WICHITA, Kan. - The Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs will make its second straight appearance in the NBC World Series championship game, coming up with a 10-3 victory over the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs in the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy <a href="outlook-data-detector://0">on Sunday night</a> at Eck Stadium.&nbsp;

Cheney’s championship game appearance marks the 25th time a team has made the championship game two years in a row at the NBC World Series. Hutchinson collected its best finish in franchise history in the NBC World Series, finishing in third place and came up with its fourth 30-win season in the 12-year history of the team. Their 32 wins are the third most in franchise history.&nbsp;

Trevin Reynolds led the Diamond Dawgs with seven strikeouts in six innings pitched while Luke Sartori and Clayton Chadwick led the Hutchinson offense with two hits each.&nbsp;

The Monarchs grabbed the game’s first lead off a balk and a wild pitch in the bottom of the third inning, but the Diamond Dawgs used a five-run outing in the top of the fourth inning to take a three-run lead. A 6-3 putout in the bottom of the seventh inning allowed the Monarchs to cut the deficit to two runs. Cheney, however, extended its lead 7-3 off a two-run home run from Wichita State’s Corrigan Bartlett.&nbsp;

Caleb Farmer’s double to center field in the top of the ninth inning allowed the Diamond Dawgs to score two more insurance runs. Southeast Missouri’s Lincoln Andrews drove in the final insurance run for the Diamond Dawgs later in the inning, coming up with an RBI single.&nbsp;

The Diamond Dawgs face the seven-time NBC World Series champions, the Santa Barbara, CA Foresters, in the 2020 championship game <a href="outlook-data-detector://1">on Monday night at 6 p.m.</a> at Eck Stadium.

WICHITA, Kan. - The Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs will make its second straight appearance in the NBC World Series championship game, coming up with a 10-3 victory over the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs in the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy <a href="outlook-data-detector://0">on Sunday night</a> at Eck Stadium.&nbsp;Cheney’s championship game appearance marks the 25th time a team has made the championship game two years in a row at the NBC World Series. Hutchinson collected its best finish in franchise history in the NBC World Series, finishing in third place and came up with its fourth 30-win season in the 12-year history of the team. Their 32 wins are the third most in franchise history.&nbsp;Trevin Reynolds led the Diamond Dawgs with seven strikeouts in six innings pitched while Luke Sartori and Clayton Chadwick led the Hutchinson offense with two hits each.&nbsp;The Monarchs grabbed the game’s first lead off a balk and a wild pitch in the bottom of the third inning, but the Diamond Dawgs used a five-run outing in the top of the fourth inning to take a three-run lead. A 6-3 putout in the bottom of the seventh inning allowed the Monarchs to cut the deficit to two runs. Cheney, however, extended its lead 7-3 off a two-run home run from Wichita State’s Corrigan Bartlett.&nbsp;Caleb Farmer’s double to center field in the top of the ninth inning allowed the Diamond Dawgs to score two more insurance runs. Southeast Missouri’s Lincoln Andrews drove in the final insurance run for the Diamond Dawgs later in the inning, coming up with an RBI single.&nbsp;The Diamond Dawgs face the seven-time NBC World Series champions, the Santa Barbara, CA Foresters, in the 2020 championship game <a href="outlook-data-detector://1">on Monday night at 6 p.m.</a> at Eck Stadium.

Hutch Monarchs fall in semi-final game 10-3

WICHITA, Kan. - The NBC World Series continues at Wichita State's Eck Stadium for semi-final game tonight. &nbsp;Three teams remain alive in this year's double elimination tournament.

The 6pm game tonight will be the Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs vs the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs:

WICHITA, Kan. - The NBC World Series continues at Wichita State's Eck Stadium for semi-final game tonight. &nbsp;Three teams remain alive in this year's double elimination tournament.The 6pm game tonight will be the Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs vs the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs:<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3gDcUMwG9bg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 LIVE VIDEO STREAM: Monarchs vs Cheney in NBC World Series semi-final game tonight

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;

Here is the updated bracket after tonight's 10-4 win for the Hutchinson Monarchs. They face off with the Cheney Diamond Dawgs Baseball&nbsp;Sunday evening at 6pm for a right to face the&nbsp;Santa Barbara Foresters&nbsp;in the championship game on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;

Here is the updated bracket after tonight's 10-4 win for the Hutchinson Monarchs. They face off with the Cheney Diamond Dawgs Baseball&nbsp;Sunday evening at 6pm for a right to face the&nbsp;Santa Barbara Foresters&nbsp;in the championship game on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596968180819.jpeg" alt="updated bracket 8-8.jpg" />
 <figcaption>updated bracket 8-8.jpg</figcaption>
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Monarchs continue through consolation bracket in 2020 NBC World Series

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jorge Soler homered in back-to-back innings while Nicky Lopez and Salvador Perez also went deep in helping the Royals beat the Twins 9-6. Three of the Royals' homers came during a go-ahead, six-run, fourth inning that helped Kansas City clinch the win in the three-game series. Tyler Zuber earned the victory in relief, while Trevor Rosenthal got the final four outs for his second straight save. Lewis Thorpe took the loss for Minnesota.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The entire three-game series between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis this weekend at Busch Stadium has been postponed after two more Cardinals players and a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. Major League Baseball made the announcement, after hours saying Friday night's game had been scrapped to ensure everyone affected on the Cardinals was identified. The Cardinals have been off since last Friday, when two players returned positive coronavirus tests. Eight players in total have tested positive, including star catcher Yadier Molina. &nbsp;

Johnson heads tight leaderboard at Harding Park

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Dustin Johnson shot a 5-under 65 in the third round at TPC Harding Park to enter the final round as the PGA Championship leader at minus-9. He had eight birdies in the round, which helped him forget a bogey on No. 6 and a double three holes later. Both times, he birdied the next hole.

Johnson's only major victory was the 2016 U.S. Open.

Eleven other players will be three shots back heading into Sunday's round. Scottie Scheffler also fired a 65 that leaves him tied with Cameron Champ at 8 under. Two shots back are Brooks Koepka (KEHP'-kuh), Paul Carey and Collin Morikawa, who fired a 65.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The Denver Nuggets welcomed back one of their stars on Saturday and solidified their hold on third place in the NBA's Western Conference.

Jamal Murray scored 23 points, including the tying and go-ahead baskets in the Nuggets' double-overtime win against the Jazz, 134-132. He sank a fallaway jumper for a 123-all tie and then beat the shot clock with a go-ahead 3-pointer. Murray had 12 rebounds and eight assists, just missing a triple-double in his first game since March 11. He missed the Nuggets' first four games of the restart due to a tight hamstring.

The Nuggets overcame Donovan Mitchell's 35 points for Utah, including a 3-pointer with 4.2 seconds remaining in the second overtime.

— T.J. Warren poured in 39 points, including seven straight to put the Pacers ahead in the final two minutes of a 116-111 downing of the Lakers. LeBron James had 31 points, eight rebounds and seven assists after sitting out the first game since the Lakers clinched the top seed in the Western Conference. 

— Luka Doncic (DAHN'-chihch) posted his league-high 17th triple-double of the season by delivering 36 points, a career-high 19 assists and 14 rebounds for the Mavericks, in a 136-132 win over the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks for the Bucks, who led by three before Dallas closed on a 7-0 run. 

— The Suns are 5-0 since the restart after Devin Booker scored 35 points and Jevon Carter added a season-high 20 in a 119-112 victory against the Heat. Carter made six of eight 3-pointers for Phoenix, which is two games behind Memphis for the final Western Conference playoff berth.

— Rodney McGruder hit a 3-pointer with 26.5 seconds left to push the Clippers past the Trail Blazers, 122-120. Portland led much of the game, but Los Angeles closed on a 12-5 run to pull out the victory. The Clippers were without Kawhi (kah-WY') Leonard and played the last five minutes without Paul George after he scored 21 points.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers will spend the rest of the NBA season and playoffs without Ben Simmons.

The All-Star guard will have surgery on his left knee, damaging the Sixers' hopes for a deep playoff run. There was no immediate timeframe for his return, and it's likely that no firm timetable on his recovery will be set until after the surgery.

Simmons left Wednesday's game against Washington midway through the third quarter because of the injury.

— This season's three NBA MVP finalists have won the award before. The trio announced Saturday is reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) of the Bucks, four-time MVP LeBron James of the Lakers and 2017-18 winner James Harden of the Rockets. James would join Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and Bill Russell as the NBA's only five-time MVPs. Antetokounmpo is bidding to become the 12th back-to-back winner of the award. 

Knights take top seed with OT win over Avs

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Las Vegas Golden Knights and Philadelphia Flyers have grabbed the top seeds in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Golden Knights captured the No. 1 seed in the West by taking a winner-take-all with Colorado before the Flyers knocked off Tampa Bay to claim the top seed in the East.

Alex Tuch (tuhk) scored with 16 seconds remaining on the clock in overtime to give the Knights a 4-3 victory over the Avalanche. Vegas took a 3-2 lead on a penalty shot by Jonathan Marchessault (MAHR'-sheh-soh) early in the third period, but the Avs forced OT when J.T. Compher beat Robin Lehner with 62 seconds left in regulation.

Marchesault tallied twice and Lehner finished with 32 saves for the Knights, who will take on the Blackhawks in the first round.

The Avs and Coyotes will square off in another first-round series.

In Toronto, Nicolas Aube-Kubel (oh-BAY' koo-BEHL') scored twice in the first period and Carter Hart finished with 23 saves as the Flyers downed Tampa Bay, 4-1. Joel Farabee set up the game-winner and added a second-period goal that put the Flyers ahead 3-1.

The Flyers went 3-0 in round-robin play after winning nine of their last 10 regular-season games. Philadelphia's reward is a meeting with the Montreal Canadiens.

Tyler Johnson had a power-play goal for the Lightning, who will take on either Toronto or Columbus in the first round.

UNDATED (AP) — Gerrit Cole came within one out of winning his 20th consecutive decision despite another power display by the New York Yankees. 

Homers by Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Mike Ford powered the Yankees to an 8-4 win over the Rays in Game 1 of a twinbill. 

Cole had a 5-0 lead as he entered the fifth inning, but he had to be pulled one strike shy of qualifying for the victory. Jose Martinez belted a two-run homer that made it 5-3 and ended Cole's outing.

Cole was bidding to tie Roger Clemens, Jake Arrieta and Rube Marquard for the third-longest streak ever. Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell leads the list with 24 in a row, followed by Roy Face with 22. 

The Rays salvaged a split of the doubleheader as Austin Meadows provided a tiebreaking, two-run single in a 5-3 decision over New York. The Rays used six pitchers during a bullpen day that ended when Judge flew out deep with a runner on base.

— Austin Slater had nine career home runs before going deep twice off Clayton Kershaw in the Giants' 5-4 win versus the Dodgers. Kershaw also surrendered a home run to Mike Yastrzemski (ya-STREHM'-skee) while being reached for four runs and seven hits in just 4 1/3 innings.

— Niko Goodrum, Miguel Cabrera, C.J. Cron and Jeimer (JAY'-mur) Candelario homered in the first inning to ignite the Tigers' 11-5 win over the Pirates. JaCoby Jones added a sixth-inning blast and Cron capped the scoring with an RBI double in Detroit's second straight win.

— Frankie Montas pitched seven shutout innings and the Athletics picked up their eighth consecutive win by downing the Astros, 3-1. Marcus Semien homered in the first after hitting a walkoff single to end a 13-inning win on Friday.

— Jake Arrieta picked up his first win in more than a year by tossing three-hit ball over six innings of the Phillies' 5-0 shutout of the Braves. Jay Bruce smacked a three-run homer and J.T. Realmuto (ree-al-MOO'-toh) went deep for the third straight game.

— Ryan Castellani combined with three relievers on a one-hitter as the Rockies downed the Mariners, 5-0. Chalie Blackmon opened the scoring with a three-run double in the fifth.

— Starling Marte and Stephen Vogt (voht) hit solo homers in the sixth inning of the Diamondbacks' 3-2 victory at San Diego. Merrill Kelly gave up one run over six frames to get the win.

— Zach Plesac (PLEE'-sak) tossed six strong innings and the Indians erupted for six runs in the fourth inning of a 7-1 victory over the White Sox. The Indians had been blanked for 13 innings before Franmil (FRAHN'-meel) Reyes and Jordan Luplow each hit a two-run homer in the fourth. 

— Pat Valaika, Pedro Severino and Anthony Santander homered during a five-run eighth that gave the Orioles a 5-3 verdict over the Nationals. Baltimore went into eighth with just two hits and trailing 3-0 before rallying against Sean Doolittle and Daniel Hudson.

— Anthony DeSclafani allowed two singles over six scoreless innings to pitch the Reds past the Brewers, 4-1. Eugenio Suarez hit a three-run homer in the first to put the Reds on top to stay. 

— The Rangers picked up a 2-0 win on Joey Gallo's two-run homer. Six Texas pitchers combined on a four-hitter as Kolby Allard worked five innings before Edinson Volquez worked the sixth for his first major league win since 2017.

— The Mets were 8-4 winners against the Marlins as Michael Conforto and Pete Alonso slammed two-run homers before J.D. Davis broke it open with a three-run blast. Rookie David Peterson allowed two runs over five innings to help New York end Miami's six-game winning streak.

— Jorge Soler homered in back-to-back innings, the second of which came in a six-run fourth that propelled the Royals past the Twins, 9-6. Nicky Lopez hit a two-run shot and Salvador Perez also went deep as the first seven Royals reached base in the fourth.

— Five Blue Jays pitchers combined on a four-hitter in a 2-1 win at Boston. Bo Bichette had two hits and an RBI to help Toronto halt a two-game skid.

UNDATED (AP) — Giants hurler Jeff Samardjiza (sah-MAHR'-jah) has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to right shoulder impingement. 

Manager Gabe Kapler said the right-hander told trainers and the coaching staff that he felt like he wasn't able to get the arm loose during Friday's game. 

Samardjiza went four-plus innings and allowed six runs on seven hits in a 7-2 loss to the Dodgers. 

— Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer was activated from the injured list after missing 11 of the first 14 games with gastritis. Hosmer said he never received a precise diagnosis of the ailment and plans to see specialists after the season.

UNDATED (AP) — The Mid-American Conference has become the first league competing at college football's highest level to cancel its fall season because of COVID-19 concerns.

The MAC announced on Saturday that all fall sports have been canceled, although it is exploring the idea of making them up in the spring. The MAC's 12 schools are facing a significant financial burden by trying to maintain costly coronavirus protocols. 

MAC schools rely heavily on revenue from playing road games against power conference teams. Most of those games were canceled when the Power Five went to exclusively or mostly conference games. 

A meeting of its presidents earlier in the week was expected to produce an agreement on how to go about a fall season. Instead, some schools pushed to not play. 

— The Big Ten has told its schools that until further notice full contact football practices cannot begin. The conference announced all teams will remain in the first two days of what is known as the "acclimatization period" as teams work in just helmets. The Big Ten said all other fall sports will continue to work with team physicians and athletic trainers to adjust practices to the appropriate level of activity. 

— Pittsburgh junior defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman has opted out of the 2020 season to focus on next year's NFL draft. Twyman was a second-team All-American in 2019 when he registered 10 1/2 sacks. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound Twyman said his decision is not about COVID-19, but rather about taking care of his family's needs. 

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry has been activated from the physically unable to perform list, clearing the way for him to practice in training camp following off-season hip surgery.

He underwent an extensive procedure to correct a issue that slowed him last season but didn't keep him off the field. Landry hasn't missed a game in six seasons and recorded 83 receptions for 1,174 yards and six touchdowns in 2019.

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Kevin Harvick raced to his fifth NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season by outlasting Brad Keselowski in overtime in the opener of a weekend doubleheader at Michigan International Speedway.

Harvick won for the fourth time at MIS — and three of those victories have been in the last three years.

Ford has now won five straight Cup races at Michigan and swept the top two spots Saturday with Harvick and Keselowski. Martin Truex Jr. was third, followed by Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch.

Busch remains winless on the year with five races left in the regular season.

Bottas on pole for Silverstone GP ahead of teammate Hamilton

SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Valtteri Bottas edged out Mercedes teammate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton to claim the pole position for Formula One's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

Bottas clocked 1 minute, 25.154 seconds, 0.063 seconds ahead of the six-time world champion. It gave Bottas his first pole since the opening race of the pandemic-delayed season in Austria, which he went on to win. 

UNDATED (AP) — Major League Soccer says it will resume its season once the MLS is Back tournament in Florida wraps up. 

The league's 26 teams will each play 18 games, with the first between FC Dallas and Nashville set for Aug. 12. Dallas and Nashville are playing three additional games after withdrawing from the league's tournament because of positive COVID-19 cases. 

A majority of games will be played without fans because of local regulations. Teams will be subjected to a rigorous testing protocol and will use charter flights to travel. 

MLS suspended the season on March 12 because of the pandemic after teams had played two games each. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Belmont winner Tiz the Law has easily won the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga and heads to Kentucky for next month's Derby as the favorite.

Ridden by Manny Franco, Tiz the Law ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.65 and paid $3, $2.40 and $2.10.

The 3-year-old colt remains undefeated this year with four straight graded stakes victories. 

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jorge Soler homered in back-to-back innings while Nicky Lopez and Salvador Perez also went deep in helping the Royals beat the Twins 9-6. Three of the Royals' homers came during a go-ahead, six-run, fourth inning that helped Kansas City clinch the win in the three-game series. Tyler Zuber earned the victory in relief, while Trevor Rosenthal got the final four outs for his second straight save. Lewis Thorpe took the loss for Minnesota.ST. LOUIS (AP) — The entire three-game series between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis this weekend at Busch Stadium has been postponed after two more Cardinals players and a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. Major League Baseball made the announcement, after hours saying Friday night's game had been scrapped to ensure everyone affected on the Cardinals was identified. The Cardinals have been off since last Friday, when two players returned positive coronavirus tests. Eight players in total have tested positive, including star catcher Yadier Molina. &nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>GOLF-PGA CHAMPIONSHIPJohnson heads tight leaderboard at Harding ParkSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Dustin Johnson shot a 5-under 65 in the third round at TPC Harding Park to enter the final round as the PGA Championship leader at minus-9. He had eight birdies in the round, which helped him forget a bogey on No. 6 and a double three holes later. Both times, he birdied the next hole.Johnson's only major victory was the 2016 U.S. Open.Eleven other players will be three shots back heading into Sunday's round. Scottie Scheffler also fired a 65 that leaves him tied with Cameron Champ at 8 under. Two shots back are Brooks Koepka (KEHP'-kuh), Paul Carey and Collin Morikawa, who fired a 65.NBA-SCHEDULEMurray returns to lead NuggetsLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The Denver Nuggets welcomed back one of their stars on Saturday and solidified their hold on third place in the NBA's Western Conference.Jamal Murray scored 23 points, including the tying and go-ahead baskets in the Nuggets' double-overtime win against the Jazz, 134-132. He sank a fallaway jumper for a 123-all tie and then beat the shot clock with a go-ahead 3-pointer. Murray had 12 rebounds and eight assists, just missing a triple-double in his first game since March 11. He missed the Nuggets' first four games of the restart due to a tight hamstring.The Nuggets overcame Donovan Mitchell's 35 points for Utah, including a 3-pointer with 4.2 seconds remaining in the second overtime.In other NBA action:— T.J. Warren poured in 39 points, including seven straight to put the Pacers ahead in the final two minutes of a 116-111 downing of the Lakers. LeBron James had 31 points, eight rebounds and seven assists after sitting out the first game since the Lakers clinched the top seed in the Western Conference. — Luka Doncic (DAHN'-chihch) posted his league-high 17th triple-double of the season by delivering 36 points, a career-high 19 assists and 14 rebounds for the Mavericks, in a 136-132 win over the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks for the Bucks, who led by three before Dallas closed on a 7-0 run. — The Suns are 5-0 since the restart after Devin Booker scored 35 points and Jevon Carter added a season-high 20 in a 119-112 victory against the Heat. Carter made six of eight 3-pointers for Phoenix, which is two games behind Memphis for the final Western Conference playoff berth.— Rodney McGruder hit a 3-pointer with 26.5 seconds left to push the Clippers past the Trail Blazers, 122-120. Portland led much of the game, but Los Angeles closed on a 12-5 run to pull out the victory. The Clippers were without Kawhi (kah-WY') Leonard and played the last five minutes without Paul George after he scored 21 points.NBA-NEWSSimmons needs knee surgeryLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers will spend the rest of the NBA season and playoffs without Ben Simmons.The All-Star guard will have surgery on his left knee, damaging the Sixers' hopes for a deep playoff run. There was no immediate timeframe for his return, and it's likely that no firm timetable on his recovery will be set until after the surgery.Simmons left Wednesday's game against Washington midway through the third quarter because of the injury.In other NBA news:— This season's three NBA MVP finalists have won the award before. The trio announced Saturday is reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) of the Bucks, four-time MVP LeBron James of the Lakers and 2017-18 winner James Harden of the Rockets. James would join Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and Bill Russell as the NBA's only five-time MVPs. Antetokounmpo is bidding to become the 12th back-to-back winner of the award. NHL-SCHEDULEKnights take top seed with OT win over AvsEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Las Vegas Golden Knights and Philadelphia Flyers have grabbed the top seeds in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Golden Knights captured the No. 1 seed in the West by taking a winner-take-all with Colorado before the Flyers knocked off Tampa Bay to claim the top seed in the East.Alex Tuch (tuhk) scored with 16 seconds remaining on the clock in overtime to give the Knights a 4-3 victory over the Avalanche. Vegas took a 3-2 lead on a penalty shot by Jonathan Marchessault (MAHR'-sheh-soh) early in the third period, but the Avs forced OT when J.T. Compher beat Robin Lehner with 62 seconds left in regulation.Marchesault tallied twice and Lehner finished with 32 saves for the Knights, who will take on the Blackhawks in the first round.The Avs and Coyotes will square off in another first-round series.In Toronto, Nicolas Aube-Kubel (oh-BAY' koo-BEHL') scored twice in the first period and Carter Hart finished with 23 saves as the Flyers downed Tampa Bay, 4-1. Joel Farabee set up the game-winner and added a second-period goal that put the Flyers ahead 3-1.The Flyers went 3-0 in round-robin play after winning nine of their last 10 regular-season games. Philadelphia's reward is a meeting with the Montreal Canadiens.Tyler Johnson had a power-play goal for the Lightning, who will take on either Toronto or Columbus in the first round.MLB-SCHEDULECole just misses 20th straightUNDATED (AP) — Gerrit Cole came within one out of winning his 20th consecutive decision despite another power display by the New York Yankees. Homers by Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Mike Ford powered the Yankees to an 8-4 win over the Rays in Game 1 of a twinbill. Cole had a 5-0 lead as he entered the fifth inning, but he had to be pulled one strike shy of qualifying for the victory. Jose Martinez belted a two-run homer that made it 5-3 and ended Cole's outing.Cole was bidding to tie Roger Clemens, Jake Arrieta and Rube Marquard for the third-longest streak ever. Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell leads the list with 24 in a row, followed by Roy Face with 22. The Rays salvaged a split of the doubleheader as Austin Meadows provided a tiebreaking, two-run single in a 5-3 decision over New York. The Rays used six pitchers during a bullpen day that ended when Judge flew out deep with a runner on base.Elsewhere around the majors:— Austin Slater had nine career home runs before going deep twice off Clayton Kershaw in the Giants' 5-4 win versus the Dodgers. Kershaw also surrendered a home run to Mike Yastrzemski (ya-STREHM'-skee) while being reached for four runs and seven hits in just 4 1/3 innings.— Niko Goodrum, Miguel Cabrera, C.J. Cron and Jeimer (JAY'-mur) Candelario homered in the first inning to ignite the Tigers' 11-5 win over the Pirates. JaCoby Jones added a sixth-inning blast and Cron capped the scoring with an RBI double in Detroit's second straight win.— Frankie Montas pitched seven shutout innings and the Athletics picked up their eighth consecutive win by downing the Astros, 3-1. Marcus Semien homered in the first after hitting a walkoff single to end a 13-inning win on Friday.— Jake Arrieta picked up his first win in more than a year by tossing three-hit ball over six innings of the Phillies' 5-0 shutout of the Braves. Jay Bruce smacked a three-run homer and J.T. Realmuto (ree-al-MOO'-toh) went deep for the third straight game.— Ryan Castellani combined with three relievers on a one-hitter as the Rockies downed the Mariners, 5-0. Chalie Blackmon opened the scoring with a three-run double in the fifth.— Starling Marte and Stephen Vogt (voht) hit solo homers in the sixth inning of the Diamondbacks' 3-2 victory at San Diego. Merrill Kelly gave up one run over six frames to get the win.— Zach Plesac (PLEE'-sak) tossed six strong innings and the Indians erupted for six runs in the fourth inning of a 7-1 victory over the White Sox. The Indians had been blanked for 13 innings before Franmil (FRAHN'-meel) Reyes and Jordan Luplow each hit a two-run homer in the fourth. — Pat Valaika, Pedro Severino and Anthony Santander homered during a five-run eighth that gave the Orioles a 5-3 verdict over the Nationals. Baltimore went into eighth with just two hits and trailing 3-0 before rallying against Sean Doolittle and Daniel Hudson.— Anthony DeSclafani allowed two singles over six scoreless innings to pitch the Reds past the Brewers, 4-1. Eugenio Suarez hit a three-run homer in the first to put the Reds on top to stay. — The Rangers picked up a 2-0 win on Joey Gallo's two-run homer. Six Texas pitchers combined on a four-hitter as Kolby Allard worked five innings before Edinson Volquez worked the sixth for his first major league win since 2017.— The Mets were 8-4 winners against the Marlins as Michael Conforto and Pete Alonso slammed two-run homers before J.D. Davis broke it open with a three-run blast. Rookie David Peterson allowed two runs over five innings to help New York end Miami's six-game winning streak.— Jorge Soler homered in back-to-back innings, the second of which came in a six-run fourth that propelled the Royals past the Twins, 9-6. Nicky Lopez hit a two-run shot and Salvador Perez also went deep as the first seven Royals reached base in the fourth.— Five Blue Jays pitchers combined on a four-hitter in a 2-1 win at Boston. Bo Bichette had two hits and an RBI to help Toronto halt a two-game skid.MLB-NEWSSamardjiza on ILUNDATED (AP) — Giants hurler Jeff Samardjiza (sah-MAHR'-jah) has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to right shoulder impingement. Manager Gabe Kapler said the right-hander told trainers and the coaching staff that he felt like he wasn't able to get the arm loose during Friday's game. Samardjiza went four-plus innings and allowed six runs on seven hits in a 7-2 loss to the Dodgers. In other big league news Saturday:— Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer was activated from the injured list after missing 11 of the first 14 games with gastritis. Hosmer said he never received a precise diagnosis of the ailment and plans to see specialists after the season.VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE SPORTSMAC cancels fall sports due to virusUNDATED (AP) — The Mid-American Conference has become the first league competing at college football's highest level to cancel its fall season because of COVID-19 concerns.The MAC announced on Saturday that all fall sports have been canceled, although it is exploring the idea of making them up in the spring. The MAC's 12 schools are facing a significant financial burden by trying to maintain costly coronavirus protocols. MAC schools rely heavily on revenue from playing road games against power conference teams. Most of those games were canceled when the Power Five went to exclusively or mostly conference games. A meeting of its presidents earlier in the week was expected to produce an agreement on how to go about a fall season. Instead, some schools pushed to not play. In other college sports news:— The Big Ten has told its schools that until further notice full contact football practices cannot begin. The conference announced all teams will remain in the first two days of what is known as the "acclimatization period" as teams work in just helmets. The Big Ten said all other fall sports will continue to work with team physicians and athletic trainers to adjust practices to the appropriate level of activity. — Pittsburgh junior defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman has opted out of the 2020 season to focus on next year's NFL draft. Twyman was a second-team All-American in 2019 when he registered 10 1/2 sacks. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound Twyman said his decision is not about COVID-19, but rather about taking care of his family's needs. NFL-BROWNS-LANDRYLandry activated CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry has been activated from the physically unable to perform list, clearing the way for him to practice in training camp following off-season hip surgery.He underwent an extensive procedure to correct a issue that slowed him last season but didn't keep him off the field. Landry hasn't missed a game in six seasons and recorded 83 receptions for 1,174 yards and six touchdowns in 2019.NASCAR-MICHIGANHarvick wins again at MISBROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Kevin Harvick raced to his fifth NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season by outlasting Brad Keselowski in overtime in the opener of a weekend doubleheader at Michigan International Speedway.Harvick won for the fourth time at MIS — and three of those victories have been in the last three years.Ford has now won five straight Cup races at Michigan and swept the top two spots Saturday with Harvick and Keselowski. Martin Truex Jr. was third, followed by Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch.Busch remains winless on the year with five races left in the regular season.F1-70TH ANNIVERSARY GPBottas on pole for Silverstone GP ahead of teammate HamiltonSILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Valtteri Bottas edged out Mercedes teammate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton to claim the pole position for Formula One's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.Bottas clocked 1 minute, 25.154 seconds, 0.063 seconds ahead of the six-time world champion. It gave Bottas his first pole since the opening race of the pandemic-delayed season in Austria, which he went on to win. MLS-SEASON RESUMESMLS to resume regular season UNDATED (AP) — Major League Soccer says it will resume its season once the MLS is Back tournament in Florida wraps up. The league's 26 teams will each play 18 games, with the first between FC Dallas and Nashville set for Aug. 12. Dallas and Nashville are playing three additional games after withdrawing from the league's tournament because of positive COVID-19 cases. A majority of games will be played without fans because of local regulations. Teams will be subjected to a rigorous testing protocol and will use charter flights to travel. MLS suspended the season on March 12 because of the pandemic after teams had played two games each. HORSE RACING-TRAVERSTiz the Law wins againSARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Belmont winner Tiz the Law has easily won the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga and heads to Kentucky for next month's Derby as the favorite.Ridden by Manny Franco, Tiz the Law ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.65 and paid $3, $2.40 and $2.10.The 3-year-old colt remains undefeated this year with four straight graded stakes victories.

Sports Headlines for Sunday

WICHITA, Kan. - The Hutchinson, KS Monarchs stayed alive in the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy on Saturday night at Eck Stadium, defeating the Houston, TX Express 10-4.&nbsp;

Hutchinson obtained its 32nd win of the season, the third most in program history. Tanner White led the Monarchs with three hits in five at-bats, coming up with four RBIs in the process. Austin Callahan hit his ninth home run of the summer season, tying the single season record for home runs in program history with teammate Clayton Chadwick.&nbsp;

The Houston, TX Express finished the NBC World Series with three wins, the most out of their three appearances, and collected its highest finish in program’s history with fourth place.&nbsp;

Tied 1-1 after the first inning, the Monarchs opened the gap with a five-run top of the second inning. A triple by White scored three runs and an RBI single with a sacrifice fly allowed the Monarchs to move ahead 6-1.&nbsp;

The Express scored a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, but four combined runs in the sixth and seventh inning allowed the Monarchs to claim the game by run-rule through the middle of the seventh inning. The Express, however, prevented a run-rule outing by scoring in the bottom of the seventh inning and scored another run in the bottom of the ninth, but the Monarchs held on to guarantee themselves their best overall finish (which was previously fourth) in the NBC World Series in 2020. 

WICHITA, Kan. - The Hutchinson, KS Monarchs stayed alive in the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy on Saturday night at Eck Stadium, defeating the Houston, TX Express 10-4.&nbsp;Hutchinson obtained its 32nd win of the season, the third most in program history. Tanner White led the Monarchs with three hits in five at-bats, coming up with four RBIs in the process. Austin Callahan hit his ninth home run of the summer season, tying the single season record for home runs in program history with teammate Clayton Chadwick.&nbsp;The Houston, TX Express finished the NBC World Series with three wins, the most out of their three appearances, and collected its highest finish in program’s history with fourth place.&nbsp;Tied 1-1 after the first inning, the Monarchs opened the gap with a five-run top of the second inning. A triple by White scored three runs and an RBI single with a sacrifice fly allowed the Monarchs to move ahead 6-1.&nbsp;The Express scored a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, but four combined runs in the sixth and seventh inning allowed the Monarchs to claim the game by run-rule through the middle of the seventh inning. The Express, however, prevented a run-rule outing by scoring in the bottom of the seventh inning and scored another run in the bottom of the ninth, but the Monarchs held on to guarantee themselves their best overall finish (which was previously fourth) in the NBC World Series in 2020.

Monarchs roll past Houston, TX Express

KANSAS CITY -- It took a while for the Royals to get their offense cranking in 2020, but it’s hitting on all cylinders now.

Two nights after scoring 13 runs in a win over the Cubs, the Royals erupted with four home runs and 12 hits in a 9-6 victory over the Twins on Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium.

•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/twins-vs-royals/2020/08/08/631420/final/box" target="_blank">Box score</a>

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/624585" target="_blank">Jorge Soler</a>&nbsp;did much of the damage, with two long home runs for his fourth and fifth this season. Soler’s first blast, a solo shot in the third inning, went an estimated 440 feet per Statcast. His second shot was a three-run jack in the fourth that went an estimated 448 feet. It was the 15th time a player has had multiple home runs in the same game that each went at least 440 feet since Statcast began tracking in 2015.

“My goal is to get him to smile one time coming around third,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said of Soler’s stoic nature. “It’s got to be fun to be able to do that.”

Soler, smiling, said through interpreter Luis Perez, “[Matheny] has told me multiple times to smile a little bit more. I don't like to smile a lot. I don't want to disrespect anybody at all."

Soler almost had a three-homer night -- he flied out to the warning track in center field in the sixth inning.

“In 90 percent of the parks,” Matheny said, “that’s a home run.”

Soler’s three-run homer was part of a six-run fourth inning that erased a 4-2 deficit after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/518633" target="_blank">Danny Duffy</a>&nbsp;ran into trouble. Minnesota had wiped out a 2-0 Royals lead with a four-run fourth. It was the type of comeback Matheny has wanted to see.

“It knocks the wind out of you when you give up a lead,” Matheny said. “You never know how your team will respond. But we saw that fight. We saw it in that game in Chicago where we came back but lost. Just a different style of at-bats. ... You go on a skid like we did, and you start to doubt. You have to fight that off. Keep doing your piece and then hand it off to the next guy. That inning could sink most teams, when you give up four, but what a way to respond.”

Added Soler: "We took a stand and we decided to go out there and fight. We put a bunch of hits together, and scoring all those runs was a big stand."

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/670032" target="_blank">Nicky Lopez</a>&nbsp;hit a two-run homer in the inning, his first, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/521692" target="_blank">Salvador Perez</a>&nbsp;followed Soler’s blast with his third homer this season.

Lopez didn’t start much early in the season, but he has become a regular contributor lately.

“Obviously, I know skip has a goal in mind for me, and I just have to do what I can to succeed,” Lopez said. “I said this earlier, that he sees me as an everyday player, whether that’s me starting or coming in late with situational hitting or playing defense. I told him I would be the best everyday player I can be. Wherever he puts me, I’m just happy to contribute.”

Lopez’s home run was the third of his career and first at spacious Kauffman Stadium.

“It’s good to see a ball go out of the yard,” Lopez said. “The guys were giving me some [flak] because my first two home runs -- one was in [Omaha,] Nebraska, so they said it was just a college home run ... It’s good to get one at a big-boy ballpark.”

Duffy started for the Royals and breezed through three scoreless innings, striking out four, but he ran into trouble in the fourth. He hung a 1-2 changeup to Nelson Cruz, who hammered it out for his fourth homer this season.

Then with two outs, Duffy gave up a single and a walk. He then left a 3-2 slider over the middle of the plate and Byron Buxton belted it over the Royals’ bullpen in left for a three-run homer and a 4-2 Twins lead.

KANSAS CITY -- It took a while for the Royals to get their offense cranking in 2020, but it’s hitting on all cylinders now.Two nights after scoring 13 runs in a win over the Cubs, the Royals erupted with four home runs and 12 hits in a 9-6 victory over the Twins on Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NvJpoED0AFA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/twins-vs-royals/2020/08/08/631420/final/box" target="_blank">Box score</a><a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/624585" target="_blank">Jorge Soler</a>&nbsp;did much of the damage, with two long home runs for his fourth and fifth this season. Soler’s first blast, a solo shot in the third inning, went an estimated 440 feet per Statcast. His second shot was a three-run jack in the fourth that went an estimated 448 feet. It was the 15th time a player has had multiple home runs in the same game that each went at least 440 feet since Statcast began tracking in 2015.“My goal is to get him to smile one time coming around third,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said of Soler’s stoic nature. “It’s got to be fun to be able to do that.”Soler, smiling, said through interpreter Luis Perez, “[Matheny] has told me multiple times to smile a little bit more. I don't like to smile a lot. I don't want to disrespect anybody at all."Soler almost had a three-homer night -- he flied out to the warning track in center field in the sixth inning.“In 90 percent of the parks,” Matheny said, “that’s a home run.”Soler’s three-run homer was part of a six-run fourth inning that erased a 4-2 deficit after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/518633" target="_blank">Danny Duffy</a>&nbsp;ran into trouble. Minnesota had wiped out a 2-0 Royals lead with a four-run fourth. It was the type of comeback Matheny has wanted to see.“It knocks the wind out of you when you give up a lead,” Matheny said. “You never know how your team will respond. But we saw that fight. We saw it in that game in Chicago where we came back but lost. Just a different style of at-bats. ... You go on a skid like we did, and you start to doubt. You have to fight that off. Keep doing your piece and then hand it off to the next guy. That inning could sink most teams, when you give up four, but what a way to respond.”Added Soler: "We took a stand and we decided to go out there and fight. We put a bunch of hits together, and scoring all those runs was a big stand."<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/670032" target="_blank">Nicky Lopez</a>&nbsp;hit a two-run homer in the inning, his first, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/521692" target="_blank">Salvador Perez</a>&nbsp;followed Soler’s blast with his third homer this season.Lopez didn’t start much early in the season, but he has become a regular contributor lately.“Obviously, I know skip has a goal in mind for me, and I just have to do what I can to succeed,” Lopez said. “I said this earlier, that he sees me as an everyday player, whether that’s me starting or coming in late with situational hitting or playing defense. I told him I would be the best everyday player I can be. Wherever he puts me, I’m just happy to contribute.”Lopez’s home run was the third of his career and first at spacious Kauffman Stadium.“It’s good to see a ball go out of the yard,” Lopez said. “The guys were giving me some [flak] because my first two home runs -- one was in [Omaha,] Nebraska, so they said it was just a college home run ... It’s good to get one at a big-boy ballpark.”Duffy started for the Royals and breezed through three scoreless innings, striking out four, but he ran into trouble in the fourth. He hung a 1-2 changeup to Nelson Cruz, who hammered it out for his fourth homer this season.Then with two outs, Duffy gave up a single and a walk. He then left a 3-2 slider over the middle of the plate and Byron Buxton belted it over the Royals’ bullpen in left for a three-run homer and a 4-2 Twins lead.

🎥 Smiling Soler HRs twice as offense heats up

WICHITA, Kan. - The Santa Barbara, KS Foresters secured its spot in Monday night’s championship game in the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy with a 5-1 victory over the Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs on Saturday night at Eck Stadium.&nbsp;

Santa Barbara will make its 10th championship game appearance in NBC World Series history, having a 7-2 record overall in the finals. The Foresters will also make its sixth championship game appearance in the last 10 years at the NBC World Series.&nbsp;

Casey Dykstra led the Foresters with a 3-for-3 day at the plate to go with three RBIs while Ryan Holgate came up with a 2-for-3 outing and scored two runs. Pitcher Kyle Luckham Came up with four strikeouts in six innings pitched for the Foresters.&nbsp;

Following a double by Jace Jung, who advanced to third base off a wild pitch, the Foresters scored the game’s first run in the bottom of the first after a fielding error by Cheney. Sean McLain drew a two-out walk and advanced to second off a wild pitch in the bottom of the second inning, scoring off an RBI single by Dykstra to move the Foresters ahead 2-0.&nbsp;

A wild pitch and an RBI triple in the bottom of the fourth inning allowed the Foresters to double its lead, with Dykstra coming up with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning to give Santa Barbara a five-run lead. Cheney avoided the shutout in the top of the ninth inning, scoring its only run off a double by Jackson Glenn.&nbsp;

Cheney will face the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs on Sunday night at 6 p.m. at Eck Stadium. 

WICHITA, Kan. - The Santa Barbara, KS Foresters secured its spot in Monday night’s championship game in the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy with a 5-1 victory over the Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs on Saturday night at Eck Stadium.&nbsp; Santa Barbara will make its 10th championship game appearance in NBC World Series history, having a 7-2 record overall in the finals. The Foresters will also make its sixth championship game appearance in the last 10 years at the NBC World Series.&nbsp;Casey Dykstra led the Foresters with a 3-for-3 day at the plate to go with three RBIs while Ryan Holgate came up with a 2-for-3 outing and scored two runs. Pitcher Kyle Luckham Came up with four strikeouts in six innings pitched for the Foresters.&nbsp;Following a double by Jace Jung, who advanced to third base off a wild pitch, the Foresters scored the game’s first run in the bottom of the first after a fielding error by Cheney. Sean McLain drew a two-out walk and advanced to second off a wild pitch in the bottom of the second inning, scoring off an RBI single by Dykstra to move the Foresters ahead 2-0.&nbsp;A wild pitch and an RBI triple in the bottom of the fourth inning allowed the Foresters to double its lead, with Dykstra coming up with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning to give Santa Barbara a five-run lead. Cheney avoided the shutout in the top of the ninth inning, scoring its only run off a double by Jackson Glenn.&nbsp;Cheney will face the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs on Sunday night at 6 p.m. at Eck Stadium.

Santa Barbara, CA cruises past Cheney in NBC World Series

DYERSVILLE, Iowa - Next week’s&nbsp;Field of Dreams&nbsp;game at a custom-built ballpark in Dyersville, Iowa, has been canceled, and MLB says the plan is for the&nbsp;Chicago White Sox will host a 2021 game at the scenic movie site.

The game, set for August 13, originally scheduled the New York Yankees as the opponent but was later changed to the St. Louis Cardinals after MLB’s overhauled 60-game season was released.

“We made every effort to go ahead with a first-class event for the people of Iowa, admirers of the film and fans generally,” said MLB&nbsp;Commissioner Rob Manfred. “Unfortunately, we have come to the conclusion that it would not be prudent to ask clubs to step outside their normal routines, given the evolving public health challenges. We hope to host this event in Iowa in 2021.”

Just last week MLB was posting photos of the&nbsp;temporary 8,000-seat ballpark on the Dyersville site, so this is obviously a last-minute decision. MLB and many fans had high hopes for the game. A pathway through a cornfield will take fans to the ballpark, which will overlook the famous movie location. The right field wall will include windows to show the cornfields beyond the ballpark. Aspects of the ballpark’s design will pay homage to Chicago’s Comiskey Park, home of the White Sox from 1910-1990, including the shape of the outfield and bullpens beyond the center field fence.

Field of Dreams, the big-screen adaptation of the W.P. Kinsella novel&nbsp;Shoeless Joe, was released to acclaim in 1989 with a cast that included stars&nbsp;Kevin Costner, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, and Amy Madigan. It has remained popular&nbsp;with baseball and movie fans alike, and a field has been left intact at the production site, allowing it to become a sought-out tourist destination.&nbsp;Since 1989, the Lansing Family Farm, which was used in the movie, has been a popular tourist attraction, now known as the “Field of Dreams Movie Site.” In 2011, the field was purchased by Denise Stillman and a group of investors with the goal of preserving the Field of Dreams and creating a special place for baseball fans, tournament players and families. Stillman began working with MLB in 2015, culminating in plans for this special game.

DYERSVILLE, Iowa - Next week’s&nbsp;Field of Dreams&nbsp;game at a custom-built ballpark in Dyersville, Iowa, has been canceled, and MLB says the plan is for the&nbsp;Chicago White Sox will host a 2021 game at the scenic movie site.The game, set for August 13, originally scheduled the New York Yankees as the opponent but was later changed to the St. Louis Cardinals after MLB’s overhauled 60-game season was released.“We made every effort to go ahead with a first-class event for the people of Iowa, admirers of the film and fans generally,” said MLB&nbsp;Commissioner Rob Manfred. “Unfortunately, we have come to the conclusion that it would not be prudent to ask clubs to step outside their normal routines, given the evolving public health challenges. We hope to host this event in Iowa in 2021.”Just last week MLB was posting photos of the&nbsp;temporary 8,000-seat ballpark on the Dyersville site, so this is obviously a last-minute decision. MLB and many fans had high hopes for the game. A pathway through a cornfield will take fans to the ballpark, which will overlook the famous movie location. The right field wall will include windows to show the cornfields beyond the ballpark. Aspects of the ballpark’s design will pay homage to Chicago’s Comiskey Park, home of the White Sox from 1910-1990, including the shape of the outfield and bullpens beyond the center field fence.Field of Dreams, the big-screen adaptation of the W.P. Kinsella novel&nbsp;Shoeless Joe, was released to acclaim in 1989 with a cast that included stars&nbsp;Kevin Costner, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, and Amy Madigan. It has remained popular&nbsp;with baseball and movie fans alike, and a field has been left intact at the production site, allowing it to become a sought-out tourist destination.&nbsp;Since 1989, the Lansing Family Farm, which was used in the movie, has been a popular tourist attraction, now known as the “Field of Dreams Movie Site.” In 2011, the field was purchased by Denise Stillman and a group of investors with the goal of preserving the Field of Dreams and creating a special place for baseball fans, tournament players and families. Stillman began working with MLB in 2015, culminating in plans for this special game.Rendering courtesy MLB.

Field of Dreams game cancelled; Rescheduled for 2021

WICHITA, Kan. - The NBC World Series continues at Wichita State's Eck Stadium for one championship bracket game and one consolation bracket game tonight. &nbsp;Four teams remain alive in this year's double elimination tournament.

The 6pm game tonight will be the Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs vs the Santa Barbara, CA Foresters:

The 8:30pm game tonight will be the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs vs. the Houston, TX Express:

WICHITA, Kan. - The NBC World Series continues at Wichita State's Eck Stadium for one championship bracket game and one consolation bracket game tonight. &nbsp;Four teams remain alive in this year's double elimination tournament.The 6pm game tonight will be the Cheney, KS Diamond Dawgs vs the Santa Barbara, CA Foresters:<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P7YchkKLqvk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The 8:30pm game tonight will be the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs vs. the Houston, TX Express:<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/asSoYa5tmiM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 LIVE VIDEO STREAM:  NBC World Series Games tonight

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ryan McBroom hit a go-ahead homer in the sixth inning to lift the Royals to a 3-2 victory over the Twins on Friday night. Nick Heath and Nicky Lopez also drove in runs for the Royals, who have won two straight after a six-game slide. Greg Holland earned the win in relief of starter Jakob Junis while Trevor Rosenthal earned his second save with a perfect ninth. Matt Wisler took the loss after serving up McBroom's homer.

Mid-American Conference cancels fall football due to virus

With the MAC's 12 schools facing a significant financial burden by trying to maintain costly coronavirus protocols, the conference's university presidents made the decision to cancel all fall sports — including soccer and volleyball — and explore making them up in the spring season. 

MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said he is "heartbroken we are in this place." He stressed this was first a decision about the health and well-being of the athletes, and the conference's medical experts were not comfortable that sports could be run safely. 

A meeting of its presidents earlier in the week was expected to produce an agreement on how to go about a fall season, but instead some schools pushed to not play. The final decision was kicked to a Saturday morning meeting. 

China's Li Haotong starts Round 3 with 2-stroke lead

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Li Haotong (lee how-TAHNG') took a 2-shot lead into the weekend at the PGA Championship, thanks to a bogey-free 65 Friday at TPC Harding Park. The 25-year-old is the first Chinese golfer to lead any round at a major championship. 

Among those in pursuit are two-time defending champion Brooks Koepka (KEHP'-kuh) and Tommy Fleetwood, whose 64 put him in the hunt for his first major. 

Tiger Woods struggled with his new putter Friday and shot 72 to finish eight off the lead. Rickie Fowler is going home after nearly whiffing on a 6-inch tap-in on No. 6. He missed the cut by one. 

Lightning-Flyers, Avalanche-Golden Knights vie for top seeds

UNDATED (AP) — Neither of the teams vying for the top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference will be at full-strength when they face off Saturday. The Tampa Bay Lightning are still without captain Steven Stamkos after a setback in rehab from core muscle surgery in March. The Philadelphia Flyers won't have top-line right winger Jakub Voracek for undisclosed reasons. The winner of the game between the Lightning and Flyers gets home-ice advantage until the Stanley Cup Final.

The winner of the game between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche gets the top seed in the Western Conference. Vegas isn't 100% healthy yet with winger Max Pacioretty (pash-uh-RET'-ee) still not ready to play. Colorado is healthy and undefeated in two round-robin games.

Jaguars release 5, including Middleton, to cut roster to 80

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars parted ways with five players Saturday, including third-year safety Doug Middleton, to reduce their roster to 80.

The team also waived running back Tavien Feaster, place-kicker Brandon Wright and offensive linemen Tyler Gauthier and Steven Nielsen. Feaster, Wright and Nielsen are rookies. The Jags also placed veteran defensive tackle Rodney Gunter on the non-football illness list. Gunter signed a three-year, $18 million contract in free agency and is expected to step into a starting role for a revamped defense that includes six new starters. 

By having 80 players on its roster now, Jacksonville is eligible to have its entire team at the facility and on the practice field during training camp.

UNDATED (AP) — The Cardinals have to wait a while longer to resume their season. Their weekend series at Busch Stadium against the Cubs was called off Friday after two more St. Louis players and a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Cardinals already were scheduled to play three doubleheaders against Milwaukee to make up for games postponed last week.

St. Louis has been off since a week ago Friday, when two players returned positive coronavirus tests. Eight players in total have tested positive, including star catcher Yadier Molina.

St. Louis is next scheduled to play Monday at home against Pittsburgh. The Cubs next play Tuesday at Cleveland.

— Gerrit Cole tries for his 20th straight regular-season win when he pitches for the Yankees in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader at Tampa Bay. Cole's streak dates to May 2019 with Houston and is the sixth-longest in big league history. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.55 ERA in three starts since signing a $324 million, nine-year contract with New York. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow pitches the opener for the Rays. Both teams will rely their bullpens in the second game.

— The Marlins have rapidly become the most surprising team in the majors. They'll try for their seventh win in a row when they take on the Mets Saturday night at Citi Field. Miami is 7-1 overall, and 5-0 since missing more than a week because of the team's coronavirus outbreak. The Marlins keep winning despite already using 43 players, including 25 pitchers, to maintain a full roster amid COVID-19 concerns. Miami was 57-105 last year.

— The matchup of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and Giants right-hander Johnny Cueto (KWAY'-toh) that was originally scheduled for opening day is now set to happen Saturday night in Los Angeles. Back trouble kept Kershaw out of the opener at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw looked every bit a three-time NL Cy Young Award winner in his first start this year, shutting out Arizona on three hits over 5 2-3 innings while striking out six without a walk. Cueto has started this season with three straight no-decisions and a 4.97 ERA.

MLS to resume regular season following Florida tournament

UNDATED (AP) — Major League Soccer said Saturday it will resume its season once the MLS is Back tournament in Florida wraps up. 

A majority of games will be played without fans because of local regulations. Teams will be subject to a rigorous testing protocol and will use charter flights to travel. 

The league has been playing the monthlong MLS is Back tournament without fans at ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World. The championship match is set for Tuesday between the Portland Timbers and Orlando City. 

The group stage matches at the World Cup-style tournament counted toward the regular season. 

SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Valtteri Bottas edged out Mercedes teammate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton to claim the pole position Saturday for Formula One's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

Hamilton appeared on course to take his 92nd career pole but he had a poor first sector on his final run and Bottas clocked 1 minute, 25.154 seconds, 0.063 seconds ahead of the six-time world champion. It gave Bottas his first pole since the opening race of the pandemic-delayed season in Austria, which he went on to win. 

F1 is back at Hamilton's home circuit of Silverstone this weekend for a race also closed to spectators due to the coronavirus restrictions.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ryan McBroom hit a go-ahead homer in the sixth inning to lift the Royals to a 3-2 victory over the Twins on Friday night. Nick Heath and Nicky Lopez also drove in runs for the Royals, who have won two straight after a six-game slide. Greg Holland earned the win in relief of starter Jakob Junis while Trevor Rosenthal earned his second save with a perfect ninth. Matt Wisler took the loss after serving up McBroom's homer.ST. LOUIS (AP) — The entire three-game series between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis this weekend at Busch Stadium has been postponed after two more Cardinals players and a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. Major League Baseball made the announcement, after hours saying Friday night's game had been scrapped to ensure everyone affected on the Cardinals was identified. The Cardinals have been off since last Friday, when two players returned positive coronavirus tests. Eight players in total have tested positive, including star catcher Yadier Molina. &nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE SPORTSMid-American Conference cancels fall football due to virusUNDATED (AP) — The Mid-American Conference has become the first league competing at college football's highest level to cancel its fall season because of COVID-19 concerns.With the MAC's 12 schools facing a significant financial burden by trying to maintain costly coronavirus protocols, the conference's university presidents made the decision to cancel all fall sports — including soccer and volleyball — and explore making them up in the spring season. MAC schools rely heavily on revenue from playing road games against power conference teams. Most of those games were canceled when the Power Five went to exclusively or mostly conference games. MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said he is "heartbroken we are in this place." He stressed this was first a decision about the health and well-being of the athletes, and the conference's medical experts were not comfortable that sports could be run safely. A meeting of its presidents earlier in the week was expected to produce an agreement on how to go about a fall season, but instead some schools pushed to not play. The final decision was kicked to a Saturday morning meeting. PGA CHAMPIONSHIPChina's Li Haotong starts Round 3 with 2-stroke leadSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Li Haotong (lee how-TAHNG') took a 2-shot lead into the weekend at the PGA Championship, thanks to a bogey-free 65 Friday at TPC Harding Park. The 25-year-old is the first Chinese golfer to lead any round at a major championship. Among those in pursuit are two-time defending champion Brooks Koepka (KEHP'-kuh) and Tommy Fleetwood, whose 64 put him in the hunt for his first major. Tiger Woods struggled with his new putter Friday and shot 72 to finish eight off the lead. Rickie Fowler is going home after nearly whiffing on a 6-inch tap-in on No. 6. He missed the cut by one. NHL-SCHEDULELightning-Flyers, Avalanche-Golden Knights vie for top seedsUNDATED (AP) — Neither of the teams vying for the top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference will be at full-strength when they face off Saturday. The Tampa Bay Lightning are still without captain Steven Stamkos after a setback in rehab from core muscle surgery in March. The Philadelphia Flyers won't have top-line right winger Jakub Voracek for undisclosed reasons. The winner of the game between the Lightning and Flyers gets home-ice advantage until the Stanley Cup Final.The winner of the game between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche gets the top seed in the Western Conference. Vegas isn't 100% healthy yet with winger Max Pacioretty (pash-uh-RET'-ee) still not ready to play. Colorado is healthy and undefeated in two round-robin games.NFL-JAGUARS MOVESJaguars release 5, including Middleton, to cut roster to 80JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars parted ways with five players Saturday, including third-year safety Doug Middleton, to reduce their roster to 80.The team also waived running back Tavien Feaster, place-kicker Brandon Wright and offensive linemen Tyler Gauthier and Steven Nielsen. Feaster, Wright and Nielsen are rookies. The Jags also placed veteran defensive tackle Rodney Gunter on the non-football illness list. Gunter signed a three-year, $18 million contract in free agency and is expected to step into a starting role for a revamped defense that includes six new starters. By having 80 players on its roster now, Jacksonville is eligible to have its entire team at the facility and on the practice field during training camp.MLB-SCHEDULECardinals still waiting to playUNDATED (AP) — The Cardinals have to wait a while longer to resume their season. Their weekend series at Busch Stadium against the Cubs was called off Friday after two more St. Louis players and a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus.The Cardinals already were scheduled to play three doubleheaders against Milwaukee to make up for games postponed last week.St. Louis has been off since a week ago Friday, when two players returned positive coronavirus tests. Eight players in total have tested positive, including star catcher Yadier Molina.St. Louis is next scheduled to play Monday at home against Pittsburgh. The Cubs next play Tuesday at Cleveland.Elsewhere around the majors:— Gerrit Cole tries for his 20th straight regular-season win when he pitches for the Yankees in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader at Tampa Bay. Cole's streak dates to May 2019 with Houston and is the sixth-longest in big league history. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.55 ERA in three starts since signing a $324 million, nine-year contract with New York. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow pitches the opener for the Rays. Both teams will rely their bullpens in the second game.— The Marlins have rapidly become the most surprising team in the majors. They'll try for their seventh win in a row when they take on the Mets Saturday night at Citi Field. Miami is 7-1 overall, and 5-0 since missing more than a week because of the team's coronavirus outbreak. The Marlins keep winning despite already using 43 players, including 25 pitchers, to maintain a full roster amid COVID-19 concerns. Miami was 57-105 last year.— The matchup of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and Giants right-hander Johnny Cueto (KWAY'-toh) that was originally scheduled for opening day is now set to happen Saturday night in Los Angeles. Back trouble kept Kershaw out of the opener at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw looked every bit a three-time NL Cy Young Award winner in his first start this year, shutting out Arizona on three hits over 5 2-3 innings while striking out six without a walk. Cueto has started this season with three straight no-decisions and a 4.97 ERA.MLS-SEASON RESUMESMLS to resume regular season following Florida tournamentUNDATED (AP) — Major League Soccer said Saturday it will resume its season once the MLS is Back tournament in Florida wraps up. The league's 26 teams will each play 18 games, with the first between FC Dallas and Nashville set for Aug. 12. Dallas and Nashville are playing three additional games after withdrawing from the league's tournament because of positive COVID-19 cases. A majority of games will be played without fans because of local regulations. Teams will be subject to a rigorous testing protocol and will use charter flights to travel. MLS suspended the season on March 12 because of the pandemic after teams had played two games each. The league has been playing the monthlong MLS is Back tournament without fans at ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World. The championship match is set for Tuesday between the Portland Timbers and Orlando City. The group stage matches at the World Cup-style tournament counted toward the regular season. F1-70TH ANNIVERSARY GPBottas on pole for Silverstone GP ahead of teammate HamiltonSILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Valtteri Bottas edged out Mercedes teammate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton to claim the pole position Saturday for Formula One's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.Hamilton appeared on course to take his 92nd career pole but he had a poor first sector on his final run and Bottas clocked 1 minute, 25.154 seconds, 0.063 seconds ahead of the six-time world champion. It gave Bottas his first pole since the opening race of the pandemic-delayed season in Austria, which he went on to win. F1 is back at Hamilton's home circuit of Silverstone this weekend for a race also closed to spectators due to the coronavirus restrictions.

Sports Headlines for Saturday

UNDATED (AP) — The Mid-American Conference has become the first league competing at college football’s highest level to cancel its fall season because of COVID-19 concerns. MAC schools rely heavily on revenue from playing road games against power conference teams. Most of those games were canceled when the Power Five went to exclusively or mostly conference schedules. With the MAC’s 12 schools facing a significant financial burden by trying to maintain costly coronavirus protocols, the conference’s university presidents made the decision to cancel all fall sports — including soccer and volleyball — and explore making them up in the spring season.

UNDATED (AP) — The Mid-American Conference has become the first league competing at college football’s highest level to cancel its fall season because of COVID-19 concerns. MAC schools rely heavily on revenue from playing road games against power conference teams. Most of those games were canceled when the Power Five went to exclusively or mostly conference schedules. With the MAC’s 12 schools facing a significant financial burden by trying to maintain costly coronavirus protocols, the conference’s university presidents made the decision to cancel all fall sports — including soccer and volleyball — and explore making them up in the spring season.

MAC cancels fall season

WICHITA, Kan. - Behind two home runs and five RBIs from Clayton Chadwick, the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs defeated the Hays, KS Larks 11-3 by run-rule in the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy <a href="outlook-data-detector://0">on Friday night</a> at Eck Stadium.&nbsp;

Chadwick (Sam Houston State) tied the single season record for home runs in Monarchs program history, bringing his total to nine in 2020. Jake Hamilton earned the win for Hutchinson with three strikeouts in five innings while Ryan Ruder came up with four strikeouts in four innings pitched for Liberal.&nbsp;

The Larks jumped on the board in the top of the first inning, with Corbin Truslow coming up with a two-run home run to put the Larks on top first. After Chadwick’s first home run in the bottom of the third inning, the Monarchs used a seven-run bottom of the fifth inning to open the gap.&nbsp;

A fielder’s choice and bases loaded walk scored two runs before loading the bases, with Chadwick capitalizing with his second grand slam of the summer season and third home run of the NBC World Series to put the Monarchs ahead 8-2. Following an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Monarchs finished off the job with another RBI single and a double stolen base in the bottom of the seventh inning.&nbsp;

The Monarchs face the Houston, TX Express <a href="outlook-data-detector://1">on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.</a> at Eck Stadium in Wichita.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. - Behind two home runs and five RBIs from Clayton Chadwick, the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs defeated the Hays, KS Larks 11-3 by run-rule in the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy <a href="outlook-data-detector://0">on Friday night</a> at Eck Stadium.&nbsp;Chadwick (Sam Houston State) tied the single season record for home runs in Monarchs program history, bringing his total to nine in 2020. Jake Hamilton earned the win for Hutchinson with three strikeouts in five innings while Ryan Ruder came up with four strikeouts in four innings pitched for Liberal.&nbsp;The Larks jumped on the board in the top of the first inning, with Corbin Truslow coming up with a two-run home run to put the Larks on top first. After Chadwick’s first home run in the bottom of the third inning, the Monarchs used a seven-run bottom of the fifth inning to open the gap.&nbsp;A fielder’s choice and bases loaded walk scored two runs before loading the bases, with Chadwick capitalizing with his second grand slam of the summer season and third home run of the NBC World Series to put the Monarchs ahead 8-2. Following an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Monarchs finished off the job with another RBI single and a double stolen base in the bottom of the seventh inning.&nbsp;The Monarchs face the Houston, TX Express <a href="outlook-data-detector://1">on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.</a> at Eck Stadium in Wichita.&nbsp;

Hutch Monarchs advances in NBCWS with win over Hays 

WICHITA, Kan.- After losing to the Liberal, KS Bee Jays in the opening round of the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy, the Houston, TX Express got its revenge <a href="outlook-data-detector://0">on Friday night</a> at Eck Stadium with a 5-4 victory.&nbsp;

Julian Garcia led the Express on the mound with seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings pitched and Tanner King led the Bee Jays with seven strikeouts in the final four innings. Myles Jefferson guided the Express on offense with a 2-for-3 outing at the plate with an RBI while Kade Brewer and Nate White led the Bee Jays’ offense with two hits each.&nbsp;

The Express got on the board first in the bottom of the third inning, scoring two runs off a double by DeVaughn Gales. Gales scored later in the inning following a stolen base and an RBI single, giving the Express a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;

Liberal responded in the top of the fifth inning, with Kade Brewer coming up with an RBI double and Bryce Donovan bringing in the second run with a single to cut the Bee Jays’ deficit to one. Two consecutive hits to start the bottom of the fifth inning allowed the Express to score another run off a single, extending their lead 5-2 following a fielding error.&nbsp;

A walk and a wild pitch in the top of the ninth inning allowed the Bee Jays to stay alive with a run following an RBI single, later cutting the deficit to one run after a sacrifice fly to left field. The Bee Jays managed to get two runners in scoring position with two outs, but pitcher Brad Wilcott forced a 6-3 putout to secure the win for the Express.&nbsp;

The Express advance in the loser’s bracket and will play the winner between the Hays, KS Larks and the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs <a href="outlook-data-detector://1">at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday</a> at Eck Stadium in Wichita.

WICHITA, Kan.- After losing to the Liberal, KS Bee Jays in the opening round of the 2020 NBC World Series powered by Evergy, the Houston, TX Express got its revenge <a href="outlook-data-detector://0">on Friday night</a> at Eck Stadium with a 5-4 victory.&nbsp;Julian Garcia led the Express on the mound with seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings pitched and Tanner King led the Bee Jays with seven strikeouts in the final four innings. Myles Jefferson guided the Express on offense with a 2-for-3 outing at the plate with an RBI while Kade Brewer and Nate White led the Bee Jays’ offense with two hits each.&nbsp;The Express got on the board first in the bottom of the third inning, scoring two runs off a double by DeVaughn Gales. Gales scored later in the inning following a stolen base and an RBI single, giving the Express a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;Liberal responded in the top of the fifth inning, with Kade Brewer coming up with an RBI double and Bryce Donovan bringing in the second run with a single to cut the Bee Jays’ deficit to one. Two consecutive hits to start the bottom of the fifth inning allowed the Express to score another run off a single, extending their lead 5-2 following a fielding error.&nbsp;A walk and a wild pitch in the top of the ninth inning allowed the Bee Jays to stay alive with a run following an RBI single, later cutting the deficit to one run after a sacrifice fly to left field. The Bee Jays managed to get two runners in scoring position with two outs, but pitcher Brad Wilcott forced a 6-3 putout to secure the win for the Express.&nbsp;The Express advance in the loser’s bracket and will play the winner between the Hays, KS Larks and the Hutchinson, KS Monarchs <a href="outlook-data-detector://1">at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday</a> at Eck Stadium in Wichita.

Express eliminates Bee Jays


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Nick Baldetti was a high school athlete, so he understands the importance it plays in the lives of kids, but in his role as Reno County's health officer, he also knows that there will likely be some spread connected to the activities that bring athletes together.

"I think we are going to see activity associated with sports, just due to the very nature," Baldetti said. "I've had many conversations. There still has been activity associated with outdoor sports. However, outdoor sports, generally speaking, seem to have more variables playing in favor of having those events. Like baseball, football, softball, track, etc., versus indoor sports."

The Kansas State High School Activities Association voted last week to keep the 2020 fall sports schedule as planned. KDHE secretary Dr. Lee Norman is dubious that the season will be able to go on without interruption, given that Major League Baseball is having such struggles with keeping teams healthy.

"Sports are an important part of the social and emotional development of a lot of kids in school," Baldetti said. "Not all kids, but a lot of kids, that's how they normatively align with, kind of, societal culture, is around sports. Then, the confidence that gets built and the emotional skills and there's a lot of life lessons to be had through sports. I think KSHSAA's recommendations that pulled through is trying to thread that needle."

It really is going to come down to how well everyone chooses to mitigate the spread in the rest of the week whether or not they can play when events come up. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589983765832.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Nick Baldetti was a high school athlete, so he understands the importance it plays in the lives of kids, but in his role as Reno County's health officer, he also knows that there will likely be some spread connected to the activities that bring athletes together."I think we are going to see activity associated with sports, just due to the very nature," Baldetti said. "I've had many conversations. There still has been activity associated with outdoor sports. However, outdoor sports, generally speaking, seem to have more variables playing in favor of having those events. Like baseball, football, softball, track, etc., versus indoor sports."The Kansas State High School Activities Association voted last week to keep the 2020 fall sports schedule as planned. KDHE secretary Dr. Lee Norman is dubious that the season will be able to go on without interruption, given that Major League Baseball is having such struggles with keeping teams healthy."Sports are an important part of the social and emotional development of a lot of kids in school," Baldetti said. "Not all kids, but a lot of kids, that's how they normatively align with, kind of, societal culture, is around sports. Then, the confidence that gets built and the emotional skills and there's a lot of life lessons to be had through sports. I think KSHSAA's recommendations that pulled through is trying to thread that needle."It really is going to come down to how well everyone chooses to mitigate the spread in the rest of the week whether or not they can play when events come up.

Health Department director comments on disease spread and fall sports

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - In case you missed it, the Hutchinson Monarchs hung on to win over the Hattiesburg, MS Black Sox 5-4 Thursday night at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson.&nbsp; with the win, Hutchinson is still alive with a record of 2-1 in this years NBC World Series with six teams remaining from the field of 13. 

The Bee Gee's "Saturday Night Fever" hit "Stayin' Alive" might come to mind.

Here is the video replay of last nights stream of the win.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - In case you missed it, the Hutchinson Monarchs hung on to win over the Hattiesburg, MS Black Sox 5-4 Thursday night at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson.&nbsp; with the win, Hutchinson is still alive with a record of 2-1 in this years NBC World Series with six teams remaining from the field of 13. The Bee Gee's "Saturday Night Fever" hit "Stayin' Alive" might come to mind.Here is the video replay of last nights stream of the win.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ALo5GC8bHUU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 RE-BROADCAST: Monarchs stay alive in win over Hattiesburg, MS

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-08-05/what-a-pending-football-game-says-about-covid-19-the-fate-small-colleges-and-college-towns">Kansas News Service</a>

STERLING —&nbsp;There’s a lot riding on a kickoff set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

The
 Sterling College Warriors are scheduled to take on the McPherson 
College Bulldogs at home. If that familiar thud of shoe against football
 and cheer from the stands doesn’t happen, the college that keeps the 
central Kansas town’s economy humming, that gives it cultural vitality, 
and that separates Sterling from the hollowing out that defines so many 
other small Midwestern towns, might not survive.

The school, after
 133 years, could die and doom the town that takes such pride in the 
football squad and embraces the student body like family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596722865321.png" alt="A local gospel quintet entertains Sterling residents on a recent Tuesday evening. Frank Morris photo" />
 <figcaption>A local gospel quintet entertains Sterling residents on a recent Tuesday evening. Frank Morris photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-08-05/what-a-pending-football-game-says-about-covid-19-the-fate-small-colleges-and-college-towns">Kansas News Service</a>STERLING —&nbsp;There’s a lot riding on a kickoff set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.The
 Sterling College Warriors are scheduled to take on the McPherson 
College Bulldogs at home. If that familiar thud of shoe against football
 and cheer from the stands doesn’t happen, the college that keeps the 
central Kansas town’s economy humming, that gives it cultural vitality, 
and that separates Sterling from the hollowing out that defines so many 
other small Midwestern towns, might not survive.The school, after
 133 years, could die and doom the town that takes such pride in the 
football squad and embraces the student body like family.“If 
COVID defeats the athletic season this year, it will probably defeat a 
lot of small colleges,” said Jeb Miller, a non-traditional senior at 
Sterling College. “And, as a result, harm a lot of small towns. Badly.”<h2>Small town institutions</h2>Hundreds
 of small colleges dotting the country rely on students paying tens of 
thousands of dollars a year in exchange for a distinctive, personal, 
high-touch college experience.Many of those colleges hung on 
year-to-year even before the pandemic. Now COVID-19 threatens to cut off
 the oxygen sustaining these schools, and the sports programs that drive
 enrollment.But the very thing small colleges need to stay afloat
 — students coming in, spending money, playing sports — also poses a 
major risk to relatively isolated little towns that, so far, have dodged
 major coronavirus outbreaks.Only about 2,200 people live in 
Sterling out on the flat, flat plains of south-central Kansas. But this 
small city boasts an almost idyllic downtown. New office buildings. Two 
good coffee shops. A nice grocery store, a bowling alley, you name it.Sterling
 has good schools, competitive sports teams. Locals say school plays, 
games and concerts draw big crowds. Without the college, the money, 
diversity and energy that defines life in Sterling could evaporate 
quickly.“There is just so much overlap,” said Kyler Comley, a 
Sterling College senior who’s lived in the town all his life. “The 
community supports the college. The college supports the community. You 
know, you just see how everything’s intertwined and how people are just 
so overly giving and involved.”Every student attending Sterling 
College gets paired with a family in town. Those families speak 
endearingly about their adopted scholars.The students left in 
March. Most haven’t come back. Like many people here, Sterling criminal 
justice professor Mark Tremaine said that starting classes up again in 
person this month is make or break for Sterling College.“The 
bottom line is, we’ve got to get students back to campus. If we’re going
 to survive,” he said.“We have to accept whatever the risks are and do 
it.”And that’s the plan. Sterling doesn’t have much of a choice.<h2>Staying alive</h2>“We
 have committed to open up in the fall,” Sterling College President 
Scott Rich said. “With face to face classes, face-to-face coursework, 
dorms and activities and full swing. But we’re committed to doing it 
safely.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596722974216.png" alt="Sterling College President Scot Rich. Frank Morris photo" />
 <figcaption>Sterling College President Scot Rich. Frank Morris photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Rich said the school will quarantine students coming back to the 
dorms, test them liberally, and isolate those who come down sick in 
local hotels.Rich said the freshman class looks strong, with 
about 200 new students. But he is desperately trying to woo 50 or so 
upperclassmen who haven’t signed on this year. The school needs them 
because, like many other small institutions, Sterling College scrapes by
 from year to year.“We’re always dependent upon enrollment, 
always dependent upon that next year, always dependent upon persistence 
or retention,” Rich said. “We have to get students to come back.”Other small-town schools across the country, and the communities tied to their fate, face the same existential crisis.“Some
 of the people I know are looking at hundreds of colleges going out of 
business within the next several years, if this pandemic continues and 
if the economic devastation associated with it continues,” said Scott 
Carlson with the Chronicle of Higher Education.Small liberal arts
 colleges have been shaky for years. Enrollments have slumped, 
endowments have been drained. Many schools have piled on debt in a 
building boom fueled by competition for students.Most offer 
courses online, but online classes don’t pay the bills. Small schools 
survive only by providing an expensive, in-person college experience. 
And Carlson said the pandemic shreds that business model, and threatens 
to trigger the higher education equivalent of a mass extinction.“It’s
 kind of sad," he said. "These colleges are unique, little entities all 
on their own, and each one of them provides a unique spin on higher 
education.”<h2>‘Servant leadership’</h2>Sterling College, 
for instance, leans heavily on a particular interpretation of 
Christianity. Guarding the front door of the classic, old limestone 
building that anchors campus is a statue of Christ — not being tortured 
on the cross, but humbly washing the feet of a disciple. “Servant 
leadership,” as anyone here will tell you, guides the campus ethic.But Jesus doesn’t keep the lights on here. Football does.“We
 do have a good football team,” said Sterling’s athletic director, Scott
 Downing. “They’ve been fairly successful the last dozen years and been 
to the national playoffs, won the conference championship.”The team helps bring the students together, but more importantly, it drives enrollment.“With
 a football team number of about 125 to 135 student-athletes, quite a 
bit of our student body is involved in that sport,” Downing said.That’s
 an understatement. There are only about 500 students on campus in a 
given year, one in four is on the football team. And there are 20 other 
sports.The chance to play college sports is a major selling point
 for schools like Sterling. It drives enrollment. But in a pandemic, 
sports can be vectors for disease. And Jed Miller, who’s finishing his 
degree at Sterling online next year, says that’s another vulnerability.“If
 COVID defeats the athletic season this year, it will probably defeat a 
lot of small colleges,” he said. “And as a result, hurt a lot of small 
towns ... badly.”So, the same colleges that keep some small towns vibrant now pose a particular threat to public health.“The
 college probably is the most dangerous element for us in terms of 
COVID,” said Kristina Darnauer, a family practice doctor in Sterling. 
“It potentially brings back students from all over the US who have 
variable levels of exposure.”Darnauer is torn. She loves 
Sterling, loves the college, and fully appreciates how important it is 
to the school and the town that college ramp almost as normal this fall.But
 she’s got patients to care for. And she said this county, with only one
 hospital and no intensive care unit is not ready for a cluster of 
coronavirus cases.“If we have a huge outbreak,” Darnauer said, “we’re going to be out of resources very quickly.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596723019769.png" alt="An aging note on a door at the University of Missouri Kansas City promises a speedy reopening. Frank Morris photo" />
 <figcaption>An aging note on a door at the University of Missouri Kansas City promises a speedy reopening. Frank Morris photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A new era</h2>Small colleges and college towns across much of the country face the same worries.But
 some analysts say that a pruning of universities may prove inevitable, 
and that the coronavirus has only sped up the thinning of the higher 
education herd.“I actually see the future of higher education, 
broadly speaking, as entering a new golden age,” said Richard Price, a 
research fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute. It’s a think tank 
that presses for dramatic change in institutions.Price said the 
pandemic may hasten the evolution to better online classes, and a public
 education system that’s much more accessible and equitable.“The 
traditional model, it was originally for the landed elite and it wasn’t 
for all genders,” Price said. “It wasn’t for all races. And that is 
slowly getting phased out along with some older business models that 
aren’t pivoting well.”And Price thinks many little colleges will 
adapt. Lots of them have cheated death before. But he said there’s 
little doubt that this time next year the United States will have many 
fewer colleges. Folks in Sterling, Kansas, hope and, yes, pray, that 
Sterling College is among the survivors.