h and Rule 2-16-1h to clarify when a batted ball is fair or foul based on contact with either portion of the base.

The committee also approved a new restriction on defensive meetings under Rule 3-4-6. Teams are allowed one player-to-player meeting per half-inning, defined in Rule 2-10-3 as a discussion involving two or more defensive players. Additional meetings will be denied by umpires.

Uniform rules were also updated. Beginning in 2027, schools may include a name, logo, mascot or nickname on the uniform top or pants under Rule 1-4-4. Additionally, Rule 1-6-3 now prohibits players from wearing any audio or video recording devices during a game.

A full list of changes is available on the NFHS website at <a href="https://nfhs.org/">www.nfhs.org</a>.

Baseball remains one of the most popular high school sports nationwide, with 471,701 boys participating at 16,146 schools, according to the 2023-24 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey.

INDIANAPOLIS — High school baseball teams across the country will be required to use a double first base beginning with the 2027 season, following a rules change approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations.The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee proposed the revision during its annual meeting June 8-10 in Indianapolis. It was one of 10 rule changes accepted by the NFHS Board of Directors aimed at improving player safety and game flow.The new rule, added as Rule 1-2-9, requires a double first base with a white and a contrasting colored portion. The white half must be placed in fair territory, while the colored portion lies in foul territory, divided by the foul line. The two parts must be adjacent with no gap between them.Additional rules, including Rule 8-2-2a, outline how the double base is to be used. Batter-runners are expected to use the colored half on plays at first base unless a fielder moves into foul territory to receive a throw, in which case the white portion may be used. Batter-runners must return to the white base when leading off or tagging up. The rule also addresses interference and obstruction involving improper use of the double base during collisions.Other changes include updates to Rule 2-5-1h and Rule 2-16-1h to clarify when a batted ball is fair or foul based on contact with either portion of the base.The committee also approved a new restriction on defensive meetings under Rule 3-4-6. Teams are allowed one player-to-player meeting per half-inning, defined in Rule 2-10-3 as a discussion involving two or more defensive players. Additional meetings will be denied by umpires.Uniform rules were also updated. Beginning in 2027, schools may include a name, logo, mascot or nickname on the uniform top or pants under Rule 1-4-4. Additionally, Rule 1-6-3 now prohibits players from wearing any audio or video recording devices during a game.A full list of changes is available on the NFHS website at <a href="https://nfhs.org/">www.nfhs.org</a>.Baseball remains one of the most popular high school sports nationwide, with 471,701 boys participating at 16,146 schools, according to the 2023-24 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey.

⚾ NFHS to require double first base in high school baseball starting in 2027

Tuesday, July 8 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; Tuesday, July 8 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:00pmWednesday, 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

By TIM CARPENTER Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — A bipartisan council of Kansas lawmakers voted Monday to extend by six months the deadline for the Missouri-based Kansas City Royals or the Kansas City Chiefs to accept economic development incentives from Kansas for construction of sports stadiums.

The Legislative Coordinating Council unanimously agreed to grant the reprieve so the Kansas Department of Commerce could present options for stadium deals to the LCC until Dec. 31, 2025.

A 2024 law that set the framework for issuance of STAR bonds to cover 70% of construction costs for one or both stadiums and support structures had a deadline of June 30, 2025. The statute gave the LCC authority to add another year to the timeline.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, recommended adoption of a six-month alternative for the presentation of formal proposals by the Department of Commerce to the LCC. He said he didn’t want the stadium issue to bleed into the 2026 session of the Legislature, which would convene in early January.

“We have had this law out there for a year now and each team has had a year to come to some type of conclusion,” Hawkins said. “Neither team has and quite frankly for the last month and a half, I have been very consistent across the board saying, ‘Let’s get it done.’ ”

He said he was persuaded to endorse a half-year extension because one of the teams waited from November to February for responses from the administration of Gov. Laura Kelly. Also, he said, the Kelly administration didn’t answer a proposal from a team — previously reported to be the Chiefs — for seven weeks.

“It doesn’t matter what team it was. That’s not fair to the teams, when they’re making proposals and they’re not getting responses back,” said Hawkins, who is a candidate for state insurance commissioner.

The LCC adopted the six-month extension but also voted to broaden the window of opportunity for stadium deals with Kansas to June 30, 2026. That could be a technicality, because the LCC could decide on behalf of the full House and Senate not to consider recommendations submitted after that date.

Missouri offered to finance up to 50% of the cost to renovate or build new stadiums for the Royals and Chiefs. Both franchises have played at a Jackson County, Missouri, complex since the early 1970s.

Sen. Tim Shallenberger, a Baxter Springs Republican serving as the Senate’s vice president, said he didn’t want to force the Chiefs or Royals to abruptly wrap up a deal with Kansas.

“When I was younger, I was a banker,” Shallenberger said. “Putting a deal like this together is not easy. You have landowners that look at the deadlines that we put out and use that as leverage. You have the teams look at the deadlines we put out and use that as leverage. Approved by the LCC by this December seems a little quick to me.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, convened the LCC meeting because he recently observed signs of progress during confidential negotiations involving the Chiefs.

“We weren’t interested in being a pawn and extending for no reason at all,” Masterson said. “The sense was as long as there’s legitimate, real conversations about the possibility of that relationship … we could move forward.”

Chiefs president Mark Donovan asked Kansas lawmakers to amend the deadline to continue negotiations with Kansas on building a stadium, team headquarters, practice facility and related business developments.

In the correspondence, Donovan said complexity, importance and scale of the project made it clear “more time is needed to bring the effort to full fruition.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751970881185.png" alt="Renowned sports architect David Manica shared renderings of a potential Kansas City, Kan., stadium development for the Kansas City Chiefs.(MANICA)" />
 <figcaption>Renowned sports architect David Manica shared renderings of a potential Kansas City, Kan., stadium development for the Kansas City Chiefs.(MANICA)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — A bipartisan council of Kansas lawmakers voted Monday to extend by six months the deadline for the Missouri-based Kansas City Royals or the Kansas City Chiefs to accept economic development incentives from Kansas for construction of sports stadiums.The Legislative Coordinating Council unanimously agreed to grant the reprieve so the Kansas Department of Commerce could present options for stadium deals to the LCC until Dec. 31, 2025.A 2024 law that set the framework for issuance of STAR bonds to cover 70% of construction costs for one or both stadiums and support structures had a deadline of June 30, 2025. The statute gave the LCC authority to add another year to the timeline.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, recommended adoption of a six-month alternative for the presentation of formal proposals by the Department of Commerce to the LCC. He said he didn’t want the stadium issue to bleed into the 2026 session of the Legislature, which would convene in early January.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751970834339.png" alt="House Speaker Dan Hawkins, shown hear speaking to members of the Kansas House, recommended to colleagues on the Legislative Coordinating Council to change the deadline to Dec. 31, 2025, for presentation by the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals of proposals to make use of STAR bonds to build new sports stadiums in Kansas. A 2024 law offering bonds to cover 70% of stadium costs expired June 30, 2025. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Dan Hawkins, shown hear speaking to members of the Kansas House, recommended to colleagues on the Legislative Coordinating Council to change the deadline to Dec. 31, 2025, for presentation by the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals of proposals to make use of STAR bonds to build new sports stadiums in Kansas. A 2024 law offering bonds to cover 70% of stadium costs expired June 30, 2025. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We have had this law out there for a year now and each team has had a year to come to some type of conclusion,” Hawkins said. “Neither team has and quite frankly for the last month and a half, I have been very consistent across the board saying, ‘Let’s get it done.’ ”He said he was persuaded to endorse a half-year extension because one of the teams waited from November to February for responses from the administration of Gov. Laura Kelly. Also, he said, the Kelly administration didn’t answer a proposal from a team — previously reported to be the Chiefs — for seven weeks.“It doesn’t matter what team it was. That’s not fair to the teams, when they’re making proposals and they’re not getting responses back,” said Hawkins, who is a candidate for state insurance commissioner.The LCC adopted the six-month extension but also voted to broaden the window of opportunity for stadium deals with Kansas to June 30, 2026. That could be a technicality, because the LCC could decide on behalf of the full House and Senate not to consider recommendations submitted after that date.Missouri offered to finance up to 50% of the cost to renovate or build new stadiums for the Royals and Chiefs. Both franchises have played at a Jackson County, Missouri, complex since the early 1970s.Sen. Tim Shallenberger, a Baxter Springs Republican serving as the Senate’s vice president, said he didn’t want to force the Chiefs or Royals to abruptly wrap up a deal with Kansas.“When I was younger, I was a banker,” Shallenberger said. “Putting a deal like this together is not easy. You have landowners that look at the deadlines that we put out and use that as leverage. You have the teams look at the deadlines we put out and use that as leverage. Approved by the LCC by this December seems a little quick to me.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, convened the LCC meeting because he recently observed signs of progress during confidential negotiations involving the Chiefs.“We weren’t interested in being a pawn and extending for no reason at all,” Masterson said. “The sense was as long as there’s legitimate, real conversations about the possibility of that relationship … we could move forward.”Chiefs president Mark Donovan asked Kansas lawmakers to amend the deadline to continue negotiations with Kansas on building a stadium, team headquarters, practice facility and related business developments.In the correspondence, Donovan said complexity, importance and scale of the project made it clear “more time is needed to bring the effort to full fruition.”

Kan. lawmakers extend deadline for Royals, Chiefs to accept stadium incentives

HAYS – Paul Smith had three hits and Thomas Lyssy drove in three runs to lead the Hays Larks to an 8-3 win over the Newton Rebels in a non-league game Monday night at Larks Park.

Lyssy’s two-run single highlighted a three-run third which gave the Larks a 3-1 lead. Hays (18-4-1) scored four in the fourth to blow the game open. Lane Sparks opened the inning with a walk then eventually stole home. Smith added a two-run single and Lyssy an RBI single to push the lead to 7-1.

Newton (6-20) scored two on a home run and sacrifice fly in the fifth to cut the lead to 7-3. The Larks tacked on a run on an RBI double from Jackson Babcock in the seventh.

Starter Jordan Stribling (1-1) allowed one run on one hit with four strikeouts and two walks over three innings and was awarded the win. Ryan Hanks gave up two runs on two hits over two innings of relief. Nolan Wilson and Dalton Campbell both pitched a scoreless inning then Julio Romas allowed one hit with a couple of strikeouts in the final two frames.

The Larks had 13 hits on the night and drew seven walks. Meanwhile their pitching staff struck out 13 Rebel batters while walking only two.

The Larks play their final road game of the season Tuesday in Augusta against the Kansas Cannons. They then return home Thursday to begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season.

There was only one league game Monday. The Denver Cougars defeated the Collegiate Roughriders 18-10. The Larks now have a four-game lead over the Roughriders in the RMBL standings.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – Paul Smith had three hits and Thomas Lyssy drove in three runs to lead the Hays Larks to an 8-3 win over the Newton Rebels in a non-league game Monday night at Larks Park.Lyssy’s two-run single highlighted a three-run third which gave the Larks a 3-1 lead. Hays (18-4-1) scored four in the fourth to blow the game open. Lane Sparks opened the inning with a walk then eventually stole home. Smith added a two-run single and Lyssy an RBI single to push the lead to 7-1.Newton (6-20) scored two on a home run and sacrifice fly in the fifth to cut the lead to 7-3. The Larks tacked on a run on an RBI double from Jackson Babcock in the seventh.Starter Jordan Stribling (1-1) allowed one run on one hit with four strikeouts and two walks over three innings and was awarded the win. Ryan Hanks gave up two runs on two hits over two innings of relief. Nolan Wilson and Dalton Campbell both pitched a scoreless inning then Julio Romas allowed one hit with a couple of strikeouts in the final two frames.The Larks had 13 hits on the night and drew seven walks. Meanwhile their pitching staff struck out 13 Rebel batters while walking only two.UP NEXTThe Larks play their final road game of the season Tuesday in Augusta against the Kansas Cannons. They then return home Thursday to begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season.AROUND THE RMBLThere was only one league game Monday. The Denver Cougars defeated the Collegiate Roughriders 18-10. The Larks now have a four-game lead over the Roughriders in the RMBL standings.

⚾ Larks pound out 13 hits in win over Rebels

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City's four home runs to back a strong start by rookie Noah Cameron, and the Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 on Monday night.

Cameron (3-4) struck out seven in a season-high seven innings. The left-hander allowed three hits, a walk, and two runs — on Tommy Pham's two-run shot in the third.

Witt went 2 for 3 and scored twice to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1942388380320387120">Witt hit his 13th homer</a>, a two-run shot the opposite way to right-center field off reliever Chase Shugart to give the Royals a 6-2 lead in the fourth. He added a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Witt finished off a seven-game trip Sunday by extending his club-record hitting streak on the road to 25 games.

<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1942391158166151263">Perez hit his 11th</a>&nbsp;homer, a solo shot to left in the fifth for a five-run advantage. He hit his 24th double off the top of the wall in left to drive in a run for a 3-2 lead in the third.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-out pitch from Andrew Heaney in the first for his 15th homer and a 1-0 lead. Nick Loftin hit his second, a one-out solo shot off Génesis Cabrera in the eighth. Heaney (4-8) threw 76 pitches and allowed four runs in three innings.

Pham's homer was his third. It snapped Pittsburgh's 30-inning scoreless streak and gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead.

Steven Cruz pitched a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Bowlan allowed Alexander Canario's RBI single in the ninth to finish for Kansas City.

Cameron didn't surrender a hit after Bryan Reynolds' leadoff single in the third.

The Royals hit more home runs in their first home game of July than they did in the month of June.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751969887005.jpeg" alt="ansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates on second after hitting a one-run double during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>ansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates on second after hitting a one-run double during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City's four home runs to back a strong start by rookie Noah Cameron, and the Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 on Monday night.Cameron (3-4) struck out seven in a season-high seven innings. The left-hander allowed three hits, a walk, and two runs — on Tommy Pham's two-run shot in the third.Witt went 2 for 3 and scored twice to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1942388380320387120">Witt hit his 13th homer</a>, a two-run shot the opposite way to right-center field off reliever Chase Shugart to give the Royals a 6-2 lead in the fourth. He added a sacrifice fly in the sixth.Witt finished off a seven-game trip Sunday by extending his club-record hitting streak on the road to 25 games.<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1942391158166151263">Perez hit his 11th</a>&nbsp;homer, a solo shot to left in the fifth for a five-run advantage. He hit his 24th double off the top of the wall in left to drive in a run for a 3-2 lead in the third.Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-out pitch from Andrew Heaney in the first for his 15th homer and a 1-0 lead. Nick Loftin hit his second, a one-out solo shot off Génesis Cabrera in the eighth. Heaney (4-8) threw 76 pitches and allowed four runs in three innings.Pham's homer was his third. It snapped Pittsburgh's 30-inning scoreless streak and gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead.Steven Cruz pitched a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Bowlan allowed Alexander Canario's RBI single in the ninth to finish for Kansas City.<h2>Key moment</h2>Cameron didn't surrender a hit after Bryan Reynolds' leadoff single in the third.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals hit more home runs in their first home game of July than they did in the month of June.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Witt Jr. and Perez homer as Royals beat the Pirates

The Hays Larks are back at home Monday night to host the Newton Rebels in a non-league matchup at Larks Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks are back at home Monday night to host the Newton Rebels in a non-league matchup at Larks Park.The first pitch is set for 7 p.m.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