PARIS (AP) — Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles and Sunisa Lee spent the night before perhaps the biggest gymnastics meet of their lives restless.

There was a tension in the air. They'd all been in the Olympic spotlight before, experiences that left them with medals but also the kind of scars — be they physical, psychological or both — that heal but never really go away.

And here they were in Paris, the leaders of a star-laden U.S. team everyone expected to finish atop the medal stand, and something wasn't right.

In a different time, in a different era, it might have festered. Might have followed them onto the floor at Bercy Arena and into the history books, too.

This is not a different time. This is not a different era. This is now.

So the oldest team the U.S. has ever sent to the Olympics, including a trio that has spent their respective careers breaking barriers about what a female gymnast can and can't do, what they can and can't be, did something they never used to do.

They talked, with Biles — three years removed from a Tokyo Games that dragged the conversation around mental health and sports kicking and screaming into the light — right in the middle of it.

“I think there was a little bit of struggle,” she said. “So it was really needed.”

By the time they walked onto the floor for the Olympic final, the tension was gone, largely replaced with joy.

The self-described “Redemption Tour," the moniker given to a team filled with women who wanted to return to the Games for deeply personal reasons, ended with Biles and the Americans where they have almost always been since she burst onto the scene 11 years ago: on top of the podium, the rest of the world looking up.

Eight years after winning gold in Rio with a team that called Aly Raisman grandma because she was all of 22, Biles — now 27 and married — was back again with Jade Carey (24), Chiles (23), Lee (21) and teenager Hezly Rivera at her side.

“We don’t have to be put in the box anymore,” Biles said about a group that has dubbed itself “The Golden Girls.”

With Biles at her show-stopping best, the Americans' total of 171.296 was well clear of Italy and Brazil and the exclamation point of a yearlong run in which Biles has cemented her legacy as the greatest ever in her sport, and among the best in the history of the Olympics.

“She's the greatest of all greats,” said Chiles, who now has gold to go with the team silver she, Lee and Biles earned in Tokyo, when Biles removed herself from the team final to protect herself.

Chiles, who seemed like a longshot to make it this spring after injuries piled up, was pretty good in her own right. She began the night by drilling her double-twisting Yurchenko vault, sending the Americans on a four-apparatus stop on their “Tour” that felt equal parts coronation and celebration.

By the time Biles, the left calf that bothered her during qualifying heavily taped, stepped onto the floor for the final event — a floor exercise set to music by Taylor Swift and Beyonce — it was over.

She joked she knew she simply needed to stay on her feet to win. She did more than that, providing an exclamation point on the U.S.'s third gold in its last four trips to the Games.

The Americans remain peerless (if not flawless, this is gymnastics after all) when at their best.

And over two hours in front of a crowd that included everyone from tennis great Serena Williams to actor Natalie Portman, Biles left little doubt about anything.

Her status as the sport's greatest of all time. Her ability to move past the “twisties” that derailed her in Japan. Her spot in the pantheon of the U.S. Olympic movement.

She now has a staggering 38 medals in major international competitions. Eight of those have come under the Olympic rings, moving her past Shannon Miller for the most by an American gymnast.

Yet her return wasn't so much about winning. That's never really been the point anyway, just a byproduct of her unparalleled excellence. It was about a joy she had lost somewhere along the way.

It seems to have returned. She leaned into the crowd that roared at every flip, every leap and, yes, every twist. With her husband — on break from NFL training camp — waving an American flag while sitting next to her parents, Biles did what she has done so well for so long save for a couple of difficult days in Japan during a pandemic: she dominated.

Biles met with her therapist in the morning to put her in the right mindset. There was brief — very brief — moment of trepidation as she raced down the vault runway, the event that began to spin out of control in Tokyo.

Only this time, she essentially stuck her Cheng vault, the one that sends her spinning through the air in a fraction of a second.

“I was like ‘Yes, please no flashbacks or anything,'” Biles said. “But I did feel a lot of relief. And as soon as I landed I was like ’Oh yeah, we’re going to do this.'"

The only real drama centered on who would finish next to the Americans on the medal stand.

Italy, which was a surprising second to the U.S. during qualifying, returned to the podium for the first time since 1928 by holding off Brazil for silver.

Yet there was no question about the top spot. There rarely ever is when Biles is involved.

The road back to this moment has been difficult at times. Uncertain. They felt the weight of everything on Monday night. Rather than let it weigh them down, they shed it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722419329208.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Members of Team USA celebrate after winning the gold medal in the women's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Members of Team USA celebrate after winning the gold medal in the women's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)</figcaption>
 </figure>PARIS (AP) — Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles and Sunisa Lee spent the night before perhaps the biggest gymnastics meet of their lives restless.There was a tension in the air. They'd all been in the Olympic spotlight before, experiences that left them with medals but also the kind of scars — be they physical, psychological or both — that heal but never really go away.And here they were in Paris, the leaders of a star-laden U.S. team everyone expected to finish atop the medal stand, and something wasn't right.In a different time, in a different era, it might have festered. Might have followed them onto the floor at Bercy Arena and into the history books, too.This is not a different time. This is not a different era. This is now.So the oldest team the U.S. has ever sent to the Olympics, including a trio that has spent their respective careers breaking barriers about what a female gymnast can and can't do, what they can and can't be, did something they never used to do.They talked, with Biles — three years removed from a Tokyo Games that dragged the conversation around mental health and sports kicking and screaming into the light — right in the middle of it.“I think there was a little bit of struggle,” she said. “So it was really needed.”By the time they walked onto the floor for the Olympic final, the tension was gone, largely replaced with joy.And not soon after, gold.The self-described “Redemption Tour," the moniker given to a team filled with women who wanted to return to the Games for deeply personal reasons, ended with Biles and the Americans where they have almost always been since she burst onto the scene 11 years ago: on top of the podium, the rest of the world looking up.Eight years after winning gold in Rio with a team that called Aly Raisman grandma because she was all of 22, Biles — now 27 and married — was back again with Jade Carey (24), Chiles (23), Lee (21) and teenager Hezly Rivera at her side.“We don’t have to be put in the box anymore,” Biles said about a group that has dubbed itself “The Golden Girls.”No, they don't.With Biles at her show-stopping best, the Americans' total of 171.296 was well clear of Italy and Brazil and the exclamation point of a yearlong run in which Biles has cemented her legacy as the greatest ever in her sport, and among the best in the history of the Olympics.“She's the greatest of all greats,” said Chiles, who now has gold to go with the team silver she, Lee and Biles earned in Tokyo, when Biles removed herself from the team final to protect herself.Chiles, who seemed like a longshot to make it this spring after injuries piled up, was pretty good in her own right. She began the night by drilling her double-twisting Yurchenko vault, sending the Americans on a four-apparatus stop on their “Tour” that felt equal parts coronation and celebration.By the time Biles, the left calf that bothered her during qualifying heavily taped, stepped onto the floor for the final event — a floor exercise set to music by Taylor Swift and Beyonce — it was over.She joked she knew she simply needed to stay on her feet to win. She did more than that, providing an exclamation point on the U.S.'s third gold in its last four trips to the Games.The Americans remain peerless (if not flawless, this is gymnastics after all) when at their best.And over two hours in front of a crowd that included everyone from tennis great Serena Williams to actor Natalie Portman, Biles left little doubt about anything.Her status as the sport's greatest of all time. Her ability to move past the “twisties” that derailed her in Japan. Her spot in the pantheon of the U.S. Olympic movement.She now has a staggering 38 medals in major international competitions. Eight of those have come under the Olympic rings, moving her past Shannon Miller for the most by an American gymnast.Yet her return wasn't so much about winning. That's never really been the point anyway, just a byproduct of her unparalleled excellence. It was about a joy she had lost somewhere along the way.It seems to have returned. She leaned into the crowd that roared at every flip, every leap and, yes, every twist. With her husband — on break from NFL training camp — waving an American flag while sitting next to her parents, Biles did what she has done so well for so long save for a couple of difficult days in Japan during a pandemic: she dominated.Biles met with her therapist in the morning to put her in the right mindset. There was brief — very brief — moment of trepidation as she raced down the vault runway, the event that began to spin out of control in Tokyo.Only this time, she essentially stuck her Cheng vault, the one that sends her spinning through the air in a fraction of a second.Afterward, she exhaled.“I was like ‘Yes, please no flashbacks or anything,'” Biles said. “But I did feel a lot of relief. And as soon as I landed I was like ’Oh yeah, we’re going to do this.'"Yes they were. Just like always.The only real drama centered on who would finish next to the Americans on the medal stand.Italy, which was a surprising second to the U.S. during qualifying, returned to the podium for the first time since 1928 by holding off Brazil for silver.Yet there was no question about the top spot. There rarely ever is when Biles is involved.The road back to this moment has been difficult at times. Uncertain. They felt the weight of everything on Monday night. Rather than let it weigh them down, they shed it.

Simone Biles and Team USA earn 'redemption'

CHICAGO (AP) — The staggering Chicago White Sox lost their 16th straight game, extending a franchise record, as Michael Massey homered and Michael Wacha pitched seven strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory Tuesday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. ran his hitting streak to 12 games and had the first RBI in an eighth-inning rally that gave the Royals the lead for good.

“We’ve had big at-bats all year,” Massey said. “We know we’re capable.”

Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn homered for the second consecutive night and rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched seven terrific innings, allowing only Massey’s solo shot while walking three and striking out two. He gave way to rookie Fraser Ellard (0-1), who walked two in his major league debut to set the stage for Kansas City's comeback.

Down 2-1, the Royals got a bloop single from Witt to tie it before Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single off Justin Anderson.

Vaughn had an RBI groundout in the bottom half, but Sam Long worked a clean ninth for his fourth career save and first this season.

Wacha (8-6) scattered five hits over seven innings, walking two and striking out five. He’s won five of his last six starts, and Kansas City has won 11 of 17.

“He was really good,” Pasquantino said. “It’s awesome to play behind him because you always feel like you’re in it.”

Chicago dropped to a major league-worst 27-83 and is threatening to break the record for most losses in a 162-game season, set by the expansion New York Mets when they finished with 120 in 1962.

“It’s not for the lack of effort. We’re busting our (tails) trying to get that win,” shortstop Nicky Lopez said. “It just always seems like there’s that one inning or one situation where we have to come through and we haven’t done that.”

It was a busy trade-deadline day for both teams. Kansas City acquired right-hander Lucas Erceg from Oakland for outfielder Jared Dickey and pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein. The move came after the Royals swapped minor league pitcher Jarold Rosado for White Sox infielder Paul DeJong.

Chicago designated hitter Eloy Jiménez went to Baltimore for left-hander Trey McGough and cash, and lefty Tanner Banks was traded to Philadelphia for minor league infielder William Bergolla.

A move many thought the White Sox might make never materialized. All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet, the subject of much speculation in the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s deadline, is staying put. His demand for a new contract and a starting role from any potential new team reportedly affected the team’s ability to trade him. Chicago outfielder Luis Robert Jr. also remained with the club despite persistent trade talk.

Royals: RHP Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. INF Nick Lofton was optioned to Omaha and RHP John McMillon was designated for assignment.

White Sox: INF Lenyn Sosa was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, LHP Fraser Ellard was promoted from Charlotte and former Los Angeles Dodgers INF Miguel Vargas was signed before the first pitch.

Kansas City’s Brady Singer (7-6, 2.82 ERA) faces fellow right-hander Drew Thorpe (3-2, 4.81) in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722418921746.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;The Kansas City Royals from left, Salvador Perez, Sam Long (73), Vinnie Pasquantino (9) and Bobby Witt Jr. celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox after a baseball game Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The Kansas City Royals from left, Salvador Perez, Sam Long (73), Vinnie Pasquantino (9) and Bobby Witt Jr. celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox after a baseball game Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — The staggering Chicago White Sox lost their 16th straight game, extending a franchise record, as Michael Massey homered and Michael Wacha pitched seven strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory Tuesday night.Bobby Witt Jr. ran his hitting streak to 12 games and had the first RBI in an eighth-inning rally that gave the Royals the lead for good.“We’ve had big at-bats all year,” Massey said. “We know we’re capable.”Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn homered for the second consecutive night and rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched seven terrific innings, allowing only Massey’s solo shot while walking three and striking out two. He gave way to rookie Fraser Ellard (0-1), who walked two in his major league debut to set the stage for Kansas City's comeback.Down 2-1, the Royals got a bloop single from Witt to tie it before Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single off Justin Anderson.Vaughn had an RBI groundout in the bottom half, but Sam Long worked a clean ninth for his fourth career save and first this season.Wacha (8-6) scattered five hits over seven innings, walking two and striking out five. He’s won five of his last six starts, and Kansas City has won 11 of 17.“He was really good,” Pasquantino said. “It’s awesome to play behind him because you always feel like you’re in it.”Chicago dropped to a major league-worst 27-83 and is threatening to break the record for most losses in a 162-game season, set by the expansion New York Mets when they finished with 120 in 1962.“It’s not for the lack of effort. We’re busting our (tails) trying to get that win,” shortstop Nicky Lopez said. “It just always seems like there’s that one inning or one situation where we have to come through and we haven’t done that.”It was a busy trade-deadline day for both teams. Kansas City acquired right-hander Lucas Erceg from Oakland for outfielder Jared Dickey and pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein. The move came after the Royals swapped minor league pitcher Jarold Rosado for White Sox infielder Paul DeJong.Chicago designated hitter Eloy Jiménez went to Baltimore for left-hander Trey McGough and cash, and lefty Tanner Banks was traded to Philadelphia for minor league infielder William Bergolla.A move many thought the White Sox might make never materialized. All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet, the subject of much speculation in the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s deadline, is staying put. His demand for a new contract and a starting role from any potential new team reportedly affected the team’s ability to trade him. Chicago outfielder Luis Robert Jr. also remained with the club despite persistent trade talk.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: RHP Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. INF Nick Lofton was optioned to Omaha and RHP John McMillon was designated for assignment.White Sox: INF Lenyn Sosa was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, LHP Fraser Ellard was promoted from Charlotte and former Los Angeles Dodgers INF Miguel Vargas was signed before the first pitch.UP NEXTKansas City’s Brady Singer (7-6, 2.82 ERA) faces fellow right-hander Drew Thorpe (3-2, 4.81) in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.

Royals rally in 8th inning to hand White Sox their 16th straight defeat, 4-3

CHICAGO (AP) — Paul DeJong had a quick commute after getting traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Kansas City Royals: He threw his gear into a duffel bag and walked from the clubhouse on the third base side of U.S. Cellular Field to the locker room on the first base side.

“It’s a lot better than worrying about getting to the airport and all that stuff,” DeJong said with a smile after Kansas City's 4-3 win Tuesday night. “It was pretty easy.”

DeJong was acquired for minor league right-hander Jarold Rosado in a trade announced 3 hours, 15 minutes before the game. White Sox clubhouse staff helped him pack his gear, and a Royals duffel bag awaited him in the other locker room.

DeJong, who turns 31 on Friday, did not play Tuesday night. He hit .228 with 18 homers and 41 RBIs for the White Sox, making 83 starts at shortstop and 10 at third base.

“I’m just happy to be on a great team. I’ve watched this team for a while now playing against them and it seems like just a great group of guys, a lot of young, hungry talent and a chance to win,” DeJong said. “I could have gone across the country but instead I go across the field, so it’s a day I’ll always remember.”

Kansas City has star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and starts Maikel Garcia in most games at third, likely making DeJong a bench option for manager Matt Quatraro.

“My role is going to be fluid. I think I’ll bounce around and I'll just try to take advantage of whatever opportunities I get,” DeJong said. “I’m going to take reps all around the infield, and whatever Q needs, whatever this team needs, I’m willing to do.”

DeJong agreed to a $1.75 million, one-year contract with Chicago and can earn $150,000 for 400 plate appearances — he has 363 — and $100,00 more for 500. He is a .229 career hitter with 134 homers and 385 RBIs for St. Louis (2017-23), Toronto (2023), San Francisco (2023) and the White Sox. He can become a free agent again after the World Series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722418805139.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong talks to reporters shortly after being traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Royals before a baseball game between the two clubs Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong talks to reporters shortly after being traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Royals before a baseball game between the two clubs Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Paul DeJong had a quick commute after getting traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Kansas City Royals: He threw his gear into a duffel bag and walked from the clubhouse on the third base side of U.S. Cellular Field to the locker room on the first base side.“It’s a lot better than worrying about getting to the airport and all that stuff,” DeJong said with a smile after Kansas City's 4-3 win Tuesday night. “It was pretty easy.”DeJong was acquired for minor league right-hander Jarold Rosado in a trade announced 3 hours, 15 minutes before the game. White Sox clubhouse staff helped him pack his gear, and a Royals duffel bag awaited him in the other locker room.DeJong, who turns 31 on Friday, did not play Tuesday night. He hit .228 with 18 homers and 41 RBIs for the White Sox, making 83 starts at shortstop and 10 at third base.“I’m just happy to be on a great team. I’ve watched this team for a while now playing against them and it seems like just a great group of guys, a lot of young, hungry talent and a chance to win,” DeJong said. “I could have gone across the country but instead I go across the field, so it’s a day I’ll always remember.”Kansas City has star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and starts Maikel Garcia in most games at third, likely making DeJong a bench option for manager Matt Quatraro.“My role is going to be fluid. I think I’ll bounce around and I'll just try to take advantage of whatever opportunities I get,” DeJong said. “I’m going to take reps all around the infield, and whatever Q needs, whatever this team needs, I’m willing to do.”DeJong agreed to a $1.75 million, one-year contract with Chicago and can earn $150,000 for 400 plate appearances — he has 363 — and $100,00 more for 500. He is a .229 career hitter with 134 homers and 385 RBIs for St. Louis (2017-23), Toronto (2023), San Francisco (2023) and the White Sox. He can become a free agent again after the World Series.

DeJong makes quick trip after trade to Royals, from White Sox clubhouse to visitors' side

CHICAGO (AP) — The staggering Chicago White Sox lost their 16th straight game, extending a franchise record, as Michael Massey homered and Michael Wacha pitched seven strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory. Bobby Witt Jr. ran his hitting streak to 12 games and had the first RBI in an eighth-inning rally that gave the Royals the lead for good. Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn homered for the second consecutive night and rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched seven terrific innings, allowing only Massey’s solo shot. He gave way to rookie Fraser Ellard, who walked two in his major league debut to set the stage for Kansas City’s comeback. Sam Long worked a clean ninth for his fourth career save and first this season.

CHICAGO (AP) — Paul DeJong had a quick commute after getting traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Kansas City Royals: He threw his gear into a duffel bag and walked from the clubhouse on the third base side of U.S. Cellular Field to the locker room on the first base side. DeJong was acquired for minor league right-hander Jarold Rosado in a trade announced 3 hours, 15 minutes before the game. White Sox clubhouse staff helped him pack his gear, and a Royals duffel bag awaited him in the other locker room.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tommy Pham hit a pinch-hit grand slam in his first game back with the Cardinals and St. Louis beat the Texas Rangers 8-1 on Tuesday night. Pham’s blast off reliver Cody Bradford capped a five-run fifth. It was his first at-bat since being dealt to the Cardinals from the White Sox as part of a three-team trade on Monday. Cardinals starter Lance Lynn gave up one run on three hits in five innings. Rangers starter Max Scherzer lasted just four innings, allowing three runs on four hits. The Rangers lost for the fourth time in their last five games.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jazz Chisholm had five RBIs in his second straight two-homer game, Gleyber Torres hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the 12th inning and the New York Yankees outlasted the Philadelphia Phillies 7-6 for their first four-game winning streak since early June. Chisholm had an RBI grounder in the first, a solo homer in the sixth off Aaron Nola and a three-run homer in the seventh against Matt Strahm that put the Yankees ahead 5-4. Chisholm has homered twice in two of three games with the Yankees after having three multihomer performances in 405 games with Miami, which traded him last weekend.

PHOENIX (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, San Diego added All-Star closer Tanner Scott, and Arizona, Baltimore and Pittsburgh made significant deals for the stretch run ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Many top stars mentioned as trade targets stayed with their teams, including Toronto slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., San Francisco left-hander Blake Snell and Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. San Diego got Scott from Miami, Cleveland got right-hander Alex Cobb from San Francisco and Minnesota obtained reliever Trevor Richards from payroll-cutting Toronto, which also sent outfielder Kevin Kiermaier to the Dodgers and utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa to Pittsburgh.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels are shutting down the rehab for star Mike Trout after a recent setback in his recovery from meniscus surgery and placed Anthony Rendon on the injured list. Trout had surgery on May 3 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Angels general manager Perry Minasian did not reveal any details about Trout’s setback and did not specify how much more time the 11-time All-Star will miss. Rendon was placed back on the IL with lower back inflammation. The veteran third baseman had been on the IL for most of the season with a hamstring injury and played in 14 games upon his return.

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays have the government backing the team needs to build a long-sought-after ballpark. The Pinellas County Commissioners approved on Tuesday the west-central Florida county's share of the funding for the 30,000-seat stadium. The deal will guarantee the team stays put for at least 30 years. The county voted 5-2 to approve spending about $312.5 million for its share of the ballpark costs from revenue generated by a bed tax. The St. Petersburg City Council approved spending $417.5 million for the stadium earlier this month. The $1.3 billion ballpark is part of a broader $6.5 billion redevelopment project that supporters say would transform an 86-acre tract in the city’s downtown.

WACO, Texas (AP) — Baylor has extended the contract of women’s basketball coach Nicki Collen through the 2029-30 season after a 74-28 record and NCAA Tournament appearances in each of her first three seasons. The Big 12 school announced the extension on Tuesday. The Bears were 28-7 and made it to the NCAA Sweet 16 last season, when they were 13th in the final AP Top 25 poll. Collen was coach of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream before being hired by Baylor in May 2021. That was after Kim Mulkey, who won three national titles in her 21 seasons with the Bears, returned to her home state as LSU's coach.

PARIS (AP) — “The Redemption Tour” ended in a familiar spot for Simone Biles: atop the Olympic podium. The American gymnastics star and her singular brilliance powered a dominant U.S. women’s team in the finals inside a raucous Bercy Arena. With Biles at her show-stopping best, the Americans’ total of 171.296 was well clear of Italy and Brazil and the exclamation point of a yearlong run in which Biles has cemented her legacy as the greatest ever in her sport and among the best in the history of the Olympics.

NANTERRE, France (AP) — Kaylee McKeown still rules the women’s Olympic backstroke. The Australian knocked off world-record holder Regan Smith of the United States in the 100 back, defending the title she won in Tokyo. Smith couldn’t hold off the hard-charging Aussie, who touched the wall in 57.33 to win by a relatively comfortable margin. The U.S. also grabbed the bronze with Katharine Berkoff. In the men's 800 freestyle, Daniel Wiffen won Ireland’s first gold medal in swimming since scandal-plagued Michelle Smith won three events in 1996. Defending champion Bobby Finke of the U.S. got the silver. The night's other gold medal went to Britain, which defended its title in the men's 4x200 freestyle relay, with the U.S. earning yet another silver.

UNDATED (AP) — Sophia Smith, along with Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman, are helping the United States reclaim its status as a team to be feared at the Olympics in France. Smith scored both of her goals in the team’s 4-1 victory on Sunday over Germany that clinched the Americans a spot in the quarterfinals at their first major tournament under coach Emma Hayes. The United States' reputation has slipped a bit in recent years following the team's bronze medal in Tokyo and disappointment at the World Cup.

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Alex Sedrick ran the length of the field to give the U.S. women a first Olympic rugby sevens medal with a stunning stoppage-time comeback win over Australia in the bronze-medal match. The 2016 champion Australians were leading 12-7 with seconds remaining and deep in U.S. territory. The ball went to Sedrick and she bumped off two tacklers before racing all the way to the other end to touch down and then convert the try. Ilona Maher and the rest of the Americans rushed down the field to celebrate the 14-12 victory. The U.S. women had earlier reached the Olympic semifinals for the first time and lost to eventual champion New Zealand.

NANTERRE, France (AP) — French phenom Léon Marchand swam four races Tuesday and had a pair of night semifinals separated by less than 90 minutes. His 200-meter butterfly semi came first, then he immediately needed to switch gears for the 200 breaststroke. All that after doing the same daunting double during the morning session with prelims in both those events. And Wednesday won’t be much different — except medals will now be on the line.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — The staggering Chicago White Sox lost their 16th straight game, extending a franchise record, as Michael Massey homered and Michael Wacha pitched seven strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory. Bobby Witt Jr. ran his hitting streak to 12 games and had the first RBI in an eighth-inning rally that gave the Royals the lead for good. Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn homered for the second consecutive night and rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched seven terrific innings, allowing only Massey’s solo shot. He gave way to rookie Fraser Ellard, who walked two in his major league debut to set the stage for Kansas City’s comeback. Sam Long worked a clean ninth for his fourth career save and first this season.CHICAGO (AP) — Paul DeJong had a quick commute after getting traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Kansas City Royals: He threw his gear into a duffel bag and walked from the clubhouse on the third base side of U.S. Cellular Field to the locker room on the first base side. DeJong was acquired for minor league right-hander Jarold Rosado in a trade announced 3 hours, 15 minutes before the game. White Sox clubhouse staff helped him pack his gear, and a Royals duffel bag awaited him in the other locker room.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tommy Pham hit a pinch-hit grand slam in his first game back with the Cardinals and St. Louis beat the Texas Rangers 8-1 on Tuesday night. Pham’s blast off reliver Cody Bradford capped a five-run fifth. It was his first at-bat since being dealt to the Cardinals from the White Sox as part of a three-team trade on Monday. Cardinals starter Lance Lynn gave up one run on three hits in five innings. Rangers starter Max Scherzer lasted just four innings, allowing three runs on four hits. The Rangers lost for the fourth time in their last five games.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jazz Chisholm had five RBIs in his second straight two-homer game, Gleyber Torres hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the 12th inning and the New York Yankees outlasted the Philadelphia Phillies 7-6 for their first four-game winning streak since early June. Chisholm had an RBI grounder in the first, a solo homer in the sixth off Aaron Nola and a three-run homer in the seventh against Matt Strahm that put the Yankees ahead 5-4. Chisholm has homered twice in two of three games with the Yankees after having three multihomer performances in 405 games with Miami, which traded him last weekend.PHOENIX (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, San Diego added All-Star closer Tanner Scott, and Arizona, Baltimore and Pittsburgh made significant deals for the stretch run ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Many top stars mentioned as trade targets stayed with their teams, including Toronto slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., San Francisco left-hander Blake Snell and Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. San Diego got Scott from Miami, Cleveland got right-hander Alex Cobb from San Francisco and Minnesota obtained reliever Trevor Richards from payroll-cutting Toronto, which also sent outfielder Kevin Kiermaier to the Dodgers and utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa to Pittsburgh.ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels are shutting down the rehab for star Mike Trout after a recent setback in his recovery from meniscus surgery and placed Anthony Rendon on the injured list. Trout had surgery on May 3 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Angels general manager Perry Minasian did not reveal any details about Trout’s setback and did not specify how much more time the 11-time All-Star will miss. Rendon was placed back on the IL with lower back inflammation. The veteran third baseman had been on the IL for most of the season with a hamstring injury and played in 14 games upon his return.CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays have the government backing the team needs to build a long-sought-after ballpark. The Pinellas County Commissioners approved on Tuesday the west-central Florida county's share of the funding for the 30,000-seat stadium. The deal will guarantee the team stays put for at least 30 years. The county voted 5-2 to approve spending about $312.5 million for its share of the ballpark costs from revenue generated by a bed tax. The St. Petersburg City Council approved spending $417.5 million for the stadium earlier this month. The $1.3 billion ballpark is part of a broader $6.5 billion redevelopment project that supporters say would transform an 86-acre tract in the city’s downtown.WACO, Texas (AP) — Baylor has extended the contract of women’s basketball coach Nicki Collen through the 2029-30 season after a 74-28 record and NCAA Tournament appearances in each of her first three seasons. The Big 12 school announced the extension on Tuesday. The Bears were 28-7 and made it to the NCAA Sweet 16 last season, when they were 13th in the final AP Top 25 poll. Collen was coach of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream before being hired by Baylor in May 2021. That was after Kim Mulkey, who won three national titles in her 21 seasons with the Bears, returned to her home state as LSU's coach.OLYMPICSPARIS (AP) — “The Redemption Tour” ended in a familiar spot for Simone Biles: atop the Olympic podium. The American gymnastics star and her singular brilliance powered a dominant U.S. women’s team in the finals inside a raucous Bercy Arena. With Biles at her show-stopping best, the Americans’ total of 171.296 was well clear of Italy and Brazil and the exclamation point of a yearlong run in which Biles has cemented her legacy as the greatest ever in her sport and among the best in the history of the Olympics.NANTERRE, France (AP) — Kaylee McKeown still rules the women’s Olympic backstroke. The Australian knocked off world-record holder Regan Smith of the United States in the 100 back, defending the title she won in Tokyo. Smith couldn’t hold off the hard-charging Aussie, who touched the wall in 57.33 to win by a relatively comfortable margin. The U.S. also grabbed the bronze with Katharine Berkoff. In the men's 800 freestyle, Daniel Wiffen won Ireland’s first gold medal in swimming since scandal-plagued Michelle Smith won three events in 1996. Defending champion Bobby Finke of the U.S. got the silver. The night's other gold medal went to Britain, which defended its title in the men's 4x200 freestyle relay, with the U.S. earning yet another silver.UNDATED (AP) — Sophia Smith, along with Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman, are helping the United States reclaim its status as a team to be feared at the Olympics in France. Smith scored both of her goals in the team’s 4-1 victory on Sunday over Germany that clinched the Americans a spot in the quarterfinals at their first major tournament under coach Emma Hayes. The United States' reputation has slipped a bit in recent years following the team's bronze medal in Tokyo and disappointment at the World Cup.SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Alex Sedrick ran the length of the field to give the U.S. women a first Olympic rugby sevens medal with a stunning stoppage-time comeback win over Australia in the bronze-medal match. The 2016 champion Australians were leading 12-7 with seconds remaining and deep in U.S. territory. The ball went to Sedrick and she bumped off two tacklers before racing all the way to the other end to touch down and then convert the try. Ilona Maher and the rest of the Americans rushed down the field to celebrate the 14-12 victory. The U.S. women had earlier reached the Olympic semifinals for the first time and lost to eventual champion New Zealand.NANTERRE, France (AP) — French phenom Léon Marchand swam four races Tuesday and had a pair of night semifinals separated by less than 90 minutes. His 200-meter butterfly semi came first, then he immediately needed to switch gears for the 200 breaststroke. All that after doing the same daunting double during the morning session with prelims in both those events. And Wednesday won’t be much different — except medals will now be on the line.TUESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Mets	2	Minnesota	0	Final	Tampa Bay	9	Miami	3	Final	St. Louis	8	Texas	1	Final	N.Y. Yankees	7	Philadelphia	6	Final	Pittsburgh	6	Houston	2	Final	L.A. Angels	10	Colorado	7	Final	Oakland	5	San Francisco	2	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	5	Detroit	0	Final	Baltimore	6	Toronto	2	Final	Seattle	10	Boston	6	Final	Kansas City	4	Chicago White Sox	3	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Cincinnati	6	Chicago Cubs	3	Final	Atlanta	5	Milwaukee	1	Final	Arizona	17	Washington	0	Final	San Diego	6	L.A. Dodgers	5

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas long snapper Luke Hosford was named to the Patrick Mannelly Award Preseason Watch List, the organization announced on Monday. The award is annually presented to the best FBS long snapper.

Hosford, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is one of 30 long snappers named to the preseason watch list, including one of four representatives from the Big 12 Conference (Kansas, TCU, Utah, West Virginia). As a redshirt senior, Hosford has played in 37 career games as a Jayhawk, serving as the primary long snapper in all 13 games in 2023 and all 12 games in 2021.

The Patrick Mannelly Award, created in 2019, benefits Bernie's Book Bank, a non-profit organization located in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Hosford becomes the second Jayhawk to be named to the Patrick Mannelly Award Preseason Watch List, after Logan Klusman was named to the Watch List in 2020, before he was named a semi-finalist for the award.

The ten semi-finalists will be announced on November 11, 2024, before narrowing down to the three finalists, which will be announced on November 25, 2024, and the winner selected at the live award ceremony in Lake Bluff, Illinois on December 14, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722351445275.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas long snapper Luke Hosford was named to the Patrick Mannelly Award Preseason Watch List, the organization announced on Monday. The award is annually presented to the best FBS long snapper.Hosford, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is one of 30 long snappers named to the preseason watch list, including one of four representatives from the Big 12 Conference (Kansas, TCU, Utah, West Virginia). As a redshirt senior, Hosford has played in 37 career games as a Jayhawk, serving as the primary long snapper in all 13 games in 2023 and all 12 games in 2021.The Patrick Mannelly Award, created in 2019, benefits Bernie's Book Bank, a non-profit organization located in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Hosford becomes the second Jayhawk to be named to the Patrick Mannelly Award Preseason Watch List, after Logan Klusman was named to the Watch List in 2020, before he was named a semi-finalist for the award.The ten semi-finalists will be announced on November 11, 2024, before narrowing down to the three finalists, which will be announced on November 25, 2024, and the winner selected at the live award ceremony in Lake Bluff, Illinois on December 14, 2024.

Luke Hosford Named to Patrick Mannelly Award Preseason Watch List

(All times
Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts


8:45 a.m. E! — Individual: Round of 32


4:15 a.m.USA — Group Play: Singles, Doubles (Taped)


2:45 p.m. USA — Men’s Group C: USA vs. South Sudan


11:15 a.m. E! — Basketball, Basketball 3x3


4:30 p.m. NBC — Men’s Pool Play: USA vs. Poland (Taped)


4 a.m. E! — Women’s Pool F: SUI (Huberli/Brunner) vs. GER
(Ludwig/Lippmann)


4:45 p.m. USA — Women’s Pool D: CAN (Melissa/Brandie) vs. SUI
(Esmee/Zoe) (Taped)


9:45 p.m. USA — Beach Volleyball, Shooting


1:45 p.m. USA — Slalom: Women’s Canoe Final (Taped)


5 a.m. E! — Women’s Synchro 10m Platform Final


10 a.m. E! — Dressage: Grand Prix (Taped)


4:30 p.m. E! — Men’s Team Sabre Bronze/Gold Finals (Taped)


7:15 a.m. E! — Women’s Pool B: Australia vs. USA


11:30 a.m. NBC — Men’s All-Around Final


6 p.m. USA — Men’s Group B: France vs. Egypt (Taped)


5:50 a.m. E! — Finals: Quadruple Sculls &amp; more


Midnight USA — Men’s Group A: USA vs. Guinea


12:30 p.m. E! — Women’s Group B: Australia vs. USA


11 p.m. USA — Women’s Group B: Australia vs. USA (Taped)


5 a.m. USA — Heats: Women’s 200m Fly &amp; more


10 a.m. NBC — Heats: Women’s 200m Fly &amp; more (Taped)


2:15 p.m. NBC — Finals: Men’s &amp; Women’s 100m Free &amp;
more


6:45 a.m. E! — M&amp;W Singles: Round of 32 (Taped)


10:45 a.m. NBC — Women’s Final (Taped)


11 a.m. USA — Women’s Pool A: United States vs. Serbia


5 p.m. NBC — Women’s Pool A: United States vs. Serbia (Taped)


8 p.m. USA — Men’s Pool B: Poland vs. Brazil (Taped)

(All times
Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackoutsWednesday, July
31ARCHERY
8:45 a.m. E! — Individual: Round of 32
USA — Individual: Round of 32BADMINTON
4:15 a.m.USA — Group Play: Singles, Doubles (Taped)BASKETBALL
2:45 p.m. USA — Men’s Group C: USA vs. South SudanBASKETBALL 3X3
6:30 a.m. USA — Pool Play (Taped)
11:15 a.m. E! — Basketball, Basketball 3x3
3 p.m. E! — Pool Play
4:30 p.m. NBC — Men’s Pool Play: USA vs. Poland (Taped)
7 p.m. USA — Pool Play (Taped)BEACH VOLLEYBALL
4 a.m. E! — Women’s Pool F: SUI (Huberli/Brunner) vs. GER
(Ludwig/Lippmann)
4:45 p.m. USA — Women’s Pool D: CAN (Melissa/Brandie) vs. SUI
(Esmee/Zoe) (Taped)
9:45 p.m. USA — Beach Volleyball, ShootingCANOE &amp; KAYAK
1:45 p.m. USA — Slalom: Women’s Canoe Final (Taped)CYCLING
7:10 a.m. USA — Final: BMX Freestyle
8:45 a.m. USA — Final: BMX FreestyleDIVING
5 a.m. E! — Women’s Synchro 10m Platform FinalEQUESTRIAN
10 a.m. E! — Dressage: Grand Prix (Taped)FENCING
9:50 a.m. USA — Fencing, Archery
4:30 p.m. E! — Men’s Team Sabre Bronze/Gold Finals (Taped)FIELD HOCKEY
7:15 a.m. E! — Women’s Pool B: Australia vs. USAGYMNASTICS
11:30 a.m. NBC — Men’s All-Around FinalHANDBALL
6 p.m. USA — Men’s Group B: France vs. Egypt (Taped)ROWING
5:50 a.m. E! — Finals: Quadruple Sculls &amp; moreSHOOTING
9:45 p.m. USA — Beach Volleyball, ShootingSOCCER
Midnight USA — Men’s Group A: USA vs. Guinea
12:30 p.m. E! — Women’s Group B: Australia vs. USA
11 p.m. USA — Women’s Group B: Australia vs. USA (Taped)SWIMMING
5 a.m. USA — Heats: Women’s 200m Fly &amp; more
10 a.m. NBC — Heats: Women’s 200m Fly &amp; more (Taped)
2:15 p.m. NBC — Finals: Men’s &amp; Women’s 100m Free &amp;
moreTABLE TENNIS
6:45 a.m. E! — M&amp;W Singles: Round of 32 (Taped)TRIATHLON
2 a.m. USA — Women’s Final
10:45 a.m. NBC — Women’s Final (Taped)VOLLEYBALL
11 a.m. USA — Women’s Pool A: United States vs. Serbia
5 p.m. NBC — Women’s Pool A: United States vs. Serbia (Taped)
8 p.m. USA — Men’s Pool B: Poland vs. Brazil (Taped)WATER POLO

Olympics on TV for Wednesday, July 31

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Six home games at Bramlage Coliseum, including a marquee matchup with LSU, highlight the non-conference schedule for third-year head coach Jerome Tang and his Kansas State men's basketball program announced on Friday morning (July 26).

In addition to its six home games, K-State will host reigning Missouri Valley Conference Tournament champion Drake in the Wildcat Classic at the T-Mobile Cetner in Kansas City on Tuesday, December 17.

Season tickets for the 2024-25 season are currently available, with prices starting at less than $18 per game. Fans can purchase now to see the Wildcats all year including matchups against KU, Iowa State, Houston and conference newcomer Arizona by visiting www.kstatesports.com/tickets or calling (800) 221.CATS.

K-State will open its 121st season of men's basketball with the second of five straight home games, as the Wildcats face New Orleans on Tuesday, November 5. The contest with the Privateers is followed by matchups against Cleveland State on Saturday, November 9, LSU on Thursday, November 14 and Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday, November 19.

The season-opening homestand will begin on Tuesday, October 29 with an exhibition against Fort Hays State.

In all, the Wildcats will play 16 home games in 2024-25, including 10 against Big 12 Conference foes that includes visits by NCAA Tournament participants Arizona, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Texas Tech. Further details will be released at a later date.

As previously announced, K-State will play in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, which runs from Friday-Monday, November 22-25 at the University of Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. The Wildcats will play George Washington in the first round followed by either Louisiana or Liberty in round two. The field also includes NCAA Tournament participants UAB, Longwood and McNeese as well as Illinois State.

Fan travel packages are currently available via the Paradise Jam website or by clicking here. All packages include tickets, transportation to/from games, a tournament gift as well as dedicated tournament staff at The Westin Beach Resort &amp; Spa at Frenchman's Reef (can view here).

Aside from the Paradise Jam, the Wildcats will play a pair of previously announced road non-conference games with a trip to St. John's on Saturday, December 7 in the final installment of the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle and a visit to Koch Arena in Wichita on Saturday, December 21 to take on in-state rival Wichita State.  

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722350931924.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Six home games at Bramlage Coliseum, including a marquee matchup with LSU, highlight the non-conference schedule for third-year head coach Jerome Tang and his Kansas State men's basketball program announced on Friday morning (July 26).In addition to its six home games, K-State will host reigning Missouri Valley Conference Tournament champion Drake in the Wildcat Classic at the T-Mobile Cetner in Kansas City on Tuesday, December 17.Season tickets for the 2024-25 season are currently available, with prices starting at less than $18 per game. Fans can purchase now to see the Wildcats all year including matchups against KU, Iowa State, Houston and conference newcomer Arizona by visiting www.kstatesports.com/tickets or calling (800) 221.CATS.K-State will open its 121st season of men's basketball with the second of five straight home games, as the Wildcats face New Orleans on Tuesday, November 5. The contest with the Privateers is followed by matchups against Cleveland State on Saturday, November 9, LSU on Thursday, November 14 and Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday, November 19.The season-opening homestand will begin on Tuesday, October 29 with an exhibition against Fort Hays State.In all, the Wildcats will play 16 home games in 2024-25, including 10 against Big 12 Conference foes that includes visits by NCAA Tournament participants Arizona, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Texas Tech. Further details will be released at a later date.As previously announced, K-State will play in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, which runs from Friday-Monday, November 22-25 at the University of Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. The Wildcats will play George Washington in the first round followed by either Louisiana or Liberty in round two. The field also includes NCAA Tournament participants UAB, Longwood and McNeese as well as Illinois State.Fan travel packages are currently available via the Paradise Jam website or by clicking here. All packages include tickets, transportation to/from games, a tournament gift as well as dedicated tournament staff at The Westin Beach Resort &amp; Spa at Frenchman's Reef (can view here).Aside from the Paradise Jam, the Wildcats will play a pair of previously announced road non-conference games with a trip to St. John's on Saturday, December 7 in the final installment of the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle and a visit to Koch Arena in Wichita on Saturday, December 21 to take on in-state rival Wichita State. K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats' 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in Tang's first two seasons, including consecutive postseason appearances.

Six Home Games Highlight Non-Conference Schedule in 2024-25

PARIS (AP) — Before they stood with their arms wrapped around each other in a brotherhood forever etched into U.S. Olympic lore, Brody Malone, Frederick Richard, Asher Hong, Paul Juda and Stephen Nedoroscik were collegians.

Yes, the dreams the members of the U.S. men's gymnastics team had fostered since childhood began in small gyms scattered across the country. But they became tangible at Stanford, Michigan and Penn State.

So when it was time for those dreams to become fully, vividly realized inside a raucous Bercy Arena on Monday night, they leaned on the experiences they gained during all those meets in all those sometimes sparsely filled gyms that taught them about pressure and teamwork and belief.

Yes, the bronze medal the Americans so emphatically earned ended a 16-year drought on the sport's biggest stage.

Yet it was also a message to athletic directors at the dozen schools that still have Division I gymnastics — and to be honest, to the ones that don't, too — that the sport is worth saving.

“If you want to keep seeing USA Gymnastics and Team USA on a gymnastics podium, at least on the men’s side, you’re going to have to give us more opportunities to compete in college,” said Juda, who is in graduate school at Michigan.

Opportunities that are in danger of vanishing quickly thanks to a rapidly evolving college sports landscape. It's a reality the five men who stood on the podium with their arms around each other are only too aware of.

Richard, a rising junior at Michigan, has made it his life's mission to bring more people to a side of the sport that — at least in the U.S. anyway — has long plugged along anonymously.

And while he's carved out a rapidly expanding niche on social media, Richard is savvy enough to understand the one thing guaranteed to attract people to men's gymnastics isn't a viral video, but hardware like the medal he kept grabbing in the giddy aftermath.

“My goal even here was to make a statement that the U.S. is getting stronger and stronger and we're only (going up),” Richard said. “And I think we did that today. I think a lot of young boys watching are inspired by us."

That's the way it was for Richard as a kid in the Boston suburbs. There were pictures on the wall at the gym of the medal-winning 2004 and 2008 U.S. men's Olympic teams. Richard would stare at the pictures and wonder how those teams put all the pieces together.

“It looks like they all came together on the same day and just did like these perfect routines," Richard said. “And you’re like, how is that possible?”

The Americans didn't record a major fall during any of their 18 routines in the final and finished closer to second-place China than fourth-place Britain. They leaned into the energy from a vocal contingent of U.S. fans that offered a hint of what it might look like in Los Angeles four years from now.

Mostly, however, they leaned on each other and their experiences to shake off an iffy qualifying session on Saturday in which they finished a sloppy fifth.

“We just told each other we were gonna treat it like an NCAA championships because we’ve all been there,” Malone said. “And it’s high pressure competing for a team. And it’s no different this competition. I mean yeah, this one’s a little bit different, a little bit bigger. But same concept.”

With perhaps a much more impactful result.

Nedoroscik is 26. Malone is 24. Juda is 23. Hong and Richard are 20. There is a feeling of real momentum within the U.S. men's program for the first time in a while. Yet to keep it going, the pipeline behind them needs to keep churning.

There was a sense in the 2010s that the U.S. had grown stale in part because those at the core group at the top grew a little too comfortable due in part to a lack of competition from those trying to catch them.

Sam Mikulak went to three Olympics with teams that had considerable talent. He never came home with a medal, though on Monday night he was chatting with Nedoroscik as he prepared for his pommel horse set that served as the exclamation point.

While they talked, Mikulak told Nedoroscik to stay calm, that 80 percent of his best would be good enough. To soak in a moment Mikulak dreamed of but never quite grasped.

And when Nedoroscik gracefully swooped from one end of the horse to the other, his hands working dutifully in tandem on an event that has given the Americans fits for years, the bronze that felt in some ways like gold was won.

Standing there in the aftermath, Mikulak couldn't help but speculate about what might lie ahead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722345325046.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Team USA from left to right Brody Malone, Asher Hong, Fred Richard, Paul Juda and Stephen Nedoroscik, of United States, celebrate their bronze medal during the men's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Team USA from left to right Brody Malone, Asher Hong, Fred Richard, Paul Juda and Stephen Nedoroscik, of United States, celebrate their bronze medal during the men's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)</figcaption>
 </figure>PARIS (AP) — Before they stood with their arms wrapped around each other in a brotherhood forever etched into U.S. Olympic lore, Brody Malone, Frederick Richard, Asher Hong, Paul Juda and Stephen Nedoroscik were collegians.Yes, the dreams the members of the U.S. men's gymnastics team had fostered since childhood began in small gyms scattered across the country. But they became tangible at Stanford, Michigan and Penn State.So when it was time for those dreams to become fully, vividly realized inside a raucous Bercy Arena on Monday night, they leaned on the experiences they gained during all those meets in all those sometimes sparsely filled gyms that taught them about pressure and teamwork and belief.Yes, the bronze medal the Americans so emphatically earned ended a 16-year drought on the sport's biggest stage.Yet it was also a message to athletic directors at the dozen schools that still have Division I gymnastics — and to be honest, to the ones that don't, too — that the sport is worth saving.“If you want to keep seeing USA Gymnastics and Team USA on a gymnastics podium, at least on the men’s side, you’re going to have to give us more opportunities to compete in college,” said Juda, who is in graduate school at Michigan.Opportunities that are in danger of vanishing quickly thanks to a rapidly evolving college sports landscape. It's a reality the five men who stood on the podium with their arms around each other are only too aware of.Richard, a rising junior at Michigan, has made it his life's mission to bring more people to a side of the sport that — at least in the U.S. anyway — has long plugged along anonymously.And while he's carved out a rapidly expanding niche on social media, Richard is savvy enough to understand the one thing guaranteed to attract people to men's gymnastics isn't a viral video, but hardware like the medal he kept grabbing in the giddy aftermath.“My goal even here was to make a statement that the U.S. is getting stronger and stronger and we're only (going up),” Richard said. “And I think we did that today. I think a lot of young boys watching are inspired by us."That's the way it was for Richard as a kid in the Boston suburbs. There were pictures on the wall at the gym of the medal-winning 2004 and 2008 U.S. men's Olympic teams. Richard would stare at the pictures and wonder how those teams put all the pieces together.“It looks like they all came together on the same day and just did like these perfect routines," Richard said. “And you’re like, how is that possible?”Richard found out firsthand.The Americans didn't record a major fall during any of their 18 routines in the final and finished closer to second-place China than fourth-place Britain. They leaned into the energy from a vocal contingent of U.S. fans that offered a hint of what it might look like in Los Angeles four years from now.Mostly, however, they leaned on each other and their experiences to shake off an iffy qualifying session on Saturday in which they finished a sloppy fifth.“We just told each other we were gonna treat it like an NCAA championships because we’ve all been there,” Malone said. “And it’s high pressure competing for a team. And it’s no different this competition. I mean yeah, this one’s a little bit different, a little bit bigger. But same concept.”With perhaps a much more impactful result.Nedoroscik is 26. Malone is 24. Juda is 23. Hong and Richard are 20. There is a feeling of real momentum within the U.S. men's program for the first time in a while. Yet to keep it going, the pipeline behind them needs to keep churning.There was a sense in the 2010s that the U.S. had grown stale in part because those at the core group at the top grew a little too comfortable due in part to a lack of competition from those trying to catch them.Sam Mikulak went to three Olympics with teams that had considerable talent. He never came home with a medal, though on Monday night he was chatting with Nedoroscik as he prepared for his pommel horse set that served as the exclamation point.While they talked, Mikulak told Nedoroscik to stay calm, that 80 percent of his best would be good enough. To soak in a moment Mikulak dreamed of but never quite grasped.And when Nedoroscik gracefully swooped from one end of the horse to the other, his hands working dutifully in tandem on an event that has given the Americans fits for years, the bronze that felt in some ways like gold was won.Standing there in the aftermath, Mikulak couldn't help but speculate about what might lie ahead.

U.S. men's gymnastics ends lengthy Olympic medal drought. They hope the NCAA notices

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph Post

More than just attempting an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat is on the minds of Kansas City Chiefs executives.

They also are weighing the best options for where the team plays.

“GEHA Field at Arrowhead is a special place,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt told reporters earlier during his visit to Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph. “It’s special for our fans and it’s special for the players and coaches, but we do have to look to the future.”

Hunt said he is keeping an open mind as the team considers renovations to Arrowhead or moving to a new stadium.

Jackson County voters overwhelmingly rejected a package proposal that would have extended a three-eights cent sales tax to fund renovations to Arrowhead, plus build a new downtown stadium for the Kansas City Royals. Nearly 60% of the voters casting ballots April 2nd voted against the proposal.

It appears the two teams, which have often joined forces, now will take separate paths forward even as a new path has opened.

The Kansas legislature, meeting in special session in Topeka, approved an incentive package aimed at luring either or both teams across the state line in metropolitan Kansas City. Executives of both teams are reviewing those incentives.

As for Hunt, he said the team is seriously considering all options on the table and though he has expressed his love for Arrowhead, those options include building new; perhaps even a domed stadium.

Hunt said he appreciates the Kansas legislature’s initiative.

“Well, part of our evaluation over the next several months and coming years will be looking at whether we’re better off in a renovated building or in a new stadium,” Hunt says. “And that new stadium could be on the Missouri side as well. It doesn’t have to be on the Kansas side.”

Chiefs President Mark Donovan also addressed the issue during a news conference to open Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri Western State University campus. Donovan struck the same theme, stating the NFL franchise is reviewing its options.

“We are in discussions with the folks in Kansas. We continue our discussions with the folks in Missouri, talking to various leaders. There seems to be other options that are coming up now on the Missouri side. So, we appreciate that,” Donovan said. “And it’s consistent with our strategy, which was if this doesn’t work (the April ballot measure), which was our plan, then we have to look at options and now we’ll have a couple of options to look at.”

Donovan added the window is closing for a decision. The Chiefs president said something fairly solid has to be in place within six months, noting it will take longer if the team chooses to build new, rather than renovate Arrowhead. Donovan said the two projects, renovation versus new construction, are two very different projects. Donovan called this a decision that will impact the club for generations to come.

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostMore than just attempting an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat is on the minds of Kansas City Chiefs executives.They also are weighing the best options for where the team plays.“GEHA Field at Arrowhead is a special place,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt told reporters earlier during his visit to Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph. “It’s special for our fans and it’s special for the players and coaches, but we do have to look to the future.”Hunt said he is keeping an open mind as the team considers renovations to Arrowhead or moving to a new stadium.Jackson County voters overwhelmingly rejected a package proposal that would have extended a three-eights cent sales tax to fund renovations to Arrowhead, plus build a new downtown stadium for the Kansas City Royals. Nearly 60% of the voters casting ballots April 2nd voted against the proposal.It appears the two teams, which have often joined forces, now will take separate paths forward even as a new path has opened.The Kansas legislature, meeting in special session in Topeka, approved an incentive package aimed at luring either or both teams across the state line in metropolitan Kansas City. Executives of both teams are reviewing those incentives.As for Hunt, he said the team is seriously considering all options on the table and though he has expressed his love for Arrowhead, those options include building new; perhaps even a domed stadium.Hunt said he appreciates the Kansas legislature’s initiative.“Well, part of our evaluation over the next several months and coming years will be looking at whether we’re better off in a renovated building or in a new stadium,” Hunt says. “And that new stadium could be on the Missouri side as well. It doesn’t have to be on the Kansas side.”Chiefs President Mark Donovan also addressed the issue during a news conference to open Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri Western State University campus. Donovan struck the same theme, stating the NFL franchise is reviewing its options.“We are in discussions with the folks in Kansas. We continue our discussions with the folks in Missouri, talking to various leaders. There seems to be other options that are coming up now on the Missouri side. So, we appreciate that,” Donovan said. “And it’s consistent with our strategy, which was if this doesn’t work (the April ballot measure), which was our plan, then we have to look at options and now we’ll have a couple of options to look at.”Donovan added the window is closing for a decision. The Chiefs president said something fairly solid has to be in place within six months, noting it will take longer if the team chooses to build new, rather than renovate Arrowhead. Donovan said the two projects, renovation versus new construction, are two very different projects. Donovan called this a decision that will impact the club for generations to come.

As team prepares for season, Chiefs executives look to future

The St. Louis Cardinals added starting pitcher Erick Fedde and Milwaukee, the team they are chasing in the NL Central, acquired starter Frankie Montas among a flurry of trades Monday by playoff hopeful teams.

Kansas City got veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen on the day before the MLB trade deadline, and the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers picked up hard-throwing reliever Michael Kopeck in the three-team deal that sent right-hander Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham from the lowly White Sox to the Cardinals.

Chicago dealt Kopech to the Dodgers, who got utilityman Tommy Edman and a pitching prospect from the Cardinals. Los Angeles sent three infield prospects to the White Sox.

The Dodgers later reacquired utilityman Amed Rosario from Tampa Bay, getting him in a deadline deal for the second year in a row — they got him from Cleveland last July for Noah Syndergaard. Rosario signed with the Rays as a free agent this spring, then hit .307 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 76 games.

Montas, the righty who was 4-8 with a 5.01 ERA in 19 starts for Cincinnati, is going to the Brewers in a rare trade between division rivals.

“This is probably the toughest time that I’ve had leaving a clubhouse," Montas said even before the teams had announced the deal. “The relationships I created here, and the way that they welcomed me in, not just me but my family and kids, it’s definitely tough.”

But the 31-year-old Montas, traded for the fifth time since his big league debut in 2015, also described going to a first-place team as “kind of like the cool part.”

Reigning World Series champion Texas (52-55), which is in third place in the AL West, traded Lorenzen to the Royals for a minor league lefty reliever.

NL wild-card leader Atlanta got back two players who were part of their 2021 World Series title, making a deal with San Francisco for outfielder Jorge Soler and right-handed reliever Luke Jackson.

Soler was the 2021 World Series MVP after three homers in that six-game series against Houston, and Jackson had three scoreless appearances. Left-hander Tyler Matzek and a minor league infielder went from Atlanta to the Giants.

Houston and Seattle, in a tight race for the AL West lead, both made trades with Toronto.

The Mariners made their third significant move ahead of the deadline by getting veteran Justin Turner from the Blue Jays for a minor league outfielder. Seattle added Randy Arozarena and Yimi Garcia in a pair of trades last week.

The Astros later got left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (4-9, 4.75 ERA in 22 starts) from Toronto for 23-year-old right-hander Jake Bloss, rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido and minor league first baseman Will Wagner.

Kikuchi is 35-46 with a 4.72 ERA in six seasons with Seattle and Toronto. He joins a rotation missing Justin Verlander (neck stiffness), Cristian Javier and José Urquidy (both Tommy John surgery).

AL Central leader Cleveland added experienced outfielder Lane Thomas from Washington for a minor league left-hander and two infielders. The 28-year-old Thomas is batting .253 with eight homers in 77 games this season, along with 28 stolen bases and a 25-game on-base streak for the longest active in the major leagues. He has a big league-high 24 outfield assists since the start of last season.

The 31-year-old Fedde is 7-4 with a 3.11 ERA in 21 starts in a successful return to the majors. He finalized a $15 million, two-year deal with the White Sox in December after he pitched for the NC Dinos in South Korea in 2023. A first-round draft pick by Washington in the 2014 amateur draft, he is 28-37 with a 4.92 ERA in 123 big league games (109 starts).

Lorenzen went 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) for the Rangers. In his last start Saturday, he allowed four runs and five hits while recording only two outs at Toronto. He then threw four innings in relief Sunday.

The 32-year-old Lorenzen was a first-time All-Star last season with Detroit, and threw a no-hitter for Philadelphia after being traded. He signed a $4.5 million, one-year contract with Texas on March 23. Primarily a starter the past three seasons, Lorenzen is 45-44 with a 4.08 ERA over 361 career games (87 starts) with Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Texas, the Los Angeles Angels and Detroit.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said he looked forward to the “depth and versatility” the right-hander would provide.

Kansas City had two right-handed relievers exit Sunday's loss to the Chicago Cubs after getting hurt. John Schreiber (right knee patella tendon) went on the 15-day injured list Monday. Hunter Harvey, who the Royals got in a trade from Washington two weeks ago, was day to day after leaving with a back spasm.

The Reds picked up veteran first baseman Ty France and cash from Seattle for a minor league catcher. The 30-year-old France, a 2022 AL All-Star, was designated for assignment last week by the Mariners after hitting .223 with eight homers and 31 RBIs in 88 games.

Turner is expected for now to get the bulk of playing time at first base for Seattle, but can also play third base and was the designated hitter for 71 of the 89 games he appeared in for Toronto. The 39-year-old hit .254 with six homers and 31 RBIs in 89 games for the Blue Jays.

Pittsburgh got left-handed reliever Jalen Beeks from Colorado for a minor league lefty. The 31-year-old Beeks is 6-4 with nine saves and a 4.74 ERA in a career-high 45 relief appearances this season.

By The Associated PressThe St. Louis Cardinals added starting pitcher Erick Fedde and Milwaukee, the team they are chasing in the NL Central, acquired starter Frankie Montas among a flurry of trades Monday by playoff hopeful teams.Kansas City got veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen on the day before the MLB trade deadline, and the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers picked up hard-throwing reliever Michael Kopeck in the three-team deal that sent right-hander Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham from the lowly White Sox to the Cardinals.Chicago dealt Kopech to the Dodgers, who got utilityman Tommy Edman and a pitching prospect from the Cardinals. Los Angeles sent three infield prospects to the White Sox.The Dodgers later reacquired utilityman Amed Rosario from Tampa Bay, getting him in a deadline deal for the second year in a row — they got him from Cleveland last July for Noah Syndergaard. Rosario signed with the Rays as a free agent this spring, then hit .307 with two homers and 26 RBIs in 76 games.Montas, the righty who was 4-8 with a 5.01 ERA in 19 starts for Cincinnati, is going to the Brewers in a rare trade between division rivals.“This is probably the toughest time that I’ve had leaving a clubhouse," Montas said even before the teams had announced the deal. “The relationships I created here, and the way that they welcomed me in, not just me but my family and kids, it’s definitely tough.”But the 31-year-old Montas, traded for the fifth time since his big league debut in 2015, also described going to a first-place team as “kind of like the cool part.”Reigning World Series champion Texas (52-55), which is in third place in the AL West, traded Lorenzen to the Royals for a minor league lefty reliever.NL wild-card leader Atlanta got back two players who were part of their 2021 World Series title, making a deal with San Francisco for outfielder Jorge Soler and right-handed reliever Luke Jackson.Soler was the 2021 World Series MVP after three homers in that six-game series against Houston, and Jackson had three scoreless appearances. Left-hander Tyler Matzek and a minor league infielder went from Atlanta to the Giants.Houston and Seattle, in a tight race for the AL West lead, both made trades with Toronto.The Mariners made their third significant move ahead of the deadline by getting veteran Justin Turner from the Blue Jays for a minor league outfielder. Seattle added Randy Arozarena and Yimi Garcia in a pair of trades last week.The Astros later got left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (4-9, 4.75 ERA in 22 starts) from Toronto for 23-year-old right-hander Jake Bloss, rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido and minor league first baseman Will Wagner.Kikuchi is 35-46 with a 4.72 ERA in six seasons with Seattle and Toronto. He joins a rotation missing Justin Verlander (neck stiffness), Cristian Javier and José Urquidy (both Tommy John surgery).AL Central leader Cleveland added experienced outfielder Lane Thomas from Washington for a minor league left-hander and two infielders. The 28-year-old Thomas is batting .253 with eight homers in 77 games this season, along with 28 stolen bases and a 25-game on-base streak for the longest active in the major leagues. He has a big league-high 24 outfield assists since the start of last season.The 31-year-old Fedde is 7-4 with a 3.11 ERA in 21 starts in a successful return to the majors. He finalized a $15 million, two-year deal with the White Sox in December after he pitched for the NC Dinos in South Korea in 2023. A first-round draft pick by Washington in the 2014 amateur draft, he is 28-37 with a 4.92 ERA in 123 big league games (109 starts).Lorenzen went 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) for the Rangers. In his last start Saturday, he allowed four runs and five hits while recording only two outs at Toronto. He then threw four innings in relief Sunday.The 32-year-old Lorenzen was a first-time All-Star last season with Detroit, and threw a no-hitter for Philadelphia after being traded. He signed a $4.5 million, one-year contract with Texas on March 23. Primarily a starter the past three seasons, Lorenzen is 45-44 with a 4.08 ERA over 361 career games (87 starts) with Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Texas, the Los Angeles Angels and Detroit.Royals manager Matt Quatraro said he looked forward to the “depth and versatility” the right-hander would provide.Kansas City had two right-handed relievers exit Sunday's loss to the Chicago Cubs after getting hurt. John Schreiber (right knee patella tendon) went on the 15-day injured list Monday. Hunter Harvey, who the Royals got in a trade from Washington two weeks ago, was day to day after leaving with a back spasm.The Reds picked up veteran first baseman Ty France and cash from Seattle for a minor league catcher. The 30-year-old France, a 2022 AL All-Star, was designated for assignment last week by the Mariners after hitting .223 with eight homers and 31 RBIs in 88 games.Turner is expected for now to get the bulk of playing time at first base for Seattle, but can also play third base and was the designated hitter for 71 of the 89 games he appeared in for Toronto. The 39-year-old hit .254 with six homers and 31 RBIs in 89 games for the Blue Jays.Pittsburgh got left-handed reliever Jalen Beeks from Colorado for a minor league lefty. The 31-year-old Beeks is 6-4 with nine saves and a 4.74 ERA in a career-high 45 relief appearances this season.

Cardinals, Brewers, Dodgers and Royals add pitchers in flurry of trades

AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GB
Baltimore	63	44	.589	—
New York	63	45	.583	½
Boston	56	49	.533	6
Tampa Bay	54	52	.509	8½
Toronto	50	57	.467	13Central Division
Cleveland	64	42	.604	—
Minnesota	58	47	.552	5½Kansas
City	58	49	.542	6½
Detroit	52	56	.481	13
Chicago	27	82	.248	38½West Division
Seattle	56	52	.519	—
Houston	55	51	.519	—
Texas	52	55	.486	3½
Los Angeles	46	60	.434	9
Oakland	44	64	.407	12NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GB
Philadelphia	65	41	.613	—
Atlanta	56	49	.533	8½
New York	56	50	.528	9
Washington	49	58	.458	16½
Miami	39	67	.368	26Central Division
Milwaukee	61	45	.575	—
Pittsburgh	54	52	.509	7St.
Louis	54	52	.509	7
Cincinnati	51	55	.481	10
Chicago	51	57	.472	11West Division
Los Angeles	63	44	.589	—
San Diego	57	51	.528	6½
Arizona	56	51	.523	7
San Francisco	53	55	.491	10½

MLB Standings

CHICAGO (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s grand slam — and fourth hit of the game — capped Kansas City's six-run, eighth inning rally and the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Monday night.

Witt lofted the first pitch he saw from John Brebbia, a low slider, into the left-center stands for 19th homer and third career grand slam. Witt also singled twice and doubled as the Royals handed the major league worst White Sox a franchise-record 15th straight loss.

Witt extended his hitting streak to 11 games. The 24-year-old All-Star shortstop is batting .545 (24 for 44) during the surge.

“I'm just trying to be ready for every pitch because you never know what your going to get in the big leagues,” Witt said. “These pitchers are good so you just want to be prepared.”

With Kansas City trailing 5-2 entering the eight, Hunter Renfroe and MJ Melendez hit back-to-back solo drives off reliever Steven Wilson. Brebbia (0-6) hit Adam Frazier with a pitch and issued a walk to Michael Massey before Witt connected.

“Those guys put together good at-bats, so I had to do my part,” Witt said. “There was always kind of a momentum swing or whatever it is, but I think that we just believe in ourselves.”

The Royals improved to 58-49 and remained in position for the final AL Wild Card.

“There were so many things that went well tonight, but Bobby's definitely the headline," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Great, great poise to not try to do too much and he's just got so much talent, so much bat speed and power.”

Luis Robert Jr. had three hits and an RBI, and Andrew Vaughn added a solo shot for the White Sox. At 27-82, Chicago is 55 games below. 500 for the first time in franchise history and has a worse record than the 1962 New York Mets (29-80) through 109 games.

Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with a double, then Paul DeJong followed with an RBI single in Chicago's two-run sixth to put Chicago ahead. But the White Sox blew a save for an MLB-leading 27th time.

“I thought our two best guys (Wilson and Brebbia) were on the mound," Chicago manager Pedro Grifol said. “Those are the two guys we wanted at the end of the game.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722333036948.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is doused as his team celebrates after their win over the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game Monday, July 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is doused as his team celebrates after their win over the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game Monday, July 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s grand slam — and fourth hit of the game — capped Kansas City's six-run, eighth inning rally and the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Monday night.Witt lofted the first pitch he saw from John Brebbia, a low slider, into the left-center stands for 19th homer and third career grand slam. Witt also singled twice and doubled as the Royals handed the major league worst White Sox a franchise-record 15th straight loss.Witt extended his hitting streak to 11 games. The 24-year-old All-Star shortstop is batting .545 (24 for 44) during the surge.“I'm just trying to be ready for every pitch because you never know what your going to get in the big leagues,” Witt said. “These pitchers are good so you just want to be prepared.”With Kansas City trailing 5-2 entering the eight, Hunter Renfroe and MJ Melendez hit back-to-back solo drives off reliever Steven Wilson. Brebbia (0-6) hit Adam Frazier with a pitch and issued a walk to Michael Massey before Witt connected.“Those guys put together good at-bats, so I had to do my part,” Witt said. “There was always kind of a momentum swing or whatever it is, but I think that we just believe in ourselves.”The Royals improved to 58-49 and remained in position for the final AL Wild Card.“There were so many things that went well tonight, but Bobby's definitely the headline," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Great, great poise to not try to do too much and he's just got so much talent, so much bat speed and power.”Luis Robert Jr. had three hits and an RBI, and Andrew Vaughn added a solo shot for the White Sox. At 27-82, Chicago is 55 games below. 500 for the first time in franchise history and has a worse record than the 1962 New York Mets (29-80) through 109 games.Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with a double, then Paul DeJong followed with an RBI single in Chicago's two-run sixth to put Chicago ahead. But the White Sox blew a save for an MLB-leading 27th time.“I thought our two best guys (Wilson and Brebbia) were on the mound," Chicago manager Pedro Grifol said. “Those are the two guys we wanted at the end of the game.”But they were beaten, finally by Witt.“He's a superstar,” Grifol said. “You see how he impacts the game in every single facet of the game.”Chris Stratton (3-3), the second of four Kansas City relievers, got four outs for the win despite allowing a run on two hits. James McArthur pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save.Royals starter Alec Marsh allowed two runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings. Chicago's Chris Flexen allowed two runs while scattering nine hits over six innings.The White Sox took a 1-0 lead in the first on Gavin Sheets’ RBI single.The Royals tied it in the third when Witt raced home from third on Salvador Perez’s tapper in front of the plate. Robert’s RBI single in the fifth tied it 2-all and chased Marsh.Vaughn's 12th homer of the season, in the seventh, made it 5-2.Kansas City acquired right-hander Michael Lorenzen from Texas for minor league left-hander reliever Walter Pennington on Monday. Lorenzen is 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) for the Rangers, but Royals manager Matt Quatraro wasn’t sure about the versatile righty's arrival date or exact role.The White Sox traded starting pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham to the Cardinals as part of a three-team deal involving seven players. Chicago also sent hard-throwing reliever Michael Kopech to the NL West-leading Dodgers.The Dodgers sent infield prospects Miguel Vargas, Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez to Chicago. Manager Pedro Grifol expects to insert Vargas into the lineup once he arrives.ROSTER MOVESThe White Sox called up outfielder Dominic Fletcher, left-hander Sammy Peralta and right-hander Touki Toussaint on Monday to fill the holes on their roster after trading away Fedde, Pham and Kopech.RHP Davis Martin, who made his first appearance in relief on Saturday following Tommy John surgery 11 months ago, will take Fedde’s place in the rotation, Grifol said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Hunter Harvey, who left Sunday’s 7-3 loss to the Cubs with back spasms, was “feeling way better” on Monday, Quatraro said and was playing catch. … RHP John Schreiber was diagnosed with right patellar tendon inflammation after tweaking his knee covering first base Sunday. He’ll have an injection and will be out for an unspecified time.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Michael Wacha (7-6, 3.65 ERA) faces White Sox rookie RHP Jonathan Cannon (1-5, 4.43) on Tuesday night.