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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twins blank Royals 9-0

HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651156028140.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for Wednesday Morning" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ejp52-129ec6a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday Morning

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-slam-drillers">Via WindSurge.com</a>

Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge broke their season high for runs after they defeated the Tulsa Drillers 17-4 Tuesday night behind a career best ten strikeouts from starting pitcher, Simeon Woods Richardson.

Simeon Woods Richardson recorded the win for the Wind Surge after tying the season high from a Wind Surge pitcher this season for strikeouts. The Wind Surge pitching staff recorded the franchise high 20 strikeouts, the most by a team in the Texas League this season.

Andy Pages’ two out double in the first inning set up Justin Yurchak for an RBI single to give the Drillers an early 1-0 lead.

Yunior Severino recorded his first Wind Surge home run in the bottom of the second inning to give the Surge a 3-1 lead. Severino finished the night two for six with three RBIs.

The Wind Surge’s recent additions both recorded RBI’s tonight in the fourth inning with Will Holland’s double that scored DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. and Aaron Sabato’s RBI single that scored Holland. The Surge led 6-1 after the fourth.

A late home run from Brandon Lewis brought in two runs for the Drillers but was not enough for the comeback.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-slam-drillers">Via WindSurge.com</a>Wichita, KS- The Wind Surge broke their season high for runs after they defeated the Tulsa Drillers 17-4 Tuesday night behind a career best ten strikeouts from starting pitcher, Simeon Woods Richardson.Simeon Woods Richardson recorded the win for the Wind Surge after tying the season high from a Wind Surge pitcher this season for strikeouts. The Wind Surge pitching staff recorded the franchise high 20 strikeouts, the most by a team in the Texas League this season.Andy Pages’ two out double in the first inning set up Justin Yurchak for an RBI single to give the Drillers an early 1-0 lead.Yunior Severino recorded his first Wind Surge home run in the bottom of the second inning to give the Surge a 3-1 lead. Severino finished the night two for six with three RBIs.The Wind Surge’s recent additions both recorded RBI’s tonight in the fourth inning with Will Holland’s double that scored DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. and Aaron Sabato’s RBI single that scored Holland. The Surge led 6-1 after the fourth.A late home run from Brandon Lewis brought in two runs for the Drillers but was not enough for the comeback.

Surge set runs record Tuesday

AP Sports Update for Wednesday, August 17th, 2022

Serena Williams loses to Raducanu; US Open next

MASON, Ohio (AP) — Serena Williams has fallen to 0-2 in matches since announcing "the countdown has begun" on her career. She lost 6-4, 6-0 to U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu in the Western &amp; Southern Open on Tuesday night. The 40-year-old Williams said last week in a Vogue magazine essay and an Instagram post that her career was winding down. She did not explicitly say the U.S. Open, which begins Aug. 29 in New York, would be her last tournament. Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam champion, most recently in 2017 at the Australian Open. She has said expanding her family is a big reason she plans to step away.

AP sources: Tiger meets with top players against LIV Golf

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The PGA Tour is in Delaware for the first time and so is Tiger Woods. Just not to play. Two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Woods attended a private meeting of top players to discuss the threat of Saudi-funded LIV Golf. One person invited to the meeting said it was a time to get on the same page about the Saudi threat and how the PGA Tour needs to respond. Another person said the meeting was held away from Wilmington Country Club at a hotel. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan was not invited. Woods has been a strong opponent of LIV Golf. The series has played three events offering $25 million apiece in prize money to a group of players that include Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau.

NBA schedule won't have games on Election Day this year

The NBA will be off on Election Day. The league's schedule for the coming season will have all 30 teams playing on Nov. 7. That's the night before the midterm elections. The NBA is hoping teams use that night as an opportunity to encourage fans to get out and vote, plus amplify the need for civic engagement. Nov. 8 is Election Day and no NBA teams have games scheduled then. The move is a rarity for the league. The NBA typically plays no games on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and tries to avoid scheduling games on the day of the NCAA men's basketball championship game.

PICK SIX: Key transfers to watch, and not just at QB

Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams isn't a typical transfer since he followed Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma and is playing for the same coach he had last year. But his status as a quarterback transfer isn't unusual at all. No position has been impacted more by the NCAA rule changes allowing players to transfer without sitting out a season. The top two quarterbacks in the 2021 class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports already have left their original schools. Williams was ranked second. Quinn Ewers was ranked first and has transferred from Ohio State to Texas.

Arozarena's early homer sends Rays past skidding Yankees 3-1

NEW YORK (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit a three-run homer off Nestor Cortes in the first inning and the Tampa Bay staff made it stand up, leading the Rays over the skidding New York Yankees 3-1. Starter Jeffrey Springs and four relievers combined on a four-hitter, and the crowd of 41,083 at Yankee Stadium booed their AL East leaders at times. The Yankees have lost 11 of 13 and are 8-17 since reaching the All-Star break at 64-28. Tampa Bay won its fourth straight and closed within nine games of the Yankees. It is New York's smallest margin since also being nine ahead on June 15. The Rays trailed by 15 1/2 games after getting swept at Cincinnati July 8-10. New York barely avoided by shut out for the third straight game.

Braves sign rookie OF Harris to $72 million, 8-year contract

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have signed rookie outfielder Michael Harris II to a $72 million, eight-year contract to remain with his hometown team. The 21-year-old Harris is the youngest player in the majors. His early-season promotion has bolstered the Braves' hopes for another championship run. The deal runs through the 2030 season with team options for 2031 and 2032. If both option years are activated, the total value of the contract would be $102 million over 10 years. Harris has emerged as one of the National League's top rookies as an offensive and defensive standout. He is hitting .287 with 12 home runs. Harris was born in DeKalb County, Georgia, and was drafted by the Braves out of Stockbridge High School, south of Atlanta.

Cody Bellinger benched by Dodgers as struggles continue

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Cody Bellinger has been benched by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 2019 NL MVP has seen his production fall off dramatically since. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says Bellinger might sit out the final three games of the team's series at Milwaukee. Bellinger is batting .206 with 15 homers and 50 RBIs. He started in center field Monday night against the Brewers, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, and has two hits in his last 19 at-bats. Chris Taylor shifted from left field to center for Tuesday's game, with Joey Gallo joining the lineup in left.

Crawford's HR with 2 outs in 9th lifts Giants past D-backs

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Brandon Crawford hit a game-ending two-run homer off Ian Kennedy moments after Thairo Estrada's two-out triple, and the San Francisco Giants rallied past the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1.The Giants came back against Arizona's bullpen after Dbacks ace Merrill Kelly outdueled Jakob Junis.Christian Walker homered leading off the fourth inning for the game's lone run until the final swing by Crawford for his sixth homer.

Seattle QB Lock tests positive for COVID-19; out vs. Bears

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the team's preseason game against Chicago. The Seahawks issued a statement regarding Lock's positive test about two hours following the end of a practice in which Lock was a full participant and led the No. 1 offense. Seattle coach Pete Carroll announced after practice that Lock would start Thursday's game against the Bears after he served as the backup to Geno Smith in last weekend's preseason game in Pittsburgh. Lock was acquired from Denver as part of the trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Broncos and has been competing with Smith for the starting job with the Seahawks.

Rangers seek momentum, new manager to contend again in '23

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers are looking to build some momentum and find a new manager heading into 2023. They are more than a decade removed from their only World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. They have their longest stretch of consecutive losing seasons in the franchise's half-century in Texas. Manager Chris Woodward was fired as the team's manager late in his fourth season of an extended rebuilding process. They have to win at least 29 of their last 46 games to avoid having a losing record for the sixth year in a row.

AP Sports Update for Wednesday, August 17th, 2022Serena Williams loses to Raducanu; US Open nextMASON, Ohio (AP) — Serena Williams has fallen to 0-2 in matches since announcing "the countdown has begun" on her career. She lost 6-4, 6-0 to U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu in the Western &amp; Southern Open on Tuesday night. The 40-year-old Williams said last week in a Vogue magazine essay and an Instagram post that her career was winding down. She did not explicitly say the U.S. Open, which begins Aug. 29 in New York, would be her last tournament. Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam champion, most recently in 2017 at the Australian Open. She has said expanding her family is a big reason she plans to step away.AP sources: Tiger meets with top players against LIV GolfWILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The PGA Tour is in Delaware for the first time and so is Tiger Woods. Just not to play. Two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Woods attended a private meeting of top players to discuss the threat of Saudi-funded LIV Golf. One person invited to the meeting said it was a time to get on the same page about the Saudi threat and how the PGA Tour needs to respond. Another person said the meeting was held away from Wilmington Country Club at a hotel. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan was not invited. Woods has been a strong opponent of LIV Golf. The series has played three events offering $25 million apiece in prize money to a group of players that include Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau.NBA schedule won't have games on Election Day this yearThe NBA will be off on Election Day. The league's schedule for the coming season will have all 30 teams playing on Nov. 7. That's the night before the midterm elections. The NBA is hoping teams use that night as an opportunity to encourage fans to get out and vote, plus amplify the need for civic engagement. Nov. 8 is Election Day and no NBA teams have games scheduled then. The move is a rarity for the league. The NBA typically plays no games on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and tries to avoid scheduling games on the day of the NCAA men's basketball championship game.PICK SIX: Key transfers to watch, and not just at QBSouthern California quarterback Caleb Williams isn't a typical transfer since he followed Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma and is playing for the same coach he had last year. But his status as a quarterback transfer isn't unusual at all. No position has been impacted more by the NCAA rule changes allowing players to transfer without sitting out a season. The top two quarterbacks in the 2021 class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports already have left their original schools. Williams was ranked second. Quinn Ewers was ranked first and has transferred from Ohio State to Texas.Arozarena's early homer sends Rays past skidding Yankees 3-1NEW YORK (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit a three-run homer off Nestor Cortes in the first inning and the Tampa Bay staff made it stand up, leading the Rays over the skidding New York Yankees 3-1. Starter Jeffrey Springs and four relievers combined on a four-hitter, and the crowd of 41,083 at Yankee Stadium booed their AL East leaders at times. The Yankees have lost 11 of 13 and are 8-17 since reaching the All-Star break at 64-28. Tampa Bay won its fourth straight and closed within nine games of the Yankees. It is New York's smallest margin since also being nine ahead on June 15. The Rays trailed by 15 1/2 games after getting swept at Cincinnati July 8-10. New York barely avoided by shut out for the third straight game.Braves sign rookie OF Harris to $72 million, 8-year contractATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have signed rookie outfielder Michael Harris II to a $72 million, eight-year contract to remain with his hometown team. The 21-year-old Harris is the youngest player in the majors. His early-season promotion has bolstered the Braves' hopes for another championship run. The deal runs through the 2030 season with team options for 2031 and 2032. If both option years are activated, the total value of the contract would be $102 million over 10 years. Harris has emerged as one of the National League's top rookies as an offensive and defensive standout. He is hitting .287 with 12 home runs. Harris was born in DeKalb County, Georgia, and was drafted by the Braves out of Stockbridge High School, south of Atlanta.Cody Bellinger benched by Dodgers as struggles continueMILWAUKEE (AP) — Cody Bellinger has been benched by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 2019 NL MVP has seen his production fall off dramatically since. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says Bellinger might sit out the final three games of the team's series at Milwaukee. Bellinger is batting .206 with 15 homers and 50 RBIs. He started in center field Monday night against the Brewers, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, and has two hits in his last 19 at-bats. Chris Taylor shifted from left field to center for Tuesday's game, with Joey Gallo joining the lineup in left.Crawford's HR with 2 outs in 9th lifts Giants past D-backsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Brandon Crawford hit a game-ending two-run homer off Ian Kennedy moments after Thairo Estrada's two-out triple, and the San Francisco Giants rallied past the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1.The Giants came back against Arizona's bullpen after Dbacks ace Merrill Kelly outdueled Jakob Junis.Christian Walker homered leading off the fourth inning for the game's lone run until the final swing by Crawford for his sixth homer.Seattle QB Lock tests positive for COVID-19; out vs. BearsRENTON, Wash. (AP) — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the team's preseason game against Chicago. The Seahawks issued a statement regarding Lock's positive test about two hours following the end of a practice in which Lock was a full participant and led the No. 1 offense. Seattle coach Pete Carroll announced after practice that Lock would start Thursday's game against the Bears after he served as the backup to Geno Smith in last weekend's preseason game in Pittsburgh. Lock was acquired from Denver as part of the trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Broncos and has been competing with Smith for the starting job with the Seahawks.Rangers seek momentum, new manager to contend again in '23ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers are looking to build some momentum and find a new manager heading into 2023. They are more than a decade removed from their only World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. They have their longest stretch of consecutive losing seasons in the franchise's half-century in Texas. Manager Chris Woodward was fired as the team's manager late in his fourth season of an extended rebuilding process. They have to win at least 29 of their last 46 games to avoid having a losing record for the sixth year in a row.

Sports Headlines for Wednesday

The Kansas City Chiefs had to make their first cuts from the 90-man roster this week, but they also added one player - defensive tackle Danny Shelton.

A 6-foot-2, 345-pound lineman who enters his eighth season in the league, Shelton has spent time previously with Cleveland, New England, Detroit and the New York Giants.

He’s worked with the Chiefs a total of two days so far, but Shelton hopes he can stay in Kansas City long term.

"I don't like having to move my dogs, my kids," he said. "If I'm able to contribute and coaches see that...if I'm here longer, then I'm here longer."

Shelton owns 72 career starts, 278 career tackles, 17 career tackles for loss and six career sacks. He looks to be a run stopper and pass rusher up the middle along with Pro Bowler Chris Jones.

Again, it's early, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says Shelton is still getting "acclimated" and figuring out what exact role he'll have on the defense. Still, Shelton expresses excitement about being in Kansas City.

"We got some ballers on this team," Shelton said. "I'm excited to be here, feed off their energy, play with them, compete with them and go to work."

The Chiefs also signed 13-year pro and defensive end Carlos Dunlap in the early days of training camp.

The Chiefs announced Tuesday that they have waived defensive end Austin Edwards and receiver Devin Gray to get their roster down to 85 players, per NFL deadline.

Gray was just signed to the Chiefs from the USFL on August 6. NFL teams will have to cut five more players by next Tuesday with the 53-man roster being decided by August 30.

It was a cool, wet morning at Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph Tuesday, and it seemed like the defense played through it well. Solid pass coverage, strong reps in blocking drills, a Justin Reid interception on a tipped ball, quarterback pressure and so on.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says his players were sluggish Monday coming off of a Saturday game and subsequent travel, but he saw a solid bounce back Tuesday.

"The (second and third-team defense) got a lot of reps and that's a quick turnaround," Spagnuolo said. "That might have had a little bit to do with it. There's really no excuses. That's what we talked about (Monday) night. We can't be wasting any days. I thought we did a nice job bouncing back today."

Receiver Juju Smith-Schuster did not work Tuesday due to a sore knee. Blake Bell is still out with a hip flexor injury. Kicker Harrison Butker was back after ankle soreness Monday.

Punter Tommy Townsend was absent for a second straight day for personal reasons. Right tackle Lucas Niang remains on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from knee surgery.

Fenton started camp on the PUP list, as he was recovering from a shoulder injury sustained late last season. It wasn't clear as to whether or not he'd be ready to participate in camp.

Fenton came back on August 9, got reacclimated and has now taken his spot back as a top corner on the first-team defense along with L'Jarius Sneed.

Fenton remarked Tuesday that's he's "back to 100%." Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has noticed this, too. He's also noticed Fenton helping the younger corners, like rookies Joshua Williams, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

Each of those rookies saw significant playing time at Chicago last Saturday, and will certainly get more reps in the preseason. Spagnuolo wants to see those youngsters continue to get better.

"To me, it still comes back to how you respond in a game," Spags said. "They've got some more games to go here, and more than anything, how they respond when it doesn't go well. That's really what I have my eye on."

The Chiefs practice Wednesday and Thursday to conclude training camp in 2022. Kansas City will play at home against Washington on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the second preseason game.

Rookie receiver Skyy Moore, who had three catches for 23 yards against Chicago, looks forward to playing at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time as an NFL player.

"I'm anticipating (the atmosphere) being electric," Moore said. "That's what everybody around here just talks about. They say Arrowhead is the best stadium in the league. I'm going to take their word for it until I see otherwise."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660681142297.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs had to make their first cuts from the 90-man roster this week, but they also added one player - defensive tackle Danny Shelton.A 6-foot-2, 345-pound lineman who enters his eighth season in the league, Shelton has spent time previously with Cleveland, New England, Detroit and the New York Giants.He’s worked with the Chiefs a total of two days so far, but Shelton hopes he can stay in Kansas City long term."I don't like having to move my dogs, my kids," he said. "If I'm able to contribute and coaches see that...if I'm here longer, then I'm here longer."Shelton owns 72 career starts, 278 career tackles, 17 career tackles for loss and six career sacks. He looks to be a run stopper and pass rusher up the middle along with Pro Bowler Chris Jones.Again, it's early, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says Shelton is still getting "acclimated" and figuring out what exact role he'll have on the defense. Still, Shelton expresses excitement about being in Kansas City."We got some ballers on this team," Shelton said. "I'm excited to be here, feed off their energy, play with them, compete with them and go to work."The Chiefs also signed 13-year pro and defensive end Carlos Dunlap in the early days of training camp.Further roster cutsThe Chiefs announced Tuesday that they have waived defensive end Austin Edwards and receiver Devin Gray to get their roster down to 85 players, per NFL deadline.Gray was just signed to the Chiefs from the USFL on August 6. NFL teams will have to cut five more players by next Tuesday with the 53-man roster being decided by August 30.Good day for the defenseIt was a cool, wet morning at Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph Tuesday, and it seemed like the defense played through it well. Solid pass coverage, strong reps in blocking drills, a Justin Reid interception on a tipped ball, quarterback pressure and so on.Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says his players were sluggish Monday coming off of a Saturday game and subsequent travel, but he saw a solid bounce back Tuesday."The (second and third-team defense) got a lot of reps and that's a quick turnaround," Spagnuolo said. "That might have had a little bit to do with it. There's really no excuses. That's what we talked about (Monday) night. We can't be wasting any days. I thought we did a nice job bouncing back today."Injury updateReceiver Juju Smith-Schuster did not work Tuesday due to a sore knee. Blake Bell is still out with a hip flexor injury. Kicker Harrison Butker was back after ankle soreness Monday.Punter Tommy Townsend was absent for a second straight day for personal reasons. Right tackle Lucas Niang remains on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from knee surgery.Rashad Fenton - ahead of scheduleFenton started camp on the PUP list, as he was recovering from a shoulder injury sustained late last season. It wasn't clear as to whether or not he'd be ready to participate in camp.Fenton came back on August 9, got reacclimated and has now taken his spot back as a top corner on the first-team defense along with L'Jarius Sneed.Fenton remarked Tuesday that's he's "back to 100%." Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has noticed this, too. He's also noticed Fenton helping the younger corners, like rookies Joshua Williams, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.Each of those rookies saw significant playing time at Chicago last Saturday, and will certainly get more reps in the preseason. Spagnuolo wants to see those youngsters continue to get better."To me, it still comes back to how you respond in a game," Spags said. "They've got some more games to go here, and more than anything, how they respond when it doesn't go well. That's really what I have my eye on."The Chiefs practice Wednesday and Thursday to conclude training camp in 2022. Kansas City will play at home against Washington on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the second preseason game.Rookie receiver Skyy Moore, who had three catches for 23 yards against Chicago, looks forward to playing at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time as an NFL player."I'm anticipating (the atmosphere) being electric," Moore said. "That's what everybody around here just talks about. They say Arrowhead is the best stadium in the league. I'm going to take their word for it until I see otherwise."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660681206358.jpeg" alt="Marques Valdes-Scantling (11) goes up for a catch." />
 <figcaption>Marques Valdes-Scantling (11) goes up for a catch.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660681228773.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Danny Shelton settling in with the Chiefs as the end of training camp draws near

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas volleyball squad is ranked 23rd in the AVCA preseason poll released Monday.

Ray Bechard's team made it all the way to the Sweet 16 last season.

KU opens the 2022 season with an exhibition match versus Drake on Saturday. Their home opener is Sept. 8 against Wichita State.

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas volleyball squad is ranked 23rd in the AVCA preseason poll released Monday.Ray Bechard's team made it all the way to the Sweet 16 last season.KU opens the 2022 season with an exhibition match versus Drake on Saturday. Their home opener is Sept. 8 against Wichita State.

🏐 KU Volleyball ranked in preseason

KANSAS CITY —

Kansas City Royals pitcher Amir Garrett is appealing a three-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for throwing a drink on a spectator in the stands during the team's Tuesday, August 2nd road game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago.

The suspension of Garrett had been scheduled to begin prior to Monday's series opener against the Twins at Target Field, but it now will not start until the appeal is dealt with.

Garrett has apologized to the fan and sent the fan and his son jerseys as a peace offering.

KANSAS CITY —

Kansas City Royals pitcher Amir Garrett is appealing a three-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for throwing a drink on a spectator in the stands during the team's Tuesday, August 2nd road game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago.The suspension of Garrett had been scheduled to begin prior to Monday's series opener against the Twins at Target Field, but it now will not start until the appeal is dealt with.Garrett has apologized to the fan and sent the fan and his son jerseys as a peace offering.

⚾ Royals Garrett appealing suspension

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651156028140.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022</figcaption>
 </figure><div></div>HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Tuesday Morning

With two of the best players in the country leading the way — and a championship game loss as motivation — Alabama is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football poll for the second straight season and ninth time overall.

Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, national defensive player of year Will Anderson Jr. and the Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes and 1,566 points in the Top 25 presented by Regions Bank released on Monday.

Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes (1,506 points) from the media panel and defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes (1,455 points). Clemson is No. 4. Notre Dame rounds out the top five, setting up a tantalizing opener at Ohio State on Sept. 3.

The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years under coach Nick Saban. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma with 10 has been No. 1 in the initial poll more often than Alabama.

The Crimson Tide started last season No. 1 and finished ranked No. 2 after losing the national championship game to the Southeastern Conference rival Bulldogs.

“It wasn’t our end goal that we wanted,” Anderson said in the spring. “But I’m super proud of those guys, the way they fought. We were a young team. We had people go down. People had to step in that never been there before. So, I think that’s just a learning experience.”

Saban recently called 2021 a rebuilding season for his Tide dynasty, which has won six national titles over the last 13 years. He has a point.

Young was in his first season as a starter, playing behind an inexperienced offensive line. He was unfazed, throwing for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns.

Anderson was a force on the other side ball as Alabama broke in a back seven with mostly new starters. The sophomore led the nation in tackles for loss with 33 1/2, 11 1/2 more than No. 2 on the list.

Ohio State brings back a Heisman Trophy finalist at quarterback in C.J. Stroud while at Georgia, most of the key players from one of the best college defenses of the last 25 years are now in NFL. Still, quarterback Stetson Bennett and All-America tight end Brock Bowers return to a Bulldogs offense that could be even more explosive in 2022.

Texas A&amp;M, which finished last season unranked despite handing Alabama its only regular-season loss, starts this season No. 6.

Defending Pac-12 champion Utah is seventh, the best preseason ranking in school history. Defending Big Ten champion Michigan is No. 8 after making the playoff for the first time last season.

No. 9 Oklahoma is the highest-ranked Big 12 school, one spot ahead of defending league champion Baylor.

Alabama has been in the preseason top five in each of last 14 seasons and in the preseason top three in 13 straight. The Tide’s 31st preseason top-five ranking this year matches Ohio State for second-most in poll history behind Oklahoma's 37.

Turning preseason No. 1 into a national championship has proved tricky throughout history, even for Alabama.

The Crimson Tide have gone on to win the national championship after starting No. 1 just once under Saban and twice overall.

Since the AP preseason poll began in 1950, there have been 11 preseason No. 1 teams that also finished the season top ranked. Alabama was the last to do it (2017).

— No. 13 North Carolina State is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2003. The Wolfpack matched their best preseason ranking. They were also 13th in 1975.

— No. 17 Pitt is in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2010.

— No. 20 Kentucky is making its first preseason poll appearance since 1978.

— No. 22 Wake Forest made the preseason rankings for the first time since 2008.

— Ohio State is ranked in the preseason for the 34th straight season, breaking a tie with Nebraska (1970-2002) and Penn State (1968-2000) for the longest such streak in poll history.

— Texas A&amp;M has the second-best preseason ranking for a team that finished the previous season unranked. Ohio State was No. 3 in the 1972 preseason poll after being unranked at the end of the 1971 season and Notre Dame also started No. 6 in 1983 after finishing unranked in 1982.

How did the seasons work out for those teams? Ohio State went 9-2 and finished the season No. 9. The Irish went 7-5 and unranked again.

— LSU with new coach Brian Kelly will start the season unranked for the first time 2000, Saban's first of five seasons as coach of the Tigers.

— Florida and Florida State are both unranked to start the season, which has not happened since 1974.

Five schools ranked in the preseason poll have head coaches starting their first full seasons: Notre Dame (Marcus Freeman), Oklahoma (Brent Venables), No. 11 Oregon (Dan Lanning), No. 14 USC (Lincoln Riley) and No. 16 Miami (Mario Cristobal).

This is the second time in the last five seasons that five teams with new coaches were ranked in the preseason, according to Sportradar. It also happened in 2018, but before that season that type of representation in the preseason poll for teams with new coaches was a rarity.

You have to go all the way back to 1990 when six schools with coaches entering their first full season appeared in the preseason Top 25, according to Sportradar. That list includes some notable names: Gary Moeller, Michigan; Ken Hatfield, Clemson; Gene Stallings, Alabama; Jack Crowe, Arkansas; Paul Hackett, Pittsburgh; and John Jenkins, Houston.

For the fourth straight season, the Southeastern Conference has three teams in the top six.

The Atlantic Coast Conference matched its best showing in the preseason poll with five teams. The ACC has reached that number four previous times.

With two of the best players in the country leading the way — and a championship game loss as motivation — Alabama is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football poll for the second straight season and ninth time overall.Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, national defensive player of year Will Anderson Jr. and the Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes and 1,566 points in the Top 25 presented by Regions Bank released on Monday.Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes (1,506 points) from the media panel and defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes (1,455 points). Clemson is No. 4. Notre Dame rounds out the top five, setting up a tantalizing opener at Ohio State on Sept. 3.The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years under coach Nick Saban. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma with 10 has been No. 1 in the initial poll more often than Alabama.The Crimson Tide started last season No. 1 and finished ranked No. 2 after losing the national championship game to the Southeastern Conference rival Bulldogs.“It wasn’t our end goal that we wanted,” Anderson said in the spring. “But I’m super proud of those guys, the way they fought. We were a young team. We had people go down. People had to step in that never been there before. So, I think that’s just a learning experience.”Saban recently called 2021 a rebuilding season for his Tide dynasty, which has won six national titles over the last 13 years. He has a point.Young was in his first season as a starter, playing behind an inexperienced offensive line. He was unfazed, throwing for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns.Anderson was a force on the other side ball as Alabama broke in a back seven with mostly new starters. The sophomore led the nation in tackles for loss with 33 1/2, 11 1/2 more than No. 2 on the list.Ohio State brings back a Heisman Trophy finalist at quarterback in C.J. Stroud while at Georgia, most of the key players from one of the best college defenses of the last 25 years are now in NFL. Still, quarterback Stetson Bennett and All-America tight end Brock Bowers return to a Bulldogs offense that could be even more explosive in 2022.Texas A&amp;M, which finished last season unranked despite handing Alabama its only regular-season loss, starts this season No. 6.Defending Pac-12 champion Utah is seventh, the best preseason ranking in school history. Defending Big Ten champion Michigan is No. 8 after making the playoff for the first time last season.No. 9 Oklahoma is the highest-ranked Big 12 school, one spot ahead of defending league champion Baylor.POLL POINTSAlabama has been in the preseason top five in each of last 14 seasons and in the preseason top three in 13 straight. The Tide’s 31st preseason top-five ranking this year matches Ohio State for second-most in poll history behind Oklahoma's 37.Turning preseason No. 1 into a national championship has proved tricky throughout history, even for Alabama.The Crimson Tide have gone on to win the national championship after starting No. 1 just once under Saban and twice overall.Since the AP preseason poll began in 1950, there have been 11 preseason No. 1 teams that also finished the season top ranked. Alabama was the last to do it (2017).RARITIES AND STREAKS— No. 13 North Carolina State is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2003. The Wolfpack matched their best preseason ranking. They were also 13th in 1975.— No. 17 Pitt is in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2010.— No. 20 Kentucky is making its first preseason poll appearance since 1978.— No. 22 Wake Forest made the preseason rankings for the first time since 2008.— Ohio State is ranked in the preseason for the 34th straight season, breaking a tie with Nebraska (1970-2002) and Penn State (1968-2000) for the longest such streak in poll history.— Texas A&amp;M has the second-best preseason ranking for a team that finished the previous season unranked. Ohio State was No. 3 in the 1972 preseason poll after being unranked at the end of the 1971 season and Notre Dame also started No. 6 in 1983 after finishing unranked in 1982.How did the seasons work out for those teams? Ohio State went 9-2 and finished the season No. 9. The Irish went 7-5 and unranked again.NOTABLE OMISSIONS— LSU with new coach Brian Kelly will start the season unranked for the first time 2000, Saban's first of five seasons as coach of the Tigers.— Florida and Florida State are both unranked to start the season, which has not happened since 1974.NEWBIESFive schools ranked in the preseason poll have head coaches starting their first full seasons: Notre Dame (Marcus Freeman), Oklahoma (Brent Venables), No. 11 Oregon (Dan Lanning), No. 14 USC (Lincoln Riley) and No. 16 Miami (Mario Cristobal).This is the second time in the last five seasons that five teams with new coaches were ranked in the preseason, according to Sportradar. It also happened in 2018, but before that season that type of representation in the preseason poll for teams with new coaches was a rarity.You have to go all the way back to 1990 when six schools with coaches entering their first full season appeared in the preseason Top 25, according to Sportradar. That list includes some notable names: Gary Moeller, Michigan; Ken Hatfield, Clemson; Gene Stallings, Alabama; Jack Crowe, Arkansas; Paul Hackett, Pittsburgh; and John Jenkins, Houston.CONFERENCE CALLFor the fourth straight season, the Southeastern Conference has three teams in the top six.The Atlantic Coast Conference matched its best showing in the preseason poll with five teams. The ACC has reached that number four previous times.SEC — 6 (Nos. 1, 3, 6, 19, 20, 21).ACC — 5 (Nos. 4, 13, 16, 17, 22).Big Ten — 4 (Nos. 2, 8, 15, 18).Big 12 — 3 (Nos. 9, 10, 12).Pac-12 — 3 (Nos. 7, 11, 14).American — 2 (Nos. 23, 24).Independents — 2 (Nos. 5, 25).

🏈 No. 1 Alabama tops preseason AP Top 25; Ohio St, 'Dawgs next

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins stumbled home with a bunch of hitters in need of a boost, none more than Max Kepler and his 0-for-29 skid.

The guy who needed a spark the most was the first one to get it going.

Kepler went 3 for 4 with a slump-busting RBI to give the lagging lineup a lift, and the Twins started a vital homestand with a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.

“He’s been as important of a cog in the machine here, since I’ve been, as anyone,” said manager Rocco Baldelli, who witnessed Kepler's first hit since July 23. He broke his toe the following day, missed 10 games and was fighting through obvious rust upon his return. “We’re going to be looking for really meaningful contributions from him from here on out.”

Jorge Polanco, Jose Miranda and Gary Sánchez each drove in a run for the Twins, who moved within two games of AL Central-leading Cleveland (61-53) after the Guardians split a doubleheader with Detroit. The Twins (59-55) are percentage points ahead of Chicago (60-56) for second place.

“I think we were trying to do too much and carry too much weight as individuals,” Kepler said. “Today we just tried to keep the line moving and trust the guy behind one another.”

Snapping his O-for-August skid with a one-out single in the second inning against Royals starter Kris Bubic (2-7) that scored Polanco, Kepler set in motion a productive night. The Twins were 0 for 18 with runners in scoring position over their previous two games and 1-4 on the road trip last week to fall out of first place for the first time in nearly two months.

“We know he was going through a rough stretch, but it’s part of baseball,” Miranda said. “We all go through up and downs. When he got his first one, it was good. We all got happy, and he got two more, which was great.”

Joe Ryan (9-5) pitched 5 1/3 innings for the win, deftly recovering from a two-run home run by thriving rookie Vinnie Pasquantino in the first inning.

Caleb Thielbar relieved him with a 3-2 lead and runners at second and third, retiring pinch-hitter Brent Rooker on a shallow pop fly and striking out pinch-hitter Michael A. Taylor to end that threat. Thielbar pumped his first and uncharacteristically screamed in exhilaration after retiring Taylor to preserve the lead. Thielbar has 13 strikeouts in his last 10 1/3 innings, without an unearned run.

“He’s been really, really freaking good,” Baldelli said. “When you send him out there in the most important spots, you expect him to go out there and get the job done.”

New Twins closer Jorge López, who blew his last two save chances, gave up a double and a single in the ninth inning before escaping with a game-ending double play grounder by M.J. Melendez.

This was the time for the Twins to get going, the first of 13 home games in a 17-day stretch through the end of the month — all against opponents that started the week at the .500 mark or worse.

The Royals brought a much better vibe than a team that's 48-69, with seven rookies in the starting lineup — their most in a game since 1991 — giving them some late-season life.

“Every guy that comes here is ready to make an impact or has already made an impact already,” Bubic said. “It’s exciting to see that, and we’re going to keep riding with them.”

Pasquantino hit four homers over Kansas City's just-completed 11-game homestand and received the AL Player of the Week award a few hours before first pitch. The 24-year-old, who was an 11th-round draft pick out of Old Dominion in 2019, has quickly earned the Royals' respect this summer.

“Probably one of the smartest hitters I've been around," Bubic said.

Royals: Hunter Dozier was placed on the paternity list before the game, and Maikel Garcia was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to fill in for the multi-positional player. Dozier traveled to Minnesota with the team, before leaving to be with his wife who has been expecting their third child.

Twins: Polanco hurt his knee sliding into home with the team's first run. He stayed in for six more innings before being replaced on defense in the ninth. “If he mentions anything to anybody, ever, you know it’s something to pay attention to,” Baldelli said.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (4-7, 4.29 ERA) takes the mound on Tuesday night. He's coming off his best start of the season, 6 1/3 shutout innings in a win over Chicago last week.

Twins: RHP Sonny Gray (6-3, 3.33 ERA) pitches the middle game of the series. He beat Kansas City on May 29 with six innings, two hits, one run and no walks.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins stumbled home with a bunch of hitters in need of a boost, none more than Max Kepler and his 0-for-29 skid.The guy who needed a spark the most was the first one to get it going.Kepler went 3 for 4 with a slump-busting RBI to give the lagging lineup a lift, and the Twins started a vital homestand with a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.“He’s been as important of a cog in the machine here, since I’ve been, as anyone,” said manager Rocco Baldelli, who witnessed Kepler's first hit since July 23. He broke his toe the following day, missed 10 games and was fighting through obvious rust upon his return. “We’re going to be looking for really meaningful contributions from him from here on out.”Jorge Polanco, Jose Miranda and Gary Sánchez each drove in a run for the Twins, who moved within two games of AL Central-leading Cleveland (61-53) after the Guardians split a doubleheader with Detroit. The Twins (59-55) are percentage points ahead of Chicago (60-56) for second place.“I think we were trying to do too much and carry too much weight as individuals,” Kepler said. “Today we just tried to keep the line moving and trust the guy behind one another.”Snapping his O-for-August skid with a one-out single in the second inning against Royals starter Kris Bubic (2-7) that scored Polanco, Kepler set in motion a productive night. The Twins were 0 for 18 with runners in scoring position over their previous two games and 1-4 on the road trip last week to fall out of first place for the first time in nearly two months.“We know he was going through a rough stretch, but it’s part of baseball,” Miranda said. “We all go through up and downs. When he got his first one, it was good. We all got happy, and he got two more, which was great.”Joe Ryan (9-5) pitched 5 1/3 innings for the win, deftly recovering from a two-run home run by thriving rookie Vinnie Pasquantino in the first inning.Caleb Thielbar relieved him with a 3-2 lead and runners at second and third, retiring pinch-hitter Brent Rooker on a shallow pop fly and striking out pinch-hitter Michael A. Taylor to end that threat. Thielbar pumped his first and uncharacteristically screamed in exhilaration after retiring Taylor to preserve the lead. Thielbar has 13 strikeouts in his last 10 1/3 innings, without an unearned run.“He’s been really, really freaking good,” Baldelli said. “When you send him out there in the most important spots, you expect him to go out there and get the job done.”New Twins closer Jorge López, who blew his last two save chances, gave up a double and a single in the ninth inning before escaping with a game-ending double play grounder by M.J. Melendez.This was the time for the Twins to get going, the first of 13 home games in a 17-day stretch through the end of the month — all against opponents that started the week at the .500 mark or worse.The Royals brought a much better vibe than a team that's 48-69, with seven rookies in the starting lineup — their most in a game since 1991 — giving them some late-season life.“Every guy that comes here is ready to make an impact or has already made an impact already,” Bubic said. “It’s exciting to see that, and we’re going to keep riding with them.”VP STANDS FOR VALUABLE PLAYERPasquantino hit four homers over Kansas City's just-completed 11-game homestand and received the AL Player of the Week award a few hours before first pitch. The 24-year-old, who was an 11th-round draft pick out of Old Dominion in 2019, has quickly earned the Royals' respect this summer.“Probably one of the smartest hitters I've been around," Bubic said.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Hunter Dozier was placed on the paternity list before the game, and Maikel Garcia was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to fill in for the multi-positional player. Dozier traveled to Minnesota with the team, before leaving to be with his wife who has been expecting their third child.Twins: Polanco hurt his knee sliding into home with the team's first run. He stayed in for six more innings before being replaced on defense in the ninth. “If he mentions anything to anybody, ever, you know it’s something to pay attention to,” Baldelli said.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (4-7, 4.29 ERA) takes the mound on Tuesday night. He's coming off his best start of the season, 6 1/3 shutout innings in a win over Chicago last week.Twins: RHP Sonny Gray (6-3, 3.33 ERA) pitches the middle game of the series. He beat Kansas City on May 29 with six innings, two hits, one run and no walks.

⚾ Kepler helps Twins bats get going in 4-2 win over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced today that Vinnie Pasquantino has been named American League Player of the week for the period of Aug. 8-14. During that time, the Royals infielder posted a .455/.500/1.045 (10-for-22) slashline and amassed an American League-best 4 home runs, 1 double, 6 RBI and 2 walks, while striking out just once and hitting safely in each of his 6 games, setting a career-long hitting streak that remains active into tonight. In the same span, he also led all American League hitters with a 1.045 slugging percentage and 23 total bases. while his 10 hits tied for the American League lead with Seattle’s Mitch Haniger and Chicago’s Eloy Jiménez.

This marks Pasquantino’s first AL Player of the Week Award, and it’s the first by a Royals player since Andrew Benintendi took home the honors for Sept. 6-12, 2021. He becomes the first Kansas City rookie to earn the award since Mike Aviles won co-Player of the Week honors for the week of July 28-Aug. 3, 2008.

Pasquantino’s week began with a doubleheader vs. the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday, in which he became the 13th Royal (17th instance) to homer in both games of a doubleheader, and the first to turn the trick since Whit Merrifield on Aug. 6, 2017 vs. Seattle. His week included a pair of game-winning RBI, including Game 1 of the aforementioned doubleheader when his 2-run home run off Lance Lynn was the decisive blow, and again two days later when his 2nd inning, solo home run against White Sox ace Dylan Cease gave the Royals a lead they wouldn’t surrender.

Pasquantino, 24, finished his Player of the Week campaign by guiding the Royals offensively to a 4-0 shutout of the Majors’ best Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday afternoon, recording a career-high-tying 3 hits, including an RBI single in the 3rd inning, a leadoff double in the 6th and a solo home run off Major League Baseball’s active saves leader Craig Kimbrel in the 8th.

Along with his American League highs in home runs, slugging percentage, total bases, isolated power (.591), extra-base hits (5, T-1st) and hits (T-1st) last week, Pasquantino ranked second among American League players (min. 20 PA) in batting average and OPS (1.545), while also ranking in strikeouts (T-3rd fewest), runs scored (6, T-4th), RBI (T-4th) and on-base percentage (5th).

The left-handed infielder was selected by the Royals in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Old Dominion University (Va.) and made his Major League debut on June 28 vs. Texas.

Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced today that Vinnie Pasquantino has been named American League Player of the week for the period of Aug. 8-14. During that time, the Royals infielder posted a .455/.500/1.045 (10-for-22) slashline and amassed an American League-best 4 home runs, 1 double, 6 RBI and 2 walks, while striking out just once and hitting safely in each of his 6 games, setting a career-long hitting streak that remains active into tonight. In the same span, he also led all American League hitters with a 1.045 slugging percentage and 23 total bases. while his 10 hits tied for the American League lead with Seattle’s Mitch Haniger and Chicago’s Eloy Jiménez.This marks Pasquantino’s first AL Player of the Week Award, and it’s the first by a Royals player since Andrew Benintendi took home the honors for Sept. 6-12, 2021. He becomes the first Kansas City rookie to earn the award since Mike Aviles won co-Player of the Week honors for the week of July 28-Aug. 3, 2008.Pasquantino’s week began with a doubleheader vs. the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday, in which he became the 13th Royal (17th instance) to homer in both games of a doubleheader, and the first to turn the trick since Whit Merrifield on Aug. 6, 2017 vs. Seattle. His week included a pair of game-winning RBI, including Game 1 of the aforementioned doubleheader when his 2-run home run off Lance Lynn was the decisive blow, and again two days later when his 2nd inning, solo home run against White Sox ace Dylan Cease gave the Royals a lead they wouldn’t surrender.Pasquantino, 24, finished his Player of the Week campaign by guiding the Royals offensively to a 4-0 shutout of the Majors’ best Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday afternoon, recording a career-high-tying 3 hits, including an RBI single in the 3rd inning, a leadoff double in the 6th and a solo home run off Major League Baseball’s active saves leader Craig Kimbrel in the 8th.Along with his American League highs in home runs, slugging percentage, total bases, isolated power (.591), extra-base hits (5, T-1st) and hits (T-1st) last week, Pasquantino ranked second among American League players (min. 20 PA) in batting average and OPS (1.545), while also ranking in strikeouts (T-3rd fewest), runs scored (6, T-4th), RBI (T-4th) and on-base percentage (5th).The left-handed infielder was selected by the Royals in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Old Dominion University (Va.) and made his Major League debut on June 28 vs. Texas.

⚾ Royals Pasquantino named AL Player of the Week

The Kansas City Chiefs were back in St. Joseph Monday to begin their final week of training camp.

It was a partly sunny, cool and breezy morning with temperatures right around 70 to begin practice. It was also one of the lighter crowds of camp thus far, but it's not unusual for Monday morning.

Kansas City played its first preseason game at Chicago Saturday, with the Bears prevailing 19-14. Head coach Andy Reid says the goal, as one would expect, is to win every game.

While that wasn’t achieved, Reid was pleased with what he saw for the most part.

"I like the experience the young guys got," Reid said. "We'll keep giving these guys some experience here with these preseason games. I think that's important."

The game was an important opportunity for the Chiefs' rookies and other young players trying to make the roster. It's hard to ream a whole lot from Saturday, as there was different personnel on the field quite often, and nobody played for super long stretches.

Yet, lots of eyes were on the rookies - primarily running back Isiah Pacheco, defensive end George Karlaftis, corners Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie and receiver Skyy Moore.

Again, a lot of guys showed flashes. Karlaftis had a first half sack. Moore had three total catches. Williams a solo stop, and so on. Reid says the preseason will continue to be a great learning opportunity for all of them.

"You have an opportunity to see what their talents are," Reid continued. "At the same time, they have to be able to, in that 30 or so seconds, figure out what the play is, get up and go and perform at a high level."

Kansas City has a preseason game at home against Washington this Saturday at 3 p.m. central. They'll also host Green Bay on Thursday, August 25 at 7 p.m.

The NFL deadline for the first roster cuts is Tuesday, and the Chiefs took their first step toward getting the roster down from 90-85 players.

Just as practice was getting started Monday, the Chiefs announced via Twitter that corner Lonnie Johnson, receivers Omar Bayless and Gary Jennings and offensive tackle Evin Ksiezarcyk were cut from the roster.

They also made official the signing of defensive tackle Danny Shelton - an eight-year pro who is a load, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 345 pounds. Reid mentioned that Shelton got some decent work done in his first training camp practice with the team.

"He's a big body that's a good athlete," Reid said of Shelton. "He's had a lot of good downs in this league. He was out there and (general manager Brett Veach) wanted to add a little more in there. So, he brought (Shelton) in. I think it's a good addition."

The Chiefs will have to cut two more players by 3 p.m. central this Tuesday, and then five more after that by August 23. The final, 53-man active roster must be decided by August 30.

Tight end Blake Bell suffered a hip flexor injury in the game Saturday. He was not at practice Monday. There's not yet a prediction on when he might be back.

Kicker Harrison Butker left practice early due to ankle soreness, so safety Justin Reid kicked field goals Monday, knocking in 7-of-8 from inside 40 yards. Reid successfully made a point-after just before halftime Saturday.

Punter Tommy Townsend was absent Monday due to family reasons. Right tackle Lucas Niang (knee) is the only player still on the physically unable to perform list.

The Chiefs have three practices left in St. Joseph. They are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday's practice starts at 8:15 a.m. - an hour earlier than the usual 9:15.

Based on the current forecast, there's a solid chance that the Chiefs will have to practice inside the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex Tuesday. If that happens, the team will announce the decision on social media and practice would be closed to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660590266548.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs were back in St. Joseph Monday to begin their final week of training camp.It was a partly sunny, cool and breezy morning with temperatures right around 70 to begin practice. It was also one of the lighter crowds of camp thus far, but it's not unusual for Monday morning.Kansas City played its first preseason game at Chicago Saturday, with the Bears prevailing 19-14. Head coach Andy Reid says the goal, as one would expect, is to win every game.While that wasn’t achieved, Reid was pleased with what he saw for the most part."I like the experience the young guys got," Reid said. "We'll keep giving these guys some experience here with these preseason games. I think that's important."The game was an important opportunity for the Chiefs' rookies and other young players trying to make the roster. It's hard to ream a whole lot from Saturday, as there was different personnel on the field quite often, and nobody played for super long stretches.Yet, lots of eyes were on the rookies - primarily running back Isiah Pacheco, defensive end George Karlaftis, corners Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie and receiver Skyy Moore.Again, a lot of guys showed flashes. Karlaftis had a first half sack. Moore had three total catches. Williams a solo stop, and so on. Reid says the preseason will continue to be a great learning opportunity for all of them."You have an opportunity to see what their talents are," Reid continued. "At the same time, they have to be able to, in that 30 or so seconds, figure out what the play is, get up and go and perform at a high level."Kansas City has a preseason game at home against Washington this Saturday at 3 p.m. central. They'll also host Green Bay on Thursday, August 25 at 7 p.m.Roster cutsThe NFL deadline for the first roster cuts is Tuesday, and the Chiefs took their first step toward getting the roster down from 90-85 players.Just as practice was getting started Monday, the Chiefs announced via Twitter that corner Lonnie Johnson, receivers Omar Bayless and Gary Jennings and offensive tackle Evin Ksiezarcyk were cut from the roster.They also made official the signing of defensive tackle Danny Shelton - an eight-year pro who is a load, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 345 pounds. Reid mentioned that Shelton got some decent work done in his first training camp practice with the team."He's a big body that's a good athlete," Reid said of Shelton. "He's had a lot of good downs in this league. He was out there and (general manager Brett Veach) wanted to add a little more in there. So, he brought (Shelton) in. I think it's a good addition."The Chiefs will have to cut two more players by 3 p.m. central this Tuesday, and then five more after that by August 23. The final, 53-man active roster must be decided by August 30.Injury updateTight end Blake Bell suffered a hip flexor injury in the game Saturday. He was not at practice Monday. There's not yet a prediction on when he might be back.Kicker Harrison Butker left practice early due to ankle soreness, so safety Justin Reid kicked field goals Monday, knocking in 7-of-8 from inside 40 yards. Reid successfully made a point-after just before halftime Saturday.Punter Tommy Townsend was absent Monday due to family reasons. Right tackle Lucas Niang (knee) is the only player still on the physically unable to perform list.The Chiefs have three practices left in St. Joseph. They are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday's practice starts at 8:15 a.m. - an hour earlier than the usual 9:15.Based on the current forecast, there's a solid chance that the Chiefs will have to practice inside the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex Tuesday. If that happens, the team will announce the decision on social media and practice would be closed to the public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660590406839.jpeg" alt="Isiah Pacheco (red) runs from Jack Cochrane (43) during practice Monday." />
 <figcaption>Isiah Pacheco (red) runs from Jack Cochrane (43) during practice Monday.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660590448378.jpeg" alt="Creed Humphrey (red) and Derrick Nnadi (white) in a blocking drill." />
 <figcaption>Creed Humphrey (red) and Derrick Nnadi (white) in a blocking drill.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660590492902.jpeg" alt="Andy Reid (middle) with receivers Justin Watson (84), Mecole Hardman (17) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11)." />
 <figcaption>Andy Reid (middle) with receivers Justin Watson (84), Mecole Hardman (17) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11).</figcaption>
 </figure>HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🏈 Chiefs make first roster cuts as training camp resumes Monday

AP Sports Update for Tuesday, August 16th, 2022.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Max Kepler went 3 for 4 with a slump-busting RBI to give Minnesota’s lagging lineup a lift, and the Twins started a vital homestand with a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Kepler snapped an 0-for-29 skid with his one-out single in the second inning against Royals starter Kris Bubic. The Twins were 0 for 18 with runners in scoring position over their previous two games. Joe Ryan pitched 5 1/3 innings for the win as the Twins moved within two games of AL Central leader Cleveland. The Guardians split a doubleheader with Detroit.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Former first-round pick Danny Shelton began his latest fresh start with the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, hoping to earn a place in the middle of their defensive line after agreeing last week to a contract for the upcoming season. The 28-year-old Shelton appeared in 13 games for the Giants last season, where he rotated up front primarily as a run-stuffing defensive tackle. The addition of Shelton came the same day that Kansas City waived offensive lineman Evin Ksiezarczyk, cornerback Lonnie Johnson and wide receivers Omar Bayless and Gary Jennings, who was dealing with a concussion that he sustained when he ran into a door during an indoor practice. Jennings was waived with an injury designation.

UNDATED (AP) — Alabama is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the second straight season. That is also the ninth time overall, second most in poll history. The Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes. Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes. Defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes. Clemson is No. 4 and Notre Dame rounds out the top five. The Tide’s preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma has been No. 1 in the initial poll more than Alabama.

UNDATED (AP) — Last season, 30 major college football programs made coaching changes. They included Southern California, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and LSU. Will this season be quieter? Not necessarily. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo says a number of coaches are on the hot season even before the season begins. They include Nebraska's Scott Frost and Auburn's Bryan Harsin.

No. 1 Alabama tops preseason AP Top 25; Ohio St, 'Dawgs next

Alabama is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the second straight season. That is also the ninth time overall, second most in poll history. The Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes. Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes. Defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes. Clemson is No. 4 and Notre Dame rounds out the top five. The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma has been No. 1 in the initial poll more than Alabama.

Rangers fire manager Chris Woodward short of his 500th game

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers have fired manager Chris Woodward with the team on pace for its sixth consecutive losing season. Woodward has managed the team for almost four seasons. The move came with Woodward two games short of his 500th game with the Rangers. He finished with a 211-287 record in his first managerial job. Woodward was under contract through next season, and the team held an option for 2024. Third base coach Tony Beasley was named the team's interim manager. Texas is 52-63 after beating Oakland 2-1 on Monday night.

Dodgers' Buehler to have elbow surgery, out for season

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler will have season-ending surgery for the elbow injury that has prevented him from pitching for the last two months. The Dodgers announced Monday before the start of their four-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers that Buehler's surgery is scheduled for Aug. 23. Buehler, a two-time All-Star, is 6-3 with a 4.02 ERA in 12 appearances this season. He last pitched June 10 and left that game after four innings when his elbow began bothering him. Los Angeles has the best record in the majors even with Buehler sidelined.

Pete Carril, old-school Princeton coaching maestro, dies

The old-school Princeton basketball coach Pete Carril has died. He was 92. A statement from Carril's family says he died Monday. The statement did not give a cause of death. Carril was a cigar-smoking Hall of Fame coach who led Princeton to 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. His teams gave big-time opponents fits with constant motion, quick passing and backdoor cuts. He coached Princeton for 29 years and won more than 500 games. In 1989, his Tigers nearly knocked off a No. 1 seeded Georgetown team. He later worked as an assistant with the NBA's Sacramento Kings.

Yankees blanked for 2nd straight game, lose to Rays 4-0

NEW YORK (AP) — The slumping New York Yankees were shut out in consecutive games for the first time since 2016, losing to Ryan Yarbrough and the Tampa Bay Rays 4-0. Coming off a 3-0 defeat Sunday night against the Boston Red Sox, New York failed to provide any run support for ace Gerrit Cole, whose only run allowed followed a misplay in center field by Aaron Hicks. The AL East leaders were blanked for the fourth time in nine games and dropped to 8-16 since the All-Star break. Yarbrough pitched four innings as a bulk reliever for his first win in nearly a year, striking out six without a walk.

Urías, Dodgers blank Brewers 4-0, continue 2nd-half surge

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Freddie Freeman and Gavin Lux homered to back Julio Urías' five solid innings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers blanked the Milwaukee Brewers 4-0. A day after their 12-game winning streak ended with a 4-0 loss at Kansas City, the major league-best Dodgers got back on track. Los Angeles is 20-4 since the All-Star break. Freeman hit a solo shot in the first inning off Freddy Peralta and Lux added a two-run blast against Hoby Milner in the sixth. Urías improved to 10-0 with a 1.99 ERA over his last 11 starts.

AP Top 25 Reality Check: Pouring caution on that optimism

The Associated Press preseason college football poll comes with the promise of an exciting season for teams that make the Top 25. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo suggests a healthy dose of caution, unless you root for Alabama. Last season was especially volatile in the Top 25: 14 teams that started the season ranked finishing outside the rankings. The average for the previous decade was 9.5 teams falling out of the poll. Russo says the top-ranked Crimson Tide is the closest thing to a sure bet in college football.

PICK SIX: Frost, Harsin among coaches in precarious spot

Last season, 30 major college football programs made coaching changes. They included Southern California, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and LSU. Will this season be quieter? Not necessarily. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo says a number of coaches are on the hot season even before the season begins. They include Nebraska's Scott Frost and Auburn's Bryan Harsin.

Las Vegas top WNBA playoff seed, league debuts new format

AP Sports Update for Tuesday, August 16th, 2022.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Max Kepler went 3 for 4 with a slump-busting RBI to give Minnesota’s lagging lineup a lift, and the Twins started a vital homestand with a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Kepler snapped an 0-for-29 skid with his one-out single in the second inning against Royals starter Kris Bubic. The Twins were 0 for 18 with runners in scoring position over their previous two games. Joe Ryan pitched 5 1/3 innings for the win as the Twins moved within two games of AL Central leader Cleveland. The Guardians split a doubleheader with Detroit.ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Former first-round pick Danny Shelton began his latest fresh start with the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, hoping to earn a place in the middle of their defensive line after agreeing last week to a contract for the upcoming season. The 28-year-old Shelton appeared in 13 games for the Giants last season, where he rotated up front primarily as a run-stuffing defensive tackle. The addition of Shelton came the same day that Kansas City waived offensive lineman Evin Ksiezarczyk, cornerback Lonnie Johnson and wide receivers Omar Bayless and Gary Jennings, who was dealing with a concussion that he sustained when he ran into a door during an indoor practice. Jennings was waived with an injury designation.UNDATED (AP) — Alabama is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the second straight season. That is also the ninth time overall, second most in poll history. The Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes. Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes. Defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes. Clemson is No. 4 and Notre Dame rounds out the top five. The Tide’s preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma has been No. 1 in the initial poll more than Alabama.UNDATED (AP) — Last season, 30 major college football programs made coaching changes. They included Southern California, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and LSU. Will this season be quieter? Not necessarily. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo says a number of coaches are on the hot season even before the season begins. They include Nebraska's Scott Frost and Auburn's Bryan Harsin.No. 1 Alabama tops preseason AP Top 25; Ohio St, 'Dawgs nextAlabama is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the second straight season. That is also the ninth time overall, second most in poll history. The Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes. Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes. Defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes. Clemson is No. 4 and Notre Dame rounds out the top five. The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma has been No. 1 in the initial poll more than Alabama.Rangers fire manager Chris Woodward short of his 500th gameARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers have fired manager Chris Woodward with the team on pace for its sixth consecutive losing season. Woodward has managed the team for almost four seasons. The move came with Woodward two games short of his 500th game with the Rangers. He finished with a 211-287 record in his first managerial job. Woodward was under contract through next season, and the team held an option for 2024. Third base coach Tony Beasley was named the team's interim manager. Texas is 52-63 after beating Oakland 2-1 on Monday night.Dodgers' Buehler to have elbow surgery, out for seasonMILWAUKEE (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler will have season-ending surgery for the elbow injury that has prevented him from pitching for the last two months. The Dodgers announced Monday before the start of their four-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers that Buehler's surgery is scheduled for Aug. 23. Buehler, a two-time All-Star, is 6-3 with a 4.02 ERA in 12 appearances this season. He last pitched June 10 and left that game after four innings when his elbow began bothering him. Los Angeles has the best record in the majors even with Buehler sidelined.Pete Carril, old-school Princeton coaching maestro, diesThe old-school Princeton basketball coach Pete Carril has died. He was 92. A statement from Carril's family says he died Monday. The statement did not give a cause of death. Carril was a cigar-smoking Hall of Fame coach who led Princeton to 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. His teams gave big-time opponents fits with constant motion, quick passing and backdoor cuts. He coached Princeton for 29 years and won more than 500 games. In 1989, his Tigers nearly knocked off a No. 1 seeded Georgetown team. He later worked as an assistant with the NBA's Sacramento Kings.Yankees blanked for 2nd straight game, lose to Rays 4-0NEW YORK (AP) — The slumping New York Yankees were shut out in consecutive games for the first time since 2016, losing to Ryan Yarbrough and the Tampa Bay Rays 4-0. Coming off a 3-0 defeat Sunday night against the Boston Red Sox, New York failed to provide any run support for ace Gerrit Cole, whose only run allowed followed a misplay in center field by Aaron Hicks. The AL East leaders were blanked for the fourth time in nine games and dropped to 8-16 since the All-Star break. Yarbrough pitched four innings as a bulk reliever for his first win in nearly a year, striking out six without a walk.Urías, Dodgers blank Brewers 4-0, continue 2nd-half surgeMILWAUKEE (AP) — Freddie Freeman and Gavin Lux homered to back Julio Urías' five solid innings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers blanked the Milwaukee Brewers 4-0. A day after their 12-game winning streak ended with a 4-0 loss at Kansas City, the major league-best Dodgers got back on track. Los Angeles is 20-4 since the All-Star break. Freeman hit a solo shot in the first inning off Freddy Peralta and Lux added a two-run blast against Hoby Milner in the sixth. Urías improved to 10-0 with a 1.99 ERA over his last 11 starts.AP Top 25 Reality Check: Pouring caution on that optimismThe Associated Press preseason college football poll comes with the promise of an exciting season for teams that make the Top 25. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo suggests a healthy dose of caution, unless you root for Alabama. Last season was especially volatile in the Top 25: 14 teams that started the season ranked finishing outside the rankings. The average for the previous decade was 9.5 teams falling out of the poll. Russo says the top-ranked Crimson Tide is the closest thing to a sure bet in college football.PICK SIX: Frost, Harsin among coaches in precarious spotLast season, 30 major college football programs made coaching changes. They included Southern California, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and LSU. Will this season be quieter? Not necessarily. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo says a number of coaches are on the hot season even before the season begins. They include Nebraska's Scott Frost and Auburn's Bryan Harsin.Las Vegas top WNBA playoff seed, league debuts new formatA'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces are the top seed in the WNBA playoffs. The postseason will have a different look this year with four best-of-three opening round series. The opening two rounds of the postseason had been single-elimination games since 2016. Las Vegas has homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. Defending champion Chicago is the No. 2 seed and will try to become the first repeat champion since 2001-02.LSU QB Brennan ends college career before 6th seasonBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU quarterback Myles Brennan has decided to end his college football career after five seasons with the Tigers. The 23-year-old Brennan announced his decision Monday. He spent his first three years at LSU as a backup. He was named the starter in 2020. But that season was cut short by an abdominal injury after three starts in which he passed for 1,112 yards and 11 touchdowns. Brennan then missed all of last season because of a non-football arm injury that occurred at the end of August camp. Brennan was a prized recruit out of St. Stanislaus High School in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He graduated from LSU with a degree in sports administration in May 2021.

Monday's MLB Game Results Cleveland 4, Detroit 1, 1st gameDetroit 7, Cleveland 5, 2nd gameTampa Bay 4, N.Y. Yankees 0Baltimore 7, Toronto 3Minnesota 4, Kansas City 2Chicago White Sox 4, Houston 2Texas 2, Oakland 1Seattle 6, L.A. Angels 2