HAYS – Wilbert Espinal had three hits including a home run
as the Hays Larks hold off the Gameday Angels 8-5 Saturday night at Larks Park
to run their winning-streak to nine games.

Espinal got the Larks (12-2, 9-1 RMBL) on the board early
with an RBI double in the bottom of the first to give them the early lead. His
solo homer in the eighth capped off the scoring and gave the Larks the series
win. 

Curtis Byrne added an RBI double in the first which gave the
Larks an early 2-0 lead. Thomas Lyssy hit a two-run homer in the second and
pushed the lead to 4-0. Gameday scored two in the top of the fourth but Kaleb Duncan’s
two-out double in the fourth scored two and pushed the Larks lead to 6-2.

The Angels rallied with a run in the sixth and two in the seventh
to pull within a run at 6-5 but Espinal hit a solo homer in the bottom of the
seventh and Trent Baker added an RBI single in the eighth for the final margin.

Starter Blake Lehmbeck (3-0) allowed two unearned runs on
three hits with six strikeouts and no walks for the win. Garrett Hicks struck out
three over the final 1 1/3 innings and picked up his first save.

Hays PostHAYS – Wilbert Espinal had three hits including a home run
as the Hays Larks hold off the Gameday Angels 8-5 Saturday night at Larks Park
to run their winning-streak to nine games.Espinal got the Larks (12-2, 9-1 RMBL) on the board early
with an RBI double in the bottom of the first to give them the early lead. His
solo homer in the eighth capped off the scoring and gave the Larks the series
win. Curtis Byrne added an RBI double in the first which gave the
Larks an early 2-0 lead. Thomas Lyssy hit a two-run homer in the second and
pushed the lead to 4-0. Gameday scored two in the top of the fourth but Kaleb Duncan’s
two-out double in the fourth scored two and pushed the Larks lead to 6-2.The Angels rallied with a run in the sixth and two in the seventh
to pull within a run at 6-5 but Espinal hit a solo homer in the bottom of the
seventh and Trent Baker added an RBI single in the eighth for the final margin.Starter Blake Lehmbeck (3-0) allowed two unearned runs on
three hits with six strikeouts and no walks for the win. Garrett Hicks struck out
three over the final 1 1/3 innings and picked up his first save.UP NEXT

⚾ Larks hold off Angels to run win-streak to nine games

The Hays Larks host the Gameday Angels Saturday in the second of a three-game RMBL series at Larks Park.

Saturday's first pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;

&nbsp; You can view Saturday's game on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63qSrCRSmFA">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks host the Gameday Angels Saturday in the second of a three-game RMBL series at Larks Park.Saturday's first pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;&nbsp; You can view Saturday's game on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63qSrCRSmFA">&nbsp;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 hosts Gameday

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jon Gray allowed two hits over five innings to rebound from his worst major league start and Wyatt Langford hit an eighth-inning grand slam that led the Texas Rangers over the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on Saturday.

Gray (3-3) gave up back-to-back third-inning singles while throwing 51 of 72 pitches for strikes. He gave nine earned runs and 11 hits in three innings-plus last Monday in a 14-2 loss to the New York Mets.

Langford, a rookie who debuted on opening day, connected off Angel Zerpa for the Rangers' first grand slam this season.

World Series champion Texas has won three straight following a five-game losing streak. Kansas City has lost 10 of 13, scoring 36 runs in those games.

Josh Smith hit a solo homer in the fourth off Michael Wacha (4-6) and Adolis García hit a run-scoring comebacker in the eighth as Marcus Semien slid home ahead of Zerpa's throw.

Jacob Latz, David Robertson and Brock Burke finished the three-hitter, just the third shutout against the Royals this season. Seventeen consecutive Kansas City batters were retired between Adam Frazier’s third-inning single and pinch-hitter Nelson Velázquez’s one-out single in the ninth.

Wacha gave up three hits and one walk in five innings. It was his first start since May 31, when his left foot was fractured by a comebacker on his fourth pitch against San Diego.

Rangers: 3B Josh Jung (fractured right wrist) will accompany the team on next week’s trip and could be ready to play by midweek.

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is to make his season debut in Sunday’s series finale. Scherzer, 39, hasn’t pitched for the Rangers since Game 3 of the World Series last fall. RHP Alec Marsh (5-4, 4.37 ERA) starts for the Royals after allowing a career-high seven runs in three innings in a loss at Oakland on Tuesday.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jon Gray allowed two hits over five innings to rebound from his worst major league start and Wyatt Langford hit an eighth-inning grand slam that led the Texas Rangers over the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on Saturday.Gray (3-3) gave up back-to-back third-inning singles while throwing 51 of 72 pitches for strikes. He gave nine earned runs and 11 hits in three innings-plus last Monday in a 14-2 loss to the New York Mets.Langford, a rookie who debuted on opening day, connected off Angel Zerpa for the Rangers' first grand slam this season.World Series champion Texas has won three straight following a five-game losing streak. Kansas City has lost 10 of 13, scoring 36 runs in those games.Josh Smith hit a solo homer in the fourth off Michael Wacha (4-6) and Adolis García hit a run-scoring comebacker in the eighth as Marcus Semien slid home ahead of Zerpa's throw.Jacob Latz, David Robertson and Brock Burke finished the three-hitter, just the third shutout against the Royals this season. Seventeen consecutive Kansas City batters were retired between Adam Frazier’s third-inning single and pinch-hitter Nelson Velázquez’s one-out single in the ninth.Wacha gave up three hits and one walk in five innings. It was his first start since May 31, when his left foot was fractured by a comebacker on his fourth pitch against San Diego.<h2>Trainer’s room</h2>Rangers: 3B Josh Jung (fractured right wrist) will accompany the team on next week’s trip and could be ready to play by midweek.<h2>Up next</h2>Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is to make his season debut in Sunday’s series finale. Scherzer, 39, hasn’t pitched for the Rangers since Game 3 of the World Series last fall. RHP Alec Marsh (5-4, 4.37 ERA) starts for the Royals after allowing a career-high seven runs in three innings in a loss at Oakland on Tuesday.

⚾ Gray pitches 2-hit ball over 5 innings to lift Rangers over Royals 

HAYS – The Hays Larks scored single runs in the bottom of
the eighth and ninth with Gage Gilchrist delivering on a walk off double lifting
the Hays Larks to a 2-1 win over the Gameday Angels.

Gameday took a 1-0 lead with a run in the fifth inning and
even outhit the Larks, 7 to 6 but the Larks rallied scored a run in the bottom
of eighth with a run on a sacrifice fly. But Hays left two runners in scoring
position.

In the ninth Houston Russell led off the inning with a
single and after a pitch runner stole second, Gilchrist doubled to left field
allowing the run to score from second and giving the Larks a walk-off victory.

Kaiden Ashton collected a pair of hits for the Larks. 

Aiden Schmidgall earned the victory earned the win with a
shutout in the ninth inning.

Hays (11-2, 8-1 RMBL) will host the Angels for game two of
the series Saturday at Larks Park.

Hays PostHAYS – The Hays Larks scored single runs in the bottom of
the eighth and ninth with Gage Gilchrist delivering on a walk off double lifting
the Hays Larks to a 2-1 win over the Gameday Angels.Gameday took a 1-0 lead with a run in the fifth inning and
even outhit the Larks, 7 to 6 but the Larks rallied scored a run in the bottom
of eighth with a run on a sacrifice fly. But Hays left two runners in scoring
position.In the ninth Houston Russell led off the inning with a
single and after a pitch runner stole second, Gilchrist doubled to left field
allowing the run to score from second and giving the Larks a walk-off victory.Kaiden Ashton collected a pair of hits for the Larks. Aiden Schmidgall earned the victory earned the win with a
shutout in the ninth inning.Hays (11-2, 8-1 RMBL) will host the Angels for game two of
the series Saturday at Larks Park.

⚾Larks win streak now seven straight with walk off victory over Gameday

Saturday, June 22
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 2:30pm

Sunday, June 23
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 1:00pm

Saturday, June 22
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 2:30pmSunday, June 23
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 1:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Marcus Semien hit a three-run double to cap Texas’ five-run sixth inning, Wyatt Langford had two run-scoring hits and the Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Friday night.

Nathan Eovaldi (4-3) allowed two runs and four hits and with one walk while striking out six in six innings as the Rangers won their second straight following a five-game losing streak.

Semien lined a 2-0 fastball into the left-field corner after going 0 for 17 at the plate.

“It’s always good to have a big inning like that, especially in a tight ballgame,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said.

Langford doubled in Adolis García in the fourth inning and singled him home in the sixth, each time tying the score. Jonah Heim followed Langford with an RBI fielder’s choice against John Schreiber (3-2) for a 3-2 lead.

Schreiber gave up three runs on three hits, retiring one batter.

“Schreiber’s been so good for us. Just didn’t execute tonight,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

José Leclerc, David Robertson and Kirby Yates shut out the Royals over the final three innings on two hits and one walk.

Texas has struggled at the plate this season after leading the American League in batting and runs last season en route it first World Series title. The Rangers have scored at least five runs in three consecutive games for the first time this season.

Langford, a 22-year-old rookie, is hitting .302 in June with 13 RBI.

Royals starter Brady Singer, seeking his first win since May 19, left with a 2-1 lead after giving up three hits and two walks in five innings with four strikeouts, leaving the bases loaded in the fourth.

Kansas City has lost nine of its last 12 games while totaling 36 runs.

Kyle Isbel, the Royals’ No. 9 hitter, hit a two-out solo home run, to open the scoring in the third inning.

Isbel, who matched his season high with his fifth homer, left the game after four innings with low back tightness. His substitute, Garrett Hampson, singled home MJ Melendez in the fifth for the 2-1 lead.

The Royals’ Salvador Perez struck out four times, including with two men on in the eighth.

Texas’ Nathaniel Lowe had a double and two singles.

Bochy said RHP Max Scherzer will be evaluated on Saturday with the possibility of the 39-year-old, three-time Cy Young winner making his season debut on Sunday. With multiple news outlets reporting earlier this week that Scherzer would pitch Saturday, Bochy announced Jon Gray as his Saturday starter and emphasized there was no setback with Scherzer, who had back surgery last December and had his rehab schedule interrupted seven weeks ago by a thumb issue.

Royals: OF Hunter Renfroe (fractured left big toe) was activated and played 10 days after it appeared he’d require surgery and miss 6-8 weeks.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-7, 4.24 ERA), who played collegiately at Texas A&amp;M, will make his first start since May 31, when he suffered a fractured left foot when hit with a batted ball. Rangers RHP Jon Gray (2-3, 3.31) was tagged for nine runs on 11 hits in three innings last Monday in a loss to the New York Mets.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Marcus Semien hit a three-run double to cap Texas’ five-run sixth inning, Wyatt Langford had two run-scoring hits and the Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Friday night.Nathan Eovaldi (4-3) allowed two runs and four hits and with one walk while striking out six in six innings as the Rangers won their second straight following a five-game losing streak.Semien lined a 2-0 fastball into the left-field corner after going 0 for 17 at the plate.“It’s always good to have a big inning like that, especially in a tight ballgame,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said.Langford doubled in Adolis García in the fourth inning and singled him home in the sixth, each time tying the score. Jonah Heim followed Langford with an RBI fielder’s choice against John Schreiber (3-2) for a 3-2 lead.Schreiber gave up three runs on three hits, retiring one batter.“Schreiber’s been so good for us. Just didn’t execute tonight,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.José Leclerc, David Robertson and Kirby Yates shut out the Royals over the final three innings on two hits and one walk.Texas has struggled at the plate this season after leading the American League in batting and runs last season en route it first World Series title. The Rangers have scored at least five runs in three consecutive games for the first time this season.Langford, a 22-year-old rookie, is hitting .302 in June with 13 RBI.Royals starter Brady Singer, seeking his first win since May 19, left with a 2-1 lead after giving up three hits and two walks in five innings with four strikeouts, leaving the bases loaded in the fourth.Kansas City has lost nine of its last 12 games while totaling 36 runs.Kyle Isbel, the Royals’ No. 9 hitter, hit a two-out solo home run, to open the scoring in the third inning.Isbel, who matched his season high with his fifth homer, left the game after four innings with low back tightness. His substitute, Garrett Hampson, singled home MJ Melendez in the fifth for the 2-1 lead.The Royals’ Salvador Perez struck out four times, including with two men on in the eighth.Texas’ Nathaniel Lowe had a double and two singles.<h2>SCHERZER DEBUT ON SUNDAY?</h2>Bochy said RHP Max Scherzer will be evaluated on Saturday with the possibility of the 39-year-old, three-time Cy Young winner making his season debut on Sunday. With multiple news outlets reporting earlier this week that Scherzer would pitch Saturday, Bochy announced Jon Gray as his Saturday starter and emphasized there was no setback with Scherzer, who had back surgery last December and had his rehab schedule interrupted seven weeks ago by a thumb issue.<h2>TRAINER’S ROOM</h2>Royals: OF Hunter Renfroe (fractured left big toe) was activated and played 10 days after it appeared he’d require surgery and miss 6-8 weeks.<h2>UP NEXT</h2>Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-7, 4.24 ERA), who played collegiately at Texas A&amp;M, will make his first start since May 31, when he suffered a fractured left foot when hit with a batted ball. Rangers RHP Jon Gray (2-3, 3.31) was tagged for nine runs on 11 hits in three innings last Monday in a loss to the New York Mets.

⚾ Semien’s 3-run double caps 5-run sixth inning as Rangers beat Royals

The Hays Larks host the Gameday Angels Friday in the first of a three-game RMBL series at Larks Park.

Friday's first pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;

&nbsp; You can view Friday's game on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOYWqvJGo9U">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks host the Gameday Angels Friday in the first of a three-game RMBL series at Larks Park.Friday's first pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;&nbsp; You can view Friday's game on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOYWqvJGo9U">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a>Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

Friday, June 21
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 6:30pm

Friday, June 21
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 6:30pmSaturday, June 22
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 2:30pmSunday, June 23
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 1:00pm

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Freddy Fermin homered twice and Bobby Witt Jr. hit the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.

Fermin also singled for his first three-hit game of the season.

“He’s swinging the bat really well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s part of the reason we were trying to get him some at-bats and DH him. He works extremely hard, he’s always prepared, puts together really good at-bats, so I’m really happy for him.”

Witt homered off Oakland reliever Vinny Nittoli (0-1) to break a 2-all tie in the eighth, his 12th homer of the year.

“Just trying to make something happen,” Witt said. “It’s frustrating losing, so I knew we needed to do something to get a win.”

Zack Gelof homered for the third straight game, but Oakland failed to sweep Kansas City for the first time since 2016.

The Royals (42-34) haven’t been swept this year.

“We’re trying to be relentless,” Witt said. “We just try to go out there and take things day by day and not worry about what happened in the past, not worry about what’s still to come in the future and just worry about where we’re at.”

Fermin took A’s rookie Mitch Spence deep to left in the second inning and victimized Spence again in the fourth for his second career multi-homer game. He doubled his home run total this season.

Spence had a solid outing otherwise. He struck out a career-high seven, allowing two runs and six hits with a walk in six innings.

“It was a great series for us, especially coming off a road trip where we didn’t win a game,” A's manager Mark Kotsay said. “Coming back home, winning a series and having an opportunity to sweep a team that’s in (contention), that’s a good sign.”

Gelof tied the game in the seventh with a two-run homer to center off Royals starter Seth Lugo. Following a two-out walk by Kyle McCann, Abraham Toro doubled down the right-field line against reliever James McArthur (4-3), but McCann was thrown out at the plate to keep the game tied.

Lugo permitted two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking two.

“I thought it went pretty well, for the most part,” he said. “Giving up the two-run homer for them to tie it, that hurt, but glad we got the win. We needed a win, so it was big time.”

The A’s put runners on first and second with one out in the ninth. Chris Stratton came in and got two flyouts to secure his fourth save.

McCann was ejected by home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn in the bottom of the ninth for arguing balls and strikes from the dugout following a called third strike to Gelof.

Royals: RHP Dan Altavilla was placed on the 15-day injured list after straining his right oblique Wednesday night. RHP Steven Cruz was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

Athletics: Toro (shoulder soreness) was held out of the starting lineup for the third straight game, but entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and finished the game at third base.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.39 ERA) seeks his first win since May 19 as Kansas City opens a three-game series at Texas on Friday night. The Rangers counter with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (3-3, 3.15)

Athletics: RHP Joey Estes (2-2, 5.97) opens a three-game home series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night opposite RHP Chris Paddack (5-3, 5.25).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718922588178.jpeg" alt="Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr hit a leadoff home run in the eighth inning to help the Royals to a 3-2 win, snapping a three game losing streak/ Photo courtesy MLB on Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr hit a leadoff home run in the eighth inning to help the Royals to a 3-2 win, snapping a three game losing streak/ Photo courtesy MLB on Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Freddy Fermin homered twice and Bobby Witt Jr. hit the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.Fermin also singled for his first three-hit game of the season.“He’s swinging the bat really well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s part of the reason we were trying to get him some at-bats and DH him. He works extremely hard, he’s always prepared, puts together really good at-bats, so I’m really happy for him.”Witt homered off Oakland reliever Vinny Nittoli (0-1) to break a 2-all tie in the eighth, his 12th homer of the year.“Just trying to make something happen,” Witt said. “It’s frustrating losing, so I knew we needed to do something to get a win.”Zack Gelof homered for the third straight game, but Oakland failed to sweep Kansas City for the first time since 2016.The Royals (42-34) haven’t been swept this year.“We’re trying to be relentless,” Witt said. “We just try to go out there and take things day by day and not worry about what happened in the past, not worry about what’s still to come in the future and just worry about where we’re at.”Fermin took A’s rookie Mitch Spence deep to left in the second inning and victimized Spence again in the fourth for his second career multi-homer game. He doubled his home run total this season.Spence had a solid outing otherwise. He struck out a career-high seven, allowing two runs and six hits with a walk in six innings.“It was a great series for us, especially coming off a road trip where we didn’t win a game,” A's manager Mark Kotsay said. “Coming back home, winning a series and having an opportunity to sweep a team that’s in (contention), that’s a good sign.”Gelof tied the game in the seventh with a two-run homer to center off Royals starter Seth Lugo. Following a two-out walk by Kyle McCann, Abraham Toro doubled down the right-field line against reliever James McArthur (4-3), but McCann was thrown out at the plate to keep the game tied.Lugo permitted two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking two.“I thought it went pretty well, for the most part,” he said. “Giving up the two-run homer for them to tie it, that hurt, but glad we got the win. We needed a win, so it was big time.”The A’s put runners on first and second with one out in the ninth. Chris Stratton came in and got two flyouts to secure his fourth save.McCann was ejected by home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn in the bottom of the ninth for arguing balls and strikes from the dugout following a called third strike to Gelof.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Dan Altavilla was placed on the 15-day injured list after straining his right oblique Wednesday night. RHP Steven Cruz was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.Athletics: Toro (shoulder soreness) was held out of the starting lineup for the third straight game, but entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and finished the game at third base.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.39 ERA) seeks his first win since May 19 as Kansas City opens a three-game series at Texas on Friday night. The Rangers counter with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (3-3, 3.15)Athletics: RHP Joey Estes (2-2, 5.97) opens a three-game home series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night opposite RHP Chris Paddack (5-3, 5.25).___

⚾Witt hits go-ahead blast in 8th to send Royals past A's 

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Fort Hays State senior third baseman Trey DeGarmo was named to the 2024 American Baseball Coaches Association Central Region All-Defensive Team, announced Thursday by the ABCA.

This year's MIAA Gold Glove Award winner, DeGarmo was a defensive anchor for the Tigers at the hot corner all season, frequently making tough plays appear routine. Playing in all 51 contests,&nbsp;DeGarmo did not commit an error across the first 47 games of the season before finishing the year with 101 assists and 33 putouts on 137 chances, good for a fielding percentage of .978. He was involved in seven double plays.

He is the first Tiger to earn a regional All-Defensive Team spot since the award was created in 2023. DeGarmo's effort helped the Tiger baseball team reach the postseason for the first time in 11 years, finishing with a record of 25-26 to reach 25 wins for the first time since 2012.

DeGarmo was one of six MIAA student-athletes listed on the regional All-Defensive Team, with the Northern Sun earning two spots and the Great American Conference garnering the final award.

2024 ABCA NCAA Div. II All-Defensive Team: Central Region Position - Player - Class - School C - Chase Heath - Jr. - Central Missouri 1B - Cade Cancilla - Jr. - Arkansas-Monticello 2B - Cole Moore - Sr. - Central Missouri 3B -Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;- Sr. - Fort Hays State SS - Henry Kusiak - Sr. - Missouri Southern State OF - Brady Klehr - Sr. - Sioux Falls OF - Brennen van Breusegen - Sr. - Central Missouri OF - Connor Scott - So. - Washburn P - Kolby Kiser - Sr. - Southwest Minnesota State&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718908527456.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsGREENSBORO, N.C. - Fort Hays State senior third baseman Trey DeGarmo was named to the 2024 American Baseball Coaches Association Central Region All-Defensive Team, announced Thursday by the ABCA.This year's MIAA Gold Glove Award winner, DeGarmo was a defensive anchor for the Tigers at the hot corner all season, frequently making tough plays appear routine. Playing in all 51 contests,&nbsp;DeGarmo did not commit an error across the first 47 games of the season before finishing the year with 101 assists and 33 putouts on 137 chances, good for a fielding percentage of .978. He was involved in seven double plays.He is the first Tiger to earn a regional All-Defensive Team spot since the award was created in 2023. DeGarmo's effort helped the Tiger baseball team reach the postseason for the first time in 11 years, finishing with a record of 25-26 to reach 25 wins for the first time since 2012.DeGarmo was one of six MIAA student-athletes listed on the regional All-Defensive Team, with the Northern Sun earning two spots and the Great American Conference garnering the final award.2024 ABCA NCAA Div. II All-Defensive Team: Central Region Position - Player - Class - School C - Chase Heath - Jr. - Central Missouri 1B - Cade Cancilla - Jr. - Arkansas-Monticello 2B - Cole Moore - Sr. - Central Missouri 3B -Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;- Sr. - Fort Hays State SS - Henry Kusiak - Sr. - Missouri Southern State OF - Brady Klehr - Sr. - Sioux Falls OF - Brennen van Breusegen - Sr. - Central Missouri OF - Connor Scott - So. - Washburn P - Kolby Kiser - Sr. - Southwest Minnesota State&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ FHSU's DeGarmo named to Central Region All-Defensive team

Thursday, June 20
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Oakland Athletics,
2:00pm

Thursday, June 20
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Oakland Athletics,
2:00pmFriday, June 21
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 6:30pmSaturday, June 22
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 2:30pmSunday, June 23
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 1:00pm

Sports in Kansas has released their all-state baseball teams
and several area players have been honored. 

Hays High senior pitcher Nolan Dreher has been named First
Team in Class 5A. Lex Lummus, Johnny Cano and Carter Graham were named
honorable mention.

Ellis senior Chance Jimenez was named First Team Class 2-1A.&nbsp;

TMP had three players named to the 2-1A Second Team. Sophomore pitcher Carson Liles was joined on the Second Team
by sophomore outfielder Ian Nehls and freshman utility player Logan Baalman.

Hays PostSports in Kansas has released their all-state baseball teams
and several area players have been honored. Hays High senior pitcher Nolan Dreher has been named First
Team in Class 5A. Lex Lummus, Johnny Cano and Carter Graham were named
honorable mention.Ellis senior Chance Jimenez was named First Team Class 2-1A.&nbsp;TMP had three players named to the 2-1A Second Team. Sophomore pitcher Carson Liles was joined on the Second Team
by sophomore outfielder Ian Nehls and freshman utility player Logan Baalman.

⚾ Area players named to Sports in Kansas All-State teams

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months and the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid, beating the Royals 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Medina (1-2) had lost five straight decisions since beating Boston on July 18 last season but was sharp against the struggling Royals. He allowed one run on an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr. and six hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win in front of an announced crowd of 4,557 fans.

“All the time when I go out there, I'm just trying to do a good job and help my teammates,” Medina said. “Every game we try to make an adjustment and try to be better every day. Every time I go out there, I'm trying to put my team in a good situation.”

Brett Rooker hit a pair of RBI singles, Miguel Andujar had three hits and an RBI and Zack Gelof hit a solo homer to provide the offense for Oakland. Medina and the bullpen did the rest, giving the A’s their first back-to-back wins since a six-game winning streak that ended May 4.

A's relievers threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings, ending a streak of 13 games that the bullpen allowed at least one run.

The Royals have lost eight of their last 10 games, including back-to-back games against an A's team that has the second worst record in the American League .

Ragans pitched well, allowing only four hits in six innings but ran into trouble in the third inning when he walked Max Schuemann and JJ Bleday to open the frame. Andujar and Rooker followed with singles to make to give Oakland a 2-0 lead.

“His stuff was good,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “Those walks came back to haunt him there in the third inning. They capitalized on those and that’s all he gave up. His stuff was really good. He gave us six solid innings, two runs, and gave us a chance to win.”

Andujar has 10 multi-hit games since coming off the injured list May 24, providing a big boost after starting the year on the injured list recovering from knee surgery.

“He's just a hitter,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “You don't see these types of hitters that often in the current game that just have bat to ball skills, along with the ability to hit it with some force and exit velo. We talked about the impact he could have once we got him back. Ten multi-hit games is an impact to the offense and a real positive to the middle of the order.”

After Witt's double got Kansas City on the board in the fifth, the A's got some insurance in the seventh inning with RBI singles to Rooker and Tyler Nevin against John Schreiber to make it 4-1.

Gelof added his seventh homer of the season in the eighth inning.

Royals: RHP Dan Altavilla left in the eighth inning after hurting his back after throwing ball four to Schuemann. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.

Athletics: INF Abraham Toro is dealing with shoulder soreness from a swing on Sunday and was held out of the lineup. Kotsay said he's hopeful Toro can avoid a stint on the IL.

RHP Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.40 ERA) looks for his Major League-leading 11th win when he starts the series finale for Kansas City against RHP Mitch Spence (4-3, 3.95).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718879432134.jpeg" alt="Oakland Athletics pitcher Luis Medina works against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)" />
 <figcaption>Oakland Athletics pitcher Luis Medina works against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)</figcaption>
 </figure>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months and the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid, beating the Royals 5-1 on Wednesday night.Medina (1-2) had lost five straight decisions since beating Boston on July 18 last season but was sharp against the struggling Royals. He allowed one run on an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr. and six hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win in front of an announced crowd of 4,557 fans.“All the time when I go out there, I'm just trying to do a good job and help my teammates,” Medina said. “Every game we try to make an adjustment and try to be better every day. Every time I go out there, I'm trying to put my team in a good situation.”Brett Rooker hit a pair of RBI singles, Miguel Andujar had three hits and an RBI and Zack Gelof hit a solo homer to provide the offense for Oakland. Medina and the bullpen did the rest, giving the A’s their first back-to-back wins since a six-game winning streak that ended May 4.A's relievers threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings, ending a streak of 13 games that the bullpen allowed at least one run.The Royals have lost eight of their last 10 games, including back-to-back games against an A's team that has the second worst record in the American League .Ragans pitched well, allowing only four hits in six innings but ran into trouble in the third inning when he walked Max Schuemann and JJ Bleday to open the frame. Andujar and Rooker followed with singles to make to give Oakland a 2-0 lead.“His stuff was good,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “Those walks came back to haunt him there in the third inning. They capitalized on those and that’s all he gave up. His stuff was really good. He gave us six solid innings, two runs, and gave us a chance to win.”Andujar has 10 multi-hit games since coming off the injured list May 24, providing a big boost after starting the year on the injured list recovering from knee surgery.“He's just a hitter,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “You don't see these types of hitters that often in the current game that just have bat to ball skills, along with the ability to hit it with some force and exit velo. We talked about the impact he could have once we got him back. Ten multi-hit games is an impact to the offense and a real positive to the middle of the order.”After Witt's double got Kansas City on the board in the fifth, the A's got some insurance in the seventh inning with RBI singles to Rooker and Tyler Nevin against John Schreiber to make it 4-1.Gelof added his seventh homer of the season in the eighth inning.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Dan Altavilla left in the eighth inning after hurting his back after throwing ball four to Schuemann. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.Athletics: INF Abraham Toro is dealing with shoulder soreness from a swing on Sunday and was held out of the lineup. Kotsay said he's hopeful Toro can avoid a stint on the IL.UP NEXTRHP Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.40 ERA) looks for his Major League-leading 11th win when he starts the series finale for Kansas City against RHP Mitch Spence (4-3, 3.95).

⚾ Medina gets 1st win in months as the Athletics beat the Royals 

HAYS – The Hays Larks
ran their winning-streak to six-games Wednesday night with a doubleheader sweep
of the Western Nebraska Pioneers at Larks Park. The first game was a makeup from
Tuesday’s rainout and the Larks wasted no time, scoring 11 runs in the bottom
of the first and went on to win 11-2. They walked it off in game two on Wilbert
Espinal’s RBI double of the ninth for a 3-2 win.

The Larks (10-2, 7-1
RMBL) are off Thursday before opening a three-game weekend series with the
Gameday Angels Friday at 7 p.m. at Larks Park.

Game 1: Larks
11, Western Nebraska 2 (7 innings)
The Larks scored all of their runs
in the bottom of the first inning. They had six hits and six walks in the frame
in which they sent 15 batters to the plate.

The Pioneers scored
their two runs in the fourth.

Trent Baker, Garrett
Gruell, Will Carpenter and Houston Russell all had two hits. Carpenter drove in
three runs while Russell had two RBIs.

Aiden Schmidgall (1-0) pitched
three hitless innings and was credited with the win.

Game 2:
Larks 3, Western Nebraska 2
Wilbert Espinal’s one-out double in the bottom of the ninth scored Kaiden
Ashton with the game-winner. Ashton singled with one out then advanced to
second on a wild pitch. Garrett Gruell was intentionally walked setting up
Espinal’s heroics.

Garrett Gruell gave the
Larks the early lead with an RBI single in the first which scored Kaleb Duncan.
After the Pioneers grabbed the lead with two runs in the top of the fifth,
Gruell tied it up in the bottom of the inning with a single which scored Duncan.

The Larks had 12 hits
but stranded 12 baserunners in the game.

Trent Baker (1-0) pitched
two scoreless innings of relief and picked up the win. Starter Ismael Cordoba pitched
three scoreless innings. Mack Ortner gave up two runs on two hits over two innings
then Logan LaPeirre followed with two hitless innings with five strikeouts. The
four combined to strikeout 12 Pioneer batters.

Hays PostHAYS – The Hays Larks
ran their winning-streak to six-games Wednesday night with a doubleheader sweep
of the Western Nebraska Pioneers at Larks Park. The first game was a makeup from
Tuesday’s rainout and the Larks wasted no time, scoring 11 runs in the bottom
of the first and went on to win 11-2. They walked it off in game two on Wilbert
Espinal’s RBI double of the ninth for a 3-2 win.The Larks (10-2, 7-1
RMBL) are off Thursday before opening a three-game weekend series with the
Gameday Angels Friday at 7 p.m. at Larks Park.Game 1: Larks
11, Western Nebraska 2 (7 innings)
The Larks scored all of their runs
in the bottom of the first inning. They had six hits and six walks in the frame
in which they sent 15 batters to the plate. The Pioneers scored
their two runs in the fourth.Trent Baker, Garrett
Gruell, Will Carpenter and Houston Russell all had two hits. Carpenter drove in
three runs while Russell had two RBIs.Aiden Schmidgall (1-0) pitched
three hitless innings and was credited with the win.Game 2:
Larks 3, Western Nebraska 2
Wilbert Espinal’s one-out double in the bottom of the ninth scored Kaiden
Ashton with the game-winner. Ashton singled with one out then advanced to
second on a wild pitch. Garrett Gruell was intentionally walked setting up
Espinal’s heroics.Garrett Gruell gave the
Larks the early lead with an RBI single in the first which scored Kaleb Duncan.
After the Pioneers grabbed the lead with two runs in the top of the fifth,
Gruell tied it up in the bottom of the inning with a single which scored Duncan.The Larks had 12 hits
but stranded 12 baserunners in the game.Trent Baker (1-0) pitched
two scoreless innings of relief and picked up the win. Starter Ismael Cordoba pitched
three scoreless innings. Mack Ortner gave up two runs on two hits over two innings
then Logan LaPeirre followed with two hitless innings with five strikeouts. The
four combined to strikeout 12 Pioneer batters.

⚾ Larks push win streak to six with sweep of Pioneers

OMAHA -&nbsp;Tennessee defeated Florida State 7-2 to advance to the championship series of the 2024 Men's College World Series. It's the second time the Volunteers have made the finals in program history — and the first time since 1951.

The Volunteers took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back. Tennessee boosted the lead up to 6-0 by the seventh inning stretch before Florida State got on the board late. 

Tennessee's pitching staff allowed only seven hits in the game.

Dylan Dreiling went 1-for-4 with two walks, an RBI, run scored and two strikeouts.

No program has more wins over the last four seasons than Tennessee, and now the Volunteers will have a chance to add a title to support those successful seasons.

Texas A&amp;M 6, Florida 0 Texas A&amp;M defeated Florida 6-0 to win advance to the 2024 Men's College World Series finals.&nbsp;

The Aggies jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, forcing an early Florida pitching change. Meanwhile, excellent pitching from Justin Lamkin for the first five innings kicked off a shutout effort. Lamkin had nine of Texas A&amp;M's 14 strikeouts in the win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718879053349.png" alt="Dylan Dreiling (8) and Christian Moore (1) during the Men's College World Series baseball game between Tennessee and Florida State on on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb. (Tennessee Athletics photo/ Kate Luffman)" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Dreiling (8) and Christian Moore (1) during the Men's College World Series baseball game between Tennessee and Florida State on on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb. (Tennessee Athletics photo/ Kate Luffman)</figcaption>
 </figure>NCAAOMAHA -&nbsp;Tennessee defeated Florida State 7-2 to advance to the championship series of the 2024 Men's College World Series. It's the second time the Volunteers have made the finals in program history — and the first time since 1951.The Volunteers took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back. Tennessee boosted the lead up to 6-0 by the seventh inning stretch before Florida State got on the board late. Tennessee's pitching staff allowed only seven hits in the game.Dylan Dreiling went 1-for-4 with two walks, an RBI, run scored and two strikeouts.No program has more wins over the last four seasons than Tennessee, and now the Volunteers will have a chance to add a title to support those successful seasons.Texas A&amp;M 6, Florida 0 Texas A&amp;M defeated Florida 6-0 to win advance to the 2024 Men's College World Series finals.&nbsp;The Aggies jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, forcing an early Florida pitching change. Meanwhile, excellent pitching from Justin Lamkin for the first five innings kicked off a shutout effort. Lamkin had nine of Texas A&amp;M's 14 strikeouts in the win.

⚾ Tennessee and Texas A&M advance to all-SEC MCWS finals

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

After serving as Thomas More Prep-Marian Athletic Director this
past season, James Harris announced this week that he is stepping down to return
to teaching and coaching.

Harris said Wednesday after dealing with health issues this
past year, it was important that he prioritize his health and, “be the best father
and husband that I can.”

Harris juggled the responsibilities and duties of an
athletic director while still serving as the head high school track and field
coach and an assistant boys basketball coach.

Part of his duties this spring were to hire a new high school
girls basketball coach after the school elected not to retain previous head
coach Rose McFarland.

Harris said hiring John Linn to take over the program was not
an easy process.

“We got a great coach, and I’m excited to see what John can
do,” Harris said.

Harris will continue to coach track and field and boys
basketball and will teach junior high physical education.

He will also help in the hiring of his replacement who they
are actively searching for this summer.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAfter serving as Thomas More Prep-Marian Athletic Director this
past season, James Harris announced this week that he is stepping down to return
to teaching and coaching.Harris said Wednesday after dealing with health issues this
past year, it was important that he prioritize his health and, “be the best father
and husband that I can.”Harris juggled the responsibilities and duties of an
athletic director while still serving as the head high school track and field
coach and an assistant boys basketball coach.Part of his duties this spring were to hire a new high school
girls basketball coach after the school elected not to retain previous head
coach Rose McFarland.Harris said hiring John Linn to take over the program was not
an easy process.“We got a great coach, and I’m excited to see what John can
do,” Harris said.Harris will continue to coach track and field and boys
basketball and will teach junior high physical education.He will also help in the hiring of his replacement who they
are actively searching for this summer.

TMP’s Harris stepping down as AD; remain coach

The Hays Larks host the Western Nebraska Pioneers in a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon starting at 5 p.m.

The first game of the short, two-game Rocky Mountain Baseball League series was rained out Tuesday so the two teams will play two seven inning games.&nbsp;

&nbsp; You can view both games on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IizWV-FMOhA">&nbsp;Larks YouTube channel.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks host the Western Nebraska Pioneers in a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon starting at 5 p.m.The first game of the short, two-game Rocky Mountain Baseball League series was rained out Tuesday so the two teams will play two seven inning games.&nbsp;&nbsp; You can view both games on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IizWV-FMOhA">&nbsp;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 Western Nebraska

EUGENE, Ore. - Brett Meyer, current assistant coach and former individual national champion for the Fort Hays State Track and Field team, will compete at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 1,500-meter, set for June 21-24 in Eugene, Oregon.

Meyer's fastest-ever time in the event occurred in July of 2023 at the Under Armour Sunset Tour in Los Angeles, California, where he ran a time of 3:36.83. That time was ran within the qualifying window for this year's U.S. Olympic Trials and met the automatic qualifying standard.

The 1,500 meters will have three rounds over three separate days, set to take place from June 21-24. Meyer is one of 36 individuals in the United States who qualified for the trials. Round one will be on Friday, June 21 at 5:22 p.m. local time (7:22 p.m. CDT). The semifinal round is set for Saturday, June 22 at 6:54 p.m. local time (8:54 p.m. CDT). The final will be on Monday, June 24 at 5:47 p.m. (7:47 p.m. CDT).

<a href="https://www.usatf.org/events/event-resource-pages/television-webcast-schedule">Television/Streaming Schedule Found Here</a>

<a href="https://www.usatf.org/events/event-resource-pages/television-webcast-schedule"></a>A native of Scott City, Kan., Meyer began his professional career in the summer of 2019 immediately following his 2019 NCAA Division II individual national title in the 1,500-meter run. He earned his first pro win at the Ryan Shay Mile in Charlevoix, Mich. in July of 2019 with a sub-4-minute time of 3:58.18. In 2021, he ran sub-4-minute miles on indoor and outdoor tracks, as well as road races.

Meyer ran sub-4-minute miles several times now as a professional, both outdoor and indoor. His personal best in the mile now stands at 3:56.06, which he ran earlier this year on February 10, 2024 at the Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational.

Going back a few years ago, Meyer broke a 53-year old record on February 13, 2021 by running the fastest-ever indoor mile on Kansas soil with a time of 3:58.59 at the Ichabod Invitational in Topeka, Kan. on the campus of Washburn University. It was only the second sub-4-minute indoor mile ran ever in Kansas as it topped former U.S. Olympian and University of Kansas grad Jim Ryun's time of 3:58.8 on March 4, 1967 on the old dirt track that used to encircle the basketball court inside of Allen Fieldhouse at the University of Kansas.

Looking back at Meyer's collegiate career, his national title in his final collegiate race capped a six-time All-America performance career at FHSU. He was an eight-time MIAA&nbsp;champion, including six individual titles and two in relays. Meyer has served as an assistant coach at FHSU since exhausting his collegiate eligibility. Meyer is a Coordinator for Student Engagement at Fort Hays State University in the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success. He is a two-time graduate from Fort Hays State University, earning a bachelor of science in Health and Human Performance in 2019 before completing a master's of science in the same department in 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718823234072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEUGENE, Ore. - Brett Meyer, current assistant coach and former individual national champion for the Fort Hays State Track and Field team, will compete at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 1,500-meter, set for June 21-24 in Eugene, Oregon.Meyer's fastest-ever time in the event occurred in July of 2023 at the Under Armour Sunset Tour in Los Angeles, California, where he ran a time of 3:36.83. That time was ran within the qualifying window for this year's U.S. Olympic Trials and met the automatic qualifying standard.The 1,500 meters will have three rounds over three separate days, set to take place from June 21-24. Meyer is one of 36 individuals in the United States who qualified for the trials. Round one will be on Friday, June 21 at 5:22 p.m. local time (7:22 p.m. CDT). The semifinal round is set for Saturday, June 22 at 6:54 p.m. local time (8:54 p.m. CDT). The final will be on Monday, June 24 at 5:47 p.m. (7:47 p.m. CDT).<a href="https://www.usatf.org/events/event-resource-pages/television-webcast-schedule">Television/Streaming Schedule Found Here</a><a href="https://www.usatf.org/events/event-resource-pages/television-webcast-schedule"></a>A native of Scott City, Kan., Meyer began his professional career in the summer of 2019 immediately following his 2019 NCAA Division II individual national title in the 1,500-meter run. He earned his first pro win at the Ryan Shay Mile in Charlevoix, Mich. in July of 2019 with a sub-4-minute time of 3:58.18. In 2021, he ran sub-4-minute miles on indoor and outdoor tracks, as well as road races.Meyer ran sub-4-minute miles several times now as a professional, both outdoor and indoor. His personal best in the mile now stands at 3:56.06, which he ran earlier this year on February 10, 2024 at the Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational.Going back a few years ago, Meyer broke a 53-year old record on February 13, 2021 by running the fastest-ever indoor mile on Kansas soil with a time of 3:58.59 at the Ichabod Invitational in Topeka, Kan. on the campus of Washburn University. It was only the second sub-4-minute indoor mile ran ever in Kansas as it topped former U.S. Olympian and University of Kansas grad Jim Ryun's time of 3:58.8 on March 4, 1967 on the old dirt track that used to encircle the basketball court inside of Allen Fieldhouse at the University of Kansas.Looking back at Meyer's collegiate career, his national title in his final collegiate race capped a six-time All-America performance career at FHSU. He was an eight-time MIAA&nbsp;champion, including six individual titles and two in relays. Meyer has served as an assistant coach at FHSU since exhausting his collegiate eligibility. Meyer is a Coordinator for Student Engagement at Fort Hays State University in the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success. He is a two-time graduate from Fort Hays State University, earning a bachelor of science in Health and Human Performance in 2019 before completing a master's of science in the same department in 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🏃‍♂️ Meyer to compete in 1,500 at US Olympic Team Trials this weekend

Wednesday, June 19
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Oakland Athletics, 8:00pm

Wednesday, June 19
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Oakland Athletics, 8:00pmThursday, June 20
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Oakland Athletics,
2:00pmFriday, June 21
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 6:30pmSaturday, June 22
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 2:30pmSunday, June 23
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Texas Rangers, 1:00pm

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Zack Gelof hit his first home run in nearly three weeks and the Oakland Athletics beat the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Tuesday night to end a nine-game losing streak.

JJ Bleday had a career-high three doubles and drove in two runs, and Miguel Andujar added two hits to help Oakland to its first win since June 7.

“Getting a win in this league is tough, as we’ve seen the past few weeks,” Gelof said. “To get a win at home in front of the home crowd is awesome. I’ve been working with the coaches and teammates, and it looked like I was having quality at-bats today.”

The last-place A’s (27-48) have the fourth-worst record in the majors.

A moment of silence was held before the game to honor Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame center fielder who died earlier in the day. Mays got the final hit of his illustrious career at the Oakland Coliseum in the 1973 World Series.

“I just wish I was half the player that he was,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay, who played center field for much of his career. “The catches that he made and just the smile that he had, the impact he had on the game of baseball. His loss is felt today and will be felt for a long time.”

Nick Loftin hit his first career home run and had three RBIs for the Royals, who have lost three of four.

Gelof, who entered in a 5-for-30 funk, singled and scored in the first inning and then hit a three-run homer off starter Alec Marsh (5-4) in the fourth.

“I’ve been struggling a little bit but it makes it all worth it to come through when it matters,” Gelof said. “Felt great and hopefully some more to come.”

Hogan Harris (1-0) pitched five uneven innings to get the win, his first since the end of 2023 when he also beat the Royals. Harris, who left with the lead but got no decision in each of his three previous starts, allowed three runs (one earned) and four hits.

Kansas City, which left the bases loaded in the fourth, scored twice off Lucas Erceg in the eighth and got the potential tying run to the plate before Scott Alexander got Adam Frazier to fly out. Mason Miller retired three batters in the ninth for his 13th save, fourth-most by a rookie in franchise history.

Coming off an 0-7 road trip, the A’s got going early in their return home.

Leadoff hitter Max Schuemann walked in the first and scored on Bleday’s double off the wall. After Bleday advanced to third on a flyout, Brent Rooker hit a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.

“We definitely were in need of a good baseball game and a win,” Kotsay said. “We swung the bats better on the road and continued to swing the bats good tonight. All in all, a good feeling to come from where we were and to bounce back tonight.”

Kansas City tied it with a pair of unearned runs in the second. Freddy Fermin reached on Schuemann’s fielding error at shortstop and came around when Loftin snapped an 0-for-14 slide with a homer on the next pitch.

Marsh, coming off a superb outing against the New York Yankees, was tagged for a career-high seven runs and seven hits in three innings.

Royals: RHP Carlos Hernández was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. OF Drew Waters was optioned down.

Athletics: INF J.D. Davis, who missed time this season with a right adductor strain, was designated for assignment. OF Seth Brown was sent outright to Triple-A Las Vegas. OF Lawrence Butler and 3B Tyler Nevin were called up from Las Vegas.

Royals LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.14 ERA), who pitched seven scoreless innings against Oakland on May 17, starts the middle game of the series Wednesday. RHP Luis Medina (0-2, 5.87), who has lost five consecutive decisions dating to last July, goes for the A’s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718790511056.jpeg" alt="Oakland Athletics' Zack Gelof hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)" />
 <figcaption>Oakland Athletics' Zack Gelof hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)</figcaption>
 </figure>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Zack Gelof hit his first home run in nearly three weeks and the Oakland Athletics beat the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Tuesday night to end a nine-game losing streak.JJ Bleday had a career-high three doubles and drove in two runs, and Miguel Andujar added two hits to help Oakland to its first win since June 7.“Getting a win in this league is tough, as we’ve seen the past few weeks,” Gelof said. “To get a win at home in front of the home crowd is awesome. I’ve been working with the coaches and teammates, and it looked like I was having quality at-bats today.”The last-place A’s (27-48) have the fourth-worst record in the majors.A moment of silence was held before the game to honor Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame center fielder who died earlier in the day. Mays got the final hit of his illustrious career at the Oakland Coliseum in the 1973 World Series.“I just wish I was half the player that he was,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay, who played center field for much of his career. “The catches that he made and just the smile that he had, the impact he had on the game of baseball. His loss is felt today and will be felt for a long time.”Nick Loftin hit his first career home run and had three RBIs for the Royals, who have lost three of four.Gelof, who entered in a 5-for-30 funk, singled and scored in the first inning and then hit a three-run homer off starter Alec Marsh (5-4) in the fourth.“I’ve been struggling a little bit but it makes it all worth it to come through when it matters,” Gelof said. “Felt great and hopefully some more to come.”Hogan Harris (1-0) pitched five uneven innings to get the win, his first since the end of 2023 when he also beat the Royals. Harris, who left with the lead but got no decision in each of his three previous starts, allowed three runs (one earned) and four hits.Kansas City, which left the bases loaded in the fourth, scored twice off Lucas Erceg in the eighth and got the potential tying run to the plate before Scott Alexander got Adam Frazier to fly out. Mason Miller retired three batters in the ninth for his 13th save, fourth-most by a rookie in franchise history.Coming off an 0-7 road trip, the A’s got going early in their return home.Leadoff hitter Max Schuemann walked in the first and scored on Bleday’s double off the wall. After Bleday advanced to third on a flyout, Brent Rooker hit a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.“We definitely were in need of a good baseball game and a win,” Kotsay said. “We swung the bats better on the road and continued to swing the bats good tonight. All in all, a good feeling to come from where we were and to bounce back tonight.”Kansas City tied it with a pair of unearned runs in the second. Freddy Fermin reached on Schuemann’s fielding error at shortstop and came around when Loftin snapped an 0-for-14 slide with a homer on the next pitch.Marsh, coming off a superb outing against the New York Yankees, was tagged for a career-high seven runs and seven hits in three innings.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Carlos Hernández was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. OF Drew Waters was optioned down.Athletics: INF J.D. Davis, who missed time this season with a right adductor strain, was designated for assignment. OF Seth Brown was sent outright to Triple-A Las Vegas. OF Lawrence Butler and 3B Tyler Nevin were called up from Las Vegas.UP NEXTRoyals LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.14 ERA), who pitched seven scoreless innings against Oakland on May 17, starts the middle game of the series Wednesday. RHP Luis Medina (0-2, 5.87), who has lost five consecutive decisions dating to last July, goes for the A’s.

⚾ Gelof helps A's beat Royals to end 9-game slide

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;added yet another talented wing to his 2024-25 roster with the signing of 2024 All-Big Ten selection&nbsp;Coleman Hawkins&nbsp;(Sacramento, Calif./Prolific Prep/Illinois)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Tuesday (June 18).

A 6-foot-10, 230-pound wing, Hawkins arrives at K-State after spending the last 4 seasons (2020-24) at Illinois, where he was apart of 96 wins, 4 Big Ten Championships (2 regular season and 2 tournament titles) and 4 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2023-24. He was a key part of the Fighting Illini’s first run to the Elite Eight since 2005, leading the team in rebounding (6.1 rpg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and blocks (1.1 bpg.) and ranking third in scoring (12.1 ppg.) en route to earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from the AP.

Following his senior season, Hawkins declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was invited to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, where he was among a group of standout performers out of 120 prospects. He finished with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting in his final scrimmage. He withdrew from the draft before the deadline on May 29.

Hawkins will have one season of eligibility remaining after the NCAA granting student-athletes who played during the 2020-21 athletic season an extra season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a great day to be a Wildcat, as we’re excited to welcome Coleman and his family to K-State,” said head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang. “He is a winner. He has won everywhere he has been whether it’s a national championship in high school to winning 4 Big Ten titles and going to 4 NCAA Tournaments, including the Elite Eight this past season, at Illinois. He obviously can score but he impacts winning in a variety of ways. He is a terrific teammate who is very smart and only makes his teammates better. He plays with JOY and passion and has an engaging personality that I know our fans are going to love.”

Hawkins has scored nearly 1,000 career points in his college career, which includes 126 games at Illinois (2020-24) with 82 starts. He has totaled 979 career points on 44.2 percent (345-of-781) shooting, including 31.9 percent (118-of-370) from 3-point range, and 69.8 percent (171-of-245) from the free throw line, with 581 rebounds, 256 assists, 115 steals and 102 blocks in 2,964 minutes played. He is the only player in Illinois school history with at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 blocks and 100 steals in a career.

Among Hawkins’ 979 career points were 592 in Big Ten play, coming on 44.3 percent (208-of-470) shooting. In addition, he has tallied double figures in 5 of his 8 career NCAA Tournament games, averaging 7.6 points on 41.8 percent (23-of-55) shooting with 4.6 rebounds per game. For his career, he is averaging 7.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks in 23.5 minutes per game.

Hawkins has collected 6 20-point games and one 30-point game in his career, along with 6 double-doubles and one triple-double. He scored a career-high 30 points in the Illini’s win against Iowa on Feb. 24, 2024, connecting on 9-of-11 field goals, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, in less than 30 minutes of action. He tallied the fifth triple-double in Illinois history on Nov. 29, 2022, with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Syracuse.

The bulk of Hawkins’ production has come in the last 2 seasons (2022-24), in which, he has posted 749 points (11.0 ppg.) on 44.7 percent (267-of-598) shooting, including 32.9 percent (96-of-292) from 3-point range, with 419 rebounds (6.2 rpg.), 195 assists (2.9 apg.), 87 steals (1.3 spg.) and 76 blocks (1.1 bpg.) in 2,180 minutes played (32.1 mpg.) while starting 68 of the Fighting Illini’s last 71 games. In that span, he scored in double figures 38 times with 6 20-point games, one 30-point game, 6 double-doubles and one triple-double.

Hawkins’ scoring ability increased each season at Illinois capped by his 12.1 points per game average as a senior in 2023-24 in which he posted career-bests for field goal percentage (45.1), 3-point field goal percentage (36.9) and free throw percentage (79.2). He scored in double figures in 22 of 35 games played with 4 20-point games highlighted by his 30-point effort against Iowa on Feb. 24. He also had a pair of double-doubles in road games at Michigan (21 points, 10 rebounds; Jan. 18, 2024) and Northwestern (22 points, 13 rebounds; Jan. 24, 2024).

As a senior, Hawkins led the Fighting Illini in rebounding (6.1 rpg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and blocks (1.1 bpg.) while he was third in scoring and 3-point field goal percentage (36.9). He was named to the watch list for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award before earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from the AP, third team honors from the media and honorable mention accolades from the league coaches.

Hawkins jumped to the forefront as a junior in 2022-23, leading the team in rebounding (6.3 rpg.) and assists (3.0 apg.) while placing second in blocks (1.2 bpg.) and third in scoring (9.9 ppg.) in starting all 33 games. He had 16 double-digit scoring games, including a pair of 20-point efforts, to go with 3 double-double and his first career triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against Syracuse on Nov. 29, 2022. He opened the season with a 23-point, 12-rebound performance against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 7, 2022.

Hawkins began his ascension as a sophomore in 2021-22, averaging 5.9 points on 44.2 percent (68-of-154) shooting with 4.3 rebounds in playing in all 33 games with 14 starts. He started the first 10 games of the season, which included his first career double-digit scoring game (13 points vs. Jackson State, Nov. 9, 2021) and first double-double (17 points, 13 rebounds vs. Arkansas State, Nov. 12, 2021). He played nearly 25 minutes in the Illini’s win over K-State at the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City, posting 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. His season-high 18 points came against Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament on March 11, 2022, while had a near double-double (10 points, 8 rebounds) in the Illini’s NCAA First Round win over Chattanooga on March 18, 2022.

Hawkins played in 25 games off the bench as a true freshman in 2020-21 for an Illinois squad that won the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. He scored in 12 games, including a 5-point, 4-rebound and 2-assist effort in his first career game against North Carolina A&amp;T on Nov. 25, 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718742762600.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;added yet another talented wing to his 2024-25 roster with the signing of 2024 All-Big Ten selection&nbsp;Coleman Hawkins&nbsp;(Sacramento, Calif./Prolific Prep/Illinois)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Tuesday (June 18).A 6-foot-10, 230-pound wing, Hawkins arrives at K-State after spending the last 4 seasons (2020-24) at Illinois, where he was apart of 96 wins, 4 Big Ten Championships (2 regular season and 2 tournament titles) and 4 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2023-24. He was a key part of the Fighting Illini’s first run to the Elite Eight since 2005, leading the team in rebounding (6.1 rpg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and blocks (1.1 bpg.) and ranking third in scoring (12.1 ppg.) en route to earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from the AP.Following his senior season, Hawkins declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was invited to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, where he was among a group of standout performers out of 120 prospects. He finished with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting in his final scrimmage. He withdrew from the draft before the deadline on May 29.Hawkins will have one season of eligibility remaining after the NCAA granting student-athletes who played during the 2020-21 athletic season an extra season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.“It’s a great day to be a Wildcat, as we’re excited to welcome Coleman and his family to K-State,” said head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang. “He is a winner. He has won everywhere he has been whether it’s a national championship in high school to winning 4 Big Ten titles and going to 4 NCAA Tournaments, including the Elite Eight this past season, at Illinois. He obviously can score but he impacts winning in a variety of ways. He is a terrific teammate who is very smart and only makes his teammates better. He plays with JOY and passion and has an engaging personality that I know our fans are going to love.”Hawkins has scored nearly 1,000 career points in his college career, which includes 126 games at Illinois (2020-24) with 82 starts. He has totaled 979 career points on 44.2 percent (345-of-781) shooting, including 31.9 percent (118-of-370) from 3-point range, and 69.8 percent (171-of-245) from the free throw line, with 581 rebounds, 256 assists, 115 steals and 102 blocks in 2,964 minutes played. He is the only player in Illinois school history with at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 blocks and 100 steals in a career.Among Hawkins’ 979 career points were 592 in Big Ten play, coming on 44.3 percent (208-of-470) shooting. In addition, he has tallied double figures in 5 of his 8 career NCAA Tournament games, averaging 7.6 points on 41.8 percent (23-of-55) shooting with 4.6 rebounds per game. For his career, he is averaging 7.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks in 23.5 minutes per game.Hawkins has collected 6 20-point games and one 30-point game in his career, along with 6 double-doubles and one triple-double. He scored a career-high 30 points in the Illini’s win against Iowa on Feb. 24, 2024, connecting on 9-of-11 field goals, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, in less than 30 minutes of action. He tallied the fifth triple-double in Illinois history on Nov. 29, 2022, with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Syracuse.The bulk of Hawkins’ production has come in the last 2 seasons (2022-24), in which, he has posted 749 points (11.0 ppg.) on 44.7 percent (267-of-598) shooting, including 32.9 percent (96-of-292) from 3-point range, with 419 rebounds (6.2 rpg.), 195 assists (2.9 apg.), 87 steals (1.3 spg.) and 76 blocks (1.1 bpg.) in 2,180 minutes played (32.1 mpg.) while starting 68 of the Fighting Illini’s last 71 games. In that span, he scored in double figures 38 times with 6 20-point games, one 30-point game, 6 double-doubles and one triple-double.Hawkins’ scoring ability increased each season at Illinois capped by his 12.1 points per game average as a senior in 2023-24 in which he posted career-bests for field goal percentage (45.1), 3-point field goal percentage (36.9) and free throw percentage (79.2). He scored in double figures in 22 of 35 games played with 4 20-point games highlighted by his 30-point effort against Iowa on Feb. 24. He also had a pair of double-doubles in road games at Michigan (21 points, 10 rebounds; Jan. 18, 2024) and Northwestern (22 points, 13 rebounds; Jan. 24, 2024).As a senior, Hawkins led the Fighting Illini in rebounding (6.1 rpg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and blocks (1.1 bpg.) while he was third in scoring and 3-point field goal percentage (36.9). He was named to the watch list for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award before earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from the AP, third team honors from the media and honorable mention accolades from the league coaches.Hawkins jumped to the forefront as a junior in 2022-23, leading the team in rebounding (6.3 rpg.) and assists (3.0 apg.) while placing second in blocks (1.2 bpg.) and third in scoring (9.9 ppg.) in starting all 33 games. He had 16 double-digit scoring games, including a pair of 20-point efforts, to go with 3 double-double and his first career triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against Syracuse on Nov. 29, 2022. He opened the season with a 23-point, 12-rebound performance against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 7, 2022.Hawkins began his ascension as a sophomore in 2021-22, averaging 5.9 points on 44.2 percent (68-of-154) shooting with 4.3 rebounds in playing in all 33 games with 14 starts. He started the first 10 games of the season, which included his first career double-digit scoring game (13 points vs. Jackson State, Nov. 9, 2021) and first double-double (17 points, 13 rebounds vs. Arkansas State, Nov. 12, 2021). He played nearly 25 minutes in the Illini’s win over K-State at the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City, posting 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. His season-high 18 points came against Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament on March 11, 2022, while had a near double-double (10 points, 8 rebounds) in the Illini’s NCAA First Round win over Chattanooga on March 18, 2022.Hawkins played in 25 games off the bench as a true freshman in 2020-21 for an Illinois squad that won the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. He scored in 12 games, including a 5-point, 4-rebound and 2-assist effort in his first career game against North Carolina A&amp;T on Nov. 25, 2020.A native of Sacramento, Calif., Hawkins played his high school basketball at prep powerhouse Prolific Prep in Northern California, leading his team to a 31-3 overall record and the program’s first-ever Grind Session Championship prior to the cancellation of GEICO Nationals due to COVID-19. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and a team-high 6.5 assists as a senior in 2019-20.Hawkins comes from a basketball family, as his father,&nbsp;Rodney, played at San Diego State (1987-88) while his 3 older sisters (Ashley,&nbsp;Taylor&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bailey) all played at the collegiate level. His father started his college basketball career at Colby Community College in Colby, Kan., before joining the Aztecs.Hawkins is the 10th player to sign with the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season, including the eighth Division I transfer.The full list includes:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Achor Achor&nbsp;(Melbourne, Australia/Greenforest McCalep Academy/Chipola College/Samford) ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Baye Fall&nbsp;(Dakar, Senegal/ Accelerated Prep [Colo.]/Arkansas) ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brendan Hausen&nbsp;(Amarillo, Texas/Amarillo/ Villanova) ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Coleman Hawkins&nbsp;(Sacramento, Calif./Prolific Prep/Illinois) ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mobi Ikegwuruka&nbsp;(Galway, Ireland/Ellsworth [Iowa] Community College) ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.J. Jones&nbsp;(East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis/UIC) ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Max Jones&nbsp;(Clearwater, Fla./Clearwater/University of Tampa/Cal State Fullerton) ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dug McDaniel&nbsp;(Washington, D.C./St. Paul VI Catholic VI/Michigan) ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ugonna Onyenso&nbsp;(Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria/NBA Africa/Putnam Science Academy/Kentucky)The nine transfers join top-50 high school prospect&nbsp;David Castillo&nbsp;(Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.]), who signed during the early signing period on Nov. 8.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang’s&nbsp;tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.&nbsp;&nbsp;