Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. announced Monday he will participating in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on July 15.

Witt grew up just north of Arlington in Colleyville, Texas and his dad, Bobby Witt, played for the Rangers for 11 of his 16 major league seasons.

The 24-year-old Witt will be making his first All-Star Game appearance and will become the member of the Royals to participate in the Home Run Derby and first since Salvador Perez in 2021. The other Royals who have participated at Bo Jackson (1989), Danny Tartabull (1991) and Mike Moustakas (2017).

Witt is one of four Royals named to the American League All-Star team joining catcher Salvador Perez and pitchers Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. announced Monday he will participating in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on July 15.Witt grew up just north of Arlington in Colleyville, Texas and his dad, Bobby Witt, played for the Rangers for 11 of his 16 major league seasons.The 24-year-old Witt will be making his first All-Star Game appearance and will become the member of the Royals to participate in the Home Run Derby and first since Salvador Perez in 2021. The other Royals who have participated at Bo Jackson (1989), Danny Tartabull (1991) and Mike Moustakas (2017).Witt is one of four Royals named to the American League All-Star team joining catcher Salvador Perez and pitchers Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. to participate in Home Run Derby

Tuesday, July 9&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:00pm

Wednesday, July 10
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:00pm

Friday, July 12
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pm

Saturday, July 13
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 2:30pm

Sunday, July 14
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 12:00pm

Tuesday, July 9&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:00pmWednesday, July 10
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:00pmFriday, July 12
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 5:30pmSaturday, July 13
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 2:30pmSunday, July 14
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, 12:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

🎥 Meet the Larks Blake Lehmbeck

ATLANTA –&nbsp;Kansas Head Coach Lance Leipold&nbsp;is one of 21 college football coaches named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Dodd Trophy presented by PNC Bank, the organization announced on Monday.&nbsp;Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc. and presented by PNC Bank, The Dodd Trophy, college football's most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd's coaching philosophy.

The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. taking into consideration each program's Academic Progress Rate (APR), Graduation Success Rate (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, as well as projected success for the 2024 season.

Entering his fourth season leading the Jayhawks, Leipold has put his track record as a proven program builder on full display during his time at Kansas. He has guided the Jayhawks to back-to-back bowl games, including a 49-36 victory over UNLV in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, which was KU's first bowl victory since 2008. Prior to Leipold's arrival, Kansas had only made consecutive bowl game appearances once in program history (2007-08).&nbsp;Kansas was picked fourth in the Big 12 preseason poll, announced on July 2, which is the Jayhawks' highest preseason ranking since the league went to a non-divisional format in 2011. Leipold is one of four coaches from the Big 12 Conference on The Dodd Trophy watch list.

A midseason watch list – adding to or narrowing the field – will be released in the fall. A panel consisting of previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2024 season. The winner of the 2024 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

Starting in September on a weekly basis, the Dodd Coach of the Week Award will also honor coaches whose program embodies the award's three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity, while also having success on the playing field during the previous week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720463263536.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsATLANTA –&nbsp;Kansas Head Coach Lance Leipold&nbsp;is one of 21 college football coaches named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Dodd Trophy presented by PNC Bank, the organization announced on Monday.&nbsp;Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc. and presented by PNC Bank, The Dodd Trophy, college football's most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd's coaching philosophy.The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. taking into consideration each program's Academic Progress Rate (APR), Graduation Success Rate (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, as well as projected success for the 2024 season.Entering his fourth season leading the Jayhawks, Leipold has put his track record as a proven program builder on full display during his time at Kansas. He has guided the Jayhawks to back-to-back bowl games, including a 49-36 victory over UNLV in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, which was KU's first bowl victory since 2008. Prior to Leipold's arrival, Kansas had only made consecutive bowl game appearances once in program history (2007-08).&nbsp;Kansas was picked fourth in the Big 12 preseason poll, announced on July 2, which is the Jayhawks' highest preseason ranking since the league went to a non-divisional format in 2011. Leipold is one of four coaches from the Big 12 Conference on The Dodd Trophy watch list.A midseason watch list – adding to or narrowing the field – will be released in the fall. A panel consisting of previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2024 season. The winner of the 2024 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.Starting in September on a weekly basis, the Dodd Coach of the Week Award will also honor coaches whose program embodies the award's three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity, while also having success on the playing field during the previous week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 KU's Leipold named to Dodd Trophy preseason watch list

DODGE CITY - The Hays Larks got a split in their Sunday doubleheader with the Dodge City A's at Cavalier Field. They won the completion of Saturday’s suspended game 8-0 but dropped Sunday's regularly scheduled game
9-5.


The Larks (20-5, 15-4 RMBL) led Saturday's game 4-0 when storms moved into southwest Kansas and the game was suspended. 

Garrett Gruell, who hit a tw0-run home run in the first inning Saturday, added another two-run blast when the game resumed in the fifth inning Sunday. 

Gruell finished with three hits and four RBIs.

Blake Lehmbeck (4-0) pitched four scoreless innings of relief&nbsp; with five strikeouts and three walks and picked up the win. Lehmbeck and starter Nolan Wilson combined on a tw0-hitter.

The Larks raced out to 4-0 lead in the regularly scheduled game. An RBI double from Wilbert Espinal and RBI single from Garrett Gruell got them on the board in the top of the first. Gruell added another run-scoring single in the third to push the lead to 4-0. CJ Reid drove in the fourth run on a fielder's choice in the fourth.

The A's took the lead with six runs in the bottom of the fourth.

The Larks closed the gap to 6-5 on Taber Stokes RBI single in the sixth but the A's tacked on three more runs in the eighth for the final margin.

The Larks loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth but a line drive off the glove of the A's first baseman was gathered up for the final out.

Garrett Gruell's two home runs in game one was the first multi-homer game for the Larks since Tyler LaRue hit two against the Western Nebraska Pioneers on July 21, 2023.

The Larks shutout in game one was their first on the road since Jul 4, 2022 when they beat the Colorado Springs Outlaws 11-0.

The Larks return home Tuesday for the first game of a two-game series with the first-place Liberal Bee Jays. 

Liberal had their 13-game winning-streak snapped in a 13 inning loss to the Fort Collins Foxes Sunday night. The Bee Jays lead the Larks by one game in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League standings.

Hays PostDODGE CITY - The Hays Larks got a split in their Sunday doubleheader with the Dodge City A's at Cavalier Field. They won the completion of Saturday’s suspended game 8-0 but dropped Sunday's regularly scheduled game
9-5.
The Larks (20-5, 15-4 RMBL) led Saturday's game 4-0 when storms moved into southwest Kansas and the game was suspended. Garrett Gruell, who hit a tw0-run home run in the first inning Saturday, added another two-run blast when the game resumed in the fifth inning Sunday. Gruell finished with three hits and four RBIs.Blake Lehmbeck (4-0) pitched four scoreless innings of relief&nbsp; with five strikeouts and three walks and picked up the win. Lehmbeck and starter Nolan Wilson combined on a tw0-hitter.The Larks raced out to 4-0 lead in the regularly scheduled game. An RBI double from Wilbert Espinal and RBI single from Garrett Gruell got them on the board in the top of the first. Gruell added another run-scoring single in the third to push the lead to 4-0. CJ Reid drove in the fourth run on a fielder's choice in the fourth.The A's took the lead with six runs in the bottom of the fourth.The Larks closed the gap to 6-5 on Taber Stokes RBI single in the sixth but the A's tacked on three more runs in the eighth for the final margin.The Larks loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth but a line drive off the glove of the A's first baseman was gathered up for the final out.MULTI HOMERSGarrett Gruell's two home runs in game one was the first multi-homer game for the Larks since Tyler LaRue hit two against the Western Nebraska Pioneers on July 21, 2023.ROAD SHUTOUTThe Larks shutout in game one was their first on the road since Jul 4, 2022 when they beat the Colorado Springs Outlaws 11-0.UP NEXTThe Larks return home Tuesday for the first game of a two-game series with the first-place Liberal Bee Jays. Liberal had their 13-game winning-streak snapped in a 13 inning loss to the Fort Collins Foxes Sunday night. The Bee Jays lead the Larks by one game in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League standings.

⚾ Larks split in Dodge City

The Hays Larks are on the road for a pair of Rocky Mountain Baseball League games against the Dodge City A's.

The final game of the series is Sunday in Dodge City at Cavalier Field.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V1EoXvKjcs">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 a pair of Rocky Mountain Baseball League games against the Dodge City A's.The final game of the series is Sunday in Dodge City at Cavalier Field.First pitch is set for 7 p.m.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V1EoXvKjcs">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 travel to Dodge City

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-Major League Baseball announced today the rosters for the 2024 All-Star Game, which will be played on Tuesday, July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The American League team will feature four Royals players, including&nbsp;Salvador Perez,&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;(who were elected by the players) and&nbsp;Cole Ragans&nbsp;(who was selected by the Commissioner’s Office).

The four All-Star players are the most for the Royals since 2016, when Perez led the American League in All-Star votes and&nbsp;Eric Hosmer&nbsp;started and was named All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player.&nbsp;Kelvin Herrera&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wade Davis&nbsp;were also named All-Stars that year, though Davis didn’t pitch due to injury.

Last week, Major League Baseball announced that Royals Strength and Conditioning Coach,&nbsp;Ryan Stoneberg, will join Manager&nbsp;Bruce Bochy’s&nbsp;American League staff for the 2024 All-Star Game.

Perez is an American League All-Star for the ninth time in his career, which leads all active catchers and ranks 2nd in Royals history to&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;13 All-Star selections. His nine All-Star selections are tied with&nbsp;Jose Altuve&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dave Concepción&nbsp;for the 3rd most by a Venezuela-born player, trailing only&nbsp;Miguel Cabrera&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;Luis Aparicio&nbsp;(10).

Salvy, 34, entered today among the American League leaders at catcher this season (min. 50% games at the position) in extra-base hits (30, tied for 1st), hits (88, 2nd) and RBI (55, 2nd). His 18 go-ahead RBI rank tied for 5th in the Majors among players at all positions. Perez had 2 more hits in today’s win, including the 1,500th&nbsp;hit of his career.

The 2024 All-Star Game will be a homecoming of sorts for first-time All-Star Witt Jr., who grew up in Colleyville, Texas, which is less than 20 miles north of Globe Life Field. The 24-year-old entered today ranking among the top 5 in the Majors in several offensive categories, including hits (116, 2nd), batting average (.320, 2nd), multi-hit games (36, 2nd), extra-base hits (48, 4th), total bases (201, 4th), runs (70, tied for 4th) and stolen bases (22, tied for 5th). He added 3 hits in today’s win, including a 3-run home run. On defense, Witt Jr.’s 12 Outs Above Average lead all shortstops and trail only&nbsp;Marcus Semien&nbsp;and&nbsp;Michael Siani&nbsp;(13 each) at all positions.

Witt Jr. is the third Royals shortstop to be named an All-Star, following&nbsp;Fred Patek&nbsp;(1972, 1976, 1978) and&nbsp;Alcides Escobar&nbsp;(2015).

Witt Jr.’s 49 extra-base hits including today are already the 2nd most by any Royals player before the All-Star break, trailing&nbsp;Mike Sweeney’s&nbsp;56 extra-base hits before the break in 2001. With 1 extra-base hit in the next 5 games, Witt Jr. would become just the sixth player to record at least 50 extra-base hits and 20 steals before the All-Star break, and would join&nbsp;Bobby Bonds&nbsp;(1973),&nbsp;Alfonso Soriano&nbsp;(2002),&nbsp;Ian Kinsler&nbsp;(2008),&nbsp;Mike Trout&nbsp;(2013) and&nbsp;José Ramírez&nbsp;(2018).

Lugo, 34, is a first-time All-Star in his ninth Major League season. He entered today leading the Majors in ERA (2.21), innings (122.0) and quality starts (15). His 11 wins are tied with&nbsp;Chris Sale&nbsp;for the Major League lead and his .786 win percentage (11-3) is tied for 3rd best in the Majors. Lugo has completed at least 6.0 innings in 17 of his 19 starts, the most such starts in the Majors.

Ragans, 26, was Kansas City’s Opening Day starter this season and is now an All-Star for the first time in his career. He’s 5-6 with a 3.28 ERA (40 ER in 109.2 IP) in 19 starts, and his 134 strikeouts were the 3rd most in the Majors entering today, trailing&nbsp;Garrett Crochet&nbsp;(146) and&nbsp;Tyler Glasnow&nbsp;(143).

Ragans was a 2016 1st-round pick of the Rangers, who are hosting this year’s All-Star Game. He made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2022 and made Texas’ Opening Day roster in 2023, before being acquired by Kansas City on June 30, 2023 in a three-player trade that sent&nbsp;Aroldis Chapman&nbsp;to the Rangers.

Lugo and Ragans are the first Royals pitchers to be named to an All-Star Game since&nbsp;Jason Vargas&nbsp;in 2017. This marks the first time in franchise history that the Royals will have two All-Star&nbsp;starting pitchers&nbsp;in the same season.

Kansas City’s four All-Star players were acquired via international signing (Perez, 2006), the First-Year Player Draft (Witt Jr., 2019), trade (Ragans, 2023) and free agency (Lugo, 2023).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720395967325.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.-Major League Baseball announced today the rosters for the 2024 All-Star Game, which will be played on Tuesday, July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The American League team will feature four Royals players, including&nbsp;Salvador Perez,&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;(who were elected by the players) and&nbsp;Cole Ragans&nbsp;(who was selected by the Commissioner’s Office).The four All-Star players are the most for the Royals since 2016, when Perez led the American League in All-Star votes and&nbsp;Eric Hosmer&nbsp;started and was named All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player.&nbsp;Kelvin Herrera&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wade Davis&nbsp;were also named All-Stars that year, though Davis didn’t pitch due to injury.Last week, Major League Baseball announced that Royals Strength and Conditioning Coach,&nbsp;Ryan Stoneberg, will join Manager&nbsp;Bruce Bochy’s&nbsp;American League staff for the 2024 All-Star Game.Perez is an American League All-Star for the ninth time in his career, which leads all active catchers and ranks 2nd in Royals history to&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;13 All-Star selections. His nine All-Star selections are tied with&nbsp;Jose Altuve&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dave Concepción&nbsp;for the 3rd most by a Venezuela-born player, trailing only&nbsp;Miguel Cabrera&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;Luis Aparicio&nbsp;(10).Salvy, 34, entered today among the American League leaders at catcher this season (min. 50% games at the position) in extra-base hits (30, tied for 1st), hits (88, 2nd) and RBI (55, 2nd). His 18 go-ahead RBI rank tied for 5th in the Majors among players at all positions. Perez had 2 more hits in today’s win, including the 1,500th&nbsp;hit of his career.The 2024 All-Star Game will be a homecoming of sorts for first-time All-Star Witt Jr., who grew up in Colleyville, Texas, which is less than 20 miles north of Globe Life Field. The 24-year-old entered today ranking among the top 5 in the Majors in several offensive categories, including hits (116, 2nd), batting average (.320, 2nd), multi-hit games (36, 2nd), extra-base hits (48, 4th), total bases (201, 4th), runs (70, tied for 4th) and stolen bases (22, tied for 5th). He added 3 hits in today’s win, including a 3-run home run. On defense, Witt Jr.’s 12 Outs Above Average lead all shortstops and trail only&nbsp;Marcus Semien&nbsp;and&nbsp;Michael Siani&nbsp;(13 each) at all positions.Witt Jr. is the third Royals shortstop to be named an All-Star, following&nbsp;Fred Patek&nbsp;(1972, 1976, 1978) and&nbsp;Alcides Escobar&nbsp;(2015).Witt Jr.’s 49 extra-base hits including today are already the 2nd most by any Royals player before the All-Star break, trailing&nbsp;Mike Sweeney’s&nbsp;56 extra-base hits before the break in 2001. With 1 extra-base hit in the next 5 games, Witt Jr. would become just the sixth player to record at least 50 extra-base hits and 20 steals before the All-Star break, and would join&nbsp;Bobby Bonds&nbsp;(1973),&nbsp;Alfonso Soriano&nbsp;(2002),&nbsp;Ian Kinsler&nbsp;(2008),&nbsp;Mike Trout&nbsp;(2013) and&nbsp;José Ramírez&nbsp;(2018).Lugo, 34, is a first-time All-Star in his ninth Major League season. He entered today leading the Majors in ERA (2.21), innings (122.0) and quality starts (15). His 11 wins are tied with&nbsp;Chris Sale&nbsp;for the Major League lead and his .786 win percentage (11-3) is tied for 3rd best in the Majors. Lugo has completed at least 6.0 innings in 17 of his 19 starts, the most such starts in the Majors.Ragans, 26, was Kansas City’s Opening Day starter this season and is now an All-Star for the first time in his career. He’s 5-6 with a 3.28 ERA (40 ER in 109.2 IP) in 19 starts, and his 134 strikeouts were the 3rd most in the Majors entering today, trailing&nbsp;Garrett Crochet&nbsp;(146) and&nbsp;Tyler Glasnow&nbsp;(143).Ragans was a 2016 1st-round pick of the Rangers, who are hosting this year’s All-Star Game. He made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2022 and made Texas’ Opening Day roster in 2023, before being acquired by Kansas City on June 30, 2023 in a three-player trade that sent&nbsp;Aroldis Chapman&nbsp;to the Rangers.Lugo and Ragans are the first Royals pitchers to be named to an All-Star Game since&nbsp;Jason Vargas&nbsp;in 2017. This marks the first time in franchise history that the Royals will have two All-Star&nbsp;starting pitchers&nbsp;in the same season.Kansas City’s four All-Star players were acquired via international signing (Perez, 2006), the First-Year Player Draft (Witt Jr., 2019), trade (Ragans, 2023) and free agency (Lugo, 2023).

⚾ Royals have four named to AL All-Star Team

DENVER (AP) — Maikel Garcia, MJ Melendez and Bobby Witt Jr. homered, Brady Singer won for the first time on the road this season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Colorado Rockies 10-1 on Sunday to end a three-game losing streak.

Garcia’s three-run homer capped a four-run second inning off right-hander Tanner Gordon (0-1), who was making his major league debut. Garcia homered for first time since May 17, a span of 183 at-bats. He has six homer this season.

Melendez homered in the seventh, and Witt hit his 15th to cap a three-hit day in a three-run ninth.

Singer (5-5) gave one run and six hits — all singles — and stuck out seven in seven innings for his first road victory since Aug. 8, 2023, in Boston. He is 1-2 with a 3.24 ERA in eight road starts this season.

Nolan Jones hit run-scoring single to break Singer’s shutout with two outs in the seventh inning, but Singer retired Aaron Schunk on a fly to deep left field to preserve a 5-1 lead.

Salvador Perez had two singles, the first the 1,500th of his 13-year career, and Michael Massey and Garcia also had two hits. The Royals were 4 for 7 with runners in scoring position after going 4 for 51 in their previous nine road games. They had lost five straight on the road.

Gordon gave up eight hits and stuck out four without a walk in an economical 6 1/3 innings. He threw 78 pitches, 62 strikes.

Jake Cave had two hits and Michael Toglia reached base on a single and two walks for the Rockies, who had a three-game winning streak broken. Ezequiel Tovar was 0 for 4 and is hitless in his last 24 at-bats, a career long.

Perez singled to open second inning off Gordon, and singles by Massey and Felix Fermin drove in the first run. Garcia homered on a one-out 1-2 changeup, his 382-foot fly just clearing the left field fence. Massey and Fermin had RBIs in the eighth.

Royals: 2B/OF Adam Frazier (thumb) was hitless in four at-bats from the leadoff spot in his first game since being activated from the injured list Friday. He was replaced for defensive purposes in the seventh inning.

Rockies: Gordon was purchased from Triple-A Albuquerque to make the start and RHP Dakota Hudson (2-12, 5.84 ERA) was designated for assignment. Hudson set a franchise record for most losses before the All-Star Game. … RHP German Marquez (Tommy John surgery) nearing a return to the rotation and is expected to make a final rehab start Tuesday, likely for Double-A Hartford. The Rockies roster is at 39. … OF Kris Bryant (oblique strain) will accompany the team on the seven-game road trip and will begin hitting on the field Monday. “That’s another big step,” manager Bud Black said. Bryant has been out since June 3.

Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (1-7, 5.60 ERA) was set to face Cincinnati LHP Andrew Abbott (8-6, 3.28) in the first game of a four-game series Monday at Great American Ball Park. ... Royals RHP Michael Wacha (5-6, 3.74) was scheduled to oppose Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.00) on Tuesday night in St. Louis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720431731860.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia gestures to the bullpen as he circles the bases after hitting a three-run home run off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tanner Gordon in the second inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia gestures to the bullpen as he circles the bases after hitting a three-run home run off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tanner Gordon in the second inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Maikel Garcia, MJ Melendez and Bobby Witt Jr. homered, Brady Singer won for the first time on the road this season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Colorado Rockies 10-1 on Sunday to end a three-game losing streak.Garcia’s three-run homer capped a four-run second inning off right-hander Tanner Gordon (0-1), who was making his major league debut. Garcia homered for first time since May 17, a span of 183 at-bats. He has six homer this season.Melendez homered in the seventh, and Witt hit his 15th to cap a three-hit day in a three-run ninth.Singer (5-5) gave one run and six hits — all singles — and stuck out seven in seven innings for his first road victory since Aug. 8, 2023, in Boston. He is 1-2 with a 3.24 ERA in eight road starts this season.Nolan Jones hit run-scoring single to break Singer’s shutout with two outs in the seventh inning, but Singer retired Aaron Schunk on a fly to deep left field to preserve a 5-1 lead.Salvador Perez had two singles, the first the 1,500th of his 13-year career, and Michael Massey and Garcia also had two hits. The Royals were 4 for 7 with runners in scoring position after going 4 for 51 in their previous nine road games. They had lost five straight on the road.Gordon gave up eight hits and stuck out four without a walk in an economical 6 1/3 innings. He threw 78 pitches, 62 strikes.Jake Cave had two hits and Michael Toglia reached base on a single and two walks for the Rockies, who had a three-game winning streak broken. Ezequiel Tovar was 0 for 4 and is hitless in his last 24 at-bats, a career long.Perez singled to open second inning off Gordon, and singles by Massey and Felix Fermin drove in the first run. Garcia homered on a one-out 1-2 changeup, his 382-foot fly just clearing the left field fence. Massey and Fermin had RBIs in the eighth.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: 2B/OF Adam Frazier (thumb) was hitless in four at-bats from the leadoff spot in his first game since being activated from the injured list Friday. He was replaced for defensive purposes in the seventh inning.Rockies: Gordon was purchased from Triple-A Albuquerque to make the start and RHP Dakota Hudson (2-12, 5.84 ERA) was designated for assignment. Hudson set a franchise record for most losses before the All-Star Game. … RHP German Marquez (Tommy John surgery) nearing a return to the rotation and is expected to make a final rehab start Tuesday, likely for Double-A Hartford. The Rockies roster is at 39. … OF Kris Bryant (oblique strain) will accompany the team on the seven-game road trip and will begin hitting on the field Monday. “That’s another big step,” manager Bud Black said. Bryant has been out since June 3.UP NEXTRockies RHP Ryan Feltner (1-7, 5.60 ERA) was set to face Cincinnati LHP Andrew Abbott (8-6, 3.28) in the first game of a four-game series Monday at Great American Ball Park. ... Royals RHP Michael Wacha (5-6, 3.74) was scheduled to oppose Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.00) on Tuesday night in St. Louis.___

⚾ Garcia, Melendez, Witt homer as Royals rout Rockies to end losing streak

🎥 Meet the Larks Andy Lewton

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

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

DENVER (AP) — Brenton Doyle homered for the fourth time in five games, Austin Gomber won for the first time in seven weeks and the Colorado Rockies beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday night.

Gomber (2-5) allowed a run on six hits in seven innings and struck out three in his first victory since May 15. He outdueled Royals ace Seth Lugo, with Ryan McMahon having three hits to help Colorado win its third straight.

“That was the best result that I’ve had in a while, but I’ve felt really good the last couple of weeks. I’ve just been kind of honing it in," Gomber said. “I thought I had a really good fastball, a good curveball, some good sliders at times. But really I thought it was kind of the fastball, curveball that kind of carried it for me today.”

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said the way Gomber mixed his fastball and breaking pitches kept his hitters off balance.

“I think when we looked hard, he threw soft and vice versa,” Quatraro said. “We didn’t square up a whole lot of balls, so you’ve got to give him credit.”

Lugo (11-3) went six innings, allowing five hits and three runs — two earned. He struck out five and walked two.

In the second inning, Doyle hit his 11th homer of the season after Brendan Rodgers reached on third baseman Maikel Garcia’s throwing error.

Doyle has had an exceptionally strong homestand, going 11 for 17 with four doubles, four home runs and nine RBIs in five games.

Doyle drove Lugo’s 1-1 offering over the fence in right-center and into the Rockies bullpen 408 feet away.

“Guys like him are not easy to face and he’s been doing really well all year,” Doyle said about Lugo. “He’s been throwing really well all year and to get a hit like that off him is pretty huge for me, and to fire the team up a little bit. We played a good rest of the game.”

The drive snapped Lugo’s scoreless innings streak at 13 and led to his first loss on the road this season. He had dominated in his nine previous road starts, going 7-0 with a 1.93 ERA.

“I felt like I really had to battle out there,” Lugo said. “A few little things mechanically were off, but I felt like I made some good pitches. I made a few mistakes, but the defense played great behind me and we kept the team in the game and had a chance the whole way. So that's a positive I can take away from that."

Vinnie Pasquantino homered for Kansas City, and Hunter Renfroe had three hits. The Royals are 2-9 in their last 11 road games.

Pasquantino connected off Gomber with two outs in the sixth inning. Salvador Perez followed Pasquantino’s homer with a drive down the line in right that Jake Cave caught on the run, crashing into the wall. Kansas City right fielder Kyle Isbel reciprocated in the bottom of the sixth when he robbed Doyle of extra bases, snaring a sinking line drive to center at the end of a long run.

With Kansas City runners at the corners with two outs in the ninth, Victor Vodnik retired pinch-hitter Michael Massey on an infield grounder for his first save.

McMahon’s RBI single fifth made it 3-0.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic has been reinstated from the 60-day injured list, completing a 447-day rehab and recovery from Tommy John surgery. He made just three starts in 2023 before undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery in April 2023. He’ll work out of the bullpen, at least initially. LHP Walter Pennington, who retired both batters that he faced Friday night in his major league debut, has been optioned to Omaha to make roster room for Bubic.

Rockies: Trying to give Ryan Feltner bit of a break from a heavy workload, manager Bud Black opted to push back Feltner’s scheduled start Sunday by a day. Feltner is now slated to start Monday night in Cincinnati. The Rockies called up RHP Tanner Gordon from their Triple A affiliate in Albuquerque and he’s slated to make his major league debut as the starter for the Rockies in Sunday’s series finale.

DENVER (AP) — Brenton Doyle homered for the fourth time in five games, Austin Gomber won for the first time in seven weeks and the Colorado Rockies beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday night.Gomber (2-5) allowed a run on six hits in seven innings and struck out three in his first victory since May 15. He outdueled Royals ace Seth Lugo, with Ryan McMahon having three hits to help Colorado win its third straight.“That was the best result that I’ve had in a while, but I’ve felt really good the last couple of weeks. I’ve just been kind of honing it in," Gomber said. “I thought I had a really good fastball, a good curveball, some good sliders at times. But really I thought it was kind of the fastball, curveball that kind of carried it for me today.”Royals manager Matt Quatraro said the way Gomber mixed his fastball and breaking pitches kept his hitters off balance.“I think when we looked hard, he threw soft and vice versa,” Quatraro said. “We didn’t square up a whole lot of balls, so you’ve got to give him credit.”Lugo (11-3) went six innings, allowing five hits and three runs — two earned. He struck out five and walked two.In the second inning, Doyle hit his 11th homer of the season after Brendan Rodgers reached on third baseman Maikel Garcia’s throwing error.Doyle has had an exceptionally strong homestand, going 11 for 17 with four doubles, four home runs and nine RBIs in five games.Doyle drove Lugo’s 1-1 offering over the fence in right-center and into the Rockies bullpen 408 feet away.“Guys like him are not easy to face and he’s been doing really well all year,” Doyle said about Lugo. “He’s been throwing really well all year and to get a hit like that off him is pretty huge for me, and to fire the team up a little bit. We played a good rest of the game.”The drive snapped Lugo’s scoreless innings streak at 13 and led to his first loss on the road this season. He had dominated in his nine previous road starts, going 7-0 with a 1.93 ERA.“I felt like I really had to battle out there,” Lugo said. “A few little things mechanically were off, but I felt like I made some good pitches. I made a few mistakes, but the defense played great behind me and we kept the team in the game and had a chance the whole way. So that's a positive I can take away from that."Vinnie Pasquantino homered for Kansas City, and Hunter Renfroe had three hits. The Royals are 2-9 in their last 11 road games.Pasquantino connected off Gomber with two outs in the sixth inning. Salvador Perez followed Pasquantino’s homer with a drive down the line in right that Jake Cave caught on the run, crashing into the wall. Kansas City right fielder Kyle Isbel reciprocated in the bottom of the sixth when he robbed Doyle of extra bases, snaring a sinking line drive to center at the end of a long run.With Kansas City runners at the corners with two outs in the ninth, Victor Vodnik retired pinch-hitter Michael Massey on an infield grounder for his first save.McMahon’s RBI single fifth made it 3-0.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: LHP Kris Bubic has been reinstated from the 60-day injured list, completing a 447-day rehab and recovery from Tommy John surgery. He made just three starts in 2023 before undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery in April 2023. He’ll work out of the bullpen, at least initially. LHP Walter Pennington, who retired both batters that he faced Friday night in his major league debut, has been optioned to Omaha to make roster room for Bubic.Rockies: Trying to give Ryan Feltner bit of a break from a heavy workload, manager Bud Black opted to push back Feltner’s scheduled start Sunday by a day. Feltner is now slated to start Monday night in Cincinnati. The Rockies called up RHP Tanner Gordon from their Triple A affiliate in Albuquerque and he’s slated to make his major league debut as the starter for the Rockies in Sunday’s series finale.UP NEXT

⚾ Gomber outduels Lugo in the Rockies victory over the Royals

DODGE CITY – The Hays Larks game with the Dodge City A’s Saturday
at Cavalier Field was suspended with the Larks leading 4-0 in the top of the
fourth. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Sunday in Dodge
City. The suspended game will now be a seven-inning contest with the regularly
scheduled game a regular nine inning game.

The Larks scored three in the top of the first inning on an
error on a stolen base attempt and a Garrett Gruell two-run homer run. They
added their fourth run on a wild pitch in the third.

Hays PostDODGE CITY – The Hays Larks game with the Dodge City A’s Saturday
at Cavalier Field was suspended with the Larks leading 4-0 in the top of the
fourth. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Sunday in Dodge
City. The suspended game will now be a seven-inning contest with the regularly
scheduled game a regular nine inning game.The Larks scored three in the top of the first inning on an
error on a stolen base attempt and a Garrett Gruell two-run homer run. They
added their fourth run on a wild pitch in the third.

⚾ Larks game in Dodge City suspended due to weather

The first game of the series is Saturday in Dodge City at Cavalier Field.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xonSs8-m3Ak">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks are on the road for a pair of Rocky Mountain Baseball League games against the Dodge City A's.The first game of the series is Saturday in Dodge City at Cavalier Field.First pitch is set for 7 p.m.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xonSs8-m3Ak">Larks YouTube channel.</a> Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

🎥 Meet the Larks Aiden Schmidgall

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

Saturday, July 6
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 7:30pmSunday, July 7
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 1:30pm

DENVER (AP) — Brenton Doyle broke an eighth-inning tie with a two-run double in the Colorado Rockies' 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Doyle finished with three hits, the tiebreaking double coming off reliever John Schreiber (3-3). Michael Toglia had a solo home run for Colorado that weathered a replay review.

Salvador Perez had an RBI single and Freddy Fermin added three hits, including a single off Jalen Beeks leading off the ninth inning. Nick Loftin followed with a single before Beeks retired the next three batters for his eighth save. Victor Vodnik (2-1) worked a scoreless inning in relief for the victory.

The Royals went up 1-0 in the first inning when Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored an out later on a single by Perez.

Toglia connected on a 2-2 offering from Cole Ragans in the third inning, sending it the opposite way and just barely over the left field fence. Left fielder Dairon Blanco made a leaping attempt at the wall, his glove appearing to make glancing contact with the cupped hands of a fan who also tried to catch the ball. The ball dropped into the first row of the bleachers. The replay review upheld the home run call, ruling there was no conclusive evidence the spectator had interfered with Blanco in the field of play.

The Royals moved in front on an unearned run in the fourth inning, and the Rockies tied it at 2 in the sixth on Elias Díaz's RBI single.

Both starters turned in solid performances, with Ragans going seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out eight but had four wild pitches, the most in a game by a pitcher this season. Colorado’s Kyle Freeland also went seven innings and allowed two runs — one earned — on seven hits.

Rockies RHP Germán Márquez is getting closer to returning from reconstructive elbow surgery. Márquez threw 69 pitches for Double-A Hartford on Thursday in his second rehab start, striking out two and walking one. He reached 99 mph with his fastball. “He came out of that fine,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “He’s healthy. He feels good.” Márquez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, is expected to have one more rehab start Tuesday with Hartford and could rejoin the Rockies during their seven-game road trip next week that leads up to the All-Star break July 15-18.

DENVER (AP) — Brenton Doyle broke an eighth-inning tie with a two-run double in the Colorado Rockies' 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.Doyle finished with three hits, the tiebreaking double coming off reliever John Schreiber (3-3). Michael Toglia had a solo home run for Colorado that weathered a replay review.Salvador Perez had an RBI single and Freddy Fermin added three hits, including a single off Jalen Beeks leading off the ninth inning. Nick Loftin followed with a single before Beeks retired the next three batters for his eighth save. Victor Vodnik (2-1) worked a scoreless inning in relief for the victory.The Royals went up 1-0 in the first inning when Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored an out later on a single by Perez.Toglia connected on a 2-2 offering from Cole Ragans in the third inning, sending it the opposite way and just barely over the left field fence. Left fielder Dairon Blanco made a leaping attempt at the wall, his glove appearing to make glancing contact with the cupped hands of a fan who also tried to catch the ball. The ball dropped into the first row of the bleachers. The replay review upheld the home run call, ruling there was no conclusive evidence the spectator had interfered with Blanco in the field of play.The Royals moved in front on an unearned run in the fourth inning, and the Rockies tied it at 2 in the sixth on Elias Díaz's RBI single.Both starters turned in solid performances, with Ragans going seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out eight but had four wild pitches, the most in a game by a pitcher this season. Colorado’s Kyle Freeland also went seven innings and allowed two runs — one earned — on seven hits.TRAINER’S ROOMRockies RHP Germán Márquez is getting closer to returning from reconstructive elbow surgery. Márquez threw 69 pitches for Double-A Hartford on Thursday in his second rehab start, striking out two and walking one. He reached 99 mph with his fastball. “He came out of that fine,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “He’s healthy. He feels good.” Márquez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, is expected to have one more rehab start Tuesday with Hartford and could rejoin the Rockies during their seven-game road trip next week that leads up to the All-Star break July 15-18.UP NEXT

⚾ Brenton Doyle's 2-run double lifts Rockies over the  Royals

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

Friday, 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

🎥 Meet the Larks Adrian Najar

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonny DeLuca and Brandon Lowe homered, eight Rays players drove in runs, and Tampa Bay pounced on some erratic Kansas City pitching to squeak out a 10-8 victory over the Royals on Thursday night.

Zach Eflin (5-5), riding a 10-inning scoreless streak coming into the game, allowed six runs — five earned — and seven hits with a walk over five innings. That was still good enough to pick up his first win in his last five road starts.

“The offense was tremendous tonight,” Eflin said. “They carried us.”

Alec Marsh (6-6) allowed five runs and six hits with three walks in just three innings. The Kansas City bullpen fared no better as five relievers combined to allow five more runs, 10 hits and five walks.

“It was a game of adjustments and I wasn't able to make them,” Marsh said. “Feels like you're battling yourself out there.”

Michael Massey and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals, who trailed 9-4 before scoring three times in the sixth inning. The rally ended when Witt — representing the potential tying run — was thrown out trying to steal second.

Pete Fairbanks surrendered Witt's solo homer in the ninth before picking up his 14th save.

“They kept going, getting big hits after big hits,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said, “but it felt like when we really needed a play, we made it.”

Marsh struggled with his command from the start, walking Richie Palacios on four pitches and Isaac Paredes on a full-count to start the game — both eventually scored. DeLuca homered in the second and Palacios added an RBI single for a 4-0 lead.

The Royals got a run back on Massey's homer in the second. And after Tampa Bay restored a four-run lead on DeLuca's single in the third, Witt hit a sacrifice fly and Pasquantino an RBI single to get Kansas City to 5-3.

Carlos Hernandez didn't have much better command than Marsh for Kansas City. He walked the bases loaded to begin the fifth, and Taylor Walls and Ben Rortvedt made sure all three runners scored, extending the Tampa Bay lead.

The Rays hung on the rest of the way for their fifth straight series win.

“We got a lot of big hits. We had a lot of big at-bats, tough matchups,” said Cash, whose club has won 11 of its last 16 games to leave Kansas City above .500 at 43-42. “There were a lot of guys who contributed offensively.”

Massey played the field for the first time since May 24, when a lower back issue forced him onto the injured list. He had been limited to DH duties since returning to the club on June 24. ... Royals INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) began what is expected to be a short rehab stint at Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Friday night.

The Rays have not announced a starter for Friday night's series-opener at Texas, though RHP Shane Baz is expected to get the ball in place of Aaron Civale, who was traded to the Brewers earlier this week. Baz missed last season after Tommy John surgery, but he's been dominant at Triple-A Durham, compiling a 1.57 ERA over his last five outings.

The Royals begin a nine-game trip leading into the All-Star break with the first of three in Colorado on Friday night. RHP Cole Ragans (5-6, 3.33) will try to bounce back from a shaky outing last Saturday against Cleveland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720172251915.jpeg" alt="Tampa Bay Rays' Brandon Lowe runs home past Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin (34) to score on a sacrifice fly hit by Taylor Walls during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Tampa Bay Rays' Brandon Lowe runs home past Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin (34) to score on a sacrifice fly hit by Taylor Walls during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonny DeLuca and Brandon Lowe homered, eight Rays players drove in runs, and Tampa Bay pounced on some erratic Kansas City pitching to squeak out a 10-8 victory over the Royals on Thursday night.Zach Eflin (5-5), riding a 10-inning scoreless streak coming into the game, allowed six runs — five earned — and seven hits with a walk over five innings. That was still good enough to pick up his first win in his last five road starts.“The offense was tremendous tonight,” Eflin said. “They carried us.”Alec Marsh (6-6) allowed five runs and six hits with three walks in just three innings. The Kansas City bullpen fared no better as five relievers combined to allow five more runs, 10 hits and five walks.“It was a game of adjustments and I wasn't able to make them,” Marsh said. “Feels like you're battling yourself out there.”Michael Massey and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals, who trailed 9-4 before scoring three times in the sixth inning. The rally ended when Witt — representing the potential tying run — was thrown out trying to steal second.Pete Fairbanks surrendered Witt's solo homer in the ninth before picking up his 14th save.“They kept going, getting big hits after big hits,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said, “but it felt like when we really needed a play, we made it.”Marsh struggled with his command from the start, walking Richie Palacios on four pitches and Isaac Paredes on a full-count to start the game — both eventually scored. DeLuca homered in the second and Palacios added an RBI single for a 4-0 lead.The Royals got a run back on Massey's homer in the second. And after Tampa Bay restored a four-run lead on DeLuca's single in the third, Witt hit a sacrifice fly and Pasquantino an RBI single to get Kansas City to 5-3.Carlos Hernandez didn't have much better command than Marsh for Kansas City. He walked the bases loaded to begin the fifth, and Taylor Walls and Ben Rortvedt made sure all three runners scored, extending the Tampa Bay lead.The Rays hung on the rest of the way for their fifth straight series win.“We got a lot of big hits. We had a lot of big at-bats, tough matchups,” said Cash, whose club has won 11 of its last 16 games to leave Kansas City above .500 at 43-42. “There were a lot of guys who contributed offensively.”TRAINER'S ROOMMassey played the field for the first time since May 24, when a lower back issue forced him onto the injured list. He had been limited to DH duties since returning to the club on June 24. ... Royals INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) began what is expected to be a short rehab stint at Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Friday night.UP NEXTThe Rays have not announced a starter for Friday night's series-opener at Texas, though RHP Shane Baz is expected to get the ball in place of Aaron Civale, who was traded to the Brewers earlier this week. Baz missed last season after Tommy John surgery, but he's been dominant at Triple-A Durham, compiling a 1.57 ERA over his last five outings.The Royals begin a nine-game trip leading into the All-Star break with the first of three in Colorado on Friday night. RHP Cole Ragans (5-6, 3.33) will try to bounce back from a shaky outing last Saturday against Cleveland.

⚾ Rays get Independence Day victory over the Royals

HAYS – Garrett Greull had three hits, Houston Russell and CJ
Reid both homered and the Hays Larks held off a late rally and beat the Junction
City Brigade 10-9 in a non-league game Thursday night at Larks Park. The Larks
(19-4) scored four runs in the bottom of the first then three in the second and
third to build a 10-2 lead. The Brigade answered with a run in the fourth four
in the fifth and two in the eighth.

Garrett Gruell got the scoring started with a two-run single
in the first then later scored when Thomas Lyssy was hit by a pitch with the
bases loaded. Houston Russell scored the final run of the inning on a passed
ball.

Greull drove in his third run with a two-out single in the
second. Russell followed with a two-run homer to push the lead to 7-2. CJ Reid
hit a three-run homer in the third to give the Larks a 10-2 lead.

Keevyn Goss (1-0) pitched the
first two innings and was credited with the win. Adrian Najar struck out three
over the final 1 2/3 innings and picked up the save.

Houston Russell and CJ Reid both
homered. It was the first time the Larks have homered since they played in
Junction City on June 26 (7 games).

Hays PostHAYS – Garrett Greull had three hits, Houston Russell and CJ
Reid both homered and the Hays Larks held off a late rally and beat the Junction
City Brigade 10-9 in a non-league game Thursday night at Larks Park. The Larks
(19-4) scored four runs in the bottom of the first then three in the second and
third to build a 10-2 lead. The Brigade answered with a run in the fourth four
in the fifth and two in the eighth.Garrett Gruell got the scoring started with a two-run single
in the first then later scored when Thomas Lyssy was hit by a pitch with the
bases loaded. Houston Russell scored the final run of the inning on a passed
ball.Greull drove in his third run with a two-out single in the
second. Russell followed with a two-run homer to push the lead to 7-2. CJ Reid
hit a three-run homer in the third to give the Larks a 10-2 lead.Gruell had three hits and three RBIs. Keevyn Goss (1-0) pitched the
first two innings and was credited with the win. Adrian Najar struck out three
over the final 1 2/3 innings and picked up the save.LONG BALLHouston Russell and CJ Reid both
homered. It was the first time the Larks have homered since they played in
Junction City on June 26 (7 games).UP NEXT

⚾ Larks hold off late rally to beat Brigade

The Hays Larks return home Thursday for a non-league contest against the Junction City Brigade.

Thursday's game is set to start at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Larks Park.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljsiOmLYH68">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks return home Thursday for a non-league contest against the Junction City Brigade.Thursday's game is set to start at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Larks Park.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljsiOmLYH68">Larks YouTube channel.</a> Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks host Junction City

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

Thursday, 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

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;