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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Vientos and Francisco Lindor lead the Mets past the Royals, 8-3

Saturday, July 12 2:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - NY Mets @ Kansas City Sunday, July 13 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - NY Mets @ Kansas City Monday, July 14 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Major League Baseball Home Run Derby Tuesday, July 15 6:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Major League Baseball All Star Game Friday, July 18 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Miami

Saturday, July 12 2:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - NY Mets @ Kansas City Sunday, July 13 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - NY Mets @ Kansas City Monday, July 14 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Major League Baseball Home Run Derby Tuesday, July 15 6:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Major League Baseball All Star Game Friday, July 18 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Miami

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

KUAthletics.com&nbsp; LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas men's basketball coach Ted Owens will receive the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in a black-tie banquet to be held Monday, August 4, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Formerly called the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award, Owens will be just the 11th recipient of the prestigious award since the hall originated in 1989. The Lifetime Achievement Award&nbsp;is the highest award presented by the association and recognizes a lifetime of achievement by people who set examples that influence others to strive for the highest goals and who blaze the trails which leave behind the pathways for others to follow.&nbsp;The award is not an annual honor and past lifetime achievement award recipients include Johnny Bench, Lynne Draper, Abe Lemons, George Nigh, Samuel Lloyd Noble, Tom Osborne, Steve Owens, Allie Reynolds, Chris Schenkel, and Barry Switzer. A native of Hollis, Oklahoma, Owens was a Class of 2009 inductee into the Oklahoma Sport Hall of Fame.

Owens was a three-year basketball letterman at the University of Oklahoma (1949-51). He honed his coaching skills as head coach at Cameron State Junior College, now Cameron University, in Lawton, Oklahoma. In four seasons, his teams never won fewer than 20 games, and Cameron advanced to the national junior college tournament semifinals three times. At Cameron, Owens amassed a 93-24 record and boasted four junior college All-Americans. In 1958, he coached the Cameron baseball team to the NJCAA national championship.

Owens then accepted an assistant coach position under Kansas head coach Dick Harp in 1960 and was promoted to head coach when Harp resigned following the 1963-64 season.

Kansas basketball is rich in tradition, having only eight head coaches in its 126 seasons. Owens roamed the KU sidelines as head coach for 19 seasons from 1964-65 through 1982-83, where he compiled a 348-182 (65.7%) record. Coach Owens' 348 wins rank as the fourth-winningest coach in Kansas basketball history behind&nbsp;Bill Self, Phog Allen and Roy Williams.

Under Owens, Kansas won six Big Eight Conference regular-season titles, eight Big Eight Holiday Tournaments and one Big Eight postseason tournament. Under Owens, KU advanced to NCAA postseason play seven times. His 1971 and 1974 teams made it to the Final Four, and in 1968 the Jayhawks made the finals of the National Invitation Tournament.

Owens was named Big Eight Coach of the Year five times and was National Coach of the Year in 1978 by Basketball Weekly. He coached five All-Americans: Jo Jo White, Darnell Valentine, Dave Robisch, Bud Stallworth and Walter Wesley, all of whom have had their jerseys retired at Kansas.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752242088073.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KUAthletics.com&nbsp; LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas men's basketball coach Ted Owens will receive the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in a black-tie banquet to be held Monday, August 4, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.Formerly called the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award, Owens will be just the 11th recipient of the prestigious award since the hall originated in 1989. The Lifetime Achievement Award&nbsp;is the highest award presented by the association and recognizes a lifetime of achievement by people who set examples that influence others to strive for the highest goals and who blaze the trails which leave behind the pathways for others to follow.&nbsp;The award is not an annual honor and past lifetime achievement award recipients include Johnny Bench, Lynne Draper, Abe Lemons, George Nigh, Samuel Lloyd Noble, Tom Osborne, Steve Owens, Allie Reynolds, Chris Schenkel, and Barry Switzer. A native of Hollis, Oklahoma, Owens was a Class of 2009 inductee into the Oklahoma Sport Hall of Fame.Owens was a three-year basketball letterman at the University of Oklahoma (1949-51). He honed his coaching skills as head coach at Cameron State Junior College, now Cameron University, in Lawton, Oklahoma. In four seasons, his teams never won fewer than 20 games, and Cameron advanced to the national junior college tournament semifinals three times. At Cameron, Owens amassed a 93-24 record and boasted four junior college All-Americans. In 1958, he coached the Cameron baseball team to the NJCAA national championship.Owens then accepted an assistant coach position under Kansas head coach Dick Harp in 1960 and was promoted to head coach when Harp resigned following the 1963-64 season.Kansas basketball is rich in tradition, having only eight head coaches in its 126 seasons. Owens roamed the KU sidelines as head coach for 19 seasons from 1964-65 through 1982-83, where he compiled a 348-182 (65.7%) record. Coach Owens' 348 wins rank as the fourth-winningest coach in Kansas basketball history behind&nbsp;Bill Self, Phog Allen and Roy Williams.Under Owens, Kansas won six Big Eight Conference regular-season titles, eight Big Eight Holiday Tournaments and one Big Eight postseason tournament. Under Owens, KU advanced to NCAA postseason play seven times. His 1971 and 1974 teams made it to the Final Four, and in 1968 the Jayhawks made the finals of the National Invitation Tournament.Owens was named Big Eight Coach of the Year five times and was National Coach of the Year in 1978 by Basketball Weekly. He coached five All-Americans: Jo Jo White, Darnell Valentine, Dave Robisch, Bud Stallworth and Walter Wesley, all of whom have had their jerseys retired at Kansas.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ted Owens to Receive Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in his Home State

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson entered the 2024 season with just one start under his belt.

As a true sophomore, the former four-star recruit navigated a season full of ups and downs. With 10 interceptions, Johnson undeniably had his&nbsp;forgettable&nbsp;moments. On the flip side, Johnson added numerous plays to his highlight reel, throwing for 25 touchdowns and also scoring seven times on the ground.

After&nbsp;a full year of starting experience, Johnson is ready to take the next step and is setting the bar high in 2025.

"Winning the Big 12 Championship,&nbsp;I wanna go undefeated and win a national championship," Johnson said at Big 12 Media Days on Tuesday when asked what his goals are for 2025. "Those are the goals we talk about inside Vanier, inside our walls, all the time. Those are the goals we are going to shoot for."

In 2024, it was fair to cut Johnson some slack for his mistakes, as it was essentially his first year on the job in Manhattan. To fully grow and get better, a quarterback has to learn, digest and absorb the adversity. Aside from his on-field performance, though, Johnson&nbsp;has fine-tuned his leadership skills and is prepared to guide his team.

"It's really no different than last year as far as being the signal caller and a guy that people can turn to and see as a leader, but I'm kind of just spending this offseason growing more into my leadership role," Johnson said. "Being more vocal. Being that guy that people can come to in adverse times. Really just growing as a player and as a person so that when hard times do strike on that field, guys know that they can count on me to settle down and get things rolling."

No. 2 has all the charisma needed to be the face of a collegiate football program. Johnson isn't a rah-rah guy, but he sets the standard on and off the field for the Wildcats.

Johnson isn't out of the woods yet on the gridiron. As a passer, he needs to make smart decisions and play with decisiveness. Do things look promising? Absolutely, but he has to prove it.

Ryan Gilbert GoPowercat.comKansas State quarterback Avery Johnson entered the 2024 season with just one start under his belt.As a true sophomore, the former four-star recruit navigated a season full of ups and downs. With 10 interceptions, Johnson undeniably had his&nbsp;forgettable&nbsp;moments. On the flip side, Johnson added numerous plays to his highlight reel, throwing for 25 touchdowns and also scoring seven times on the ground.After&nbsp;a full year of starting experience, Johnson is ready to take the next step and is setting the bar high in 2025."Winning the Big 12 Championship,&nbsp;I wanna go undefeated and win a national championship," Johnson said at Big 12 Media Days on Tuesday when asked what his goals are for 2025. "Those are the goals we talk about inside Vanier, inside our walls, all the time. Those are the goals we are going to shoot for."In 2024, it was fair to cut Johnson some slack for his mistakes, as it was essentially his first year on the job in Manhattan. To fully grow and get better, a quarterback has to learn, digest and absorb the adversity. Aside from his on-field performance, though, Johnson&nbsp;has fine-tuned his leadership skills and is prepared to guide his team."It's really no different than last year as far as being the signal caller and a guy that people can turn to and see as a leader, but I'm kind of just spending this offseason growing more into my leadership role," Johnson said. "Being more vocal. Being that guy that people can come to in adverse times. Really just growing as a player and as a person so that when hard times do strike on that field, guys know that they can count on me to settle down and get things rolling."No. 2 has all the charisma needed to be the face of a collegiate football program. Johnson isn't a rah-rah guy, but he sets the standard on and off the field for the Wildcats.Johnson isn't out of the woods yet on the gridiron. As a passer, he needs to make smart decisions and play with decisiveness. Do things look promising? Absolutely, but he has to prove it.

Avery Johnson embracing leadership role ahead of 2025

KANSAS CITY (AP) - New York Mets (53-41, second in the NL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (46-48, second in the AL Central)

Kansas City, Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Mets: Kodai Senga (0-0); Royals: Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 79 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE:&nbsp;Mets -141, Royals +118; over/under is 9 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Kansas City Royals host the New York Mets on Friday to begin a three-game series.

Kansas City has a 46-48 record overall and a 23-24 record at home. The Royals have a 27-9 record in games when they did not allow a home run.

New York has gone 20-27 on the road and 53-41 overall. The Mets are 25-13 in games when they did not allow a home run.

The matchup Friday is the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

TOP PERFORMERS: Bobby Witt Jr. has 31 doubles, three triples, 13 home runs and 52 RBIs for the Royals. Salvador Perez is 13 for 39 with four doubles, four home runs and 11 RBIs over the last 10 games.

Juan Soto has 21 home runs, 75 walks and 53 RBIs while hitting .264 for the Mets. Brandon Nimmo is 12 for 40 with three doubles, three home runs and 10 RBIs over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Royals: 7-3, .244 batting average, 3.41 ERA, outscored opponents by 11 runs

Mets: 5-5, .235 batting average, 5.63 ERA, outscored by 11 runs

INJURIES: Royals: Cole Ragans: 60-Day IL (rotator cuff), Mark Canha: 10-Day IL (elbow), Daniel Lynch: 15-Day IL (elbow), Michael Massey: 10-Day IL (ankle), Hunter Harvey: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alec Marsh: 60-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Mets: Jesse Winker: day-to-day (back), Starling Marte: 10-Day IL (knee), Tylor Megill: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jose Butto: 15-Day IL (illness), Dedniel Nunez: 15-Day IL (elbow), Paul Blackburn: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Griffin Canning: 60-Day IL (achilles), Jose Siri: 60-Day IL (shin), Max Kranick: 15-Day IL (elbow), Kodai Senga: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Brooks Raley: 60-Day IL (elbow), Danny Young: 60-Day IL (elbow), A.J. Minter: 60-Day IL (lat), Sean Manaea: 60-Day IL (oblique), Nick Madrigal: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Drew Smith: 60-Day IL (elbow), Christian Scott: 60-Day IL (elbow)

KANSAS CITY (AP) - New York Mets (53-41, second in the NL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (46-48, second in the AL Central)Kansas City, Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Mets: Kodai Senga (0-0); Royals: Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 79 strikeouts)BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE:&nbsp;Mets -141, Royals +118; over/under is 9 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Kansas City Royals host the New York Mets on Friday to begin a three-game series.Kansas City has a 46-48 record overall and a 23-24 record at home. The Royals have a 27-9 record in games when they did not allow a home run.New York has gone 20-27 on the road and 53-41 overall. The Mets are 25-13 in games when they did not allow a home run.The matchup Friday is the first meeting of the season between the two teams.TOP PERFORMERS: Bobby Witt Jr. has 31 doubles, three triples, 13 home runs and 52 RBIs for the Royals. Salvador Perez is 13 for 39 with four doubles, four home runs and 11 RBIs over the last 10 games.Juan Soto has 21 home runs, 75 walks and 53 RBIs while hitting .264 for the Mets. Brandon Nimmo is 12 for 40 with three doubles, three home runs and 10 RBIs over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: Royals: 7-3, .244 batting average, 3.41 ERA, outscored opponents by 11 runsMets: 5-5, .235 batting average, 5.63 ERA, outscored by 11 runsINJURIES: Royals: Cole Ragans: 60-Day IL (rotator cuff), Mark Canha: 10-Day IL (elbow), Daniel Lynch: 15-Day IL (elbow), Michael Massey: 10-Day IL (ankle), Hunter Harvey: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alec Marsh: 60-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 60-Day IL (elbow)Mets: Jesse Winker: day-to-day (back), Starling Marte: 10-Day IL (knee), Tylor Megill: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jose Butto: 15-Day IL (illness), Dedniel Nunez: 15-Day IL (elbow), Paul Blackburn: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Griffin Canning: 60-Day IL (achilles), Jose Siri: 60-Day IL (shin), Max Kranick: 15-Day IL (elbow), Kodai Senga: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Brooks Raley: 60-Day IL (elbow), Danny Young: 60-Day IL (elbow), A.J. Minter: 60-Day IL (lat), Sean Manaea: 60-Day IL (oblique), Nick Madrigal: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Drew Smith: 60-Day IL (elbow), Christian Scott: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Mets visit the Royals to start 3-game series

Thursday, July 10 - Bat Cats 1 Hutchinson 11 Friday, July 11 - @ Kansas Cannons&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12 - @&nbsp;Kansas Cannons 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 13 - Kansas Cannons 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 14 - @ Haysville&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 - Haysville&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17 - @ Kingman&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Friday, July 18 - Kingman&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 19 - Jayhawk League All-Star Game (Hutchinson TBA) 7/24-8/2 NBC World Series @ Eck Stadium, Wichita

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746568060527.jpeg" alt="2025 Regular Season" />
 <figcaption>2025 Regular Season</figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday, July 10 - Bat Cats 1 Hutchinson 11 Friday, July 11 - @ Kansas Cannons&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12 - @&nbsp;Kansas Cannons 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 13 - Kansas Cannons 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 14 - @ Haysville&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 - Haysville&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17 - @ Kingman&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Friday, July 18 - Kingman&nbsp;7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 19 - Jayhawk League All-Star Game (Hutchinson TBA) 7/24-8/2 NBC World Series @ Eck Stadium, Wichita

Great Bend Bat Cats scores and schedule

LONDON (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz takes on Taylor Fritz, and Jannik Sinner faces Novak Djokovic in the men’s semifinals at Wimbledon. Both matchups are scheduled to be played Friday at Centre Court, with No. 2 seed Alcaraz vs. No. 5 Fritz leading things off at about 1:30 p.m. local time, followed by No. 1 Sinner vs. No. 6 Djokovic. The two winners will meet Sunday to decide the champion. Alcaraz has won the last two trophies at the All England Club, beating Djokovic in the final each time. Djokovic is trying to tie Roger Federer's men's mark of eight Wimbledon trophies and become the first tennis player in history with 25 major singles titles.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Flagg finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0 for 5 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Though Flagg struggled at times to find his groove, there were flashes as to why he was chosen No. 1 overall last month, doing plenty of little things that helped the Mavericks seal the win, including a key block. Flagg swatted DJ Steward’s attempt with 1:10 left in the game, and Ryan Nembhard made a 3-pointer at the other end to give Dallas the 87-85 lead.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Brent Rooker and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have joined the lineup for Monday night's All-Star Home Run Derby in Atlanta. Rooker, representing the Athletics, says he won’t change his usual approach at the plate. This marks the first time an A’s player has participated since 2021. Rooker has hit 58 home runs since 2024, third among American League players. His former youth coach, Joe Caruso, will pitch to him during the event. Chisholm, a Yankees infielder, is making his Derby debut. Other participants include Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton, Junior Caminero, Oneil Cruz, Cal Raleigh and James Wood.

LONDON (AP) — Either Amanda Anisimova or Iga Swiatek will leave the All England Club’s grass courts as Wimbledon’s eighth consecutive first-time women’s champion. They will play in the final on Saturday. Swiatek has won five Grand Slam titles but never been to the final at Wimbledon before. Anisimova is making her debut in a major title match. Swiatek is a 24-year-old from Poland who spent most of the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons ranked No. 1. Anisimova is a 23-year-old from the United States who is climbing her way to the top of the game after leaving the tour in 2023 because of burnout.

NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Volpe scored the winning run with an acrobatic slide on Aaron Judge’s shallow sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and the New York Yankees rallied past Seattle 6-5 after Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo took a no-hitter into the eighth. Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled leading off the eighth for New York’s first hit. Woo quickly allowed another single and was lifted after Austin Wells’ sacrifice fly shaved Seattle’s lead to 5-1. Pinch-hitter Giancarlo Stanton made it 5-3 with a two-run homer off Matt Brash, and the Yankees were down to their final strike multiple times before tying it on Wells’ two-run single off All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz in the ninth.

NEW YORK (AP) — Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh thinks All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz was tipping pitches when he squandered a two-run lead in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees. Muñoz was handed his sixth blown save in 27 opportunities this season after starter Bryan Woo held the Yankees hitless into the eighth. With the Mariners holding a 5-3 lead, Muñoz entered in the ninth and loaded the bases on a pair of singles and a two-out walk. Standing at second base while Austin Wells batted, Cody Bellinger waved his arms when Muñoz threw his slider. Wells worked the count full and lined a fastball into right field for a two-run single that tied it. New York then scored in the 10th to win 6-5.

A new college sports agency has rejected certain NIL deals involving donor-backed collectives. These collectives, formed to funnel money to athletes or schools, fail to meet NCAA rules requiring deals to serve a valid business purpose. A letter sent to Division I athletic directors explained that deals solely raising funds for athletes, like selling merchandise or hosting events, do not qualify. Since July, schools can now pay players directly under the $2.8 billion House settlement. Meanwhile, collectives tied to schools like Georgia and Alabama are shutting down. Over 1,500 deals have been approved through NIL Go, a clearinghouse launched in June.

NORTH BERWICK, Scotland (AP) — Jake Knapp is loving his taste of links golf. Now he'd like to make sure he stays for more than one week. He opened with a 64 in the Scottish Open to share the lead with Sepp Straka, Nico Echavarria and Victor Perez. Scottie Scheffler was at 67 while Rory McIlroy finished with three straight birdies to salvage a 68. Knapp is not yet in the British Open at Royal Portrush next week. The leading three players from the Scottish Open not already in the field will earn exemptions. Knapp says he'd love nothing more than to delay his trip home.

GENEVA (AP) — Two-time Olympic champion runner Caster Semenya has won a partial victory at the European Court of Human Rights in her seven-year legal fight against track and field’s sex eligibility rules. The court’s 17-judge highest chamber says Semenya had her rights to a fair hearing violated at Switzerland’s Supreme Court where she had appealed against a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favor of track and field’s World Athletics. Her case should now go back to the Swiss federal court in Lausanne. Europe’s top human rights court in Strasbourg, France, dismissed other aspects of Semenya’s appeal.

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — English golfer Charley Hull withdrew from the first round of the Evian Championship on Thursday after collapsing to the ground twice because of a virus. Organizers say Hull felt unwell on the fourth tee and received medical attention after collapsing. She then got up and hit her tee shot before going to the ground again. Organizers said Hull underwent medical checks that showed she had a virus but was otherwise OK. Hull had started on the back nine and was 1-under par after 12 holes. She was taken off on a stretcher by a golf buggy at Evian Resort Golf Club, which is hosting the fourth women's major of the year. Finals

INTERLEAGUE Final Baltimore 3 N.Y. Mets 1 Final Chicago Cubs 8 Minnesota 1 Final Baltimore 7 N.Y. Mets 3 Final Athletics 5 Atlanta 4

AMERICAN LEAGUE Cleveland at Chi White Sox 3:10 p.m. (Postponed) Final Boston 4 Tampa Bay 3 Final N.Y. Yankees 6 Seattle 5 Final Texas 11 L.A. Angels 4

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Cincinnati 6 Miami 0 Final St. Louis 8 Washington 1 Final San Diego 4 Arizona 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz takes on Taylor Fritz, and Jannik Sinner faces Novak Djokovic in the men’s semifinals at Wimbledon. Both matchups are scheduled to be played Friday at Centre Court, with No. 2 seed Alcaraz vs. No. 5 Fritz leading things off at about 1:30 p.m. local time, followed by No. 1 Sinner vs. No. 6 Djokovic. The two winners will meet Sunday to decide the champion. Alcaraz has won the last two trophies at the All England Club, beating Djokovic in the final each time. Djokovic is trying to tie Roger Federer's men's mark of eight Wimbledon trophies and become the first tennis player in history with 25 major singles titles.LAS VEGAS (AP) — Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Flagg finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0 for 5 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Though Flagg struggled at times to find his groove, there were flashes as to why he was chosen No. 1 overall last month, doing plenty of little things that helped the Mavericks seal the win, including a key block. Flagg swatted DJ Steward’s attempt with 1:10 left in the game, and Ryan Nembhard made a 3-pointer at the other end to give Dallas the 87-85 lead.WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Brent Rooker and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have joined the lineup for Monday night's All-Star Home Run Derby in Atlanta. Rooker, representing the Athletics, says he won’t change his usual approach at the plate. This marks the first time an A’s player has participated since 2021. Rooker has hit 58 home runs since 2024, third among American League players. His former youth coach, Joe Caruso, will pitch to him during the event. Chisholm, a Yankees infielder, is making his Derby debut. Other participants include Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton, Junior Caminero, Oneil Cruz, Cal Raleigh and James Wood.LONDON (AP) — Either Amanda Anisimova or Iga Swiatek will leave the All England Club’s grass courts as Wimbledon’s eighth consecutive first-time women’s champion. They will play in the final on Saturday. Swiatek has won five Grand Slam titles but never been to the final at Wimbledon before. Anisimova is making her debut in a major title match. Swiatek is a 24-year-old from Poland who spent most of the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons ranked No. 1. Anisimova is a 23-year-old from the United States who is climbing her way to the top of the game after leaving the tour in 2023 because of burnout.NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Volpe scored the winning run with an acrobatic slide on Aaron Judge’s shallow sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and the New York Yankees rallied past Seattle 6-5 after Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo took a no-hitter into the eighth. Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled leading off the eighth for New York’s first hit. Woo quickly allowed another single and was lifted after Austin Wells’ sacrifice fly shaved Seattle’s lead to 5-1. Pinch-hitter Giancarlo Stanton made it 5-3 with a two-run homer off Matt Brash, and the Yankees were down to their final strike multiple times before tying it on Wells’ two-run single off All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz in the ninth.NEW YORK (AP) — Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh thinks All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz was tipping pitches when he squandered a two-run lead in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees. Muñoz was handed his sixth blown save in 27 opportunities this season after starter Bryan Woo held the Yankees hitless into the eighth. With the Mariners holding a 5-3 lead, Muñoz entered in the ninth and loaded the bases on a pair of singles and a two-out walk. Standing at second base while Austin Wells batted, Cody Bellinger waved his arms when Muñoz threw his slider. Wells worked the count full and lined a fastball into right field for a two-run single that tied it. New York then scored in the 10th to win 6-5.A new college sports agency has rejected certain NIL deals involving donor-backed collectives. These collectives, formed to funnel money to athletes or schools, fail to meet NCAA rules requiring deals to serve a valid business purpose. A letter sent to Division I athletic directors explained that deals solely raising funds for athletes, like selling merchandise or hosting events, do not qualify. Since July, schools can now pay players directly under the $2.8 billion House settlement. Meanwhile, collectives tied to schools like Georgia and Alabama are shutting down. Over 1,500 deals have been approved through NIL Go, a clearinghouse launched in June.NORTH BERWICK, Scotland (AP) — Jake Knapp is loving his taste of links golf. Now he'd like to make sure he stays for more than one week. He opened with a 64 in the Scottish Open to share the lead with Sepp Straka, Nico Echavarria and Victor Perez. Scottie Scheffler was at 67 while Rory McIlroy finished with three straight birdies to salvage a 68. Knapp is not yet in the British Open at Royal Portrush next week. The leading three players from the Scottish Open not already in the field will earn exemptions. Knapp says he'd love nothing more than to delay his trip home.GENEVA (AP) — Two-time Olympic champion runner Caster Semenya has won a partial victory at the European Court of Human Rights in her seven-year legal fight against track and field’s sex eligibility rules. The court’s 17-judge highest chamber says Semenya had her rights to a fair hearing violated at Switzerland’s Supreme Court where she had appealed against a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favor of track and field’s World Athletics. Her case should now go back to the Swiss federal court in Lausanne. Europe’s top human rights court in Strasbourg, France, dismissed other aspects of Semenya’s appeal.EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — English golfer Charley Hull withdrew from the first round of the Evian Championship on Thursday after collapsing to the ground twice because of a virus. Organizers say Hull felt unwell on the fourth tee and received medical attention after collapsing. She then got up and hit her tee shot before going to the ground again. Organizers said Hull underwent medical checks that showed she had a virus but was otherwise OK. Hull had started on the back nine and was 1-under par after 12 holes. She was taken off on a stretcher by a golf buggy at Evian Resort Golf Club, which is hosting the fourth women's major of the year. FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Baltimore 3 N.Y. Mets 1 Final Chicago Cubs 8 Minnesota 1 Final Baltimore 7 N.Y. Mets 3 Final Athletics 5 Atlanta 4AMERICAN LEAGUE Cleveland at Chi White Sox 3:10 p.m. (Postponed) Final Boston 4 Tampa Bay 3 Final N.Y. Yankees 6 Seattle 5 Final Texas 11 L.A. Angels 4NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Cincinnati 6 Miami 0 Final St. Louis 8 Washington 1 Final San Diego 4 Arizona 3

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

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

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

But the most impressive homer of the game belonged to Caglianone —&nbsp;a 466-foot, two-run drive&nbsp;to center in the fourth against Bailey Falter. It was the longest homer by a Royals rookie since Statcast started tracking in 2015 and the fourth-longest by any Kansas City player at Kauffman Stadium.

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

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

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

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

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

Perez sent the first pitch of the eighth&nbsp;to the walkway just short of the fountains in right-center.

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752150058555.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nick Loftin (12) celebrates with Salvador Perez (13) after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nick Loftin (12) celebrates with Salvador Perez (13) after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice, Jac Caglianone hit the longest measured homer by a Royals rookie, and Kansas City beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.Perez broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning with his longball off Isaac Mattson (2-1). He opened the scoring with a 444-foot shot to center in the second.But the most impressive homer of the game belonged to Caglianone —&nbsp;a 466-foot, two-run drive&nbsp;to center in the fourth against Bailey Falter. It was the longest homer by a Royals rookie since Statcast started tracking in 2015 and the fourth-longest by any Kansas City player at Kauffman Stadium.The Royals have won six of seven overall. They did not have a multi-homer game this season before doing it Monday night against Pittsburgh, and now they've done it three games in a row. Kansas City hit nine homers in the series.Pittsburgh fell to 0-6 on its nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star break after getting shut out in three straight games at Seattle.Perez had his second multi-homer game of the season and 19th of his career, extending his franchise record.Lucas Erceg (4-2) worked a scoreless eighth and Carlos Estevez pitched the ninth for his 25th save.Ke'Bryan Hayes had a two-run single in the Pirates' three-run sixth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Perez sent the first pitch of the eighth&nbsp;to the walkway just short of the fountains in right-center.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City swept a series at home for the first time since a four-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox in early May.<h2>Up next</h2>Pirates: Begin a three-game series at Minnesota on Friday.Royals: Host the New York Mets for three games starting Friday.

Perez and Caglianone power Royals to 4-3 win over Pirates for 3-game sweep

PHOENIX (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the contract say the Phoenix Suns have signed star guard Devin Booker to a two-year, $145 max contract extension. The 28-year-old Booker has been one of the NBA’s best shooting guards, earning four All-Star appearances in 10 NBA seasons. The two-time all-NBA player has averaged 24.4 points since Phoenix took him out of Kentucky with the 13th overall pick of the 2015 draft. Booker averaged 25.6 points, 7.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 46% from the floor during a disappointing 2024-25 season for the Suns. Phoenix has revamped its front office and roster since a disappointing 2024-25 season, including a seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston.

The Detroit Tigers now have five All-Stars, tying them with the Dodgers for the most in the majors. Zach McKinstry was added Wednesday, replacing injured Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. McKinstry joins teammates Gleyber Torres, Javier Báez, Riley Greene, and pitcher Tarik Skubal. Meanwhile, Houston third baseman Isaac Paredes was chosen for the AL team in place of the Guardians' José Ramírez, who wants to spend the week recovering from an Achilles injury. Twins right-hander Joe Ryan was picked to replace Astros pitcher Hunter Brown and Brewers closer Trevor Megill to replace teammate Freddy Peralta.

LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic is more than a decade older than any other man in the Wimbledon semifinals. He says it motivates him to see if he can keep going toe-to-toe against the younger players at the top of tennis these days. The 38-year-old Djokovic is trying to win his eighth Wimbledon title to tie one record and his 25th Grand Slam trophy overall to break another. He will face No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Friday for a berth in the final. The other semifinal at the All England Club is No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz against No. 5 Taylor Fritz. Two-time defending champion Alcaraz is 22, Sinner is 23 and Fritz is 27.

NEW YORK (AP) — One game into his major league career, Cam Schlittler is the hardest-throwing member of the New York Yankees’ rotation. Schlittler used his 100 mph fastball to shut down Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners during an eye-opening debut Wednesday night, pitching the Yankees to a 9-6 victory before a throng of friends and family members in the crowd. One of the team’s top-rated prospects, the 6-foot-6 Schlittler struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings to earn the win. He threw New York’s seven fastest pitches this season and his average fastball velocity of 97.9 mph was the highest for a Yankees pitcher this year. But it was his poise and improved secondary pitches that really impressed manager Aaron Boone.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain routed Real Madrid 4-0 in a Club World Cup semifinal, moving closer to a historic quadruple. Having won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Champions League, PSG plays Chelsea on Sunday in the Club World Cup final. PSG’s blue, red and white jerseys don’t have glamorous names pressed across the back, and they may not be as ubiquitous as the the red shirts of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester City’s light blue or Chelsea’s royal blue. But the team is filling up the trophy display at its cramped, outdated stadium, Parc des Princes.

LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic has reached the Wimbledon semifinals for a men’s-record 14th time as he pursues his unprecedented 25th title from all Grand Slam tournaments. Djokovic beat Flavio Cobolli 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 on Wednesday to set up a showdown against No. 1 Jannik Sinner for a berth in the final. Sinner eliminated Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4 and didn’t play like someone dealing with an injured right elbow. He used terrific serving and his usual booming forehand to win against Shelton for the sixth consecutive time. Sinner hurt his elbow in a fall during his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov on Monday night.

Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero announced he will compete in the Home Run Derby on Monday in Atlanta. Hours later, he learned he will start at third base for the American League in the All-Star Game on Tuesday. All that came after Caminero belted his 22nd homer in a 7-3 win over Detroit. The 22-year-old leads AL third basemen in home runs during his breakout season and is batting .254 with 58 RBIs. Caminero joins five others in the Derby lineup, with two spots still open. Rays manager Kevin Cash calls it a "coming-out party" for Caminero, showcasing his talent to fans nationwide.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Bryce Harper broke out of a slump with a career-best four extra-base hits — and then issued a reminder about his place in the game. After the Philadelphia Phillies beat the San Francisco Giants 13-0, Harper said, “I'm really good. I mean, I really am.” Harper hasn’t been himself much of the season. The two-time NL MVP and eight-time All-Star missed most of June with inflammation in his right wrist. He had gone 1 for 14 in four games before Wednesday, when he hit a homer and three doubles, all to the opposite field.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer history with four consecutive multi-goal games, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami past the New England Revolution 2-1. Miami has won four straight and is unbeaten in its last five. Defender Tanner Beason misplayed a header and Messi capitalized, scoring on a half-volley to open the scoring in the 27th minute. Messi made it 2-0 in the 38th. Messi has at least one goal in five straight games. He has 14 goals and seven assists in 15 regular-season matches. Nashville's Sam Surridge with 16 is the only player with more MLS goals than Messi.

Finals INTERLEAGUE N-Y Mets at Baltimore 5:05 p.m.(Postponed) Final Boston 10 Colorado 2 Final Minnesota 4 Chicago Cubs 2 Final Kansas City 4 Pittsburgh 3 Final Atlanta 9 Athletics 2

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Chicago White Sox 2 Toronto 1 Final Tampa Bay 7 Detroit 3 Final N.Y. Yankees 9 Seattle 6 Final Cleveland 4 Houston 2 Final L.A. Angels 11 Texas 8

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Milwaukee 3 L.A. Dodgers 2 Final Philadelphia 13 San Francisco 0 Final Cincinnati 7 Miami 2 Final Washington 8 St. Louis 2 Final Arizona 8 San Diego 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the contract say the Phoenix Suns have signed star guard Devin Booker to a two-year, $145 max contract extension. The 28-year-old Booker has been one of the NBA’s best shooting guards, earning four All-Star appearances in 10 NBA seasons. The two-time all-NBA player has averaged 24.4 points since Phoenix took him out of Kentucky with the 13th overall pick of the 2015 draft. Booker averaged 25.6 points, 7.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 46% from the floor during a disappointing 2024-25 season for the Suns. Phoenix has revamped its front office and roster since a disappointing 2024-25 season, including a seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston.The Detroit Tigers now have five All-Stars, tying them with the Dodgers for the most in the majors. Zach McKinstry was added Wednesday, replacing injured Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. McKinstry joins teammates Gleyber Torres, Javier Báez, Riley Greene, and pitcher Tarik Skubal. Meanwhile, Houston third baseman Isaac Paredes was chosen for the AL team in place of the Guardians' José Ramírez, who wants to spend the week recovering from an Achilles injury. Twins right-hander Joe Ryan was picked to replace Astros pitcher Hunter Brown and Brewers closer Trevor Megill to replace teammate Freddy Peralta.LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic is more than a decade older than any other man in the Wimbledon semifinals. He says it motivates him to see if he can keep going toe-to-toe against the younger players at the top of tennis these days. The 38-year-old Djokovic is trying to win his eighth Wimbledon title to tie one record and his 25th Grand Slam trophy overall to break another. He will face No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Friday for a berth in the final. The other semifinal at the All England Club is No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz against No. 5 Taylor Fritz. Two-time defending champion Alcaraz is 22, Sinner is 23 and Fritz is 27.GENEVA (AP) — Two-time Olympic champion runner Caster Semenya has won a partial victory at the European Court of Human Rights in her seven-year legal fight against track and field’s sex eligibility rules. The court’s 17-judge highest chamber says Semenya had her rights to a fair hearing violated at Switzerland’s Supreme Court where she had appealed against a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favor of track and field’s World Athletics. Her case should now go back to the Swiss federal court in Lausanne. Europe’s top human rights court in Strasbourg, France, dismissed other aspects of Semenya’s appeal.NEW YORK (AP) — One game into his major league career, Cam Schlittler is the hardest-throwing member of the New York Yankees’ rotation. Schlittler used his 100 mph fastball to shut down Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners during an eye-opening debut Wednesday night, pitching the Yankees to a 9-6 victory before a throng of friends and family members in the crowd. One of the team’s top-rated prospects, the 6-foot-6 Schlittler struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings to earn the win. He threw New York’s seven fastest pitches this season and his average fastball velocity of 97.9 mph was the highest for a Yankees pitcher this year. But it was his poise and improved secondary pitches that really impressed manager Aaron Boone.EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain routed Real Madrid 4-0 in a Club World Cup semifinal, moving closer to a historic quadruple. Having won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Champions League, PSG plays Chelsea on Sunday in the Club World Cup final. PSG’s blue, red and white jerseys don’t have glamorous names pressed across the back, and they may not be as ubiquitous as the the red shirts of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester City’s light blue or Chelsea’s royal blue. But the team is filling up the trophy display at its cramped, outdated stadium, Parc des Princes.LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic has reached the Wimbledon semifinals for a men’s-record 14th time as he pursues his unprecedented 25th title from all Grand Slam tournaments. Djokovic beat Flavio Cobolli 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 on Wednesday to set up a showdown against No. 1 Jannik Sinner for a berth in the final. Sinner eliminated Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4 and didn’t play like someone dealing with an injured right elbow. He used terrific serving and his usual booming forehand to win against Shelton for the sixth consecutive time. Sinner hurt his elbow in a fall during his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov on Monday night.Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero announced he will compete in the Home Run Derby on Monday in Atlanta. Hours later, he learned he will start at third base for the American League in the All-Star Game on Tuesday. All that came after Caminero belted his 22nd homer in a 7-3 win over Detroit. The 22-year-old leads AL third basemen in home runs during his breakout season and is batting .254 with 58 RBIs. Caminero joins five others in the Derby lineup, with two spots still open. Rays manager Kevin Cash calls it a "coming-out party" for Caminero, showcasing his talent to fans nationwide.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Bryce Harper broke out of a slump with a career-best four extra-base hits — and then issued a reminder about his place in the game. After the Philadelphia Phillies beat the San Francisco Giants 13-0, Harper said, “I'm really good. I mean, I really am.” Harper hasn’t been himself much of the season. The two-time NL MVP and eight-time All-Star missed most of June with inflammation in his right wrist. He had gone 1 for 14 in four games before Wednesday, when he hit a homer and three doubles, all to the opposite field.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer history with four consecutive multi-goal games, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami past the New England Revolution 2-1. Miami has won four straight and is unbeaten in its last five. Defender Tanner Beason misplayed a header and Messi capitalized, scoring on a half-volley to open the scoring in the 27th minute. Messi made it 2-0 in the 38th. Messi has at least one goal in five straight games. He has 14 goals and seven assists in 15 regular-season matches. Nashville's Sam Surridge with 16 is the only player with more MLS goals than Messi.Finals INTERLEAGUE N-Y Mets at Baltimore 5:05 p.m.(Postponed) Final Boston 10 Colorado 2 Final Minnesota 4 Chicago Cubs 2 Final Kansas City 4 Pittsburgh 3 Final Atlanta 9 Athletics 2AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Chicago White Sox 2 Toronto 1 Final Tampa Bay 7 Detroit 3 Final N.Y. Yankees 9 Seattle 6 Final Cleveland 4 Houston 2 Final L.A. Angels 11 Texas 8NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Milwaukee 3 L.A. Dodgers 2 Final Philadelphia 13 San Francisco 0 Final Cincinnati 7 Miami 2 Final Washington 8 St. Louis 2 Final Arizona 8 San Diego 2

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Jackson Roberts Sports Illustrated The Kansas City Royals' primary issue is offense, but that's not stopping them from trying to upgrade the pitching staff.

With All-Star lefty Cole Ragans on the 60-day injured list, the Royals are one more starting pitching injury away from having to dip into the minor leagues to fill out a rotation.

On Wednesday, the Royals signed 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league contract,&nbsp;per a report&nbsp;from ESPN's Jeff Passan.

"Keuchel, 37, held a workout last week and was up to 92 mph. He’ll start at AAA and if he gets to the big leagues would make $2 million prorated," Passan wrote.

That $2 million salary is already more than half-gone, as the Royals have played 93 games, Realistically, Keuchel could wind up making around $750 thousand at most.

Keuchel's career to this point has been a story of highs and lows. In addition to the Cy Young Award, he was a two-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Houston Astros. He also won five Gold Gloves, the most recent of which came in 2021 with the Chicago White Sox.

However, Keuchel also owns a career ERA of 4.04, due in large part to the 6.24 mark he's put up in 60 appearances since the start of 2021. He's pitched for five teams in that time frame, and accrued -2.6 bWAR.

Keuchel last pitched in the majors in 2024 for the Milwaukee Brewers. He had a 5.40 ERA and 5.63 FIP in 16 2/3 innings.

Whether Keuchel will make it to the active roster for the Royals remains a mystery, but this is clearly a team unafraid to take gambles on veteran pitching. They signed 45-year-old Rich Hill, who owns a 6.17 ERA in Triple-A Omaha, back in May.

Perhaps Keuchel will have better luck working his way through the minors in the Kansas City organization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752072321868.jpeg" alt="Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images" />
 <figcaption>Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackson Roberts Sports Illustrated The Kansas City Royals' primary issue is offense, but that's not stopping them from trying to upgrade the pitching staff.With All-Star lefty Cole Ragans on the 60-day injured list, the Royals are one more starting pitching injury away from having to dip into the minor leagues to fill out a rotation.On Wednesday, the Royals signed 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league contract,&nbsp;per a report&nbsp;from ESPN's Jeff Passan."Keuchel, 37, held a workout last week and was up to 92 mph. He’ll start at AAA and if he gets to the big leagues would make $2 million prorated," Passan wrote.That $2 million salary is already more than half-gone, as the Royals have played 93 games, Realistically, Keuchel could wind up making around $750 thousand at most.Keuchel's career to this point has been a story of highs and lows. In addition to the Cy Young Award, he was a two-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Houston Astros. He also won five Gold Gloves, the most recent of which came in 2021 with the Chicago White Sox.However, Keuchel also owns a career ERA of 4.04, due in large part to the 6.24 mark he's put up in 60 appearances since the start of 2021. He's pitched for five teams in that time frame, and accrued -2.6 bWAR.Keuchel last pitched in the majors in 2024 for the Milwaukee Brewers. He had a 5.40 ERA and 5.63 FIP in 16 2/3 innings.Whether Keuchel will make it to the active roster for the Royals remains a mystery, but this is clearly a team unafraid to take gambles on veteran pitching. They signed 45-year-old Rich Hill, who owns a 6.17 ERA in Triple-A Omaha, back in May.Perhaps Keuchel will have better luck working his way through the minors in the Kansas City organization.

Royals Acquire 37-Year-Old Cy Young Winner In Out-Of-Nowhere Minor League Signing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rookie Jac Caglianone homered for the Royals,&nbsp;a 421-foot drive&nbsp;leading off the second inning that was his first extra-base hit in 14 games at Kauffman Stadium. He had been 5 for 46 at home before Tuesday.

Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz tied it in the fourth with&nbsp;a 458-foot shot&nbsp;over the fountains in right field on the day he was announced as a participant&nbsp;in next-week's Home Run Derby.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752066306444.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Loftin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning, then won it in the ninth with a one-out RBI single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Tuesday night.Rookie Jac Caglianone homered for the Royals,&nbsp;a 421-foot drive&nbsp;leading off the second inning that was his first extra-base hit in 14 games at Kauffman Stadium. He had been 5 for 46 at home before Tuesday.Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz tied it in the fourth with&nbsp;a 458-foot shot&nbsp;over the fountains in right field on the day he was announced as a participant&nbsp;in next-week's Home Run Derby.Nick Gonzales put the Pirates ahead with a homer in the top of the seventh before Loftin's drive made it 3-2.Bryan Reynolds tied it with an RBI grounder in the eighth.Maikel Garcia singled leading off the ninth against Dennis Santana (2-2) and Salvador Perez followed with a base hit. With one out, Isaac Mattson came in and gave up Loftin's game-ending hit on a 1-0 fastball.The Pirates fell to 0-5 to start their nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star Break. Kansas City has won five of six.Carlos Estevez (3-2) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City.The Pirates' Mitch Keller and the Royals' Seth Lugo, both rumored to be trade candidates before the July 31 deadline, were nearly identical through six innings. Each allowed one run on three hits with five strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Pirates loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against Lucas Erceg, who gave up Reynolds' tying fielder's-choice grounder and then retired Gonzales on another groundball.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals had their second straight multi-homer game after not having done that all season.<h2>Up next</h2>The teams complete their three-game series Wednesday night with Pittsburgh's Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.69 ERA) facing Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.36).

Nick Loftin hits 2-run homer in 7th, walk-off single in 9th as Royals beat Pirates 4-3

MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) — Longtime Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been fired after a 20-year stint that included eight Formula 1 drivers’ titles. Red Bull did not give a reason for the decision in a statement Wednesday, but thanked Horner for his work and said he will “forever remain an important part of our team history.” Laurent Mekies of sister team Racing Bulls will replace Horner. Horner had been Red Bull team principal since it entered F1 as a full constructor in 2005.

NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark has picked Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston No. 1 while Napheesa Collier took her Unrivaled business partner Breanna Stewart first in the WNBA All-Star Game draft. Clark had the first overall pick by being No. 1 in the fan vote. She had said there was “a high chance” that Boston and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever would be on her team. Collier and Stewart started the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled this past winter. They were college teammates at UConn. Clark's other starters were Sabrina Ionescu, A'ja Wilson and Satou Sabally. Collier took Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike and Paige Bueckers.

DENVER (AP) — Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to delay a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer. That's according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Jokic nor the Nuggets have addressed the matter publicly. It doesn’t affect Jokic’s status in Denver in the short term. He has at least two years remaining on his deal. By waiting until next summer to sign, Jokic would be eligible to add four years to his existing deal at even more money than this summer’s extension would have guaranteed.

BALTIMORE (AP) — The New York Mets consider Juan Soto to be a bona fide All-Star, regardless of the snub he received from those who selected the NL squad for the Midsummer Classic on July 15. Soto, in his first year with the Mets, has performed well enough to earn the respect of his manager and teammates. In their opinion, he’s deserving of a place in the All-Star Game. Manager Carlos Mendoza says, "He’s an All-Star for us.” Soto drove in the winning run with a sharp single on the first pitch of the 10th inning. That capped a night in which he went 3 for 5 to raise his batting average to .269 with 21 homers and 52 RBIs.

LONDON (AP) — Players walking to play at Wimbledon’s second-biggest stadium, known as No. 1 Court, are passing through a hallway renovated this year to display memorabilia and photos from the arena’s history. All England Club collections manager Malin Ludin says the goal was to create a more inspiring place for players and create a sense of occasion. She also said one of the goals was to look good on television. There are match-worn outfits from Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray and Tim Henman. Not all of the athletes heading to compete at No. 1 Court notice, but some do.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has been added to Monday's Home Run Derby in Atlanta. He joins Cal Raleigh, Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton and James Wood. Cruz is known for his powerful homers, and he hit his 16th of the season Tuesday night at Kansas City. On May 25, he hit a homer with a record-breaking 122.9 mph exit velocity. That was the fastest since Statcast started tracking in 2015. The 26-year-old Cruz hit a career-best 21 homers last season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — João Pedro scored twice in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fluminense, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea last week, refused to celebrate out of respect for Fluminense, the club that developed him. He scored in the 18th and 56th minutes with precise right-footed strikes. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his ability to break down defensive teams. Chelsea plays Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Patrick Bailey’s entrance into the Major League Baseball record books began with a tight swing that sent a fastball from Phillies reliever Jordan Romano into Triples Alley. It ended with Bailey chugging his way around third base then getting mobbed at home plate by his teammates after becoming the third catcher in major league history to hit a game-ending, inside-the-park home run. It was also the first time in nearly nine years that a player has hit a walk-off, inside-the-park home run in the majors. Cleveland’s Tyler Naquin was the last to do so on Aug. 19, 2016.

NEW YORK (AP) — Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson injured her right wrist on a drive to the basket against the New York Liberty and left the game midway through the second quarter. Aces coach Becky Hammon says Wilson will have an MRI Wednesday morning. The three-time MVP had a quiet first half Tuesday night before getting hurt with 4:13 left in the period. Wilson drove down the lane and landed awkwardly. She was on the floor for a few minutes as her Aces teammates rushed over to her side. Wilson got up and walked to the Las Vegas bench to an ovation from the Barclays Center crowd.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Shohei Ohtani greeted Jacob Misiorowski with a leadoff homer, but the Milwaukee Brewers’ rookie phenom got the last word. After allowing Ohtani’s 431-foot blast, Misiorowski responded with another dominant outing. He struck out a career-high 12 batters to lead the Brewers to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. Misiorowski fanned Ohtani in the third inning. The 6-foot-7 right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA in five major league starts. He's already beaten Paul Skenes and now he's outdueled Clayton Kershaw.

INTERLEAGUE Final Boston 10 Colorado 2 Final N.Y. Mets 7 Baltimore 6 Final Kansas City 4 Pittsburgh 3 Final Minnesota 8 Chicago Cubs 1 Final Athletics 10 Atlanta 1

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Detroit 4 Tampa Bay 2 Final Toronto 6 Chicago White Sox 1 Final N.Y. Yankees 10 Seattle 3 Final Cleveland 10 Houston 6 Final Texas 13 L.A. Angels 1

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Milwaukee 3 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final Miami 12 Cincinnati 2 Final St. Louis 4 Washington 2 Final San Diego 1 Arizona 0 Final San Francisco 4 Philadelphia 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) — Longtime Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been fired after a 20-year stint that included eight Formula 1 drivers’ titles. Red Bull did not give a reason for the decision in a statement Wednesday, but thanked Horner for his work and said he will “forever remain an important part of our team history.” Laurent Mekies of sister team Racing Bulls will replace Horner. Horner had been Red Bull team principal since it entered F1 as a full constructor in 2005.NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark has picked Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston No. 1 while Napheesa Collier took her Unrivaled business partner Breanna Stewart first in the WNBA All-Star Game draft. Clark had the first overall pick by being No. 1 in the fan vote. She had said there was “a high chance” that Boston and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever would be on her team. Collier and Stewart started the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled this past winter. They were college teammates at UConn. Clark's other starters were Sabrina Ionescu, A'ja Wilson and Satou Sabally. Collier took Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike and Paige Bueckers.DENVER (AP) — Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to delay a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer. That's according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Jokic nor the Nuggets have addressed the matter publicly. It doesn’t affect Jokic’s status in Denver in the short term. He has at least two years remaining on his deal. By waiting until next summer to sign, Jokic would be eligible to add four years to his existing deal at even more money than this summer’s extension would have guaranteed.BALTIMORE (AP) — The New York Mets consider Juan Soto to be a bona fide All-Star, regardless of the snub he received from those who selected the NL squad for the Midsummer Classic on July 15. Soto, in his first year with the Mets, has performed well enough to earn the respect of his manager and teammates. In their opinion, he’s deserving of a place in the All-Star Game. Manager Carlos Mendoza says, "He’s an All-Star for us.” Soto drove in the winning run with a sharp single on the first pitch of the 10th inning. That capped a night in which he went 3 for 5 to raise his batting average to .269 with 21 homers and 52 RBIs.LONDON (AP) — Players walking to play at Wimbledon’s second-biggest stadium, known as No. 1 Court, are passing through a hallway renovated this year to display memorabilia and photos from the arena’s history. All England Club collections manager Malin Ludin says the goal was to create a more inspiring place for players and create a sense of occasion. She also said one of the goals was to look good on television. There are match-worn outfits from Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray and Tim Henman. Not all of the athletes heading to compete at No. 1 Court notice, but some do.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has been added to Monday's Home Run Derby in Atlanta. He joins Cal Raleigh, Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton and James Wood. Cruz is known for his powerful homers, and he hit his 16th of the season Tuesday night at Kansas City. On May 25, he hit a homer with a record-breaking 122.9 mph exit velocity. That was the fastest since Statcast started tracking in 2015. The 26-year-old Cruz hit a career-best 21 homers last season.EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — João Pedro scored twice in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fluminense, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea last week, refused to celebrate out of respect for Fluminense, the club that developed him. He scored in the 18th and 56th minutes with precise right-footed strikes. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his ability to break down defensive teams. Chelsea plays Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Patrick Bailey’s entrance into the Major League Baseball record books began with a tight swing that sent a fastball from Phillies reliever Jordan Romano into Triples Alley. It ended with Bailey chugging his way around third base then getting mobbed at home plate by his teammates after becoming the third catcher in major league history to hit a game-ending, inside-the-park home run. It was also the first time in nearly nine years that a player has hit a walk-off, inside-the-park home run in the majors. Cleveland’s Tyler Naquin was the last to do so on Aug. 19, 2016.NEW YORK (AP) — Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson injured her right wrist on a drive to the basket against the New York Liberty and left the game midway through the second quarter. Aces coach Becky Hammon says Wilson will have an MRI Wednesday morning. The three-time MVP had a quiet first half Tuesday night before getting hurt with 4:13 left in the period. Wilson drove down the lane and landed awkwardly. She was on the floor for a few minutes as her Aces teammates rushed over to her side. Wilson got up and walked to the Las Vegas bench to an ovation from the Barclays Center crowd.MILWAUKEE (AP) — Shohei Ohtani greeted Jacob Misiorowski with a leadoff homer, but the Milwaukee Brewers’ rookie phenom got the last word. After allowing Ohtani’s 431-foot blast, Misiorowski responded with another dominant outing. He struck out a career-high 12 batters to lead the Brewers to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. Misiorowski fanned Ohtani in the third inning. The 6-foot-7 right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA in five major league starts. He's already beaten Paul Skenes and now he's outdueled Clayton Kershaw.FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Boston 10 Colorado 2 Final N.Y. Mets 7 Baltimore 6 Final Kansas City 4 Pittsburgh 3 Final Minnesota 8 Chicago Cubs 1 Final Athletics 10 Atlanta 1AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Detroit 4 Tampa Bay 2 Final Toronto 6 Chicago White Sox 1 Final N.Y. Yankees 10 Seattle 3 Final Cleveland 10 Houston 6 Final Texas 13 L.A. Angels 1NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Milwaukee 3 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final Miami 12 Cincinnati 2 Final St. Louis 4 Washington 2 Final San Diego 1 Arizona 0 Final San Francisco 4 Philadelphia 3

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez were named the preseason Big 12 Conference players of the year on Monday.

The Big 12 announced the awards, which are determined by a vote of media members who cover the league, the day before the&nbsp;Big 12 Football Media Days&nbsp;started in Frisco, Texas.

There was no preseason poll since the Big 12 discontinued that this year, joining the Big Ten as power conferences without one. The Big 12’s move comes a year after then-newcomer Arizona State was picked to finish last in the 16-team league before going on to&nbsp;win the conference&nbsp;championship game.

Leavitt completed 216 of 350 passes (61.7%) for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions as a redshirt freshman last season when the Sun Devils made the 12-team College Football Playoff in their Big 12 debut. The former Michigan State transfer also ran for 443 yards and five TDs.

Rodriguez was the Big 12's leading tackler with 126 total tackles, and his 77 solo stops were also the most in the league. He had 7 1/2 tackles for loss, and all five of his sacks came in Big 12 play.

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier, a transfer from New Mexico, was selected as the Big 12's top newcomer. He was the Mountain West Conference leader last season with 3,934 total yards last season, 2,768 passing and 1,166 rushing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751981041029.jpeg" alt="Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrates with teammates after the team's win in the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game against Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)" />
 <figcaption>Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrates with teammates after the team's win in the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game against Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>IRVING, Texas (AP) — Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez were named the preseason Big 12 Conference players of the year on Monday.The Big 12 announced the awards, which are determined by a vote of media members who cover the league, the day before the&nbsp;Big 12 Football Media Days&nbsp;started in Frisco, Texas.There was no preseason poll since the Big 12 discontinued that this year, joining the Big Ten as power conferences without one. The Big 12’s move comes a year after then-newcomer Arizona State was picked to finish last in the 16-team league before going on to&nbsp;win the conference&nbsp;championship game.Leavitt completed 216 of 350 passes (61.7%) for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions as a redshirt freshman last season when the Sun Devils made the 12-team College Football Playoff in their Big 12 debut. The former Michigan State transfer also ran for 443 yards and five TDs.Rodriguez was the Big 12's leading tackler with 126 total tackles, and his 77 solo stops were also the most in the league. He had 7 1/2 tackles for loss, and all five of his sacks came in Big 12 play.Utah quarterback Devon Dampier, a transfer from New Mexico, was selected as the Big 12's top newcomer. He was the Mountain West Conference leader last season with 3,934 total yards last season, 2,768 passing and 1,166 rushing.

Arizona State QB Leavitt and Texas Tech LB Rodriguez are preseason Big 12 players of year

KStateSports.com MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State junior linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;and senior tight end&nbsp;Will Swanson&nbsp;earned nods on the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Monday.

Both players are coming off All-Big 12 seasons as Romaine earned second-team honors and Swanson was an honorable mention pick.

A product of Hillsboro, Missouri, Romaine played in every game a year ago with 12 starts, leading the team with 96 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He tied for fifth in the Big 12 in forced fumbles and finished ninth in tackles as he also earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades from the Associated Press.

Romaine tallied the most tackles in a season by a Wildcat since Jayd Kirby had 99 in 2017 thanks to at least five stops in 11 games, including a career-high 12 tackles at West Virginia, Houston and Iowa State. His first in the line of 12-tackle performances against the Mountaineers were the most by a Wildcat in a single game since Daniel Green had 13 at Baylor in 2020.Swanson, who was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team as a fullback/H-Back, made four starts among his 13 games played last season, hauling in nine receptions for 66 yards and three touchdowns. He tied for sixth among Big 12 tight ends in receiving touchdowns, helping the K-State tight end unit to a nation-best 13 touchdowns. A native of Papillion, Nebraska, Swanson was also a vital part of a K-State ground attack that ranked second nationally and first in the Big 12 in rushing yards per carry (6.08) in addition to ranking 11th&nbsp;in the country and second in the conference in rushing yards per game (215.5).

K-State takes part in 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days, powered by Microsoft Copilot, on Tuesday at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Representing the Wildcats along with head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;are&nbsp;Avery Johnson,&nbsp;Taylor Poitier,&nbsp;Cody Stufflebean,&nbsp;VJ Payne&nbsp;and Romaine. Fans can watch Big 12 Media Days on both ESPNU and ESPN+, while coverage throughout the day will be available on K-State's social media channels.

KStateSports.com MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State junior linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;and senior tight end&nbsp;Will Swanson&nbsp;earned nods on the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Monday.Both players are coming off All-Big 12 seasons as Romaine earned second-team honors and Swanson was an honorable mention pick.A product of Hillsboro, Missouri, Romaine played in every game a year ago with 12 starts, leading the team with 96 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He tied for fifth in the Big 12 in forced fumbles and finished ninth in tackles as he also earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades from the Associated Press.Romaine tallied the most tackles in a season by a Wildcat since Jayd Kirby had 99 in 2017 thanks to at least five stops in 11 games, including a career-high 12 tackles at West Virginia, Houston and Iowa State. His first in the line of 12-tackle performances against the Mountaineers were the most by a Wildcat in a single game since Daniel Green had 13 at Baylor in 2020.Swanson, who was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team as a fullback/H-Back, made four starts among his 13 games played last season, hauling in nine receptions for 66 yards and three touchdowns. He tied for sixth among Big 12 tight ends in receiving touchdowns, helping the K-State tight end unit to a nation-best 13 touchdowns. A native of Papillion, Nebraska, Swanson was also a vital part of a K-State ground attack that ranked second nationally and first in the Big 12 in rushing yards per carry (6.08) in addition to ranking 11th&nbsp;in the country and second in the conference in rushing yards per game (215.5).K-State takes part in 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days, powered by Microsoft Copilot, on Tuesday at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Representing the Wildcats along with head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;are&nbsp;Avery Johnson,&nbsp;Taylor Poitier,&nbsp;Cody Stufflebean,&nbsp;VJ Payne&nbsp;and Romaine. Fans can watch Big 12 Media Days on both ESPNU and ESPN+, while coverage throughout the day will be available on K-State's social media channels.

Romaine, Swanson Named to Preseason All-Big 12 Team

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

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

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

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

Perez hit his 11th&nbsp;homer, a solo shot to left in the fifth for a five-run advantage. He hit his 24th double off the top of the wall in left to drive in a run for a 3-2 lead in the third.

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

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

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

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

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

Pirates RHP Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.64) starts Tuesday opposite Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.65).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751979529750.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates on second after hitting a one-run double during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates on second after hitting a one-run double during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City's four home runs to back a strong start by rookie Noah Cameron, and the Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 on Monday night.Cameron (3-4) struck out seven in a season-high seven innings. The left-hander allowed three hits, a walk, and two runs — on Tommy Pham's two-run shot in the third.Witt went 2 for 3 and scored twice to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.&nbsp;Witt hit his 13th homer, a two-run shot the opposite way to right-center field off reliever Chase Shugart to give the Royals a 6-2 lead in the fourth. He added a sacrifice fly in the sixth.Witt finished off a seven-game trip Sunday by extending his club-record hitting streak on the road to 25 games.Perez hit his 11th&nbsp;homer, a solo shot to left in the fifth for a five-run advantage. He hit his 24th double off the top of the wall in left to drive in a run for a 3-2 lead in the third.Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-out pitch from Andrew Heaney in the first for his 15th homer and a 1-0 lead. Nick Loftin hit his second, a one-out solo shot off Génesis Cabrera in the eighth. Heaney (4-8) threw 76 pitches and allowed four runs in three innings.Pham's homer was his third. It snapped Pittsburgh's 30-inning scoreless streak and gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead.Steven Cruz pitched a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Bowlan allowed Alexander Canario's RBI single in the ninth to finish for Kansas City.Key momentCameron didn't surrender a hit after Bryan Reynolds' leadoff single in the third.Key statThe Royals hit more home runs in their first home game of July than they did in the month of June.Up nextPirates RHP Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.64) starts Tuesday opposite Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.65).

Witt Jr. and Perez homer to back Cameron's strong start as Royals beat Pirates 9-3

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks have hired Mike Brown, turning to the two-time NBA Coach of the Year after firing Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks offered the job to Brown last week and announced Monday that he would be taking over the team that reached the Eastern Conference finals last season for the first time in 25 years. They decided to fire Thibodeau despite that and eventually picked Brown, who wasn’t out of work long after getting fired by the Sacramento Kings during last season. Brown had led the Kings to the postseason in 2023 and was voted the Coach of the Year.

Paolo Banchero has agreed to the richest contract in Orlando Magic history. According to a person with knowledge of the agreement, his five-year extension is worth $239 million and could reach about $287 million should he become eligible for a supermax deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms were not revealed by Banchero or the Magic. Banchero was the rookie of the year in 2022-23 and an All-Star the following season. He has led the Magic to two straight playoff appearances.

Minnesota Twins outfielder and Georgia native Byron Buxton has been announced as the fourth participant in the Home Run Derby. It will take place next Monday, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Buxton joins Nationals outfielder James Wood, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh in the competition. Buxton has 20 homers this season. He's from Baxley, Georgia, and was the second overall pick by the Twins in the 2012 draft. New York Mets slugger and two-time winner Pete Alonso joined Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber in electing to skip the event.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers won’t be rushing guard Tyrese Haliburton back to the court next season as he recovers from a torn right Achilles tendon. Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said Monday in a news conference that Haliburton "will not play next year." Haliburton suffered his Achilles injury early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He had surgery June 23 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. It was a historic postseason for Haliburton, who turned in an array of buzzer-beating winners, incredible plays and some unprecedented stat lines. The Oklahoma City Thunder were crowned champions after beating the Pacers 103-91.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres got his 2,000th career hit Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a sharp single off the glove of diving shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. The milestone hit came against starter Zac Gallen leading off the fourth inning. Machado received a standing ovation from the crowd at Petco Park, where he’s been a fan favorite since joining the Padres as a free agent in 2019. The All-Star third baseman singled to left field in the first for his 1,999th hit and homered in the eighth, but San Diego lost 6-3.

LONDON (AP) — Jannik Sinner has advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals despite hurting his right elbow on a fall and dropping the first two sets. That's because Sinner's opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, had to quit with an injured pectoral muscle. Sinner hadn’t dropped a set in the tournament until falling behind No. 19 seed Dimitrov 6-3, 7-5 Monday night. But at 2-all in the third set, Dimitrov stopped playing. It’s the third time Dimitrov failed to complete a Grand Slam match this season. He also did it at the Australian Open in January and the French Open in May.

LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic has overcame an uncharacteristically unsteady start to avoid what would have been his earliest exit at Wimbledon since 2016. Djokovic took the last five games and 14 of the final 15 points to come through for a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 11th-seeded Alex de Minaur in the fourth round Monday. Djokovic's bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam trophy will continue against No. 22 Flavio Cobolli. No. 1 Jannik Sinner, No. 10 Ben Shelton, 18-year-old Mirra Andreev, Iga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic also won their fourth-round matches on Monday, when Roger Federer sat in the Royal Box at Centre Court.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton has had an All-Star season for the Minnesota Twins highlighted by his consistent presence in the lineup. He has started 73 games in his healthiest season in years. Buxton’s all-around performance includes 20 home runs, 15 steals and his usual Gold Glove-caliber defense. He is also savoring his selection to the All-Star Game that will be held next week in his home state of Georgia. Buxton's only setback this season was a concussion that cost him 11 games in May. He's on pace to play in the second-most games of his injury-altered career.

SAGAMIHARA, Japan (AP) — One is known as “The Monster,” the other “Big Bang.” The bout between champion boxers Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani is already being billed as Japan’s “fight of the century.” And the date hasn’t even been set. Sports pundits are hailing what’s happening these days as the golden age of Japanese boxing. For a period last year, all four division bantamweight champions were Japanese. The Ring magazine’s latest Top Ten pound-for-pound ranking has three Japanese fighters, including Inoue and Nakatani. Finals

INTERLEAGUE Final Kansas City 9 Pittsburgh 3 Final Boston 9 Colorado 3

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Detroit 5 Tampa Bay 1 Final Toronto 8 Chicago White Sox 4 Final Cleveland 7 Houston 5 Final L.A. Angels 6 Texas 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Miami 5 Cincinnati 1 Final Milwaukee 9 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final San Francisco 3 Philadelphia 1 Final Arizona 6 San Diego 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks have hired Mike Brown, turning to the two-time NBA Coach of the Year after firing Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks offered the job to Brown last week and announced Monday that he would be taking over the team that reached the Eastern Conference finals last season for the first time in 25 years. They decided to fire Thibodeau despite that and eventually picked Brown, who wasn’t out of work long after getting fired by the Sacramento Kings during last season. Brown had led the Kings to the postseason in 2023 and was voted the Coach of the Year.Paolo Banchero has agreed to the richest contract in Orlando Magic history. According to a person with knowledge of the agreement, his five-year extension is worth $239 million and could reach about $287 million should he become eligible for a supermax deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms were not revealed by Banchero or the Magic. Banchero was the rookie of the year in 2022-23 and an All-Star the following season. He has led the Magic to two straight playoff appearances.Minnesota Twins outfielder and Georgia native Byron Buxton has been announced as the fourth participant in the Home Run Derby. It will take place next Monday, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Buxton joins Nationals outfielder James Wood, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh in the competition. Buxton has 20 homers this season. He's from Baxley, Georgia, and was the second overall pick by the Twins in the 2012 draft. New York Mets slugger and two-time winner Pete Alonso joined Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber in electing to skip the event.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers won’t be rushing guard Tyrese Haliburton back to the court next season as he recovers from a torn right Achilles tendon. Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said Monday in a news conference that Haliburton "will not play next year." Haliburton suffered his Achilles injury early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He had surgery June 23 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. It was a historic postseason for Haliburton, who turned in an array of buzzer-beating winners, incredible plays and some unprecedented stat lines. The Oklahoma City Thunder were crowned champions after beating the Pacers 103-91.SAN DIEGO (AP) — Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres got his 2,000th career hit Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a sharp single off the glove of diving shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. The milestone hit came against starter Zac Gallen leading off the fourth inning. Machado received a standing ovation from the crowd at Petco Park, where he’s been a fan favorite since joining the Padres as a free agent in 2019. The All-Star third baseman singled to left field in the first for his 1,999th hit and homered in the eighth, but San Diego lost 6-3.LONDON (AP) — Jannik Sinner has advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals despite hurting his right elbow on a fall and dropping the first two sets. That's because Sinner's opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, had to quit with an injured pectoral muscle. Sinner hadn’t dropped a set in the tournament until falling behind No. 19 seed Dimitrov 6-3, 7-5 Monday night. But at 2-all in the third set, Dimitrov stopped playing. It’s the third time Dimitrov failed to complete a Grand Slam match this season. He also did it at the Australian Open in January and the French Open in May.LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic has overcame an uncharacteristically unsteady start to avoid what would have been his earliest exit at Wimbledon since 2016. Djokovic took the last five games and 14 of the final 15 points to come through for a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 11th-seeded Alex de Minaur in the fourth round Monday. Djokovic's bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam trophy will continue against No. 22 Flavio Cobolli. No. 1 Jannik Sinner, No. 10 Ben Shelton, 18-year-old Mirra Andreev, Iga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic also won their fourth-round matches on Monday, when Roger Federer sat in the Royal Box at Centre Court.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton has had an All-Star season for the Minnesota Twins highlighted by his consistent presence in the lineup. He has started 73 games in his healthiest season in years. Buxton’s all-around performance includes 20 home runs, 15 steals and his usual Gold Glove-caliber defense. He is also savoring his selection to the All-Star Game that will be held next week in his home state of Georgia. Buxton's only setback this season was a concussion that cost him 11 games in May. He's on pace to play in the second-most games of his injury-altered career.SAGAMIHARA, Japan (AP) — One is known as “The Monster,” the other “Big Bang.” The bout between champion boxers Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani is already being billed as Japan’s “fight of the century.” And the date hasn’t even been set. Sports pundits are hailing what’s happening these days as the golden age of Japanese boxing. For a period last year, all four division bantamweight champions were Japanese. The Ring magazine’s latest Top Ten pound-for-pound ranking has three Japanese fighters, including Inoue and Nakatani. Finals

INTERLEAGUE Final Kansas City 9 Pittsburgh 3 Final Boston 9 Colorado 3AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Detroit 5 Tampa Bay 1 Final Toronto 8 Chicago White Sox 4 Final Cleveland 7 Houston 5 Final L.A. Angels 6 Texas 5NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Miami 5 Cincinnati 1 Final Milwaukee 9 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final San Francisco 3 Philadelphia 1 Final Arizona 6 San Diego 3

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

PHOENIX (AP) — Michael Lorenzen struck out seven in seven dominant innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 on Sunday.

Lorenzen (5-8) kept the Diamondbacks off-balance all afternoon with a mix of mid-90s fastballs and changeups. He struck out the side in the first inning and didn’t allow a hit until Randal Grichuk’s two-out double in the fifth.

Lorenzen allowed two hits and walked one.

Witt hit a solo homer off Anthony DeSclafani (0-1) in the fifth inning to extend his team-record road hitting streak to 26 games. Salvador Perez also hit a solo homer in the Royals' fourth win in six games.

Arizona had three hits and didn't get a runner past second base to lose for the fourth time in five games.

Witt's homer with one out in the fifth — hit 12th of the season — was the first hit off DeSclafani. Perez followed with his 10th later in the inning.

John Rave chased DeSclafani with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning and Kyle Isbel followed with another to put Kansas City up 4-0.

DeSclafani allowed four runs on four hits and struck out six in four innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751884081285.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Michael Lorenzen struck out seven in seven dominant innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 on Sunday.Lorenzen (5-8) kept the Diamondbacks off-balance all afternoon with a mix of mid-90s fastballs and changeups. He struck out the side in the first inning and didn’t allow a hit until Randal Grichuk’s two-out double in the fifth.Lorenzen allowed two hits and walked one.Witt hit a solo homer off Anthony DeSclafani (0-1) in the fifth inning to extend his team-record road hitting streak to 26 games. Salvador Perez also hit a solo homer in the Royals' fourth win in six games.Arizona had three hits and didn't get a runner past second base to lose for the fourth time in five games.Witt's homer with one out in the fifth — hit 12th of the season — was the first hit off DeSclafani. Perez followed with his 10th later in the inning.John Rave chased DeSclafani with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning and Kyle Isbel followed with another to put Kansas City up 4-0.DeSclafani allowed four runs on four hits and struck out six in four innings.Key momentWitt's homer in the fifth was the first hit by either team.Key statWitt's road hitting streak ties for the second-longest in the last 10 years, behind the 32-game streak by the Dodgers' Trea Turner from 2021-22. Marcus Semien also had a hit in 26 straight road games for Toronto in 2021.Up nextKansas City LHP Andrew Heaney (4-7, 4.16 ERA) pitches the opener of a three-game home series against Pittsburgh on Monday night. Arizona RHP Zac Gallen 6-9, 5.45) opens a four-game series at San Diego on Monday night.