KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;— Major League Baseball announced on Sunday the rosters for the 2024 All-Star Game, which will be played on Tuesday, July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The American League team will feature four Royals players, including&nbsp;Salvador Perez,&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;(who were elected by the players) and&nbsp;Cole Ragans&nbsp;(who was selected by the Commissioner’s Office).

The four All-Star players are the most for the Royals since 2016, when Perez led the American League in All-Star votes and&nbsp;Eric Hosmer&nbsp;started and was named All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player.&nbsp;Kelvin Herrera&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wade Davis&nbsp;were also named All-Stars that year, though Davis didn’t pitch due to injury.

Last week, Major League Baseball announced that Royals Strength and Conditioning Coach,&nbsp;Ryan Stoneberg, will join Manager&nbsp;Bruce Bochy’s&nbsp;American League staff for the 2024 All-Star Game.

Perez is an American League All-Star for the ninth time in his career, which leads all active catchers and ranks 2nd in Royals history to&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;13 All-Star selections. His nine All-Star selections are tied with&nbsp;Jose Altuve&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dave Concepción&nbsp;for the 3rd most by a Venezuela-born player, trailing only&nbsp;Miguel Cabrera&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;Luis Aparicio&nbsp;(10).

Salvy, 34, entered today among the American League leaders at catcher this season (min. 50% games at the position) in extra-base hits (30, tied for 1st), hits (88, 2nd) and RBI (55, 2nd). His 18 go-ahead RBI rank tied for 5th in the Majors among players at all positions. Perez had 2 more hits in today’s win, including the 1,500th&nbsp;hit of his career.

The 2024 All-Star Game will be a homecoming of sorts for first-time All-Star Witt Jr., who grew up in Colleyville, Texas, which is less than 20 miles north of Globe Life Field. The 24-year-old entered today ranking among the top 5 in the Majors in several offensive categories, including hits (116, 2nd), batting average (.320, 2nd), multi-hit games (36, 2nd), extra-base hits (48, 4th), total bases (201, 4th), runs (70, tied for 4th) and stolen bases (22, tied for 5th). He added 3 hits in today’s win, including a 3-run home run. On defense, Witt Jr.’s 12 Outs Above Average lead all shortstops and trail only&nbsp;Marcus Semien&nbsp;and&nbsp;Michael Siani&nbsp;(13 each) at all positions.

Witt Jr. is the third Royals shortstop to be named an All-Star, following&nbsp;Fred Patek&nbsp;(1972, 1976, 1978) and&nbsp;Alcides Escobar&nbsp;(2015).

Witt Jr.’s 49 extra-base hits including today are already the 2nd most by any Royals player before the All-Star break, trailing&nbsp;Mike Sweeney’s&nbsp;56 extra-base hits before the break in 2001. With 1 extra-base hit in the next 5 games, Witt Jr. would become just the sixth player to record at least 50 extra-base hits and 20 steals before the All-Star break, and would join&nbsp;Bobby Bonds&nbsp;(1973),&nbsp;Alfonso Soriano&nbsp;(2002),&nbsp;Ian Kinsler&nbsp;(2008),&nbsp;Mike Trout&nbsp;(2013) and&nbsp;José Ramírez&nbsp;(2018).

Lugo, 34, is a first-time All-Star in his ninth Major League season. He entered today leading the Majors in ERA (2.21), innings (122.0) and quality starts (15). His 11 wins are tied with&nbsp;Chris Sale&nbsp;for the Major League lead and his .786 win percentage (11-3) is tied for 3rd best in the Majors. Lugo has completed at least 6.0 innings in 17 of his 19 starts, the most such starts in the Majors.

Ragans, 26, was Kansas City’s Opening Day starter this season and is now an All-Star for the first time in his career. He’s 5-6 with a 3.28 ERA (40 ER in 109.2 IP) in 19 starts, and his 134 strikeouts were the 3rd most in the Majors entering today, trailing&nbsp;Garrett Crochet&nbsp;(146) and&nbsp;Tyler Glasnow&nbsp;(143).

Ragans was a 2016 1st-round pick of the Rangers, who are hosting this year’s All-Star Game. He made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2022 and made Texas’ Opening Day roster in 2023, before being acquired by Kansas City on June 30, 2023 in a three-player trade that sent&nbsp;Aroldis Chapman&nbsp;to the Rangers.

Lugo and Ragans are the first Royals pitchers to be named to an All-Star Game since&nbsp;Jason Vargas&nbsp;in 2017. This marks the first time in franchise history that the Royals will have two All-Star&nbsp;starting pitchers&nbsp;in the same season.

Kansas City’s four All-Star players were acquired via international signing (Perez, 2006), the First-Year Player Draft (Witt Jr., 2019), trade (Ragans, 2023) and free agency (Lugo, 2023).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720395967325.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals 2024 All-Stars" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals 2024 All-Stars</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;— Major League Baseball announced on Sunday the rosters for the 2024 All-Star Game, which will be played on Tuesday, July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The American League team will feature four Royals players, including&nbsp;Salvador Perez,&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;(who were elected by the players) and&nbsp;Cole Ragans&nbsp;(who was selected by the Commissioner’s Office).The four All-Star players are the most for the Royals since 2016, when Perez led the American League in All-Star votes and&nbsp;Eric Hosmer&nbsp;started and was named All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player.&nbsp;Kelvin Herrera&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wade Davis&nbsp;were also named All-Stars that year, though Davis didn’t pitch due to injury.Last week, Major League Baseball announced that Royals Strength and Conditioning Coach,&nbsp;Ryan Stoneberg, will join Manager&nbsp;Bruce Bochy’s&nbsp;American League staff for the 2024 All-Star Game.Perez is an American League All-Star for the ninth time in his career, which leads all active catchers and ranks 2nd in Royals history to&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;13 All-Star selections. His nine All-Star selections are tied with&nbsp;Jose Altuve&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dave Concepción&nbsp;for the 3rd most by a Venezuela-born player, trailing only&nbsp;Miguel Cabrera&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;Luis Aparicio&nbsp;(10).Salvy, 34, entered today among the American League leaders at catcher this season (min. 50% games at the position) in extra-base hits (30, tied for 1st), hits (88, 2nd) and RBI (55, 2nd). His 18 go-ahead RBI rank tied for 5th in the Majors among players at all positions. Perez had 2 more hits in today’s win, including the 1,500th&nbsp;hit of his career.The 2024 All-Star Game will be a homecoming of sorts for first-time All-Star Witt Jr., who grew up in Colleyville, Texas, which is less than 20 miles north of Globe Life Field. The 24-year-old entered today ranking among the top 5 in the Majors in several offensive categories, including hits (116, 2nd), batting average (.320, 2nd), multi-hit games (36, 2nd), extra-base hits (48, 4th), total bases (201, 4th), runs (70, tied for 4th) and stolen bases (22, tied for 5th). He added 3 hits in today’s win, including a 3-run home run. On defense, Witt Jr.’s 12 Outs Above Average lead all shortstops and trail only&nbsp;Marcus Semien&nbsp;and&nbsp;Michael Siani&nbsp;(13 each) at all positions.Witt Jr. is the third Royals shortstop to be named an All-Star, following&nbsp;Fred Patek&nbsp;(1972, 1976, 1978) and&nbsp;Alcides Escobar&nbsp;(2015).Witt Jr.’s 49 extra-base hits including today are already the 2nd most by any Royals player before the All-Star break, trailing&nbsp;Mike Sweeney’s&nbsp;56 extra-base hits before the break in 2001. With 1 extra-base hit in the next 5 games, Witt Jr. would become just the sixth player to record at least 50 extra-base hits and 20 steals before the All-Star break, and would join&nbsp;Bobby Bonds&nbsp;(1973),&nbsp;Alfonso Soriano&nbsp;(2002),&nbsp;Ian Kinsler&nbsp;(2008),&nbsp;Mike Trout&nbsp;(2013) and&nbsp;José Ramírez&nbsp;(2018).Lugo, 34, is a first-time All-Star in his ninth Major League season. He entered today leading the Majors in ERA (2.21), innings (122.0) and quality starts (15). His 11 wins are tied with&nbsp;Chris Sale&nbsp;for the Major League lead and his .786 win percentage (11-3) is tied for 3rd best in the Majors. Lugo has completed at least 6.0 innings in 17 of his 19 starts, the most such starts in the Majors.Ragans, 26, was Kansas City’s Opening Day starter this season and is now an All-Star for the first time in his career. He’s 5-6 with a 3.28 ERA (40 ER in 109.2 IP) in 19 starts, and his 134 strikeouts were the 3rd most in the Majors entering today, trailing&nbsp;Garrett Crochet&nbsp;(146) and&nbsp;Tyler Glasnow&nbsp;(143).Ragans was a 2016 1st-round pick of the Rangers, who are hosting this year’s All-Star Game. He made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2022 and made Texas’ Opening Day roster in 2023, before being acquired by Kansas City on June 30, 2023 in a three-player trade that sent&nbsp;Aroldis Chapman&nbsp;to the Rangers.Lugo and Ragans are the first Royals pitchers to be named to an All-Star Game since&nbsp;Jason Vargas&nbsp;in 2017. This marks the first time in franchise history that the Royals will have two All-Star&nbsp;starting pitchers&nbsp;in the same season.Kansas City’s four All-Star players were acquired via international signing (Perez, 2006), the First-Year Player Draft (Witt Jr., 2019), trade (Ragans, 2023) and free agency (Lugo, 2023).

⚾ 4 Royals headed to All-Star Game

DENVER (AP) — Maikel Garcia, MJ Melendez and Bobby Witt Jr. homered, Brady Singer won for the first time on the road this season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Colorado Rockies 10-1 on Sunday to end a three-game losing streak.

“It’s huge,” Witt said. “Anytime you get a win is big, but also doing it in that form and fashion, that just shows what our offense can do. And I still think we can even do more."

Garcia’s three-run homer capped a four-run second inning off right-hander Tanner Gordon (0-1), who was making his major league debut. Garcia homered for first time since May 17, a span of 183 at-bats. He has six homers this season.

Melendez homered in the seventh, and Witt hit his 15th to cap a three-hit day in a three-run ninth.

“Maikel put a good at-bat together," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Pretty sure he wasn’t trying to hit a home run, but a good swing on a pitch that has given him some trouble.”

“Just trying to put the ball in play,” Garcia said.

Singer (5-5) gave one run and six hits — all singles — and stuck out seven in seven innings for his first road victory since Aug. 8, 2023, in Boston. He is 5-5 with a 2.93 ERA this season, 1-2 with a 3.24 ERA in eight road starts.

Nolan Jones hit run-scoring single to break Singer’s shutout with two outs in the seventh inning, but Singer retired Aaron Schunk on a fly to deep left field to preserve a 5-1 lead.

“My first time pitching in Coors Field in this air, so I really didn’t know how the ball would move or if the sinker would work as well as it has been,” Singer said. "I was able to use it. I think it worked pretty well, and the slider was a big pitch. Pitching on the road is a little bit different. It is good to win this last game of the series.”

Nine-time All-Star Salvador Perez had two singles, the first the 1,500th of his 13-year career, and Michael Massey and Garcia also had two hits. The Royals were 4 for 7 with runners in scoring position after going 4 for 51 in their previous nine road games. They had lost five straight on the road.

Gordon gave up eight hits and stuck out four without a walk in an economical 6 1/3 innings. He threw 78 pitches, 62 strikes.

Jake Cave had two hits and Michael Toglia reached base on a single and two walks for the Rockies, who had a three-game winning streak broken. Ezequiel Tovar was 0 for 4 and is hitless in his last 24 at-bats, a career long.

Perez singled to open second inning off Gordon, and singles by Massey and Felix Fermin drove in the first run. Garcia homered on a one-out 1-2 changeup, his 382-foot fly just clearing the left field fence.

“If you reconstruct the second inning, made some really good pitches,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. "Jam shot to Perez and two ground balls that went through the infield. Garcia went down and got a pretty good changeup.”

Massey and Fermin had RBIs in the eighth.

Royals: 2B/OF Adam Frazier (thumb) was hitless in four at-bats from the leadoff spot in his first game since being activated from the injured list Friday. He was replaced for defensive purposes in the seventh inning.

Rockies: Gordon was purchased from Triple-A Albuquerque to make the start and RHP Dakota Hudson (2-12, 5.84 ERA) was designated for assignment. Hudson set a franchise record for most losses before the All-Star Game. … RHP German Marquez (Tommy John surgery) nearing a return to the rotation and is expected to make a final rehab start Tuesday, likely for Double-A Hartford. The Rockies roster is at 39. … OF Kris Bryant (oblique strain) will accompany the team on the seven-game road trip and will begin hitting on the field Monday. “That’s another big step,” manager Bud Black said. Bryant has been out since June 3.

Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (1-7, 5.60 ERA) was set to face Cincinnati LHP Andrew Abbott (8-6, 3.28) in the first game of a four-game series Monday at Great American Ball Park. ... Royals RHP Michael Wacha (5-6, 3.74) was scheduled to oppose Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.00) on Tuesday night in St. Louis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JACK MAGRUDER Associated PressDENVER (AP) — Maikel Garcia, MJ Melendez and Bobby Witt Jr. homered, Brady Singer won for the first time on the road this season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Colorado Rockies 10-1 on Sunday to end a three-game losing streak.“It’s huge,” Witt said. “Anytime you get a win is big, but also doing it in that form and fashion, that just shows what our offense can do. And I still think we can even do more."Garcia’s three-run homer capped a four-run second inning off right-hander Tanner Gordon (0-1), who was making his major league debut. Garcia homered for first time since May 17, a span of 183 at-bats. He has six homers this season.Melendez homered in the seventh, and Witt hit his 15th to cap a three-hit day in a three-run ninth.“Maikel put a good at-bat together," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Pretty sure he wasn’t trying to hit a home run, but a good swing on a pitch that has given him some trouble.”“Just trying to put the ball in play,” Garcia said.Singer (5-5) gave one run and six hits — all singles — and stuck out seven in seven innings for his first road victory since Aug. 8, 2023, in Boston. He is 5-5 with a 2.93 ERA this season, 1-2 with a 3.24 ERA in eight road starts.Nolan Jones hit run-scoring single to break Singer’s shutout with two outs in the seventh inning, but Singer retired Aaron Schunk on a fly to deep left field to preserve a 5-1 lead.“My first time pitching in Coors Field in this air, so I really didn’t know how the ball would move or if the sinker would work as well as it has been,” Singer said. "I was able to use it. I think it worked pretty well, and the slider was a big pitch. Pitching on the road is a little bit different. It is good to win this last game of the series.”Nine-time All-Star Salvador Perez had two singles, the first the 1,500th of his 13-year career, and Michael Massey and Garcia also had two hits. The Royals were 4 for 7 with runners in scoring position after going 4 for 51 in their previous nine road games. They had lost five straight on the road.Gordon gave up eight hits and stuck out four without a walk in an economical 6 1/3 innings. He threw 78 pitches, 62 strikes.Jake Cave had two hits and Michael Toglia reached base on a single and two walks for the Rockies, who had a three-game winning streak broken. Ezequiel Tovar was 0 for 4 and is hitless in his last 24 at-bats, a career long.Perez singled to open second inning off Gordon, and singles by Massey and Felix Fermin drove in the first run. Garcia homered on a one-out 1-2 changeup, his 382-foot fly just clearing the left field fence.“If you reconstruct the second inning, made some really good pitches,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. "Jam shot to Perez and two ground balls that went through the infield. Garcia went down and got a pretty good changeup.”Massey and Fermin had RBIs in the eighth.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: 2B/OF Adam Frazier (thumb) was hitless in four at-bats from the leadoff spot in his first game since being activated from the injured list Friday. He was replaced for defensive purposes in the seventh inning.Rockies: Gordon was purchased from Triple-A Albuquerque to make the start and RHP Dakota Hudson (2-12, 5.84 ERA) was designated for assignment. Hudson set a franchise record for most losses before the All-Star Game. … RHP German Marquez (Tommy John surgery) nearing a return to the rotation and is expected to make a final rehab start Tuesday, likely for Double-A Hartford. The Rockies roster is at 39. … OF Kris Bryant (oblique strain) will accompany the team on the seven-game road trip and will begin hitting on the field Monday. “That’s another big step,” manager Bud Black said. Bryant has been out since June 3.UP NEXTRockies RHP Ryan Feltner (1-7, 5.60 ERA) was set to face Cincinnati LHP Andrew Abbott (8-6, 3.28) in the first game of a four-game series Monday at Great American Ball Park. ... Royals RHP Michael Wacha (5-6, 3.74) was scheduled to oppose Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.00) on Tuesday night in St. Louis.

⚾ Royals win over Rockies Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the the Wichita Diamond Kings at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Sunday night with the first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.

The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Sean Boston will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720269604120.png" alt="Game Day vs Diamond Kings - July 7th, 2024&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Game Day vs Diamond Kings - July 7th, 2024&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the the Wichita Diamond Kings at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Sunday night with the first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Sean Boston will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1116216?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾ Monarchs wrap up homestand with Diamond Kings

Back for a 4th Olympics run, LeBron James says gold is all that matters

LAS VEGAS (AP) — LeBron James didn't need another Olympic experience to complete some missing box on his resume or add to a legacy that was secured long, long ago. He decided to play this summer for one simple reason — because he wants to. Taking his first steps toward becoming the first U.S. men's basketball player to compete at the Olympics in three different decades, James hit the floor Saturday with the team that the Americans are sending to the Paris Games later this month. Training camp opened in Las Vegas, the start of a 5 1/2-week quest where the only acceptable ending will be the U.S. winning gold for a fifth consecutive time.

Uruguay beats Brazil 4-2 on penalties after scoreless draw, advances to Copa America semifinals

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals with a 4-2 victory over Brazil on penalty kicks after the teams played to a scoreless draw. Manuel Ugarte scored the winning goal in the fifth round of the shootout. The teams combined for a tournament-high 41 fouls and just four shots on goal during a bruising, choppy match with little of the impressive soccer for which both South American powerhouses are known. Uruguay led 3-1 after three rounds of the shootout when goalkeeper Sergio Rochet stopped Éder Militão and Douglas Luiz hit the post.

England beats Switzerland in a penalty shootout to reach Euro 2024 semifinals

DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — England beat Switzerland 5-3 in a penalty shootout to reach the semifinals of Euro 2024 after a 1-1 draw in extra time. England converted all of its first four penalties before Trent Alexander-Arnold won the game with the fifth. Manuel Akanji saw Switzerland's first penalty kick saved to leave his team trailing. England, which lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy in a penalty shootout, goes on to play either Turkey or the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday for a spot in the final.

Twins' Jose Miranda gets a hit in 12th consecutive at-bat, tying MLB record

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jose Miranda of the Minnesota Twins singled in the fourth inning for his 12th straight hit in an at-bat. MLB says that ties the longest streak in major league history. Miranda entered the game Saturday against the Houston Astros with 10 consecutive hits. He was hit on the arm in his first plate appearance. After being examined by the Twins training staff, Miranda remained in the game. In the second inning, he drove Hunter Brown's first pitch into center field for an RBI single. He's now tied with Johnny Kling in 1902, Pinky Higgins in 1938 and Walt Dropo in 1952 for the longest such streak.

Caitlin Clark rallies Fever past Liberty 83-78 with first triple-double by WNBA rookie

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark posted the first triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history to rally Indiana to an 83-78 victory over New York on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, snapping the Fever's nine-game losing streak to the Liberty. Clark finished with 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds for Indiana (9-13). Aliyah Boston finshed with 18 points on 8-for-12 shooting and had eight rebounds for the Fever. Sabrina Ionescu scored 22 to lead New York, which had won five straight games. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 20 points, Clark, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, was one rebound shy of a triple-double two games ago in an 88-82 road victory over the Phoenix Mercury.

Vikings' Khyree Jackson, 2 former high school teammates killed in car crash in Maryland

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — Police say Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson has been killed in a car crash in Maryland. The 24-year-old Jackson was one of three people who died Saturday in an overnight three-car crash in Prince George's County. State police say 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel and 24-year-old Anthony Lytton, Jr., who were teammates of Jackson in high school and former college players, were also killed. Police said the car they were in was clipped by another vehicle. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor and charges could be coming, police say. Jackson was a fourth-round draft pick by the Vikings in April.

Looking a lot like dad, Bronny James makes NBA Summer League debut

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Bronny James looked so much like his famous father LeBron James just during warmups it had fans and others at Chase Center doing double-takes. Oversized headphones on his ears and dressed in full Lakers gold as he geared up for his NBA Summer League debut, the Lakers rookie even exhibited some familiar mannerisms and facial expressions. If all goes as planned, the 19-year-old James and his dad would become the first father-son pair to play in the NBA at the same time — and on the same team no less. Bronny started the game for the Lakers.

Chicago street course offers a tricky opportunity for winless NASCAR Cup Series drivers

CHICAGO (AP) — Alex Bowman sees a Chicago street course full of possibilities. He also sees a major potential problem. Bowman says, "All the winners behind us in points make my life harder for sure." That's the situation for a group of NASCAR Cup Series contenders fighting for five remaining spots in the playoffs after Joey Logano became this season's 11th different winner last weekend in Tennessee. Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs, Ross Chastain, Chris Buescher and Bowman occupy the last five playoff spots on points at the moment. Truex is in a strong position with seven races left in the regular season, but a win for a driver below Bowman in the standings could shake up the playoff field once again.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece beat Luka Doncic, Slovenia to advance to Olympic qualifying final

Thomas Walkup had 19 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo added 13 points in 21 minutes and Greece moved one victory from the Paris Games, eliminating Luka Doncic and Slovenia 96-68 from the semifinals of the Olympic qualifying tournament. Doncic finished with 21 points in the game Saturday in Piraeus, Greece, which marked the first time the two NBA megastars faced one another while representing their senior national teams. The matchup was one of eight semifinals taking place to determine the last four berths in the men's basketball field for the Paris Games. Greece will meet Croatia on Sunday in the final of the Greece tournament.

Netherlands into Euro 2024 semifinal against England after beating Turkey

BERLIN (AP) — The Netherlands came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday and book its place in the European Championship semifinals. An own goal from Mert Muldur in the 76th minute, only six after Stefan De Vrij canceled Samet Akaydin's first-half header for Turkey, was enough for the Dutch in the last of the quarterfinals. The Netherlands will next face England in the second semifinal in Dortmund on Wednesday. Spain faces France in the first on Tuesday.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		FC Dallas	at	Sporting Kansas City	8:30 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, July 7th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, July 7th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for July 7th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Summary for July 7th, 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ev2hx-165fc92-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Back for a 4th Olympics run, LeBron James says gold is all that mattersLAS VEGAS (AP) — LeBron James didn't need another Olympic experience to complete some missing box on his resume or add to a legacy that was secured long, long ago. He decided to play this summer for one simple reason — because he wants to. Taking his first steps toward becoming the first U.S. men's basketball player to compete at the Olympics in three different decades, James hit the floor Saturday with the team that the Americans are sending to the Paris Games later this month. Training camp opened in Las Vegas, the start of a 5 1/2-week quest where the only acceptable ending will be the U.S. winning gold for a fifth consecutive time.Uruguay beats Brazil 4-2 on penalties after scoreless draw, advances to Copa America semifinalsLAS VEGAS (AP) — Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals with a 4-2 victory over Brazil on penalty kicks after the teams played to a scoreless draw. Manuel Ugarte scored the winning goal in the fifth round of the shootout. The teams combined for a tournament-high 41 fouls and just four shots on goal during a bruising, choppy match with little of the impressive soccer for which both South American powerhouses are known. Uruguay led 3-1 after three rounds of the shootout when goalkeeper Sergio Rochet stopped Éder Militão and Douglas Luiz hit the post.England beats Switzerland in a penalty shootout to reach Euro 2024 semifinalsDUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — England beat Switzerland 5-3 in a penalty shootout to reach the semifinals of Euro 2024 after a 1-1 draw in extra time. England converted all of its first four penalties before Trent Alexander-Arnold won the game with the fifth. Manuel Akanji saw Switzerland's first penalty kick saved to leave his team trailing. England, which lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy in a penalty shootout, goes on to play either Turkey or the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday for a spot in the final.Twins' Jose Miranda gets a hit in 12th consecutive at-bat, tying MLB recordMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jose Miranda of the Minnesota Twins singled in the fourth inning for his 12th straight hit in an at-bat. MLB says that ties the longest streak in major league history. Miranda entered the game Saturday against the Houston Astros with 10 consecutive hits. He was hit on the arm in his first plate appearance. After being examined by the Twins training staff, Miranda remained in the game. In the second inning, he drove Hunter Brown's first pitch into center field for an RBI single. He's now tied with Johnny Kling in 1902, Pinky Higgins in 1938 and Walt Dropo in 1952 for the longest such streak.Caitlin Clark rallies Fever past Liberty 83-78 with first triple-double by WNBA rookieINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark posted the first triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history to rally Indiana to an 83-78 victory over New York on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, snapping the Fever's nine-game losing streak to the Liberty. Clark finished with 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds for Indiana (9-13). Aliyah Boston finshed with 18 points on 8-for-12 shooting and had eight rebounds for the Fever. Sabrina Ionescu scored 22 to lead New York, which had won five straight games. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 20 points, Clark, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, was one rebound shy of a triple-double two games ago in an 88-82 road victory over the Phoenix Mercury.Vikings' Khyree Jackson, 2 former high school teammates killed in car crash in MarylandUPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — Police say Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson has been killed in a car crash in Maryland. The 24-year-old Jackson was one of three people who died Saturday in an overnight three-car crash in Prince George's County. State police say 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel and 24-year-old Anthony Lytton, Jr., who were teammates of Jackson in high school and former college players, were also killed. Police said the car they were in was clipped by another vehicle. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor and charges could be coming, police say. Jackson was a fourth-round draft pick by the Vikings in April.Looking a lot like dad, Bronny James makes NBA Summer League debutSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Bronny James looked so much like his famous father LeBron James just during warmups it had fans and others at Chase Center doing double-takes. Oversized headphones on his ears and dressed in full Lakers gold as he geared up for his NBA Summer League debut, the Lakers rookie even exhibited some familiar mannerisms and facial expressions. If all goes as planned, the 19-year-old James and his dad would become the first father-son pair to play in the NBA at the same time — and on the same team no less. Bronny started the game for the Lakers.Chicago street course offers a tricky opportunity for winless NASCAR Cup Series driversCHICAGO (AP) — Alex Bowman sees a Chicago street course full of possibilities. He also sees a major potential problem. Bowman says, "All the winners behind us in points make my life harder for sure." That's the situation for a group of NASCAR Cup Series contenders fighting for five remaining spots in the playoffs after Joey Logano became this season's 11th different winner last weekend in Tennessee. Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs, Ross Chastain, Chris Buescher and Bowman occupy the last five playoff spots on points at the moment. Truex is in a strong position with seven races left in the regular season, but a win for a driver below Bowman in the standings could shake up the playoff field once again.Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece beat Luka Doncic, Slovenia to advance to Olympic qualifying finalThomas Walkup had 19 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo added 13 points in 21 minutes and Greece moved one victory from the Paris Games, eliminating Luka Doncic and Slovenia 96-68 from the semifinals of the Olympic qualifying tournament. Doncic finished with 21 points in the game Saturday in Piraeus, Greece, which marked the first time the two NBA megastars faced one another while representing their senior national teams. The matchup was one of eight semifinals taking place to determine the last four berths in the men's basketball field for the Paris Games. Greece will meet Croatia on Sunday in the final of the Greece tournament.Netherlands into Euro 2024 semifinal against England after beating TurkeyBERLIN (AP) — The Netherlands came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday and book its place in the European Championship semifinals. An own goal from Mert Muldur in the 76th minute, only six after Stefan De Vrij canceled Samet Akaydin's first-half header for Turkey, was enough for the Dutch in the last of the quarterfinals. The Netherlands will next face England in the second semifinal in Dortmund on Wednesday. Spain faces France in the first on Tuesday.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	L.A. Angels	7	Chicago Cubs	0	Final	Cleveland	5	San Francisco	4	Final	Miami	4	Chicago White Sox	3	Final	Detroit	5	Cincinnati	3	Final	Colorado	3	Kansas City	1	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Yankees	14	Boston	4	Final	Minnesota	9	Houston	3	Final	Texas	4	Tampa Bay	3	Final	Toronto	5	Seattle	4	Final	Oakland	19	Baltimore	8	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Mets	5	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Washington	14	St. Louis	6	Final	Atlanta	5	Philadelphia	1	Final	L.A. Dodgers	5	Milwaukee	3	Final	Arizona	7	San Diego	5	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Indiana	83	New York	78	Final	Minnesota	74	Washington	67	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal	Cincinnati	6	Miami	1	Final	Columbus	4	Toronto FC	0	Final tie	Vancouver	1	CF Montréal	1	Final	Orlando City	5	D.C. United	0	Final tie	New York	0	Philadelphia	0	Final	Austin FC	2	New York City FC	1	Final	Real Salt Lake	5	Atlanta	2	Final	Seattle	2	New England	0	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Chi White Sox	at	Miami	1:40 p.m.			Detroit	at	Cincinnati	1:40 p.m.			San Francisco	at	Cleveland	1:40 p.m.			L-A Angels	at	Chi Cubs	2:20 p.m.			Kansas City	at	Colorado	3:10 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Houston	at	Minnesota	2:10 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Texas	2:35 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Oakland	4:07 p.m.			Toronto	at	Seattle	4:10 p.m.			Boston	at	N-Y Yankees	7:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		N-Y Mets	at	Pittsburgh	1:35 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Atlanta	1:35 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Washington	1:35 p.m.			Arizona	at	San Diego	4:10 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	L-A Dodgers	4:10 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Atlanta	at	Connecticut	1 p.m.			Dallas	at	Las Vegas	3:30 p.m.			Chicago	at	Seattle	6 p.m.			Phoenix	at	Los Angeles	7 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Los Angeles FC	at	Houston	8:30 p.m.			FC Dallas	at	Sporting Kansas City	8:30 p.m.			Chicago	at	San Jose	8:30 p.m.			St Louis City	at	Colorado	9:30 p.m.			Minnesota	at	LA Galaxy	10:30 p.m.			Nashville	at	Portland	10:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Sunday

TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge hit three home runs on the road yet fell 7-4 against the Tulsa Drillers in the series finale. Wichita has lost four straight games dating back to Thursday, including being swept in all three games at ONEOK Field this weekend.

Carson McCusker&nbsp;worked a full count before cranking his seventh home run of the season, a solo shot, to deep left field in the top of the second.

Just four runners would reach second base safely across the next four innings between both sides. Dalton Rushing nearly got caught in a rundown between first and second, yet evaded a tag after the ball dropped with two outs in the bottom of the sixth. The Drillers catcher being safe was important, as on the next pitch, Damon Keith blasted a double to the right-center alley, allowing Rushing to come around all the way from first to tie the game 1-1.

Bubba Alleyne brought home two more for Tulsa on a triple to the right field wall after the stretch in the bottom of the seventh, later sliding across the plate himself on a Yeiner Fernandez sacrifice fly to center. Rushing then added Drillers run number four in the frame on an RBI single to right for a 5-1 Tulsa lead. Two more runs for the home team scored in the home half of the eighth on a double by Alex Freeland to right field, which the switch hitter batting lefty pulled with two outs.

Jorel Ortega&nbsp;smacked a solo home run, his fifth of the year, on the first pitch he saw to left field to begin the bottom of the ninth.&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;also yanked a two-run blast out of the yard, number five this season, to put the Wind Surge within three before the following two batters were retired to end the game.

Cody Laweryson&nbsp;is now even at 1-1 on the season after taking the loss. The 6’4” right-hander gave up four earned runs on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts in his lone inning of relief back in the seventh.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720343637917.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge vs Drillers in Tulsa" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge vs Drillers in Tulsa</figcaption>
 </figure>TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge hit three home runs on the road yet fell 7-4 against the Tulsa Drillers in the series finale. Wichita has lost four straight games dating back to Thursday, including being swept in all three games at ONEOK Field this weekend.Carson McCusker&nbsp;worked a full count before cranking his seventh home run of the season, a solo shot, to deep left field in the top of the second.Just four runners would reach second base safely across the next four innings between both sides. Dalton Rushing nearly got caught in a rundown between first and second, yet evaded a tag after the ball dropped with two outs in the bottom of the sixth. The Drillers catcher being safe was important, as on the next pitch, Damon Keith blasted a double to the right-center alley, allowing Rushing to come around all the way from first to tie the game 1-1.Bubba Alleyne brought home two more for Tulsa on a triple to the right field wall after the stretch in the bottom of the seventh, later sliding across the plate himself on a Yeiner Fernandez sacrifice fly to center. Rushing then added Drillers run number four in the frame on an RBI single to right for a 5-1 Tulsa lead. Two more runs for the home team scored in the home half of the eighth on a double by Alex Freeland to right field, which the switch hitter batting lefty pulled with two outs.Jorel Ortega&nbsp;smacked a solo home run, his fifth of the year, on the first pitch he saw to left field to begin the bottom of the ninth.&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;also yanked a two-run blast out of the yard, number five this season, to put the Wind Surge within three before the following two batters were retired to end the game.Cody Laweryson&nbsp;is now even at 1-1 on the season after taking the loss. The 6’4” right-hander gave up four earned runs on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts in his lone inning of relief back in the seventh.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge home runs too little too late in loss to Drillers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Big innings seems to be in the DNA of the Hutch Monarchs baseball team this season as that's what happened on Saturday night as the Monarchs pulled away from the Great Bend Bat Cats with big innings late to win 12-3.

Hutch sent nine players to the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning to regain the lead 6-3 after the Bat Cats had tied it in the third with three runs of their own.

Blake Bradford, Jaden Gustafson, Jarrett Flaggert and Sam Wiese all came up with big hits in the bottom of the sixth to extend the Monarch lead to seven at 10-3.

That was all that Derick Johnson needed as he shut the door on the Bat Cats along with Camden Cornelius  coming out of the bullpen to shut down the Bat Cats.

Zerick Warren's double in the bottom of the eighth knocked in a couple of insurance runs to make it 12-3 Monarchs.

Hutchinson will host the Wichita Diamond Kings Sunday with first pitch set for 6pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720342474567.jpeg" alt="Hutch Monarchs win on Saturday" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Monarchs win on Saturday</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Big innings seems to be in the DNA of the Hutch Monarchs baseball team this season as that's what happened on Saturday night as the Monarchs pulled away from the Great Bend Bat Cats with big innings late to win 12-3.Hutch sent nine players to the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning to regain the lead 6-3 after the Bat Cats had tied it in the third with three runs of their own.Blake Bradford, Jaden Gustafson, Jarrett Flaggert and Sam Wiese all came up with big hits in the bottom of the sixth to extend the Monarch lead to seven at 10-3.That was all that Derick Johnson needed as he shut the door on the Bat Cats along with Camden Cornelius coming out of the bullpen to shut down the Bat Cats.Zerick Warren's double in the bottom of the eighth knocked in a couple of insurance runs to make it 12-3 Monarchs.Hutchinson will host the Wichita Diamond Kings Sunday with first pitch set for 6pm.

⚾ Hutch Monarchs use big innings to cruise to win over Bat Cats

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the Great Bend Bat Cats at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Saturday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719836204125.png" alt="Game Day vs Bat Cats - July 6th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Game Day vs Bat Cats - July 6th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the Great Bend Bat Cats at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Saturday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Sean Boston will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1116215?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾ Monarchs host Great Bend Bat Cats on Saturday

July 5: LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/679156" target="_blank">Walter Pennington</a>&nbsp;selected from Triple-A Omaha; RHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/carlos-hernandez-672578" target="_blank">Carlos Hernández</a>&nbsp;optioned to Triple-A Omaha; RHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/656186" target="_blank">Dan Altavilla</a>&nbsp;transferred to 60-day injured list

In an effort to give their bullpen a fresh arm and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/walter-pennington-showing-potential-as-royals-take-notice" target="_blank">one of the top strike-throwers in the Minor Leagues</a>, the Royals promoted Pennington on Friday ahead of the series opener at Coors Field -- which just so happens to be 15 miles away from Pennington's hometown of Broomfield, Colo., and the home of the Rockies, the team Pennington grew up rooting for. Now, he's set to make his MLB debut sometime over the weekend.

"It's complete elation," Pennington said. "I grew up here. I was dreaming of being a professional baseball player, and it all started right here at this stadium. Now, making it come true is a dream come true."

Pennington played college baseball and graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo., just 20 miles west of Coors Field. He went undrafted in 2020 -- when the Draft was five rounds -- and was signed by the Royals in August by Kansas area scout Matt Price after he saw Pennington pitch in an independent and summer ball tournament in Wichita.

Pennington steadily rose through the Royals' system and really burst onto the scene this year after an invite to big league Spring Training. In 32 games with Omaha this year, Pennington has a 2.35 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings.

"He's been really good against lefties," manager Matt Quatraro said. "He's been good against righties as well, and he can provide length. He's very versatile. … [Strike-throwing] is what we prioritize and stress getting guys ahead of hitters. And he's done that all year."

Pennington replaces Hernández, who has struggled to find the zone since he returned to Kansas City at the end of June. To make room of the 40-man roster for Pennington, the Royals transferred Altavilla to the 60-day IL as the righty recovers from an oblique/lat strain suffered on June 20.

July 5: INF&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/624428" target="_blank">Adam Frazier</a>&nbsp;reinstated from 10-day IL;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/680769" target="_blank">CJ Alexander</a>&nbsp;optioned to Triple-A OmahaAfter just one game on a rehab assignment, in which he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Frazier is back with the Royals and healed from his right thumb strain he suffered on June 22 in Texas.

Frazier wasn't in the lineup Friday because of lefty Kyle Freeland on the mound for the Rockies, but Quatraro said the veteran utilityman will be available off the bench and will see time playing second base, the outfield and as a pinch-hitter like he did before the injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239729221.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/royals-injuries-and-roster-moves">Via MLB.com</a>July 5: LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/679156" target="_blank">Walter Pennington</a>&nbsp;selected from Triple-A Omaha; RHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/carlos-hernandez-672578" target="_blank">Carlos Hernández</a>&nbsp;optioned to Triple-A Omaha; RHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/656186" target="_blank">Dan Altavilla</a>&nbsp;transferred to 60-day injured listIn an effort to give their bullpen a fresh arm and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/walter-pennington-showing-potential-as-royals-take-notice" target="_blank">one of the top strike-throwers in the Minor Leagues</a>, the Royals promoted Pennington on Friday ahead of the series opener at Coors Field -- which just so happens to be 15 miles away from Pennington's hometown of Broomfield, Colo., and the home of the Rockies, the team Pennington grew up rooting for. Now, he's set to make his MLB debut sometime over the weekend."It's complete elation," Pennington said. "I grew up here. I was dreaming of being a professional baseball player, and it all started right here at this stadium. Now, making it come true is a dream come true."Pennington played college baseball and graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo., just 20 miles west of Coors Field. He went undrafted in 2020 -- when the Draft was five rounds -- and was signed by the Royals in August by Kansas area scout Matt Price after he saw Pennington pitch in an independent and summer ball tournament in Wichita.Pennington steadily rose through the Royals' system and really burst onto the scene this year after an invite to big league Spring Training. In 32 games with Omaha this year, Pennington has a 2.35 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings."He's been really good against lefties," manager Matt Quatraro said. "He's been good against righties as well, and he can provide length. He's very versatile. … [Strike-throwing] is what we prioritize and stress getting guys ahead of hitters. And he's done that all year."Pennington replaces Hernández, who has struggled to find the zone since he returned to Kansas City at the end of June. To make room of the 40-man roster for Pennington, the Royals transferred Altavilla to the 60-day IL as the righty recovers from an oblique/lat strain suffered on June 20.July 5: INF&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/624428" target="_blank">Adam Frazier</a>&nbsp;reinstated from 10-day IL;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/680769" target="_blank">CJ Alexander</a>&nbsp;optioned to Triple-A OmahaAfter just one game on a rehab assignment, in which he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Frazier is back with the Royals and healed from his right thumb strain he suffered on June 22 in Texas.Frazier wasn't in the lineup Friday because of lefty Kyle Freeland on the mound for the Rockies, but Quatraro said the veteran utilityman will be available off the bench and will see time playing second base, the outfield and as a pinch-hitter like he did before the injury.

⚾ Royals make roster moves before weekend series

Anthony Volpe has one word for state of the skidding Yankees: `Brutal'

NEW YORK (AP) — A major league-best 49-21 through June 12, the New York Yankees are a big league-worst 5-15 since. The Yankees wasted a three-run lead against the Boston Red Sox in the latest deflating defeat when Masataka Yoshida hit a tying, two-run homer off Clay Holmes with two outs in the ninth inning and Ceddane Rafaela homered against Tommy Kahnle leading off the 10th. Boston's 5-3 win sent the Yankees to their 14th loss in 18 games, a slide that started at Fenway Park on June 15.

USA Basketball men's Olympic team arrives for camp in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP) — After months of planning, it's time for the U.S. Olympic team — one that will go to the Paris Games later this month seeking a fifth consecutive gold medal — to take the floor. The first practice for the squad is Saturday, the start of a four-day training camp before its exhibition opener against Canada on Wednesday. Players began arriving Thursday in Las Vegas; Stephen Curry was the first to check in for camp, perhaps underscoring how anxious he is for what will be his first Olympics. The 12 players have all known each other for years, but the task of becoming a team starts in earnest Saturday.

Merino last-gasp goal sends Spain to Euro 2024 semis after dramatic extra-time win over Germany

STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Substitute Mikel Merino has headed Spain into the semifinals at the European Championship as his goal in the final minute of extra time saw La Roja snatch a 2-1 win over Germany and brought an end to Toni Kroos' career. Florian Wirtz's equaliser in the last minute had sent the intense quarterfinal between two of the best teams in the tournament to extra time. Dani Olmo netted the opener early in the second half. Spain defender Dani Carvajal was sent off late for a second yellow card and will be suspended for Tuesday's semifinal against Portugal or France. Fellow defender Robin le Normand will also miss the match after picking up a booking.

Ronaldo heading home as France beats Portugal 5-3 in a penalty shootout in Euro 2024 quarterfinals

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — France has beaten Portugal 5-3 in a penalty shootout to reach the European Championship semifinals and end Cristiano Ronaldo's bid to win the title in his last appearance at the tournament. The game finished 0-0 following extra time and after Joao Felix hit a post with a penalty in the shootout, Theo Hernández converted the clinching kick. France had lost in penalty shootouts at its last two major tournaments — in the last 16 at the Euros in 2021 and in the 2022 World Cup final. The 39-year-old Ronaldo has said this will be his last European Championship. France will play Spain in the semifinals after its extra-time win over Germany in Stuttgart.

Canada beats Venezuela in extra round of penalty kicks, reaches semifinals in 1st Copa America

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ismael Koné scored in the sixth round of the shootout after a third save by Maxime Crépeau and Canada advanced to the semifinals of its first Copa America with a victory over Venezuela. The Canadians won 4-3 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals. Jacob Shaffelburg scored in the 13th minute for Canada before Salomón Rondón got the equalizer in the 64th minute for Venezuela. The victory earned 48th-ranked Canada a rematch with Lionel Messi and Argentina on Tuesday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz comes back to beat Frances Tiafoe in the third round

LONDON (AP) — Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz has come back to eliminate Frances Tiafoe 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2 to reach the fourth round. The third-seeded Alcaraz was outplayed for stretches by No. 29 Tiafoe on Friday but improved to 12-1 for his career in fifth sets. Tiafoe fell to 6-13 in that category. Alcaraz will continue to pursue a second consecutive title at the All England Club and his fourth Grand Slam trophy overall. Tiafoe was not quite able to pull out what would have been a surprising victory for someone who arrived at Wimbledon with a sprained ligament in his right knee and a losing record this season.

Mother of big league Lowe brothers sees them face each other for 1st time since her cancer diagnosis

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — There is a Lowe family reunion this weekend in Texas. The mother of big league players Nathaniel and Josh is getting to watch her sons play against each other for the first time since being diagnosed with brain cancer last year. Wendy Lowe was unable to attend at Tampa Bay last October when Nathaniel Lowe and the Texas Rangers played against younger brother Josh and the Rays in an AL Wild Card playoff series. She was going through chemotherapy then. When the two teams met in Florida the first week this season, neither brother played because both were on the injured list.

Klay Thompson offers thoughtful farewell to Warriors, fans in Instagram post

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Klay Thompson offered a farewell message to the Bay Area and Golden State fans after departing the Warriors in free agency earlier this week to join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract. On Instagram, Thompson posted to his 17.1 million followers a photo of himself holding his new No. 11 jersey from after being drafted by the Warriors in 2011 with the 11th overall selection out of Washington State. The 34-year-old Thompson won four championships with the Warriors alongside Splash Brother Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Pirates rookie Paul Skenes needed just 10 electrifying starts to enter the All-Star conversation

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes is putting together a resume worthy of an All-Star. Skenes improved to 5-0 with a 2.15 ERA after working seven strong innings in a victory over the New York Mets. The 22-year-old is the first pitcher in major league history to record at least seven strikeouts in nine of his first 10 starts. Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton says Skenes is entering the conversation for All-Star consideration.

Boxer Ryan Garcia apologizes for using racial slurs, says he is going to rehab

Boxer Ryan Garcia has apologized in a series of social media posts after he used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in livestreamed comments. The 25-year-old Garcia was expelled by the World Boxing Council on Thursday over his remarks. He also announced Friday on the social media platform X that he was going to rehab. Last month, Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled that his April 20 victory over Devin Haney would be considered a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

		New York City FC	at	Austin FC	8:30 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, July 6th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, July 6th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for July 6th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Summary for July 6th, 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=stf7k-165eed3-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Anthony Volpe has one word for state of the skidding Yankees: `Brutal'NEW YORK (AP) — A major league-best 49-21 through June 12, the New York Yankees are a big league-worst 5-15 since. The Yankees wasted a three-run lead against the Boston Red Sox in the latest deflating defeat when Masataka Yoshida hit a tying, two-run homer off Clay Holmes with two outs in the ninth inning and Ceddane Rafaela homered against Tommy Kahnle leading off the 10th. Boston's 5-3 win sent the Yankees to their 14th loss in 18 games, a slide that started at Fenway Park on June 15.USA Basketball men's Olympic team arrives for camp in Las VegasLAS VEGAS (AP) — After months of planning, it's time for the U.S. Olympic team — one that will go to the Paris Games later this month seeking a fifth consecutive gold medal — to take the floor. The first practice for the squad is Saturday, the start of a four-day training camp before its exhibition opener against Canada on Wednesday. Players began arriving Thursday in Las Vegas; Stephen Curry was the first to check in for camp, perhaps underscoring how anxious he is for what will be his first Olympics. The 12 players have all known each other for years, but the task of becoming a team starts in earnest Saturday.Merino last-gasp goal sends Spain to Euro 2024 semis after dramatic extra-time win over GermanySTUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Substitute Mikel Merino has headed Spain into the semifinals at the European Championship as his goal in the final minute of extra time saw La Roja snatch a 2-1 win over Germany and brought an end to Toni Kroos' career. Florian Wirtz's equaliser in the last minute had sent the intense quarterfinal between two of the best teams in the tournament to extra time. Dani Olmo netted the opener early in the second half. Spain defender Dani Carvajal was sent off late for a second yellow card and will be suspended for Tuesday's semifinal against Portugal or France. Fellow defender Robin le Normand will also miss the match after picking up a booking.Ronaldo heading home as France beats Portugal 5-3 in a penalty shootout in Euro 2024 quarterfinalsHAMBURG, Germany (AP) — France has beaten Portugal 5-3 in a penalty shootout to reach the European Championship semifinals and end Cristiano Ronaldo's bid to win the title in his last appearance at the tournament. The game finished 0-0 following extra time and after Joao Felix hit a post with a penalty in the shootout, Theo Hernández converted the clinching kick. France had lost in penalty shootouts at its last two major tournaments — in the last 16 at the Euros in 2021 and in the 2022 World Cup final. The 39-year-old Ronaldo has said this will be his last European Championship. France will play Spain in the semifinals after its extra-time win over Germany in Stuttgart.Canada beats Venezuela in extra round of penalty kicks, reaches semifinals in 1st Copa AmericaARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ismael Koné scored in the sixth round of the shootout after a third save by Maxime Crépeau and Canada advanced to the semifinals of its first Copa America with a victory over Venezuela. The Canadians won 4-3 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals. Jacob Shaffelburg scored in the 13th minute for Canada before Salomón Rondón got the equalizer in the 64th minute for Venezuela. The victory earned 48th-ranked Canada a rematch with Lionel Messi and Argentina on Tuesday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz comes back to beat Frances Tiafoe in the third roundLONDON (AP) — Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz has come back to eliminate Frances Tiafoe 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2 to reach the fourth round. The third-seeded Alcaraz was outplayed for stretches by No. 29 Tiafoe on Friday but improved to 12-1 for his career in fifth sets. Tiafoe fell to 6-13 in that category. Alcaraz will continue to pursue a second consecutive title at the All England Club and his fourth Grand Slam trophy overall. Tiafoe was not quite able to pull out what would have been a surprising victory for someone who arrived at Wimbledon with a sprained ligament in his right knee and a losing record this season.Mother of big league Lowe brothers sees them face each other for 1st time since her cancer diagnosisARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — There is a Lowe family reunion this weekend in Texas. The mother of big league players Nathaniel and Josh is getting to watch her sons play against each other for the first time since being diagnosed with brain cancer last year. Wendy Lowe was unable to attend at Tampa Bay last October when Nathaniel Lowe and the Texas Rangers played against younger brother Josh and the Rays in an AL Wild Card playoff series. She was going through chemotherapy then. When the two teams met in Florida the first week this season, neither brother played because both were on the injured list.Klay Thompson offers thoughtful farewell to Warriors, fans in Instagram postSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Klay Thompson offered a farewell message to the Bay Area and Golden State fans after departing the Warriors in free agency earlier this week to join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract. On Instagram, Thompson posted to his 17.1 million followers a photo of himself holding his new No. 11 jersey from after being drafted by the Warriors in 2011 with the 11th overall selection out of Washington State. The 34-year-old Thompson won four championships with the Warriors alongside Splash Brother Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.Pirates rookie Paul Skenes needed just 10 electrifying starts to enter the All-Star conversationPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes is putting together a resume worthy of an All-Star. Skenes improved to 5-0 with a 2.15 ERA after working seven strong innings in a victory over the New York Mets. The 22-year-old is the first pitcher in major league history to record at least seven strikeouts in nine of his first 10 starts. Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton says Skenes is entering the conversation for All-Star consideration.Boxer Ryan Garcia apologizes for using racial slurs, says he is going to rehabBoxer Ryan Garcia has apologized in a series of social media posts after he used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in livestreamed comments. The 25-year-old Garcia was expelled by the World Boxing Council on Thursday over his remarks. He also announced Friday on the social media platform X that he was going to rehab. Last month, Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled that his April 20 victory over Devin Haney would be considered a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Chicago Cubs	5	L.A. Angels	1	Final	Detroit	5	Cincinnati	4	Final	Chicago White Sox	3	Miami	2	Final	San Francisco	4	Cleveland	2	Final	Colorado	4	Kansas City	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Boston	5	N.Y. Yankees	3	Final	Texas	3	Tampa Bay	0	Final	Houston	13	Minnesota	12	Final	Seattle	2	Toronto	1	Final	Baltimore	3	Oakland	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	14	N.Y. Mets	2	Final	St. Louis	7	Washington	6	Final	Philadelphia	8	Atlanta	6	Final	San Diego	10	Arizona	8	Final	L.A. Dodgers	8	Milwaukee	5	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Dallas	85	Atlanta	82	Final	Chicago	88	Seattle	84	Final OT	Los Angeles	98	Las Vegas	93	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		L-A Angels	at	Chi Cubs	2:20 p.m.			Chi White Sox	at	Miami	4:10 p.m.			Detroit	at	Cincinnati	4:10 p.m.			San Francisco	at	Cleveland	4:10 p.m.			Kansas City	at	Colorado	9:10 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Boston	at	N-Y Yankees	1:05 p.m.			Houston	at	Minnesota	2:10 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Texas	4:05 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Oakland	4:07 p.m.			Toronto	at	Seattle	4:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		N-Y Mets	at	Pittsburgh	4:05 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Washington	4:05 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	L-A Dodgers	7:15 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Atlanta	7:15 p.m.			Arizona	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		New York	at	Indiana	1 p.m.			Washington	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Miami	at	Cincinnati	7:30 p.m.			Toronto FC	at	Columbus	7:30 p.m.			Vancouver	at	CF Montréal	7:30 p.m.			D.C. United	at	Orlando City	7:30 p.m.			New York	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.			New York City FC	at	Austin FC	8:30 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Real Salt Lake	9:30 p.m.			New England	at	Seattle	10:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Saturday

DENNIS GEORGATOS Associated Press

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

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

“I knew the guy had a good sinker and sweeper, so I wanted to get something up in the zone,” Doyle said. “I took the first ball and was going to be pretty aggressive with the next pitch, just wanted it up in the zone, and I got it.”

The winning double was Doyle's seventh extra-base hit in his last four games, the most by a Colorado player in a four-game span since Charlie Blackmon also had seven from June 13-16, 2019. Doyle's batting average stands at .274, 71 points higher than his average at the end of last year, his first full season in the majors.

“When you’re producing, putting good swings on the baseball and finding barrels, you know this game can be a lot more fun and confidence can also raise with that. I’m in a good spot," said Doyle, who worked hard in the offseason fine-tuning his swing.

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

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

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

“I would have been pretty upset, like very upset actually,” Toglia said. “Because it’s not easy. But every one counts and I’m glad that one went my way.”

Ragans, though, had a replay review on a homer go against him for the second straight start. He also saw a home run call upheld in his last start against Cleveland when replay review could not determine whether a ball struck a metal support for netting before appearing to hit off the foul pole.

“At the end of the day, you just got to move on,” Ragans said. “It’s early in the game. It’s a 1-1 tie. ... It’s out of my hands. Nothing that I can do about it. Just got to move on and keep executing."

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

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

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

Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (11-2, 2.17 ERA), who’s tied for the major league lead in wins, was scheduled to start Saturday against LHP Austin Gomber (1-5, 4.72 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENNIS GEORGATOS Associated PressDENVER (AP) — Brenton Doyle broke an eighth-inning tie with a two-run double in the Colorado Rockies' 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.Doyle finished with three hits, the tiebreaking double coming off reliever John Schreiber (3-3). Michael Toglia had a solo home run for Colorado that weathered a replay review.“I knew the guy had a good sinker and sweeper, so I wanted to get something up in the zone,” Doyle said. “I took the first ball and was going to be pretty aggressive with the next pitch, just wanted it up in the zone, and I got it.”The winning double was Doyle's seventh extra-base hit in his last four games, the most by a Colorado player in a four-game span since Charlie Blackmon also had seven from June 13-16, 2019. Doyle's batting average stands at .274, 71 points higher than his average at the end of last year, his first full season in the majors.“When you’re producing, putting good swings on the baseball and finding barrels, you know this game can be a lot more fun and confidence can also raise with that. I’m in a good spot," said Doyle, who worked hard in the offseason fine-tuning his swing.Salvador Perez had an RBI single and Freddy Fermin added three hits, including a single off Jalen Beeks leading off the ninth inning. Nick Loftin followed with a single before Beeks retired the next three batters for his eighth save. Victor Vodnik (2-1) worked a scoreless inning in relief for the victory.The Royals went up 1-0 in the first inning when Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored an out later on a single by Perez.Toglia connected on a 2-2 offering from Cole Ragans in the third inning, sending it the opposite way and just barely over the fence in left. Left fielder Dairon Blanco made a leaping attempt at the wall, his glove appearing to make glancing contact with the cupped hands of a fan who also tried to catch the ball. The ball dropped into the first row of the bleachers. The replay review upheld the home run call, ruling there was no conclusive evidence the spectator had interfered with Blanco in the field of play.Toglia was relieved by the decision.“I would have been pretty upset, like very upset actually,” Toglia said. “Because it’s not easy. But every one counts and I’m glad that one went my way.”Ragans, though, had a replay review on a homer go against him for the second straight start. He also saw a home run call upheld in his last start against Cleveland when replay review could not determine whether a ball struck a metal support for netting before appearing to hit off the foul pole.“At the end of the day, you just got to move on,” Ragans said. “It’s early in the game. It’s a 1-1 tie. ... It’s out of my hands. Nothing that I can do about it. Just got to move on and keep executing."The Royals moved in front on an unearned run in the fourth inning, and the Rockies tied it at 2 in the sixth on Elias Díaz's RBI single.Both starters turned in solid performances, with Ragans going seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out eight but had four wild pitches, the most in a game by a pitcher this season. Colorado’s Kyle Freeland also went seven innings and allowed two runs — one earned — on seven hits.TRAINER’S ROOMRockies RHP Germán Márquez is getting closer to returning from reconstructive elbow surgery. Márquez threw 69 pitches for Double-A Hartford on Thursday in his second rehab start, striking out two and walking one. He reached 99 mph with his fastball. “He came out of that fine,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “He’s healthy. He feels good.” Márquez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, is expected to have one more rehab start Tuesday with Hartford and could rejoin the Rockies during their seven-game road trip next week that leads up to the All-Star break July 15-18.UP NEXTKansas City RHP Seth Lugo (11-2, 2.17 ERA), who’s tied for the major league lead in wins, was scheduled to start Saturday against LHP Austin Gomber (1-5, 4.72 ERA).

⚾ Rockies beat Royals Friday

TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge technically lost twice, 5-4 and 7-0, against the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. Wichita dropped to 7-18 in one-run games in the first contest, a continued game that was suspended yesterday. They also got shut out for the fourth time this season in the following initially scheduled matchup.

Aaron Sabato&nbsp;didn’t waste any more time in the restarted contest from last night by slugging his ninth home run of the season, a solo shot, on a 3-0 fastball in the first at-bat of the top of the sixth to break the tie for a 2-1 lead. Austin Beck matched that feat as the leadoff man for Tulsa in the bottom half of the frame to put the game back into a deadlock at 2-2.

Tulsa loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth by stringing a trio of singles against&nbsp;Travis Adams. Wichita’s righty struck out the following three batters to keep the game tied heading into the ninth.

Ben Ross&nbsp;then left the yard in left on a solo shot on the first pitch he saw to give the Wind Surge a 3-2 lead in the top of the ninth.&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;also lined a single up the middle to score Luke Keaschall from second, while Rucker got retired 8-2-6 trying to advance to second.

Taylor Young put the Drillers within one on an RBI double when they were down to their final out in the bottom of the ninth. Damon Keith then found the Tulsa bullpen in right-center with a walk-off two-run home run for a 5-4 Drillers win that technically began last night.

Game 2 began at 7 PM, with neither team putting up anything until the bottom of the fourth for the Drillers. Young scored from third on a third-strike wild pitch that bolted to the backstop. While Griffin Lockwood-Powell would work a walk to load the bases with one out in the inning,&nbsp;Marco Raya&nbsp;retired the following two hitters to get out of the jam.

Yeiner Fernandez doubled the Tulsa lead on his first home run of the season, a solo dinger, to right field an inning later in the last of the fifth. Wichita tried to work strategy by intentionally walking Keith to load the bases with one out; the next batter struck out swinging, and then Jose Ramos earned another free pass to bring home a third Drillers run. Lockwood-Powell singled to center and added three more after an error to make it 6-0 Tulsa.

Damon Keith singled to right field to score Alex Freeland after the stretch in the seventh for the final run of the night for the Drillers. The Wind Surge would get a pair of singles thanks to Rucker and McCusker two innings later in the ninth before a flyout ended the ballgame.

Adams took the loss in game one. Now, he’s at 4-6 in 2024 after giving up four earned runs on seven hits alongside six strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings. Raya is also 0-2 after the nightcap, surrendering four earned runs on five hits and two walks with seven outs in the first four innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720256852146.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge technically lost twice, 5-4 and 7-0, against the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. Wichita dropped to 7-18 in one-run games in the first contest, a continued game that was suspended yesterday. They also got shut out for the fourth time this season in the following initially scheduled matchup.Aaron Sabato&nbsp;didn’t waste any more time in the restarted contest from last night by slugging his ninth home run of the season, a solo shot, on a 3-0 fastball in the first at-bat of the top of the sixth to break the tie for a 2-1 lead. Austin Beck matched that feat as the leadoff man for Tulsa in the bottom half of the frame to put the game back into a deadlock at 2-2.Tulsa loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth by stringing a trio of singles against&nbsp;Travis Adams. Wichita’s righty struck out the following three batters to keep the game tied heading into the ninth.Ben Ross&nbsp;then left the yard in left on a solo shot on the first pitch he saw to give the Wind Surge a 3-2 lead in the top of the ninth.&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;also lined a single up the middle to score Luke Keaschall from second, while Rucker got retired 8-2-6 trying to advance to second.Taylor Young put the Drillers within one on an RBI double when they were down to their final out in the bottom of the ninth. Damon Keith then found the Tulsa bullpen in right-center with a walk-off two-run home run for a 5-4 Drillers win that technically began last night.Game 2 began at 7 PM, with neither team putting up anything until the bottom of the fourth for the Drillers. Young scored from third on a third-strike wild pitch that bolted to the backstop. While Griffin Lockwood-Powell would work a walk to load the bases with one out in the inning,&nbsp;Marco Raya&nbsp;retired the following two hitters to get out of the jam.Yeiner Fernandez doubled the Tulsa lead on his first home run of the season, a solo dinger, to right field an inning later in the last of the fifth. Wichita tried to work strategy by intentionally walking Keith to load the bases with one out; the next batter struck out swinging, and then Jose Ramos earned another free pass to bring home a third Drillers run. Lockwood-Powell singled to center and added three more after an error to make it 6-0 Tulsa.Damon Keith singled to right field to score Alex Freeland after the stretch in the seventh for the final run of the night for the Drillers. The Wind Surge would get a pair of singles thanks to Rucker and McCusker two innings later in the ninth before a flyout ended the ballgame.Adams took the loss in game one. Now, he’s at 4-6 in 2024 after giving up four earned runs on seven hits alongside six strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings. Raya is also 0-2 after the nightcap, surrendering four earned runs on five hits and two walks with seven outs in the first four innings.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge drops suspended game and drops late contest

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs returned to action Friday night after having their game at Derby rained out and postponed on Wednesday.

Hutchinson defeated the Great Bend Bat Cats 10-3 at Al Burns park in Great Bend.

Details of that contest were unavailable from poinstreak or social media.

Next action for the Monarchs is a home game on Saturday versus the Bat Cats at Hobart-Detter field in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720256312196.jpeg" alt="Hutch Monarchs 10, Great Bend Bat Cats 3" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Monarchs 10, Great Bend Bat Cats 3</figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs returned to action Friday night after having their game at Derby rained out and postponed on Wednesday.Hutchinson defeated the Great Bend Bat Cats 10-3 at Al Burns park in Great Bend.Details of that contest were unavailable from poinstreak or social media.Next action for the Monarchs is a home game on Saturday versus the Bat Cats at Hobart-Detter field in Hutchinson.&nbsp;First pitch is scheduled for 7pm.

⚾ Hutch Monarchs win in Great Bend

The will to win has put Jayce Meyer on another level for starting pitchers. It’s also made him angry.

“As a pitcher, I would describe myself as being very intense and someone who throws with a little attitude,” the Maize South graduate said. “I like to pitch angry. For some people, if they try to pitch angry, they get too amped up and have a hard time focusing and throwing strikes. For me, when I bring some attitude and fire with me out to the mound, I feel like it unlocks a higher level of focus and makes me better. I throw with a lot of passion and I go out every time with one thing in my mind: I want to win.”

He gets razzed for his split personality.

“Some of my teammates like to tease me, because I am two different people: regular Jayce and pitching Jayce,” Meyer continued.“I have always been competitive, even when I am not in an active competition, but when I am not pitching, I am much more laid back, relaxed and have more of a ‘take it easy’ personality. When I step on the pitching mound, I become this person who is not only extremely competitive, but wants to absolutely dominate my competition. It is like flipping a switch.”

“I’ve known Jayce for 10 years and have played baseball with him for a good portion,” Maize South teammate Riley Reyes said. “Through those times I have had the honor to see Jayce grow as a pitcher/player and person. Jayce walks the lifestyle of bible verse Deuteronomy 31:6. In that verse it says ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’ In so many ways Jayce shows his courageous nature by never giving up at what he wants to achieve in life.”

During games, Meyer noted, he doesn’t like to talk much.

“I stay as intense and focused as I can the entire time. There is a lot to be said about a pitcher’s presence on the mound. It changes the whole feel of the game. I want my team to know we are going to go out there and bring it,” Meyer said.

After his 2020 graduation from Maize South, Meyer signed with Division II’s Fort Hays State.

“I played there my freshman year, eventually working my way into a starting role, something I am still very proud of,” Meyer said. “My first start was against the University of Central Missouri, who was ranked in the top five teams in the nation in Division II baseball at the time. For my first college start, I feel like I did really well that game. I had a no-hitter going through the first four innings, and they got to me pretty good in the fifth inning.”

“I enjoyed my teammates, especially my roommate and fellow LHP, Dustin Menard, who remains one of my very best friends to this day,” Meyer said. “My cousin, Brett Meyer, was also a graduate assistant on the track team at Hays (who just finished competing in the Olympic Trials) which also contributed to me having a good experience in Hays. It was difficult, though, because we were not winning, which did create a stressful environment that season. After all of the successful teams I was on in high school, not winning was really difficult for me.”

“Jayce is a hard worker that is resilient in providing the work that is needed to MAKE his dreams come true no matter how bumpy the road looks like ahead,” Menard said. “A grown man with the passion for the game that is shown everyday that is unmatched to any kid on his first game of the season. Above all the remarkable effort and passion is a friend that will stand with you forever and always.”

Meyer transferred to Oklahoma Christian because of its baseball tradition and it was a Christian school.

“My faith is very important to me,” Meyer said. “And it was in arguably the best Division II baseball conference in the country. I got to pitch against the 2023 National Championship Team in Angelo State my junior year, along with other great teams like West Texas, UT Tyler and Lubbock Christian.”

At OCU, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound southpaw played with and against some extremely talented players, some of whom were actually taken in the MLB Draft. During his time there, he led the team with a 2.90 ERA his sophomore year and in opponent batting average of just .269. His junior year, he led the team in strikeouts per nine innings.

“I have some great memories. I made a few really good friends at OC in Kyle Higgins and Jayden Saylor,” Meyer noted. “But once again, winning was a struggle, which created a very divisive and negative environment among the team. The worst of it was that we were projected to be a very good team and we ended up finishing towards the bottom of our conference, which a lot of us were disappointed in.”

“Good teammates are far and few between when the meaning of good teammate is meant having one of your best friends as your throwing partner to give you the insight when it comes to how they think as a pitcher,” Higgins said. “Jayce went through each day of throwing with a plan to get better, running extra and making sure his pitches were fine tuned for the week ahead. Jayce is in attack mode as soon as he steps foot on the mound and taking the ball from him is easier said than done.”

Meyer’s journey next took him to Maryville, Mo.&nbsp;

“I was very fortunate to be able to join the team at Northwest Missouri State,” Meyer said. “After my experiences at FHSU and Oklahoma Christian, I wanted to find a team with a good team culture, somewhere with an experienced coach and a team with a chance to win.”

Coach Darin Loe, NW coach for nearly 30 years, made Meyer feel welcomed and needed right away.&nbsp;

“I had a strong fall and was really feeling the best that I ever had as a pitcher up to this point in my career. I was throwing consistently the hardest of my life and was able to spot up my off speed pitches really well,” Meyer said.

“I started feeling severe pain in my elbow,” Meyer said. “The doctor I saw ended up doing an ultra sound, and believed that the results along with my mild-seeming symptoms that it was just a sprain. I then sat out for six weeks, following a physical therapy program every day, and tried to begin throwing again through a throwing program.”

After getting back to 100%, the same pain and symptoms began to come back as they were before.&nbsp;

This time an MRI revealed a severe UCL tear. The only thing to do then was to get a full reconstruction of the UCL, Tommy John Surgery.

His surgery was this summer and performed by Dr Key, team doctor for the Royals. He will be in a brace the first two months of recovery. After four months, he can begin tossing again and at eight months start throwing bullpen. He should be 100% again in 10-12 months from the day of the surgery.

“I am 100% dedicated to my rehab and I fully expect to come back and not only to play one more season, but to be one of the best pitchers in my conference,” Meyer said. “I am keeping my dream alive of playing professional baseball, and fully intend on doing that, too.”

“I had the pleasure of being Jayce’s pitching coach in the summers during his high school years with 316 Baseball,” Bishop Carroll coach Brent Holman said. “I remember first seeing him play for another team and thinking how well his arm worked from the outfield, but what was most impressive was seeing his breaking ball when he came in to pitch. He carved us up! That team broke up, and he came to our tryout and still had that same nasty breaking ball. We won a lot of games over those three or four summers we were together.”

“I will make sure that I am stronger and improved in comparison before that time,” Meyer said. “But I plan on my career continuing long after 2026.”

“Jayce has shown me many years of courage and still does to this day; whether that’s rehabbing a UCL tear to be a guy other teammates can count on when the game needs him most, or to being a person who stands up for what he believes in whether he’s in the minority,” Reyes said. “He stands with God and walks with Him on his path even though it is a mystery and full of many of life’s challenges. To me, as a friend, teammate, and fellow Christian, I firmly believe that he fulfills the meaning of this verse.”

When it’s crunch time, Meyer wants to be the King of the Hill.&nbsp;

“I would say that being mentally tough and pitching in the most high-stakes situations are also two of my biggest strengths as a pitcher today,” Meyer said. “I love having the ball when the game is on the line. It is like a thrill you get when riding a roller coaster. I absolutely love it and believe that I can get it done every time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720214244201.jpeg" alt="Jace Meyer" />
 <figcaption>Jace Meyer</figcaption>
 </figure>By Gary Van Cleave&nbsp;Special to hutchpost&nbsp;The will to win has put Jayce Meyer on another level for starting pitchers. It’s also made him angry.“As a pitcher, I would describe myself as being very intense and someone who throws with a little attitude,” the Maize South graduate said. “I like to pitch angry. For some people, if they try to pitch angry, they get too amped up and have a hard time focusing and throwing strikes. For me, when I bring some attitude and fire with me out to the mound, I feel like it unlocks a higher level of focus and makes me better. I throw with a lot of passion and I go out every time with one thing in my mind: I want to win.”He gets razzed for his split personality.“Some of my teammates like to tease me, because I am two different people: regular Jayce and pitching Jayce,” Meyer continued.“I have always been competitive, even when I am not in an active competition, but when I am not pitching, I am much more laid back, relaxed and have more of a ‘take it easy’ personality. When I step on the pitching mound, I become this person who is not only extremely competitive, but wants to absolutely dominate my competition. It is like flipping a switch.”“I’ve known Jayce for 10 years and have played baseball with him for a good portion,” Maize South teammate Riley Reyes said. “Through those times I have had the honor to see Jayce grow as a pitcher/player and person. Jayce walks the lifestyle of bible verse Deuteronomy 31:6. In that verse it says ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’ In so many ways Jayce shows his courageous nature by never giving up at what he wants to achieve in life.”During games, Meyer noted, he doesn’t like to talk much.“I stay as intense and focused as I can the entire time. There is a lot to be said about a pitcher’s presence on the mound. It changes the whole feel of the game. I want my team to know we are going to go out there and bring it,” Meyer said.After his 2020 graduation from Maize South, Meyer signed with Division II’s Fort Hays State.“I played there my freshman year, eventually working my way into a starting role, something I am still very proud of,” Meyer said. “My first start was against the University of Central Missouri, who was ranked in the top five teams in the nation in Division II baseball at the time. For my first college start, I feel like I did really well that game. I had a no-hitter going through the first four innings, and they got to me pretty good in the fifth inning.”Meyer enjoyed his experience in Hays.“I enjoyed my teammates, especially my roommate and fellow LHP, Dustin Menard, who remains one of my very best friends to this day,” Meyer said. “My cousin, Brett Meyer, was also a graduate assistant on the track team at Hays (who just finished competing in the Olympic Trials) which also contributed to me having a good experience in Hays. It was difficult, though, because we were not winning, which did create a stressful environment that season. After all of the successful teams I was on in high school, not winning was really difficult for me.”“Jayce is a hard worker that is resilient in providing the work that is needed to MAKE his dreams come true no matter how bumpy the road looks like ahead,” Menard said. “A grown man with the passion for the game that is shown everyday that is unmatched to any kid on his first game of the season. Above all the remarkable effort and passion is a friend that will stand with you forever and always.”Meyer transferred to Oklahoma Christian because of its baseball tradition and it was a Christian school.“My faith is very important to me,” Meyer said. “And it was in arguably the best Division II baseball conference in the country. I got to pitch against the 2023 National Championship Team in Angelo State my junior year, along with other great teams like West Texas, UT Tyler and Lubbock Christian.”At OCU, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound southpaw played with and against some extremely talented players, some of whom were actually taken in the MLB Draft. During his time there, he led the team with a 2.90 ERA his sophomore year and in opponent batting average of just .269. His junior year, he led the team in strikeouts per nine innings.“I have some great memories. I made a few really good friends at OC in Kyle Higgins and Jayden Saylor,” Meyer noted. “But once again, winning was a struggle, which created a very divisive and negative environment among the team. The worst of it was that we were projected to be a very good team and we ended up finishing towards the bottom of our conference, which a lot of us were disappointed in.”“Good teammates are far and few between when the meaning of good teammate is meant having one of your best friends as your throwing partner to give you the insight when it comes to how they think as a pitcher,” Higgins said. “Jayce went through each day of throwing with a plan to get better, running extra and making sure his pitches were fine tuned for the week ahead. Jayce is in attack mode as soon as he steps foot on the mound and taking the ball from him is easier said than done.”Meyer’s journey next took him to Maryville, Mo.&nbsp;“I was very fortunate to be able to join the team at Northwest Missouri State,” Meyer said. “After my experiences at FHSU and Oklahoma Christian, I wanted to find a team with a good team culture, somewhere with an experienced coach and a team with a chance to win.”Coach Darin Loe, NW coach for nearly 30 years, made Meyer feel welcomed and needed right away.&nbsp;“I had a strong fall and was really feeling the best that I ever had as a pitcher up to this point in my career. I was throwing consistently the hardest of my life and was able to spot up my off speed pitches really well,” Meyer said.Then came winter break.“I started feeling severe pain in my elbow,” Meyer said. “The doctor I saw ended up doing an ultra sound, and believed that the results along with my mild-seeming symptoms that it was just a sprain. I then sat out for six weeks, following a physical therapy program every day, and tried to begin throwing again through a throwing program.”After getting back to 100%, the same pain and symptoms began to come back as they were before.&nbsp;This time an MRI revealed a severe UCL tear. The only thing to do then was to get a full reconstruction of the UCL, Tommy John Surgery.His surgery was this summer and performed by Dr Key, team doctor for the Royals. He will be in a brace the first two months of recovery. After four months, he can begin tossing again and at eight months start throwing bullpen. He should be 100% again in 10-12 months from the day of the surgery.“I am 100% dedicated to my rehab and I fully expect to come back and not only to play one more season, but to be one of the best pitchers in my conference,” Meyer said. “I am keeping my dream alive of playing professional baseball, and fully intend on doing that, too.”“I had the pleasure of being Jayce’s pitching coach in the summers during his high school years with 316 Baseball,” Bishop Carroll coach Brent Holman said. “I remember first seeing him play for another team and thinking how well his arm worked from the outfield, but what was most impressive was seeing his breaking ball when he came in to pitch. He carved us up! That team broke up, and he came to our tryout and still had that same nasty breaking ball. We won a lot of games over those three or four summers we were together.”Meyer is hungry for 2026.“I will make sure that I am stronger and improved in comparison before that time,” Meyer said. “But I plan on my career continuing long after 2026.”“Jayce has shown me many years of courage and still does to this day; whether that’s rehabbing a UCL tear to be a guy other teammates can count on when the game needs him most, or to being a person who stands up for what he believes in whether he’s in the minority,” Reyes said. “He stands with God and walks with Him on his path even though it is a mystery and full of many of life’s challenges. To me, as a friend, teammate, and fellow Christian, I firmly believe that he fulfills the meaning of this verse.”When it’s crunch time, Meyer wants to be the King of the Hill.&nbsp;“I would say that being mentally tough and pitching in the most high-stakes situations are also two of my biggest strengths as a pitcher today,” Meyer said. “I love having the ball when the game is on the line. It is like a thrill you get when riding a roller coaster. I absolutely love it and believe that I can get it done every time.”

⚾ Maize South grad loves pitching angry

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, July 5th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, July 5th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="July 5th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jxtav-165de2d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Tampa edges Royals in high scoring game; ⚾ Wichita Wind Surge and Drillers tied in suspended game

TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge is in a 1-1 game at ONEOK Field against the Tulsa Drillers, which will resume tomorrow at 4:30 PM.

While the Wind Surge had men on base in the first three innings, they got their first run in the top of the fourth on a&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;solo home run to the batter’s eye in center field. McCusker is now up to six home runs on the season and carries a team-leading 11-game on-base streak.

Rain started to pelter down in Tulsa; Yeiner Fernandez lined a two-out single into left-center, then Alex Freeland doubled over&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;to the center field wall, allowing Fernandez to get the wave and score from first to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth before a rain delay got put into effect after&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;fielded a comebacker and underhand tossed the ball to first baseman&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;for the final out. The game then was suspended due to unplayable field conditions until Friday at 4:30 PM where the contest will resume.

The Wind Surge will continue their series tomorrow against the Tulsa Drillers on Friday, July 5, at ONEOK Field, with the second previously scheduled game shortly after the first suspended contest ends. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>, or watch them online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720178217732.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Wind Surge vs Drillers game suspended and will resume today at 4:40pm." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Wind Surge vs Drillers game suspended and will resume today at 4:40pm.</figcaption>
 </figure>TULSA, Okla.—The Wichita Wind Surge is in a 1-1 game at ONEOK Field against the Tulsa Drillers, which will resume tomorrow at 4:30 PM.While the Wind Surge had men on base in the first three innings, they got their first run in the top of the fourth on a&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;solo home run to the batter’s eye in center field. McCusker is now up to six home runs on the season and carries a team-leading 11-game on-base streak.Rain started to pelter down in Tulsa; Yeiner Fernandez lined a two-out single into left-center, then Alex Freeland doubled over&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;to the center field wall, allowing Fernandez to get the wave and score from first to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth before a rain delay got put into effect after&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;fielded a comebacker and underhand tossed the ball to first baseman&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;for the final out. The game then was suspended due to unplayable field conditions until Friday at 4:30 PM where the contest will resume.The Wind Surge will continue their series tomorrow against the Tulsa Drillers on Friday, July 5, at ONEOK Field, with the second previously scheduled game shortly after the first suspended contest ends. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>, or watch them online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge game suspended tied at 1-1 in Tulsa

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonny DeLuca and Brandon Lowe homered, eight Rays players drove in runs, and Tampa Bay beat the Kansas City Royals 10-8. Zach Eflin earned the win, allowing six runs and five earned on seven hits and a walk over five innings. Alec Marsh took the loss for Kansas City, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks in just three innings. Michael Massey homered and Vinnie Pasquantino drove in a pair of runs for the Royals, who trailed 9-4 before scoring three times in the sixth. Bobby Witt Jr. was thrown out to end the rally, and the Royals never seriously threatened again.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pedro Pages doubled home pinch runner Michael Siani and then scored on Alec Burleson’s RBI single as the the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 in 10 innings. St. Louis took two of three from its NL Central Division rivals by winning a series finale for the 12th time in its last 13 chances. Burleson and Dylan Carlson had two hits apiece for the Cardinals. John King retired Andrew McCutchen with the tying run on second in the 10th to pick up the victory for St. Louis, which improved to 30-17 since May 12.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Christian Walker continued his Dodger Stadium rampage Thursday, homering in his first two at-bats for his 18th and 19th home runs in 42 career games at the ballpark. He has homered in five consecutive games at the third-oldest ballpark in the majors, tying the longest single-season streak at the stadium with teammate Joc Pederson, who did it in 2015 with Los Angeles. Pederson and Walker went back-to-back with two outs in the first off rookie Landon Knack, with Walker’s blast going 435 feet to center. After Pederson walked with two outs in the third, Walker followed with a two-run homer to left off Knack to give Arizona 4-0 lead in the 9-3 victory. Walker had five homers in the three-game series.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Steven Kwan isn’t just at the top of Cleveland’s lineup. He’s No. 1 in the majors. The All-Star left fielder is baseball’s leading hitter and on Saturday he homered, collected another three-hit game and drove in two runs in the Guardians’ 8-4 win over the Chicago White Sox. While he’s been hitting over .350 for much of the season, Kwan didn’t have enough plate appearances to officially rank on the MLB leaderboard after missing a month with a hamstring injury. He qualifies now and his .367 average is 48 points ahead of Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani (.319) for the major league lead.

NEW YORK (AP) — Graham Ashcraft and the Cincinnati Reds won a stare down with the New York Yankees even before finishing their three-game sweep. When the national anthem ended ahead of Thursday’s game, Ashcraft and fellow Reds pitcher Carson Spiers remained in front of the visitors’ dugout on the third-base side of Yankee Stadium while New York pitchers Ian Hamilton and Cody Poteet held out on the first-base side. Their showdown extended for more than five minutes as players ignored gestures from the umpires. Ashcroft won the battle, pumping a fist and getting high-fives and cheers from teammates before the Reds’ 8-4 win Thursday.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Buddy Hield played in 632 regular-season games and established himself as one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA before he finally played a postseason game. He can thank the Philadelphia 76ers for ending his dubious distinction of most NBA games without a playoff appearance. If he wants to get there again, he’s going to have to try in California. The Sixers continued a busy offseason by orchestrating a sign-and-trade deal that sends Hield to the Golden State Warriors for a 2031 second-round draft pick it received from the Dallas Mavericks, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. ESPN reported that Hield was set to sign a two-year, $21 million deal with the Warriors. They lost Klay Thompson to the Mavs.

HOUSTON (AP) — Defending champion Argentina advanced to the Copa America semifinals, beating Ecuador 4-2 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw after conceding a tying goal in second-half injury time. Lionel Messi put Argentina’s first penalty kick off the crossbar but goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved Ecuador’s first two attempts in the shootout and Nicolás Otamendi beat Alexander Domínguez with the winning kick. Lisandro Martínez have Argentina a 35th-minute lead, but Kevin Rodríguez scored the score in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. Ecuador’s Enner Valencia had put a penalty kick off a post in the 60th minute after a hand ball by Rodrigo De Paul.

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Kylian Mbappé has described Cristiano Ronaldo as a “footballing legend” and “one of a kind” as the superstars prepare to meet in the European Championship quarterfinals. One of the major subplots of the Portugal vs. France match in Hamburg on Friday is the head to head between their captains. Mbappé has previously called Ronaldo his idol and he has spoken in glowing terms about the 39-year-old striker who has said he is playing in his last European Championship. Mbappé says “There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo, there will only ever be one." Mbappé doesn't see the match as a “passing-of-the-baton” occasion because “I am following my own path.”

SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — Hayden Springer has posted the 14th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. Springer holed out for eagle from 55 yards on the 17th hole at the John Deere Classic and finished with a 12-foot birdie for golf's magic number. It was the second 59 on the PGA Tour in three weeks. Cameron Young also shot 59 at the Travelers Championship. Springer will have to settle for a share of the course record at the TPC Deere Run. Paul Goydos also shot 59 in the John Deere Classic in 2010. Springer's was the eighth sub-60 round in golf worldwide this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for July 5th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for July 5th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="AP Sports for July 5th, 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j5jvf-165de37-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonny DeLuca and Brandon Lowe homered, eight Rays players drove in runs, and Tampa Bay beat the Kansas City Royals 10-8. Zach Eflin earned the win, allowing six runs and five earned on seven hits and a walk over five innings. Alec Marsh took the loss for Kansas City, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks in just three innings. Michael Massey homered and Vinnie Pasquantino drove in a pair of runs for the Royals, who trailed 9-4 before scoring three times in the sixth. Bobby Witt Jr. was thrown out to end the rally, and the Royals never seriously threatened again.PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pedro Pages doubled home pinch runner Michael Siani and then scored on Alec Burleson’s RBI single as the the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 in 10 innings. St. Louis took two of three from its NL Central Division rivals by winning a series finale for the 12th time in its last 13 chances. Burleson and Dylan Carlson had two hits apiece for the Cardinals. John King retired Andrew McCutchen with the tying run on second in the 10th to pick up the victory for St. Louis, which improved to 30-17 since May 12.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Christian Walker continued his Dodger Stadium rampage Thursday, homering in his first two at-bats for his 18th and 19th home runs in 42 career games at the ballpark. He has homered in five consecutive games at the third-oldest ballpark in the majors, tying the longest single-season streak at the stadium with teammate Joc Pederson, who did it in 2015 with Los Angeles. Pederson and Walker went back-to-back with two outs in the first off rookie Landon Knack, with Walker’s blast going 435 feet to center. After Pederson walked with two outs in the third, Walker followed with a two-run homer to left off Knack to give Arizona 4-0 lead in the 9-3 victory. Walker had five homers in the three-game series.CLEVELAND (AP) — Steven Kwan isn’t just at the top of Cleveland’s lineup. He’s No. 1 in the majors. The All-Star left fielder is baseball’s leading hitter and on Saturday he homered, collected another three-hit game and drove in two runs in the Guardians’ 8-4 win over the Chicago White Sox. While he’s been hitting over .350 for much of the season, Kwan didn’t have enough plate appearances to officially rank on the MLB leaderboard after missing a month with a hamstring injury. He qualifies now and his .367 average is 48 points ahead of Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani (.319) for the major league lead.NEW YORK (AP) — Graham Ashcraft and the Cincinnati Reds won a stare down with the New York Yankees even before finishing their three-game sweep. When the national anthem ended ahead of Thursday’s game, Ashcraft and fellow Reds pitcher Carson Spiers remained in front of the visitors’ dugout on the third-base side of Yankee Stadium while New York pitchers Ian Hamilton and Cody Poteet held out on the first-base side. Their showdown extended for more than five minutes as players ignored gestures from the umpires. Ashcroft won the battle, pumping a fist and getting high-fives and cheers from teammates before the Reds’ 8-4 win Thursday.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Buddy Hield played in 632 regular-season games and established himself as one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA before he finally played a postseason game. He can thank the Philadelphia 76ers for ending his dubious distinction of most NBA games without a playoff appearance. If he wants to get there again, he’s going to have to try in California. The Sixers continued a busy offseason by orchestrating a sign-and-trade deal that sends Hield to the Golden State Warriors for a 2031 second-round draft pick it received from the Dallas Mavericks, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. ESPN reported that Hield was set to sign a two-year, $21 million deal with the Warriors. They lost Klay Thompson to the Mavs.HOUSTON (AP) — Defending champion Argentina advanced to the Copa America semifinals, beating Ecuador 4-2 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw after conceding a tying goal in second-half injury time. Lionel Messi put Argentina’s first penalty kick off the crossbar but goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved Ecuador’s first two attempts in the shootout and Nicolás Otamendi beat Alexander Domínguez with the winning kick. Lisandro Martínez have Argentina a 35th-minute lead, but Kevin Rodríguez scored the score in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. Ecuador’s Enner Valencia had put a penalty kick off a post in the 60th minute after a hand ball by Rodrigo De Paul.HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Kylian Mbappé has described Cristiano Ronaldo as a “footballing legend” and “one of a kind” as the superstars prepare to meet in the European Championship quarterfinals. One of the major subplots of the Portugal vs. France match in Hamburg on Friday is the head to head between their captains. Mbappé has previously called Ronaldo his idol and he has spoken in glowing terms about the 39-year-old striker who has said he is playing in his last European Championship. Mbappé says “There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo, there will only ever be one." Mbappé doesn't see the match as a “passing-of-the-baton” occasion because “I am following my own path.”SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — Hayden Springer has posted the 14th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. Springer holed out for eagle from 55 yards on the 17th hole at the John Deere Classic and finished with a 12-foot birdie for golf's magic number. It was the second 59 on the PGA Tour in three weeks. Cameron Young also shot 59 at the Travelers Championship. Springer will have to settle for a share of the course record at the TPC Deere Run. Paul Goydos also shot 59 in the John Deere Classic in 2010. Springer's was the eighth sub-60 round in golf worldwide this year.LONDON (AP) — The good news for Novak Djokovic is that his surgically repaired right knee has been feeling pain-free at Wimbledon. The bad news is that his movement was not yet back to normal during a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 victory in the second round over Jacob Fearnley on Thursday. Fearnley is a 22-year-old from Scotland who played college tennis in the United States. Djokovic knows he needs to get around the court better if he is going to contend for the title, the only reason he is back competing so soon after tearing his meniscus. Other winners included No. 1 Iga Swiatek, but No. 5 Jessica Pegula lost and No. 7 Hubert Hurkacz needed to stop because he hurt his knee.LONDON (AP) — Andy Murray and his older brother, Jamie, have lost in the first round of doubles at Wimbledon. Thursday's match at Centre Court was the first step in Murray's farewell tour at the All England Club. The Murrays lost 7-6 (6), 6-4 to Rinky Hijikata and John Peers. Andy Murray has said he will retire after playing at Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics. He is 37 and had surgery last month to remove a cyst from his back. He is also entered in mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu.GENEVA (AP) — The international swimming federation says its executive director has been ordered to testify as a witness in a U.S. criminal investigation into the case of 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance in 2021 yet were allowed to continue competing. World Aquatics confirmed to The Associated Press that Brent Nowicki “was served with a witness subpoena by the United States government.” In May, a House Committee on China asked the Justice Department and the FBI to launch an investigation under a federal law that allows investigations into suspected doping conspiracies even if they occurred outside the U.S. The swimmers were allowed to compete at the previous Olympics in Tokyo despite testing positive for a banned heart medication.THURSDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Cincinnati 8 N.Y. Yankees 4Final Boston 6 Miami 5Final San Diego 3 Texas 1AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Minnesota 12 Detroit 3Final Houston 5 Toronto 3Final Cleveland 8 Chicago White Sox 4Final Oakland 5 L.A. Angels 0Final Seattle 7 Baltimore 3Final Tampa Bay 10 Kansas City 8NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Washington 1 N.Y. Mets 0Final St. Louis 3 Pittsburgh 2Final Chicago Cubs 10 Philadelphia 2Final San Francisco 4 Atlanta 2