ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño pitched strongly into the sixth inning, Yandy Díaz drove in three runs, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday night.

Tampa Bay, which is tied with Toronto for the second AL wild card, has won five of six.

Patiño (1-1), recalled from Triple-A Durham to make his first big league appearance since July 23, gave up four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He went on the 60-day injured list following a left oblique strain in April.

“I felt really good," Patiño said through a translator. “I've been in the process of being able to recover from my injuries. Confidence has definitely gone up.”

Patiño gave up three runs and seven hits in four innings at Kansas City on July 23. The right-hander is the Rays' major league-leading 22nd pitcher to win a game this season.

“Kept us off balance,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He's got good stuff. Breaking ball is sharp, good velocity. Couldn't really predict where he was going to go and didn't make a lot of mistakes."

Díaz homered on the second pitch from Max Castillo (0-1) leading off the first, and had a two-run double during a during a five-run seventh off Brad Keller.

Michael Massey hit his first major league homer leading off the eighth against Shawn Armstrong to stop the Royals' scoreless streak at 33 innings. Kansas City, blanked by Minnesota in its previous two games, avoided being shut out in three straight for the second time this season.

Castillo allowed one run and three hits, including two on bunts, in five innings. The right-hander was acquired from Toronto in the Whit Merrifield trade on Aug. 2 and recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make the start after Keller was shifted to the bullpen on Wednesday.

“Really impressive,” Matheny said. “Couldn't have expected any more than what he did.”

Keller, who went 6-13 in 22 starts this year, entered with one out in the seventh and allowed six consecutive hits, including Díaz's double that bounced over the head of third baseman Bobby Witt Jr. He allowed five runs, six hits and threw a run-scoring wild pitch in two-thirds of an inning.

Roman Quinn had the second hit in the seventh and took advantage of the shift to get a huge lead off first. He advanced to second on Jose Siri's infield single that shortstop Nicky Lopez fielded. Lopez looked at second before making a late throw to first.

“Roman Quinn's baserunning set up that entire inning,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Just very, very heads up. We weren't knocking the ball all over the place. Keller gave up I think six or seven groundballs that inning.”

Christian Bethancourt had a solo homer in the eighth that made it 7-1.

Kansas City designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino went 0 for 3 with a walk and had his nine-game hitting streak that included five homers end. Salvador Perez walked twice, giving him 12 in 78 games this year.

The Rays arrived in the Tampa area around 5 a.m. after Wednesday night’s 8-7, 10-inning loss to the New York Yankees.

Outfielder David Peralta normally doesn’t sleep on the plane but did this time and said he was snoring so loudly he woke himself up.

Asked before the game if he thought the players were tired, Cash said, “No.”

Royals: RF Hunter Dozier was reinstated from the paternity list.

Rays: SS Wander Franco (right hamate bone surgery) sat out his second consecutive game with Triple-A Durham after departing his first rehab game Tuesday with hand soreness. Cash said Franco will take grounders Friday. ... OF Manuel Margot (right patellar strain) is expected to be activated Saturday. ... LHP Brendan McKay (thoracic outlet syndrome surgery) allowed two runs and two hits over four innings for Durham.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (6-4), coming off a one-hit, six-inning outing Sunday in a 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, starts Friday night against the Rays' Shane McClanahan (11-5), the AL All-Star Game starter.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño pitched strongly into the sixth inning, Yandy Díaz drove in three runs, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday night.Tampa Bay, which is tied with Toronto for the second AL wild card, has won five of six.Patiño (1-1), recalled from Triple-A Durham to make his first big league appearance since July 23, gave up four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He went on the 60-day injured list following a left oblique strain in April.“I felt really good," Patiño said through a translator. “I've been in the process of being able to recover from my injuries. Confidence has definitely gone up.”Patiño gave up three runs and seven hits in four innings at Kansas City on July 23. The right-hander is the Rays' major league-leading 22nd pitcher to win a game this season.“Kept us off balance,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He's got good stuff. Breaking ball is sharp, good velocity. Couldn't really predict where he was going to go and didn't make a lot of mistakes."Díaz homered on the second pitch from Max Castillo (0-1) leading off the first, and had a two-run double during a during a five-run seventh off Brad Keller.Michael Massey hit his first major league homer leading off the eighth against Shawn Armstrong to stop the Royals' scoreless streak at 33 innings. Kansas City, blanked by Minnesota in its previous two games, avoided being shut out in three straight for the second time this season.Castillo allowed one run and three hits, including two on bunts, in five innings. The right-hander was acquired from Toronto in the Whit Merrifield trade on Aug. 2 and recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make the start after Keller was shifted to the bullpen on Wednesday.“Really impressive,” Matheny said. “Couldn't have expected any more than what he did.”Keller, who went 6-13 in 22 starts this year, entered with one out in the seventh and allowed six consecutive hits, including Díaz's double that bounced over the head of third baseman Bobby Witt Jr. He allowed five runs, six hits and threw a run-scoring wild pitch in two-thirds of an inning.Roman Quinn had the second hit in the seventh and took advantage of the shift to get a huge lead off first. He advanced to second on Jose Siri's infield single that shortstop Nicky Lopez fielded. Lopez looked at second before making a late throw to first.“Roman Quinn's baserunning set up that entire inning,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Just very, very heads up. We weren't knocking the ball all over the place. Keller gave up I think six or seven groundballs that inning.”Christian Bethancourt had a solo homer in the eighth that made it 7-1.Kansas City designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino went 0 for 3 with a walk and had his nine-game hitting streak that included five homers end. Salvador Perez walked twice, giving him 12 in 78 games this year.LATE ARRIVALThe Rays arrived in the Tampa area around 5 a.m. after Wednesday night’s 8-7, 10-inning loss to the New York Yankees.Outfielder David Peralta normally doesn’t sleep on the plane but did this time and said he was snoring so loudly he woke himself up.Asked before the game if he thought the players were tired, Cash said, “No.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RF Hunter Dozier was reinstated from the paternity list.Rays: SS Wander Franco (right hamate bone surgery) sat out his second consecutive game with Triple-A Durham after departing his first rehab game Tuesday with hand soreness. Cash said Franco will take grounders Friday. ... OF Manuel Margot (right patellar strain) is expected to be activated Saturday. ... LHP Brendan McKay (thoracic outlet syndrome surgery) allowed two runs and two hits over four innings for Durham.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (6-4), coming off a one-hit, six-inning outing Sunday in a 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, starts Friday night against the Rays' Shane McClanahan (11-5), the AL All-Star Game starter.

Luis Patiño strong in return, Rays beat Royals 7-1

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The quickest way to the quarterback for a defensive end is usually the most direct route, and that may be why Chiefs rookie George Karlaftis is so adept at bulldozing his way through an unsuspecting offensive tackle and into the backfield.

Then again, perhaps it's because the route Karlaftis took to reaching the NFL was anything but direct.

The first-round pick out of Purdue grew up in Athens — not the one in Georgia, home to the Bulldogs, but the one in Greece, home to the Parthenon. His father, Matt, was an accomplished track and field athlete who had ventured to the U.S. to attend college, and while doing doctoral work at Purdue had met his eventual wife, Amy.

The two settled back in Athens, where Matt Karlaftis embarked on a career in academia, and where the family eventually grew to include four children. But the lives of all of them changed in June 2014, when their patriarch died of a sudden heart attack while on a work trip at the age of 44. Within a matter of days, Amy decided to move with her kids back to Indiana, where she settled in West Lafayette to be closer to family and her support network.

It was there that George Karlaftis, who had excelled at water polo and a myriad other sports in Greece, fell in love with the American version of football. He was in the eighth grade and, for a young man learning a new language, adapting to a new culture and trying to make new friends, the game gave him an opportunity to discover himself.

Now, a mere eight years later, the 21-year-old Karlaftis has reached the pinnacle of the sport.

“Looking back on it,” he said, “it's pretty crazy to think about. I feel like, more generally speaking, I've always excelled in sports to a certain extent. Football sort of came natural to me after I had a full year under my belt. I surely fell in love with it. Just looking back on it, I had a crazy, crazy ride. And just like the French say, ‘C'est la vie,' right? That's life.”

It has certainly been an interesting one. And in many ways, it's only beginning.

The Chiefs were better than just three teams in the NFL last season when it came to bringing down the quarterback, and they were unable to make a noteworthy splash in free agency until they signed veteran Carlos Dunlap midway into training camp. So instead, they spent one of their two first-round draft picks in an attempt to upgrade at defensive end.

Karlaftis was the fifth one off the board after a standout career at Purdue, but he fit perfectly with Kansas City.

“With a late start to football, he picked it up quick,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, “and one thing in common in everyone that you talk to about George is approach to the game and how important it is to him.”

That's been evident through the first month of training camp. Karlaftis is often one of the first players on the field and one of the last to leave it, and not just because he's probably signed more autographs for fans than just about anyone.

Along the way, Karlaftis began spending time with veteran Frank Clark, who regularly puts in extra work after practice.

“George is dope. He's a dope rookie,” Clark said with a smile. "He listens, you know? And honestly, I love him. He's a favorite for me early, one of my favorite rookies ever. He wants to be good. He understands it's a different game. There's a different twist in the NFL. You have to be understanding that.

“The other day,” Clark recalled, “he asked about getting off the ball — I fly off the ball — and he's asking, ‘What are you looking at?' And I explained to him different keys. Then at the end of practice, I'm zoned out, looking at the sky, just had five plays in a row, and he came running over to me and he's like, ‘Bro!’ Scared me. He's like, ‘Bro! I did it! I did what you told me to do!’ I was like, ‘Oh, cool. Good stuff.’ But just the fact that he came over so excited was cool.”

Not always does such practice success translate on game day, but Karlaftis couldn't have had a better preseason debut than last Saturday in Chicago. He had two quarterback hits along with a tackle-for-loss and a sack.

“Everyone is helping in their own way,” said Karlaftis, who gets his first opportunity inside Arrowhead Stadium when the Chiefs play Washington in their second exhibition game Saturday. “We're trying to have the strongest group possible. But it's just little things about the game, little veteran intricacies, that are being passed down to me.”

The depth chart is fluid in Kansas City, where defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is known for rotating so many players that it hardly matters anyway. But at least for now, Karlaftis is taking the shortest route he can to the top — just like he does when he's trying to chase down a quarterback in the backfield.

“He's a great kid,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said. “A lot of love for the rook. He came in and knew the playbook, he's a true student of the game. He has a lot of heart and effort. I love playing with him. He brings the young dog out of me.”

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The quickest way to the quarterback for a defensive end is usually the most direct route, and that may be why Chiefs rookie George Karlaftis is so adept at bulldozing his way through an unsuspecting offensive tackle and into the backfield.Then again, perhaps it's because the route Karlaftis took to reaching the NFL was anything but direct.The first-round pick out of Purdue grew up in Athens — not the one in Georgia, home to the Bulldogs, but the one in Greece, home to the Parthenon. His father, Matt, was an accomplished track and field athlete who had ventured to the U.S. to attend college, and while doing doctoral work at Purdue had met his eventual wife, Amy.The two settled back in Athens, where Matt Karlaftis embarked on a career in academia, and where the family eventually grew to include four children. But the lives of all of them changed in June 2014, when their patriarch died of a sudden heart attack while on a work trip at the age of 44. Within a matter of days, Amy decided to move with her kids back to Indiana, where she settled in West Lafayette to be closer to family and her support network.It was there that George Karlaftis, who had excelled at water polo and a myriad other sports in Greece, fell in love with the American version of football. He was in the eighth grade and, for a young man learning a new language, adapting to a new culture and trying to make new friends, the game gave him an opportunity to discover himself.Now, a mere eight years later, the 21-year-old Karlaftis has reached the pinnacle of the sport.“Looking back on it,” he said, “it's pretty crazy to think about. I feel like, more generally speaking, I've always excelled in sports to a certain extent. Football sort of came natural to me after I had a full year under my belt. I surely fell in love with it. Just looking back on it, I had a crazy, crazy ride. And just like the French say, ‘C'est la vie,' right? That's life.”It has certainly been an interesting one. And in many ways, it's only beginning.The Chiefs were better than just three teams in the NFL last season when it came to bringing down the quarterback, and they were unable to make a noteworthy splash in free agency until they signed veteran Carlos Dunlap midway into training camp. So instead, they spent one of their two first-round draft picks in an attempt to upgrade at defensive end.Karlaftis was the fifth one off the board after a standout career at Purdue, but he fit perfectly with Kansas City.“With a late start to football, he picked it up quick,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, “and one thing in common in everyone that you talk to about George is approach to the game and how important it is to him.”That's been evident through the first month of training camp. Karlaftis is often one of the first players on the field and one of the last to leave it, and not just because he's probably signed more autographs for fans than just about anyone.Along the way, Karlaftis began spending time with veteran Frank Clark, who regularly puts in extra work after practice.“George is dope. He's a dope rookie,” Clark said with a smile. "He listens, you know? And honestly, I love him. He's a favorite for me early, one of my favorite rookies ever. He wants to be good. He understands it's a different game. There's a different twist in the NFL. You have to be understanding that.“The other day,” Clark recalled, “he asked about getting off the ball — I fly off the ball — and he's asking, ‘What are you looking at?' And I explained to him different keys. Then at the end of practice, I'm zoned out, looking at the sky, just had five plays in a row, and he came running over to me and he's like, ‘Bro!’ Scared me. He's like, ‘Bro! I did it! I did what you told me to do!’ I was like, ‘Oh, cool. Good stuff.’ But just the fact that he came over so excited was cool.”Not always does such practice success translate on game day, but Karlaftis couldn't have had a better preseason debut than last Saturday in Chicago. He had two quarterback hits along with a tackle-for-loss and a sack.“Everyone is helping in their own way,” said Karlaftis, who gets his first opportunity inside Arrowhead Stadium when the Chiefs play Washington in their second exhibition game Saturday. “We're trying to have the strongest group possible. But it's just little things about the game, little veteran intricacies, that are being passed down to me.”The depth chart is fluid in Kansas City, where defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is known for rotating so many players that it hardly matters anyway. But at least for now, Karlaftis is taking the shortest route he can to the top — just like he does when he's trying to chase down a quarterback in the backfield.“He's a great kid,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said. “A lot of love for the rook. He came in and knew the playbook, he's a true student of the game. He has a lot of heart and effort. I love playing with him. He brings the young dog out of me.”

Chiefs' George Karlaftis could become NFL's own Greek Freak

The Barton Community College volleyball team has been picked to finish third in the Jayhawk West Conference for the upcoming 2022-23 season according to the league member coaches' voting

Finishing runner-up for the third straight year, the Cougars had their season come to an end in the Region VI Semifinals concluding the campaign at 24-11.

Entering his fourth year at the helm Head Coach Alan Segal returns seven key pieces from last season's squad including First-Team outside hitter Tasiah Nunnery and second-team defensive specialist Hanna Miller.

Barton will toss the ball up on Friday, August 19th at the OWT Tournament in Rockford, Illinois against Lake Land College before concluding the weekend trip with a pair of matches Saturday, August 20th versus Williston State College and Rend Lake College. The Lady Cougars open the home slate on September 14th against Pratt Community College.

The Saints of Seward County Community College have been tabbed the conference favorite with the defending Conference and Region VI Champions Butler Community College predicted just in-front of the Cougars with Dodge City Community College in the fourth spot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660816029146.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By Brandon Smith-bartonsports.comBARTON VOLLEYBALLThe Barton Community College volleyball team has been picked to finish third in the Jayhawk West Conference for the upcoming 2022-23 season according to the league member coaches' votingFinishing runner-up for the third straight year, the Cougars had their season come to an end in the Region VI Semifinals concluding the campaign at 24-11.Entering his fourth year at the helm Head Coach Alan Segal returns seven key pieces from last season's squad including First-Team outside hitter Tasiah Nunnery and second-team defensive specialist Hanna Miller.Barton will toss the ball up on Friday, August 19th at the OWT Tournament in Rockford, Illinois against Lake Land College before concluding the weekend trip with a pair of matches Saturday, August 20th versus Williston State College and Rend Lake College. The Lady Cougars open the home slate on September 14th against Pratt Community College.The Saints of Seward County Community College have been tabbed the conference favorite with the defending Conference and Region VI Champions Butler Community College predicted just in-front of the Cougars with Dodge City Community College in the fourth spot.

Barton Volleyball tabbed third in the Jayhawk West

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Emilio Pagán pitched two scoreless innings after Tyler Mahle departed with right shoulder fatigue, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Wednesday for a three-game sweep.

Jose Miranda homered for Minnesota, which is fighting with Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox for control of the crowded AL Central. Miranda finished with two hits and two RBIs, and Nick Gordon had a run-scoring double.

After Mahle left in the third, Pagán (4-6), Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran, Michael Fulmer and Trevor Megill finished Minnesota’s second straight shutout. A diving catch by center fielder Gilberto Celestino saved a run in the seventh.

“Yeah, we’ve got a super-talented group, and to be able to pick up the team like that is huge, especially when it caps off a sweep. So, that was a lot of fun,” Pagán said.

Making his third start since he was acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline, Mahle faced eight batters before manager Rocco Baldelli and a team trainer visited the mound in the third inning.

Mahle pitched 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball, walking one. He threw 29 of his 42 pitches for strikes, but his velocity was diminished.

Mahle is going to get an MRI and the team is expected to provide an update later Wednesday or Thursday.

On July 6, the Reds placed Mahle on the 15-day injured list with a strained right shoulder. An MRI ruled out any serious issues.

“I think we’re thinking it’s more along the lines of what guys do deal with over the course of the season," Baldelli said. "Guys do deal with things like this, maybe not quite to this extent, but guys do pitch through a lot of different soreness and tight here and tight there.”

Minnesota outscored Kansas City 17-2 in the series, bouncing back nicely from an ugly 1-4 road trip.

“That’s baseball,” Twins catcher Gary Sánchez said. “We never put our heads down. We came home. We had a great series against Kansas City, and just moving forward."

The Royals led 2-0 in the first inning Monday, but have gone scoreless in 26 frames since.

Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino each had two hits for Kansas City, which has been shut out 15 times this season.

Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch (4-8) allowed four runs — three earned — in six innings.

One strike away from getting out of the first inning, Lynch surrendered a two-run drive by Miranda. Of the 50 runs Lynch has allowed in 19 starts, 18 have come in the first inning. Last season, 43.5% of the runs he allowed occurred in the opening frame.

“I think I just sort of came out a little flat," Lynch said. “I’m not sure, but I kind of came in after that first inning and told myself I need to turn it on and get going a little bit.”

Brad Keller has been moved from the Royals’ rotation to the bullpen. The 6-foot-5 right-hander last worked as a reliever as a rookie in 2018.

Keller, who was scheduled to start Thursday, has six wins, an AL-high 13 losses and a 4.93 ERA in 22 starts. In two of his last three starts, he allowed eight earned runs; in three innings against the Dodgers on Aug. 13, and in 5 2/3 innings Aug. 2 against the White Sox.

“Many of you probably remember when Brad came up and how dominant he could look in the ’pen. So, it’s always been part of the conversation. Hate to go into the offseason wondering without actually taking a look,” manager Mike Matheny said.

Royals: RHP Joel Payamps was reinstated from the family medical emergency bereavement list and RHP Wyatt Mills was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

Twins: 2B Jorge Polanco missed his second straight game after leaving Monday’s game with left knee soreness after sliding into home plate, but Tuesday tests all came back OK.

Royals: Open a four-game series Thursday at Tampa Bay.

Twins: Begin a four-game home series Friday against Texas.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Emilio Pagán pitched two scoreless innings after Tyler Mahle departed with right shoulder fatigue, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Wednesday for a three-game sweep.Jose Miranda homered for Minnesota, which is fighting with Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox for control of the crowded AL Central. Miranda finished with two hits and two RBIs, and Nick Gordon had a run-scoring double.After Mahle left in the third, Pagán (4-6), Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran, Michael Fulmer and Trevor Megill finished Minnesota’s second straight shutout. A diving catch by center fielder Gilberto Celestino saved a run in the seventh.“Yeah, we’ve got a super-talented group, and to be able to pick up the team like that is huge, especially when it caps off a sweep. So, that was a lot of fun,” Pagán said.Making his third start since he was acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline, Mahle faced eight batters before manager Rocco Baldelli and a team trainer visited the mound in the third inning.Mahle pitched 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball, walking one. He threw 29 of his 42 pitches for strikes, but his velocity was diminished.Mahle is going to get an MRI and the team is expected to provide an update later Wednesday or Thursday.On July 6, the Reds placed Mahle on the 15-day injured list with a strained right shoulder. An MRI ruled out any serious issues.“I think we’re thinking it’s more along the lines of what guys do deal with over the course of the season," Baldelli said. "Guys do deal with things like this, maybe not quite to this extent, but guys do pitch through a lot of different soreness and tight here and tight there.”Minnesota outscored Kansas City 17-2 in the series, bouncing back nicely from an ugly 1-4 road trip.“That’s baseball,” Twins catcher Gary Sánchez said. “We never put our heads down. We came home. We had a great series against Kansas City, and just moving forward."The Royals led 2-0 in the first inning Monday, but have gone scoreless in 26 frames since.Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino each had two hits for Kansas City, which has been shut out 15 times this season.Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch (4-8) allowed four runs — three earned — in six innings.One strike away from getting out of the first inning, Lynch surrendered a two-run drive by Miranda. Of the 50 runs Lynch has allowed in 19 starts, 18 have come in the first inning. Last season, 43.5% of the runs he allowed occurred in the opening frame.“I think I just sort of came out a little flat," Lynch said. “I’m not sure, but I kind of came in after that first inning and told myself I need to turn it on and get going a little bit.”KELLER TO THE ‘PENBrad Keller has been moved from the Royals’ rotation to the bullpen. The 6-foot-5 right-hander last worked as a reliever as a rookie in 2018.Keller, who was scheduled to start Thursday, has six wins, an AL-high 13 losses and a 4.93 ERA in 22 starts. In two of his last three starts, he allowed eight earned runs; in three innings against the Dodgers on Aug. 13, and in 5 2/3 innings Aug. 2 against the White Sox.“Many of you probably remember when Brad came up and how dominant he could look in the ’pen. So, it’s always been part of the conversation. Hate to go into the offseason wondering without actually taking a look,” manager Mike Matheny said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Joel Payamps was reinstated from the family medical emergency bereavement list and RHP Wyatt Mills was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.Twins: 2B Jorge Polanco missed his second straight game after leaving Monday’s game with left knee soreness after sliding into home plate, but Tuesday tests all came back OK.UP NEXTRoyals: Open a four-game series Thursday at Tampa Bay.Twins: Begin a four-game home series Friday against Texas.

Twins beat Royals 4-0 for 3-game sweep

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The 2022 Kansas football season is quickly approaching as the Jayhawks kick off their season on Friday, September 2 against Tennessee Tech and fans have an opportunity to get their first look at the 2022 Jayhawks under head coach Lance Leipold.

Kansas Football will host an open practice on Saturday, August 20. Gates will open at 8:00 a.m., with practice scheduled to begin around 8:30 a.m. at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The free practice is open to the general public as the Jayhawks continue preparations for the upcoming season.

All fans should park on the west side of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and enter through the southwest corner using Gates 1, 4 and 9, with elevators to accessible seating also available. Fan seating will be on the west side of the stadium where beverages will be available for purchase as needed. Restrooms on the lower concourse will also be available.

The Jayhawks open their 2022 campaign on Friday, September 2 when they host Tennessee Tech to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.  Fans can purchase single-game tickets now. Kansas is set for a six-game home schedule this season. On top of Tennessee Tech, Coach Lance Leipold and Kansas will also host ACC foe Duke on Sept. 24, before taking on Big 12 opponents Iowa State, TCU, Oklahoma State and Texas at Memorial Stadium.

In addition to single-game tickets, season tickets are available and start as low as $185.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660751256781.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – The 2022 Kansas football season is quickly approaching as the Jayhawks kick off their season on Friday, September 2 against Tennessee Tech and fans have an opportunity to get their first look at the 2022 Jayhawks under head coach Lance Leipold.Kansas Football will host an open practice on Saturday, August 20. Gates will open at 8:00 a.m., with practice scheduled to begin around 8:30 a.m. at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The free practice is open to the general public as the Jayhawks continue preparations for the upcoming season.All fans should park on the west side of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and enter through the southwest corner using Gates 1, 4 and 9, with elevators to accessible seating also available. Fan seating will be on the west side of the stadium where beverages will be available for purchase as needed. Restrooms on the lower concourse will also be available.The Jayhawks open their 2022 campaign on Friday, September 2 when they host Tennessee Tech to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Fans can purchase single-game tickets now. Kansas is set for a six-game home schedule this season. On top of Tennessee Tech, Coach Lance Leipold and Kansas will also host ACC foe Duke on Sept. 24, before taking on Big 12 opponents Iowa State, TCU, Oklahoma State and Texas at Memorial Stadium.In addition to single-game tickets, season tickets are available and start as low as $185.

Jayhawks to Host Open Practice on August 20

MANHATTAN, Kansas – Following a two-year hiatus, K-State football fans are welcome back to meet and get autographs from their favorite Wildcats as the program will hold a "Meet the Cats" autograph session on Saturday, August 27, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the concourse of Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

Parking is available on the west side of the stadium, and fans can enter through Gate B for the autograph session. Those seeking autographs are asked to limit the number of items to one per person and encouraged to provide their own item to be signed. The K-State Super Store at the Stadium on the west side of Bill Snyder Family Stadium will be open for the event.

Fans are encouraged to make it a full Wildcat Saturday as the K-State volleyball team hosts Florida A&amp;M in the K-State Invitational at 12:30 p.m. that day inside Bramlage Coliseum.

The West Stadium Center ticket office will be open during the event for fans wishing to purchase single-game tickets. Tickets remain for all seven home games, including the home opener against South Dakota on Saturday, September 3, at 6 p.m., inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

Those who are unable to attend the autograph session can still order tickets online at www.kstatesports.com/tickets or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660750911695.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas – Following a two-year hiatus, K-State football fans are welcome back to meet and get autographs from their favorite Wildcats as the program will hold a "Meet the Cats" autograph session on Saturday, August 27, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the concourse of Bill Snyder Family Stadium.Parking is available on the west side of the stadium, and fans can enter through Gate B for the autograph session. Those seeking autographs are asked to limit the number of items to one per person and encouraged to provide their own item to be signed. The K-State Super Store at the Stadium on the west side of Bill Snyder Family Stadium will be open for the event.Fans are encouraged to make it a full Wildcat Saturday as the K-State volleyball team hosts Florida A&amp;M in the K-State Invitational at 12:30 p.m. that day inside Bramlage Coliseum.The West Stadium Center ticket office will be open during the event for fans wishing to purchase single-game tickets. Tickets remain for all seven home games, including the home opener against South Dakota on Saturday, September 3, at 6 p.m., inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.Those who are unable to attend the autograph session can still order tickets online at www.kstatesports.com/tickets or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

Meet the Cats Autograph Session Set for August 27

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

Last season, 30 major college football programs made coaching changes, including some of the bluest bloods in the sport — Southern California, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and LSU among them — in what was a historic hiring cycle.

All that movement portends a quieter carousel this season.

Well, nobody would have guessed at this time last year that Dan Mullen, coming off an SEC East Division title and a victory against Georgia with Florida in 2020, would be ousted by the Gators before Thanksgiving.

Life comes at college football coaches fast these days. The unforeseen aside, there are a few coaches clearly in need of a turnaround to keep their current gigs.

Athletic director Trev Alberts' decision to bring Frost back for a fifth season after four losing ones could fairly be called unprecedented for a program of Nebraska's status.

By giving the hometown hero and former Cornhuskers quarterback one more shot, Nebraska is situated to both save money and leave Frost no excuses. Last year's 3-9 record included so many close loses it felt like a strange, dark comedy.

The schedule is far more manageable this season. By the midway point, if the Huskers are anything worse than 5-1, it's probably a bad sign for Frost. His buyout dips to about $8 million after Oct. 1.

The attempt to oust Harsin after one season with what ended up looking like a bogus review of the program last winter was peak Auburn dysfunction. He is still here, and there are reasons to believe the former Boise State coach might not be the best fit for this job. Auburn currently has the 67th-ranked recruiting class in the country for 2023.

The athletic director who hired Harsin, Allen Greene, is also currently without a long-term contract. None of the signs look good for Harsin, but this is Auburn so don't discount the Tigers going 8-4 and making things even more complicated.

Collins took over for triple-option guru Paul Johnson with a plan to make Atlanta's ACC school cool and capitalize on one of the most-talent rich metro areas in the country. The Yellow Jackets, alas, have won nine games in three seasons. Flipping the roster was a difficult task, but there have been few signs of progress.

Bowl eligibility could be enough this season to save his job, but Georgia Tech's schedule looks as if it was made specifically to undermine him. In addition to annual games against No 4. Clemson and No. 3 Georgia, the Yellow Jackets also face No. 21 Mississippi and UCF.

The NCAA has been investigating Arizona State for numerous recruiting violations since last year. That forced massive turnover of Edwards' staff. The Sun Devils also took numerous hits in transfer portal departures, losing quality starters on both sides of the ball.

Arizona State is obviously content with riding out the NCAA issues, but if the on-field losses start piling up (the 8-5 finish last year included a 6-3 showing in the Pac-12) it's impossible to imagine the 68-year-old Edwards sticking around much longer.

Norvell is here because there will be a lot of chatter about him being on the hot seat.

Still, his status is not as precarious as his two-year record (8-13) with the Seminoles suggests. With Norvell's buyout pushing $20 million after this season and Florida State making significant investments in facilities, school leadership has signaled it is trying to stabilize the program and plans to have patience.

Now, what happens if the Seminoles go 4-8 against a difficult schedule?

Syracuse is now the toughest job in the Power Five. The school has a long history of football success that goes back to Jim Brown, but now finds itself with no way to recreate it.

Babers has had one winning season in six with the Orange and his contract runs through 2024. His buyout has been reported to be around $10 million after this season.

Whether to keep Babers might be decided by a spreadsheet and calculator more than wins and losses. The bigger issue with Syracuse is existential: Can a school located 165 miles from the Canadian border in upstate New York compete successfully in a conference made up mostly of Southern schools with clear recruiting advantages?

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football WriterLast season, 30 major college football programs made coaching changes, including some of the bluest bloods in the sport — Southern California, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and LSU among them — in what was a historic hiring cycle.All that movement portends a quieter carousel this season.Right?Well, nobody would have guessed at this time last year that Dan Mullen, coming off an SEC East Division title and a victory against Georgia with Florida in 2020, would be ousted by the Gators before Thanksgiving.Life comes at college football coaches fast these days. The unforeseen aside, there are a few coaches clearly in need of a turnaround to keep their current gigs.SCOTT FROST, NebraskaAthletic director Trev Alberts' decision to bring Frost back for a fifth season after four losing ones could fairly be called unprecedented for a program of Nebraska's status.By giving the hometown hero and former Cornhuskers quarterback one more shot, Nebraska is situated to both save money and leave Frost no excuses. Last year's 3-9 record included so many close loses it felt like a strange, dark comedy.The schedule is far more manageable this season. By the midway point, if the Huskers are anything worse than 5-1, it's probably a bad sign for Frost. His buyout dips to about $8 million after Oct. 1.BRYAN HARSIN, AuburnThe attempt to oust Harsin after one season with what ended up looking like a bogus review of the program last winter was peak Auburn dysfunction. He is still here, and there are reasons to believe the former Boise State coach might not be the best fit for this job. Auburn currently has the 67th-ranked recruiting class in the country for 2023.The athletic director who hired Harsin, Allen Greene, is also currently without a long-term contract. None of the signs look good for Harsin, but this is Auburn so don't discount the Tigers going 8-4 and making things even more complicated.GEOFF COLLINS, Georgia TechCollins took over for triple-option guru Paul Johnson with a plan to make Atlanta's ACC school cool and capitalize on one of the most-talent rich metro areas in the country. The Yellow Jackets, alas, have won nine games in three seasons. Flipping the roster was a difficult task, but there have been few signs of progress.Bowl eligibility could be enough this season to save his job, but Georgia Tech's schedule looks as if it was made specifically to undermine him. In addition to annual games against No 4. Clemson and No. 3 Georgia, the Yellow Jackets also face No. 21 Mississippi and UCF.HERMAN EDWARDS, Arizona StateThe NCAA has been investigating Arizona State for numerous recruiting violations since last year. That forced massive turnover of Edwards' staff. The Sun Devils also took numerous hits in transfer portal departures, losing quality starters on both sides of the ball.Arizona State is obviously content with riding out the NCAA issues, but if the on-field losses start piling up (the 8-5 finish last year included a 6-3 showing in the Pac-12) it's impossible to imagine the 68-year-old Edwards sticking around much longer.MIKE NORVELL, Florida StateNorvell is here because there will be a lot of chatter about him being on the hot seat.Still, his status is not as precarious as his two-year record (8-13) with the Seminoles suggests. With Norvell's buyout pushing $20 million after this season and Florida State making significant investments in facilities, school leadership has signaled it is trying to stabilize the program and plans to have patience.Now, what happens if the Seminoles go 4-8 against a difficult schedule?DINO BABERS, SyracuseSyracuse is now the toughest job in the Power Five. The school has a long history of football success that goes back to Jim Brown, but now finds itself with no way to recreate it.Babers has had one winning season in six with the Orange and his contract runs through 2024. His buyout has been reported to be around $10 million after this season.Whether to keep Babers might be decided by a spreadsheet and calculator more than wins and losses. The bigger issue with Syracuse is existential: Can a school located 165 miles from the Canadian border in upstate New York compete successfully in a conference made up mostly of Southern schools with clear recruiting advantages?

PICK SIX: Frost, Harsin among coaches in precarious spot

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The reinforcements arrived by the bunches Monday for the Denver Broncos.

They signed veteran linebacker Joe Schobert and activated prized offseason acquisitions Randy Gregory (shoulder) and Billy Turner (knee), both of whom aim to play in the regular-season opener at Seattle on Sept. 12.

“We’re trying to get everybody to Week 1,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said.

That includes inside linebacker Jonas Griffith, who dislocated his left elbow in the Broncos’ 17-7 exhibition victory over the Cowboys on Saturday night.

“We’re looking at that four-to-six (week window), so we’re going to be right on that fine line there,” Hackett said. “But I know the type of man he is and just looking at him and talking with him after the game, you know, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s there for Week 1.”

Griffith’s injury led to the signing of Schobert, a seventh-year pro from Wisconsin who’s played for the Browns (2016-19), Jaguars (2020) and Steelers (2021) and is the only NFL player to amass 600 tackles, 10 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles over the last six seasons.

“Schobert is another experienced guy that we know we can put in there and can play right away,” Hackett said. “He can bring that leadership. He’s had lots of years with hundreds of tackles and he’s a guy who’s played special teams”

Schobert has started 81 NFL games, including playoffs,

“This will be my seventh defensive scheme in seven years,” he said. “I’ve been pretty much on every defensive scheme you can have in the NFL.”

Schobert lives in nearby Castle Rock, so he won’t have to worry about any altitude acclimation, either, as he lines up alongside Josey Jewell.

He worked out for the Broncos and other teams earlier this month but missed all of training camp.

“It was a little hard to watch something that you’ve been doing for the last six years professionally but then I’d go fishing and I wouldn’t watch it and I’d be in the mountains will no cell service,” Schobert said.

Gregory is the gem of GM George Paton’s 2022 free agent class. He underwent surgery to repair his right rotator cuff shortly after choosing Denver over Dallas in free agency and signing a five-year, $70 million contract.

“It’s something I’d been dealing with for two, maybe three years,” said Gregory, who’s coming off a six-sack season in his final year in Dallas. “I’d been playing with it for so long, I kind of wanted to fight through it. But I think for the long term it was better for me and for the team.”

Hackett said he and his staff got a chuckle last week as they watched film of the Cowboys in preparation for their preseason opener.

“We put a game on just because we wanted to make sure we knew what they were going to be presenting us, and the whole time it was funny, we’re all looking at each other and going, ‘We’re really happy that guy’s on our team,’” Hackett said.

“I mean, he’s a dynamic guy. He’s got an unbelievable motor. He is nonstop all throughout the whole play. He’s physical. He’s fast. He’s a smart player. I think all of those things that he brings are so great for our football team and watching him off the edge is something I’m excited to see.”

Hackett was also eager to see Turner back on the field. They were together in Green Bay for the past three years. The versatile 10th-year offensive lineman returned to Denver, where he played from 2016-18, on a four-year, $28 million free agent contract this spring.

Turner is projected as the Broncos’ starting right tackle, but he missed training camp while recovering from a left knee injury that goes back to last season.

“Am I mentally ready and prepared” to play in the opener? “I mean, that’s what these next four weeks are going to be about for me,” Turner said.

The Broncos also designated guard Ben Brady as waived/injured.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The reinforcements arrived by the bunches Monday for the Denver Broncos.They signed veteran linebacker Joe Schobert and activated prized offseason acquisitions Randy Gregory (shoulder) and Billy Turner (knee), both of whom aim to play in the regular-season opener at Seattle on Sept. 12.“We’re trying to get everybody to Week 1,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said.That includes inside linebacker Jonas Griffith, who dislocated his left elbow in the Broncos’ 17-7 exhibition victory over the Cowboys on Saturday night.“We’re looking at that four-to-six (week window), so we’re going to be right on that fine line there,” Hackett said. “But I know the type of man he is and just looking at him and talking with him after the game, you know, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s there for Week 1.”Griffith’s injury led to the signing of Schobert, a seventh-year pro from Wisconsin who’s played for the Browns (2016-19), Jaguars (2020) and Steelers (2021) and is the only NFL player to amass 600 tackles, 10 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles over the last six seasons.“Schobert is another experienced guy that we know we can put in there and can play right away,” Hackett said. “He can bring that leadership. He’s had lots of years with hundreds of tackles and he’s a guy who’s played special teams”Schobert has started 81 NFL games, including playoffs,“This will be my seventh defensive scheme in seven years,” he said. “I’ve been pretty much on every defensive scheme you can have in the NFL.”Schobert lives in nearby Castle Rock, so he won’t have to worry about any altitude acclimation, either, as he lines up alongside Josey Jewell.He worked out for the Broncos and other teams earlier this month but missed all of training camp.“It was a little hard to watch something that you’ve been doing for the last six years professionally but then I’d go fishing and I wouldn’t watch it and I’d be in the mountains will no cell service,” Schobert said.Gregory is the gem of GM George Paton’s 2022 free agent class. He underwent surgery to repair his right rotator cuff shortly after choosing Denver over Dallas in free agency and signing a five-year, $70 million contract.“It’s something I’d been dealing with for two, maybe three years,” said Gregory, who’s coming off a six-sack season in his final year in Dallas. “I’d been playing with it for so long, I kind of wanted to fight through it. But I think for the long term it was better for me and for the team.”Hackett said he and his staff got a chuckle last week as they watched film of the Cowboys in preparation for their preseason opener.“We put a game on just because we wanted to make sure we knew what they were going to be presenting us, and the whole time it was funny, we’re all looking at each other and going, ‘We’re really happy that guy’s on our team,’” Hackett said.“I mean, he’s a dynamic guy. He’s got an unbelievable motor. He is nonstop all throughout the whole play. He’s physical. He’s fast. He’s a smart player. I think all of those things that he brings are so great for our football team and watching him off the edge is something I’m excited to see.”Hackett was also eager to see Turner back on the field. They were together in Green Bay for the past three years. The versatile 10th-year offensive lineman returned to Denver, where he played from 2016-18, on a four-year, $28 million free agent contract this spring.Turner is projected as the Broncos’ starting right tackle, but he missed training camp while recovering from a left knee injury that goes back to last season.“Am I mentally ready and prepared” to play in the opener? “I mean, that’s what these next four weeks are going to be about for me,” Turner said.The Broncos also designated guard Ben Brady as waived/injured.

Broncos sign free agent Schobert, activate Gregory, Turner

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — JuJu Smith-Schuster missed a soggy practice with the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday because of a sore knee, though the injury to the veteran wide receiver is not expected to keep him out long.

The Chiefs also waived defensive lineman Austin Edwards and wide receiver Devin Gray to get to the 85-man roster limit.

Smith-Schuster is being counted upon to help the Chiefs overcome the trade of wide receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami. The 25-year-old missed most of last season with the Steelers after he dislocated his shoulder in Week 5 against Denver, though he did return in time for the playoffs. He caught five passes for 26 yards in a blowout loss to the Chiefs.

In other injury news, kicker Harrison Butker was back on the field after missing Monday's practice because of a sore ankle, though punter Tommy Townsend remained absent while dealing with a family matter.

Tight end Blake Bell was still out with a hip flexor injury and safety Zayne Anderson with a shoulder injury.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — JuJu Smith-Schuster missed a soggy practice with the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday because of a sore knee, though the injury to the veteran wide receiver is not expected to keep him out long.The Chiefs also waived defensive lineman Austin Edwards and wide receiver Devin Gray to get to the 85-man roster limit.Smith-Schuster is being counted upon to help the Chiefs overcome the trade of wide receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami. The 25-year-old missed most of last season with the Steelers after he dislocated his shoulder in Week 5 against Denver, though he did return in time for the playoffs. He caught five passes for 26 yards in a blowout loss to the Chiefs.In other injury news, kicker Harrison Butker was back on the field after missing Monday's practice because of a sore ankle, though punter Tommy Townsend remained absent while dealing with a family matter.Tight end Blake Bell was still out with a hip flexor injury and safety Zayne Anderson with a shoulder injury.

Chiefs' JuJu Smith-Schuster misses practice with sore knee

New
York	72	45	.615	_	_	2-8	L-3	41-17	31-28

Tampa
Bay	62	53	.539	9	+1	6-4	W-4	35-22	27-31

Toronto	61	54	.530	10	_	2-8	L-3	35-25	26-29

Baltimore	61	55	.526	10½	½	6-4	W-2	33-21	28-34

Boston	58	59	.496	14	4	5-5	W-2	29-30	29-29

Cleveland	62	55	.530	_	_	7-3	L-2	30-24	32-31

Minnesota	60	55	.522	1	1	5-5	W-2	33-25	27-30

Chicago	61	56	.521	1	1	7-3	W-5	30-29	31-27

Kansas
City	48	70	.407	14½	14½	5-5	L-2	29-34	19-36

Detroit	45	74	.378	18	18	2-8	W-2	26-33	19-41

Houston	75	43	.636	_	_	5-5	L-2	39-18	36-25

Seattle	64	54	.542	11	+1½	6-4	W-2	31-26	33-28

Texas	52	64	.448	22	9½	5-5	L-1	26-33	26-31

Los
Angeles	51	66	.436	23½	11	6-4	L-2	26-35	25-31

Oakland	42	75	.359	32½	20	1-9	W-1	17-38	25-37

New
York	75	42	.641	_	_	7-3	L-2	40-19	35-23

Atlanta	72	46	.610	3½	+7½	8-2	W-8	39-22	33-24

Philadelphia	65	51	.560	9½	+1½	7-3	W-2	32-26	33-25

Miami	52	65	.444	23	12	4-6	W-2	25-32	27-33

Washington	39	79	.331	36½	25½	3-7	L-1	19-43	20-36

St.
Louis	64	51	.557	_	_	7-3	W-2	38-21	26-30

Milwaukee	62	53	.539	2	1	5-5	W-1	30-23	32-30

Chicago	48	67	.417	16	15	6-4	W-1	24-34	24-33

Cincinnati	45	70	.391	19	18	3-7	L-2	25-36	20-34

Pittsburgh	45	71	.388	19½	18½	2-8	L-5	24-30	21-41

Los
Angeles	80	35	.696	_	_	8-2	L-1	40-15	40-20

San
Diego	65	54	.546	17	_	4-6	L-2	33-24	32-30

San
Francisco	59	57	.509	21½	4½	8-2	W-5	34-27	25-30

Arizona	53	63	.457	27½	10½	6-4	L-2	32-29	21-34

Colorado	51	67	.432	30½	13½	4-6	L-3	33-30	18-37

AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayNew
York	72	45	.615	_	_	2-8	L-3	41-17	31-28Tampa
Bay	62	53	.539	9	+1	6-4	W-4	35-22	27-31Toronto	61	54	.530	10	_	2-8	L-3	35-25	26-29Baltimore	61	55	.526	10½	½	6-4	W-2	33-21	28-34Boston	58	59	.496	14	4	5-5	W-2	29-30	29-29Central DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayCleveland	62	55	.530	_	_	7-3	L-2	30-24	32-31Minnesota	60	55	.522	1	1	5-5	W-2	33-25	27-30Chicago	61	56	.521	1	1	7-3	W-5	30-29	31-27Kansas
City	48	70	.407	14½	14½	5-5	L-2	29-34	19-36Detroit	45	74	.378	18	18	2-8	W-2	26-33	19-41West DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayHouston	75	43	.636	_	_	5-5	L-2	39-18	36-25Seattle	64	54	.542	11	+1½	6-4	W-2	31-26	33-28Texas	52	64	.448	22	9½	5-5	L-1	26-33	26-31Los
Angeles	51	66	.436	23½	11	6-4	L-2	26-35	25-31Oakland	42	75	.359	32½	20	1-9	W-1	17-38	25-37___NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayNew
York	75	42	.641	_	_	7-3	L-2	40-19	35-23Atlanta	72	46	.610	3½	+7½	8-2	W-8	39-22	33-24Philadelphia	65	51	.560	9½	+1½	7-3	W-2	32-26	33-25Miami	52	65	.444	23	12	4-6	W-2	25-32	27-33Washington	39	79	.331	36½	25½	3-7	L-1	19-43	20-36Central DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwaySt.
Louis	64	51	.557	_	_	7-3	W-2	38-21	26-30Milwaukee	62	53	.539	2	1	5-5	W-1	30-23	32-30Chicago	48	67	.417	16	15	6-4	W-1	24-34	24-33Cincinnati	45	70	.391	19	18	3-7	L-2	25-36	20-34Pittsburgh	45	71	.388	19½	18½	2-8	L-5	24-30	21-41West DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayLos
Angeles	80	35	.696	_	_	8-2	L-1	40-15	40-20San
Diego	65	54	.546	17	_	4-6	L-2	33-24	32-30San
Francisco	59	57	.509	21½	4½	8-2	W-5	34-27	25-30Arizona	53	63	.457	27½	10½	6-4	L-2	32-29	21-34Colorado	51	67	.432	30½	13½	4-6	L-3	33-30	18-37

Wednesday MLB Standings

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sonny Gray matched his season high with 10 strikeouts and Gio Urshela had four hits as the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-0 on Tuesday night.

Gilberto Celestino homered and Luis Arraez picked up three more hits to raise his MLB-best batting average to .336. The Twins moved within a game of AL Central-leading Cleveland.

“We’ve got to continue to keep playing like that,” Urshela said.

Gray (7-3) struck out the side in the second inning, all on called third strikes. He got Nicky Lopez and MJ Melendez swinging in the sixth to equal the 10 strikeouts he had against Detroit back on May 24.

Gray exited to a standing ovation when manager Rocco Baldelli pulled him in the seventh after hits by Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino. Gray had allowed just one hit through six innings.

Including Tuesday's scoreless outing, Gray has surrendered just five total runs over his last five starts.

“I feel good with the baseball in my hand," Gray said. “I want to take the mound with one thought on my brain, and it’s to win the game. That’s just kind of where I’m at personally.”

Caleb Thielbar took over for Gray with a 3-0 lead with two on and no outs, and kept the shutout intact. Thielbar also helped the Twins out of a jam in Monday's win.

“That’s two days in a row for Caleb to come in in huge spots and to absolutely maneuver his way, dominate his way through some hitters,” Gray said. “That’s huge, what he’s done.”

Zack Greinke (4-8) gave up three runs, only one them earned, in six innings. Minnesota scored its first two runs in the second after an error by third baseman Bobby Witt Jr.

Tuesday was the third time this season the 38-year-old Greinke had faced the Twins. The nine hits were the most Minnesota had against him this year.

“I made a lot of good pitches and they were just hitting balls hard all day long," Greinke said. "It was a tough day pitching.”

Leading 3-0, the Twins added three runs in the seventh against reliever Wyatt Mills. An error by second baseman Michael Massey helped Minnesota score three more in the eighth.

“We’re right there still in that game with an opportunity again and miss it,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “You can’t let those go."

Urshela had RBI singles in both the seventh and eighth innings. It marked his first four-hit game as a Twin and the fourth of his career.

The third baseman, who was acquired in an offseason trade from the Yankees, is batting .303 (23 for 76) since July 6.

“I think he’s seeing the ball well recently,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. "He’s had a little bit of success off Greinke in the past. Sometimes that just happens and we don’t have explanations for that, but sometimes guys’ swings match up just a little bit better against guys’ stuff than anyone could ever expect."

Twins: 2B Jorge Polanco did not play Tuesday, a day after exiting a game with left knee soreness. Polanco injured his knee while sliding into home plate Monday. Baldelli said after Tuesday's game that Polanco did have an MRI earlier in the day, but it didn't reveal any damage. Polanco is considered day-to-day.

LHP Daniel Lynch (4-7, 4.52 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals in the series finale, facing the Twins for the third time this season. Minnesota counters with RHP Tyler Mahle (6-7, 4.26), who will make his third start in a Twins uniform since being acquired from Cincinnati in a trade earlier this month.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sonny Gray matched his season high with 10 strikeouts and Gio Urshela had four hits as the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-0 on Tuesday night.Gilberto Celestino homered and Luis Arraez picked up three more hits to raise his MLB-best batting average to .336. The Twins moved within a game of AL Central-leading Cleveland.“We’ve got to continue to keep playing like that,” Urshela said.Gray (7-3) struck out the side in the second inning, all on called third strikes. He got Nicky Lopez and MJ Melendez swinging in the sixth to equal the 10 strikeouts he had against Detroit back on May 24.Gray exited to a standing ovation when manager Rocco Baldelli pulled him in the seventh after hits by Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino. Gray had allowed just one hit through six innings.Including Tuesday's scoreless outing, Gray has surrendered just five total runs over his last five starts.“I feel good with the baseball in my hand," Gray said. “I want to take the mound with one thought on my brain, and it’s to win the game. That’s just kind of where I’m at personally.”Caleb Thielbar took over for Gray with a 3-0 lead with two on and no outs, and kept the shutout intact. Thielbar also helped the Twins out of a jam in Monday's win.“That’s two days in a row for Caleb to come in in huge spots and to absolutely maneuver his way, dominate his way through some hitters,” Gray said. “That’s huge, what he’s done.”Zack Greinke (4-8) gave up three runs, only one them earned, in six innings. Minnesota scored its first two runs in the second after an error by third baseman Bobby Witt Jr.Tuesday was the third time this season the 38-year-old Greinke had faced the Twins. The nine hits were the most Minnesota had against him this year.“I made a lot of good pitches and they were just hitting balls hard all day long," Greinke said. "It was a tough day pitching.”Leading 3-0, the Twins added three runs in the seventh against reliever Wyatt Mills. An error by second baseman Michael Massey helped Minnesota score three more in the eighth.“We’re right there still in that game with an opportunity again and miss it,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “You can’t let those go."Urshela had RBI singles in both the seventh and eighth innings. It marked his first four-hit game as a Twin and the fourth of his career.The third baseman, who was acquired in an offseason trade from the Yankees, is batting .303 (23 for 76) since July 6.“I think he’s seeing the ball well recently,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. "He’s had a little bit of success off Greinke in the past. Sometimes that just happens and we don’t have explanations for that, but sometimes guys’ swings match up just a little bit better against guys’ stuff than anyone could ever expect."TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: 2B Jorge Polanco did not play Tuesday, a day after exiting a game with left knee soreness. Polanco injured his knee while sliding into home plate Monday. Baldelli said after Tuesday's game that Polanco did have an MRI earlier in the day, but it didn't reveal any damage. Polanco is considered day-to-day.UP NEXTLHP Daniel Lynch (4-7, 4.52 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals in the series finale, facing the Twins for the third time this season. Minnesota counters with RHP Tyler Mahle (6-7, 4.26), who will make his third start in a Twins uniform since being acquired from Cincinnati in a trade earlier this month.

Twins blank Royals 9-0

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Another fall prep sports season is in full swing around the state of Kansas as Monday marks the first day of practice. Along with the many new athletes competing this year, Great Bend Activities Director Matt Westerhaus is excited about his new start. Westerhaus officially began his duties at GBHS on Aug. 1.

"When you've got great coaches and great people, it makes that transition pretty smooth and simple," Westerhaus said. "They know the requirements, and they know to get things in and get things taken care of. It hasn't been as chaotic as probably one would assume. It's been good, it's been great. Everybody has been awesome."

Westerhaus joined USD 428 after serving as the athletic director at Junction City High School. A native of Junction City, Westerhaus played high school basketball there before playing at Benedictine College in Atchison. He was hired for the Great Bend position in January and is already pleased with the facilities and staff.

"We've got wonderful facilities," he said. "Probably even more important are the people who take care of those facilities, whether it's the grounds crew, the custodial staff. Every time you walk on or into a facility, it's clean, it's ready to go for whatever is coming next. Kudos to the 428 group that makes that happen. Our kids probably don't realize how important that is, and don't recognize it, but I know our coaching staff does, and myself. It's just one of those little things that makes a big difference."

Westerhaus takes over for David Meter, who worked in the district for 43 years and served as activities director at GBHS for 22 years. Courtney Kelly takes over for Lana Wolf, who retired from the activities office last May after 34 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643201576532.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAnother fall prep sports season is in full swing around the state of Kansas as Monday marks the first day of practice. Along with the many new athletes competing this year, Great Bend Activities Director Matt Westerhaus is excited about his new start. Westerhaus officially began his duties at GBHS on Aug. 1."When you've got great coaches and great people, it makes that transition pretty smooth and simple," Westerhaus said. "They know the requirements, and they know to get things in and get things taken care of. It hasn't been as chaotic as probably one would assume. It's been good, it's been great. Everybody has been awesome."Westerhaus joined USD 428 after serving as the athletic director at Junction City High School. A native of Junction City, Westerhaus played high school basketball there before playing at Benedictine College in Atchison. He was hired for the Great Bend position in January and is already pleased with the facilities and staff."We've got wonderful facilities," he said. "Probably even more important are the people who take care of those facilities, whether it's the grounds crew, the custodial staff. Every time you walk on or into a facility, it's clean, it's ready to go for whatever is coming next. Kudos to the 428 group that makes that happen. Our kids probably don't realize how important that is, and don't recognize it, but I know our coaching staff does, and myself. It's just one of those little things that makes a big difference."Westerhaus takes over for David Meter, who worked in the district for 43 years and served as activities director at GBHS for 22 years. Courtney Kelly takes over for Lana Wolf, who retired from the activities office last May after 34 years."Lana and Dave were staples in the activities department for a lot of years," Westerhaus said. "A lot of people leaned on them to make things happen and provide solutions. Courtney Kelly, my new assistant, and myself are the same thing. Our office is there to provide support for coaches, sponsors, and help them do what they need to do to make our programs and students successful."Westerhaus also thanked the physicians and other workers who provided free physicals to student-athletes on Aug. 6."I'd be reminiscent to not thank the doctors and everybody in the community who came out and made the free physicals a huge success," he said. "I think we had over 250 families and students take advantage of that day. It's just another testament to the Great Bend community for being so helpful and making things happen." The fall season at GBHS is a full one with football, volleyball, cross country, soccer, girls' tennis, and girls' golf. Westerhaus said many Panther athletes put in a good summer of workouts to prepare for the upcoming season."Probably over 60 of our student-athletes were in the weight room 95 percent of the time all summer," he said. "They have put the time, energy, and effort into helping themselves and their teams prepare for the upcoming season. It's exciting to see them putting the time and energy in, and hopefully it will pay off in the long run for all of our programs here in Great Bend."With the sports season now in full swing, Westerhaus said he is ready to play his part in GBHS's success this year."I'm a pretty energetic guy, love to compete each and every day," he said. "I just look forward to getting to know people, getting to know our students. The Great Bend community has been very welcoming to my wife and myself the past two months."Before the schedule hits full speed, GBHS is hosting its Meet the Panthers event in Jack Kilby Square on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. The Lady Panther volleyball team holds its scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 26 at 5 p.m. at GBHS, and the Panther football team hosts a jamboree with Hoisington and Scott City at 6 p.m. that evening.

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