By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Those were two words of how Barton Community College
Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs described the meaning behind the college’s
athletic department finishing in the top three of the NATYCAA Daktronics Cup
standings. NATYCAA stands for National Alliance of Two Year College Athletics
Administrators and they judge all the junior colleges across the country based
on how their teams finish at national competitions. 

Finishing third in the
country, Rolfs commended his staff for creating a department with overall success. "Some colleges hang their hat on a football program," said Rolfs. "They have a few other sports, but as long as their football team wins, or maybe it's basketball. Certainly, track and field has led the way for us when it comes to scoring and national championships, but I think we had 11 of our 22 programs who were ranked in the top 10 this last year nationally. That's incredible." 
Each college is allowed to score points from their top-five programs, per
gender, at their national championships. The champion in each sport is given 20
points, second place awarded 19 points, and so forth.

David Schenek just
completed his 16th year as Barton’s head track and field coach. The multi-national-champion winner spoke to the pride of the Cougars’ athletic department. "It just shows what everyone here is trying to do," said Schenek. "It's not easy. I love being part of an incredible athletic program altogether. It only helps in recruiting but it also creates an atmosphere where everyone is competing to do the same thing you're doing. I think there are a lot of young coaches that are working hard to do those same things and give opportunities to young people." 
2023 marked the sixth straight year that Barton has finished among the top
three of the annual NATYCAA Cup standings.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Daktronics Cup Standings (NJCAA Scholarship Division Top-10) 1. Iowa Western CC, 175 points 2. Iowa Central CC, 165 3. Barton CC, 161.50 4. New Mexico JC, 139.50 5. Cowley College, 136.50 6. Indian Hills CC, 110 7. Salt Lake CC, 107.50 8. Mesa CC, 104.50 9. Heartland CC, 98 10. Jones County CC, 93.50&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689182779794.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs holding the NATYCAA Cup trophy after the Cougars finished with the nation's 3rd best overall athletic department success in the 2022-2023 school year." />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs holding the NATYCAA Cup trophy after the Cougars finished with the nation's 3rd best overall athletic department success in the 2022-2023 school year.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostCulture. Tradition. Those were two words of how Barton Community College
Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs described the meaning behind the college’s
athletic department finishing in the top three of the NATYCAA Daktronics Cup
standings. NATYCAA stands for National Alliance of Two Year College Athletics
Administrators and they judge all the junior colleges across the country based
on how their teams finish at national competitions. Finishing third in the
country, Rolfs commended his staff for creating a department with overall success. "Some colleges hang their hat on a football program," said Rolfs. "They have a few other sports, but as long as their football team wins, or maybe it's basketball. Certainly, track and field has led the way for us when it comes to scoring and national championships, but I think we had 11 of our 22 programs who were ranked in the top 10 this last year nationally. That's incredible." 
Each college is allowed to score points from their top-five programs, per
gender, at their national championships. The champion in each sport is given 20
points, second place awarded 19 points, and so forth. David Schenek just
completed his 16th year as Barton’s head track and field coach. The multi-national-champion winner spoke to the pride of the Cougars’ athletic department. "It just shows what everyone here is trying to do," said Schenek. "It's not easy. I love being part of an incredible athletic program altogether. It only helps in recruiting but it also creates an atmosphere where everyone is competing to do the same thing you're doing. I think there are a lot of young coaches that are working hard to do those same things and give opportunities to young people." 
2023 marked the sixth straight year that Barton has finished among the top
three of the annual NATYCAA Cup standings.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Daktronics Cup Standings (NJCAA Scholarship Division Top-10) 1. Iowa Western CC, 175 points 2. Iowa Central CC, 165 3. Barton CC, 161.50 4. New Mexico JC, 139.50 5. Cowley College, 136.50 6. Indian Hills CC, 110 7. Salt Lake CC, 107.50 8. Mesa CC, 104.50 9. Heartland CC, 98 10. Jones County CC, 93.50&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton with the nation's 3rd best overall Athletic Dept.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689169863668.jpeg" alt="Home games in bold" />
 <figcaption>Home games in bold</figcaption>
 </figure>Sept 2 SE Missouri
State 6pmSept 9 Troy 11amSept 16 at Missouri
11amSept 23 UCF TBASept 30 OPEN DATEOct 6 at Oklahoma
State 6:30pmOct 14 at Texas Tech
TBAOct 21 TCU TBAOct 28 Houston TBANov 4 at Texas TBANov 11 Baylor TBANov 18 at Kansas TBANov 25 Iowa State
TBA

2023 Kansas State Football Schedule

TOPEKA, Kan. – The 2024 Class 1A DI State Basketball Championships are headed to the Colby Event Center March  6-9, 2024, while class 2A will compete at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.

The KSHSAA maintains a very strong relationship with Visit Manhattan and Kansas State University however this year’s KSHSAA State Basketball Championships conflict with the final week of the Big 12 Conference regular season. Kansas State expressed desire to host a home game for one or both of their basketball teams should that opportunity arise. Accordingly, it was necessary for the KSHSAA to consider alternative locations to conduct the seven basketball tournaments.

“After conversations with many around the state, the Colby Event Center is the best facility to host a state basketball tournament in 2024 as we work through the 2024 season with Bramlage Coliseum not being an option,” said Kyle Doperalski, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director. “The City of Colby along with its events center staff will do a marvelous job hosting a state tournament for our athletes, coaches and fans to enjoy. The facility has been in operation for two years and boasts a lot of features and amenities our teams and fans will appreciate and will make a perfect fit for Class 1A-DI’s state tournament. Dodge City will continue it’s tradition of top notch event management providing Class 2A a championship level experience in United Wireless Arena.”

The Colby Event Center in Colby, KS was opened in 2021 and plays host to Colby Community College and the Orange and Black basketball tournament along with many other events year-round. This will be the first KSHSAA State Basketball Championship held in Colby.

United Wireless Arena has hosted many state events since 2015 including hosting 1A DI State Basketball Championship last year as well as the 2A and 1A DI State Volleyball Championships the last four years.

4A - Salina - Tony’s Pizza Events Center

3A - Hutchinson - Hutchinson Sports Arena

1A DII - Great Bend - Barton Community College

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689170131854.jpeg" alt="The new Colby Events Center will be the new host for the 2024 1A-DI&nbsp; State Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament" />
 <figcaption>The new Colby Events Center will be the new host for the 2024 1A-DI&nbsp; State Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament</figcaption>
 </figure>By: KSHSAA StaffTOPEKA, Kan. – The 2024 Class 1A DI State Basketball Championships are headed to the Colby Event Center March 6-9, 2024, while class 2A will compete at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.The KSHSAA maintains a very strong relationship with Visit Manhattan and Kansas State University however this year’s KSHSAA State Basketball Championships conflict with the final week of the Big 12 Conference regular season. Kansas State expressed desire to host a home game for one or both of their basketball teams should that opportunity arise. Accordingly, it was necessary for the KSHSAA to consider alternative locations to conduct the seven basketball tournaments.“After conversations with many around the state, the Colby Event Center is the best facility to host a state basketball tournament in 2024 as we work through the 2024 season with Bramlage Coliseum not being an option,” said Kyle Doperalski, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director. “The City of Colby along with its events center staff will do a marvelous job hosting a state tournament for our athletes, coaches and fans to enjoy. The facility has been in operation for two years and boasts a lot of features and amenities our teams and fans will appreciate and will make a perfect fit for Class 1A-DI’s state tournament. Dodge City will continue it’s tradition of top notch event management providing Class 2A a championship level experience in United Wireless Arena.”The Colby Event Center in Colby, KS was opened in 2021 and plays host to Colby Community College and the Orange and Black basketball tournament along with many other events year-round. This will be the first KSHSAA State Basketball Championship held in Colby.United Wireless Arena has hosted many state events since 2015 including hosting 1A DI State Basketball Championship last year as well as the 2A and 1A DI State Volleyball Championships the last four years.2024 State Basketball Locations:6A - Wichita - Koch Arena5A - Emporia - White Auditorium4A - Salina - Tony’s Pizza Events Center3A - Hutchinson - Hutchinson Sports Arena2A - Dodge City - United Wireless Arena1A DI - Colby - Colby Events Center1A DII - Great Bend - Barton Community College

2024 State Basketball Sites Selected

Sept. 1, 2023 
Missouri State Lawrence, Kan. 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 8, 2023 
Illinois Lawrence, Kan. 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 16, 2023 at
Nevada Reno, Nev. 9:30 p.m. 


Sept. 23, 2023 BYU
Lawrence, Kan. TBD

Sept. 30, 2023 at
Texas Austin, Texas TBD  


Oct. 7, 2023 UCF
Lawrence, Kan. TBD

Oct. 14, 2023  at
Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla. TBD  


Oct. 28, 2023 
Oklahoma Lawrence, Kan. TBD

Nov. 4, 2023  at
Iowa State Ames, Iowa TBD  


Nov. 11, 2023 Texas
Tech Lawrence, Kan. TBD

Nov. 18, 2023 
Kansas State Lawrence, Kan. TBD

Nov. 25, 2023 at
Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio TBD 


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689169290576.png" alt="Home games in bold" />
 <figcaption>Home games in bold</figcaption>
 </figure>Sept. 1, 2023 
Missouri State Lawrence, Kan. 7:00 p.m. 
Sept. 8, 2023 
Illinois Lawrence, Kan. 6:30 p.m. 
Sept. 16, 2023 at
Nevada Reno, Nev. 9:30 p.m. 
Sept. 23, 2023 BYU
Lawrence, Kan. TBD 
Sept. 30, 2023 at
Texas Austin, Texas TBD 
Oct. 7, 2023 UCF
Lawrence, Kan. TBD 
Oct. 14, 2023 at
Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla. TBD 
Oct. 28, 2023 
Oklahoma Lawrence, Kan. TBD 
Nov. 4, 2023 at
Iowa State Ames, Iowa TBD 
Nov. 11, 2023 Texas
Tech Lawrence, Kan. TBD 
Nov. 18, 2023 
Kansas State Lawrence, Kan. TBD 
Nov. 25, 2023 at
Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio TBD

2023 Kansas Jayhawk Football Schedule

ARLINGTON, Texas — Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold, safety Kenny Logan Jr., running back Devin Neal, linebacker Rich Miller and quarterback Jalon Daniels preview the 2023 football season at Big 12 Media Days presented by Old Trapper at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday.

Big 12 Media Days is a two-day event, beginning on Wednesday, with portions streaming live on ESPN+ and televised on ESPNU.

Leipold, Logan, Neal, Miller and Daniels will meet with the media in various capacities throughout the day on Wednesday, including appearances on ESPNU at 2:05 p.m. CT while Leipold will hold his press conference at 2:10 p.m. Leipold’s press conference will stream live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

The Jayhawks open their season on Friday, September 1 when they host Missouri State to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, one of seven home games on Kansas’ 2023 schedule.

Last week, Daniels was named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Preseason Player of the Year, Kansas’ first offensive selection in Big 12 history. Joining Daniels on the All-Big 12 First Team are junior running back Devin Neal, redshirt-senior center Mike Novitsky and junior cornerback Cobee Bryant. Kansas was selected to finish ninth in the Big 12 Preseason Poll.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold, safety Kenny Logan Jr., running back Devin Neal, linebacker Rich Miller and quarterback Jalon Daniels preview the 2023 football season at Big 12 Media Days presented by Old Trapper at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday.Big 12 Media Days is a two-day event, beginning on Wednesday, with portions streaming live on ESPN+ and televised on ESPNU.Leipold, Logan, Neal, Miller and Daniels will meet with the media in various capacities throughout the day on Wednesday, including appearances on ESPNU at 2:05 p.m. CT while Leipold will hold his press conference at 2:10 p.m. Leipold’s press conference will stream live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.The Jayhawks open their season on Friday, September 1 when they host Missouri State to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, one of seven home games on Kansas’ 2023 schedule.Last week, Daniels was named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Preseason Player of the Year, Kansas’ first offensive selection in Big 12 history. Joining Daniels on the All-Big 12 First Team are junior running back Devin Neal, redshirt-senior center Mike Novitsky and junior cornerback Cobee Bryant. Kansas was selected to finish ninth in the Big 12 Preseason Poll.

Kansas Football to Represent at Big 12 Football Media Days

SEATTLE (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred will consider increasing time on the pitch clock for the postseason but is reluctant to adjust an innovation the sport considers a great success.

In the first season of the clock, the average time of a nine-inning game is 2 hours, 38 minutes, on track to be the fastest since 1984. It is down from 3:04 last year and 3:09 in 2021, the last season before PitchCom was introduced.

"We’re going to continue to talk to the players," Manfred told the Baseball Writers' Association of America on Tuesday. “I think you ought to play the postseason the way you play the regular season. There’s exceptions. I’m open-minded on that topic.”

The clock is set at 15 seconds with no runners on base and 20 seconds with runners. There also are restrictions on defensive shifts and limits on pitcher disengagements.

“I don’t believe there’s any player, nor do I believe there are too many folks that want to have a new rule dramatically affect a game in a pennant chase or in the playoffs,” union head Tony Clark told the BBWAA. “Players believe and we’ve been pretty consistent with this, that there are some adjustments that could be beneficial in the grand scheme of things so that we’re not having a conversation about a new rule and instead focused in on the game being played."

MLB has a majority of the 11-member competition committee, which includes four players.

"We are comfortable with the way the clock and the violations, particularly late in the game in high-leverage situations we’ve been watching, have been managed,” Manfred said,

There were 721 violations through July 4, of which 501 were by pitchers, 208 by batters and 12 by catchers. Philadelphia's Craig Kimbrel lead currently with 11 violations, followed by Toronto's Chris Bassitt with nine and San Diego's Joe Musgrove with seven.

“In a big spot,” Kimbrel said Monday, “if it's 1-2, 0-2, I'm really thinking about my pitch and wanting to make a good pitch. I’m not going to rush just to get the pitch off. I’d rather take the ball.”

Left-handed batters are hitting .248, up 13 points through the similar point last season. Righties are hitting .248, up one point, leaving the overall batting average up six points.

Runs per game have increased to 9.1 from 8.7 and steals per game to 1.4 from 1.0.

Average attendance of 28,404 is up 8.1% from a similar time&nbsp;last year&nbsp;and on track to be the highest since 2018, and MLB says the median age of ticket buyers is 43, down from 46 in 2022 and 49 in 2019. This is the&nbsp;first season since 2000 with a balanced schedule.

SEATTLE (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred will consider increasing time on the pitch clock for the postseason but is reluctant to adjust an innovation the sport considers a great success.In the first season of the clock, the average time of a nine-inning game is 2 hours, 38 minutes, on track to be the fastest since 1984. It is down from 3:04 last year and 3:09 in 2021, the last season before PitchCom was introduced."We’re going to continue to talk to the players," Manfred told the Baseball Writers' Association of America on Tuesday. “I think you ought to play the postseason the way you play the regular season. There’s exceptions. I’m open-minded on that topic.”The clock is set at 15 seconds with no runners on base and 20 seconds with runners. There also are restrictions on defensive shifts and limits on pitcher disengagements.“I don’t believe there’s any player, nor do I believe there are too many folks that want to have a new rule dramatically affect a game in a pennant chase or in the playoffs,” union head Tony Clark told the BBWAA. “Players believe and we’ve been pretty consistent with this, that there are some adjustments that could be beneficial in the grand scheme of things so that we’re not having a conversation about a new rule and instead focused in on the game being played."MLB has a majority of the 11-member competition committee, which includes four players."We are comfortable with the way the clock and the violations, particularly late in the game in high-leverage situations we’ve been watching, have been managed,” Manfred said,There were 721 violations through July 4, of which 501 were by pitchers, 208 by batters and 12 by catchers. Philadelphia's Craig Kimbrel lead currently with 11 violations, followed by Toronto's Chris Bassitt with nine and San Diego's Joe Musgrove with seven.“In a big spot,” Kimbrel said Monday, “if it's 1-2, 0-2, I'm really thinking about my pitch and wanting to make a good pitch. I’m not going to rush just to get the pitch off. I’d rather take the ball.”Left-handed batters are hitting .248, up 13 points through the similar point last season. Righties are hitting .248, up one point, leaving the overall batting average up six points.Runs per game have increased to 9.1 from 8.7 and steals per game to 1.4 from 1.0.Average attendance of 28,404 is up 8.1% from a similar time&nbsp;last year&nbsp;and on track to be the highest since 2018, and MLB says the median age of ticket buyers is 43, down from 46 in 2022 and 49 in 2019. This is the&nbsp;first season since 2000 with a balanced schedule.

MLB open to consider increasing time on pitch clock in postseason

Great Bend - The
Great Bend Braves 16U snatched the lead late in the game in a 6-3
victory over Chanute Jr Legion late Tuesday night to advance to
Wednesday night's Championship game at the Great Bend Sports Complex.
The Braves beat El Dorado 6-5 in their first game Tuesday.

The late game was
tied at three with Great Bend Braves 16U batting in the top of the
fifth when Trey Milsap singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.

In the first inning,
Chanute Jr Legion got their offense started when Brady Alonzo singled
on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs.

Austin Gilbert was
on the mound for Great Bend Braves 16U. The hurler surrendered three
runs on three hits over four innings, striking out six.

Talan Haynes started
the game for Chanute Jr Legion. Haynes lasted five innings, allowing
seven hits and five runs while striking out five.  Jase Tarter threw
two innings out of the bullpen.

Great Bend Braves
16U scattered eight hits in the game.  Milsap and Gilbert each
collected multiple hits for Great Bend Braves 16U.  Gilbert and
Milsap each collected two hits to lead Great Bend Braves 16U.

The two teams play
tonight at 7pm for the Zone Championship and the right to join state
host El Dorado at the state tournament next week.

Great Bend - The
Great Bend Braves 16U snatched the lead late in the game in a 6-3
victory over Chanute Jr Legion late Tuesday night to advance to
Wednesday night's Championship game at the Great Bend Sports Complex.
The Braves beat El Dorado 6-5 in their first game Tuesday.The late game was
tied at three with Great Bend Braves 16U batting in the top of the
fifth when Trey Milsap singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.In the first inning,
Chanute Jr Legion got their offense started when Brady Alonzo singled
on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs.Austin Gilbert was
on the mound for Great Bend Braves 16U. The hurler surrendered three
runs on three hits over four innings, striking out six.Talan Haynes started
the game for Chanute Jr Legion. Haynes lasted five innings, allowing
seven hits and five runs while striking out five. Jase Tarter threw
two innings out of the bullpen.Great Bend Braves
16U scattered eight hits in the game. Milsap and Gilbert each
collected multiple hits for Great Bend Braves 16U. Gilbert and
Milsap each collected two hits to lead Great Bend Braves 16U.The two teams play
tonight at 7pm for the Zone Championship and the right to join state
host El Dorado at the state tournament next week.

Great Bend Braves 16U Grabs Lead in Fifth Inning to Defeat Chanute Jr Legion

SEATTLE (AP) — Shining brightly in the Emerald City, the National League snapped a losing streak that lasted more than a decade.

An unheralded catcher from Colorado delivered the big blow.

Elias Díaz hit a two-run homer off Félix Bautista in the eighth inning, and the NL snapped a nine-game losing streak in the All-Star Game with a 3-2 win over the American League on Tuesday night.

The NL won for the first time since an 8-0 victory in 2012 in Kansas City, and Díaz became the first Rockies player to win the All-Star MVP award.

“It feels incredible. When we all got here, we all talked about how we were going to bring home the win," said Díaz, who was non-tendered by the Pirates at the end of 2019. “I just didn’t realize it was going to be me to bring home the win.”

Díaz drove a 2-2 pitch from Baltimore's hard-throwing closer deep to left to put the NL in front. Díaz was the lone representative for Colorado in his first All-Star Game appearance.

“It does matter. We wanted to win, the American League we wanted to win,” Bautista said through an interpreter. “But overall I think that it’s an experience I’ll never forget and just wish that would have been a little bit different.”

Díaz has nine homers this season, but hadn’t hit a long ball since June 23 against the Los Angeles Angels.

“As soon as he walked in the clubhouse and I met him, he said, ‘I’ll do anything you want. If I play, I play. If I don’t, I don’t. I’m just so happy to be here,'” NL manager Rob Thomson said. “So for him to do that, it’s fantastic.”

For most of the night, the All-Star Game was a pitchers’ duel highlighted by a couple big hits and some excellent defense.

It got nervous for the NL with Philadelphia closer Craig Kimbrel on the mound in the ninth.

“I threw way more pitches than I wanted to on an off day,” Kimbrel joked.

Wander Franco led off with a fly ball to the warning track, and Kimbrel issued two-out walks to Kyle Tucker and Seattle star Julio Rodríguez.

The 22-year-old Rodríguez was in position to close it out in front of his home crowd.

“I was definitely trying to win it. But it was a situation where I had to pass the baton,” he said.

Kimbrel recovered to strike out José Ramírez to end it. Kimbrel also pitched in the previous NL win, recording two outs in 2012.

“The ninth inning in the dugout was just a lot of fun to experience,” said San Diego's Josh Hader, who pitched the eighth for the NL.

Yandy Díaz hit a solo homer in the second and Bo Bichette’s sacrifice fly in the sixth gave the AL a 2-1 lead.

J.D. Martinez doubled and scored on Luis Arraez’s single in the fourth against Seattle’s George Kirby, tying it at 1. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. appeared to tie the game again in the seventh when his shot down the left-field line was originally ruled a homer but was overturned as a foul ball on replay.

The All-Star Game returned to Seattle for the first time since 2001 when the Mariners were in the middle of their magical 116-win regular season, Cal Ripken Jr. said goodbye to the All-Star stage and Tommy Lasorda took a tumble.

Gerrit Cole became the first New York Yankees pitcher to start the All-Star Game since Roger Clemens in that 2001 game. He needed a pair of spectacular leaping catches from Adolis García and Randy Arozarena near the wall to escape the first inning unscathed.

Pitching was the story of the night. Only nine balls were hit over 100 mph. There were 20 combined strikeouts, including Camilo Doval silencing the home crowd with a strikeout of Rodríguez in the seventh inning when four of the five pitches topped 100 mph.

“You can tell, our guys, we wanted to win. They wanted to win," AL manager Dusty Baker said. “There was a lot of pride out there and a lot of competitiveness out there. You could tell by the energy on both sides and the energy in the ballpark.”

The All-Star Game was missing some big names with Mike Trout and Aaron Judge out with injuries, but it still had Shohei Ohtani.

The Angels star drew the biggest cheers outside of Seattle’s three representatives during introductions, and he was serenaded with chants of “Come to Seattle” when he was at the plate. The crowd apparently was well aware of his pending free agency this offseason.

Toronto reliever Jordan Romano left in the seventh after throwing the pitch that Gurriel hit foul and was originally ruled fair. He threw five pitches before leaving the game with tightness in his back.

Chicago White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr. did not play after feeling tightness in his right calf during the Home Run Derby. The White Sox said Robert underwent an MRI in Seattle and is listed as day to day.

The Rangers made All-Star history when Nathan Eovaldi took the mound in the second. That marked the third time in an All-Star Game when there were six players from the same team on the field at the same time. It also occurred with the 1939 Yankees and 1951 Dodgers.

The Baseball Hall of Fame said a ball signed by all six players in the game would be headed to Cooperstown.

“That’s got to be one of the cooler moments in sports when you’ve got half the team on the field is your team, especially under these circumstances,” catcher Jonah Heim said. “It’s really special and I was glad I got to share it with these guys today.”

The Tampa Bay duo of Shane McClanahan and Wander Franco were inadvertently skipped over during pregame introductions. The pair jogged in on their own and left it to the Rays’ social media staff to give them a proper announcement.

Six of the eight members of Seattle’s All-Star contingent from the 2001 game were recognized pregame. John Olerud, Bret Boone, Freddy Garcia, Jeff Nelson, Kazuhiro Sasaki, Edgar Martinez and manager Lou Piniella were honored. Ichiro Suzuki and Mike Cameron were also on the All-Star team that season.

Baseball Hall of Famers Martinez and Ken Griffey Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitches to former teammates Dan Wilson and Jay Buhner.

The post-All-Star break portion of the schedule starts Friday with every team in the league scheduled to be in action. San Diego at Philadelphia is the first game scheduled for Friday. The second half begins with Atlanta having the best record in baseball at 60-29 and an 8½-game lead in the NL East. Tampa Bay has the best record in the American League at 58-35, two games better than Baltimore.

SEATTLE (AP) — Shining brightly in the Emerald City, the National League snapped a losing streak that lasted more than a decade.An unheralded catcher from Colorado delivered the big blow.Elias Díaz hit a two-run homer off Félix Bautista in the eighth inning, and the NL snapped a nine-game losing streak in the All-Star Game with a 3-2 win over the American League on Tuesday night.The NL won for the first time since an 8-0 victory in 2012 in Kansas City, and Díaz became the first Rockies player to win the All-Star MVP award.“It feels incredible. When we all got here, we all talked about how we were going to bring home the win," said Díaz, who was non-tendered by the Pirates at the end of 2019. “I just didn’t realize it was going to be me to bring home the win.”Díaz drove a 2-2 pitch from Baltimore's hard-throwing closer deep to left to put the NL in front. Díaz was the lone representative for Colorado in his first All-Star Game appearance.“It does matter. We wanted to win, the American League we wanted to win,” Bautista said through an interpreter. “But overall I think that it’s an experience I’ll never forget and just wish that would have been a little bit different.”Díaz has nine homers this season, but hadn’t hit a long ball since June 23 against the Los Angeles Angels.“As soon as he walked in the clubhouse and I met him, he said, ‘I’ll do anything you want. If I play, I play. If I don’t, I don’t. I’m just so happy to be here,'” NL manager Rob Thomson said. “So for him to do that, it’s fantastic.”For most of the night, the All-Star Game was a pitchers’ duel highlighted by a couple big hits and some excellent defense.It got nervous for the NL with Philadelphia closer Craig Kimbrel on the mound in the ninth.“I threw way more pitches than I wanted to on an off day,” Kimbrel joked.Wander Franco led off with a fly ball to the warning track, and Kimbrel issued two-out walks to Kyle Tucker and Seattle star Julio Rodríguez.The 22-year-old Rodríguez was in position to close it out in front of his home crowd.“I was definitely trying to win it. But it was a situation where I had to pass the baton,” he said.Kimbrel recovered to strike out José Ramírez to end it. Kimbrel also pitched in the previous NL win, recording two outs in 2012.“The ninth inning in the dugout was just a lot of fun to experience,” said San Diego's Josh Hader, who pitched the eighth for the NL.Yandy Díaz hit a solo homer in the second and Bo Bichette’s sacrifice fly in the sixth gave the AL a 2-1 lead.J.D. Martinez doubled and scored on Luis Arraez’s single in the fourth against Seattle’s George Kirby, tying it at 1. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. appeared to tie the game again in the seventh when his shot down the left-field line was originally ruled a homer but was overturned as a foul ball on replay.The All-Star Game returned to Seattle for the first time since 2001 when the Mariners were in the middle of their magical 116-win regular season, Cal Ripken Jr. said goodbye to the All-Star stage and Tommy Lasorda took a tumble.Gerrit Cole became the first New York Yankees pitcher to start the All-Star Game since Roger Clemens in that 2001 game. He needed a pair of spectacular leaping catches from Adolis García and Randy Arozarena near the wall to escape the first inning unscathed.Pitching was the story of the night. Only nine balls were hit over 100 mph. There were 20 combined strikeouts, including Camilo Doval silencing the home crowd with a strikeout of Rodríguez in the seventh inning when four of the five pitches topped 100 mph.“You can tell, our guys, we wanted to win. They wanted to win," AL manager Dusty Baker said. “There was a lot of pride out there and a lot of competitiveness out there. You could tell by the energy on both sides and the energy in the ballpark.”OHTANI CHANTThe All-Star Game was missing some big names with Mike Trout and Aaron Judge out with injuries, but it still had Shohei Ohtani.The Angels star drew the biggest cheers outside of Seattle’s three representatives during introductions, and he was serenaded with chants of “Come to Seattle” when he was at the plate. The crowd apparently was well aware of his pending free agency this offseason.INJURIESToronto reliever Jordan Romano left in the seventh after throwing the pitch that Gurriel hit foul and was originally ruled fair. He threw five pitches before leaving the game with tightness in his back.Chicago White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr. did not play after feeling tightness in his right calf during the Home Run Derby. The White Sox said Robert underwent an MRI in Seattle and is listed as day to day.SIX PACKThe Rangers made All-Star history when Nathan Eovaldi took the mound in the second. That marked the third time in an All-Star Game when there were six players from the same team on the field at the same time. It also occurred with the 1939 Yankees and 1951 Dodgers.The Baseball Hall of Fame said a ball signed by all six players in the game would be headed to Cooperstown.“That’s got to be one of the cooler moments in sports when you’ve got half the team on the field is your team, especially under these circumstances,” catcher Jonah Heim said. “It’s really special and I was glad I got to share it with these guys today.”SKIPPED OVERThe Tampa Bay duo of Shane McClanahan and Wander Franco were inadvertently skipped over during pregame introductions. The pair jogged in on their own and left it to the Rays’ social media staff to give them a proper announcement.MARINERS HONOREDSix of the eight members of Seattle’s All-Star contingent from the 2001 game were recognized pregame. John Olerud, Bret Boone, Freddy Garcia, Jeff Nelson, Kazuhiro Sasaki, Edgar Martinez and manager Lou Piniella were honored. Ichiro Suzuki and Mike Cameron were also on the All-Star team that season.Baseball Hall of Famers Martinez and Ken Griffey Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitches to former teammates Dan Wilson and Jay Buhner.UP NEXTThe post-All-Star break portion of the schedule starts Friday with every team in the league scheduled to be in action. San Diego at Philadelphia is the first game scheduled for Friday. The second half begins with Atlanta having the best record in baseball at 60-29 and an 8½-game lead in the NL East. Tampa Bay has the best record in the American League at 58-35, two games better than Baltimore.

National League snaps All-Star Game losing streak, tops AL 3-2 behind Elias Díaz homer

SEATTLE (AP) —
Elias Díaz hit a two-run homer off Félix Bautista in the eighth
inning, and the National League snapped a nine-game losing streak in
the All-Star Game with a 3-2 win over the American League. The NL won
for the first time since an 8-0 victory in 2012 in Kansas City thanks
to Díaz, a catcher who became the first Rockies player to win the
All-Star MVP award. Díaz, who was non-tendered by the Pirates at the
end of 2019, drove a 2-2 pitch from Baltimore’s hard-throwing
closer deep to left to put the NL in front. Díaz was the lone
representative for Colorado in his first All-Star Game appearance.

SEATTLE (AP) —
Elias Díaz may be the most unlikely All-Star MVP. Just 3 1/2 years
after Pittsburgh failed to offer a contract and allowed him to become
a free agent, his go-ahead, two-run homer off Félix Bautista in the
eighth inning lifted the National League over the American 3-2. A
first-time All-Star at age 32, the Colorado catcher put his name on
an award won by Willie Mays, Joe Morgan, Frank and Brooks Robinson,
both Ken Griffeys and Mike Trout. Díaz says: “I honestly can’t
believe that my name is going to be next to some of those names."

SEATTLE (AP) —
Shohei Ohtani was the biggest star of the All-Star Game even if his
appearance was rather uneventful. Ohtani struck out and walked in his
two at-bats as the American League saw its nine-game win streak come
to an end with a 3-2 loss to the National League. But it was what
happened while Ohtani was in the batters’ box that became notable.
With the Seattle crowd aware of Ohtani’s pending free agency this
offseason, the stadium broke out into loud chants of “Come to
Seattle! Come to Seattle!”

SEATTLE (AP) —
There was Barbiecore and suits both serious and spicy at Major League
Baseball’s red carpet show on Tuesday. The event came hours before
the All-Star Game and featured baseball’s top players strutting
through Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market with their spouses, kids
and moms in tow, and giving their best looks to the hundreds of
adoring fans gathered. Yet what was really on display was MLB’s
quest for the crown of cool. The fan-friendly event was yet another
indication that MLB is increasingly staking its claim on fashion as
an entry to new audiences and pop culture reverence.

SEATTLE (AP) —
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has no intention of altering Pete
Rose’s lifetime ban from baseball and said the sport’s commercial
deals with gambling companies have no impact on the status of the
career hits leader. Rose agreed to a lifetime ban in 1989 after an
investigation found Rose placed numerous bets on the Cincinnati Reds
to win from 1985-87 while playing for and managing the team. Manfred
rejected Rose’s application in 2015. Manfred says: “Pete Rose
violated what is sort of rule one in baseball, and the consequences
of that are clear in the rule.”

MILAN (AP) —
United States forward Christian Pulisic has arrived in Italy for a
medical with AC Milan before an expected transfer from Chelsea. The
24-year-old Pulisic has one year left on his contract at Chelsea but
is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Rossoneri and become
the third American to play for the club after Oguchi Onyewu and
Sergiño Dest. American-owned Milan is reportedly preparing to pay a
transfer fee of 20 million euros ($22 million) for Pulisic. That
would be less than half of what Chelsea paid Borussia Dortmund for
Pulisic in 2019. Pulisic never fully lived up to expectations in
England.

WASHINGTON (AP) —
A PGA Tour executive has told Congress that Saudi Arabia’s
sovereign wealth fund agreed to invest more than $1 billion in a new
commercial entity controlled by the tour. Ron Price, the tour's chief
operating officer, also said at a hearing Tuesday that Greg Norman
will be ousted as the CEO of LIV Golf if the business deal between
the Saudis and the tour is finalized. The Permanent Subcommittee on
Investigations is looking into the negotiations between the tour and
the Saudis and the geopolitical implications of Saudi investment in
American sports. However, there was no indication that Congress would
block the tour from going into business with the Saudi Public
Investment Fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685007848023.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) —
Elias Díaz hit a two-run homer off Félix Bautista in the eighth
inning, and the National League snapped a nine-game losing streak in
the All-Star Game with a 3-2 win over the American League. The NL won
for the first time since an 8-0 victory in 2012 in Kansas City thanks
to Díaz, a catcher who became the first Rockies player to win the
All-Star MVP award. Díaz, who was non-tendered by the Pirates at the
end of 2019, drove a 2-2 pitch from Baltimore’s hard-throwing
closer deep to left to put the NL in front. Díaz was the lone
representative for Colorado in his first All-Star Game appearance.SEATTLE (AP) —
Elias Díaz may be the most unlikely All-Star MVP. Just 3 1/2 years
after Pittsburgh failed to offer a contract and allowed him to become
a free agent, his go-ahead, two-run homer off Félix Bautista in the
eighth inning lifted the National League over the American 3-2. A
first-time All-Star at age 32, the Colorado catcher put his name on
an award won by Willie Mays, Joe Morgan, Frank and Brooks Robinson,
both Ken Griffeys and Mike Trout. Díaz says: “I honestly can’t
believe that my name is going to be next to some of those names."SEATTLE (AP) —
Shohei Ohtani was the biggest star of the All-Star Game even if his
appearance was rather uneventful. Ohtani struck out and walked in his
two at-bats as the American League saw its nine-game win streak come
to an end with a 3-2 loss to the National League. But it was what
happened while Ohtani was in the batters’ box that became notable.
With the Seattle crowd aware of Ohtani’s pending free agency this
offseason, the stadium broke out into loud chants of “Come to
Seattle! Come to Seattle!”SEATTLE (AP) —
There was Barbiecore and suits both serious and spicy at Major League
Baseball’s red carpet show on Tuesday. The event came hours before
the All-Star Game and featured baseball’s top players strutting
through Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market with their spouses, kids
and moms in tow, and giving their best looks to the hundreds of
adoring fans gathered. Yet what was really on display was MLB’s
quest for the crown of cool. The fan-friendly event was yet another
indication that MLB is increasingly staking its claim on fashion as
an entry to new audiences and pop culture reverence.SEATTLE (AP) —
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has no intention of altering Pete
Rose’s lifetime ban from baseball and said the sport’s commercial
deals with gambling companies have no impact on the status of the
career hits leader. Rose agreed to a lifetime ban in 1989 after an
investigation found Rose placed numerous bets on the Cincinnati Reds
to win from 1985-87 while playing for and managing the team. Manfred
rejected Rose’s application in 2015. Manfred says: “Pete Rose
violated what is sort of rule one in baseball, and the consequences
of that are clear in the rule.”MILAN (AP) —
United States forward Christian Pulisic has arrived in Italy for a
medical with AC Milan before an expected transfer from Chelsea. The
24-year-old Pulisic has one year left on his contract at Chelsea but
is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Rossoneri and become
the third American to play for the club after Oguchi Onyewu and
Sergiño Dest. American-owned Milan is reportedly preparing to pay a
transfer fee of 20 million euros ($22 million) for Pulisic. That
would be less than half of what Chelsea paid Borussia Dortmund for
Pulisic in 2019. Pulisic never fully lived up to expectations in
England.WASHINGTON (AP) —
A PGA Tour executive has told Congress that Saudi Arabia’s
sovereign wealth fund agreed to invest more than $1 billion in a new
commercial entity controlled by the tour. Ron Price, the tour's chief
operating officer, also said at a hearing Tuesday that Greg Norman
will be ousted as the CEO of LIV Golf if the business deal between
the Saudis and the tour is finalized. The Permanent Subcommittee on
Investigations is looking into the negotiations between the tour and
the Saudis and the geopolitical implications of Saudi investment in
American sports. However, there was no indication that Congress would
block the tour from going into business with the Saudi Public
Investment Fund.

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Athletics is set to host the 39th Annual Late Night in the Phog presented by HyVee on Friday, Oct. 6, in historic Allen Fieldhouse.

Late Night started in 1985 and features music by the KU pep band, routines from KU’s spirit squad and dance teams, crowd-engaging activities by both men’s and women’s basketball teams, video highlights from KU’s award-winning Rock Chalk Video department, coach and player introductions, scrimmages and much more.

More details on Late Night in the Phog will be announced at a later date.

Late Night in the Phog at the University of Kansas continues to be one of the most well-attended ‘midnight madness’ events in all of college basketball. Each year, more than 16,000 fans pack into Allen Fieldhouse to catch an off-beat look at the Jayhawks and get a sneak peek at the highly-touted newcomers. But it hasn’t always been the highly anticipated event that it is today.

By all accounts, it began as an afterthought. Some 6,000 fans, mostly students, gathered in Allen Fieldhouse at 12:01 a.m. on an October Tuesday in 1985 for the inaugural “Late Night with Larry Brown.” Capacity was limited for the 1985 Late Night due to work being done on the lower bleachers.

At that time, Bill Self was a young KU graduate assistant in the early stages of molding his career in coaching. Danny Manning was a promising forward primed to take the Big Eight Conference by storm. Brown was in the process of building the team that would make it to the Final Four in Dallas that March, eventually winning the national championship two years later under the moniker ‘Danny and the Miracles.’

Little did Brown know that in the 39 years after his brainchild barely registered a blip on the radar, Late Night in the Phog would become a cornerstone of one of the most successful and fanatically-followed basketball programs in the nation.

In fact, at Late Night in 2003, Self’s first Late Night as KU head coach, Brown delivered one of the most memorable speeches in Kansas basketball history, “There is no better place to coach. There is no better place to go to school. There is no better place to play. It’s because of you people here.”

Late Night is highlighted by student-athlete interactive activities giving fans an inside look to their personalities. Over the years, the crowds, all capacity gatherings since 1991, have witnessed hundreds of performances and ferocious dunks as Kansas prepared for its first official practice of the season.

Since 1988-89, the Jayhawk women’s basketball team has taken on a greater share of the Late Night load and shares center court with the KU men’s team.

The pep band, cheerleaders, dance team and mascots are also involved in the pre-scrimmage entertainment.

Prior to the 2005-06 season, the NCAA decided to change the season-opening scrimmage time from midnight to earlier in the evening to create a more fan-friendly experience. Now fans of all ages can watch the festivities — Late Night isn’t so late anymore.

For the players who act, dance and take part in a light scrimmage in front of 16,300 fans, the light-hearted event is the ideal way to kick off the season. Late Night in the Phog gives fans a preseason glimpse of the program. Recruits gather from across the country. Former players and coaches return home to their college basketball roots. Fans enjoy a sneak peek into the personalities of the players they will support throughout the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689076836037.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Athletics is set to host the 39th Annual Late Night in the Phog presented by HyVee on Friday, Oct. 6, in historic Allen Fieldhouse.Late Night started in 1985 and features music by the KU pep band, routines from KU’s spirit squad and dance teams, crowd-engaging activities by both men’s and women’s basketball teams, video highlights from KU’s award-winning Rock Chalk Video department, coach and player introductions, scrimmages and much more.More details on Late Night in the Phog will be announced at a later date.History of Late NightLate Night in the Phog at the University of Kansas continues to be one of the most well-attended ‘midnight madness’ events in all of college basketball. Each year, more than 16,000 fans pack into Allen Fieldhouse to catch an off-beat look at the Jayhawks and get a sneak peek at the highly-touted newcomers. But it hasn’t always been the highly anticipated event that it is today.By all accounts, it began as an afterthought. Some 6,000 fans, mostly students, gathered in Allen Fieldhouse at 12:01 a.m. on an October Tuesday in 1985 for the inaugural “Late Night with Larry Brown.” Capacity was limited for the 1985 Late Night due to work being done on the lower bleachers.At that time, Bill Self was a young KU graduate assistant in the early stages of molding his career in coaching. Danny Manning was a promising forward primed to take the Big Eight Conference by storm. Brown was in the process of building the team that would make it to the Final Four in Dallas that March, eventually winning the national championship two years later under the moniker ‘Danny and the Miracles.’Little did Brown know that in the 39 years after his brainchild barely registered a blip on the radar, Late Night in the Phog would become a cornerstone of one of the most successful and fanatically-followed basketball programs in the nation.In fact, at Late Night in 2003, Self’s first Late Night as KU head coach, Brown delivered one of the most memorable speeches in Kansas basketball history, “There is no better place to coach. There is no better place to go to school. There is no better place to play. It’s because of you people here.”Late Night is highlighted by student-athlete interactive activities giving fans an inside look to their personalities. Over the years, the crowds, all capacity gatherings since 1991, have witnessed hundreds of performances and ferocious dunks as Kansas prepared for its first official practice of the season.Since 1988-89, the Jayhawk women’s basketball team has taken on a greater share of the Late Night load and shares center court with the KU men’s team.The pep band, cheerleaders, dance team and mascots are also involved in the pre-scrimmage entertainment.Prior to the 2005-06 season, the NCAA decided to change the season-opening scrimmage time from midnight to earlier in the evening to create a more fan-friendly experience. Now fans of all ages can watch the festivities — Late Night isn’t so late anymore.For the players who act, dance and take part in a light scrimmage in front of 16,300 fans, the light-hearted event is the ideal way to kick off the season. Late Night in the Phog gives fans a preseason glimpse of the program. Recruits gather from across the country. Former players and coaches return home to their college basketball roots. Fans enjoy a sneak peek into the personalities of the players they will support throughout the season.

Late Night in the Phog Set for Oct. 6

Former Barton Baseball pitcher Zach Thornton was selected in the 5th round of the 2023 MLB Draft to the New York Mets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689022091336.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>from bartonsports.comFormer Barton Baseball pitcher Zach Thornton was selected in the 5th round of the 2023 MLB Draft to the New York Mets.

Former Barton baseball player selected in MLB Draft

Tampa
Bay	58	35	.624	_	_	3-7	W-1	35-15	23-20

Baltimore	54	35	.607	2	+5	6-4	W-5	26-18	28-17

Toronto	50	41	.549	7	_	6-4	W-1	23-18	27-23

New
York	49	42	.538	8	1	4-6	L-1	28-23	21-19

Boston	48	43	.527	9	2	8-2	W-5	26-22	22-21

Cleveland	45	45	.500	_	_	6-4	L-1	24-22	21-23

Minnesota	45	46	.495	½	5	5-5	L-3	26-22	19-24

Detroit	39	50	.438	5½	10	5-5	L-1	20-25	19-25

Chicago	38	54	.413	8	12½	3-7	L-2	21-25	17-29

Kansas
City	26	65	.286	19½	24	3-7	W-1	13-31	13-34

Houston	50	41	.549	2	_	6-4	L-1	25-22	25-19

Seattle	45	44	.506	6	4	7-3	W-1	24-20	21-24

Los
Angeles	45	46	.495	7	5	1-9	L-5	23-20	22-26

Oakland	25	67	.272	27½	25½	4-6	L-4	12-32	13-35

Atlanta	60	29	.674	_	_	8-2	L-1	30-15	30-14

Miami	53	39	.576	8½	+3	5-5	W-2	30-18	23-21

Philadelphia	48	41	.539	12	½	6-4	L-2	22-16	26-25

New
York	42	48	.467	18½	7	6-4	L-2	20-19	22-29

Washington	36	54	.400	24½	13	4-6	W-2	15-32	21-22

Cincinnati	50	41	.549	_	_	7-3	L-1	23-21	27-20

Milwaukee	49	42	.538	1	½	6-4	W-1	26-21	23-21

Chicago	42	47	.472	7	6½	5-5	W-1	21-22	21-25

Pittsburgh	41	49	.456	8½	8	3-7	W-1	22-21	19-28

St.
Louis	38	52	.422	11½	11	5-5	W-2	17-25	21-27

Los
Angeles	51	38	.573	_	_	7-3	W-4	29-16	22-22

Arizona	52	39	.571	_	+2½	4-6	L-1	26-24	26-15

San
Francisco	49	41	.544	2½	_	4-6	W-2	26-22	23-19

San
Diego	43	47	.478	8½	6	6-4	W-2	25-23	18-24

Colorado	34	57	.374	18	15½	3-7	L-2	20-24	14-33

AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayTampa
Bay	58	35	.624	_	_	3-7	W-1	35-15	23-20Baltimore	54	35	.607	2	+5	6-4	W-5	26-18	28-17Toronto	50	41	.549	7	_	6-4	W-1	23-18	27-23New
York	49	42	.538	8	1	4-6	L-1	28-23	21-19Boston	48	43	.527	9	2	8-2	W-5	26-22	22-21Central DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayCleveland	45	45	.500	_	_	6-4	L-1	24-22	21-23Minnesota	45	46	.495	½	5	5-5	L-3	26-22	19-24Detroit	39	50	.438	5½	10	5-5	L-1	20-25	19-25Chicago	38	54	.413	8	12½	3-7	L-2	21-25	17-29Kansas
City	26	65	.286	19½	24	3-7	W-1	13-31	13-34West DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayTexas	52	39	.571	_	_	3-7	L-2	27-18	25-21Houston	50	41	.549	2	_	6-4	L-1	25-22	25-19Seattle	45	44	.506	6	4	7-3	W-1	24-20	21-24Los
Angeles	45	46	.495	7	5	1-9	L-5	23-20	22-26Oakland	25	67	.272	27½	25½	4-6	L-4	12-32	13-35___NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayAtlanta	60	29	.674	_	_	8-2	L-1	30-15	30-14Miami	53	39	.576	8½	+3	5-5	W-2	30-18	23-21Philadelphia	48	41	.539	12	½	6-4	L-2	22-16	26-25New
York	42	48	.467	18½	7	6-4	L-2	20-19	22-29Washington	36	54	.400	24½	13	4-6	W-2	15-32	21-22Central DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayCincinnati	50	41	.549	_	_	7-3	L-1	23-21	27-20Milwaukee	49	42	.538	1	½	6-4	W-1	26-21	23-21Chicago	42	47	.472	7	6½	5-5	W-1	21-22	21-25Pittsburgh	41	49	.456	8½	8	3-7	W-1	22-21	19-28St.
Louis	38	52	.422	11½	11	5-5	W-2	17-25	21-27West DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayLos
Angeles	51	38	.573	_	_	7-3	W-4	29-16	22-22Arizona	52	39	.571	_	+2½	4-6	L-1	26-24	26-15San
Francisco	49	41	.544	2½	_	4-6	W-2	26-22	23-19San
Diego	43	47	.478	8½	6	6-4	W-2	25-23	18-24Colorado	34	57	.374	18	15½	3-7	L-2	20-24	14-33

Major League Baseball Standings

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ryan Yarbrough completed a journey he never expected to take.

Two months after suffering facial fractures when he was struck by a 106 mph line drive, Yarbrough returned to the mound Sunday and helped the struggling Kansas City Royals to a 4-1 win over Cleveland that felt extra special.

“More than I could have dreamed of,” Yarbrough said.

With his wife, daughter and other family members at Progressive Field, Yarbrough (2-4), who didn't know what the future held when he was smashed by the liner from Oakland's Ryan Noda on May 7, pitched six solid innings as the Royals ended a six-game skid.

Yarbrough's statistical line was less important than him returning from a frightening moment that could have ended his career.

“I have an understanding of what happened and coming back from it and what could have been and how lucky and blessed I am,” said the 31-year-old left-hander. “It’s just been great and the amount of support from the guys, especially after the game. It's been great.”

Yarbrough's return was a huge boost for the Royals, who haven't had much to celebrate so far this season.

“Incredible," said center fielder Kyle Isbel, who homered and made a game-saving catch in the ninth for Kansas City. "That’s not just a baseball injury. That’s life. Seeing him walk into the dugout today, the energy he had was really incredible and it really sparked the dugout.”

Yarbrough said the quick response by Kansas City's medical personnel played an important role in his recovery. He feels lucky that he didn't need stitches or surgeries.

Once his facial bones healed, Yarbrough was determined to get back quickly.

"I don’t think anybody knew what the time frame was going to be or how long it was going to be,” he said. “It was just kind of a waiting game. Extremely blessed.”

After his first pitch, Yarbrough let his instincts take over.

“It was great. I felt like I’ve been able to soak it in the last couple days and really just try to think about it as going to back to work as much as possible," he said.

Carlos Hernández pitched two scoreless innings and Scott Barlow finished up for his 11th save, but not without some nervous moments.

Barlow gave up a pair of two-out singles in the ninth before Myles Straw sent a pitch toward the gap in right center. But Isbel got a nice jump and raced to his left before making his diving grab as Kansas City avoided a winless road trip.

“I just put my head down and ran to the spot,” Isbel said. "I stayed aggressive the whole time and I knew I could get to it.”

Michael Massey hit a two-run triple in Kansas City's three-run sixth off Shane Bieber (5-6), who came in 6-0 in 14 career starts against the Royals. The right-hander allowed four runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Kansas City staggered into the All-Star break at 26-65 — the second-most losses before the break in franchise history.

Cleveland reached the season's unofficial midpoint in first place in the AL Central and at .500 (45-45) or better for the seventh year in a row.

It's not certain how much longer Bieber will be around.

The Guardians will consider trading the 2020 Cy Young Award winner, who is only under contractual control through next season, before the Aug. 1 deadline. Cleveland could be enticed to move the 28-year-old for the right package to help them this season or in the future.

Isbel led off the fifth with his second homer, a shot over the wall in right-center, to tie it 1-1.

Bieber then hurt himself by hitting Perez — with an 0-2 pitch — and Kansas City's All-Star catcher scored on Fermin's double. After Isbel singled, Massey made it 4-1 by pulling his two-out triple into the right-field corner.

Kansas City's Nicky Lopez made his MLB debut in the outfield and had one of the game's biggest plays.

Lopez threw out Cleveland's Amed Rosario trying to go from first to third in the sixth inning. Rosario was initially ruled safe, but the Royals won the replay challenge.

“I knew they might be a little aggressive knowing it was my first time in the outfield in professional baseball,” said Lopez, who has played shortstop, second and third.

Lopez, who hadn't played the outfield in a game since high school, has been shagging flies over the past two weeks so he'd be ready to play if needed.

Royals: OF Edward Oliveras (oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list but mostly to insure Kansas City was at full strength for the series finale. Manager Matt Quartaro called Oliveras' injury “extremely mild.” He was scratched from Saturday's lineup with back tightness.

Guardians: 1B Josh Bell (knee soreness) was held out of the starting lineup after fouling a ball off his knee in Saturday's win. He pinch-hit in the seventh and grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Royals: It won't get any easier for Kansas City, which will return from the break to host AL East-leading Tampa Bay. RHP Alec Marsh (0-2, 7.00 ERA) will start the series opener against Rays RHP Tyler Glasnow (2-3, 4.10).

Guardians: Cleveland will open the unofficial second half on the road in Texas for three games against the Rangers (July 14-16) with RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.56) starting the opener.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ryan Yarbrough completed a journey he never expected to take.Two months after suffering facial fractures when he was struck by a 106 mph line drive, Yarbrough returned to the mound Sunday and helped the struggling Kansas City Royals to a 4-1 win over Cleveland that felt extra special.“More than I could have dreamed of,” Yarbrough said.With his wife, daughter and other family members at Progressive Field, Yarbrough (2-4), who didn't know what the future held when he was smashed by the liner from Oakland's Ryan Noda on May 7, pitched six solid innings as the Royals ended a six-game skid.Yarbrough's statistical line was less important than him returning from a frightening moment that could have ended his career.“I have an understanding of what happened and coming back from it and what could have been and how lucky and blessed I am,” said the 31-year-old left-hander. “It’s just been great and the amount of support from the guys, especially after the game. It's been great.”Yarbrough's return was a huge boost for the Royals, who haven't had much to celebrate so far this season.“Incredible," said center fielder Kyle Isbel, who homered and made a game-saving catch in the ninth for Kansas City. "That’s not just a baseball injury. That’s life. Seeing him walk into the dugout today, the energy he had was really incredible and it really sparked the dugout.”Yarbrough said the quick response by Kansas City's medical personnel played an important role in his recovery. He feels lucky that he didn't need stitches or surgeries.Once his facial bones healed, Yarbrough was determined to get back quickly."I don’t think anybody knew what the time frame was going to be or how long it was going to be,” he said. “It was just kind of a waiting game. Extremely blessed.”After his first pitch, Yarbrough let his instincts take over.“It was great. I felt like I’ve been able to soak it in the last couple days and really just try to think about it as going to back to work as much as possible," he said.Carlos Hernández pitched two scoreless innings and Scott Barlow finished up for his 11th save, but not without some nervous moments.Barlow gave up a pair of two-out singles in the ninth before Myles Straw sent a pitch toward the gap in right center. But Isbel got a nice jump and raced to his left before making his diving grab as Kansas City avoided a winless road trip.“I just put my head down and ran to the spot,” Isbel said. "I stayed aggressive the whole time and I knew I could get to it.”Michael Massey hit a two-run triple in Kansas City's three-run sixth off Shane Bieber (5-6), who came in 6-0 in 14 career starts against the Royals. The right-hander allowed four runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings.Kansas City staggered into the All-Star break at 26-65 — the second-most losses before the break in franchise history.Cleveland reached the season's unofficial midpoint in first place in the AL Central and at .500 (45-45) or better for the seventh year in a row.It's not certain how much longer Bieber will be around.The Guardians will consider trading the 2020 Cy Young Award winner, who is only under contractual control through next season, before the Aug. 1 deadline. Cleveland could be enticed to move the 28-year-old for the right package to help them this season or in the future.Isbel led off the fifth with his second homer, a shot over the wall in right-center, to tie it 1-1.Bieber then hurt himself by hitting Perez — with an 0-2 pitch — and Kansas City's All-Star catcher scored on Fermin's double. After Isbel singled, Massey made it 4-1 by pulling his two-out triple into the right-field corner.LOPEZ IN LEFTKansas City's Nicky Lopez made his MLB debut in the outfield and had one of the game's biggest plays.Lopez threw out Cleveland's Amed Rosario trying to go from first to third in the sixth inning. Rosario was initially ruled safe, but the Royals won the replay challenge.“I knew they might be a little aggressive knowing it was my first time in the outfield in professional baseball,” said Lopez, who has played shortstop, second and third.Lopez, who hadn't played the outfield in a game since high school, has been shagging flies over the past two weeks so he'd be ready to play if needed.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: OF Edward Oliveras (oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list but mostly to insure Kansas City was at full strength for the series finale. Manager Matt Quartaro called Oliveras' injury “extremely mild.” He was scratched from Saturday's lineup with back tightness.Guardians: 1B Josh Bell (knee soreness) was held out of the starting lineup after fouling a ball off his knee in Saturday's win. He pinch-hit in the seventh and grounded into an inning-ending double play.UP NEXTRoyals: It won't get any easier for Kansas City, which will return from the break to host AL East-leading Tampa Bay. RHP Alec Marsh (0-2, 7.00 ERA) will start the series opener against Rays RHP Tyler Glasnow (2-3, 4.10).Guardians: Cleveland will open the unofficial second half on the road in Texas for three games against the Rangers (July 14-16) with RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.56) starting the opener.

Yarbrough returns from facial fractures, pitches Royals past Guardians 4-1 to snap 6-game skid

SEATTLE (AP) — The New York Mets' Kodai Senga, San Francisco's Alex Cobb, Philadelphia's Craig Kimbrel and Milwaukee's Corbin Burnes were added to the National League All-Star roster as replacements for pitchers who will be inactive for Tuesday's game.

Minnesota's Pablo López joined the American League roster on Saturday and becomes an All-Star along with the player he was traded for last winter, Miami second baseman Luis Arraez.

Atlanta's Bruce Elder and Spencer Strider won't pitch in the game, along with the Chicago Cubs' Marcus Stroman, Milwaukee's Devin Williams and Toronto's Kevin Gausman.

New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge, Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout, Houston outfielder Yordan Alvarez, Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan, Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw and Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson were dropped earlier in the week because of injuries and Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase decided to skip the game because of the imminent birth of a child.

Earlier replacements include Seattle center fielder Julio Rodríguez and right-hander George Kirby, Tampa Bay shortstop Wander Franco, Houston outfielder Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estévez, Pittsburgh closer David Bednar and Arizona infielder Geraldo Perdomo.

SEATTLE (AP) — The New York Mets' Kodai Senga, San Francisco's Alex Cobb, Philadelphia's Craig Kimbrel and Milwaukee's Corbin Burnes were added to the National League All-Star roster as replacements for pitchers who will be inactive for Tuesday's game.Minnesota's Pablo López joined the American League roster on Saturday and becomes an All-Star along with the player he was traded for last winter, Miami second baseman Luis Arraez.Atlanta's Bruce Elder and Spencer Strider won't pitch in the game, along with the Chicago Cubs' Marcus Stroman, Milwaukee's Devin Williams and Toronto's Kevin Gausman.New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge, Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout, Houston outfielder Yordan Alvarez, Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan, Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw and Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson were dropped earlier in the week because of injuries and Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase decided to skip the game because of the imminent birth of a child.Earlier replacements include Seattle center fielder Julio Rodríguez and right-hander George Kirby, Tampa Bay shortstop Wander Franco, Houston outfielder Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estévez, Pittsburgh closer David Bednar and Arizona infielder Geraldo Perdomo.

Senga, Cobb, Kimbrel, Burnes and López added to rosters for Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game

AUSTIN, Texas - Four student-athletes representing the Fort Hays
State men's track and field team were named to the 2022-23 College
Sports Communicators Academic All-America Teams, announced Thursday
(June 29) by the national organization. Hayden Albright and Ryan
Stanley were first team Academic All-America selections, while Ethan
Lang earned a spot on the second team and Xavier Robinson was
listed on the third team.


Robinson is a two-time All-MIAA honoree, one-time MIAA champion and
one-time All-American. He competed at three different NCAA DII
national championships while earning 21.5 points at the conference
championships during his career. He ranks first at FHSU during the
DII era in the indoor triple jump. The Hoisington, Kan. native earned
a pair of MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards in his career at FHSU. Robinson
graduated cum laude with a degree in finance this spring with a GPA
of 3.77.


Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals
nationwide vote on the Academic All-America Team, which reflects both
academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688917807028.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State Athletics</figcaption>
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AUSTIN, Texas - Four student-athletes representing the Fort Hays
State men's track and field team were named to the 2022-23 College
Sports Communicators Academic All-America Teams, announced Thursday
(June 29) by the national organization. Hayden Albright and Ryan
Stanley were first team Academic All-America selections, while Ethan
Lang earned a spot on the second team and Xavier Robinson was
listed on the third team.
Robinson is a two-time All-MIAA honoree, one-time MIAA champion and
one-time All-American. He competed at three different NCAA DII
national championships while earning 21.5 points at the conference
championships during his career. He ranks first at FHSU during the
DII era in the indoor triple jump. The Hoisington, Kan. native earned
a pair of MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards in his career at FHSU. Robinson
graduated cum laude with a degree in finance this spring with a GPA
of 3.77.
Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals
nationwide vote on the Academic All-America Team, which reflects both
academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.