PHOENIX (AP) — Arike Ogunbowale was the dominant scorer on the floor. Caitlin Clark was the best passer. Angel Reese was her usual double-double machine.

The U.S. may still have the best team at the Olympics, but at the All-Star Game, they didn’t have all the best players on Saturday night.

Ogunbowale set the All-Star scoring record with 34 points and Clark fell just short of the assist mark in her All-Star debut as the WNBA team beat the U.S. Olympic team 117-109.

It was the second consecutive win for the WNBA All-Star team over the Olympians. The All-Stars also won in 2021 led by Ogunbowale, who was MVP of both that game and this one.

“This is going to help us tremendously. We don’t get that many game opportunities," said Breanna Stewart who had 31 points to lead the U.S. ”We can go back and watch the film and focus on how we can continue to be better. It was like a little bit of deja vu feeling but just locking in.”

The loss didn't slow down the Americans in 2021 as they went on to winning their seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal. The U.S. hopes for the same results in Paris later this month. No team in the world could match the depth or talent that the WNBA All-Stars had.

“Is Arike playing for any of these teams we are going to play?" U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve deadpanned.

Saturday's loss came hours after the U.S. men's Olympic team rallied to beat South Sudan by one point in an exhibition game in London.

The U.S. women's team will next play Germany in London for an exhibition game Tuesday before going to France for the Olympics. The Americans are in a pool with Belgium, Japan and Germany.

“We have work to do and we know that,” Reeve said. “Sometimes it's good, adversity, etc. I don’t think we needed a game like this to have our attention. We know how hard it is to do what we’re trying to do and we have work to do to get there.”

Ogunbowale once again was a thorn in the side of the U.S. team, scoring all of her points in the second half. The 2021 All-Star MVP took over the game in the third quarter scoring 21 points, hitting six of her 10 shots, including five 3-pointers. The U.S. team threw everything at the Dallas Wings star, but they just couldn’t stop her.

Ogunbowale said that WNBA team coach Cheryl Miller said something to her at the half about being more aggressive.

“Told me to take a deep breath and go out and play my game,” she said.

Ogunbowale has been in the U.S. national team pool for the past two Olympics, but didn’t make the roster either time. She pulled her name out of the pool of players early this time around saying the whole process was political.

By the time Ogunbowale was done in the third quarter, the WNBA All-Stars had turned a two-point halftime deficit into an 88-79 lead. She broke Jewell Loyd’s overall All-Star scoring record of 31 set last year with a 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter.

The Olympians, who have only practiced together for two days, never really threatened.

There was so much hype and energy around this All-Star Game with the debuts of phenomenal rookies Clark and Reese. The pair have helped lift the WNBA to new heights this season with record attendance and viewership.

It was their first time the young stars had ever played together. One of Clark’s 10 assists came to Reese, who finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

“We knew after our little 30 minute practice yesterday that we were going to win,” Reese said. “The tone was set.”

Clark finished one assist short of Sue Bird's Al-Star record.

“That's Sue's record. Can't take that from her, that's my homey,” Clark said.

The game was put in Phoenix to celebrate the 20-year career of Mercury star Diana Taurasi and the return of Brittney Griner from her wrongful detainment in Russia in 2022.

“This will be one of the single hardest things to concentrate on. Is actually coaching the team because of what’s happening,” Reeve said. “It is one of the greatest spectacles, I think, in the history of our league.”

While Clark and Reese were given loud ovations from the crowd in pregame introductions, nothing matched the applause for Taurasi, who was playing in her 11th All-Star Game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721576918994.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Caitlin Clark, right, Allisha Gray, center, and Aliyah Boston, left, of Team WNBA, celebrate a made 3-point basket by a teammate against Team USA during the second half of a WNBA All-Star basketball game Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Caitlin Clark, right, Allisha Gray, center, and Aliyah Boston, left, of Team WNBA, celebrate a made 3-point basket by a teammate against Team USA during the second half of a WNBA All-Star basketball game Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Arike Ogunbowale was the dominant scorer on the floor. Caitlin Clark was the best passer. Angel Reese was her usual double-double machine.The U.S. may still have the best team at the Olympics, but at the All-Star Game, they didn’t have all the best players on Saturday night.Ogunbowale set the All-Star scoring record with 34 points and Clark fell just short of the assist mark in her All-Star debut as the WNBA team beat the U.S. Olympic team 117-109.It was the second consecutive win for the WNBA All-Star team over the Olympians. The All-Stars also won in 2021 led by Ogunbowale, who was MVP of both that game and this one.“This is going to help us tremendously. We don’t get that many game opportunities," said Breanna Stewart who had 31 points to lead the U.S. ”We can go back and watch the film and focus on how we can continue to be better. It was like a little bit of deja vu feeling but just locking in.”The loss didn't slow down the Americans in 2021 as they went on to winning their seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal. The U.S. hopes for the same results in Paris later this month. No team in the world could match the depth or talent that the WNBA All-Stars had.“Is Arike playing for any of these teams we are going to play?" U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve deadpanned.Saturday's loss came hours after the U.S. men's Olympic team rallied to beat South Sudan by one point in an exhibition game in London.The U.S. women's team will next play Germany in London for an exhibition game Tuesday before going to France for the Olympics. The Americans are in a pool with Belgium, Japan and Germany.“We have work to do and we know that,” Reeve said. “Sometimes it's good, adversity, etc. I don’t think we needed a game like this to have our attention. We know how hard it is to do what we’re trying to do and we have work to do to get there.”Ogunbowale once again was a thorn in the side of the U.S. team, scoring all of her points in the second half. The 2021 All-Star MVP took over the game in the third quarter scoring 21 points, hitting six of her 10 shots, including five 3-pointers. The U.S. team threw everything at the Dallas Wings star, but they just couldn’t stop her.Ogunbowale said that WNBA team coach Cheryl Miller said something to her at the half about being more aggressive.“Told me to take a deep breath and go out and play my game,” she said.Ogunbowale has been in the U.S. national team pool for the past two Olympics, but didn’t make the roster either time. She pulled her name out of the pool of players early this time around saying the whole process was political.By the time Ogunbowale was done in the third quarter, the WNBA All-Stars had turned a two-point halftime deficit into an 88-79 lead. She broke Jewell Loyd’s overall All-Star scoring record of 31 set last year with a 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter.The Olympians, who have only practiced together for two days, never really threatened.A’ja Wilson added 22.There was so much hype and energy around this All-Star Game with the debuts of phenomenal rookies Clark and Reese. The pair have helped lift the WNBA to new heights this season with record attendance and viewership.It was their first time the young stars had ever played together. One of Clark’s 10 assists came to Reese, who finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds.“We knew after our little 30 minute practice yesterday that we were going to win,” Reese said. “The tone was set.”Clark finished one assist short of Sue Bird's Al-Star record.“That's Sue's record. Can't take that from her, that's my homey,” Clark said.The game was put in Phoenix to celebrate the 20-year career of Mercury star Diana Taurasi and the return of Brittney Griner from her wrongful detainment in Russia in 2022.“This will be one of the single hardest things to concentrate on. Is actually coaching the team because of what’s happening,” Reeve said. “It is one of the greatest spectacles, I think, in the history of our league.”While Clark and Reese were given loud ovations from the crowd in pregame introductions, nothing matched the applause for Taurasi, who was playing in her 11th All-Star Game.

WNBA All-Stars beat U.S. Olympic team 117-109

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer threw seven shutout innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday night.

“You can’t get much better,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The efficiency, every inning except the one. Location, he seemed to have it on both sides of the plate. He also had some bigger breaking balls and that kept them off balance.”

Singer faced the minimum through three before running into fourth-inning trouble, walking two to load the bases. He escaped with a strikeout and retired 10 of the final 13 hitters.

“Obviously, didn’t want a big inning to happen there, so to get out of those jams and put up a zero was huge,” Singer said. “The biggest thing was getting deep in the game, controlling my pitch count and pitching into the seventh inning.”

Singer (6-6) allowed five singles with two walks and seven strikeouts to earn his second win in his last 10 starts.

“Sinker was great,” he said. “Slider was good. I thought the sweeper was better, my best pitch of the night. I was able to use that a lot more tonight.”

The major league-worst White Sox have dropped six straight and nine of their last 10 games. They have lost 10 consecutive road series since their last win, May 3-5 at St. Louis.

“We had some opportunities to put some runs on the board and we just didn’t,” manager Pedro Grifol said. “(Singer) sinks it. He’s got late, late life on it. When he’s got his fastball going, he’s got his command going, he’s got his slider, he’s pretty tough to hit.”

The Royals built a 3-0 lead in the first inning with five straight hits, highlighted by Michael Massey’s RBI triple. Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the second, adding another run.

Jonathan Cannon (1-4) held Kansas City to one single thereafter, finishing six innings while allowing four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts.

“He was a little too strong,” Grifol said. “He just needed to take a step back there and settle down and pitch a little bit. Today was a good developmental day for him. In reality, he gave us a chance to win.”

Witt had three hits and has hit safely in 29 of his last 30 home games, batting .444. He has multiple hits in nine of his last 14 games.

Salvador Perez had two hits and an RBI, and Hunter Renfroe drove in two runs in the Royals’ sixth victory in their last eight games.

Hunter Harvey allowed two doubles and an eighth-inning run in his Royals debut.

Kansas City’s 33 wins at Kauffman Stadium are the second-most home wins in baseball behind Philadelphia’s 37 and match the Royals’ home win total from 2023.

Chuckie Robinson made his White Sox debut at catcher, throwing out Witt attempting to steal third.

White Sox: Placed RHP Jordan Leasure on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to July 17) with a right shoulder impingement.

White Sox: Recalled LHP Sammy Peralta from Triple-A Charlotte.

White Sox right-hander Drew Thorpe (3-1, 3.58 ERA) opposes Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (11-4, 2.48) in Sunday’s series finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721576690851.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer throws to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer throws to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer threw seven shutout innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday night.“You can’t get much better,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The efficiency, every inning except the one. Location, he seemed to have it on both sides of the plate. He also had some bigger breaking balls and that kept them off balance.”Singer faced the minimum through three before running into fourth-inning trouble, walking two to load the bases. He escaped with a strikeout and retired 10 of the final 13 hitters.“Obviously, didn’t want a big inning to happen there, so to get out of those jams and put up a zero was huge,” Singer said. “The biggest thing was getting deep in the game, controlling my pitch count and pitching into the seventh inning.”Singer (6-6) allowed five singles with two walks and seven strikeouts to earn his second win in his last 10 starts.“Sinker was great,” he said. “Slider was good. I thought the sweeper was better, my best pitch of the night. I was able to use that a lot more tonight.”The major league-worst White Sox have dropped six straight and nine of their last 10 games. They have lost 10 consecutive road series since their last win, May 3-5 at St. Louis.“We had some opportunities to put some runs on the board and we just didn’t,” manager Pedro Grifol said. “(Singer) sinks it. He’s got late, late life on it. When he’s got his fastball going, he’s got his command going, he’s got his slider, he’s pretty tough to hit.”The Royals built a 3-0 lead in the first inning with five straight hits, highlighted by Michael Massey’s RBI triple. Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the second, adding another run.Jonathan Cannon (1-4) held Kansas City to one single thereafter, finishing six innings while allowing four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts.“He was a little too strong,” Grifol said. “He just needed to take a step back there and settle down and pitch a little bit. Today was a good developmental day for him. In reality, he gave us a chance to win.”Witt had three hits and has hit safely in 29 of his last 30 home games, batting .444. He has multiple hits in nine of his last 14 games.Salvador Perez had two hits and an RBI, and Hunter Renfroe drove in two runs in the Royals’ sixth victory in their last eight games.Hunter Harvey allowed two doubles and an eighth-inning run in his Royals debut.Kansas City’s 33 wins at Kauffman Stadium are the second-most home wins in baseball behind Philadelphia’s 37 and match the Royals’ home win total from 2023.Chuckie Robinson made his White Sox debut at catcher, throwing out Witt attempting to steal third.TRAINER’S ROOMWhite Sox: Placed RHP Jordan Leasure on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to July 17) with a right shoulder impingement.TRANSACTIONSWhite Sox: Recalled LHP Sammy Peralta from Triple-A Charlotte.UP NEXTWhite Sox right-hander Drew Thorpe (3-1, 3.58 ERA) opposes Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (11-4, 2.48) in Sunday’s series finale.

Singer throws 7 shutout innings to lead Royals past White Sox, 6-1

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs know exactly what they have returning from last season.

They know what Patrick Mahomes, the two-time league MVP, can do under center. They are quite familiar with how much tight end Travis Kelce means to the offense. And they know that their defense, which allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL last season, returns mostly intact after shutting down San Francisco in their latest Super Bowl triumph.

So as veterans reported to training camp Friday at Missouri Western State University, the reality for Kansas City might be this: Its chances of a record third straight Lombardi Trophy could hinge on players that are new this season.

Specifically the rookies, who reported to camp Tuesday for a few extra days of work before the veterans arrived.

“There's no easing,” Mahomes said of the first-year players. “It's time to go now.”

Like most general managers, Brett Veach often preaches about taking “the best player available" during the NFL draft, and if that was the case, the Chiefs were mighty fortunate in April. The players they selected also filled some of their biggest needs on both sides of the ball, and they are being counted to step into important roles almost immediately.

Tops on the list is Xavier Worthy, the fleet-footed wide receiver out of Texas, who broke the record in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine but was slowed throughout voluntary summer workouts by a nagging hamstring injury.

Worthy pronounced himself ready to go this week, and he has been getting plenty of reps with a compression wrap on his still-recovering hamstring. That is good news for Kansas City, which plans to use his game-breaking speed to stretch defenses down the field in a way that Mahomes has not been able since Tyreek Hill was running routes for him.

“I definitely feel like there's no time to ease in. I mean, it's all go,” Worthy said. “Once you're here, you're here. I understand what Pat's saying, and just to build that connection with him is going to be key here.”

The Chiefs may not know just how important that will be for a while.

As it stands, Worthy is expected to line up as the No. 3 wide receiver alongside second-year pro Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, one of the Chiefs' big-name free-agent acquisitions. But with legal trouble hanging over Rice stemming from a car crash in Dallas, and a potential NFL suspension to go with it, the Chiefs might be playing without him at some point this season.

That would mean more pressure on Worthy to produce.

Kansas City is much deeper at the position than it was last season, when it was the team's biggest weakness. But backups such as Mecole Hardman, Justin Watson and Kadarius Toney do not offer the same kind of big-play upside of the three starters.

The other big hole for the Chiefs is at left tackle, where they let penalty-prone Donovan Smith hit free agency. While competition could last much of training camp, the front-runner to start appears to be second-round draft pick Kingsley Suamataia.

His biggest obstacle is Wanya Morris, who showed some positive signs as a rookie last season.

“I’ve known Wanya as a player. He’s a great guy. He’s friends with a lot of guys that I know,” Suamataia said. "We are boys on and off the field, just trying to gain that job. We’re both just working hard, the best that we can, and whoever comes out on the top – we’re still boys, but it’s business out here.”

While the Chiefs return a slew of veterans, and that means precious few competitions for jobs, there are a couple of spots where rookies could work their way into the mix before the opener against Baltimore on Sept. 5.

Fourth-round pick Jared Wiley could give Kelce a break at tight end. Another fourth-rounder, Jaden Hicks, has a shot at backing up the safety positions. Fifth-round pick Hunter Nourzad could earn time at both center and guard. And defensive back Kamal Hadden could soak up some of the snaps at cornerback that left with L'Jarius Sneed for Tennessee.

“The vets have been extremely helpful in everything since the rookies have gotten here,” Nourzad said. "Not just football stuff, but personal stuff – stuff about Kansas City, including us in stuff they do when it comes to charity and stuff like that.

"Everybody, all the older vets, have just been such a great resource for all of us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721489310461.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy walks to practice during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 18, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy walks to practice during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 18, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs know exactly what they have returning from last season.They know what Patrick Mahomes, the two-time league MVP, can do under center. They are quite familiar with how much tight end Travis Kelce means to the offense. And they know that their defense, which allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL last season, returns mostly intact after shutting down San Francisco in their latest Super Bowl triumph.So as veterans reported to training camp Friday at Missouri Western State University, the reality for Kansas City might be this: Its chances of a record third straight Lombardi Trophy could hinge on players that are new this season.Specifically the rookies, who reported to camp Tuesday for a few extra days of work before the veterans arrived.“There's no easing,” Mahomes said of the first-year players. “It's time to go now.”Like most general managers, Brett Veach often preaches about taking “the best player available" during the NFL draft, and if that was the case, the Chiefs were mighty fortunate in April. The players they selected also filled some of their biggest needs on both sides of the ball, and they are being counted to step into important roles almost immediately.Tops on the list is Xavier Worthy, the fleet-footed wide receiver out of Texas, who broke the record in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine but was slowed throughout voluntary summer workouts by a nagging hamstring injury.Worthy pronounced himself ready to go this week, and he has been getting plenty of reps with a compression wrap on his still-recovering hamstring. That is good news for Kansas City, which plans to use his game-breaking speed to stretch defenses down the field in a way that Mahomes has not been able since Tyreek Hill was running routes for him.“I definitely feel like there's no time to ease in. I mean, it's all go,” Worthy said. “Once you're here, you're here. I understand what Pat's saying, and just to build that connection with him is going to be key here.”The Chiefs may not know just how important that will be for a while.As it stands, Worthy is expected to line up as the No. 3 wide receiver alongside second-year pro Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, one of the Chiefs' big-name free-agent acquisitions. But with legal trouble hanging over Rice stemming from a car crash in Dallas, and a potential NFL suspension to go with it, the Chiefs might be playing without him at some point this season.That would mean more pressure on Worthy to produce.Kansas City is much deeper at the position than it was last season, when it was the team's biggest weakness. But backups such as Mecole Hardman, Justin Watson and Kadarius Toney do not offer the same kind of big-play upside of the three starters.The other big hole for the Chiefs is at left tackle, where they let penalty-prone Donovan Smith hit free agency. While competition could last much of training camp, the front-runner to start appears to be second-round draft pick Kingsley Suamataia.His biggest obstacle is Wanya Morris, who showed some positive signs as a rookie last season.“I’ve known Wanya as a player. He’s a great guy. He’s friends with a lot of guys that I know,” Suamataia said. "We are boys on and off the field, just trying to gain that job. We’re both just working hard, the best that we can, and whoever comes out on the top – we’re still boys, but it’s business out here.”While the Chiefs return a slew of veterans, and that means precious few competitions for jobs, there are a couple of spots where rookies could work their way into the mix before the opener against Baltimore on Sept. 5.Fourth-round pick Jared Wiley could give Kelce a break at tight end. Another fourth-rounder, Jaden Hicks, has a shot at backing up the safety positions. Fifth-round pick Hunter Nourzad could earn time at both center and guard. And defensive back Kamal Hadden could soak up some of the snaps at cornerback that left with L'Jarius Sneed for Tennessee.“The vets have been extremely helpful in everything since the rookies have gotten here,” Nourzad said. "Not just football stuff, but personal stuff – stuff about Kansas City, including us in stuff they do when it comes to charity and stuff like that."Everybody, all the older vets, have just been such a great resource for all of us.”

Chiefs' vets report to training camp, where rookies are already trying to make impact

DALLAS (AP) — Georgia is the heavy favorite to win the Southeastern Conference title and is picked to face league newcomer Texas in the championship game.

The Bulldogs received 165 votes to win the SEC title among reporters covering league media days, which ended Thursday in Dallas. Texas, which made the College Football Playoffs last season, got 27 votes. With the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the now 16-team league, it will be the SEC's first season without divisions since 1991.

The SEC Championship Games will include the two teams with the best overall league winning percentages.

Defending champion Alabama received 12 votes to repeat, with Mississippi getting four, LSU and Vanderbilt two apiece and South Carolina one.

DALLAS (AP) — Georgia is the heavy favorite to win the Southeastern Conference title and is picked to face league newcomer Texas in the championship game.The Bulldogs received 165 votes to win the SEC title among reporters covering league media days, which ended Thursday in Dallas. Texas, which made the College Football Playoffs last season, got 27 votes. With the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the now 16-team league, it will be the SEC's first season without divisions since 1991.The SEC Championship Games will include the two teams with the best overall league winning percentages.Defending champion Alabama received 12 votes to repeat, with Mississippi getting four, LSU and Vanderbilt two apiece and South Carolina one.

Media picks Georgia as overwhelming SEC favorite, followed by newcomer Texas

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched seven scoreless innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and drove in two runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 7-1 on Friday night.

Witt drove Chris Flexen’s inside fastball above the left field bullpen in the first inning for his 17th homer.

“I was just trying to be on time with the heater,” Witt said. “Whenever I’m on time, I feel like good things happen.”

Royals manager Matt Quatraro liked what he saw.

“It was nice to see — a fastball on the inner part of the plate — him turn on it, get us going and get himself going,” he said.

Witt added an RBI in the third on the second of his three hits for a 2-0 lead. Since June 24, he has hit safely in 17 of 19 games, batting .403 with 12 extra-base hits.

Wacha (7-6) induced inning-ending double plays with runners at third in the first and third innings.

“Big-time double plays to get me out of those jams,” Wacha said. “It took a little bit to kind of find a groove. Just getting that command back on those pitches after the (All-Star break) layoff will be key.”

Wacha struck out seven while allowing four hits and a walk, and is 6-2 in his last 10 starts, surrendering no more than three earned runs in each.

“Overall, the results were great,” Wacha said. “I felt like I was able to make pitches when I needed to, get some strikeouts when I needed to.”

It was a tough night for White Sox hitters.

“Wacha’s very difficult to hit, especially when he’s got his changeup going,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said.

Michael Massey’s two-out, two-run single highlighted the Royals’ five-run fifth. Kansas City has won five of its last seven.

“Massey’s hit was the difference,” Quatraro said. “But just one good at-bat after another.”

Flexen (2-9) walked four and hit a batter in the fifth. He threw 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs on four hits and five walks. In 13 starts since last winning May 8, he is 0-6.

“Obviously fell apart at the end,” Flexen said. “Kind of lost the feel there. The walks are inexcusable.”

Chicago’s Korey Lee homered in the eighth, his ninth.

Brooks Baldwin singled in his first at-bat in his major league debut, as the White Sox lost their fifth straight.

White Sox: Placed RHP Michael Soroka on the 15-day Injured List (retroactive to July 16) with a right shoulder strain.

Royals: Placed OF MJ Melendez on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to July 15) with a left ankle sprain.

White Sox: signed free agent IF Nick Senzel, selected the contract of IF Brooks Baldwin, and recalled C Chuckie Robinson and RHP Steven Wilson, from Triple-A Charlotte, optioned IF Lenyn Sosa to Charlotte, and designated C Martin Maldonado and IF Danny Mendick for assignment, outrighting Mendick to Charlotte.

Royals: Recalled OF Drew Waters from Triple-A Omaha and designated RHP Nick Anderson for assignment.

White Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon (1-3, 4.41 ERA) opposes Royals right-hander Brady Singer (5-6, 3.20).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721487099702.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox Friday, July 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox Friday, July 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched seven scoreless innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and drove in two runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 7-1 on Friday night.Witt drove Chris Flexen’s inside fastball above the left field bullpen in the first inning for his 17th homer.“I was just trying to be on time with the heater,” Witt said. “Whenever I’m on time, I feel like good things happen.”Royals manager Matt Quatraro liked what he saw.“It was nice to see — a fastball on the inner part of the plate — him turn on it, get us going and get himself going,” he said.Witt added an RBI in the third on the second of his three hits for a 2-0 lead. Since June 24, he has hit safely in 17 of 19 games, batting .403 with 12 extra-base hits.Wacha (7-6) induced inning-ending double plays with runners at third in the first and third innings.“Big-time double plays to get me out of those jams,” Wacha said. “It took a little bit to kind of find a groove. Just getting that command back on those pitches after the (All-Star break) layoff will be key.”Wacha struck out seven while allowing four hits and a walk, and is 6-2 in his last 10 starts, surrendering no more than three earned runs in each.“Overall, the results were great,” Wacha said. “I felt like I was able to make pitches when I needed to, get some strikeouts when I needed to.”It was a tough night for White Sox hitters.“Wacha’s very difficult to hit, especially when he’s got his changeup going,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said.Michael Massey’s two-out, two-run single highlighted the Royals’ five-run fifth. Kansas City has won five of its last seven.“Massey’s hit was the difference,” Quatraro said. “But just one good at-bat after another.”Flexen (2-9) walked four and hit a batter in the fifth. He threw 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs on four hits and five walks. In 13 starts since last winning May 8, he is 0-6.“Obviously fell apart at the end,” Flexen said. “Kind of lost the feel there. The walks are inexcusable.”Chicago’s Korey Lee homered in the eighth, his ninth.Brooks Baldwin singled in his first at-bat in his major league debut, as the White Sox lost their fifth straight.TRAINER’S ROOMWhite Sox: Placed RHP Michael Soroka on the 15-day Injured List (retroactive to July 16) with a right shoulder strain.Royals: Placed OF MJ Melendez on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to July 15) with a left ankle sprain.TRANSACTIONSWhite Sox: signed free agent IF Nick Senzel, selected the contract of IF Brooks Baldwin, and recalled C Chuckie Robinson and RHP Steven Wilson, from Triple-A Charlotte, optioned IF Lenyn Sosa to Charlotte, and designated C Martin Maldonado and IF Danny Mendick for assignment, outrighting Mendick to Charlotte.Royals: Recalled OF Drew Waters from Triple-A Omaha and designated RHP Nick Anderson for assignment.UP NEXTWhite Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon (1-3, 4.41 ERA) opposes Royals right-hander Brady Singer (5-6, 3.20).

Witt and Wacha lead Royals over White Sox, 7-1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched seven scoreless innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and drove in two runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 7-1. Witt drove Chris Flexen’s inside fastball above the left field bullpen in the first inning for his 17th homer. Witt added an RBI in the third on the second of his three hits for a 2-0 lead. Since June 24, Witt has hit safely in 17 of 19 games, batting .403 with 12 extra-base hits. Wacha (7-6) allowed four hits and a walk, striking out seven. Chicago’s Korey Lee homered in the eighth inning.

ATLANTA (AP) — The game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves originally scheduled for Friday night was postponed because of persistent rain. The Cardinals, who are in second place in the NL Central, and the Braves, who are second in the NL East, will play a split doubleheader on Saturday at Truist Park. The first pitch for the opener has been scheduled for 1 p.m., and the nightcap will begin at 7:20 p.m., though there is more rain in the forecast.

TROON, Scotland (AP) — Shane Lowry has the British Open lead at Royal Troon after a 69 on a wild day at Royal Troon. Lowry's big adventure was a double bogey on the 11th hole on Friday. He settled himself and made a pair of birdies at the finish to lead by two over Daniel Brown and Justin Rose. But this day is best marked by a bunch of messes. Justin Thomas shot 45 on the front nine. Robert MacIntyre had two triple bogeys through four holes. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy missed the cut. Scottie Scheffler was among five players within five of the lead.

TROON, Scotland (AP) — Tiger Woods has ended his season by missing the cut at the British Open. That wasn't a big surprise after he opened with a 79. He followed with a 77 at Royal Troon on Friday. At 156, that matches the highest 36-hole score of his pro career. He set a Masters record by making the cut for the 24th straight time. But he missed the cut at the last three majors and it wasn't very close. Woods says he needs more tournaments to be sharp. But playing more risks not being ready for the majors. Woods says he won't play until December.

TROON, Scotland (AP) — Rory McIlroy missed the cut at the British Open and he has 265 days until the start of the next major at the Masters. Now he is trying to figure out how to salvage a 10th straight year without a major. There's nothing he can do now but look forward. Maybe a gold medal at the Olympics will fill the void. After that, McIlroy will try to win the FedEx Cup for the fourth time, perhaps add another Race to Dubai. But it's mainly about the four majors. The longer he goes without, the harder it figures to be.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — For Katie Ledecky, there is seemingly no such thing as burnout. Sure, there are times when it all gets a bit monotonous, staring at that black line at the bottom of the pool, turning lap after lap. Yet, a dozen years after she burst on the scene with a surprising gold medal at the London Olympics, Ledecky keeps finding ways to enjoy swimming as much as ever. The ultimate payoff is staying on top year after year, Olympics after Olympics, even as other swimmers struggle to deal with the mental and physical side of their grueling sport.

UNDATED (AP) — Brazilian legend Marta will be playing in her final Olympics in France before stepping away from the national team. It will be Marta's sixth Olympics. She has won world player of the year honors six times, more than any other woman. But at 38, she has decided this will be her last major tournament with Brazil. The Brazilians have won silver medals twice during Marta's tenure but Olympic gold has eluded the team.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor has been charged in Florida with failing to update his address on the state’s sex offender registry. Court records show the former New York Giants linebacker turned himself in to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday and was released with no bail. He entered a not guilty plea. It’s the second time he’s been charged with the offence. Taylor pleaded guilty in New York in 2011 to misdemeanor sexual misconduct charges. He was sentenced to six years of probation and ordered to register as a sex offender.

St. Louis	at	Atlanta	1:07 p.m.	(Postponed)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched seven scoreless innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and drove in two runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 7-1. Witt drove Chris Flexen’s inside fastball above the left field bullpen in the first inning for his 17th homer. Witt added an RBI in the third on the second of his three hits for a 2-0 lead. Since June 24, Witt has hit safely in 17 of 19 games, batting .403 with 12 extra-base hits. Wacha (7-6) allowed four hits and a walk, striking out seven. Chicago’s Korey Lee homered in the eighth inning.ATLANTA (AP) — The game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves originally scheduled for Friday night was postponed because of persistent rain. The Cardinals, who are in second place in the NL Central, and the Braves, who are second in the NL East, will play a split doubleheader on Saturday at Truist Park. The first pitch for the opener has been scheduled for 1 p.m., and the nightcap will begin at 7:20 p.m., though there is more rain in the forecast.TROON, Scotland (AP) — Shane Lowry has the British Open lead at Royal Troon after a 69 on a wild day at Royal Troon. Lowry's big adventure was a double bogey on the 11th hole on Friday. He settled himself and made a pair of birdies at the finish to lead by two over Daniel Brown and Justin Rose. But this day is best marked by a bunch of messes. Justin Thomas shot 45 on the front nine. Robert MacIntyre had two triple bogeys through four holes. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy missed the cut. Scottie Scheffler was among five players within five of the lead.TROON, Scotland (AP) — Tiger Woods has ended his season by missing the cut at the British Open. That wasn't a big surprise after he opened with a 79. He followed with a 77 at Royal Troon on Friday. At 156, that matches the highest 36-hole score of his pro career. He set a Masters record by making the cut for the 24th straight time. But he missed the cut at the last three majors and it wasn't very close. Woods says he needs more tournaments to be sharp. But playing more risks not being ready for the majors. Woods says he won't play until December.TROON, Scotland (AP) — Rory McIlroy missed the cut at the British Open and he has 265 days until the start of the next major at the Masters. Now he is trying to figure out how to salvage a 10th straight year without a major. There's nothing he can do now but look forward. Maybe a gold medal at the Olympics will fill the void. After that, McIlroy will try to win the FedEx Cup for the fourth time, perhaps add another Race to Dubai. But it's mainly about the four majors. The longer he goes without, the harder it figures to be.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — For Katie Ledecky, there is seemingly no such thing as burnout. Sure, there are times when it all gets a bit monotonous, staring at that black line at the bottom of the pool, turning lap after lap. Yet, a dozen years after she burst on the scene with a surprising gold medal at the London Olympics, Ledecky keeps finding ways to enjoy swimming as much as ever. The ultimate payoff is staying on top year after year, Olympics after Olympics, even as other swimmers struggle to deal with the mental and physical side of their grueling sport.UNDATED (AP) — Brazilian legend Marta will be playing in her final Olympics in France before stepping away from the national team. It will be Marta's sixth Olympics. She has won world player of the year honors six times, more than any other woman. But at 38, she has decided this will be her last major tournament with Brazil. The Brazilians have won silver medals twice during Marta's tenure but Olympic gold has eluded the team.FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor has been charged in Florida with failing to update his address on the state’s sex offender registry. Court records show the former New York Giants linebacker turned himself in to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday and was released with no bail. He entered a not guilty plea. It’s the second time he’s been charged with the offence. Taylor pleaded guilty in New York in 2011 to misdemeanor sexual misconduct charges. He was sentenced to six years of probation and ordered to register as a sex offender.TROON, Scotland (AP) — Tiger Woods has ended his season by missing the cut at the British Open. That wasn't a big surprise after he opened with a 79. He followed with a 77 at Royal Troon on Friday. At 156, that matches the highest 36-hole score of his pro career. He set a Masters record by making the cut for the 24th straight time. But he missed the cut at the last three majors and it wasn't very close. Woods says he needs more tournaments to be sharp. But playing more risks not being ready for the majors. Woods says he won't play until December.FRIDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	7	San Diego	0	Final	L.A. Dodgers	4	Boston	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	5	Toronto	4	Final	N.Y. Yankees	6	Tampa Bay	1	Final	Baltimore	9	Texas	1	Final	Kansas City	7	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	Oakland	13	L.A. Angels	3	Final	Houston	3	Seattle	0	NATIONAL LEAGUESt. Louis	at	Atlanta	1:07 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Arizona	5	Chicago Cubs	2	Final	Washington	8	Cincinnati	5	Final	Pittsburgh	8	Philadelphia	7	Final	Miami	6	N.Y. Mets	4	Final	Colorado	7	San Francisco	3

Saturday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs have set a deadline of six months from now to decide on a plan for the future of Arrowhead Stadium, whether that means renovating their iconic home or building an entirely new stadium in Kansas or Missouri.

After a joint ballot initiative with the Royals to help fund facilities by extending a sales tax was rejected by voters in Jackson County, Missouri, earlier this year, the teams agreed to move forward with separate plans. Now, they are waiting for the leaders in both states that comprise the Kansas City metro to put forward their best pitches.

Legislators in Kansas approved a plan last month that would finance up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums for pro sports franchises with an eye on luring the Chiefs across the state line. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson responded a week later by saying he expects his state to put together an aid plan by the end of the year to keep the teams on its side of the metro.

“This is a generational decision. This is going to impact the future of this franchise for generations,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said Friday, the day that veterans reported to training camp at Missouri Western in St. Joseph, Missouri.

“We have to get this right,” Donovan said. “We are going to do the due-diligence. We are going to take our time and do it right. But there is a reality to the timing. You can only take so much time to get it right. And that window is starting to close.”

The Chiefs and Royals have played for more than five decades at the Truman Sports Complex, where a lease agreement calls for the use of a sales tax for their upkeep. And while Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium remain beloved by fans, the reality is both are becoming outdated, and it's unclear how long they would last even if they were renovated again.

Royals owner John Sherman has said his team will not play at Kauffman beyond the 2030 season, preferring instead to build a new downtown ballpark. The Chiefs initially hoped to renovate Arrowhead but are becoming more open to building new.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has long hoped to host a Super Bowl, and that would be more likely with a new stadium. If it included a retractable roof, the stadium also could land lucrative events such as the Final Four and college football playoff games.

One factor working against Missouri is its uncertain political environment. Parson cannot run for reelection due to term limits, and that means the Chiefs must wait until later this fall to know who they would be working with going forward.

“Really the deadline is how can you be up and running in a new facility or a renovated facility for January of the 2031 season,” Donovan said. “You're looking at an existing structure, something we've done a lot of work on, there is a little less lead time. If you are talking about something new, it extends the lead time a year and a half. So we feel like we're in the window now to get something done in the next six months to be in a good position. That's the timeline we're working on.”

Donovan said another factor in the decision is quite simple: real estate.

If the Chiefs build new, they want enough land for 20,000 parking spaces, so the franchise can retain its well-known tailgating tradition. They also would have to decide whether a new training facility — their current one is located near Arrowhead Stadium but is also becoming outdated — would be built near a potential new stadium or stand alone elsewhere.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721419208375.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Fans cheer at Arrowhead Stadium during the first half of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions, Sept. 7, 202, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs have set a deadline of six months from now to decide on a plan for the future of Arrowhead Stadium, whether that means renovating their iconic home or building an entirely new stadium in Kansas or Missouri. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann. File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Fans cheer at Arrowhead Stadium during the first half of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions, Sept. 7, 202, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs have set a deadline of six months from now to decide on a plan for the future of Arrowhead Stadium, whether that means renovating their iconic home or building an entirely new stadium in Kansas or Missouri. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann. File)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs have set a deadline of six months from now to decide on a plan for the future of Arrowhead Stadium, whether that means renovating their iconic home or building an entirely new stadium in Kansas or Missouri.After a joint ballot initiative with the Royals to help fund facilities by extending a sales tax was rejected by voters in Jackson County, Missouri, earlier this year, the teams agreed to move forward with separate plans. Now, they are waiting for the leaders in both states that comprise the Kansas City metro to put forward their best pitches.Legislators in Kansas approved a plan last month that would finance up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums for pro sports franchises with an eye on luring the Chiefs across the state line. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson responded a week later by saying he expects his state to put together an aid plan by the end of the year to keep the teams on its side of the metro.“This is a generational decision. This is going to impact the future of this franchise for generations,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said Friday, the day that veterans reported to training camp at Missouri Western in St. Joseph, Missouri.“We have to get this right,” Donovan said. “We are going to do the due-diligence. We are going to take our time and do it right. But there is a reality to the timing. You can only take so much time to get it right. And that window is starting to close.”The Chiefs and Royals have played for more than five decades at the Truman Sports Complex, where a lease agreement calls for the use of a sales tax for their upkeep. And while Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium remain beloved by fans, the reality is both are becoming outdated, and it's unclear how long they would last even if they were renovated again.Royals owner John Sherman has said his team will not play at Kauffman beyond the 2030 season, preferring instead to build a new downtown ballpark. The Chiefs initially hoped to renovate Arrowhead but are becoming more open to building new.Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has long hoped to host a Super Bowl, and that would be more likely with a new stadium. If it included a retractable roof, the stadium also could land lucrative events such as the Final Four and college football playoff games.One factor working against Missouri is its uncertain political environment. Parson cannot run for reelection due to term limits, and that means the Chiefs must wait until later this fall to know who they would be working with going forward.“Really the deadline is how can you be up and running in a new facility or a renovated facility for January of the 2031 season,” Donovan said. “You're looking at an existing structure, something we've done a lot of work on, there is a little less lead time. If you are talking about something new, it extends the lead time a year and a half. So we feel like we're in the window now to get something done in the next six months to be in a good position. That's the timeline we're working on.”Donovan said another factor in the decision is quite simple: real estate.If the Chiefs build new, they want enough land for 20,000 parking spaces, so the franchise can retain its well-known tailgating tradition. They also would have to decide whether a new training facility — their current one is located near Arrowhead Stadium but is also becoming outdated — would be built near a potential new stadium or stand alone elsewhere.

Chiefs set deadline to decide whether to renovate or build new — and where

By NOAH TRISTER AP Baseball Writer

Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are the front-runners for baseball's MVP awards, according to the oddsmakers.

It's only the All-Star break, but one or two clear favorites have emerged for several of the game's top honors. With play set to resume again Friday, here's a look at what the betting lines have to say, courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.

The favorite: Aaron Judge, Yankees (-350)

Top challenger: Gunnar Henderson, Orioles (+240)

Longer shots: Juan Soto, Yankees (+1800), Bobby Witt Jr., Royals (+2000), José Ramirez (+5000)

Judge and Henderson have separated themselves in what once looked like it could be a four-player race, and Judge's odds being shorter than even money may come as a surprise to some. The Yankees (-115) are only a slight favorite to win the AL East, so clearly the market believes Judge has a decent chance to win MVP honors even if New York finishes behind Baltimore.

The favorite: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (-375)

Top challenger: Bryce Harper, Phillies (+450)

Longer shots: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers (+2000), Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks (+2500), Marcell Ozuna, Braves (+2500)

Injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mookie Betts have helped Ohtani's chances. As a full-time designated hitter this year, he may face some resistance from voters, but perhaps what Ohtani does on the basepaths — he's tied for third in the major leagues with 23 steals — can make up for his lack of defensive value.

The favorite: Tarik Skubal, Tigers (-150)

Top challenger: Corbin Burnes, Orioles (+325)

Longer shots: Logan Gilbert, Mariners (+1200), Seth Lugo, Royals (+1200), Garrett Crochet, White Sox (+2800), Tanner Houck, Red Sox (+2800)

Burnes was the pick to start the All-Star game, but Skubal (10-3, 2.41 ERA) is the favorite for the Cy Young. Of course, there's at least some possibility the Detroit left-hander could be traded to the National League before the deadline.

Top challenger: Zack Wheeler, Phillies (+155)

Longer shots: Paul Skenes, Pirates (+400), Ranger Suárez, Phillies (+2800), Logan Webb, Giants (+3000), Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers (+3000)

Sale finished in the top six of the American League Cy Young vote for seven straight years from 2012-18, but he never won. It would be something if he finally captures the award now, on the NL side at age 35.

The favorite: Wyatt Langford, Rangers (+120)

Longer shots: Ceddanne Rafaela, Red Sox (+1100), Colton Cowser, Orioles (+1200), Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox (+1600), Mason Miller, Athletics (+1600)

Langford is the favorite among hitters and Gil among pitchers. Langford hit for the cycle last month, but Gil is well ahead of him in wins above replacement — both the Baseball Reference and FanGraphs versions.

The favorite: Paul Skenes, Pirates (-1200)

The challenger: Jackson Merrill, Padres (+500)

Longer shots: Shota Imanaga, Cubs (+2800), Gavin Stone, Dodgers (+4000), Michael Busch, Cubs (+4000)

The biggest favorite in any of these awards is Skenes for Rookie of the Year. That makes sense, seeing as he's also worked his way into the Cy Young conversation — although there's always some injury risk with pitchers, and it's not clear how hard the Pirates will push him if they don't stay in the postseason race.

The favorite: Stephen Vogt, Guardians (-155)

The challenger: Alex Cora, Red Sox (+230)

Longer shots: Matt Quatraro, Royals (+950), Brandon Hyde, Orioles (+1700), Rocco Baldelli, Twins (+1700)

Vogt had tough shoes to fill taking over for Terry Francona, and Cleveland has the best record in the AL after finishing 10 games under .500 last year. Quatraro's Royals are in contention, but for how much longer?

The challenger: Rob Thomson, Phillies (+125)

Longer shots: Oliver Marmol, Cardinals (+1700), Carlos Mendoza, Mets (+1700), Mike Shildt, Padres (+1700)

Murphy is similar to Vogt. He took over for a successful manager — in this case, Craig Counsell — and has his team in first place. Thomson's Phillies have the best record in baseball, however. It feels like just about anyone could end up in the last two wild-card spots in the NL. Perhaps one of those teams will be sufficiently surprising that its manager reaps the reward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721408911192.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;New York Yankees' Aaron Judge walks to first base during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;New York Yankees' Aaron Judge walks to first base during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TRISTER AP Baseball WriterAaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are the front-runners for baseball's MVP awards, according to the oddsmakers.It's only the All-Star break, but one or two clear favorites have emerged for several of the game's top honors. With play set to resume again Friday, here's a look at what the betting lines have to say, courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.AL MVPThe favorite: Aaron Judge, Yankees (-350)Top challenger: Gunnar Henderson, Orioles (+240)Longer shots: Juan Soto, Yankees (+1800), Bobby Witt Jr., Royals (+2000), José Ramirez (+5000)Judge and Henderson have separated themselves in what once looked like it could be a four-player race, and Judge's odds being shorter than even money may come as a surprise to some. The Yankees (-115) are only a slight favorite to win the AL East, so clearly the market believes Judge has a decent chance to win MVP honors even if New York finishes behind Baltimore.NL MVPThe favorite: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (-375)Top challenger: Bryce Harper, Phillies (+450)Longer shots: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers (+2000), Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks (+2500), Marcell Ozuna, Braves (+2500)Injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mookie Betts have helped Ohtani's chances. As a full-time designated hitter this year, he may face some resistance from voters, but perhaps what Ohtani does on the basepaths — he's tied for third in the major leagues with 23 steals — can make up for his lack of defensive value.AL Cy YoungThe favorite: Tarik Skubal, Tigers (-150)Top challenger: Corbin Burnes, Orioles (+325)Longer shots: Logan Gilbert, Mariners (+1200), Seth Lugo, Royals (+1200), Garrett Crochet, White Sox (+2800), Tanner Houck, Red Sox (+2800)Burnes was the pick to start the All-Star game, but Skubal (10-3, 2.41 ERA) is the favorite for the Cy Young. Of course, there's at least some possibility the Detroit left-hander could be traded to the National League before the deadline.NL Cy YoungThe favorite: Chris Sale, Braves (+115)Top challenger: Zack Wheeler, Phillies (+155)Longer shots: Paul Skenes, Pirates (+400), Ranger Suárez, Phillies (+2800), Logan Webb, Giants (+3000), Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers (+3000)Sale finished in the top six of the American League Cy Young vote for seven straight years from 2012-18, but he never won. It would be something if he finally captures the award now, on the NL side at age 35.AL Rookie of the YearThe favorite: Wyatt Langford, Rangers (+120)The challenger: Luis Gil, Yankees (+200)Longer shots: Ceddanne Rafaela, Red Sox (+1100), Colton Cowser, Orioles (+1200), Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox (+1600), Mason Miller, Athletics (+1600)Langford is the favorite among hitters and Gil among pitchers. Langford hit for the cycle last month, but Gil is well ahead of him in wins above replacement — both the Baseball Reference and FanGraphs versions.NL Rookie of the YearThe favorite: Paul Skenes, Pirates (-1200)The challenger: Jackson Merrill, Padres (+500)Longer shots: Shota Imanaga, Cubs (+2800), Gavin Stone, Dodgers (+4000), Michael Busch, Cubs (+4000)The biggest favorite in any of these awards is Skenes for Rookie of the Year. That makes sense, seeing as he's also worked his way into the Cy Young conversation — although there's always some injury risk with pitchers, and it's not clear how hard the Pirates will push him if they don't stay in the postseason race.AL Manager of the YearThe favorite: Stephen Vogt, Guardians (-155)The challenger: Alex Cora, Red Sox (+230)Longer shots: Matt Quatraro, Royals (+950), Brandon Hyde, Orioles (+1700), Rocco Baldelli, Twins (+1700)Vogt had tough shoes to fill taking over for Terry Francona, and Cleveland has the best record in the AL after finishing 10 games under .500 last year. Quatraro's Royals are in contention, but for how much longer?NL Manager of the YearThe favorite: Pat Murphy, Brewers (+100)The challenger: Rob Thomson, Phillies (+125)Longer shots: Oliver Marmol, Cardinals (+1700), Carlos Mendoza, Mets (+1700), Mike Shildt, Padres (+1700)Murphy is similar to Vogt. He took over for a successful manager — in this case, Craig Counsell — and has his team in first place. Thomson's Phillies have the best record in baseball, however. It feels like just about anyone could end up in the last two wild-card spots in the NL. Perhaps one of those teams will be sufficiently surprising that its manager reaps the reward.

Plenty of time left in baseball's award races

Major League Baseball's Pitch Hit &amp; Run was hosted by the Great Bend Recreation Commission and Optimist Club of Great Bend on July 3.

Children, ages 7-14, were tested in three categories at the Great Bend Sports Complex. As the name implies, athletes were judged in pitching, hitting and running.

Below are the division winners from Great Bend this year.

7/8-year-old boys - Gabriel Ringo 9/10-year-old boys - Dylan Sundahl 11/12-year-old boys - Jordy Meyer 13/14-year-old boys - Carter Dreiling

7/8-year-old girls - no entries 9/10-year-old girls - Andrea Martinez Batres 11/12-year-old girls - Maci Patton 13/14-year-old girls - Baze Hogan&nbsp;&nbsp;

Winners of the Great Bend Pitch Hit &amp; Run have a chance to advance to the next level of competition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640115494644.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Major League Baseball's Pitch Hit &amp; Run was hosted by the Great Bend Recreation Commission and Optimist Club of Great Bend on July 3.Children, ages 7-14, were tested in three categories at the Great Bend Sports Complex. As the name implies, athletes were judged in pitching, hitting and running.Below are the division winners from Great Bend this year.7/8-year-old boys - Gabriel Ringo 9/10-year-old boys - Dylan Sundahl 11/12-year-old boys - Jordy Meyer 13/14-year-old boys - Carter Dreiling7/8-year-old girls - no entries 9/10-year-old girls - Andrea Martinez Batres 11/12-year-old girls - Maci Patton 13/14-year-old girls - Baze Hogan&nbsp;&nbsp;Winners of the Great Bend Pitch Hit &amp; Run have a chance to advance to the next level of competition.

Winners announced from Pitch Hit & Run in Great Bend

By RYAN KRYSKA AP Sports Writer

EA Sports College Football 25, among the most highly anticipated sports video games of all time, has flooded the market as gamers who waited more than a decade for the franchise's next installment rush to play.

The game officially launched Friday, with EA Sports increasing its server capacity during early access to handle the crush.

"To say we’ve been blown away by the excitement, energy and anticipation around College Football 25 over the past few months would be an understatement," EA Sports said in a blog post this week. “Just like you, our team has had July 19 circled for months as the culmination of so much work and dedication to build this game, and the chance to see it in players’ hands for the first time.”

EA Sports' college football games used to be released annually, a cultural icon in American sports for much of the franchise's existence. The company froze future editions in 2013 when athletes began questioning why they weren't getting paid to be featured in the games.

With athlete compensation rights sorted out in court and now allowed by the NCAA, EA Sports announced in 2021 it would be reviving the franchise. The video-game developer offered Bowl Subdivision players a minimum of $600 and a copy of the game to have their likeness included in it. More than 11,000 players accepted offers.

EA Sports has said its goal for the game was “to feel like a love letter to college football and its fans.”

San Diego State and Colorado were among the schools hosting College Football 25 events this week. Across social platforms, athletes such as LeBron James, Tim Tebow and Michael Vick — even comedians Shane Gillis and Dan Soder — were live-streaming head-to-head matches in the game.

Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, one of the cover athletes, said in May some of the best moments of his childhood involved playing EA Sports college football with his best friend.

“Just for it to be back, as well as to be on the cover of it, it’s an awesome feeling,” he said.

The game's other standard-edition cover athletes are Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter. The deluxe edition features the backs of numerous players in a stadium tunnel, including Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck and Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins.

EA Sports' college football franchise dates to the 1990s. It grew in popularity in the early 2000s as gaming systems became more advanced, allowing for revolutionary game modes such as the popular Race for the Heisman create-a-player that was introduced in NCAA Football 06.

That edition also featured historic teams, including the 1992 Alabama squad that Clemson coach Dabo Swinney played on.

By RYAN KRYSKA AP Sports WriterEA Sports College Football 25, among the most highly anticipated sports video games of all time, has flooded the market as gamers who waited more than a decade for the franchise's next installment rush to play.The game officially launched Friday, with EA Sports increasing its server capacity during early access to handle the crush."To say we’ve been blown away by the excitement, energy and anticipation around College Football 25 over the past few months would be an understatement," EA Sports said in a blog post this week. “Just like you, our team has had July 19 circled for months as the culmination of so much work and dedication to build this game, and the chance to see it in players’ hands for the first time.”EA Sports' college football games used to be released annually, a cultural icon in American sports for much of the franchise's existence. The company froze future editions in 2013 when athletes began questioning why they weren't getting paid to be featured in the games.With athlete compensation rights sorted out in court and now allowed by the NCAA, EA Sports announced in 2021 it would be reviving the franchise. The video-game developer offered Bowl Subdivision players a minimum of $600 and a copy of the game to have their likeness included in it. More than 11,000 players accepted offers.EA Sports has said its goal for the game was “to feel like a love letter to college football and its fans.”San Diego State and Colorado were among the schools hosting College Football 25 events this week. Across social platforms, athletes such as LeBron James, Tim Tebow and Michael Vick — even comedians Shane Gillis and Dan Soder — were live-streaming head-to-head matches in the game.Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, one of the cover athletes, said in May some of the best moments of his childhood involved playing EA Sports college football with his best friend.“Just for it to be back, as well as to be on the cover of it, it’s an awesome feeling,” he said.The game's other standard-edition cover athletes are Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter. The deluxe edition features the backs of numerous players in a stadium tunnel, including Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck and Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins.EA Sports' college football franchise dates to the 1990s. It grew in popularity in the early 2000s as gaming systems became more advanced, allowing for revolutionary game modes such as the popular Race for the Heisman create-a-player that was introduced in NCAA Football 06.That edition also featured historic teams, including the 1992 Alabama squad that Clemson coach Dabo Swinney played on.

EA Sports College Football 25, hits the market

TROON, Scotland (AP)
— Daniel Brown delivered the biggest surprise of them all at the
British Open. The wind changed direction at Royal Troon and seemed to
fool everyone except Shane Lowry. He played the links a few weeks ago
and knew how to handle the wind from the opposite direction. Lowry
had a 66 for his best start ever in a major. And then came Brown, a
29-year-old from England. Playing in the second-to-last group, he
birdied two of the last three holes for a 65 to lead in his major
championship debut. Tiger Woods had a 79. Rory McIlroy shot 78.

TROON, Scotland (AP)
— Tiger Woods had another disappointing round at a major
championship. Woods' 8-over 79 on Thursday at Royal Troon left him in
danger of missing the cut for a third straight time at the British
Open. Woods says "I need to shoot something in the mid-60s
tomorrow to get something going on the weekend.” Woods now has 14
consecutive rounds in the majors without breaking par dating to a 69
in the second round of the 2022 PGA Championship. It’s his highest
score to start a major since an 80 in the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers
Bay.

UNDATED (AP) — EA
Sports College Football 25, among the most highly anticipated sports
video games of all time, has flooded the market. The game officially
launched Friday, with EA Sports increasing its server capacity during
early access to handle the crush of players. EA Sports has said its
goal for the game was “to feel like a love letter to college
football and its fans.” Gamers waited more than a decade for the
franchise’s next installment after it was halted in 2013 amid
questions about compensating athletes depicted in the game.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
The Los Angeles Clippers have sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz
in a sign-and-trade deal for point guard Kris Dunn. ESPN reports that
the Jazz are expected to buy out the former NBA MVP’s contract so
Westbrook can sign with the Denver Nuggets. Utah also got the right
to swap second-round draft picks in 2030, the draft rights to center
Balsa Koprivica and cash. Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star and the
2017 MVP with Oklahoma City. He was traded for the fifth time in his
career.

LOGAN, Utah (AP) —
Utah State has fired coach Blake Anderson for “significant
violations of his contractual obligations.” Thursday's move came 16
days after the school informed Anderson that he would be dismissed
following an external review that found he failed to comply with
Title IX policies regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct cases.
Nate Dreiling, who had been Utah State’s defensive coordinator, was
elevated on July 2 to interim coach for the upcoming season. Anderson
was given two weeks to respond to the university’s decision.
Anderson’s attorney says all legal remedies will be pursued on his
behalf.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Aaron Rodgers knows all eyes are on him. That’s nothing new for the
four-time NFL MVP. The 40-year-old New York Jets quarterback enters
his 20th season with plenty to prove after missing all but four snaps
last year because of a torn Achilles tendon. He certainly isn’t
alone in the spotlight as training camps open. Pittsburgh’s Russell
Wilson, San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey, Cleveland’s Deshaun
Watson, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence and Philadelphia’s Saquon
Barkley are among a handful out to prove themselves either because of
injuries, mediocre play or needing to justify big contracts.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
(AP) — A key city council vote is paving the way to give the Tampa
Bay Rays a new 30,000-seat ballpark as part of a $6.5 billion
redevelopment project in St. Petersburg, Florida. The new park would
guarantee the team stays for at least 30 years. Supporters say the
overall project would transform an 86-acre tract in the city’s
downtown to include a Black history museum, affordable housing, a
hotel, green space, entertainment venues, and office and retail
space. The site, where the Rays’ domed Tropicana Field now sits,
was once a thriving Black community driven out by construction of the
ballpark and an interstate highway. The plan still requires approval
from the Pinellas County Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TROON, Scotland (AP)
— Daniel Brown delivered the biggest surprise of them all at the
British Open. The wind changed direction at Royal Troon and seemed to
fool everyone except Shane Lowry. He played the links a few weeks ago
and knew how to handle the wind from the opposite direction. Lowry
had a 66 for his best start ever in a major. And then came Brown, a
29-year-old from England. Playing in the second-to-last group, he
birdied two of the last three holes for a 65 to lead in his major
championship debut. Tiger Woods had a 79. Rory McIlroy shot 78.TROON, Scotland (AP)
— Tiger Woods had another disappointing round at a major
championship. Woods' 8-over 79 on Thursday at Royal Troon left him in
danger of missing the cut for a third straight time at the British
Open. Woods says "I need to shoot something in the mid-60s
tomorrow to get something going on the weekend.” Woods now has 14
consecutive rounds in the majors without breaking par dating to a 69
in the second round of the 2022 PGA Championship. It’s his highest
score to start a major since an 80 in the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers
Bay.UNDATED (AP) — EA
Sports College Football 25, among the most highly anticipated sports
video games of all time, has flooded the market. The game officially
launched Friday, with EA Sports increasing its server capacity during
early access to handle the crush of players. EA Sports has said its
goal for the game was “to feel like a love letter to college
football and its fans.” Gamers waited more than a decade for the
franchise’s next installment after it was halted in 2013 amid
questions about compensating athletes depicted in the game.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
The Los Angeles Clippers have sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz
in a sign-and-trade deal for point guard Kris Dunn. ESPN reports that
the Jazz are expected to buy out the former NBA MVP’s contract so
Westbrook can sign with the Denver Nuggets. Utah also got the right
to swap second-round draft picks in 2030, the draft rights to center
Balsa Koprivica and cash. Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star and the
2017 MVP with Oklahoma City. He was traded for the fifth time in his
career.LOGAN, Utah (AP) —
Utah State has fired coach Blake Anderson for “significant
violations of his contractual obligations.” Thursday's move came 16
days after the school informed Anderson that he would be dismissed
following an external review that found he failed to comply with
Title IX policies regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct cases.
Nate Dreiling, who had been Utah State’s defensive coordinator, was
elevated on July 2 to interim coach for the upcoming season. Anderson
was given two weeks to respond to the university’s decision.
Anderson’s attorney says all legal remedies will be pursued on his
behalf.NEW YORK (AP) —
Aaron Rodgers knows all eyes are on him. That’s nothing new for the
four-time NFL MVP. The 40-year-old New York Jets quarterback enters
his 20th season with plenty to prove after missing all but four snaps
last year because of a torn Achilles tendon. He certainly isn’t
alone in the spotlight as training camps open. Pittsburgh’s Russell
Wilson, San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey, Cleveland’s Deshaun
Watson, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence and Philadelphia’s Saquon
Barkley are among a handful out to prove themselves either because of
injuries, mediocre play or needing to justify big contracts.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
(AP) — A key city council vote is paving the way to give the Tampa
Bay Rays a new 30,000-seat ballpark as part of a $6.5 billion
redevelopment project in St. Petersburg, Florida. The new park would
guarantee the team stays for at least 30 years. Supporters say the
overall project would transform an 86-acre tract in the city’s
downtown to include a Black history museum, affordable housing, a
hotel, green space, entertainment venues, and office and retail
space. The site, where the Rays’ domed Tropicana Field now sits,
was once a thriving Black community driven out by construction of the
ballpark and an interstate highway. The plan still requires approval
from the Pinellas County Commission.

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

NEW YORK (AP) — Paul Skenes, Shohei Ohtani, Jarren Duran and the rest of this year’s All-Stars drew 7,443,000 viewers on Fox, up 6% from the 2023 game but the second lowest for the event.

The American League’s 5-3 victory at Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday night saw an increase from the 7,006,000 viewers for the National League’s 3-2 win last year at Seattle. The 2022 game in Los Angeles was watched by 7.51 million.

This year’s game had a 3.8 rating and 12 share, down from a 3.9/12 last year. The rating is the percentage of television households tuned to a program and the share is the percentage tuned to a program among those households with televisions on at the time.

An additional 116,000 viewers watched Spanish-language coverage on Fox Deportes, up 36% from 85,000 last year.

NEW YORK (AP) — Paul Skenes, Shohei Ohtani, Jarren Duran and the rest of this year’s All-Stars drew 7,443,000 viewers on Fox, up 6% from the 2023 game but the second lowest for the event.The American League’s 5-3 victory at Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday night saw an increase from the 7,006,000 viewers for the National League’s 3-2 win last year at Seattle. The 2022 game in Los Angeles was watched by 7.51 million.This year’s game had a 3.8 rating and 12 share, down from a 3.9/12 last year. The rating is the percentage of television households tuned to a program and the share is the percentage tuned to a program among those households with televisions on at the time.An additional 116,000 viewers watched Spanish-language coverage on Fox Deportes, up 36% from 85,000 last year.

MLB All-Star Game viewers up 6% after falling to record low last year

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani will open the 2025 season in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and the Athletics will start the home portion of their first season in Sacramento against the Cubs on March 31.

All 30 teams are scheduled for March 27, marking the earliest opening day other than international games, Major League Baseball announced Thursday. There were games on March 28 in 2019 and this season.

Each team will play six games against its prime interleague rival instead of four, increasing matchups between the New York Yankees and Mets, the Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels, Cubs and Chicago White Sox and Athletics and San Francisco Giants. What is being called a Rivalry Weekend is scheduled for May 16-18 and includes the prime interleague rivalries along with Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia, Colorado vs. Arizona, Detroit vs. Toronto and Houston vs. Texas.

In the third straight season of a return to a balanced schedule, a team will play 13 games against each division rival and six or seven against each other club in its league for a total of 62. The remaining 48 games are against interleague opponents, with a single three-game series against each of the 14 other clubs in the opposite league. Teams will be home against the same interleague opponents they hosted in 2023.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani will open the 2025 season in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and the Athletics will start the home portion of their first season in Sacramento against the Cubs on March 31.All 30 teams are scheduled for March 27, marking the earliest opening day other than international games, Major League Baseball announced Thursday. There were games on March 28 in 2019 and this season.Each team will play six games against its prime interleague rival instead of four, increasing matchups between the New York Yankees and Mets, the Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels, Cubs and Chicago White Sox and Athletics and San Francisco Giants. What is being called a Rivalry Weekend is scheduled for May 16-18 and includes the prime interleague rivalries along with Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia, Colorado vs. Arizona, Detroit vs. Toronto and Houston vs. Texas.In the third straight season of a return to a balanced schedule, a team will play 13 games against each division rival and six or seven against each other club in its league for a total of 62. The remaining 48 games are against interleague opponents, with a single three-game series against each of the 14 other clubs in the opposite league. Teams will be home against the same interleague opponents they hosted in 2023.The American League used a balanced schedule from 1977-2000 and the National League from 1993-2000.The Dodgers and Cubs will play at the Tokyo Dome on March 18-19, marking the 25th anniversary of the Mets and Cubs playing MLB’s first regular-season games in Japan. Other Tokyo openers were the Yankees and Tampa Bay (2004), Boston and Oakland (2008), Seattle and Oakland (2012) and Seattle and Oakland (2019). The Dodgers and San Diego started the 2024 season in Seoul, South Korea.MLB and the players’ association intended to play regular-season games in Paris next June but abandoned the plan because they couldn’t find a sponsor. The collective bargaining agreement also called for September 2025 games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but none were included.After playing in Oakland at the Coliseum since 1968, the Athletics intend to spend the 2025-27 seasons at Sutter Health Park, home of the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A River Dogs and a ballpark with a capacity of about 10,500 fixed seats. The A’s open with a four-game series at Seattle before hosting the Cubs. They play the Giants at San Francisco’s Oracle Park from May 16-18 and host the Giants from July 4-6. The Athletics franchise started in Philadelphia from 1901-54, and moved to Kansas City for 13 seasons. The team has announced plans to move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas starting in 2028.The daytime high temperatures in Sacramento often exceed 100 degrees in the summer and artificial turf is being installed to accommodate both the A’s and River Dogs.Other March 27 games include the Cubs at Arizona, Angels at the White Sox, San Francisco at Cincinnati, the Mets at Houston, Cleveland at Kansas City, Detroit at the Dodgers, Pittsburgh at Miami, Milwaukee at the Yankees, Minnesota at St. Louis, Atlanta at San Diego, Colorado at Tampa Bay, Boston at Texas, Baltimore at Toronto and Philadelphia at Washington.Game times were not announced.