KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yandy Diaz hit a three-run double, Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over five innings and the Tampa Bay Rays returned from the All-Star break with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium.

Diaz capped a four-run fourth inning with his bases-loaded bloop down the left-field line to give the Rays a 5-1 lead. He has driven in a run in five of the last eight games and tied a season high with his three RBI.

Rasmussen (6-3) allowed an earned run and seven hits, walked one and struck out four.

Francisco Mejia went 2 for 4 with two RBI, while Randy Arozarena and Brandon Lowe each had one.

Royals All-Star Andrew Benintendi had two hits and two RBI. Hunter Dozier added an RBI, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. in the seventh.

In his first start in 11 days, Brad Keller (5-10) had one of his worst outings to date, tying a career worst with five walks and hitting a batter. He allowed four earned runs in four innings and struck out one.

Tampa Bay has won seven of its last eight games and leads the American League wild-card standings. It’s the first time the Rays have won a road series opener since May 6, breaking a nine-series streak.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yandy Diaz hit a three-run double, Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over five innings and the Tampa Bay Rays returned from the All-Star break with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium.Diaz capped a four-run fourth inning with his bases-loaded bloop down the left-field line to give the Rays a 5-1 lead. He has driven in a run in five of the last eight games and tied a season high with his three RBI.Rasmussen (6-3) allowed an earned run and seven hits, walked one and struck out four.Francisco Mejia went 2 for 4 with two RBI, while Randy Arozarena and Brandon Lowe each had one.Royals All-Star Andrew Benintendi had two hits and two RBI. Hunter Dozier added an RBI, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. in the seventh.In his first start in 11 days, Brad Keller (5-10) had one of his worst outings to date, tying a career worst with five walks and hitting a batter. He allowed four earned runs in four innings and struck out one.Tampa Bay has won seven of its last eight games and leads the American League wild-card standings. It’s the first time the Rays have won a road series opener since May 6, breaking a nine-series streak.

Rays win Friday over Royals

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🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Friday Morning

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs lost Thursday night to Newton 7-5 at Hobart-Detter Field. Joey Baran homered in the losing effort. The Monarchs finish the regular season at 29-8.

The Monarchs will return to action at the Sunflower Collegiate League tournament Saturday in Newton. They will play the winner of Newton and Kingman at 8 p.m. Saturday in Newton.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs lost Thursday night to Newton 7-5 at Hobart-Detter Field. Joey Baran homered in the losing effort. The Monarchs finish the regular season at 29-8.The Monarchs will return to action at the Sunflower Collegiate League tournament Saturday in Newton. They will play the winner of Newton and Kingman at 8 p.m. Saturday in Newton.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monarchs lose Thursday to Newton

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A former employee of the Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy is suing the team for racial discrimination and a hostile environment, but the team says the allegations are “without merit.”

According to court documents, Cleitus Ross says he was subject to a hostile environment, and subsequently fired from his position, because of his race.

The Royals responded on Wednesday in a statement, saying the Urban Youth Academy does not discriminate on basis of race, color, disability, gender, religion, age, or sexual orientation.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A former employee of the Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy is suing the team for racial discrimination and a hostile environment, but the team says the allegations are “without merit.”According to court documents, Cleitus Ross says he was subject to a hostile environment, and subsequently fired from his position, because of his race.The Royals responded on Wednesday in a statement, saying the Urban Youth Academy does not discriminate on basis of race, color, disability, gender, religion, age, or sexual orientation.No court date has been set in the case.

Former Royals employee suing organization over firing

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

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🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday Morning

NEWTON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs went on the road to Newton Wednesday night and won by a score of 7-3.&nbsp;

Corbin Hawkins was strong on the mound, throwing eight innings and giving up three runs on eight hits in the win.

Alex Birge homered for Hutchinson in the win. The Monarchs, now&nbsp; 29-7, finish up with Newton tonight at Hobart-Detter. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

NEWTON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs went on the road to Newton Wednesday night and won by a score of 7-3.&nbsp;Corbin Hawkins was strong on the mound, throwing eight innings and giving up three runs on eight hits in the win.Alex Birge homered for Hutchinson in the win. The Monarchs, now&nbsp; 29-7, finish up with Newton tonight at Hobart-Detter. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

Monarchs win in Newton Wednesday

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/7/20/football-vaughn-named-candidate-for-doak-walker-award.aspx">Via K-State Sports</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For a second-straight season, Kansas State junior running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7993">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;is in the running for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation's top college running back, as the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced its preseason watch list on Wednesday. ADVERTISINGVaughn was a semifinalist for the award a year ago, just the third Wildcat to advance from preseason candidacy as Darren Sproles was a finalist in 2003 and Daniel Thomas was a semifinalist in 2010. A product of Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn is one of 73 running backs in the nation to be named to this year's watch list. It is his second watch list inclusion this week after being named a candidate for the Maxwell Award on Monday. One of the top all-around running backs in the nation over his career, Vaughn has 2,046 rushing yards and 902 receiving yards in his career. With 98 more receiving yards, he will become the 10th&nbsp;player in Big 12 history to post 2,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career but just the second to accomplish the feat in less than three seasons (Taurean Henderson, Texas Tech). Vaughn enters the 2022 season ranking first among all active non-kickers in career points per game (8.1), second among active players in career all-purpose yards per game (134.48), fifth in rushing yards per carry (5.7) and total touchdowns scored (31), eighth in rushing yards per game (89.0) and tied for eighth rushing touchdowns (25). Last season, Vaughn became the 11th&nbsp;Consensus All-American in school history after rushing for 1,404 yards and 18 touchdowns while hauling in 49 receptions for 468 yards and another four scores. One of three players in the nation with 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards, Vaughn finished the 2021 season ranked fourth nationally with 22 total touchdowns, eighth in rushing touchdowns (18) and ninth in total rushing yards (1,404). Kansas State opens the 2022 season by hosting South Dakota inside Bill&nbsp;Snyder Family Stadium on September 3. The Wildcats remain at home the next two weeks, taking on former conference opponent Missouri on September 10 and Tulane on September 17. Tickets for the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/7/20/football-vaughn-named-candidate-for-doak-walker-award.aspx">Via K-State Sports</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For a second-straight season, Kansas State junior running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7993">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;is in the running for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation's top college running back, as the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced its preseason watch list on Wednesday. ADVERTISINGVaughn was a semifinalist for the award a year ago, just the third Wildcat to advance from preseason candidacy as Darren Sproles was a finalist in 2003 and Daniel Thomas was a semifinalist in 2010. A product of Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn is one of 73 running backs in the nation to be named to this year's watch list. It is his second watch list inclusion this week after being named a candidate for the Maxwell Award on Monday. One of the top all-around running backs in the nation over his career, Vaughn has 2,046 rushing yards and 902 receiving yards in his career. With 98 more receiving yards, he will become the 10th&nbsp;player in Big 12 history to post 2,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career but just the second to accomplish the feat in less than three seasons (Taurean Henderson, Texas Tech). Vaughn enters the 2022 season ranking first among all active non-kickers in career points per game (8.1), second among active players in career all-purpose yards per game (134.48), fifth in rushing yards per carry (5.7) and total touchdowns scored (31), eighth in rushing yards per game (89.0) and tied for eighth rushing touchdowns (25). Last season, Vaughn became the 11th&nbsp;Consensus All-American in school history after rushing for 1,404 yards and 18 touchdowns while hauling in 49 receptions for 468 yards and another four scores. One of three players in the nation with 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards, Vaughn finished the 2021 season ranked fourth nationally with 22 total touchdowns, eighth in rushing touchdowns (18) and ninth in total rushing yards (1,404). Kansas State opens the 2022 season by hosting South Dakota inside Bill&nbsp;Snyder Family Stadium on September 3. The Wildcats remain at home the next two weeks, taking on former conference opponent Missouri on September 10 and Tulane on September 17. Tickets for the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Vaughn on Doak Walker watch list


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A Hutchinson Community College softball player is part of the Sunflower Softball League All-Stars going to Oklahoma City for the Alliance Softball Collegiate Summer Series next week.

Lexie Pitcher joins 17 other athletes from the league for the three-game set.

This will be the third and final stop for Team Alliance as part of the inaugural Collegiate Summer Series. The Team Alliance roster is stacked with National Champions, All Americans, All Conference Players and National Player of the Year Finalists. Their roster for the OKC Series is highlighted by Alyssa Brito, Grace Lyons, Grace Green &amp; Riley Boone from the reigning National Champion Oklahoma Sooners, Kelly Maxwell, a top 10 finalist for Player of the Year &amp; Big 12 Co-Pitcher of the Year, out of Oklahoma State, Sydney McKinney, a top 10 finalist for Player of the Year out of Wichita State and Chenise Delce, the SEC Pitcher of the Year and OKC native, out of Arkansas. 

The squads will play one game on Monday the 25th and two more on Tuesday the 26th at Hall of Fame Stadium.

The Sunflower Softball League launched this summer in Wichita with a vision to provide a home for college softball players looking to play and train during the summer.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A Hutchinson Community College softball player is part of the Sunflower Softball League All-Stars going to Oklahoma City for the Alliance Softball Collegiate Summer Series next week.Lexie Pitcher joins 17 other athletes from the league for the three-game set.This will be the third and final stop for Team Alliance as part of the inaugural Collegiate Summer Series. The Team Alliance roster is stacked with National Champions, All Americans, All Conference Players and National Player of the Year Finalists. Their roster for the OKC Series is highlighted by Alyssa Brito, Grace Lyons, Grace Green &amp; Riley Boone from the reigning National Champion Oklahoma Sooners, Kelly Maxwell, a top 10 finalist for Player of the Year &amp; Big 12 Co-Pitcher of the Year, out of Oklahoma State, Sydney McKinney, a top 10 finalist for Player of the Year out of Wichita State and Chenise Delce, the SEC Pitcher of the Year and OKC native, out of Arkansas. The squads will play one game on Monday the 25th and two more on Tuesday the 26th at Hall of Fame Stadium.The Sunflower Softball League launched this summer in Wichita with a vision to provide a home for college softball players looking to play and train during the summer.

Pitcher on Sunflower Softball League roster for all-star team

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—Hutchpost.com will be the on-line site for the 2022 Hutchinson Monarchs Baseball home games this season. Hutchpost.com will video stream with live play-by-play all 21 home games throughout the Monarchs season.&nbsp; The Monarchs will close out their final series of the summer at Newton on July 20th and wrap the summer season league play up on July 21st at home.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf7s0_icKp445wwsFGfoDGg">Link:&nbsp; Monarchs @ Newton - July 20th, 2022 (Newton YouTube.com</a>)

<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/400321?w=640&amp;autoplay=1">Link:&nbsp; Monarchs vs Newton Rebels - July 21st, 2022 at&nbsp;6:50pm</a>

<figure>
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 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Monarchs on HutchPost.com</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.—Hutchpost.com will be the on-line site for the 2022 Hutchinson Monarchs Baseball home games this season. Hutchpost.com will video stream with live play-by-play all 21 home games throughout the Monarchs season.&nbsp; The Monarchs will close out their final series of the summer at Newton on July 20th and wrap the summer season league play up on July 21st at home.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf7s0_icKp445wwsFGfoDGg">Link:&nbsp; Monarchs @ Newton - July 20th, 2022 (Newton YouTube.com</a>)<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/400321?w=640&amp;autoplay=1">Link:&nbsp; Monarchs vs Newton Rebels - July 21st, 2022 at&nbsp;6:50pm</a><div><div data-widget-id="1935" data-source="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com" class="bf-widget"></div>

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⚾️ 🎥 Hutchinson Monarch Baseball on Hutch Post

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 </figure><div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for July 20th, 2022" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fug89-127b695-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday Morning

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton homered back-to-back in the fourth inning to rally the American League over the National League 3-2 in the All-Star Game. 

It was the AL's ninth straight victory in the Midsummer Classic.

Nine-time All-Star Clayton Kershaw got the first start of his career for the NL and pitched one inning. He gave up a leadoff single to Los Angeles two-way star Shohei Ohtani. 

The NL got a solo shot by Paul Goldschmidt and Dodgers star Mookie Betts had an RBI single in the first. Dodger Stadium hosted the All-Star Game for the first time since 1980.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton homered back-to-back in the fourth inning to rally the American League over the National League 3-2 in the All-Star Game. It was the AL's ninth straight victory in the Midsummer Classic.Nine-time All-Star Clayton Kershaw got the first start of his career for the NL and pitched one inning. He gave up a leadoff single to Los Angeles two-way star Shohei Ohtani. The NL got a solo shot by Paul Goldschmidt and Dodgers star Mookie Betts had an RBI single in the first. Dodger Stadium hosted the All-Star Game for the first time since 1980.

AL wins over NL in All-Star Game Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs won in walk off fashion Tuesday night at Hobart-Detter as Ryan Henderson drew a walk to drive in&nbsp;Sawyre Thornhill for an 8-7 win in extra innings.

Kaden Wickersham was the winner in relief.

The Monarchs, now 28-7, will be on the road Wednesday in Newton before returning for their Sunflower League finale at home on Thursday.

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs won in walk off fashion Tuesday night at Hobart-Detter as Ryan Henderson drew a walk to drive in&nbsp;Sawyre Thornhill for an 8-7 win in extra innings.Kaden Wickersham was the winner in relief.The Monarchs, now 28-7, will be on the road Wednesday in Newton before returning for their Sunflower League finale at home on Thursday.

Monarchs win Tuesday

KANSAS CITY — Below are the notes on all of Kansas City's draft picks, courtesy of the Royals.

KANSAS CITY — Below are the notes on all of Kansas City's draft picks, courtesy of the Royals.<figure>
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Royals finish up draft

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 </figure><div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for July 19th, 2022" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mxf2r-1278703-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Monday Morning

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information

Former Hutchinson Community College all-conference player Dylan Nedved, on Monday, became the 40th Blue Dragon to be drafted in the Major League Baseball Entry Draft.

Nedved was drafted in the ninth round with the 270th overall selection as a pitcher by the San Diego Padres on Day 2 of the three-day draft.

Nedved played at Hutchinson in 2018 and 2019, coming to the Blue Dragons from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Shawnee, Kansas. After graduating from Hutchinson in 2019, he played three seasons at the University of Iowa, completing his eligibility in 2022.

The former Blue Dragon is the eighth Hutchinson player selected in the Top 10 rounds in program history, the first since Nolan Hoffman was taken in the fifth round in 2018. Nedved is the eighth Blue Dragon mentored by head coach Ryan Schmidt to be drafted.

With the Blue Dragons, Nedved was a two-way player as an infielder and pitcher.

He still ranks fourth in games played (118), fourth in total hits (159), eighth in doubles (34) and eighth in total bases (248).

As a Blue Dragon, Nedved hit .343 with 15 home runs and 21 RBIs. He was a two-time All-KJCCC player and was selected as an all-Region VI player in 2019. The Blue Dragons won 83 games in Nedved’s two seasons, including one Jayhawk West title and a third-place and runner-up Region VI finish.

As a pitcher, Nedved appeared 33 times with 15 total starts. The right-handed pitcher compiled a 10-3 career record with five saves and a 3.92 earned-run average. In 96 1-3 innings pitched, Nedved tallied 116 strikeouts. In the final week of the 2019 regular season, Nedved was named the NJCAA National Pitcher of the Week,

Initially a two-way player at Iowa, the Hawkeyes used him exclusively as a pitcher in 2022. A team captain for the Hawkeyes in 2022, Nedved was 6-2 with a 3.47 ERA with three saves. He struck out 75 in 72 2-3 innings pitched.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationFormer Hutchinson Community College all-conference player Dylan Nedved, on Monday, became the 40th Blue Dragon to be drafted in the Major League Baseball Entry Draft.Nedved was drafted in the ninth round with the 270th overall selection as a pitcher by the San Diego Padres on Day 2 of the three-day draft.Nedved played at Hutchinson in 2018 and 2019, coming to the Blue Dragons from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Shawnee, Kansas. After graduating from Hutchinson in 2019, he played three seasons at the University of Iowa, completing his eligibility in 2022.The former Blue Dragon is the eighth Hutchinson player selected in the Top 10 rounds in program history, the first since Nolan Hoffman was taken in the fifth round in 2018. Nedved is the eighth Blue Dragon mentored by head coach Ryan Schmidt to be drafted.With the Blue Dragons, Nedved was a two-way player as an infielder and pitcher.He still ranks fourth in games played (118), fourth in total hits (159), eighth in doubles (34) and eighth in total bases (248).As a Blue Dragon, Nedved hit .343 with 15 home runs and 21 RBIs. He was a two-time All-KJCCC player and was selected as an all-Region VI player in 2019. The Blue Dragons won 83 games in Nedved’s two seasons, including one Jayhawk West title and a third-place and runner-up Region VI finish.As a pitcher, Nedved appeared 33 times with 15 total starts. The right-handed pitcher compiled a 10-3 career record with five saves and a 3.92 earned-run average. In 96 1-3 innings pitched, Nedved tallied 116 strikeouts. In the final week of the 2019 regular season, Nedved was named the NJCAA National Pitcher of the Week,Initially a two-way player at Iowa, the Hawkeyes used him exclusively as a pitcher in 2022. A team captain for the Hawkeyes in 2022, Nedved was 6-2 with a 3.47 ERA with three saves. He struck out 75 in 72 2-3 innings pitched.

Nedved drafted by Padres

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals&nbsp;selected eight players on the second day of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft, including six pitchers and two position players, all from the college ranks.

Including their first two picks last night, this marks the second time in franchise history that the Royals have selected college players with their first 10 picks, following 2018, when their first 11 picks were from the college ranks.

In the third round (87th&nbsp;overall), Kansas City selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mason Barnett&nbsp;out of Auburn University. Barnett recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5.1 innings during the Regional Championship Game vs. UCLA on June 5, in which he allowed just 1 hit. He struck out 142 batters in 111.1 innings (11.5 K/9) across 40 appearances (21 starts) during his three seasons at Auburn. In 2021, he made 5 starts with Brewster in the Cape Cod League, where he was teammates with Royals first-round pick&nbsp;Gavin Cross.

The Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Steven Zobac&nbsp;in the fourth round (115th&nbsp;overall) out of the University of California. Zobac was a two-way player from 2020-21 before focusing on pitching as a junior in 2022. On May 13 vs. New Mexico he recorded 12 strikeouts in 7.0 innings, marking the first 12-strikeout game by a Cal pitcher since 2015. His twin sister,&nbsp;Kacey Zobac, plays softball at Cal and they were teammates until they were 11, when she switched to softball.

In the fifth round (145th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Hunter Patteson&nbsp;out of the University of Central Florida. Patteson had Tommy John Surgery in 2022 after leading his team with a 1.82 ERA (6 ER in 29.2 IP) in 7 starts as a junior, while recording 41 strikeouts (12.4 K/9) and just 5 walks (1.5 BB/9). He was selected by the Cubs in the 35th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Vero Beach High School (Fla.), the same school that produced&nbsp;Alex Cobb.

With their sixth pick (175th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected&nbsp;Hayden Dunhurst&nbsp;out of the University of Mississippi, who was the primary catcher for the 2022 College World Series championship team. He recorded 18 HR and 88 RBI in 138 games during his college career, and was named ABCA/Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner behind the plate as a sophomore in 2021, becoming the second player in school history to earn the honor. Dunhurst was previously selected by the Rockies in the 37th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Pearl River Central High School (Miss.).

In the seventh round (205th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mack Anglin&nbsp;out of Clemson University. Anglin, 22, went 6-6 in 15 starts this season with 78 strikeouts in 76.1 innings (9.2 K/9). He pitched 12.2 scoreless innings for Wareham in the 2021 Cape Cod League and was selected by Washington in the 13th&nbsp;round last year as a draft-eligible sophomore but chose to return to Clemson. He was named Gatorade’s Ohio Player of the Year in 2019 out of Highland High School, where he lettered four times in baseball and thrice in basketball, scoring more than 1,000 points in his hoops career.

With their eighth pick (235th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Wesley Scott&nbsp;out of Walters State Community College. Scott, 21, committed to Vanderbilt out of Woodcrest Christian High School in 2019, but attended Arizona in 2020. With Walters State in 2022, he went 9-2 with 1 save and 118 strikeouts in 75.0 innings (14.2 K/9) in 15 starts (18 appearances). Scott made 3 postseason starts this season, including a quarterfinal win over the No. 2 ranked team in the JUCO World Series. On Jan. 29, he recorded 5 strikeouts over 3.0 innings in relief to finish off a combined no hitter. Wesley also made 2 starts in the 2022 MLB Draft League.

In the ninth round (265th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Brandon Johnson&nbsp;out of the University of Mississippi, where he threw the final pitch that clinched the 2022 College World Series to catcher&nbsp;Hayden Dunhurst, Kansas City’s sixth-round pick. He started his collegiate career at Columbia State Community College, where he went 8-0 with 109 strikeouts in 80.2 innings (12.2 K/9) from 2019-20.

With their 10th&nbsp;pick (295th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected outfielder&nbsp;Levi Usher&nbsp;out of the University of Louisville. Usher, 22, hit .285 (70-for-246) as a senior this season with a career-best 25 extra-base hits and 49 RBI in 64 games. He also led the ACC in stolen bases for the second straight year, stealing 36 bags in 39 attempts. Usher was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and earned an ABCA/Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award for his work in center field, which was highlighted by the No. 1 play on SportsCenter on April 30, when he robbed a home run vs. Clemson. He was selected by the Angels in the 37th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Cedar Rapids Prairie High School (Iowa) but chose to attend Kirkwood Community College for his freshman season.

The Draft will conclude Tuesday with rounds 11-20, beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT on <a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a>.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals&nbsp;selected eight players on the second day of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft, including six pitchers and two position players, all from the college ranks.Including their first two picks last night, this marks the second time in franchise history that the Royals have selected college players with their first 10 picks, following 2018, when their first 11 picks were from the college ranks.In the third round (87th&nbsp;overall), Kansas City selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mason Barnett&nbsp;out of Auburn University. Barnett recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5.1 innings during the Regional Championship Game vs. UCLA on June 5, in which he allowed just 1 hit. He struck out 142 batters in 111.1 innings (11.5 K/9) across 40 appearances (21 starts) during his three seasons at Auburn. In 2021, he made 5 starts with Brewster in the Cape Cod League, where he was teammates with Royals first-round pick&nbsp;Gavin Cross.The Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Steven Zobac&nbsp;in the fourth round (115th&nbsp;overall) out of the University of California. Zobac was a two-way player from 2020-21 before focusing on pitching as a junior in 2022. On May 13 vs. New Mexico he recorded 12 strikeouts in 7.0 innings, marking the first 12-strikeout game by a Cal pitcher since 2015. His twin sister,&nbsp;Kacey Zobac, plays softball at Cal and they were teammates until they were 11, when she switched to softball.In the fifth round (145th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Hunter Patteson&nbsp;out of the University of Central Florida. Patteson had Tommy John Surgery in 2022 after leading his team with a 1.82 ERA (6 ER in 29.2 IP) in 7 starts as a junior, while recording 41 strikeouts (12.4 K/9) and just 5 walks (1.5 BB/9). He was selected by the Cubs in the 35th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Vero Beach High School (Fla.), the same school that produced&nbsp;Alex Cobb.With their sixth pick (175th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected&nbsp;Hayden Dunhurst&nbsp;out of the University of Mississippi, who was the primary catcher for the 2022 College World Series championship team. He recorded 18 HR and 88 RBI in 138 games during his college career, and was named ABCA/Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner behind the plate as a sophomore in 2021, becoming the second player in school history to earn the honor. Dunhurst was previously selected by the Rockies in the 37th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Pearl River Central High School (Miss.).In the seventh round (205th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mack Anglin&nbsp;out of Clemson University. Anglin, 22, went 6-6 in 15 starts this season with 78 strikeouts in 76.1 innings (9.2 K/9). He pitched 12.2 scoreless innings for Wareham in the 2021 Cape Cod League and was selected by Washington in the 13th&nbsp;round last year as a draft-eligible sophomore but chose to return to Clemson. He was named Gatorade’s Ohio Player of the Year in 2019 out of Highland High School, where he lettered four times in baseball and thrice in basketball, scoring more than 1,000 points in his hoops career.With their eighth pick (235th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Wesley Scott&nbsp;out of Walters State Community College. Scott, 21, committed to Vanderbilt out of Woodcrest Christian High School in 2019, but attended Arizona in 2020. With Walters State in 2022, he went 9-2 with 1 save and 118 strikeouts in 75.0 innings (14.2 K/9) in 15 starts (18 appearances). Scott made 3 postseason starts this season, including a quarterfinal win over the No. 2 ranked team in the JUCO World Series. On Jan. 29, he recorded 5 strikeouts over 3.0 innings in relief to finish off a combined no hitter. Wesley also made 2 starts in the 2022 MLB Draft League.In the ninth round (265th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Brandon Johnson&nbsp;out of the University of Mississippi, where he threw the final pitch that clinched the 2022 College World Series to catcher&nbsp;Hayden Dunhurst, Kansas City’s sixth-round pick. He started his collegiate career at Columbia State Community College, where he went 8-0 with 109 strikeouts in 80.2 innings (12.2 K/9) from 2019-20.With their 10th&nbsp;pick (295th&nbsp;overall), the Royals selected outfielder&nbsp;Levi Usher&nbsp;out of the University of Louisville. Usher, 22, hit .285 (70-for-246) as a senior this season with a career-best 25 extra-base hits and 49 RBI in 64 games. He also led the ACC in stolen bases for the second straight year, stealing 36 bags in 39 attempts. Usher was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and earned an ABCA/Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award for his work in center field, which was highlighted by the No. 1 play on SportsCenter on April 30, when he robbed a home run vs. Clemson. He was selected by the Angels in the 37th&nbsp;round of the 2019 Draft out of Cedar Rapids Prairie High School (Iowa) but chose to attend Kirkwood Community College for his freshman season.The Draft will conclude Tuesday with rounds 11-20, beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT on <a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a>.

Royals select eight players Monday

NEWTON, Kan. — It looked for most of Monday night like Newton was going to hold off the Hutchinson Monarchs, but then a 15-run top of the seventh turned the tide and Hutchinson won 16-3.

Lane Brewster and Joey Baran each had 4 RBI for Hutchinson. Clay Wesbrooks got the win in relief.

The Monarchs, now 27-7, host Newton tonight at Hobart-Detter. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

NEWTON, Kan. — It looked for most of Monday night like Newton was going to hold off the Hutchinson Monarchs, but then a 15-run top of the seventh turned the tide and Hutchinson won 16-3.Lane Brewster and Joey Baran each had 4 RBI for Hutchinson. Clay Wesbrooks got the win in relief.The Monarchs, now 27-7, host Newton tonight at Hobart-Detter. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

Monarchs win Monday over Newton

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Washington Nationals star Juan Soto won his first Home Run Derby. He held off Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodríguez in the final 19-18. 

The 23-year-old Soto hit 53 total homers to win the midseason power showcase, showing off his incredible talent. Soto was locked in at the plate even during a tumultuous recent stretch packed with speculation about his possible departure from the Nats after turning down a huge contract extension. 

Soto beat Cleveland’s José Ramírez 18-17 in the first round before getting past 42-year-old Albert Pujols 16-15 to reach the final.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Washington Nationals star Juan Soto won his first Home Run Derby. He held off Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodríguez in the final 19-18. The 23-year-old Soto hit 53 total homers to win the midseason power showcase, showing off his incredible talent. Soto was locked in at the plate even during a tumultuous recent stretch packed with speculation about his possible departure from the Nats after turning down a huge contract extension. Soto beat Cleveland’s José Ramírez 18-17 in the first round before getting past 42-year-old Albert Pujols 16-15 to reach the final.

Soto wins Home Run Derby

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/7/18/mens-basketball-nine-home-games-highlight-jerome-tangs-first-season-in-2022-23.aspx">Via K-State Sports</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Nine home games at Bramlage Coliseum, including marquee matchups with in-state rival Wichita State and SEC foe Florida, highlight the non-conference schedule for first-year head coach Jerome Tang and his Kansas State men's basketball program, which was released Monday (July 18).

In addition to its nine home games, K-State will host former conference foe Nebraska in a return of the Wildcat Classic to the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Season tickets for the 2022-23 home schedule as well as the Wildcat Classic in Kansas City are currently on sale through the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling (800) 221.CATS as well as online at kstatesports.com. Ticket packages can be found at here.

K-State will officially open the Jerome Tang era on Monday, Nov. 7 against UTRGV. A home exhibition game will be played versus an opponent and date to be announced at a later time.

In all, the Wildcats will play 18 home games in 2022-23, including the nine-game Big 12 schedule with visits from reigning national champion Kansas and NCAA Tournament participants Baylor, Iowa State, TCU, Texas and Texas Tech. The conference schedule will be released in the fall.

'Cats Open with Three of First Four Games at Bramlage Coliseum

K-State will open the 2022-23 campaign with three of its first four games at home, all coming in the first 11 days of the season. The Wildcats will host former assistant coach Matt Figger and his Vaqueros in the season opener on Nov. 7 before traveling to Cal for the first road game of the Tang era on Friday, Nov. 11. The team will return home for games against UAPB (Monday, Nov. 14) and Kansas City (Thursday, Nov. 17).

The Wildcats are a combined 33-2 all-time against their first four opponents, including 21-0 at home against the Vaqueros, Golden Lions and 'Roos.

K-State will participate in the fourth annual Cayman Islands Classic, which runs from Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 21-23 at The John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman. It will mark just the third visit to the Caribbean for a tournament following the 2002 and 2018 Paradise Jams in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Wildcats will face Rhode Island in the final game of the first day of the tournament at 7:30 p.m., CT on Nov. 21. The K-State/URI winner will advance to face the winner of the contest between Nevada and Tulane on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will play at 5 p.m., CT.

In the opposite bracket, the winner of the first game between LSU and Illinois State will play the winner of the second game between Akron and Western Kentucky on Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will open the second day of the tournament at 11 a.m., CT.

The winner of each bracket will face off in the championship game on Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m., CT. There will be three consolation games that will precede the title contest at 11 a.m., CT (seventh-place game), 1:30 p.m., CT (fifth-place game) and 5 p.m., CT (third-place game), respectively.

Those interested in travel packages can contact Sports &amp; Entertainment Travel, the official fan travel provider for the Cayman Islands Classic, by visiting their website at www.CaymanIslandClassicTravel.com or reach them by phone at (877) 669-8903.

Visit to Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Big 12/BIG EAST Battle

K- State will conclude the first month with a visit to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Nov. 30 to take on the Butler Bulldogs as part of the fourth edition of the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle.

This will be just the second meeting between the programs and the first since Butler knocked off K-State, 63-56, in the NCAA West Regional Final in Salt Lake City to advance to the 2010 Final Four. It will be the first-ever visit to venerable Hinkle Fieldhouse, which is one of the oldest college basketball arenas still in use opening in 1928.

The two teams were scheduled to play in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle at Hinkle Fieldhouse during the 2020-21 season, but the game was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols within the Bulldog program.

K-State is 0-2 all-time in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle following losses to Marquette in 2019 and 2021. Last season, the Golden Eagles posted a 64-63 win over the Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State will play all home games in the month of December, including hosting Nebraska in a return of the Wildcat Classic on Dec. 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

The month kicks off with a visit from in-state rival Wichita State for the first time since 2003. Last season, the Wildcats opened the 4-game series with a 65-59 win over the Shockers at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita. K-State is 21-11 all-time against WSU, including 14-2 at home.

K-State will play Abilene Christian (Tuesday, Dec. 6), Incarnate Word (Sunday, Dec. 11) and Radford (Wednesday, Dec. 21) at Bramlage Coliseum in December. This will be the first meeting with ACU since 1986, while IWU and Radford are first-time opponents.

The Wildcats will host the Cornhuskers in the 11th Wildcat Classic game at the T-Mobile Center and the first since 2019. The schools were supposed to open the series at the T-Mobile Center on Dec. 19, 2020, but it was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

K-State and Nebraska have met in Kansas City 22 times with the Wildcats holding a 19-3 advantage. The schools faced off 16 times in the Big Six/Seven/Eight Holiday Tournament between 1944-77 and then on 6 more occasions in the Big Eight/12 Championship between 1979-2001.

The game will be the second in a 3-game series between the former conference foes after the Wildcats earned a 67-58 win over the Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska on Dec. 19, 2021.

Saint Louis snapped K-State's 5-game winning streak in the Classic with a 66-63 victory on Dec. 21, 2019. The Wildcats are 20-20 all-time in the arena, including an 8-2 mark in the Wildcat Classic.

K-State will conclude its non-conference schedule on Jan. 28, 2023, by hosting Florida in the 10th annual Big 12/SEC Challenge. The January meeting will be just the third all-time – all coming since 2010 – between the schools and the first in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. It will also be the first time either team has hosted on their home court.

The series is tied 1-1, as Florida won the first matchup, 57-44, in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise, Fla., on December 18, 2010, while K-State evened the series with a 67-61 victory in the Wildcat Classic at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on December 22, 2012.

K-State is 3-6 all-time in the Challenge series with all three wins coming at home (Ole Miss in 2013 and 2016 and Georgia in 2018). The Wildcats will be looking to snap a 4-game skid against SEC foes after dropping games to Texas A&amp;M (2019 and 2021), Alabama (2020) and Ole Miss (2022).

K-State enters year one under Tang, who was hired by the school on March 21 after a 19-year stint in helping build Baylor into a national powerhouse, in 2022-23. The Wildcats return All-Big 12 honorable mention selection and All-Defensive Team member Markquis Nowell (12.4 ppg., 5.0 apg.) and junior forward Ish Massoud (6.8 ppg., 2.8 rpg.). Nowell led the Big 12 in steals (2.2 spg.), while he was second in assists and assist/turnover ratio.

The Wildcats have signed nine additional players for the upcoming season, including transfers Cam Carter (Mississippi State), Jerrell Colbert (LSU), Tykei Greene (Manhattan/Stony Brook), Abayomi "Baybe" Iyiola (Stetson/Arkansas/Hofstra), David N'Guessan (Virginia Tech), Desi Sills (Arkansas/Arkansas State) and Nae'Qwan Tomlin (Chipola College) as well as a pair of incoming freshmen Dorian Finister and Taj Manning.

Greene, Sills and Tomlin have all eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier during their college careers, while Iyiola has grabbed 16 double-doubles so far in college. N'Guessan played in 57 games, including 36 this past season, at Virginia Tech, while Carter and Colbert are both former consensus Top 150 players.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658166673395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/7/18/mens-basketball-nine-home-games-highlight-jerome-tangs-first-season-in-2022-23.aspx">Via K-State Sports</a>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Nine home games at Bramlage Coliseum, including marquee matchups with in-state rival Wichita State and SEC foe Florida, highlight the non-conference schedule for first-year head coach Jerome Tang and his Kansas State men's basketball program, which was released Monday (July 18).In addition to its nine home games, K-State will host former conference foe Nebraska in a return of the Wildcat Classic to the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Saturday, Dec. 17.Season tickets for the 2022-23 home schedule as well as the Wildcat Classic in Kansas City are currently on sale through the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling (800) 221.CATS as well as online at kstatesports.com. Ticket packages can be found at here.K-State will officially open the Jerome Tang era on Monday, Nov. 7 against UTRGV. A home exhibition game will be played versus an opponent and date to be announced at a later time.In all, the Wildcats will play 18 home games in 2022-23, including the nine-game Big 12 schedule with visits from reigning national champion Kansas and NCAA Tournament participants Baylor, Iowa State, TCU, Texas and Texas Tech. The conference schedule will be released in the fall.'Cats Open with Three of First Four Games at Bramlage ColiseumK-State will open the 2022-23 campaign with three of its first four games at home, all coming in the first 11 days of the season. The Wildcats will host former assistant coach Matt Figger and his Vaqueros in the season opener on Nov. 7 before traveling to Cal for the first road game of the Tang era on Friday, Nov. 11. The team will return home for games against UAPB (Monday, Nov. 14) and Kansas City (Thursday, Nov. 17).The Wildcats are a combined 33-2 all-time against their first four opponents, including 21-0 at home against the Vaqueros, Golden Lions and 'Roos.First Trip to the Cayman IslandsK-State will participate in the fourth annual Cayman Islands Classic, which runs from Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 21-23 at The John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman. It will mark just the third visit to the Caribbean for a tournament following the 2002 and 2018 Paradise Jams in the U.S. Virgin Islands.The Wildcats will face Rhode Island in the final game of the first day of the tournament at 7:30 p.m., CT on Nov. 21. The K-State/URI winner will advance to face the winner of the contest between Nevada and Tulane on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will play at 5 p.m., CT.In the opposite bracket, the winner of the first game between LSU and Illinois State will play the winner of the second game between Akron and Western Kentucky on Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will open the second day of the tournament at 11 a.m., CT.The winner of each bracket will face off in the championship game on Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m., CT. There will be three consolation games that will precede the title contest at 11 a.m., CT (seventh-place game), 1:30 p.m., CT (fifth-place game) and 5 p.m., CT (third-place game), respectively.Those interested in travel packages can contact Sports &amp; Entertainment Travel, the official fan travel provider for the Cayman Islands Classic, by visiting their website at www.CaymanIslandClassicTravel.com or reach them by phone at (877) 669-8903.Visit to Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Big 12/BIG EAST BattleK- State will conclude the first month with a visit to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Nov. 30 to take on the Butler Bulldogs as part of the fourth edition of the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle.This will be just the second meeting between the programs and the first since Butler knocked off K-State, 63-56, in the NCAA West Regional Final in Salt Lake City to advance to the 2010 Final Four. It will be the first-ever visit to venerable Hinkle Fieldhouse, which is one of the oldest college basketball arenas still in use opening in 1928.The two teams were scheduled to play in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle at Hinkle Fieldhouse during the 2020-21 season, but the game was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols within the Bulldog program.K-State is 0-2 all-time in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle following losses to Marquette in 2019 and 2021. Last season, the Golden Eagles posted a 64-63 win over the Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum.Homestand in DecemberK-State will play all home games in the month of December, including hosting Nebraska in a return of the Wildcat Classic on Dec. 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.The month kicks off with a visit from in-state rival Wichita State for the first time since 2003. Last season, the Wildcats opened the 4-game series with a 65-59 win over the Shockers at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita. K-State is 21-11 all-time against WSU, including 14-2 at home.K-State will play Abilene Christian (Tuesday, Dec. 6), Incarnate Word (Sunday, Dec. 11) and Radford (Wednesday, Dec. 21) at Bramlage Coliseum in December. This will be the first meeting with ACU since 1986, while IWU and Radford are first-time opponents.The Wildcats will host the Cornhuskers in the 11th Wildcat Classic game at the T-Mobile Center and the first since 2019. The schools were supposed to open the series at the T-Mobile Center on Dec. 19, 2020, but it was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.K-State and Nebraska have met in Kansas City 22 times with the Wildcats holding a 19-3 advantage. The schools faced off 16 times in the Big Six/Seven/Eight Holiday Tournament between 1944-77 and then on 6 more occasions in the Big Eight/12 Championship between 1979-2001.The game will be the second in a 3-game series between the former conference foes after the Wildcats earned a 67-58 win over the Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska on Dec. 19, 2021.Saint Louis snapped K-State's 5-game winning streak in the Classic with a 66-63 victory on Dec. 21, 2019. The Wildcats are 20-20 all-time in the arena, including an 8-2 mark in the Wildcat Classic.Host Florida in SEC/Big 12 ChallengeK-State will conclude its non-conference schedule on Jan. 28, 2023, by hosting Florida in the 10th annual Big 12/SEC Challenge. The January meeting will be just the third all-time – all coming since 2010 – between the schools and the first in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. It will also be the first time either team has hosted on their home court.The series is tied 1-1, as Florida won the first matchup, 57-44, in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise, Fla., on December 18, 2010, while K-State evened the series with a 67-61 victory in the Wildcat Classic at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on December 22, 2012.K-State is 3-6 all-time in the Challenge series with all three wins coming at home (Ole Miss in 2013 and 2016 and Georgia in 2018). The Wildcats will be looking to snap a 4-game skid against SEC foes after dropping games to Texas A&amp;M (2019 and 2021), Alabama (2020) and Ole Miss (2022).The Wildcats At A GlanceK-State enters year one under Tang, who was hired by the school on March 21 after a 19-year stint in helping build Baylor into a national powerhouse, in 2022-23. The Wildcats return All-Big 12 honorable mention selection and All-Defensive Team member Markquis Nowell (12.4 ppg., 5.0 apg.) and junior forward Ish Massoud (6.8 ppg., 2.8 rpg.). Nowell led the Big 12 in steals (2.2 spg.), while he was second in assists and assist/turnover ratio.The Wildcats have signed nine additional players for the upcoming season, including transfers Cam Carter (Mississippi State), Jerrell Colbert (LSU), Tykei Greene (Manhattan/Stony Brook), Abayomi "Baybe" Iyiola (Stetson/Arkansas/Hofstra), David N'Guessan (Virginia Tech), Desi Sills (Arkansas/Arkansas State) and Nae'Qwan Tomlin (Chipola College) as well as a pair of incoming freshmen Dorian Finister and Taj Manning.Greene, Sills and Tomlin have all eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier during their college careers, while Iyiola has grabbed 16 double-doubles so far in college. N'Guessan played in 57 games, including 36 this past season, at Virginia Tech, while Carter and Colbert are both former consensus Top 150 players.

K-State announces non-conference men's basketball schedule

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<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-sweep-travs-as-encarnacion-strand-hits-for-the-cycle">Via WindSurge.com</a>

Wichita, KS- Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit for the cycle and led the Wind Surge to a 11-1 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday afternoon as the Surge swept the six-game series.

Louie Varland got the start on the mound for Wichita and pitched five strong innings allowing a lone run on four hits. He struck out seven to improve to 7-3 on the season.

Wichita jumped on the Travelers in the bottom of the first inning as Encarnacion-Strand hit an RBI triple. Roy Morales followed with a single to right field that scored Encarnacion-Strand. Christian finished four for five with three RBIs in the game.

Edouard Julien and Encarnacion-Strand hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the second inning and Morales scored on a wild pitch that extended the Wichita lead to 6-1.

The Surge added five insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth on RBI singles from Chris Williams, Morales, and Encarnacion-Strand to take a commanding 11-1 lead.

The Surge tallied their first six-game series sweep in franchise history, while Encarnacion-Strand became the first player in Surge history to hit for the cycle.

<a href="https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/surge-sweep-travs-as-encarnacion-strand-hits-for-the-cycle">Via WindSurge.com</a>Wichita, KS- Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit for the cycle and led the Wind Surge to a 11-1 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday afternoon as the Surge swept the six-game series.Louie Varland got the start on the mound for Wichita and pitched five strong innings allowing a lone run on four hits. He struck out seven to improve to 7-3 on the season.Wichita jumped on the Travelers in the bottom of the first inning as Encarnacion-Strand hit an RBI triple. Roy Morales followed with a single to right field that scored Encarnacion-Strand. Christian finished four for five with three RBIs in the game.Edouard Julien and Encarnacion-Strand hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the second inning and Morales scored on a wild pitch that extended the Wichita lead to 6-1.The Surge added five insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth on RBI singles from Chris Williams, Morales, and Encarnacion-Strand to take a commanding 11-1 lead.The Surge tallied their first six-game series sweep in franchise history, while Encarnacion-Strand became the first player in Surge history to hit for the cycle.

Surge sweep with Sunday win

TORONTO (AP) — Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, sending the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players, including All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi and infielder Whit Merrifield, during this four-game series in Toronto.

The Royals won the first game of the series Thursday and then dropped the next three.

Since unvaccinated foreign nationals aren’t allowed to enter Canada, the Royals roster included Triple-A and Double-A prospects, making an already difficult series against the high-powered Blue Jays more challenging.

Both teams scored a pair of runs in the first few innings, but that was the extent of the offense until Kirk’s homer off Wyatt Mills (0-1).

Blue Jays starter José Berríos settled into a rhythm, working 6⅓ innings, allowing two earned runs and seven hits while striking out seven and walking one.

Left-hander Tim Mayza (3-0) took over for Berríos out of the bullpen, working 1⅔ innings in relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win. Jordan Romano worked a perfect ninth for his 20th save of the season.

TORONTO (AP) — Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, sending the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players, including All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi and infielder Whit Merrifield, during this four-game series in Toronto.The Royals won the first game of the series Thursday and then dropped the next three.Since unvaccinated foreign nationals aren’t allowed to enter Canada, the Royals roster included Triple-A and Double-A prospects, making an already difficult series against the high-powered Blue Jays more challenging.Both teams scored a pair of runs in the first few innings, but that was the extent of the offense until Kirk’s homer off Wyatt Mills (0-1).Blue Jays starter José Berríos settled into a rhythm, working 6⅓ innings, allowing two earned runs and seven hits while striking out seven and walking one.Left-hander Tim Mayza (3-0) took over for Berríos out of the bullpen, working 1⅔ innings in relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win. Jordan Romano worked a perfect ninth for his 20th save of the season.

Blue Jays win Sunday over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The Kansas City Royals on Sunday selected Gavin Cross, an outfielder from Virginia Tech, with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft.

Cross, 21, hit .328 (80-for-244) with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 57 games in his junior season as Virginia Tech. The left-handed batter recorded 39 extra-base hits for a .660 slugging percentage and 1.071 OPS, while making most of his starts in center field. He also stole 12 bases without being caught.

In three years at Virginia Tech, Cross slashed .340/.412/.609 with 28 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 124 games.

He is the fifth player chosen ninth overall in Royals history and the first since 2001. One of the previous four players selected ninth overall by Kansas City was Kevin Appier (drafted in 1987), who was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 2011. The Royals also selected Clint Hurdle ninth overall in the 1975 Draft.

This marks the first time the Royals have selected a position player with their first pick since 2019, when they drafted Bobby Witt Jr. No. 2 overall. Cross is the first college position player selected by the Royals with their first pick since Hunter Dozier was drafted eighth overall out of Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013.

Also, in the second round at 49th overall, the Royals selected Arkansas third baseman Cayden Wallace. Wallace played with Dayton Moore's son, Robert, who was drafted by the Brewers at 72nd overall.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The Kansas City Royals on Sunday selected Gavin Cross, an outfielder from Virginia Tech, with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft.Cross, 21, hit .328 (80-for-244) with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 57 games in his junior season as Virginia Tech. The left-handed batter recorded 39 extra-base hits for a .660 slugging percentage and 1.071 OPS, while making most of his starts in center field. He also stole 12 bases without being caught.In three years at Virginia Tech, Cross slashed .340/.412/.609 with 28 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 124 games.He is the fifth player chosen ninth overall in Royals history and the first since 2001. One of the previous four players selected ninth overall by Kansas City was Kevin Appier (drafted in 1987), who was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 2011. The Royals also selected Clint Hurdle ninth overall in the 1975 Draft.This marks the first time the Royals have selected a position player with their first pick since 2019, when they drafted Bobby Witt Jr. No. 2 overall. Cross is the first college position player selected by the Royals with their first pick since Hunter Dozier was drafted eighth overall out of Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013.Also, in the second round at 49th overall, the Royals selected Arkansas third baseman Cayden Wallace. Wallace played with Dayton Moore's son, Robert, who was drafted by the Brewers at 72nd overall.

Royals make pair of Sunday picks

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Monarchs lost 12-11 to the Cheney Diamond Dawgs in a non-league matchup Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field.

Cheney took advantage of 4 singles and 2 Monarchs errors, all with 2 outs, to score 4 and take a 12-11 lead in the 7th and their bullpen made it hold up.

The Monarchs, now 26-7, get back into Sunflower Collegiate League play Monday night against Newton at Centennial Park in Newton. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Monarchs lost 12-11 to the Cheney Diamond Dawgs in a non-league matchup Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field.Cheney took advantage of 4 singles and 2 Monarchs errors, all with 2 outs, to score 4 and take a 12-11 lead in the 7th and their bullpen made it hold up.The Monarchs, now 26-7, get back into Sunflower Collegiate League play Monday night against Newton at Centennial Park in Newton. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

Cheney wins over Hutchinson Saturday

Wichita, KS -- Edouard Julien led the Wind Surge to a 7-6 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Saturday night with a three-run, walk off homer in the bottom of the ninth. It was Wichita’s fifth straight win.

After Arkansas took an early 3-0 lead, Chris Williams hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning to shrink the lead to one. Williams later added a two-run RBI double that scored Andrew Bechtold and Cole Sturgeon to give the Surge a 4-3 lead.

The Travelers scored the next three runs, including two in the top of the ninth to take a 6-4 lead. Shortstop Riley Unroe hit an RBI triple to score Tanner Kirwer and Unroe scored on a wild pitch.

The Surge tallied their eighth walk-off victory of the season…

The Wind Surge and the Travelers will face off in the series finale Sunday. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. and gates open at noon.

Wichita, KS -- Edouard Julien led the Wind Surge to a 7-6 victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Saturday night with a three-run, walk off homer in the bottom of the ninth. It was Wichita’s fifth straight win.After Arkansas took an early 3-0 lead, Chris Williams hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning to shrink the lead to one. Williams later added a two-run RBI double that scored Andrew Bechtold and Cole Sturgeon to give the Surge a 4-3 lead.The Travelers scored the next three runs, including two in the top of the ninth to take a 6-4 lead. Shortstop Riley Unroe hit an RBI triple to score Tanner Kirwer and Unroe scored on a wild pitch.The Surge tallied their eighth walk-off victory of the season…The Wind Surge and the Travelers will face off in the series finale Sunday. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. and gates open at noon.