DENVER (AP) — Brenton Doyle broke an eighth-inning tie with a two-run double in the Colorado Rockies' 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Doyle finished with three hits, the tiebreaking double coming off reliever John Schreiber (3-3). Michael Toglia had a solo home run for Colorado that weathered a replay review.

Salvador Perez had an RBI single and Freddy Fermin added three hits, including a single off Jalen Beeks leading off the ninth inning. Nick Loftin followed with a single before Beeks retired the next three batters for his eighth save. Victor Vodnik (2-1) worked a scoreless inning in relief for the victory.

The Royals went up 1-0 in the first inning when Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored an out later on a single by Perez.

Toglia connected on a 2-2 offering from Cole Ragans in the third inning, sending it the opposite way and just barely over the left field fence. Left fielder Dairon Blanco made a leaping attempt at the wall, his glove appearing to make glancing contact with the cupped hands of a fan who also tried to catch the ball. The ball dropped into the first row of the bleachers. The replay review upheld the home run call, ruling there was no conclusive evidence the spectator had interfered with Blanco in the field of play.

The Royals moved in front on an unearned run in the fourth inning, and the Rockies tied it at 2 in the sixth on Elias Díaz's RBI single.

Both starters turned in solid performances, with Ragans going seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out eight but had four wild pitches, the most in a game by a pitcher this season. Colorado’s Kyle Freeland also went seven innings and allowed two runs — one earned — on seven hits.

Rockies RHP Germán Márquez is getting closer to returning from reconstructive elbow surgery. Márquez threw 69 pitches for Double-A Hartford on Thursday in his second rehab start, striking out two and walking one. He reached 99 mph with his fastball. “He came out of that fine,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “He’s healthy. He feels good.” Márquez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, is expected to have one more rehab start Tuesday with Hartford and could rejoin the Rockies during their seven-game road trip next week that leads up to the All-Star break July 15-18.

DENVER (AP) — Brenton Doyle broke an eighth-inning tie with a two-run double in the Colorado Rockies' 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.Doyle finished with three hits, the tiebreaking double coming off reliever John Schreiber (3-3). Michael Toglia had a solo home run for Colorado that weathered a replay review.Salvador Perez had an RBI single and Freddy Fermin added three hits, including a single off Jalen Beeks leading off the ninth inning. Nick Loftin followed with a single before Beeks retired the next three batters for his eighth save. Victor Vodnik (2-1) worked a scoreless inning in relief for the victory.The Royals went up 1-0 in the first inning when Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored an out later on a single by Perez.Toglia connected on a 2-2 offering from Cole Ragans in the third inning, sending it the opposite way and just barely over the left field fence. Left fielder Dairon Blanco made a leaping attempt at the wall, his glove appearing to make glancing contact with the cupped hands of a fan who also tried to catch the ball. The ball dropped into the first row of the bleachers. The replay review upheld the home run call, ruling there was no conclusive evidence the spectator had interfered with Blanco in the field of play.The Royals moved in front on an unearned run in the fourth inning, and the Rockies tied it at 2 in the sixth on Elias Díaz's RBI single.Both starters turned in solid performances, with Ragans going seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out eight but had four wild pitches, the most in a game by a pitcher this season. Colorado’s Kyle Freeland also went seven innings and allowed two runs — one earned — on seven hits.TRAINER’S ROOMRockies RHP Germán Márquez is getting closer to returning from reconstructive elbow surgery. Márquez threw 69 pitches for Double-A Hartford on Thursday in his second rehab start, striking out two and walking one. He reached 99 mph with his fastball. “He came out of that fine,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “He’s healthy. He feels good.” Márquez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, is expected to have one more rehab start Tuesday with Hartford and could rejoin the Rockies during their seven-game road trip next week that leads up to the All-Star break July 15-18.UP NEXT

⚾ Brenton Doyle's 2-run double lifts Rockies over the  Royals

Beginning tennis lessons will be offered at the 12th Street Community Center. They are being sponsored by R2B4. The dates are July 22-25. The cost for participants is $20 per person.

Beginning tennis lessons will be offered at the 12th Street Community Center. They are being sponsored by R2B4. The dates are July 22-25. The cost for participants is $20 per person.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720209818622.png" alt="" />
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Tennis lessons will be provided

The Hays Larks beat the Junction City Brigade by a final score of 10-9 on the Fourth of July. With the loss, the Brigade's record falls to 11-8 on the season. 

The Hays Larks beat the Junction City Brigade by a final score of 10-9 on the Fourth of July. With the loss, the Brigade's record falls to 11-8 on the season.

Brigade fall to Larks, now set for a couple of weekend home games

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonny DeLuca and Brandon Lowe homered, eight Rays players drove in runs, and Tampa Bay pounced on some erratic Kansas City pitching to squeak out a 10-8 victory over the Royals on Thursday night.

Zach Eflin (5-5), riding a 10-inning scoreless streak coming into the game, allowed six runs — five earned — and seven hits with a walk over five innings. That was still good enough to pick up his first win in his last five road starts.

“The offense was tremendous tonight,” Eflin said. “They carried us.”

Alec Marsh (6-6) allowed five runs and six hits with three walks in just three innings. The Kansas City bullpen fared no better as five relievers combined to allow five more runs, 10 hits and five walks.

“It was a game of adjustments and I wasn't able to make them,” Marsh said. “Feels like you're battling yourself out there.”

Michael Massey and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals, who trailed 9-4 before scoring three times in the sixth inning. The rally ended when Witt — representing the potential tying run — was thrown out trying to steal second.

Pete Fairbanks surrendered Witt's solo homer in the ninth before picking up his 14th save.

“They kept going, getting big hits after big hits,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said, “but it felt like when we really needed a play, we made it.”

Marsh struggled with his command from the start, walking Richie Palacios on four pitches and Isaac Paredes on a full-count to start the game — both eventually scored. DeLuca homered in the second and Palacios added an RBI single for a 4-0 lead.

The Royals got a run back on Massey's homer in the second. And after Tampa Bay restored a four-run lead on DeLuca's single in the third, Witt hit a sacrifice fly and Pasquantino an RBI single to get Kansas City to 5-3.

Carlos Hernandez didn't have much better command than Marsh for Kansas City. He walked the bases loaded to begin the fifth, and Taylor Walls and Ben Rortvedt made sure all three runners scored, extending the Tampa Bay lead.

The Rays hung on the rest of the way for their fifth straight series win.

“We got a lot of big hits. We had a lot of big at-bats, tough matchups,” said Cash, whose club has won 11 of its last 16 games to leave Kansas City above .500 at 43-42. “There were a lot of guys who contributed offensively.”

Massey played the field for the first time since May 24, when a lower back issue forced him onto the injured list. He had been limited to DH duties since returning to the club on June 24. ... Royals INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) began what is expected to be a short rehab stint at Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Friday night.

The Rays have not announced a starter for Friday night's series-opener at Texas, though RHP Shane Baz is expected to get the ball in place of Aaron Civale, who was traded to the Brewers earlier this week. Baz missed last season after Tommy John surgery, but he's been dominant at Triple-A Durham, compiling a 1.57 ERA over his last five outings.

The Royals begin a nine-game trip leading into the All-Star break with the first of three in Colorado on Friday night. RHP Cole Ragans (5-6, 3.33) will try to bounce back from a shaky outing last Saturday against Cleveland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720172251915.jpeg" alt="Tampa Bay Rays' Brandon Lowe runs home past Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin (34) to score on a sacrifice fly hit by Taylor Walls during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Tampa Bay Rays' Brandon Lowe runs home past Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin (34) to score on a sacrifice fly hit by Taylor Walls during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonny DeLuca and Brandon Lowe homered, eight Rays players drove in runs, and Tampa Bay pounced on some erratic Kansas City pitching to squeak out a 10-8 victory over the Royals on Thursday night.Zach Eflin (5-5), riding a 10-inning scoreless streak coming into the game, allowed six runs — five earned — and seven hits with a walk over five innings. That was still good enough to pick up his first win in his last five road starts.“The offense was tremendous tonight,” Eflin said. “They carried us.”Alec Marsh (6-6) allowed five runs and six hits with three walks in just three innings. The Kansas City bullpen fared no better as five relievers combined to allow five more runs, 10 hits and five walks.“It was a game of adjustments and I wasn't able to make them,” Marsh said. “Feels like you're battling yourself out there.”Michael Massey and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals, who trailed 9-4 before scoring three times in the sixth inning. The rally ended when Witt — representing the potential tying run — was thrown out trying to steal second.Pete Fairbanks surrendered Witt's solo homer in the ninth before picking up his 14th save.“They kept going, getting big hits after big hits,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said, “but it felt like when we really needed a play, we made it.”Marsh struggled with his command from the start, walking Richie Palacios on four pitches and Isaac Paredes on a full-count to start the game — both eventually scored. DeLuca homered in the second and Palacios added an RBI single for a 4-0 lead.The Royals got a run back on Massey's homer in the second. And after Tampa Bay restored a four-run lead on DeLuca's single in the third, Witt hit a sacrifice fly and Pasquantino an RBI single to get Kansas City to 5-3.Carlos Hernandez didn't have much better command than Marsh for Kansas City. He walked the bases loaded to begin the fifth, and Taylor Walls and Ben Rortvedt made sure all three runners scored, extending the Tampa Bay lead.The Rays hung on the rest of the way for their fifth straight series win.“We got a lot of big hits. We had a lot of big at-bats, tough matchups,” said Cash, whose club has won 11 of its last 16 games to leave Kansas City above .500 at 43-42. “There were a lot of guys who contributed offensively.”TRAINER'S ROOMMassey played the field for the first time since May 24, when a lower back issue forced him onto the injured list. He had been limited to DH duties since returning to the club on June 24. ... Royals INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) began what is expected to be a short rehab stint at Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Friday night.UP NEXTThe Rays have not announced a starter for Friday night's series-opener at Texas, though RHP Shane Baz is expected to get the ball in place of Aaron Civale, who was traded to the Brewers earlier this week. Baz missed last season after Tommy John surgery, but he's been dominant at Triple-A Durham, compiling a 1.57 ERA over his last five outings.The Royals begin a nine-game trip leading into the All-Star break with the first of three in Colorado on Friday night. RHP Cole Ragans (5-6, 3.33) will try to bounce back from a shaky outing last Saturday against Cleveland.

⚾ Rays get Independence Day victory over the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha allowed one run on two hits over six innings, Salvador Perez drove in a pair of runs and the Kansas City Royals got a spectacular defensive play from Kyle Isbel in the ninth to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 on Wednesday night.

After reliever Chris Stratton gave up a run in the eighth, Royals closer James McArthur entered the game and got Jose Siri to fly out to right field and Richie Palacios to pop foul, leaving runners stranded on second and third.

McArthur came back for the ninth and gave up a leadoff single to Ben Rortvedt before striking out Yandy Diaz. Taylor Walls followed with a shot to deep center, where Isbel leaped up and slammed into the wall, barely hanging onto the catch as he hit the ground. McArthur then got Isaac Paredes to ground back to the pitcher to finish off his 15th save.

“I was kind of surprised I hung onto it. The wall is pretty hard out there," Isbel said. “I knew there was going to be a collision, but the game is on the line right there.”

Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino also drove in runs, pushing Kansas City to its AL-leading 31st home victory.

Wacha (5-6), who pitched for the Rays in 2021, walked three and struck out eight. The only run he allowed came on Paredes’ homer in the first, making it eight consecutive starts allowing two earned runs or fewer.

“He's really thrown the ball all season,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We just couldn't get anything going. Mixed speeds really well, altered his delivery when we got guys on base. Slide-stepping and throwing timing off. Good performance.”

Ryan Pepiot (4-5) allowed two runs on four his over four innings for Tampa Bay. He struck out three.

After the series opener was delayed 2 1/2 hours by rain and finished after midnight, and Wednesday night's game started amid a drizzle, the clouds finally cleared off and a brilliant double rainbow appeared beyond the right-field wall at sunset.

Tampa Bay jumped ahead on Parades' two-out homer, but that was all the Rays could manage with Wacha on the mound. He left Amed Rosario on third in the second inning, stranded two in the third and worked around a leadoff double in the fourth.

The Royals took advantage of the opening, stringing together three hits in the third inning to take the lead. Isbel led off with a single, but it was Witt's double to left and Pasquantino's single moments later that pushed the runs across.

Kansas City still led 2-1 in the seventh when Shawn Armstrong walked Maikel Garcia and Witt. Perez stepped to the plate and got just enough barrel on the ball to bloop a single to right, scoring both of them and giving the Royals a cushion.

McArthur and Isbel made sure in the ninth that a two-run lead was enough.

“That was the most amazing catch I've seen,” McArthur said. “I knew (Isbel) had a chance on it because he's such a good outfielder, but that was just incredible.”

Tampa Bay traded RHP Aaron Civale to the NL Central-leading Brewers, who hope he can help a starting rotation decimated by injuries. The Rays received INF Gregory Barrios in the deal and assigned him to Class-A Bowling Green. Tampa Bay filled Civale's roster spot by recalling RHP Justin Sterner from Triple-A Durham.

Rays RHP Zach Eflin (4-5, 3.92 ERA) will start the season finale Thursday night. He is coming off six scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over Washington, his first victory since May 13. Royals RHP Alec Marsh (6-5, 4.19) gets the nod for the finale of a 10-game homestand.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720090132598.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha allowed one run on two hits over six innings, Salvador Perez drove in a pair of runs and the Kansas City Royals got a spectacular defensive play from Kyle Isbel in the ninth to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 on Wednesday night.After reliever Chris Stratton gave up a run in the eighth, Royals closer James McArthur entered the game and got Jose Siri to fly out to right field and Richie Palacios to pop foul, leaving runners stranded on second and third.McArthur came back for the ninth and gave up a leadoff single to Ben Rortvedt before striking out Yandy Diaz. Taylor Walls followed with a shot to deep center, where Isbel leaped up and slammed into the wall, barely hanging onto the catch as he hit the ground. McArthur then got Isaac Paredes to ground back to the pitcher to finish off his 15th save.“I was kind of surprised I hung onto it. The wall is pretty hard out there," Isbel said. “I knew there was going to be a collision, but the game is on the line right there.”Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino also drove in runs, pushing Kansas City to its AL-leading 31st home victory.Wacha (5-6), who pitched for the Rays in 2021, walked three and struck out eight. The only run he allowed came on Paredes’ homer in the first, making it eight consecutive starts allowing two earned runs or fewer.“He's really thrown the ball all season,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We just couldn't get anything going. Mixed speeds really well, altered his delivery when we got guys on base. Slide-stepping and throwing timing off. Good performance.”Ryan Pepiot (4-5) allowed two runs on four his over four innings for Tampa Bay. He struck out three.After the series opener was delayed 2 1/2 hours by rain and finished after midnight, and Wednesday night's game started amid a drizzle, the clouds finally cleared off and a brilliant double rainbow appeared beyond the right-field wall at sunset.Tampa Bay jumped ahead on Parades' two-out homer, but that was all the Rays could manage with Wacha on the mound. He left Amed Rosario on third in the second inning, stranded two in the third and worked around a leadoff double in the fourth.The Royals took advantage of the opening, stringing together three hits in the third inning to take the lead. Isbel led off with a single, but it was Witt's double to left and Pasquantino's single moments later that pushed the runs across.Kansas City still led 2-1 in the seventh when Shawn Armstrong walked Maikel Garcia and Witt. Perez stepped to the plate and got just enough barrel on the ball to bloop a single to right, scoring both of them and giving the Royals a cushion.McArthur and Isbel made sure in the ninth that a two-run lead was enough.“That was the most amazing catch I've seen,” McArthur said. “I knew (Isbel) had a chance on it because he's such a good outfielder, but that was just incredible.”RAYS MAKE A DEALTampa Bay traded RHP Aaron Civale to the NL Central-leading Brewers, who hope he can help a starting rotation decimated by injuries. The Rays received INF Gregory Barrios in the deal and assigned him to Class-A Bowling Green. Tampa Bay filled Civale's roster spot by recalling RHP Justin Sterner from Triple-A Durham.UP NEXTRays RHP Zach Eflin (4-5, 3.92 ERA) will start the season finale Thursday night. He is coming off six scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over Washington, his first victory since May 13. Royals RHP Alec Marsh (6-5, 4.19) gets the nod for the finale of a 10-game homestand.

⚾ Salvador Perez drives in 2 as the Royals beat the Rays 

The Junction City Brigade beat the Baldwin City Blues 17-7 last night at Rathert Field. With the win, the Brigade’s record improves to 11-7 on the year.

Junction City is on the road tonight and will face the Blues again, but tonight in Baldwin City.

The Junction City Brigade beat the Baldwin City Blues 17-7 last night at Rathert Field. With the win, the Brigade’s record improves to 11-7 on the year.Junction City is on the road tonight and will face the Blues again, but tonight in Baldwin City.

Brigade beat Baldwin City Blues by 10

A local girls' travel softball team has had a successful summer on the softball fields. The 18 and under team, Chaos Fastpitch, is based out of Milford but also has girls from Abilene, Chapman, Clay Center, and Junction City. 

The Chaos team has captured three first-place finishes and a third-place finish. The girl's softball team played six weekends straight to end their 2024 summer season with a record of 27-6-2. 

Their best accomplishment of the summer season was winning the Kansas/Missouri USSSA 18B State Tournament on the weekend of June 21-23. The girls went undefeated on the weekend, winning all six games and only allowing one run throughout the tournament.

Other accomplishments from the season include:

First place at the Under Armour Championship (May 25-27 in Shawnee, KS)

Third place at the USSSA A/B Tournament (June 14-16 in Goddard, KS)

First Place at the Bite of the Little Apple Tournament (June 29-30 in Manhattan, KS)

By Anthony GorgesJC PostA local girls' travel softball team has had a successful summer on the softball fields. The 18 and under team, Chaos Fastpitch, is based out of Milford but also has girls from Abilene, Chapman, Clay Center, and Junction City. The Chaos team has captured three first-place finishes and a third-place finish. The girl's softball team played six weekends straight to end their 2024 summer season with a record of 27-6-2. Their best accomplishment of the summer season was winning the Kansas/Missouri USSSA 18B State Tournament on the weekend of June 21-23. The girls went undefeated on the weekend, winning all six games and only allowing one run throughout the tournament.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720021572760.jpeg" alt="Players and Coaches from the Chaos Fastpitch team celebrate with a team photo after winning the&nbsp;Kansas/Missouri USSSA 18B State Tournament on the weekend of June 21-23.&nbsp;(Pictured Top row- Coach Clint Harold, Maddie Harold, Brooklyn Haaga, Allison Adam’s, Isabelle Peabody, Reagan McDonald, Anja VonSpreckelsen, Substitute Coach Dustin Jensen. Front Row- Elliot Jensen, Kaci Heller, Rilynn Hotard, Hannah Walter. Not pictured- Coach Scott Miller, Cassidy Miller. - (Photo submitted by Kayla Ragan)" />
 <figcaption>Players and Coaches from the Chaos Fastpitch team celebrate with a team photo after winning the&nbsp;Kansas/Missouri USSSA 18B State Tournament on the weekend of June 21-23.&nbsp;(Pictured Top row- Coach Clint Harold, Maddie Harold, Brooklyn Haaga, Allison Adam’s, Isabelle Peabody, Reagan McDonald, Anja VonSpreckelsen, Substitute Coach Dustin Jensen. Front Row- Elliot Jensen, Kaci Heller, Rilynn Hotard, Hannah Walter. Not pictured- Coach Scott Miller, Cassidy Miller. - (Photo submitted by Kayla Ragan)</figcaption>
 </figure>Other accomplishments from the season include:First place at the Under Armour Championship (May 25-27 in Shawnee, KS)Third place at the USSSA A/B Tournament (June 14-16 in Goddard, KS)First Place at the Bite of the Little Apple Tournament (June 29-30 in Manhattan, KS)

Local softball team wins Kansas/Missouri State Tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Littell pitched five innings of four-hit ball before rain arrived, four Tampa Bay relievers allowed one run once play resumed, and the Rays beat beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 in a game that ended just after midnight Wednesday.

Brandon Lowe homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a pair of runs, and Richie Palacios had three hits, drove in a run and scored from third on a wild pitch by Brady Singer (4-5), the only run either team scored before the 2 1/2-hour delay.

When the game continued, the trio of Kevin Kelly, Colin Poche and Jason Adam surrendered just one run — Bobby Witt Jr.‘s homer in the sixth — before handing the ball to Pete Fairbanks. The Rays’ closer took care of the ninth to wrap up the win.

“Guys stayed pretty dialed in,” Littell said. “It obviously showed the way they went back out there and jumped on them.”

Littell (3-5) was pretty dialed in, too, wiggling out of one last jam just as thunder began to sound through Kauffman Stadium. MJ Melendez had hit a two-out pitch to right in the fifth and CJ Alexander followed with his first career big league hit, only for Littell to strike out Kyle Isbel and leave runners on the corners.

Sheets of rain began to fall moments after the teams walked off the field.

“We were really just chilling in here. Talking trash. Keeping it light,” Palacios said, “and making sure we had some energy when we got back on the field. We wanted to make sure we came out there and grabbed some more runs.”

Tampa Bay added to its lead when Palacios ripped an RBI double off John Schreiber in the sixth. Paredes added a two-run double off Chris Stratton in the seventh before Lowe homered off Nick Anderson in the ninth inning.

“You have to give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “One run wasn't going to be enough.”

Singer allowed one run on three hits and three walks over five innings for Kansas City. He escaped most of his messes except for the second inning, when Palacios singled, reached third on a double by Jose Siri and scored on his wild pitch.

Singer has not won since May 19, going 0-3 in his last seven starts. But the lousy record is not entirely his fault. He's allowed one earned run apiece in each of his last three starts, yet received two runs of support or fewer in 11 of 17 this season.

“Our bullpen matched up really well,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Everybody who came in threw really well.”

Royals: INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) could begin a rehab assignment this week, Quatraro said. Frazier went on the injured list June 24. He has spent the past few days ramping up baseball activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720002823157.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' CJ Alexander watches his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' CJ Alexander watches his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Littell pitched five innings of four-hit ball before rain arrived, four Tampa Bay relievers allowed one run once play resumed, and the Rays beat beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 in a game that ended just after midnight Wednesday.Brandon Lowe homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a pair of runs, and Richie Palacios had three hits, drove in a run and scored from third on a wild pitch by Brady Singer (4-5), the only run either team scored before the 2 1/2-hour delay.When the game continued, the trio of Kevin Kelly, Colin Poche and Jason Adam surrendered just one run — Bobby Witt Jr.‘s homer in the sixth — before handing the ball to Pete Fairbanks. The Rays’ closer took care of the ninth to wrap up the win.“Guys stayed pretty dialed in,” Littell said. “It obviously showed the way they went back out there and jumped on them.”Littell (3-5) was pretty dialed in, too, wiggling out of one last jam just as thunder began to sound through Kauffman Stadium. MJ Melendez had hit a two-out pitch to right in the fifth and CJ Alexander followed with his first career big league hit, only for Littell to strike out Kyle Isbel and leave runners on the corners.Sheets of rain began to fall moments after the teams walked off the field.“We were really just chilling in here. Talking trash. Keeping it light,” Palacios said, “and making sure we had some energy when we got back on the field. We wanted to make sure we came out there and grabbed some more runs.”Tampa Bay added to its lead when Palacios ripped an RBI double off John Schreiber in the sixth. Paredes added a two-run double off Chris Stratton in the seventh before Lowe homered off Nick Anderson in the ninth inning.“You have to give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “One run wasn't going to be enough.”Singer allowed one run on three hits and three walks over five innings for Kansas City. He escaped most of his messes except for the second inning, when Palacios singled, reached third on a double by Jose Siri and scored on his wild pitch.Singer has not won since May 19, going 0-3 in his last seven starts. But the lousy record is not entirely his fault. He's allowed one earned run apiece in each of his last three starts, yet received two runs of support or fewer in 11 of 17 this season.“Our bullpen matched up really well,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Everybody who came in threw really well.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) could begin a rehab assignment this week, Quatraro said. Frazier went on the injured list June 24. He has spent the past few days ramping up baseball activity.UP NEXT

⚾ Rays beat the Royals after 2 1/2-hour rain delay

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gregg Berhalter gave a single-word answer after the United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a loss to Uruguay when asked whether he was the right man to lead the Americans into the 2026 World Cup.

Plenty of others are sure to have plenty more to say about his future with the national team.

After a disastrous loss to Panama put the U.S. in a dire predicament, Berhalter's lineup of players from European clubs created precious few opportunities against Uruguay. And when Mathías Olivera found the back of the net for a questionable second-half goal, La Celeste walked out of Arrowhead Stadium with a 1-0 victory on Monday night and the Americans were left wondering how everything had gone so wrong.

“We're all going to do a review of the whole tournament and see where we fell short,” Berhalter said. “It's obvious the Panama game hurt us, put us behind the 8-ball, and I think collectively — the staff, the players, the sporting department — have to look at where do we improve. How do we get better? We know it's a talented team, one with big potential, and we didn't show it.”

Berhalter and the U.S. hoped to show the team had advanced since its round-of-16 elimination against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. Instead, the U.S. managed only a 2-0 win over lowly Bolivia and were upset 2-1 by the Panamanians.

“We had a good start and brought a lot of energy but at the end of the day, just not enough quality,” U.S. captain Christian Pulisic said. “I felt like we gave it everything but we just couldn’t score.”

Indeed, the lone goal Monday night came in the 66th minute when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the American goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araújo, who out-jumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot.

Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header but the goal stood after a video review.

Three minutes before Uruguay scored, the U.S. was in position to advance.

Bruno Miranda had tied the score for Bolivia against Panama in a game started simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, which meant the U.S. would only need a tie. But Panama went on to a 3-1 victory to claim the second spot in Group C behind Uruguay, and the U.S. was bounced from the group stage for the first time in 20 continental and global tournaments on home soil.

“This is still a young team. Still a lot of potential. But potential doesn't really matter if you go out on the pitch and you don't get the job done,” defender Antonee Robinson said. “Everyone needs to try and up the level, myself included.”

Berhalter was rehired in June 2023 and given a contract through the upcoming World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. But despite a lineup that included Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the U.S. failed to even match its last Copa America appearance, when it lost to Argentina in the 2016 semifinals.

During the second half Monday night, the home crowd of 55,460 in less-than-full Arrowhead Stadium began chanting, “Fire Gregg.”

The U.S. next plays September friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.

“It wasn't only Copa America. It's learning from these high-level games we're playing pre-tournament,” Berhalter said, “and having this collective understanding that the margins are so small, and there is very little separating any of these teams.”

Uruguay played without coach Marcelo Bielsa, suspended for sending his team out late for the second half of its first two games. Diego Reyes and Pablo Quiroga were in charge on a mild but humid night in Kansas City.

Berhalter and the Americans knew the difficulty of their situation — Pulisic at one point said they would need to play “the best game of our lives” to advance — and they looked like a team with nothing to lose for most of the first half.

It was one marked by physical play and questionable calls.

Folarin Balogun, who had two goals already in the tournament, bore the brunt of several challenges. He was left calling for help after a collision with Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, then was left rolling on the field after Araújo’s challenge later in the half. Balogun eventually had to leave with a hip pointer and Ricardo Pepi took his place.

Uruguay lost Maximiliano Araújo earlier in the half after a scary collision with Ream near the U.S. goal. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher, though he was able to move his arms before heading up the tunnel.

In the middle of the chaos was 32-year-old Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega, whose several questionable calls hurt the U.S.

The first came when Ortega began to pull a yellow card and stop play, then allowed it to continue — while still holding the card — as Uruguay nearly scored on an attack. The second came when the U.S. had a clear advantage after a hand ball on Uruguay, but the Peruvian referee eventually blew his whistle and called the play back for a free kick.

“This referee was awful,” Robinson said. “I've never seen a referee, you know, let a quick free kick go while he's got a yellow card in his hand. And it's literally embarrassing. And I hope something happens to him from that.”

Uruguay applied more pressure midway through the second half, then had the Americans in desperation mode after the goal. And while the U.S. had a few good runs and a couple of good opportunities in the box, a team that had such big expectations was unable to find the two goals it needed — or even one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719912817542.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States greets goalkeeper Matt Turner after losing 0-1 against Uruguay at the end of a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States greets goalkeeper Matt Turner after losing 0-1 against Uruguay at the end of a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gregg Berhalter gave a single-word answer after the United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a loss to Uruguay when asked whether he was the right man to lead the Americans into the 2026 World Cup.“Yes,” Berhalter said.Plenty of others are sure to have plenty more to say about his future with the national team.After a disastrous loss to Panama put the U.S. in a dire predicament, Berhalter's lineup of players from European clubs created precious few opportunities against Uruguay. And when Mathías Olivera found the back of the net for a questionable second-half goal, La Celeste walked out of Arrowhead Stadium with a 1-0 victory on Monday night and the Americans were left wondering how everything had gone so wrong.“We're all going to do a review of the whole tournament and see where we fell short,” Berhalter said. “It's obvious the Panama game hurt us, put us behind the 8-ball, and I think collectively — the staff, the players, the sporting department — have to look at where do we improve. How do we get better? We know it's a talented team, one with big potential, and we didn't show it.”Berhalter and the U.S. hoped to show the team had advanced since its round-of-16 elimination against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. Instead, the U.S. managed only a 2-0 win over lowly Bolivia and were upset 2-1 by the Panamanians.“We had a good start and brought a lot of energy but at the end of the day, just not enough quality,” U.S. captain Christian Pulisic said. “I felt like we gave it everything but we just couldn’t score.”Indeed, the lone goal Monday night came in the 66th minute when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the American goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araújo, who out-jumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot.Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header but the goal stood after a video review.Three minutes before Uruguay scored, the U.S. was in position to advance.Bruno Miranda had tied the score for Bolivia against Panama in a game started simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, which meant the U.S. would only need a tie. But Panama went on to a 3-1 victory to claim the second spot in Group C behind Uruguay, and the U.S. was bounced from the group stage for the first time in 20 continental and global tournaments on home soil.“This is still a young team. Still a lot of potential. But potential doesn't really matter if you go out on the pitch and you don't get the job done,” defender Antonee Robinson said. “Everyone needs to try and up the level, myself included.”Berhalter was rehired in June 2023 and given a contract through the upcoming World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. But despite a lineup that included Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the U.S. failed to even match its last Copa America appearance, when it lost to Argentina in the 2016 semifinals.During the second half Monday night, the home crowd of 55,460 in less-than-full Arrowhead Stadium began chanting, “Fire Gregg.”The U.S. next plays September friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.“It wasn't only Copa America. It's learning from these high-level games we're playing pre-tournament,” Berhalter said, “and having this collective understanding that the margins are so small, and there is very little separating any of these teams.”Uruguay played without coach Marcelo Bielsa, suspended for sending his team out late for the second half of its first two games. Diego Reyes and Pablo Quiroga were in charge on a mild but humid night in Kansas City.Berhalter and the Americans knew the difficulty of their situation — Pulisic at one point said they would need to play “the best game of our lives” to advance — and they looked like a team with nothing to lose for most of the first half.It was one marked by physical play and questionable calls.Folarin Balogun, who had two goals already in the tournament, bore the brunt of several challenges. He was left calling for help after a collision with Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, then was left rolling on the field after Araújo’s challenge later in the half. Balogun eventually had to leave with a hip pointer and Ricardo Pepi took his place.Uruguay lost Maximiliano Araújo earlier in the half after a scary collision with Ream near the U.S. goal. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher, though he was able to move his arms before heading up the tunnel.In the middle of the chaos was 32-year-old Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega, whose several questionable calls hurt the U.S.The first came when Ortega began to pull a yellow card and stop play, then allowed it to continue — while still holding the card — as Uruguay nearly scored on an attack. The second came when the U.S. had a clear advantage after a hand ball on Uruguay, but the Peruvian referee eventually blew his whistle and called the play back for a free kick.“This referee was awful,” Robinson said. “I've never seen a referee, you know, let a quick free kick go while he's got a yellow card in his hand. And it's literally embarrassing. And I hope something happens to him from that.”Uruguay applied more pressure midway through the second half, then had the Americans in desperation mode after the goal. And while the U.S. had a few good runs and a couple of good opportunities in the box, a team that had such big expectations was unable to find the two goals it needed — or even one.

⚽ US eliminated from Copa America with 1-0 loss to Uruguay

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo struck out 10 in six shutout innings to earn his major league-high 11th win, and Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-2 on Sunday.

Bobby Witt Jr. had a run-scoring triple among his three hits for the Royals, who took three of four from the AL Central leaders. Vinnie Pasquantino also had three hits and an RBI.

Lugo (11-2) allowed four hits and one walk in his third straight start with eight or more strikeouts. It was his third double-digit strikeout game of the season.

Perez had an RBI groundout in the first inning and added a two-run shot to left field that made it 6-0 in the seventh. He leads the Royals with 14 home runs.

Logan Allen (8-4) lasted 4 1/3 innings for the Guardians, giving up three runs and six hits with three strikeouts.

Witt had his ninth three-hit game of the season. This one came after he went 0 for 4 on Saturday, which snapped a 23-game home hitting streak.

Garrett Hampson doubled home an early run for the Royals. Pasquantino finished the series with six RBIs.

Jose Ramírez put Cleveland on the board with a two-out RBI double in the eighth. That tied him with Hall of Fame slugger Jim Thome for third in franchise history with 620 extra-base hits. Josh Naylor followed with an RBI single.

Bo Naylor had three hits for the Guardians, who finished 14-11 in June.

Kansas City went 12-15 in June, its first losing month this season. But it was the most wins in June for the club since racking up 17 in 2017.

Cleveland activated RHP Gavin Williams from the 60-day injured list and optioned struggling RHP Triston McKenzie to Triple-A Columbus. RHP Darren McCaughan was designated for assignment.

“It was a tough day for all of us,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “We love Triston. We need him here; we want him to be here. He is ready to go down, put his head down and work.”

Guardians: Carlos Carrasco (3-6, 5.27 ERA) pitches Tuesday at home against the Chicago White Sox.

Royals: Continue a 10-game homestand Tuesday against Tampa Bay. Kansas City had not announced a scheduled starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719783286896.png" alt="Photo KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo struck out 10 in six shutout innings to earn his major league-high 11th win, and Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-2 on Sunday.Bobby Witt Jr. had a run-scoring triple among his three hits for the Royals, who took three of four from the AL Central leaders. Vinnie Pasquantino also had three hits and an RBI.Lugo (11-2) allowed four hits and one walk in his third straight start with eight or more strikeouts. It was his third double-digit strikeout game of the season.Perez had an RBI groundout in the first inning and added a two-run shot to left field that made it 6-0 in the seventh. He leads the Royals with 14 home runs.Logan Allen (8-4) lasted 4 1/3 innings for the Guardians, giving up three runs and six hits with three strikeouts.Witt had his ninth three-hit game of the season. This one came after he went 0 for 4 on Saturday, which snapped a 23-game home hitting streak.Garrett Hampson doubled home an early run for the Royals. Pasquantino finished the series with six RBIs.Jose Ramírez put Cleveland on the board with a two-out RBI double in the eighth. That tied him with Hall of Fame slugger Jim Thome for third in franchise history with 620 extra-base hits. Josh Naylor followed with an RBI single.Bo Naylor had three hits for the Guardians, who finished 14-11 in June.Kansas City went 12-15 in June, its first losing month this season. But it was the most wins in June for the club since racking up 17 in 2017.ROSTER MOVESCleveland activated RHP Gavin Williams from the 60-day injured list and optioned struggling RHP Triston McKenzie to Triple-A Columbus. RHP Darren McCaughan was designated for assignment.“It was a tough day for all of us,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “We love Triston. We need him here; we want him to be here. He is ready to go down, put his head down and work.”UP NEXTGuardians: Carlos Carrasco (3-6, 5.27 ERA) pitches Tuesday at home against the Chicago White Sox.Royals: Continue a 10-game homestand Tuesday against Tampa Bay. Kansas City had not announced a scheduled starter.

⚾ Lugo struck out 10, Perez homers in Royals victory over Guardians

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jose Ramirez homered, Josh Naylor had a pair of RBIs and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 7-2 on Saturday.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit his 10th homer of the season while Michael Massey belted his seventh into the right field bullpen to put the Royals ahead 2-1 in the second inning.

Those two homers were the only runs Tanner Bibee (7-2) gave up over six innings. He allowed four hits and struck out three.

The Guardians took a 3-2 lead after a two-run homer by Jhonkensy Noel. The play was challenged, but was upheld as a home run.

Ramirez extended the lead with an RBI double in the fifth and his 23rd homer of the season in the seventh inning to make it 7-2.

Cole Ragans (5-6) went 4 2/3 innings and allowed five earned runs. He gave up six hits and struck out six.

Prior to the game, Bo Jackson was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He played for Kansas City for four seasons and was named the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 1989.

Cleveland activated RHP Eli Morgan from the 15-day Injured List, signed and placed LHP Matthew Boyd on the 15-day Injured List, optioned RHP Darren McCaughan to Triple-A Columbus and Designated for Assignment RHP Zak Kent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719706815795.jpeg" alt="Cleveland Guardians' Tyler Freeman (2) is congratulated by Josh Naylor, right, after scoring from second base off a Jose Ramirez double during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Cleveland Guardians' Tyler Freeman (2) is congratulated by Josh Naylor, right, after scoring from second base off a Jose Ramirez double during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jose Ramirez homered, Josh Naylor had a pair of RBIs and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 7-2 on Saturday.Vinnie Pasquantino hit his 10th homer of the season while Michael Massey belted his seventh into the right field bullpen to put the Royals ahead 2-1 in the second inning.Those two homers were the only runs Tanner Bibee (7-2) gave up over six innings. He allowed four hits and struck out three.The Guardians took a 3-2 lead after a two-run homer by Jhonkensy Noel. The play was challenged, but was upheld as a home run.Ramirez extended the lead with an RBI double in the fifth and his 23rd homer of the season in the seventh inning to make it 7-2.Cole Ragans (5-6) went 4 2/3 innings and allowed five earned runs. He gave up six hits and struck out six.Prior to the game, Bo Jackson was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He played for Kansas City for four seasons and was named the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 1989.TRAINER'S ROOMCleveland activated RHP Eli Morgan from the 15-day Injured List, signed and placed LHP Matthew Boyd on the 15-day Injured List, optioned RHP Darren McCaughan to Triple-A Columbus and Designated for Assignment RHP Zak Kent.UP NEXT

⚾ Ramirez homers to lead Guardians over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez, Hunter Renfroe, Kyle Isbel and Vinnie Pasquantino homered to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 10-3 win over the AL-leading Cleveland Guardians on Friday night.

Perez hit his 13th homer of the season in the second inning, a 447-foot shot over the bullpen in left to tie the game at 1-all. Renfroe followed with his eighth homer of the season that put the Royals ahead to stay. Pasquantino added a two-run shot in the eighth inning, his ninth of the season that extended the Kansas City lead to 10-3. The KC trio went a combined 6 for 12 with six RBIs and five runs scored.

“We have a great offense and its always great to show it,” Renfroe said. “Our bullpen has been great for us as well.”

Guardians starter Triston McKenzie (3-5) lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on five hits, with three strikeouts and three walks.

“I wasn't commanding the zone early on, but I thought I did a good job working around that,” McKenzie said. “Some of those guys were able to put good swings on the pitches when they were ahead of the count. I thought my stuff looked good I just fell behind guys and never gave myself a chance to get ahead of guys.”

Isbel hit his sixth homer of the season in the fourth inning, and Freddy Fermin added an RBI in the fifth.

“I thought there was good discipline and good patience when we needed to be,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And then to continue to expand later in the game was really good.”

José Ramírez hit his 22nd homer of the season, a 436-foot blast in the first inning that gave Cleveland the early lead.

Alec Marsh (6-5) gave up the homer to Ramírez and worked six innings, giving up four hits. He struck out five and walked two.

Over the last 10 games, Royals starting pitchers have a combined 1.98 ERA and have thrown six quality starts.

Kansas City has won four of its last five games. Cleveland dropped its third straight.

“Every series is important for us no matter where we are playing,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “This is a very important series for us and we lost the first two but we've got two more to turn this around.”

Cleveland sends RHP Tanner Bibee (6-2, 3.50 ERA) to the mound to face LHP Cole Ragans (5-5, 3.03) for Kansas City on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719642566542.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) congratulates Vinnie Pasquantino, right, for a two-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, June 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) congratulates Vinnie Pasquantino, right, for a two-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, June 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AVERY OSEN&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez, Hunter Renfroe, Kyle Isbel and Vinnie Pasquantino homered to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 10-3 win over the AL-leading Cleveland Guardians on Friday night.Perez hit his 13th homer of the season in the second inning, a 447-foot shot over the bullpen in left to tie the game at 1-all. Renfroe followed with his eighth homer of the season that put the Royals ahead to stay. Pasquantino added a two-run shot in the eighth inning, his ninth of the season that extended the Kansas City lead to 10-3. The KC trio went a combined 6 for 12 with six RBIs and five runs scored.“We have a great offense and its always great to show it,” Renfroe said. “Our bullpen has been great for us as well.”Guardians starter Triston McKenzie (3-5) lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on five hits, with three strikeouts and three walks.“I wasn't commanding the zone early on, but I thought I did a good job working around that,” McKenzie said. “Some of those guys were able to put good swings on the pitches when they were ahead of the count. I thought my stuff looked good I just fell behind guys and never gave myself a chance to get ahead of guys.”Isbel hit his sixth homer of the season in the fourth inning, and Freddy Fermin added an RBI in the fifth.“I thought there was good discipline and good patience when we needed to be,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And then to continue to expand later in the game was really good.”José Ramírez hit his 22nd homer of the season, a 436-foot blast in the first inning that gave Cleveland the early lead.Alec Marsh (6-5) gave up the homer to Ramírez and worked six innings, giving up four hits. He struck out five and walked two.Over the last 10 games, Royals starting pitchers have a combined 1.98 ERA and have thrown six quality starts.Kansas City has won four of its last five games. Cleveland dropped its third straight.“Every series is important for us no matter where we are playing,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “This is a very important series for us and we lost the first two but we've got two more to turn this around.”UP NEXTCleveland sends RHP Tanner Bibee (6-2, 3.50 ERA) to the mound to face LHP Cole Ragans (5-5, 3.03) for Kansas City on Saturday.

⚾ Royals hit 4 home runs and send Guardians to their 3rd straight loss

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel and Maikel Garcia hit back-to-back triples to start a sixth-inning rally, and Vinnie Pasquantino delivered the go-ahead sacrifice fly that sent the Kansas City Royals to a 2-1 win over the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night.

Sam Long (2-1) earned the win in relief, wiggling his way out of Michael Wacha's jam in the sixth and then retiring the side in the seventh. John Schreiber handled the eighth before James McArthur worked a perfect ninth for his 14th save.

Ben Lively (7-4) got some help against one of his former teams from a Cleveland defense that turned a pair of double plays to wipe away leadoff singles. The right-hander wound up allowing two runs on six hits and a walk over six innings.

Wacha permitted one run on seven hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings while striking out six.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected by third base umpire Tripp Gibson for arguing a call during the fifth inning.

Nick Loftin appeared to have evaded a tag on a grounder by Hunter Renfroe, but Gibson said Loftin went out of the basepath and he was called out — even though he was never farther outside than if he were rounding third base and heading home. Quatraro argued for a minute, then had turned to walk back to the dugout when Gibson threw him out.

The Guardians were clinging to a 1-0 lead Daniel Schneemann provided with his sacrifice fly in the fifth when Isbel led off the sixth with a triple to right field, narrowly beating Schneemann's throw to third. Garcia followed with his own triple to right, sliding in just ahead of Schneemann's throw again and tying the game.

Pasquantino followed two batters later with a sacrifice fly to give Kansas City the lead.

Both teams squandered plenty of chances. The Guardians left the bases loaded in the second inning and again in the sixth, and stranded nine runners in all. And the Royals had leadoff singles in three straight innings but nothing to show for them.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guardians-matthew-boyd-247159297e4c5090299f2010e5b9f1f8">Guardians agreed to a deal Thursday with LHP Matthew Boyd</a>, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the 33-year-old Boyd, who underwent reconstructive elbow surgery last year, must still pass a physical. He went 5-5 with a 5.45 ERA in 15 starts for Detroit last season.

The Guardians placed OF Will Brennan (rib inflammation) on the injured list, retroactive to Tuesday. They recalled INF José Tena and RHP Darren McCaughan from Triple-A Columbus. RHP Xzavion Curry was optioned to the same club Wednesday night.

Cleveland RHP Triston McKenzie (3-4, 4.66 ERA) faces Kansas City RHP Alec Marsh (5-5, 4.40) on Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719543983858.png" alt="Maikel Garcia races towards third base in the sixth inning of a major league&nbsp; baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Kansas City Royals photo)" />
 <figcaption>Maikel Garcia races towards third base in the sixth inning of a major league&nbsp; baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Kansas City Royals photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel and Maikel Garcia hit back-to-back triples to start a sixth-inning rally, and Vinnie Pasquantino delivered the go-ahead sacrifice fly that sent the Kansas City Royals to a 2-1 win over the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night.Sam Long (2-1) earned the win in relief, wiggling his way out of Michael Wacha's jam in the sixth and then retiring the side in the seventh. John Schreiber handled the eighth before James McArthur worked a perfect ninth for his 14th save.Ben Lively (7-4) got some help against one of his former teams from a Cleveland defense that turned a pair of double plays to wipe away leadoff singles. The right-hander wound up allowing two runs on six hits and a walk over six innings.Wacha permitted one run on seven hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings while striking out six.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719567893523.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha watches a throw to a Cleveland Guardians batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha watches a throw to a Cleveland Guardians batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected by third base umpire Tripp Gibson for arguing a call during the fifth inning.Nick Loftin appeared to have evaded a tag on a grounder by Hunter Renfroe, but Gibson said Loftin went out of the basepath and he was called out — even though he was never farther outside than if he were rounding third base and heading home. Quatraro argued for a minute, then had turned to walk back to the dugout when Gibson threw him out.It sure seemed to ignite Kansas City.The Guardians were clinging to a 1-0 lead Daniel Schneemann provided with his sacrifice fly in the fifth when Isbel led off the sixth with a triple to right field, narrowly beating Schneemann's throw to third. Garcia followed with his own triple to right, sliding in just ahead of Schneemann's throw again and tying the game.Pasquantino followed two batters later with a sacrifice fly to give Kansas City the lead.Both teams squandered plenty of chances. The Guardians left the bases loaded in the second inning and again in the sixth, and stranded nine runners in all. And the Royals had leadoff singles in three straight innings but nothing to show for them.HELP ON THE WAYThe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guardians-matthew-boyd-247159297e4c5090299f2010e5b9f1f8">Guardians agreed to a deal Thursday with LHP Matthew Boyd</a>, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the 33-year-old Boyd, who underwent reconstructive elbow surgery last year, must still pass a physical. He went 5-5 with a 5.45 ERA in 15 starts for Detroit last season.ROSTER MOVESThe Guardians placed OF Will Brennan (rib inflammation) on the injured list, retroactive to Tuesday. They recalled INF José Tena and RHP Darren McCaughan from Triple-A Columbus. RHP Xzavion Curry was optioned to the same club Wednesday night.UP NEXTCleveland RHP Triston McKenzie (3-4, 4.66 ERA) faces Kansas City RHP Alec Marsh (5-5, 4.40) on Friday night.

⚾ Royals rally to beat AL Central-rival Guardians in series opener

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A jury in U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in damages Thursday after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.

The jury awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class.

The lawsuit covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The lawsuit claimed the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an inflated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by offering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.

The NFL said it would appeal the verdict. That appeal would go to the 9th Circuit and then possibly the Supreme Court.

“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in a statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free over-the-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment.

“We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case are baseless and without merit.”

The jury of five men and three women deliberated for nearly five hours before reaching its decision.

“This case transcends football. This case matters,” plaintiffs attorney Bill Carmody said during Wednesday’s closing arguments. “It’s about justice. It’s about telling the 32 team owners who collectively own all the big TV rights, the most popular content in the history of TV — that’s what they have. It’s about telling them that even you cannot ignore the antitrust laws. Even you cannot collude to overcharge consumers. Even you can’t hide the truth and think you’re going to get away with it.”

The league maintained it has the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plaintiffs say that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV.

DirecTV had “Sunday Ticket” from its inception in 1994 through 2022. The league signed a seven-year deal with Google’s YouTube TV that began with the 2023 season.

The lawsuit was originally filed in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719524116479.png" alt="FILE – The NFL logo is seen during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Opening arguments are expected to begin Thursday, June 6, 2024, in federal court in a class-action lawsuit filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers claiming the NFL broke antitrust laws. The lawsuit was filed in 2015 and has withstood numerous challenges, including a dismissal that was overturned. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE – The NFL logo is seen during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Opening arguments are expected to begin Thursday, June 6, 2024, in federal court in a class-action lawsuit filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers claiming the NFL broke antitrust laws. The lawsuit was filed in 2015 and has withstood numerous challenges, including a dismissal that was overturned. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — A jury in U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in damages Thursday after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.The jury awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class.The lawsuit covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The lawsuit claimed the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an inflated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by offering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.The NFL said it would appeal the verdict. That appeal would go to the 9th Circuit and then possibly the Supreme Court.“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in a statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free over-the-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment.“We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case are baseless and without merit.”The jury of five men and three women deliberated for nearly five hours before reaching its decision.“This case transcends football. This case matters,” plaintiffs attorney Bill Carmody said during Wednesday’s closing arguments. “It’s about justice. It’s about telling the 32 team owners who collectively own all the big TV rights, the most popular content in the history of TV — that’s what they have. It’s about telling them that even you cannot ignore the antitrust laws. Even you cannot collude to overcharge consumers. Even you can’t hide the truth and think you’re going to get away with it.”The league maintained it has the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plaintiffs say that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV.DirecTV had “Sunday Ticket” from its inception in 1994 through 2022. The league signed a seven-year deal with Google’s YouTube TV that began with the 2023 season.The lawsuit was originally filed in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.

🏈 Jury orders NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in ‘Sunday Ticket’ case for violating antitrust laws

The Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education approved the hiring of Brianna Little as head girls’ basketball coach at Junction City High School.&nbsp;

Little takes over as head coach after being a part of the JCHS girls’ basketball coaching staff last season as an assistant coach. She played college basketball at Savannah State University in Georgia following a storied high school career that saw her collect not only all-state and all-area honors but also lead Beach High School in Savannah, Ga., to back-to-back state tournament appearances, which included a final four run in 2009 and an elite eight appearance during her final year as a Bulldog.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719501197502.jpeg" alt="Brianna Little, the new head girls basketball coach at Junction City High School. (Photo courtesy of USD 475)" />
 <figcaption>Brianna Little, the new head girls basketball coach at Junction City High School. (Photo courtesy of USD 475)</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 475 release--&nbsp; The Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education approved the hiring of Brianna Little as head girls’ basketball coach at Junction City High School.&nbsp;Little takes over as head coach after being a part of the JCHS girls’ basketball coaching staff last season as an assistant coach. She played college basketball at Savannah State University in Georgia following a storied high school career that saw her collect not only all-state and all-area honors but also lead Beach High School in Savannah, Ga., to back-to-back state tournament appearances, which included a final four run in 2009 and an elite eight appearance during her final year as a Bulldog.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Brianna Little announced as JCHS girls basketball coach

The Junction City Brigade beat the KC Monarchs by double-digits at Rathert Field Wednesday night.

 The final score of the game was 14-4.&nbsp; Junction City has won three of their last four games, and their record has improved to 9-7.

Next for the Brigade is a three-game series against the Midwest A's; Thursday's game is on the road in Belton, Missouri.  Friday's game is in Junction City at Rathert Field, and then on Saturday, back on the road for the series finale in Belton.&nbsp;

All games will have a 7:00 p.m. start time.

The Junction City Brigade beat the KC Monarchs by double-digits at Rathert Field Wednesday night. The final score of the game was 14-4.&nbsp; Junction City has won three of their last four games, and their record has improved to 9-7.Next for the Brigade is a three-game series against the Midwest A's; Thursday's game is on the road in Belton, Missouri. Friday's game is in Junction City at Rathert Field, and then on Saturday, back on the road for the series finale in Belton.&nbsp;All games will have a 7:00 p.m. start time.

Brigade beat KC Monarchs by double digits

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez highlighted a five-run, two-out rally in the eighth inning with a go-ahead double down the left-field line, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 on Wednesday to pick up the series win.

Angel Zerpa (1-0) got the final two outs of the eighth in relief of Brady Singer, who allowed an RBI single to Vidal Bruján in the second inning but little else on a sunny afternoon at Kauffman Stadium. James McArthur handled the ninth to finish it off.

“Just incredible,” Singer said. “For those guys to grind back, that's how we're going to win games.”

Indeed, Kansas City had been shut down by Valente Bellozo and the Miami bullpen until the eighth, when Bobby Witt Jr. started the rally with a triple off Huascar Brazoban (0-1). Vinnie Pasquantino followed with a tying single, and after pinch runner Dairon Blanco swiped second, Perez delivered the double that gave Kansas City the lead.

Nick Loftin added an RBI single and Freddy Fermin drove in two more runs to provide McArthur some breathing room.

“We had been pretty dead offensively,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Two outs, nobody on, right? Just the quality of what they were swinging at, too. The guys put some really good swings on it.”

The outbreak came after Kansas City had scored two runs or fewer in five of its last seven games.

“Momentum is huge, and that's who we are,” Witt said. “It was just a matter of time.”

Singer allowed five hits and a walk while striking out five, though he again was victimized by poor run support: The Royals have scored two runs or fewer in 12 of his 16 starts, and he has not won since May 19 against Oakland.

“The efficiency of him was the most impressive thing," said Quatraro, whose team had lost four straight series and been 2-7 in series-deciding games this season. “He wanted to keep going. He had it in his mind that he was going to carry us.”

Meanwhile, Bellozo was dominant in his big league debut for Miami, pitching five innings of two-hit ball.

The only bit of trouble the 24-year-old from Mexico ran into came in the second inning, and it wasn't entirely his fault: Hunter Renfroe hit a two-out single, then Bruján lost Fermin's popup in the sun and it landed for a double. But Bellozo promptly struck out Garrett Hampson to leave the runners on second and third.

He then retired his final 10 hitters before getting a swarm of high-fives in the Marlins dugout.

“I had a lot of adrenalin, a little nervous, but we controlled the game and did a really good job,” Bellozo said. ”Play with the zone, attack with the breaking balls and make all my pitches work.”

Marlins: LHP Kent Emanuel was designated for assignment to clear space for Bellozo on the roster. Emanuel had allowed eight runs, seven earned, while appearing in five games this season.

Marlins: Head to Philadelphia to open a four-game series Thursday night with Trevor Rogers (1-8, 4.90 ERA) on the mound.

Royals: Welcome Cleveland to town Thursday night with RHP Michael Wacha (4-6, 4.07) getting the start.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719435331690.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez highlighted a five-run, two-out rally in the eighth inning with a go-ahead double down the left-field line, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 on Wednesday to pick up the series win.Angel Zerpa (1-0) got the final two outs of the eighth in relief of Brady Singer, who allowed an RBI single to Vidal Bruján in the second inning but little else on a sunny afternoon at Kauffman Stadium. James McArthur handled the ninth to finish it off.“Just incredible,” Singer said. “For those guys to grind back, that's how we're going to win games.”Indeed, Kansas City had been shut down by Valente Bellozo and the Miami bullpen until the eighth, when Bobby Witt Jr. started the rally with a triple off Huascar Brazoban (0-1). Vinnie Pasquantino followed with a tying single, and after pinch runner Dairon Blanco swiped second, Perez delivered the double that gave Kansas City the lead.Nick Loftin added an RBI single and Freddy Fermin drove in two more runs to provide McArthur some breathing room.“We had been pretty dead offensively,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Two outs, nobody on, right? Just the quality of what they were swinging at, too. The guys put some really good swings on it.”The outbreak came after Kansas City had scored two runs or fewer in five of its last seven games.“Momentum is huge, and that's who we are,” Witt said. “It was just a matter of time.”Singer allowed five hits and a walk while striking out five, though he again was victimized by poor run support: The Royals have scored two runs or fewer in 12 of his 16 starts, and he has not won since May 19 against Oakland.“The efficiency of him was the most impressive thing," said Quatraro, whose team had lost four straight series and been 2-7 in series-deciding games this season. “He wanted to keep going. He had it in his mind that he was going to carry us.”Meanwhile, Bellozo was dominant in his big league debut for Miami, pitching five innings of two-hit ball.The only bit of trouble the 24-year-old from Mexico ran into came in the second inning, and it wasn't entirely his fault: Hunter Renfroe hit a two-out single, then Bruján lost Fermin's popup in the sun and it landed for a double. But Bellozo promptly struck out Garrett Hampson to leave the runners on second and third.He then retired his final 10 hitters before getting a swarm of high-fives in the Marlins dugout.“I had a lot of adrenalin, a little nervous, but we controlled the game and did a really good job,” Bellozo said. ”Play with the zone, attack with the breaking balls and make all my pitches work.”ROSTER MOVESMarlins: LHP Kent Emanuel was designated for assignment to clear space for Bellozo on the roster. Emanuel had allowed eight runs, seven earned, while appearing in five games this season.UP NEXTMarlins: Head to Philadelphia to open a four-game series Thursday night with Trevor Rogers (1-8, 4.90 ERA) on the mound.Royals: Welcome Cleveland to town Thursday night with RHP Michael Wacha (4-6, 4.07) getting the start.

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