Rusty Laverentz is the new assistant athletic director at Hutchinson Community College.

Laverentz’s main duties will be NJCAA compliance as well as game-operations and concessions at Gowans Stadium and the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

“I am excited to add Rusty Laverentz to our Athletic Administrative team,” Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. “His extensive background as a coach and then his experience in administration will be an asset to the Blue Dragon Athletic Department.”

Laverentz came to Hutchinson after serving two years as the athletic director at Missouri State University-West Plains in West Plains, Missouri. Before West Plains, Laverentz was the assistant athletic director at Pratt Community College.

Before getting fully into athletic administration, Laverentz held several different positions at schools at the NCAA and NJCAA levels.

Before Pratt, Laverentz served as the director of basketball operations for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley women’s basketball team. Laverentz also served in the same capacity for the University of Houston’s women’s basketball team.

Laverentz has also been a head basketball coach at the NJCAA level, most recently at Connors State College in 2014-15. He was also the head coach at New Mexico Junior College from 2005-07 following five seasons as an assistant coach.

Laverentz began his coaching career as a student assistant with the women’s basketball team at Missouri Western State while playing baseball from 1993-96.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Laverentz became a graduate assistant at Arkansas State. He earned his Master of Science in Physical Education in 1998 and then stayed on one more season as a volunteer assistant coach.

Laverentz takes over for Steve Kappenman, who is now the Activities Director at Hutchinson High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719845707519.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCCRusty Laverentz is the new assistant athletic director at Hutchinson Community College.Laverentz’s main duties will be NJCAA compliance as well as game-operations and concessions at Gowans Stadium and the Hutchinson Sports Arena.“I am excited to add Rusty Laverentz to our Athletic Administrative team,” Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. “His extensive background as a coach and then his experience in administration will be an asset to the Blue Dragon Athletic Department.”Laverentz came to Hutchinson after serving two years as the athletic director at Missouri State University-West Plains in West Plains, Missouri. Before West Plains, Laverentz was the assistant athletic director at Pratt Community College.Before getting fully into athletic administration, Laverentz held several different positions at schools at the NCAA and NJCAA levels.Before Pratt, Laverentz served as the director of basketball operations for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley women’s basketball team. Laverentz also served in the same capacity for the University of Houston’s women’s basketball team.Laverentz has also been a head basketball coach at the NJCAA level, most recently at Connors State College in 2014-15. He was also the head coach at New Mexico Junior College from 2005-07 following five seasons as an assistant coach.Laverentz began his coaching career as a student assistant with the women’s basketball team at Missouri Western State while playing baseball from 1993-96.After earning his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Laverentz became a graduate assistant at Arkansas State. He earned his Master of Science in Physical Education in 1998 and then stayed on one more season as a volunteer assistant coach.Laverentz takes over for Steve Kappenman, who is now the Activities Director at Hutchinson High School.

HutchCC names Laverentz new assistant athletic director

KSHOF announces 2024 induction class

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A few things usually have to happen to make the U.S. track and field team for the Olympic games. Athletes must hit a standard to qualify for the U.S. team trials, which were held at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field through Sunday. Athletes must finish in the top three of their event to make the U.S. Olympic team. To actually compete in Paris later this summer, athletes must also meet an Olympic standard. The latter will cost Sterling's Tyus Wilson the opportunity to compete in Paris. According to <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/usa-olympic-track-and-field-team-2024-roster-paris/a282be8d34b1ff9d3210b39e">Sporting News</a>, the U.S. will take just two high jumpers to France, including JuVaughn Harrison, the fourth-place finisher at the trials.

Wilson, a three-time state champion while at Sterling High School, surpassed the U.S. trials "A" Standard of 2.23m at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa on April 26. He again cleared 7 feet, 5 inches (2.26m) at the Shocker Open in Wichita on May 3. He went even higher to 7-6 (2.29m) to win the Big 10 championship in Michigan on May 12. Wilson cleared 2.23m to finish second at the NCAA National Championships in Oregon on June 7. Entering the trials in Oregon, however, he was still just shy of the Olympic "A" standard of 2.33m (7-7.75).

Just two American high jumpers had met the Olympic standard heading into Thursday's first round in Oregon. With a miss at 7-2.25 (2.19m), Wilson still made the finals alongside fellow Kansas-native Devin Loudermilk, a former West Elk standout now competing at the University of Kansas.

During Sunday's Olympic trial finals, Wilson was perfect on three attempts through 2.24m. He missed three tries at 2.27m (7-5.25). Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Caleb Snowden set a personal best by clearing 2.27m on his final attempt to move past Wilson into second. Shelby McEwen, already with the Olympic standard, was perfect through 7-6.5, passed at 7-7.5, and missed three attempts at 7-8.75. Harrison, the only other jumper with the Olympic standard, missed his first attempt at 2.24m to finish fourth behind Wilson.

Because only one of the top three finishers Sunday had the Olympic standard, the conversation turned to world rankings. There were 33 high jumpers in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Wilson is currently ranked No. 49 in the world.&nbsp;

The move to include Harrison on the U.S. Olympic team is a slight departure from what track fans saw with an earlier race. On June 21, reigning Olympic champion Athing Mu posted a 2.01.73 in the women's 800m race to qualify for the trial semifinals. She ran a 1:58.84 to win her semifinal heat on Sunday. She tripped in Monday's finale to place ninth in 2:19.69. Despite an appeal, she was excluded from this year's U.S. Olympic team. She is ranked No. 8 in the world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719842803044.jpeg" alt="Sterling's Tyus Wilson finished third at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. Sunday but was not named to the U.S. Olympic team." />
 <figcaption>Sterling's Tyus Wilson finished third at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. Sunday but was not named to the U.S. Olympic team.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA few things usually have to happen to make the U.S. track and field team for the Olympic games. Athletes must hit a standard to qualify for the U.S. team trials, which were held at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field through Sunday. Athletes must finish in the top three of their event to make the U.S. Olympic team. To actually compete in Paris later this summer, athletes must also meet an Olympic standard. The latter will cost Sterling's Tyus Wilson the opportunity to compete in Paris. According to <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/usa-olympic-track-and-field-team-2024-roster-paris/a282be8d34b1ff9d3210b39e">Sporting News</a>, the U.S. will take just two high jumpers to France, including JuVaughn Harrison, the fourth-place finisher at the trials.Wilson, a three-time state champion while at Sterling High School, surpassed the U.S. trials "A" Standard of 2.23m at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa on April 26. He again cleared 7 feet, 5 inches (2.26m) at the Shocker Open in Wichita on May 3. He went even higher to 7-6 (2.29m) to win the Big 10 championship in Michigan on May 12. Wilson cleared 2.23m to finish second at the NCAA National Championships in Oregon on June 7. Entering the trials in Oregon, however, he was still just shy of the Olympic "A" standard of 2.33m (7-7.75).Just two American high jumpers had met the Olympic standard heading into Thursday's first round in Oregon. With a miss at 7-2.25 (2.19m), Wilson still made the finals alongside fellow Kansas-native Devin Loudermilk, a former West Elk standout now competing at the University of Kansas.During Sunday's Olympic trial finals, Wilson was perfect on three attempts through 2.24m. He missed three tries at 2.27m (7-5.25). Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Caleb Snowden set a personal best by clearing 2.27m on his final attempt to move past Wilson into second. Shelby McEwen, already with the Olympic standard, was perfect through 7-6.5, passed at 7-7.5, and missed three attempts at 7-8.75. Harrison, the only other jumper with the Olympic standard, missed his first attempt at 2.24m to finish fourth behind Wilson.Because only one of the top three finishers Sunday had the Olympic standard, the conversation turned to world rankings. There were 33 high jumpers in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Wilson is currently ranked No. 49 in the world.&nbsp;The move to include Harrison on the U.S. Olympic team is a slight departure from what track fans saw with an earlier race. On June 21, reigning Olympic champion Athing Mu posted a 2.01.73 in the women's 800m race to qualify for the trial semifinals. She ran a 1:58.84 to win her semifinal heat on Sunday. She tripped in Monday's finale to place ninth in 2:19.69. Despite an appeal, she was excluded from this year's U.S. Olympic team. She is ranked No. 8 in the world.

Sterling's Wilson not headed to Olympics in high jump

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Monday, July 1st, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Monday, July 1st, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="July 1st, 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=m7jq8-165724c-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>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals take 3 of 4 from Guardians; ⚾  Wichita Winds Surge win over Northwest Arkansas

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

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

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

“I thought it went pretty well,” Lugo said. “I was able to keep them off balance. ... Was able to stay focused and make the right pitches."

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

“We need to do that kind of offense regularly against every type of team,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “To get the early lead was nice and the two in the middle innings was nice, but the Perez home run was huge to expand the lead there."

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

“I thought Allen battled today,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “Early in the game he was getting in tough counts, but he made pitches when he needed to and gave us a chance.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo struck out 10 in six shutout innings to earn his major league-high 11th win, and Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-2 on Sunday.Bobby Witt Jr. had a run-scoring triple among his three hits for the Royals, who took three of four from the AL Central leaders. Vinnie Pasquantino also had three hits and an RBI.Lugo (11-2) allowed four hits and one walk in his third straight start with eight or more strikeouts. It was his third double-digit strikeout game of the season.“I thought it went pretty well,” Lugo said. “I was able to keep them off balance. ... Was able to stay focused and make the right pitches."Perez had an RBI groundout in the first inning and added a two-run shot to left field that made it 6-0 in the seventh. He leads the Royals with 14 home runs.“We need to do that kind of offense regularly against every type of team,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “To get the early lead was nice and the two in the middle innings was nice, but the Perez home run was huge to expand the lead there."Logan Allen (8-4) lasted 4 1/3 innings for the Guardians, giving up three runs and six hits with three strikeouts.“I thought Allen battled today,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “Early in the game he was getting in tough counts, but he made pitches when he needed to and gave us a chance.”Witt had his ninth three-hit game of the season. This one came after he went 0 for 4 on Saturday, which snapped a 23-game home hitting streak.Garrett Hampson doubled home an early run for the Royals. Pasquantino finished the series with six RBIs.Jose Ramírez put Cleveland on the board with a two-out RBI double in the eighth. That tied him with Hall of Fame slugger Jim Thome for third in franchise history with 620 extra-base hits. Josh Naylor followed with an RBI single.Bo Naylor had three hits for the Guardians, who finished 14-11 in June.Kansas City went 12-15 in June, its first losing month this season. But it was the most wins in June for the club since racking up 17 in 2017.ROSTER MOVESCleveland activated RHP Gavin Williams from the 60-day injured list and optioned struggling RHP Triston McKenzie to Triple-A Columbus. RHP Darren McCaughan was designated for assignment.“It was a tough day for all of us,” Vogt said. “We love Triston. We need him here; we want him to be here. He is ready to go down, put his head down and work.”UP NEXTGuardians: Carlos Carrasco (3-6, 5.27 ERA) pitches Tuesday at home against the Chicago White Sox.Royals: Continue a 10-game homestand Tuesday against Tampa Bay. Kansas City had not announced a scheduled starter.

⚾ Lugo gets MLB-high 11th win Sunday for Royals

Simone Biles headlines a U.S. women's gymnastics team eyeing redemption at the Paris Olympics

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Simone Biles is heading back to the Olympics. The gymnastics star clinched an automatic spot on the five-woman U.S. team by breezing to victory at the Olympic trials. Biles posted a two-day total of 117.225 in what was essentially a tuneup before the games. The 2016 Olympic champion appears as good as ever at age 27. Biles is returning to the spotlight three years after pulling herself out of multiple finals at the 2020 Games to focus on her mental health. Biles says she isn't worried about history repeating itself in Paris.

Paul George will leave the Clippers. Also, Caldwell-Pope to Magic, CP3 to Spurs, AP sources say

Paul George is leaving the Los Angeles Clippers, his now-former team announced Sunday night, with all signs pointing to the nine-time All-Star perhaps returning to the Eastern Conference and joining the Philadelphia 76ers. George could command more than $200 million over four years if his next contract is for max value. Also, Chris Paul is headed to San Antonio to team up with rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama, James Harden is staying with the Clippers, Kevin Love remains in Miami and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is off to Orlando.

Texas Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford becomes the 1st major leaguer to hit for the cycle in 2024

BALTIMORE (AP) — Texas Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford has hit for the cycle in Baltimore, completing the feat with a three-run homer down the left-field line in the eighth inning. It was the first career four-hit game for the 22-year-old Langford, who was drafted last year by the Rangers with the No. 4 overall pick and made a swift rise to the majors to make Texas' opening-day roster this season. It was the first cycle in the major leagues in 2024. Langford tripled in the fourth, doubled in the fifth and singled in the sixth.

McLaughlin-Levrone sends pre-Olympic jolt running 50.65 to break world record (again) in 400 hurdles

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone lowered her world record once again, running the 400-meter hurdles in 50.65 seconds Sunday to win the U.S. Olympic trials. In only her fourth race of the season, the 24-year-old defending Olympic champion cleared all 10 barriers with ease, then went on a dead sprint to the line to break the record for the fifth time, four of which have now come on track at University of Oregon's Hayward Field. She held her hand over her mouth and stared in amazement when she saw the time. The mark was .03 seconds better than her run in the 2022 world championships.

All-Star Paul George set to join 76ers on a $212 million free-agent deal, AP source says

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a four-year, $212 million free-agent deal, a person with knowledge of the deal said Monday. George intends to sign the contract shortly after the league's moratorium on signings is lifted July 6, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be announced until that time. George picked Philadelphia after he spurned the Los Angeles Clippers and declined a player option in his contract for $48.7 million for 2024-205. That ended a five-year stretch with the team, where he averaged at least 21.5 points each season. George has averaged 20.8 points over a 14-year career spent with Indiana, Oklahoma City and the Clippers.

Joey Logano wins at Nashville in record 5th overtime for 1st NASCAR Cup Series victory of year

LEBANON, Tenn. (AP) — Joey Logano won the rain-delayed race at Nashville Superspeedway in a NASCAR Cup Series-record fifth overtime Sunday night, stretching his fuel enough to hold off a group of pursuers at the finish line. Logano held off a charge by Tyler Reddick, then beat Zane Smith, Reddick, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher to the line in the race that started nearly six hours earlier and went 31 laps longer than the 300 that were scheduled. The fuel light in Logano's Ford came on going into Turn 3, and Logano — who ran the last 110 laps without stopping on the 1.33-mile concrete oval — said it stumbled across the line. Logano won for the first time this year, pushing his career tital to 33.

Wimbledon is set to start with Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu and Coco Gauff on the schedule

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — The 2024 edition of Wimbledon is scheduled to start with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and past Grand Slam title winners Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu involved in matches at Centre Court. Alcaraz just won his third major championship at the French Open three weeks ago. He defeated Novak Djokovic in last year's final at Wimbledon. Alcaraz faces qualifier Mark Lajal of Estonia on Monday at the All England Club. Raducanu won the 2021 U.S. Open at age 18, but she has been dealing with various injuries since then. She meets No. 22 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova on Day 1. Gauff closes out the day's schedule in the main stadium against Caroline Dolehide in an all-American matchup.

With England survival at stake, Jude Bellingham creates one of the great moments of Euro 2024

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) — England has advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Championship after Jude Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to spark a 2-1 comeback win after extra time against Slovakia. Bellingham's overhead kick leveled the round-of-16 game at 1-1 with seconds remaining at the Veltins Arena. Harry Kane headed in the winner in the first minute of extra time as England avoided one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Euros. Ivan Schranz scored in the first half for Slovakia and his goal looked like being enough to eliminate England, which was one of the pre-tournament favorites and runner-up at the last Euros. England will play Switzerland in the quarterfinals.

Pistons and coach J.B. Bickerstaff agree on 4-year contract with team option for 5th, AP source says

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons have agreed to a four-year contract with coach J.B. Bickerstaff with a team option for a fifth season, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the agreement had not been announced. The Cleveland Cavaliers fired Bickerstaff in May after they lost to Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals despite them winning 99 games over two years. The Pistons fired coach Monty Williams one season into a six-year, $78.5 million contract after they had the NBA's worst record for a second straight year.

American winger Tim Weah's suspension extended to 2 games for red card against Panama

NEW YORK (AP) — The suspension of American winger Tim Weah was extended to two games by South American soccer's governing body for punching Panama's Roderick Miller during their Copa American group stage match Thursday. Weah received a red card in the 18th minute of the United States' 2-1 loss, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension. The Confederation of South American Football says Weah been suspended for a second game and fined $3,000 by a judge of its disciplinary commission. The money is to be deducted from the U.S. Soccer Federation's payment from CONMEBOL for television, participation and/or prize money.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Monday, July 1st, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Monday, July 1st, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for July 1st, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports in a Minute for July 1st, 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=e9tyy-1657007-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>Simone Biles headlines a U.S. women's gymnastics team eyeing redemption at the Paris OlympicsMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Simone Biles is heading back to the Olympics. The gymnastics star clinched an automatic spot on the five-woman U.S. team by breezing to victory at the Olympic trials. Biles posted a two-day total of 117.225 in what was essentially a tuneup before the games. The 2016 Olympic champion appears as good as ever at age 27. Biles is returning to the spotlight three years after pulling herself out of multiple finals at the 2020 Games to focus on her mental health. Biles says she isn't worried about history repeating itself in Paris.Paul George will leave the Clippers. Also, Caldwell-Pope to Magic, CP3 to Spurs, AP sources sayPaul George is leaving the Los Angeles Clippers, his now-former team announced Sunday night, with all signs pointing to the nine-time All-Star perhaps returning to the Eastern Conference and joining the Philadelphia 76ers. George could command more than $200 million over four years if his next contract is for max value. Also, Chris Paul is headed to San Antonio to team up with rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama, James Harden is staying with the Clippers, Kevin Love remains in Miami and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is off to Orlando.Texas Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford becomes the 1st major leaguer to hit for the cycle in 2024BALTIMORE (AP) — Texas Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford has hit for the cycle in Baltimore, completing the feat with a three-run homer down the left-field line in the eighth inning. It was the first career four-hit game for the 22-year-old Langford, who was drafted last year by the Rangers with the No. 4 overall pick and made a swift rise to the majors to make Texas' opening-day roster this season. It was the first cycle in the major leagues in 2024. Langford tripled in the fourth, doubled in the fifth and singled in the sixth.McLaughlin-Levrone sends pre-Olympic jolt running 50.65 to break world record (again) in 400 hurdlesEUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone lowered her world record once again, running the 400-meter hurdles in 50.65 seconds Sunday to win the U.S. Olympic trials. In only her fourth race of the season, the 24-year-old defending Olympic champion cleared all 10 barriers with ease, then went on a dead sprint to the line to break the record for the fifth time, four of which have now come on track at University of Oregon's Hayward Field. She held her hand over her mouth and stared in amazement when she saw the time. The mark was .03 seconds better than her run in the 2022 world championships.All-Star Paul George set to join 76ers on a $212 million free-agent deal, AP source saysPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a four-year, $212 million free-agent deal, a person with knowledge of the deal said Monday. George intends to sign the contract shortly after the league's moratorium on signings is lifted July 6, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be announced until that time. George picked Philadelphia after he spurned the Los Angeles Clippers and declined a player option in his contract for $48.7 million for 2024-205. That ended a five-year stretch with the team, where he averaged at least 21.5 points each season. George has averaged 20.8 points over a 14-year career spent with Indiana, Oklahoma City and the Clippers.Joey Logano wins at Nashville in record 5th overtime for 1st NASCAR Cup Series victory of yearLEBANON, Tenn. (AP) — Joey Logano won the rain-delayed race at Nashville Superspeedway in a NASCAR Cup Series-record fifth overtime Sunday night, stretching his fuel enough to hold off a group of pursuers at the finish line. Logano held off a charge by Tyler Reddick, then beat Zane Smith, Reddick, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher to the line in the race that started nearly six hours earlier and went 31 laps longer than the 300 that were scheduled. The fuel light in Logano's Ford came on going into Turn 3, and Logano — who ran the last 110 laps without stopping on the 1.33-mile concrete oval — said it stumbled across the line. Logano won for the first time this year, pushing his career tital to 33.Wimbledon is set to start with Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu and Coco Gauff on the scheduleWIMBLEDON, England (AP) — The 2024 edition of Wimbledon is scheduled to start with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and past Grand Slam title winners Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu involved in matches at Centre Court. Alcaraz just won his third major championship at the French Open three weeks ago. He defeated Novak Djokovic in last year's final at Wimbledon. Alcaraz faces qualifier Mark Lajal of Estonia on Monday at the All England Club. Raducanu won the 2021 U.S. Open at age 18, but she has been dealing with various injuries since then. She meets No. 22 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova on Day 1. Gauff closes out the day's schedule in the main stadium against Caroline Dolehide in an all-American matchup.With England survival at stake, Jude Bellingham creates one of the great moments of Euro 2024GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) — England has advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Championship after Jude Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to spark a 2-1 comeback win after extra time against Slovakia. Bellingham's overhead kick leveled the round-of-16 game at 1-1 with seconds remaining at the Veltins Arena. Harry Kane headed in the winner in the first minute of extra time as England avoided one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Euros. Ivan Schranz scored in the first half for Slovakia and his goal looked like being enough to eliminate England, which was one of the pre-tournament favorites and runner-up at the last Euros. England will play Switzerland in the quarterfinals.Pistons and coach J.B. Bickerstaff agree on 4-year contract with team option for 5th, AP source saysDETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons have agreed to a four-year contract with coach J.B. Bickerstaff with a team option for a fifth season, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the agreement had not been announced. The Cleveland Cavaliers fired Bickerstaff in May after they lost to Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals despite them winning 99 games over two years. The Pistons fired coach Monty Williams one season into a six-year, $78.5 million contract after they had the NBA's worst record for a second straight year.American winger Tim Weah's suspension extended to 2 games for red card against PanamaNEW YORK (AP) — The suspension of American winger Tim Weah was extended to two games by South American soccer's governing body for punching Panama's Roderick Miller during their Copa American group stage match Thursday. Weah received a red card in the 18th minute of the United States' 2-1 loss, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension. The Confederation of South American Football says Weah been suspended for a second game and fined $3,000 by a judge of its disciplinary commission. The money is to be deducted from the U.S. Soccer Federation's payment from CONMEBOL for television, participation and/or prize money.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Tampa Bay	5	Washington	0	Final	Boston	4	San Diego	1	Final	Houston	10	N.Y. Mets	5	Final	Colorado	5	Chicago White Sox	4	Final	Arizona	5	Oakland	1	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Yankees	8	Toronto	1	Final	Kansas City	6	Cleveland	2	Final	Detroit	7	L.A. Angels	6	Final	Minnesota	5	Seattle	3	Final	Texas	11	Baltimore	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	4	Atlanta	2	Final	Milwaukee	7	Chicago Cubs	1	Final	St. Louis	2	Cincinnati	0	Final	Philadelphia	7	Miami	6	Final	San Francisco	10	L.A. Dodgers	4	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	New York	81	Atlanta	75	Final	Minnesota	70	Chicago	62	Final	Indiana	88	Phoenix	82	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Monday

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge relied on clutch hitting in a 7-3 victory in the series finale over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Riverfront Stadium. Despite the game going back and forth in the middle innings, a five-run Wichita seventh provided the difference in this one, with all five runs coming across with two outs.

Tyler Tolbert hit a one-out double and swiped third before being stranded 90 feet away on back-to-back strikeouts by&nbsp;Cory Lewis. Runners would be in scoring position for both teams across the following three innings before Luca Tresh hit a two-run home run onto the left field berm in the top of the fifth to break the scoreless deadlock.

Jake Rucker&nbsp;improved his team-leading RBI number to 41 after pushing a single through the right side to score&nbsp;Dalton Shuffield&nbsp;from third in the bottom of the fifth when the Wind Surge had two outs. After loading the bases on three singles in the home half of the sixth,&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;worked a seven-pitch walk to tie the game 2-2.

Dillan Shrum doubled home Peyton Wilson to put Northwest Arkansas ahead in the top of the seventh before a five-run Wichita seventh followed after the stretch.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;smoked a double to the corner for the first two to come home;&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;singled in another, and then&nbsp;Jorel Ortega&nbsp;tripled to the left-center alley for the final pair of tallies that the Wind Surge needed before&nbsp;Jared Solomon&nbsp;pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the ninth to give Wichita a win in the series finale.

Cody Laweryson&nbsp;pitched two innings of relief en route to the victory in his first decision of the season. The 6-4 righty gave up an earned run on two hits and a walk while striking out two Naturals hitters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719803692773.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge plate five in the 7th." />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge plate five in the 7th.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge relied on clutch hitting in a 7-3 victory in the series finale over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Riverfront Stadium. Despite the game going back and forth in the middle innings, a five-run Wichita seventh provided the difference in this one, with all five runs coming across with two outs.Tyler Tolbert hit a one-out double and swiped third before being stranded 90 feet away on back-to-back strikeouts by&nbsp;Cory Lewis. Runners would be in scoring position for both teams across the following three innings before Luca Tresh hit a two-run home run onto the left field berm in the top of the fifth to break the scoreless deadlock.Jake Rucker&nbsp;improved his team-leading RBI number to 41 after pushing a single through the right side to score&nbsp;Dalton Shuffield&nbsp;from third in the bottom of the fifth when the Wind Surge had two outs. After loading the bases on three singles in the home half of the sixth,&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;worked a seven-pitch walk to tie the game 2-2.Dillan Shrum doubled home Peyton Wilson to put Northwest Arkansas ahead in the top of the seventh before a five-run Wichita seventh followed after the stretch.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;smoked a double to the corner for the first two to come home;&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;singled in another, and then&nbsp;Jorel Ortega&nbsp;tripled to the left-center alley for the final pair of tallies that the Wind Surge needed before&nbsp;Jared Solomon&nbsp;pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the ninth to give Wichita a win in the series finale.Cody Laweryson&nbsp;pitched two innings of relief en route to the victory in his first decision of the season. The 6-4 righty gave up an earned run on two hits and a walk while striking out two Naturals hitters.

⚾ Wind Surge use big inning to win over Northwest Arkansas

Lyles pushed hard by Bednarek but wins 200 to keep hope of Olympic sprint double alive for Paris

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Noah Lyles kept his hopes for the sprint double at the Olympics alive Saturday night, coming from behind to win the 200 meters at the U.S. track trials in 19.53 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year. Lyles added the 200, his signature race and the distance at which he is a three-time world champion, to the 100 he won last weekend. It was no blowout, as Lyles had to race to the line to pass Kenny Bednarek with about 10 meters left and beat him by .06 seconds. Erriyon Knighton, racing for the first time this year at trials after being cleared after an investigation about eating drug-tainted meat, finished third and made his second Olympic team.

Germany beats Denmark 2-0 to advance to Euro 2024 quarterfinals after storm stops play

DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Germany went from despair to delight in the space of a minute as a couple of big video review calls set the host nation on its way to a 2-0 win over Denmark and a place in the European Championship quarterfinals. Denmark defender Joachim Andersen had a goal disallowed for the narrowest of offside decisions in the 50th minute before giving away a penalty for handball on Germany's very next attack. Kai Havertz converted the spot kick and Jamal Musiala added a second goal in the 68th. The match was suspended for about 25 minutes in the first half because of a thunderstorm.

Switzerland knocks out defending champion Italy and advances to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals

BERLIN (AP) — Defending champion Italy has crashed out of the European Championship with a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in Berlin. Goals in each half from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas gave the Swiss their first win over their southern neighbor for 31 years and set up a quarterfinal against England or Slovakia in Düsseldorf on July 6. Switzerland dominated in terms of possession, shots, attacks and passes. By the time Italy responded in the second half, the aggressive Swiss defense was able to deal with it, Coach Murat Yakin's game plan worked to perfection.

LeBron James intends to sign a new deal with the Lakers, AP source says

LeBron James is not opting into what would have been a $51.4 million contract for this coming season and will instead seek a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because neither James nor the Lakers revealed the decision publicly. The move is among those coming just ahead of the NBA's free agency period, which formally opens at 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, though at least $1.2 billion in contracts have already been agreed upon because of new rules that allowed teams to speak with their own players earlier than usual.

Ige called in hours before UFC 303 to replace ill fighter before close loss co-main event

LAS VEGAS (AP) — An illness forced Brian Ortega to withdraw Saturday hours before his scheduled fight with Diego Lopes in the co-main event at UFC 303. Dan Ige was called in as a replacement and narrowly loss by decision.. UFC President Dana White said the bout likely would have been called off if Ige hadn't been available. The match is the warm-up bout to the main event between light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka.

Novak Djokovic says his knee feels good and he wants to 'go for the title' at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Novak Djokovic says his right knee has responded well after surgery to repair a torn meniscus less than a month ago and he considers himself ready to contend at Wimbledon. The grass-court Grand Slam tournament begins Monday, and Djokovic's first-round match is scheduled for Tuesday. Djokovic said Saturday that while he was very much in doubt of making it to Wimbledon after getting injured at the French Open on June 3, he is far more optimistic after a week of practices at the All England Club. He has won seven of his 24 Grand Slam trophies at Wimbledon.

Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai share lead for 2nd straight day at Rocket Mortgage Classic

DETROIT (AP) — Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai each shot 4-under 68 on Saturday to reach 17 under through three rounds and share the lead for the second straight day at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Cam Davis and Cameron Young were a shot back at Detroit Golf Club. Sam Stevens and Erik van Rooyen were another stroke back. Amateur Luke Clanton, Min Woo Lee and Joel Dahmen were three shots behind the leaders, entering the final round Sunday. The round started a couple hours later than scheduled after more than an inch of rain soaked the course. The soggy conditions allowed players to lift, clean and place their golf balls in the fairways.

Utah Hockey Club makes NHL draft splashes by trading for Sergachev and Marino

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Utah Hockey Club stole the show on the second day of the NHL draft by making two big trades in a matter of minutes. Utah acquired two-time Stanley Cup champion Mikhail Sergachev from Tampa Bay in a blockbuster and got fellow defenseman John Marino from New Jersey. The team formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes and relocated to Salt Lake City had more than $40 million of salary cap space to use before playing its first game in Utah. Owner Ryan Smith and general manager Bill Armstrong cautioned that the team would not spend wastefully in free agency, but making a splash means winning could come sooner than later.

Steven Stamkos remains on course to become a free agent, Lightning GM and agent confirm

Steven Stamkos is still on course to become a free agent even after the Tampa Bay Lightning cleared significant salary cap space with trades made at the NHL draft. General manager Julien BriseBois and agent Don Meehan independently confirmed their stances have not changed with respect to Stamkos signing a new contract with the club before free agency opens Monday. BriseBois said he did not increase his previous offer to Stamkos after trading two-time Stanley Cup-winning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and depth forward Tanner Jeannot on Saturday. Stamkos at 34 becomes one of the top players available to the league's other 31 teams.

India wins the T20 World Cup after holding off South Africa by 7 runs in a gripping final

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP) — India pulled off a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in a gripping final of the Twenty20 World Cup on Saturday. South Africa, playing its first ever final of an ICC tournament, needed a run-a-ball 30 to win on the back of Heinrich Klaasen's belligerent 52 off 27 balls. But Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, who shared seven wickets in between them, roared back in the death overs to restrict South Africa at 169-8. Kohli's first half-century at tournament, which he later revealed was his last T20 international game, anchored India to 176-7 after captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat. India won its second T20 World Cup but its first world title in 13 years.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	Sporting Kansas City	2	Austin FC	0	

		L-A Dodgers	at	San Francisco	4:05 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, June 30th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, June 30th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for June 30th, 2024:Lyles pushed hard by Bednarek but wins 200 to keep hope of Olympic sprint double alive for ParisEUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Noah Lyles kept his hopes for the sprint double at the Olympics alive Saturday night, coming from behind to win the 200 meters at the U.S. track trials in 19.53 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year. Lyles added the 200, his signature race and the distance at which he is a three-time world champion, to the 100 he won last weekend. It was no blowout, as Lyles had to race to the line to pass Kenny Bednarek with about 10 meters left and beat him by .06 seconds. Erriyon Knighton, racing for the first time this year at trials after being cleared after an investigation about eating drug-tainted meat, finished third and made his second Olympic team.Germany beats Denmark 2-0 to advance to Euro 2024 quarterfinals after storm stops playDORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Germany went from despair to delight in the space of a minute as a couple of big video review calls set the host nation on its way to a 2-0 win over Denmark and a place in the European Championship quarterfinals. Denmark defender Joachim Andersen had a goal disallowed for the narrowest of offside decisions in the 50th minute before giving away a penalty for handball on Germany's very next attack. Kai Havertz converted the spot kick and Jamal Musiala added a second goal in the 68th. The match was suspended for about 25 minutes in the first half because of a thunderstorm.Switzerland knocks out defending champion Italy and advances to the Euro 2024 quarterfinalsBERLIN (AP) — Defending champion Italy has crashed out of the European Championship with a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in Berlin. Goals in each half from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas gave the Swiss their first win over their southern neighbor for 31 years and set up a quarterfinal against England or Slovakia in Düsseldorf on July 6. Switzerland dominated in terms of possession, shots, attacks and passes. By the time Italy responded in the second half, the aggressive Swiss defense was able to deal with it, Coach Murat Yakin's game plan worked to perfection.LeBron James intends to sign a new deal with the Lakers, AP source saysLeBron James is not opting into what would have been a $51.4 million contract for this coming season and will instead seek a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because neither James nor the Lakers revealed the decision publicly. The move is among those coming just ahead of the NBA's free agency period, which formally opens at 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, though at least $1.2 billion in contracts have already been agreed upon because of new rules that allowed teams to speak with their own players earlier than usual.Ige called in hours before UFC 303 to replace ill fighter before close loss co-main eventLAS VEGAS (AP) — An illness forced Brian Ortega to withdraw Saturday hours before his scheduled fight with Diego Lopes in the co-main event at UFC 303. Dan Ige was called in as a replacement and narrowly loss by decision.. UFC President Dana White said the bout likely would have been called off if Ige hadn't been available. The match is the warm-up bout to the main event between light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka.Novak Djokovic says his knee feels good and he wants to 'go for the title' at WimbledonWIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Novak Djokovic says his right knee has responded well after surgery to repair a torn meniscus less than a month ago and he considers himself ready to contend at Wimbledon. The grass-court Grand Slam tournament begins Monday, and Djokovic's first-round match is scheduled for Tuesday. Djokovic said Saturday that while he was very much in doubt of making it to Wimbledon after getting injured at the French Open on June 3, he is far more optimistic after a week of practices at the All England Club. He has won seven of his 24 Grand Slam trophies at Wimbledon.Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai share lead for 2nd straight day at Rocket Mortgage ClassicDETROIT (AP) — Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai each shot 4-under 68 on Saturday to reach 17 under through three rounds and share the lead for the second straight day at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Cam Davis and Cameron Young were a shot back at Detroit Golf Club. Sam Stevens and Erik van Rooyen were another stroke back. Amateur Luke Clanton, Min Woo Lee and Joel Dahmen were three shots behind the leaders, entering the final round Sunday. The round started a couple hours later than scheduled after more than an inch of rain soaked the course. The soggy conditions allowed players to lift, clean and place their golf balls in the fairways.Utah Hockey Club makes NHL draft splashes by trading for Sergachev and MarinoLAS VEGAS (AP) — The Utah Hockey Club stole the show on the second day of the NHL draft by making two big trades in a matter of minutes. Utah acquired two-time Stanley Cup champion Mikhail Sergachev from Tampa Bay in a blockbuster and got fellow defenseman John Marino from New Jersey. The team formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes and relocated to Salt Lake City had more than $40 million of salary cap space to use before playing its first game in Utah. Owner Ryan Smith and general manager Bill Armstrong cautioned that the team would not spend wastefully in free agency, but making a splash means winning could come sooner than later.Steven Stamkos remains on course to become a free agent, Lightning GM and agent confirmSteven Stamkos is still on course to become a free agent even after the Tampa Bay Lightning cleared significant salary cap space with trades made at the NHL draft. General manager Julien BriseBois and agent Don Meehan independently confirmed their stances have not changed with respect to Stamkos signing a new contract with the club before free agency opens Monday. BriseBois said he did not increase his previous offer to Stamkos after trading two-time Stanley Cup-winning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and depth forward Tanner Jeannot on Saturday. Stamkos at 34 becomes one of the top players available to the league's other 31 teams.India wins the T20 World Cup after holding off South Africa by 7 runs in a gripping finalBRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP) — India pulled off a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in a gripping final of the Twenty20 World Cup on Saturday. South Africa, playing its first ever final of an ICC tournament, needed a run-a-ball 30 to win on the back of Heinrich Klaasen's belligerent 52 off 27 balls. But Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, who shared seven wickets in between them, roared back in the death overs to restrict South Africa at 169-8. Kohli's first half-century at tournament, which he later revealed was his last T20 international game, anchored India to 176-7 after captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat. India won its second T20 World Cup but its first world title in 13 years.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Chicago White Sox	11	Colorado	3	Final	Arizona	3	Oakland	0	Final	Washington	8	Tampa Bay	1	Final	San Diego	11	Boston	1	Final	Houston	9	N.Y. Mets	6	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Toronto	9	N.Y. Yankees	3	Final	Cleveland	7	Kansas City	2	Final	Baltimore	6	Texas	5	Final	L.A. Angels	6	Detroit	5	Final	Minnesota	5	Seattle	1	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Cincinnati	9	St. Louis	4	Final	Chicago Cubs	5	Milwaukee	3	Final	Miami	3	Philadelphia	2	Final	Atlanta	2	Pittsburgh	1	Final	L.A. Dodgers	14	San Francisco	7	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Las Vegas	88	Washington	77	Final	Seattle	97	Dallas	76	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal	Atlanta	2	Toronto FC	1	Final	CF Montréal	4	Philadelphia	2	Final	Columbus	5	New England	1	Final tie	D.C. United	2	New York	2	Final	Cincinnati	1	FC Dallas	0	Final	Houston	1	Charlotte FC	0	Final	Sporting Kansas City	2	Austin FC	0	Final	Miami	2	Nashville	1	Final	Vancouver	4	St Louis City	3	Final	Los Angeles FC	3	Colorado	0	Final	Portland	3	Minnesota	2	Final	LA Galaxy	3	San Jose	0	Final	Seattle	2	Chicago	1	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		San Diego	at	Boston	1:35 p.m.			Houston	at	N-Y Mets	1:40 p.m.			Washington	at	Tampa Bay	1:40 p.m.			Colorado	at	Chi White Sox	2:10 p.m.			Oakland	at	Arizona	4:10 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		N-Y Yankees	at	Toronto	1:37 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Kansas City	2:10 p.m.			Detroit	at	L-A Angels	4:07 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Seattle	4:10 p.m.			Texas	at	Baltimore	7:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Pittsburgh	at	Atlanta	11:35 a.m.			Miami	at	Philadelphia	1:35 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	Milwaukee	2:10 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	St. Louis	2:15 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	San Francisco	4:05 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Atlanta	at	New York	1 p.m.			Indiana	at	Phoenix	3 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Chicago	3 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Sunday

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

“It was really positive that we win with a chance to come back tomorrow, but we don’t pay too much attention to that,” Ramirez said about avoiding a four-game losing skid. “We’re going to win a lot of games in a row but also lose a lot of games in a row, but the important part is we compete.”

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

“Michael is a really good offensive player for us and today was a good day for him,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

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

“I felt like I was banging my head against the wall really, because that's what those guys do,” Bibee said. “They put together good at bats and battle. Today was a figure it out day from the get go. I don't think I made many bad pitches, but they just put balls in play.”

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

“I hit too hard to see, but in my mind I was like ‘please be fair’,” Noel said, who has two homers since being called up four games ago. “It's been great, around these great players, great teammates and we're just trying to win ballgames.”

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

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

“I feel like I didn't command stuff overall and fell behind a lot,” Ragans said. “We've all seen the replay (of the video reviewed home run), it was a really bad pitch right own the middle and can't do anything about it."

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

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

Cleveland sends LHP Logan Allen (8-3, 5.72 ERA) to the mound against RHP Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.29) for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;Jose Ramirez homered, Josh Naylor had a pair of RBI and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 7-2 on Saturday.“It was really positive that we win with a chance to come back tomorrow, but we don’t pay too much attention to that,” Ramirez said about avoiding a four-game losing skid. “We’re going to win a lot of games in a row but also lose a lot of games in a row, but the important part is we compete.”Vinnie Pasquantino hit his 10th homer of the season while Michael Massey belted his seventh into the right field bullpen to put the Royals ahead 2-1 in the second inning.“Michael is a really good offensive player for us and today was a good day for him,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.Those two homers were the only runs Tanner Bibee (7-2) gave up over six innings. He allowed four hits and struck out three.“I felt like I was banging my head against the wall really, because that's what those guys do,” Bibee said. “They put together good at bats and battle. Today was a figure it out day from the get go. I don't think I made many bad pitches, but they just put balls in play.”The Guardians took a 3-2 lead after a two-run homer by Jhonkensy Noel. The play was challenged, but was upheld as a home run.“I hit too hard to see, but in my mind I was like ‘please be fair’,” Noel said, who has two homers since being called up four games ago. “It's been great, around these great players, great teammates and we're just trying to win ballgames.”Ramirez extended the lead with an RBI double in the fifth and his 23rd homer of the season in the seventh inning to make it 7-2.Cole Ragans (5-6) went 4 2/3 innings and allowed five earned runs. He gave up six hits and struck out six.“I feel like I didn't command stuff overall and fell behind a lot,” Ragans said. “We've all seen the replay (of the video reviewed home run), it was a really bad pitch right own the middle and can't do anything about it."Prior to the game, Bo Jackson was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He played for Kansas City for four seasons and was named the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 1989.TRAINER'S ROOMCleveland activated RHP Eli Morgan from the 15-day Injured List, signed and placed LHP Matthew Boyd on the 15-day Injured List, optioned RHP Darren McCaughan to Triple-A Columbus and Designated for Assignment RHP Zak Kent.UP NEXTCleveland sends LHP Logan Allen (8-3, 5.72 ERA) to the mound against RHP Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.29) for Kansas City.

⚾ Royals lose Saturday to Guardians

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge fell 3-2 on an error against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Riverfront Stadium. The defeat puts Wichita at 7-16 in one-run games this season.

Northwest Arkansas brought in scores their first two times to the plate on a Rodolfo Durán sacrifice fly to left in the first and a River Town RBI single laced to the same area of the outfield in the second.

Jeferson Morales&nbsp;guided a single down the first base line to score&nbsp;Luke Keaschall&nbsp;from second in the bottom of the third inning. Although&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;was tagged out at home on a sacrifice fly to end the frame,&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;tied things up on a double to left field an inning later in the last of the fourth.

Neither team would put a man across again until the top of the eighth when Peyton Wilson crossed the plate on an infield error to make it a 3-2 Naturals lead.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;reached on a single to shallow left-center to lead off the bottom of the ninth, but Northwest Arkansas turned two on a game-ending 4-6-3 twin killing to jump to 4-1 in the second half.

Taylor Floyd&nbsp;earned his first decision of the season, a loss, after giving up an unearned run on a hit and a walk with four strikeouts in two innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719737574499.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge fell 3-2 on an error against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Riverfront Stadium. The defeat puts Wichita at 7-16 in one-run games this season.Northwest Arkansas brought in scores their first two times to the plate on a Rodolfo Durán sacrifice fly to left in the first and a River Town RBI single laced to the same area of the outfield in the second.Jeferson Morales&nbsp;guided a single down the first base line to score&nbsp;Luke Keaschall&nbsp;from second in the bottom of the third inning. Although&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;was tagged out at home on a sacrifice fly to end the frame,&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;tied things up on a double to left field an inning later in the last of the fourth.Neither team would put a man across again until the top of the eighth when Peyton Wilson crossed the plate on an infield error to make it a 3-2 Naturals lead.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;reached on a single to shallow left-center to lead off the bottom of the ninth, but Northwest Arkansas turned two on a game-ending 4-6-3 twin killing to jump to 4-1 in the second half.Taylor Floyd&nbsp;earned his first decision of the season, a loss, after giving up an unearned run on a hit and a walk with four strikeouts in two innings.

⚾ Wind Surge come up short against Arkansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs jumped on the Wichita Dirtbags early by sending 13 batters to plate in the first inning to score seven runs to set the tone for the night on Saturday evening, winning 9-1 at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson's Carey Park.

Jarrett Flaggert set the tone going&nbsp; three for four in the contest as Jace Minor was dominating pitching six innings, only giving up 2 hits over the course of those six inning. After that, the bullpen did the rest with Josia Ross, Reed Scott and Camden Cornelius finishing the job.

The Monarchs, two games back of the Kansas Cannons in the second half Jayhawk standings are off until Tuesday when they host the Derby Twins at Hobart-Detter.

The Jayhawk All-Star game is set for tonight in Wichita at Riverfront Stadium. First pitch is a 6pm. These Monarchs will represent the Monarchs in that game:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719736505616.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Hutch Monarchs X page" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Hutch Monarchs X page</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs jumped on the Wichita Dirtbags early by sending 13 batters to plate in the first inning to score seven runs to set the tone for the night on Saturday evening, winning 9-1 at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson's Carey Park.Jarrett Flaggert set the tone going&nbsp; three for four in the contest as Jace Minor was dominating pitching six innings, only giving up 2 hits over the course of those six inning. After that, the bullpen did the rest with Josia Ross, Reed Scott and Camden Cornelius finishing the job.The Monarchs, two games back of the Kansas Cannons in the second half Jayhawk standings are off until Tuesday when they host the Derby Twins at Hobart-Detter.The Jayhawk All-Star game is set for tonight in Wichita at Riverfront Stadium. First pitch is a 6pm. These Monarchs will represent the Monarchs in that game:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719737144765.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Monarchs All-Stars" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Monarchs All-Stars</figcaption>
 </figure>

⚾ Monarchs use a seven run first inning to get win over Dirtbags

EMPORIA – The East ended a four-game Kansas Shrine Bowl
losing streak, defeating the West 36-25 Saturday night at Welch Stadium. Blue Valley
Southwest quarterback Dylan Dunn set Shrine Bowl records for passing yards (307) and touchdowns (4) helping the East squad to their first
win since 2018. The two teams tied in 2022.

The 36 points scored by the East is the second most all-time by the East, only the 2016 East Team that won 48-27 (also in Emporia) had scored more points. The 59 total points scored is the fifth highest scoring Kansas Shrine Bowl all-time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The West grabbed the early lead on a 42-yard field goal from
McPherson’s Blaise Hoover but the East scored the the next 20 points for a 20-3
halftime lead.

After forcing a three-and-out on the East’s first possession
of the third quarter, McPherson’s Teegan Haines blocked a punt and was returned
20-yards by Clay Center’s Brody Hayes for the West’s first touchdown but the East
answered with a long touchdown pass to extend the lead to 28-10.

Brooks Kappelmann (Liberal) connected with Haines for a
15-yard touchdown pass to pull within 36-23 in the fourth quarter. Kappelmann set a Shrine Bowl record with 51 pass attempts and completions with 29.

The West threw an interception with a little over a minute to play but forced a safety for
the final score.

Several area players competed in the game for the West including Hays High running back Malik Bah and Plainville offensive lineman Mason Hogan. TMP-Marian graduate and current Medicine Lodge coach Nicolas Schmidt was an assistant coach for the West team.

Bah finished with three carries for seven yards and caught five passes for 13 yards.

2024 Shrine Bowl Award Winners Gary Spani Award East MVP (voted on by working media) Dylan Dunn, Blue Valley Southwest

Paul Coffman Award West MVP (voted on by working media) Brody Hayes, Clay Center

Russ Riederer Most Inspirational Award East (voted on by teammates, coaches &amp; staff) Holden Bass, Nemaha Central

Mike Bell Most Inspirational Award West (voted on by teammates, coaches &amp; staff) J. Brooks Kappelmann, Liberal

Paul &amp; Lucy Miller Outstanding Impact Award East (given to the top fundraiser) Dalton Roush, Holton

Paul &amp; Lucy Miller Oustanding Impact Award West (given to the top fundraiser) Kooper Tichenor, Holcomb&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719765975550.jpeg" alt="Liberal's Brooks Kappelmann attempts a pass for the West squad during the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan. (Mac Moore, KSHSAA Covered photo)" />
 <figcaption>Liberal's Brooks Kappelmann attempts a pass for the West squad during the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan. (Mac Moore, KSHSAA Covered photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostEMPORIA – The East ended a four-game Kansas Shrine Bowl
losing streak, defeating the West 36-25 Saturday night at Welch Stadium. Blue Valley
Southwest quarterback Dylan Dunn set Shrine Bowl records for passing yards (307) and touchdowns (4) helping the East squad to their first
win since 2018. The two teams tied in 2022.The 36 points scored by the East is the second most all-time by the East, only the 2016 East Team that won 48-27 (also in Emporia) had scored more points. The 59 total points scored is the fifth highest scoring Kansas Shrine Bowl all-time.&nbsp;&nbsp;The West grabbed the early lead on a 42-yard field goal from
McPherson’s Blaise Hoover but the East scored the the next 20 points for a 20-3
halftime lead.After forcing a three-and-out on the East’s first possession
of the third quarter, McPherson’s Teegan Haines blocked a punt and was returned
20-yards by Clay Center’s Brody Hayes for the West’s first touchdown but the East
answered with a long touchdown pass to extend the lead to 28-10.Brooks Kappelmann (Liberal) connected with Haines for a
15-yard touchdown pass to pull within 36-23 in the fourth quarter. Kappelmann set a Shrine Bowl record with 51 pass attempts and completions with 29.The West threw an interception with a little over a minute to play but forced a safety for
the final score.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719766110192.jpeg" alt="Plainville's Mason Hogan (79) looks on from the sidelines at the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 28, 2024 at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan. (Mac Moore, KSHSAA Covered photo)" />
 <figcaption>Plainville's Mason Hogan (79) looks on from the sidelines at the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 28, 2024 at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan. (Mac Moore, KSHSAA Covered photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Several area players competed in the game for the West including Hays High running back Malik Bah and Plainville offensive lineman Mason Hogan. TMP-Marian graduate and current Medicine Lodge coach Nicolas Schmidt was an assistant coach for the West team.Bah finished with three carries for seven yards and caught five passes for 13 yards.2024 Shrine Bowl Award Winners Gary Spani Award East MVP (voted on by working media) Dylan Dunn, Blue Valley SouthwestPaul Coffman Award West MVP (voted on by working media) Brody Hayes, Clay CenterRuss Riederer Most Inspirational Award East (voted on by teammates, coaches &amp; staff) Holden Bass, Nemaha CentralMike Bell Most Inspirational Award West (voted on by teammates, coaches &amp; staff) J. Brooks Kappelmann, LiberalPaul &amp; Lucy Miller Outstanding Impact Award East (given to the top fundraiser) Dalton Roush, HoltonPaul &amp; Lucy Miller Oustanding Impact Award West (given to the top fundraiser) Kooper Tichenor, Holcomb&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 East downs West to end Shrine Bowl losing streak

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the Wichita Dirtbags at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Monday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. Cancer Awareness ceremonies will start at 6:40pm.

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/2024/6/1719658310225.png" alt="Gameday vs Dirtbags June 29th - Cancer Awareness night" />
 <figcaption>Gameday vs Dirtbags June 29th - Cancer Awareness night</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the Wichita Dirtbags at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Monday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. Cancer Awareness ceremonies will start at 6:40pm.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/1111352?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾ WATCH LIVE! Hutch Monarchs host Dirtbags on Cancer Awareness night

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Tied 3-3 after four innings, the Wichita Dirtbags were able to take advantage of Hutchinson Monarchs late inning errors to win 6-3 Friday night at Hobart-Detter field in Hutchinson.

The game was originally planned to&nbsp; be played in Wichita but was switched to Hobart-Detter due to the Dirtbags not able to secure a home field.

Same two teams play tonight at Hobart-Detter with pregame ceremonies beginning at 6:30pm for the always popular Cancer Awareness night.

Proceeds from the silent auction and other evening events will go to the Cancer Council of Reno County.

The game will be live streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> and the monarch stream channel at <a href="http://monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719655192977.jpeg" alt="Wichita Dirtbags defeat Monarchs. (Graphic courtesy of the Hutchinson Monarchs)" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Dirtbags defeat Monarchs. (Graphic courtesy of the Hutchinson Monarchs)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Tied 3-3 after four innings, the Wichita Dirtbags were able to take advantage of Hutchinson Monarchs late inning errors to win 6-3 Friday night at Hobart-Detter field in Hutchinson.The game was originally planned to&nbsp; be played in Wichita but was switched to Hobart-Detter due to the Dirtbags not able to secure a home field.Same two teams play tonight at Hobart-Detter with pregame ceremonies beginning at 6:30pm for the always popular Cancer Awareness night.Proceeds from the silent auction and other evening events will go to the Cancer Council of Reno County.The game will be live streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> and the monarch stream channel at <a href="http://monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a>.

⚾ Dirtbags hold on to defeat Monarchs Friday

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge came down in an 11-7 defeat at Riverfront Stadium against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;put up five RBIs and finished a double shy of the cycle as the main contributor to the Wind Surge offense in the shootout.

Rodolfo Durán knocked home Javier Vaz four batters into the night on a bloop single off the end of the bat to right field. Durán tried to leg the hit out into a double but was gunned down at second by Carson McCusker to end the opening half of the first frame.

McCusker later made a big play with the bat in the bottom of the first by smoking a two-run triple to the wall off the Emprise Bank sign to the right of the batter’s eye, scoring both&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Andrew Cossetti&nbsp;to give Wichita a 2-1 lead. Leonel Valera would later tie the game on an infield single to the shortstop&nbsp;Jorel Ortega&nbsp;to knot things at two through one and a half.

However, the highlight tape did not stop for McCusker. In the bottom of the third, he left the yard over the Wind Surge bullpen in left-center on a two-run jack, his fifth of the season, for a 4-2 advantage for Wichita.

Dillan Shrum would put the Naturals within one as the first batter that&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;faced in the top of the fifth on a solo shot to left for his 11th of the season, improving on a power year that puts him among the Top 10 in the Texas League in round-trippers. Durán powered another pitch out of the yard to left-center an inning later in the sixth to tie the game 4-4 on his ninth of the season. Three more runs came across for Northwest Arkansas in the top of the sixth on a throwing error and a two-run triple to center by Valera.

Jake Rucker&nbsp;worked a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit to two runs in the home half of the sixth, yet a strikeout would leave men everywhere for the Wind Surge as the contest trucked on into the seventh. Gavin Cross then reached on an infield hit, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and stole third before coming in on a sacrifice fly to center by Durán for an 8-5 Naturals lead in the top of the seventh ahead of the stretch.

Peyton Wilson joined the Northwest Arkansas run barrage with a two-run home run to left in the top of the eighth. Another sacrifice fly to center from Cross improved the Naturals lead to six runs at 11-5.

McCusker would single Rucker around to score for his fifth RBI of the night in the bottom of the ninth.&nbsp;Dalton Shuffield’s infield knock brought in one more before Anderson Paulino recorded the final out to end the three-hour, five-minute ballgame.

Nowlin stands at an even 4-4 after the loss in the game, surrendering nine runs (six earned) on seven hits and three walks with two strikeouts in three innings as the piggyback for Marco Raya.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719654660612.jpeg" alt="Ninth inning rally falls short" />
 <figcaption>Ninth inning rally falls short</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge came down in an 11-7 defeat at Riverfront Stadium against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;put up five RBIs and finished a double shy of the cycle as the main contributor to the Wind Surge offense in the shootout.Rodolfo Durán knocked home Javier Vaz four batters into the night on a bloop single off the end of the bat to right field. Durán tried to leg the hit out into a double but was gunned down at second by Carson McCusker to end the opening half of the first frame.McCusker later made a big play with the bat in the bottom of the first by smoking a two-run triple to the wall off the Emprise Bank sign to the right of the batter’s eye, scoring both&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Andrew Cossetti&nbsp;to give Wichita a 2-1 lead. Leonel Valera would later tie the game on an infield single to the shortstop&nbsp;Jorel Ortega&nbsp;to knot things at two through one and a half.However, the highlight tape did not stop for McCusker. In the bottom of the third, he left the yard over the Wind Surge bullpen in left-center on a two-run jack, his fifth of the season, for a 4-2 advantage for Wichita.Dillan Shrum would put the Naturals within one as the first batter that&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;faced in the top of the fifth on a solo shot to left for his 11th of the season, improving on a power year that puts him among the Top 10 in the Texas League in round-trippers. Durán powered another pitch out of the yard to left-center an inning later in the sixth to tie the game 4-4 on his ninth of the season. Three more runs came across for Northwest Arkansas in the top of the sixth on a throwing error and a two-run triple to center by Valera.Jake Rucker&nbsp;worked a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit to two runs in the home half of the sixth, yet a strikeout would leave men everywhere for the Wind Surge as the contest trucked on into the seventh. Gavin Cross then reached on an infield hit, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and stole third before coming in on a sacrifice fly to center by Durán for an 8-5 Naturals lead in the top of the seventh ahead of the stretch.Peyton Wilson joined the Northwest Arkansas run barrage with a two-run home run to left in the top of the eighth. Another sacrifice fly to center from Cross improved the Naturals lead to six runs at 11-5.McCusker would single Rucker around to score for his fifth RBI of the night in the bottom of the ninth.&nbsp;Dalton Shuffield’s infield knock brought in one more before Anderson Paulino recorded the final out to end the three-hour, five-minute ballgame.Nowlin stands at an even 4-4 after the loss in the game, surrendering nine runs (six earned) on seven hits and three walks with two strikeouts in three innings as the piggyback for Marco Raya.

⚾ Wind Surge rally comes up short

AP Sports Summary for Saturday, June 29th, 2024:

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

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

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

Orlando Cepeda, the slugging Hall of Fame first baseman nicknamed `Baby Bull,' dies at 86

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Orlando Cepeda, the slugging first baseman nicknamed "Baby Bull" who became a Hall of Famer among the early Puerto Ricans to star in the major leagues, has died. He was 86. The San Francisco Giants and his family announced his death Friday night and a moment of silence was held on the scoreboard at Oracle Park midway through a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cepeda had been a regular at Giants home games through the 2017 season until he dealt with some health challenges. He was hospitalized in the Bay Area in February 2018 following a cardiac event.

Macklin Celebrini selected No. 1 by San Jose at NHL draft where Las Vegas and hockey royalty mix

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The San Jose Sharks have added a foundational piece to their rebuilding plan. The Sharks took Boston University center Macklin Celebrini with the first pick in the NHL draft Friday. He was just the fourth freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player. The nation's youngest player at 17 finished second with 34 goals and third with 64 points. The Chicago Blackhawks took Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov of Belarus with the second pick. Hockey and Las Vegas royalty shared the stage with Celine Dion announcing Montreal selecting Ivan Demidov and former NHL star Joe Thornton announcing Celebrini's pick.

Olympics and unfinished business await for hurdler Holloway while Sha'Carri and Lyles keep blazing

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Grant Holloway won U.S. track trials in the 110-meter hurdles Friday, finishing in 12.86 second to earn a chance to capture the Olympic title that eluded him in an upset loss three years ago. The 26-year-old three-time world champion will head to the Olympics as the favorite even after clipping the eighth hurdle and having to lean into the finish to beat Freddie Crittenden by .07. This marked Holloway's third sub-13 run of the season — the second-fastest of his career. Daniel Roberts finished third in 12.96, making this the first race in history with three sub-13 times. Others with unfinished business looming at the Olympics include Sha'Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles, each of whom blazed through their 200-meter semifinals.

Simone Biles moves closer to 3rd Olympic trip as injuries mount behind her at US trials

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Simone Biles is four rotations away from a third trip to the Olympics. The list of contenders hoping to join her in Paris is thinning quickly. Biles had little trouble sprinting to the lead at the U.S. Olympic trials. Her all-around score of 58.900 put her well ahead of Jordan Chiles and in position to lock up an automatic berth on the five-woman team. The rest of the team is up in the air after injuries to Shilese Jones and Kayla DiCello potentially opened the door for 2020 Olympians Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey.

ESPN's Dick Vitale diagnosed with cancer for a 4th time with surgery scheduled for Tuesday

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — Longtime ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale said on social media he has been diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time. Vitale announced on Friday that a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck showed cancer. He is scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday. The 85-year-old Vitale has previously been treated for melanoma and lymphoma. He also had six weeks of radiation treatments last year when tests revealed he had vocal cord cancer.

Hawks finalizing talks to trade high-scoring guard Dejounte Murray to Pelicans, AP sources say

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks are finalizing talks to trade high-scoring Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for a package expected to include two first-round draft picks, according to people with knowledge of the discussions. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been finalized Friday night. The Hawks are expected to receive forward-center Larry Nance Jr. and point guard Dyson Daniels in the deal, as well as first-round picks in 2025 and 2029. The Hawks made swing player Zaccharie Risacher of France the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday night.

Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña misplays pop fly while taking part in an in-game TV interview

NEW YORK (AP) — Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña misplayed a fly ball Friday night in a game against the New York Mets while participating in an in-game interview. Peña was involved in an interview with Apple TV+ just before New York's Jeff McNeil popped up toward the shortstop area with one out in the bottom of the second inning. Peña was shaded toward the second base bag against the left-handed hitting McNeil and ranged to his right and was on the edge of the outfield grass close behind third baseman Alex Bregman. Neither Peña not Bregman put their glove up to make the play on the pop up and the ball landed between them. McNeil was credited with a hit.

Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber placed on injured list by the Phillies

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have placed All-Star first baseman Bryce Harper and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber on the 10-day injured list. Both were hurt in Thursday night's 7-4 loss to Miami. Harper strained his left hamstring running the bases in the ninth inning, and Schwarber strained his left groin making a throw from left field in the eighth. The injuries will test the Phillies, who've had a hugely successful first half of the season. Philadelphia entered Friday with the majors' best record and leading Atlanta by eight games in the NL East. Harper was named to his eighth All-Star team earlier Thursday.

Canadian Olympic basketball GM: Warriors blocking Wiggins from playing in Paris

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Olympic basketball team general manager Rowan Barrett said Friday that Golden State is blocking Andrew Wiggins from competing in Paris, while the Warriors countered it was a mutual decision between the team and Wiggins. Wiggins was among the 20 players who received invitations to camp to determine the Olympic team. Said Barrett: "For us, Andrew was fine. We were talking to him consistently, he's been training for weeks and weeks getting ready for this. And then I got a call from Golden State a day or two before camp saying that they're holding him out. So, from what I see, this is not an Andrew decision, this is from the team. And so, he won't be with us." The Warriors told The Associated Press on Friday night that it was a mutual decision between the team and Wiggins.

Frank Bensel makes back-to-back holes-in-one at the U.S. Senior Open

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Frank Bensel turned up a pair of aces on back-to-back holes in the second round of the U.S. Senior Open. The 56-year-old Floridian holed out on the fourth and fifth holes on Friday morning. While consecutive holes-in-one are exceedingly rare, it's also unusual for a course to have par-3's on two straight holes. But that's the setup at the Newport Country Club this week. Even with the aces, Bensel has had a tough time at the seaside course. He opened the day at 4 over and had back-to-back bogeys to follow up his aces.

		L-A Dodgers	at	San Francisco	7:15 p.m.	

		Philadelphia	at	CF Montréal	7:30 p.m.	

		Austin FC	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 Saturday, June 29th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, June 29th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Saturday, June 29th, 2024:Salvador Perez, Hunter Renfroe, Kyle Isbel and Vinnie Pasquantino homered to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 10-3 win over the AL-leading Cleveland Guardians on Friday night.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez, Hunter Renfroe, Kyle Isbel and Vinnie Pasquantino homered to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 10-3 win over the AL-leading Cleveland Guardians on Friday night.Perez hit his 13th homer of the season in the second inning, a 447-foot shot over the bullpen in left to tie the game at 1-all. Renfroe followed with his eighth homer of the season that put the Royals ahead to stay. Pasquantino added a two-run shot in the eighth inning, his ninth of the season that extended the Kansas City lead to 10-3. The KC trio went a combined 6 for 12 with six RBI and five runs scored.Orlando Cepeda, the slugging Hall of Fame first baseman nicknamed `Baby Bull,' dies at 86SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Orlando Cepeda, the slugging first baseman nicknamed "Baby Bull" who became a Hall of Famer among the early Puerto Ricans to star in the major leagues, has died. He was 86. The San Francisco Giants and his family announced his death Friday night and a moment of silence was held on the scoreboard at Oracle Park midway through a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cepeda had been a regular at Giants home games through the 2017 season until he dealt with some health challenges. He was hospitalized in the Bay Area in February 2018 following a cardiac event.Macklin Celebrini selected No. 1 by San Jose at NHL draft where Las Vegas and hockey royalty mixLAS VEGAS (AP) — The San Jose Sharks have added a foundational piece to their rebuilding plan. The Sharks took Boston University center Macklin Celebrini with the first pick in the NHL draft Friday. He was just the fourth freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player. The nation's youngest player at 17 finished second with 34 goals and third with 64 points. The Chicago Blackhawks took Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov of Belarus with the second pick. Hockey and Las Vegas royalty shared the stage with Celine Dion announcing Montreal selecting Ivan Demidov and former NHL star Joe Thornton announcing Celebrini's pick.Olympics and unfinished business await for hurdler Holloway while Sha'Carri and Lyles keep blazingEUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Grant Holloway won U.S. track trials in the 110-meter hurdles Friday, finishing in 12.86 second to earn a chance to capture the Olympic title that eluded him in an upset loss three years ago. The 26-year-old three-time world champion will head to the Olympics as the favorite even after clipping the eighth hurdle and having to lean into the finish to beat Freddie Crittenden by .07. This marked Holloway's third sub-13 run of the season — the second-fastest of his career. Daniel Roberts finished third in 12.96, making this the first race in history with three sub-13 times. Others with unfinished business looming at the Olympics include Sha'Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles, each of whom blazed through their 200-meter semifinals.Simone Biles moves closer to 3rd Olympic trip as injuries mount behind her at US trialsMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Simone Biles is four rotations away from a third trip to the Olympics. The list of contenders hoping to join her in Paris is thinning quickly. Biles had little trouble sprinting to the lead at the U.S. Olympic trials. Her all-around score of 58.900 put her well ahead of Jordan Chiles and in position to lock up an automatic berth on the five-woman team. The rest of the team is up in the air after injuries to Shilese Jones and Kayla DiCello potentially opened the door for 2020 Olympians Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey.ESPN's Dick Vitale diagnosed with cancer for a 4th time with surgery scheduled for TuesdayBRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — Longtime ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale said on social media he has been diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time. Vitale announced on Friday that a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck showed cancer. He is scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday. The 85-year-old Vitale has previously been treated for melanoma and lymphoma. He also had six weeks of radiation treatments last year when tests revealed he had vocal cord cancer.Hawks finalizing talks to trade high-scoring guard Dejounte Murray to Pelicans, AP sources sayATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks are finalizing talks to trade high-scoring Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for a package expected to include two first-round draft picks, according to people with knowledge of the discussions. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been finalized Friday night. The Hawks are expected to receive forward-center Larry Nance Jr. and point guard Dyson Daniels in the deal, as well as first-round picks in 2025 and 2029. The Hawks made swing player Zaccharie Risacher of France the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday night.Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña misplays pop fly while taking part in an in-game TV interviewNEW YORK (AP) — Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña misplayed a fly ball Friday night in a game against the New York Mets while participating in an in-game interview. Peña was involved in an interview with Apple TV+ just before New York's Jeff McNeil popped up toward the shortstop area with one out in the bottom of the second inning. Peña was shaded toward the second base bag against the left-handed hitting McNeil and ranged to his right and was on the edge of the outfield grass close behind third baseman Alex Bregman. Neither Peña not Bregman put their glove up to make the play on the pop up and the ball landed between them. McNeil was credited with a hit.Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber placed on injured list by the PhilliesPHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have placed All-Star first baseman Bryce Harper and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber on the 10-day injured list. Both were hurt in Thursday night's 7-4 loss to Miami. Harper strained his left hamstring running the bases in the ninth inning, and Schwarber strained his left groin making a throw from left field in the eighth. The injuries will test the Phillies, who've had a hugely successful first half of the season. Philadelphia entered Friday with the majors' best record and leading Atlanta by eight games in the NL East. Harper was named to his eighth All-Star team earlier Thursday.Canadian Olympic basketball GM: Warriors blocking Wiggins from playing in ParisTORONTO (AP) — Canadian Olympic basketball team general manager Rowan Barrett said Friday that Golden State is blocking Andrew Wiggins from competing in Paris, while the Warriors countered it was a mutual decision between the team and Wiggins. Wiggins was among the 20 players who received invitations to camp to determine the Olympic team. Said Barrett: "For us, Andrew was fine. We were talking to him consistently, he's been training for weeks and weeks getting ready for this. And then I got a call from Golden State a day or two before camp saying that they're holding him out. So, from what I see, this is not an Andrew decision, this is from the team. And so, he won't be with us." The Warriors told The Associated Press on Friday night that it was a mutual decision between the team and Wiggins.Frank Bensel makes back-to-back holes-in-one at the U.S. Senior OpenNEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Frank Bensel turned up a pair of aces on back-to-back holes in the second round of the U.S. Senior Open. The 56-year-old Floridian holed out on the fourth and fifth holes on Friday morning. While consecutive holes-in-one are exceedingly rare, it's also unusual for a course to have par-3's on two straight holes. But that's the setup at the Newport Country Club this week. Even with the aces, Bensel has had a tough time at the seaside course. He opened the day at 4 over and had back-to-back bogeys to follow up his aces.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Tampa Bay	3	Washington	1	Final	Chicago White Sox	5	Colorado	3	Final	San Diego	9	Boston	2	Final	N.Y. Mets	7	Houston	2	Final	Oakland	9	Arizona	4	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	2	Texas	1	Final	N.Y. Yankees	16	Toronto	5	Final	Kansas City	10	Cleveland	3	Final	L.A. Angels	5	Detroit	2	Final	Seattle	3	Minnesota	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	2	Miami	0	Final	Atlanta	6	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Milwaukee	4	Chicago Cubs	2	Final	St. Louis	1	Cincinnati	0	Final	San Francisco	5	L.A. Dodgers	3	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Atlanta	78	Connecticut	74	Final	Phoenix	92	Los Angeles	78	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal	New York City FC	4	Orlando City	2	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Colorado	at	Chi White Sox	2:10 p.m.			Houston	at	N-Y Mets	4:10 p.m.			Oakland	at	Arizona	4:10 p.m.			San Diego	at	Boston	4:10 p.m.			Washington	at	Tampa Bay	4:10 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		N-Y Yankees	at	Toronto	3:07 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Kansas City	4:10 p.m.			Texas	at	Baltimore	7:15 p.m.			Detroit	at	L-A Angels	10:07 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Seattle	10:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Cincinnati	at	St. Louis	2:15 p.m.			Miami	at	Philadelphia	4:05 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	Milwaukee	4:10 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	Atlanta	4:10 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	San Francisco	7:15 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Las Vegas	at	Washington	2 p.m.			Dallas	at	Seattle	9 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Toronto FC	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	CF Montréal	7:30 p.m.			Columbus	at	New England	7:30 p.m.			D.C. United	at	New York	7:30 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	FC Dallas	8:30 p.m.			Charlotte FC	at	Houston	8:30 p.m.			Austin FC	at	Sporting Kansas City	8:30 p.m.			Miami	at	Nashville	8:30 p.m.			St Louis City	at	Vancouver	10:30 p.m.			Colorado	at	Los Angeles FC	10:30 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Portland	10:30 p.m.			LA Galaxy	at	San Jose	10:30 p.m.			Chicago	at	Seattle	10:30 p.m.

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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