LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football redshirt senior Bryce Foster was named Preseason All-Big 12 Team, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday.

The honor marks Foster’s first Preseason All-Big 12 designation, after being named to the All-Big 12 Second Team following the 2024 season.

Foster, a native of Katy, Texas,&nbsp;enters his redshirt senior season after starting all 12 games and paving the way for 211.4 rushing yards per game and allowing just 10 sacks as a unit in 2024. Following the 2024 football season, Foster earned Second Team All-America honors in the shot put at the 2025 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, as part of the Kansas track and field team.

Foster arrived at Kansas following three seasons at Texas A&amp;M, starting 28 games and being named to the 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team, 2021 FWAA Freshman All-America Team and the 2021 The Athletic Freshman All-America First Team.

Foster is Kansas’ sole representative on the Preseason All-Big 12 team, while Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt was named the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez was named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and Utah’s Devon Dampier was named Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football redshirt senior Bryce Foster was named Preseason All-Big 12 Team, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday.The honor marks Foster’s first Preseason All-Big 12 designation, after being named to the All-Big 12 Second Team following the 2024 season.Foster, a native of Katy, Texas,&nbsp;enters his redshirt senior season after starting all 12 games and paving the way for 211.4 rushing yards per game and allowing just 10 sacks as a unit in 2024. Following the 2024 football season, Foster earned Second Team All-America honors in the shot put at the 2025 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, as part of the Kansas track and field team.Foster arrived at Kansas following three seasons at Texas A&amp;M, starting 28 games and being named to the 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team, 2021 FWAA Freshman All-America Team and the 2021 The Athletic Freshman All-America First Team.Foster is Kansas’ sole representative on the Preseason All-Big 12 team, while Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt was named the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez was named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and Utah’s Devon Dampier was named Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

Bryce Foster Named to Preseason All-Big 12 Team

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced today the rosters for the 2025 All-Star Game, which will be played on Tuesday, July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga. The American League team will feature two Royals players, including shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Kris Bubic, who were selected by the Commissioner’s Office.

This will mark Witt Jr.’s second straight All-Star Game, after he was elected by the players last season. The 25-year-old entered today with a Major League-most 30 doubles and tied for 2nd in the American League with 24 stolen bases, ranked 3rd with 104 hits and 44 extra-base hits and 5th with 173 total bases. Witt Jr. is just the second Royals shortstop to be named an All-Star multiple times, following three-time All-Star&nbsp;Fred Patek&nbsp;(1972, 1976, 1978).

Witt Jr.’s 30 doubles entering today are tied for the 2nd most by a Royals player before the All-Star break and trail only&nbsp;Mike Sweeney, who had 35 doubles before the break in 2001. In fact, Witt Jr. is the fourth Major League player to record at least 30 doubles, 20 stolen bases and 10 home runs before the All-Star break, following&nbsp;Ian Kinsler&nbsp;(2008),&nbsp;Alfonso Soriano&nbsp;(2002) and&nbsp;Chris Sabo&nbsp;(1988).

Witt Jr. entered today with 13 Outs Above Average on defense, 2nd in the American League at all positions.

Bubic, 27, is an All-Star for the first time this season thanks to a 2.36 ERA (27 ER in 103.0 IP) through 17 starts, which ranked 6th in the American League entering today, behind&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(1.82),&nbsp;Max Fried&nbsp;(2.13),&nbsp;Jacob deGrom&nbsp;(2.13),&nbsp;Tarik Skubal&nbsp;(2.15) and&nbsp;Garrett Crochet&nbsp;(2.34).

Bubic’s 2025 season has been highlighted by, among other things, a banner month of May, in which he was named American League Pitcher of the Month. Bubic went 3-0 in 5 May starts with an American League-best 0.56 ERA (2 ER in 32.1 IP), which was the best mark in the month of May in Royals history (min. 5 starts) and was the 3rd best in any month, trailing only&nbsp;Zack Greinke’s&nbsp;0.50 ERA (2 ER in 36.0 IP) in April 2009 and Greinke’s 0.55 ERA (2 ER in 33.0 IP) in September 2009.

Bubic has recorded 11 quality starts (T-6th in the AL) in 17 outings and has induced 13 groundball double plays (T-4th in the AL). He has made 10 starts this season in which he’s recorded at least 6.0 innings and allowed 2 earned runs or fewer and has made 5 starts in which he’s completed 7.0 innings and allowed 1 run or fewer.

Bubic has allowed just 6 home runs in 103.0 innings for a 0.52 HR/9, 2nd best in the American League entering today.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced today the rosters for the 2025 All-Star Game, which will be played on Tuesday, July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga. The American League team will feature two Royals players, including shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Kris Bubic, who were selected by the Commissioner’s Office.This will mark Witt Jr.’s second straight All-Star Game, after he was elected by the players last season. The 25-year-old entered today with a Major League-most 30 doubles and tied for 2nd in the American League with 24 stolen bases, ranked 3rd with 104 hits and 44 extra-base hits and 5th with 173 total bases. Witt Jr. is just the second Royals shortstop to be named an All-Star multiple times, following three-time All-Star&nbsp;Fred Patek&nbsp;(1972, 1976, 1978).Witt Jr.’s 30 doubles entering today are tied for the 2nd most by a Royals player before the All-Star break and trail only&nbsp;Mike Sweeney, who had 35 doubles before the break in 2001. In fact, Witt Jr. is the fourth Major League player to record at least 30 doubles, 20 stolen bases and 10 home runs before the All-Star break, following&nbsp;Ian Kinsler&nbsp;(2008),&nbsp;Alfonso Soriano&nbsp;(2002) and&nbsp;Chris Sabo&nbsp;(1988).Witt Jr. entered today with 13 Outs Above Average on defense, 2nd in the American League at all positions.Bubic, 27, is an All-Star for the first time this season thanks to a 2.36 ERA (27 ER in 103.0 IP) through 17 starts, which ranked 6th in the American League entering today, behind&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(1.82),&nbsp;Max Fried&nbsp;(2.13),&nbsp;Jacob deGrom&nbsp;(2.13),&nbsp;Tarik Skubal&nbsp;(2.15) and&nbsp;Garrett Crochet&nbsp;(2.34).Bubic’s 2025 season has been highlighted by, among other things, a banner month of May, in which he was named American League Pitcher of the Month. Bubic went 3-0 in 5 May starts with an American League-best 0.56 ERA (2 ER in 32.1 IP), which was the best mark in the month of May in Royals history (min. 5 starts) and was the 3rd best in any month, trailing only&nbsp;Zack Greinke’s&nbsp;0.50 ERA (2 ER in 36.0 IP) in April 2009 and Greinke’s 0.55 ERA (2 ER in 33.0 IP) in September 2009.Bubic has recorded 11 quality starts (T-6th in the AL) in 17 outings and has induced 13 groundball double plays (T-4th in the AL). He has made 10 starts this season in which he’s recorded at least 6.0 innings and allowed 2 earned runs or fewer and has made 5 starts in which he’s completed 7.0 innings and allowed 1 run or fewer.Bubic has allowed just 6 home runs in 103.0 innings for a 0.52 HR/9, 2nd best in the American League entering today.

Bobby Witt Jr. and Kris Bubic Selected to 2025 All-Star Game

PHOENIX (AP) — Michael Lorenzen struck out seven in seven dominant innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 on Sunday.

Lorenzen (5-8) kept the Diamondbacks off-balance all afternoon with a mix of mid-90s fastballs and changeups. He struck out the side in the first inning and didn’t allow a hit until Randal Grichuk’s two-out double in the fifth.

Lorenzen allowed two hits and walked one.

Witt hit a solo homer off Anthony DeSclafani (0-1) in the fifth inning to extend his team-record road hitting streak to 26 games. Salvador Perez also hit a solo homer in the Royals' fourth win in six games.

Arizona had three hits and didn't get a runner past second base to lose for the fourth time in five games.

Witt's homer with one out in the fifth — hit 12th of the season — was the first hit off DeSclafani. Perez followed with his 10th later in the inning.

John Rave chased DeSclafani with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning and Kyle Isbel followed with another to put Kansas City up 4-0.

DeSclafani allowed four runs on four hits and struck out six in four innings.

Witt's homer in the fifth was the first hit by either team.

Witt's road hitting streak ties for the second-longest in the last 10 years, behind the 32-game streak by the Dodgers' Trea Turner from 2021-22. Marcus Semien also had a hit in 26 straight road games for Toronto in 2021.

Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (2-4, 2.56 ERA) pitches the opener of a three-game home series against Pittsburgh on Monday night. Arizona RHP Zac Gallen 6-9, 5.45) opens a four-game series at San Diego on Monday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751884081285.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Michael Lorenzen struck out seven in seven dominant innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 on Sunday.Lorenzen (5-8) kept the Diamondbacks off-balance all afternoon with a mix of mid-90s fastballs and changeups. He struck out the side in the first inning and didn’t allow a hit until Randal Grichuk’s two-out double in the fifth.Lorenzen allowed two hits and walked one.Witt hit a solo homer off Anthony DeSclafani (0-1) in the fifth inning to extend his team-record road hitting streak to 26 games. Salvador Perez also hit a solo homer in the Royals' fourth win in six games.Arizona had three hits and didn't get a runner past second base to lose for the fourth time in five games.Witt's homer with one out in the fifth — hit 12th of the season — was the first hit off DeSclafani. Perez followed with his 10th later in the inning.John Rave chased DeSclafani with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning and Kyle Isbel followed with another to put Kansas City up 4-0.DeSclafani allowed four runs on four hits and struck out six in four innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>Witt's homer in the fifth was the first hit by either team.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt's road hitting streak ties for the second-longest in the last 10 years, behind the 32-game streak by the Dodgers' Trea Turner from 2021-22. Marcus Semien also had a hit in 26 straight road games for Toronto in 2021.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (2-4, 2.56 ERA) pitches the opener of a three-game home series against Pittsburgh on Monday night. Arizona RHP Zac Gallen 6-9, 5.45) opens a four-game series at San Diego on Monday night.

⚾ Lorenzen dominant, Witt homers in Royals win over Diamondbacks

WICHITA, Kan. (July 6, 2025)—Ricardo Olivar ties the franchise individual RBI record with seven in a 15-13 Wichita Wind Surge win over the Tulsa Drillers at Equity Bank Park. After trailing 7-0 in the bottom of the first, the Wind Surge completed the biggest comeback in the history of the team to round out Independence Day Weekend.&nbsp;

The first inning saw 12 total runs on nine combined hits over 40 minutes. Tulsa put up seven tallies in the top of the first on four hits and an error as 10 men came to the plate to open the afternoon. The big swings of the frame were a two-RBI single to center from Kyle Nevin and a two-run blast to left field by Sean McLain.&nbsp;

Kala’i Rosario smoked a grand slam, his second salami of the season, down the left field line in the home half of the first. Jose Salas doubled to the wall in right field to score Ben Ross and change the score to 7-5 Drillers, though Tulsa got a run back in the top of the second on a sacrifice fly to center from Nevin.&nbsp;

Olivar crushed a game-tying three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning, and then Walker Jenkins singled to right for the lead in the next frame, with Ross scoring for the second time in the game, 9-8 Wichita.&nbsp;

The Drillers scored twice in each of the fifth and sixth innings on a respective John Rhodes two-run home run and RBI singles from Nevin and Ezequiel Pagan. A sac fly to center off the bat of Olivar made it a two-run game at 12-10 Tulsa through six full frames.&nbsp;

Four runs tied and gave the lead to the Wind Surge in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Jenkins and a bases-clearing double from Olivar.&nbsp;

Runs alternated in the eighth on sacrifice flies to center from Nevin and Ross. Cole Percival shut the door in the ninth to secure a 15-13 Wichita winner, and his first save as a member of the Wind Surge. Joel Cesar also got the win to improve to 2-3, giving up an earned run on a hit with three strikeouts over two innings.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (July 6, 2025)—Ricardo Olivar ties the franchise individual RBI record with seven in a 15-13 Wichita Wind Surge win over the Tulsa Drillers at Equity Bank Park. After trailing 7-0 in the bottom of the first, the Wind Surge completed the biggest comeback in the history of the team to round out Independence Day Weekend.&nbsp;The first inning saw 12 total runs on nine combined hits over 40 minutes. Tulsa put up seven tallies in the top of the first on four hits and an error as 10 men came to the plate to open the afternoon. The big swings of the frame were a two-RBI single to center from Kyle Nevin and a two-run blast to left field by Sean McLain.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario smoked a grand slam, his second salami of the season, down the left field line in the home half of the first. Jose Salas doubled to the wall in right field to score Ben Ross and change the score to 7-5 Drillers, though Tulsa got a run back in the top of the second on a sacrifice fly to center from Nevin.&nbsp;Olivar crushed a game-tying three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning, and then Walker Jenkins singled to right for the lead in the next frame, with Ross scoring for the second time in the game, 9-8 Wichita.&nbsp;The Drillers scored twice in each of the fifth and sixth innings on a respective John Rhodes two-run home run and RBI singles from Nevin and Ezequiel Pagan. A sac fly to center off the bat of Olivar made it a two-run game at 12-10 Tulsa through six full frames.&nbsp;Four runs tied and gave the lead to the Wind Surge in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Jenkins and a bases-clearing double from Olivar.&nbsp;Runs alternated in the eighth on sacrifice flies to center from Nevin and Ross. Cole Percival shut the door in the ninth to secure a 15-13 Wichita winner, and his first save as a member of the Wind Surge. Joel Cesar also got the win to improve to 2-3, giving up an earned run on a hit with three strikeouts over two innings.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Wichita completes its biggest-ever comeback in franchise history.&nbsp;</li><li>Kala’i Rosario is the first Wind Surge player to hit multiple grand slams in 2025.&nbsp;</li><li>Ricardo Olivar ties for the individual RBI in a game record (7) with Edouard Julien (June 29, 2022, vs. Springfield).</li><li>Ricardo Olivar becomes the second Wichita hitter in 2025 to reach double-digit home runs (Kyler Fedko).&nbsp;</li><li>Nate Baez ties for the Wind Surge team lead in triples (3) alongside Rubel Cespedes and Kala’i Rosario.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Wind Surge Mount Extraordinary Comeback Over Drillers

PHOENIX (AP) — Ryne Nelson retired the first 16 Kansas City batters and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Royals 7-1 on Saturday to end a three-game losing streak.

Nelson (5-2), who moved into the rotation full-time when Corbin Burnes was sidelined for the season by elbow surgery, gave up four hits and one run over seven innings. The right-hander threw 86 pitches, walked none and struck out five.

Freddy Fermin’s sharp single to center with one out in the sixth ended Nelson’s perfect-game bid. Fermin scored on Bobby Witt Jr.'s two-out single.

Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez had RBI singles in the third off Michael Wacha (4-9), and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled in two runs in the fifth for Arizona. Gurriel also tripled in the seventh off Taylor Clarke and scored on James McCann’s double.

Wacha lasted four-plus innings, giving up four hits and four runs. He threw 97 pitches, walking four and striking out four.

Randal Grichuk hit an&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Dbacks/status/1941628353775272246">inside-the-park homer</a>&nbsp;in the eighth. With a man on base, he hit a long fly to right-center that bounced away from outfielders Jac Caglianone and Kyle Isbel and into center field as Grichuk scored standing up for his fifth homer of the season.

Before the game, the Diamondbacks activated outfielder Corbin Carroll from the injured list. The 2023 National League Rookie of the Year, who has 20 homers and a major league-leading nine triples, was 0 for 5 in his return. He had been sidelined since June 18, when he sustained a chip fracture in his left wrist when he was hit by a pitch in Toronto.

Utilityman Tim Tawa was optioned to Triple-A Reno in a corresponding move.

Gurriel’s two-out, two-run double off reliever John Schreiber made it 4-0 in the fifth.

Nelson is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA in his last five starts.

PHOENIX (AP) — Ryne Nelson retired the first 16 Kansas City batters and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Royals 7-1 on Saturday to end a three-game losing streak.Nelson (5-2), who moved into the rotation full-time when Corbin Burnes was sidelined for the season by elbow surgery, gave up four hits and one run over seven innings. The right-hander threw 86 pitches, walked none and struck out five.Freddy Fermin’s sharp single to center with one out in the sixth ended Nelson’s perfect-game bid. Fermin scored on Bobby Witt Jr.'s two-out single.Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez had RBI singles in the third off Michael Wacha (4-9), and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled in two runs in the fifth for Arizona. Gurriel also tripled in the seventh off Taylor Clarke and scored on James McCann’s double.Wacha lasted four-plus innings, giving up four hits and four runs. He threw 97 pitches, walking four and striking out four.Randal Grichuk hit an&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Dbacks/status/1941628353775272246">inside-the-park homer</a>&nbsp;in the eighth. With a man on base, he hit a long fly to right-center that bounced away from outfielders Jac Caglianone and Kyle Isbel and into center field as Grichuk scored standing up for his fifth homer of the season.Before the game, the Diamondbacks activated outfielder Corbin Carroll from the injured list. The 2023 National League Rookie of the Year, who has 20 homers and a major league-leading nine triples, was 0 for 5 in his return. He had been sidelined since June 18, when he sustained a chip fracture in his left wrist when he was hit by a pitch in Toronto.Utilityman Tim Tawa was optioned to Triple-A Reno in a corresponding move.<h2>Key moment</h2>Gurriel’s two-out, two-run double off reliever John Schreiber made it 4-0 in the fifth.<h2>Key stat</h2>Nelson is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA in his last five starts.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Nelson retires first 16 Royals in Diamondbacks' victory

PHOENIX (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered twice and drove in a career-high six runs, Bobby Witt Jr. added three hits and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-3 on Friday night.

The Royals have won three of their past four games. The D-backs have dropped three straight.

Pasquantino gave the Royals a 3-0 lead in the first with a three-run shot into the right field seats off left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez. The first baseman took Rodriguez deep again in the fourth, this time mashing the ball 401 feet over the right-center wall for a two-run homer and an 8-2 lead.

It was Pasquantino's second career multi-homer game. Mark Canha added a solo homer in the fifth.

Kansas City lefty Kris Bubic (7-6) gave up three runs on seven hits and three walks over seven innings. He struck out six.

Rodriguez (3-5) gave up nine runs — eight earned — over 4 1/3 innings and now has a 5.78 ERA. He struck out seven, but gave up 12 hits, including three homers.

Arizona cut Kansas City's lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the first on Eugenio Suarez's sacrifice fly and Josh Naylor's RBI single. But the Royals came right back with three runs in the second to take a 6-2 lead.

Suarez added a solo homer in the sixth — his 28th of the season.

Rodriguez had two strikes on leadoff hitter Jonathan India in the first inning before hitting him with a pitch. Witt followed with a single and Pasquantino homered, foreshadowing a rough night for the D-backs.

Rodriguez has a 6-9 record with a 5.49 ERA over 25 starts since signing with the D-backs on an $80 million, four-year deal in December 2023.

The series continues Saturday when the Royals send RHP Michael Wacha (4-8, 3.62 ERA) to the mound. The D-backs counter with RHP Ryne Nelson (4-2, 3.61).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751697443136.jpeg" alt="Photo KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered twice and drove in a career-high six runs, Bobby Witt Jr. added three hits and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-3 on Friday night.The Royals have won three of their past four games. The D-backs have dropped three straight.Pasquantino gave the Royals a 3-0 lead in the first with a three-run shot into the right field seats off left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez. The first baseman took Rodriguez deep again in the fourth, this time mashing the ball 401 feet over the right-center wall for a two-run homer and an 8-2 lead.It was Pasquantino's second career multi-homer game. Mark Canha added a solo homer in the fifth.Kansas City lefty Kris Bubic (7-6) gave up three runs on seven hits and three walks over seven innings. He struck out six.Rodriguez (3-5) gave up nine runs — eight earned — over 4 1/3 innings and now has a 5.78 ERA. He struck out seven, but gave up 12 hits, including three homers.Arizona cut Kansas City's lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the first on Eugenio Suarez's sacrifice fly and Josh Naylor's RBI single. But the Royals came right back with three runs in the second to take a 6-2 lead.Suarez added a solo homer in the sixth — his 28th of the season.<h2>Key moment</h2>Rodriguez had two strikes on leadoff hitter Jonathan India in the first inning before hitting him with a pitch. Witt followed with a single and Pasquantino homered, foreshadowing a rough night for the D-backs.<h2>Key stat</h2>Rodriguez has a 6-9 record with a 5.49 ERA over 25 starts since signing with the D-backs on an $80 million, four-year deal in December 2023.<h2>Up next</h2>The series continues Saturday when the Royals send RHP Michael Wacha (4-8, 3.62 ERA) to the mound. The D-backs counter with RHP Ryne Nelson (4-2, 3.61).

⚾ Pasquantino hits 2 HRs to lift Royals over Diamondbacks 

TULSA, Okla. (July 3, 2025)—Walker Jenkins singled in the go-ahead run of a 10-6 Wichita Wind Surge victory over the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. A six-run 10th gave the Wind Surge the win in their last road Propeller Series game in 2025.&nbsp;

Connor Prielipp struck out five of the first six men he faced and tied his season-high with six strikeouts over three innings with a hit and two walks.&nbsp;

After Nate Baez stole second in the top of the second, Ricardo Olivar scored on a steal of home after a wild throw went into foul territory. It marked the second time in three games where Wichita’s first run of the night came on a play where the runner stole home.

Runs came across in five straight half-innings from the top of the fifth through the seventh. Kaelen Culpepper lined an RBI single to center to give the Wind Surge a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth. Tulsa later took the lead in the home half of the fifth, scoring three runs on a wild pitch, an infield groundout, and a single to center from Griffin Lockwood-Powell.&nbsp;

Kyler Fedko hurried in to tie the game 3-3 on a sac fly to second from Ben Ross in the top of the sixth inning, then the Drillers jumped ahead again on another single to center courtesy of Sean McLain. Jorel Ortega was then the beneficiary of a wild pitch with one out in the top of the seventh to make it 4-4 heading into the stretch.&nbsp;

Tanner Andrews pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth, stranding men on the corners with a strikeout that froze Kole Myers. Cole Percival, who later earned his first win with Wichita,&nbsp; followed with a routine ninth to push the game into extra innings.&nbsp;

The Wind Surge scored six times in the top of the 10th. Jenkins singled to right to give Wichita the go-ahead run. Three bases-loaded walks, a hit-by-pitch, and an infield groundout made the score 10-4 Wind Surge. Another infield putaway and a base hit to center by John Rhodes gave Tulsa two runs back before they fell 10-6.&nbsp;

TULSA, Okla. (July 3, 2025)—Walker Jenkins singled in the go-ahead run of a 10-6 Wichita Wind Surge victory over the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. A six-run 10th gave the Wind Surge the win in their last road Propeller Series game in 2025.&nbsp;Connor Prielipp struck out five of the first six men he faced and tied his season-high with six strikeouts over three innings with a hit and two walks.&nbsp;After Nate Baez stole second in the top of the second, Ricardo Olivar scored on a steal of home after a wild throw went into foul territory. It marked the second time in three games where Wichita’s first run of the night came on a play where the runner stole home.Runs came across in five straight half-innings from the top of the fifth through the seventh. Kaelen Culpepper lined an RBI single to center to give the Wind Surge a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth. Tulsa later took the lead in the home half of the fifth, scoring three runs on a wild pitch, an infield groundout, and a single to center from Griffin Lockwood-Powell.&nbsp;Kyler Fedko hurried in to tie the game 3-3 on a sac fly to second from Ben Ross in the top of the sixth inning, then the Drillers jumped ahead again on another single to center courtesy of Sean McLain. Jorel Ortega was then the beneficiary of a wild pitch with one out in the top of the seventh to make it 4-4 heading into the stretch.&nbsp;Tanner Andrews pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth, stranding men on the corners with a strikeout that froze Kole Myers. Cole Percival, who later earned his first win with Wichita,&nbsp; followed with a routine ninth to push the game into extra innings.&nbsp;The Wind Surge scored six times in the top of the 10th. Jenkins singled to right to give Wichita the go-ahead run. Three bases-loaded walks, a hit-by-pitch, and an infield groundout made the score 10-4 Wind Surge. Another infield putaway and a base hit to center by John Rhodes gave Tulsa two runs back before they fell 10-6.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Connor Prielipp ties his season-high in strikeouts (6).&nbsp;</li><li>Kyler Fedko becomes the first Wind Surge player to reach 20 stolen bases this season.&nbsp;</li><li>Wichita has a new season-high for steals in a game (9).&nbsp;</li><li>The Wind Surge only had one inning, the top of the 10th, with multiple hits all night.</li><li>Wichita had 10 runs on six hits, while the Drillers finished with six runs on 10 hits.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Wichita Wins A Wild Extra Innings Affair In Tulsa

SEATTLE (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino had a two-run single in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Thursday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. tied the score 1-1 with a single to center field with one out and then stole second base to put two runners in scoring position. Pasquantino grounded a single to right field drive in both runners, with Witt scoring after&nbsp;<a href="https://associatedpress.slack.com/archives/C070HG64VT9/p1751603301803949">making an elusive move to avoid the tag from catcher Cal Raleigh</a>&nbsp;to give the Royals a two-run lead.

Seth Lugo (6-5) allowed just one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.

Lucas Erceg and Taylor Clarke got two outs each, and Carlos Estévez pitched 1 1/3 innings to get his 24th save. Estévez gave up a leadoff homer to Dominic Canzone in the ninth and had runners on second and third after a wild pitch with one out, but struck out Julio Rodríguez and got Raleigh to ground out to end the game.

Jorge Polanco homered in the fourth inning to put the Mariners up 1-0, and also had two doubles,.

Logan Evans, recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, made his first big league start since May 10 and gave up three hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out three.

Casey Legumina (4-4) walked the first two batters to begin the seventh inning and was replaced by Carlos Vargas, who gave up the run-scoring hits to Witt and Pasquantino.

The Royals capitalized on consecutive walks by Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India against Legumijna to start the seventh, setting the stage for Witt and Pasquantino.

Witt has now hit safely in his last 23 road games, breaking Hal McRae's 42-year-old Kansas City record.

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (6-6, 2.25 ERA) opens a three-game series at Arizona against Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (3-4, 5.13). Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) faces Pirates LHP Bailey Falter (7-4, 2.93).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751609701045.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino had a two-run single in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Thursday night.Bobby Witt Jr. tied the score 1-1 with a single to center field with one out and then stole second base to put two runners in scoring position. Pasquantino grounded a single to right field drive in both runners, with Witt scoring after&nbsp;<a href="https://associatedpress.slack.com/archives/C070HG64VT9/p1751603301803949">making an elusive move to avoid the tag from catcher Cal Raleigh</a>&nbsp;to give the Royals a two-run lead.Seth Lugo (6-5) allowed just one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.Lucas Erceg and Taylor Clarke got two outs each, and Carlos Estévez pitched 1 1/3 innings to get his 24th save. Estévez gave up a leadoff homer to Dominic Canzone in the ninth and had runners on second and third after a wild pitch with one out, but struck out Julio Rodríguez and got Raleigh to ground out to end the game.Jorge Polanco homered in the fourth inning to put the Mariners up 1-0, and also had two doubles,.Logan Evans, recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, made his first big league start since May 10 and gave up three hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out three.Casey Legumina (4-4) walked the first two batters to begin the seventh inning and was replaced by Carlos Vargas, who gave up the run-scoring hits to Witt and Pasquantino.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals capitalized on consecutive walks by Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India against Legumijna to start the seventh, setting the stage for Witt and Pasquantino.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt has now hit safely in his last 23 road games, breaking Hal McRae's 42-year-old Kansas City record.Up nextRoyals LHP Kris Bubic (6-6, 2.25 ERA) opens a three-game series at Arizona against Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (3-4, 5.13). Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) faces Pirates LHP Bailey Falter (7-4, 2.93).

⚾ Pasquantino hits two-run single in 7th inning as Royals beat Mariners

<a>Major League Baseball announced its June Awards and the Wichita Wind Surge outfielder Kala’i Rosario was named player of the month for the Texas League.</a>

Wichita Wind Surge (Twins) outfielder&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;batted .282/.419/.529 and led the league in RBI (23) and was second in runs (18). He finished third in doubles (eight), triples (two), walks (18) and OPS (.948) and was fourth in total bases (45) and fifth in stolen bases (eight). He hit safely in eight straight games June 17-26 and hit for the cycle on June 25 against Springfield as he tied his career-high with four hits. Rosario, 22, was selected by Minnesota in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Waiakea High School in Hilo, Hawaii.

It’s the first time a Surge player has ever won the award.&nbsp; Wichita garnered a pair of Texas League Pitcher of the Month awards in the past.&nbsp; Simeon Woods Richardson in April of 2022 and Pierson Ohl in August of 2023.f

<a>Major League Baseball announced its June Awards and the Wichita Wind Surge outfielder Kala’i Rosario was named player of the month for the Texas League.</a>Texas League (Double-A)Wichita Wind Surge (Twins) outfielder&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;batted .282/.419/.529 and led the league in RBI (23) and was second in runs (18). He finished third in doubles (eight), triples (two), walks (18) and OPS (.948) and was fourth in total bases (45) and fifth in stolen bases (eight). He hit safely in eight straight games June 17-26 and hit for the cycle on June 25 against Springfield as he tied his career-high with four hits. Rosario, 22, was selected by Minnesota in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Waiakea High School in Hilo, Hawaii.It’s the first time a Surge player has ever won the award.&nbsp; Wichita garnered a pair of Texas League Pitcher of the Month awards in the past.&nbsp; Simeon Woods Richardson in April of 2022 and Pierson Ohl in August of 2023.f

Wichita Wind Surge outfielder Kala’i Rosario named player of the month

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced this afternoon that infielder&nbsp;Maikel Garcia&nbsp;and right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;have been named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for June. The awards are determined by a local media vote.

Garcia slashed .296/.343/.490 (29-for-98) over 25 games last month and ranked 2nd among all Royals with 12 extra-base hits, including 8 doubles, 1 triple and 3 home runs. On June 18 against the Rangers in Arlington, he hit his 8th home run of the season, already establishing a new career high and passing his 7 home runs in 157 games last season. He recorded multiple hits in 9 of his 25 games in June, which tied for the 13th-most such games in the American League last month, trailing leader&nbsp;Yandy Díaz&nbsp;(14). Overall, Garcia is putting together one of the best seasons of his career, as he leads all Royals with 29 multi-hit efforts, which are tied for 3rd most in the American League, 5 such games behind leaders&nbsp;Jacob Wilson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(34 each). He also ranks tied for 3rd in the AL with 22 doubles, 5th with a .309 batting average, 6th with 18 stolen bases and 96 hits and 12th with an .843 OPS. This marks the second straight monthly honor for Garcia, who in May ranked tied for 3rd in the American League with 37 hits.

Lugo finished the month of June with a 2-0 record and 1.26 ERA (4 ER in 28.2 IP) over 5 starts, which marked the 2nd-best ERA in the month of June in franchise history (min. 5 starts), trailing only&nbsp;Mark Gubicza&nbsp;(1.18) in 1988. Among the 111 Major League pitchers who made at least 5 starts last month, his ERA ranked 3rd behind Philadelphia’s&nbsp;Zack Wheeler&nbsp;(0.58) and Houston’s&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(1.19). He held opponents to 2 runs or fewer in all 5 starts, including 1 or no runs allowed in 4 of those 5 outings. Lugo recorded 2 scoreless starts in June, which came against the two teams who faced off in the 2024 World Series, as he held the Yankees scoreless over 5.2 frames on June 12 in Kansas City, before tossing another 5.2 scoreless innings on June 28 vs. the reigning champion Dodgers. He tallied 31 strikeouts over his 28.2 innings (9.7 K/9), and his 27.4% strikeout rate was the 12th-highest mark in the American League, trailing leader&nbsp;Garrett Crochet&nbsp;(34.8%). With his dominant month, Lugo lowered his season ERA to 2.74 (27 ER in 88.2 IP), which is the 8th-lowest mark in the AL, trailing leader Brown (1.74). This unanimous selection marks Lugo’s fourth honor since signing as a free agent with Kansas City prior to the start of the 2024 season, as he won the award in three straight months from March/April-June last year, a season in which he finished as the runner up in the AL&nbsp;Cy Young&nbsp;Award voting.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced this afternoon that infielder&nbsp;Maikel Garcia&nbsp;and right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;have been named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for June. The awards are determined by a local media vote.Garcia slashed .296/.343/.490 (29-for-98) over 25 games last month and ranked 2nd among all Royals with 12 extra-base hits, including 8 doubles, 1 triple and 3 home runs. On June 18 against the Rangers in Arlington, he hit his 8th home run of the season, already establishing a new career high and passing his 7 home runs in 157 games last season. He recorded multiple hits in 9 of his 25 games in June, which tied for the 13th-most such games in the American League last month, trailing leader&nbsp;Yandy Díaz&nbsp;(14). Overall, Garcia is putting together one of the best seasons of his career, as he leads all Royals with 29 multi-hit efforts, which are tied for 3rd most in the American League, 5 such games behind leaders&nbsp;Jacob Wilson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(34 each). He also ranks tied for 3rd in the AL with 22 doubles, 5th with a .309 batting average, 6th with 18 stolen bases and 96 hits and 12th with an .843 OPS. This marks the second straight monthly honor for Garcia, who in May ranked tied for 3rd in the American League with 37 hits.Lugo finished the month of June with a 2-0 record and 1.26 ERA (4 ER in 28.2 IP) over 5 starts, which marked the 2nd-best ERA in the month of June in franchise history (min. 5 starts), trailing only&nbsp;Mark Gubicza&nbsp;(1.18) in 1988. Among the 111 Major League pitchers who made at least 5 starts last month, his ERA ranked 3rd behind Philadelphia’s&nbsp;Zack Wheeler&nbsp;(0.58) and Houston’s&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(1.19). He held opponents to 2 runs or fewer in all 5 starts, including 1 or no runs allowed in 4 of those 5 outings. Lugo recorded 2 scoreless starts in June, which came against the two teams who faced off in the 2024 World Series, as he held the Yankees scoreless over 5.2 frames on June 12 in Kansas City, before tossing another 5.2 scoreless innings on June 28 vs. the reigning champion Dodgers. He tallied 31 strikeouts over his 28.2 innings (9.7 K/9), and his 27.4% strikeout rate was the 12th-highest mark in the American League, trailing leader&nbsp;Garrett Crochet&nbsp;(34.8%). With his dominant month, Lugo lowered his season ERA to 2.74 (27 ER in 88.2 IP), which is the 8th-lowest mark in the AL, trailing leader Brown (1.74). This unanimous selection marks Lugo’s fourth honor since signing as a free agent with Kansas City prior to the start of the 2024 season, as he won the award in three straight months from March/April-June last year, a season in which he finished as the runner up in the AL&nbsp;Cy Young&nbsp;Award voting.

Maikel Garcia, Seth Lugo Named Royals Player, Pitcher of the Month for June

SEATTLE (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Mariners/status/1940620263231836630">Julio Rodriguez hit a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning</a>&nbsp;and Randy Arozarena drove in two runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night.

Rodriguez, who left the bases loaded in the fifth inning, atoned for that missed opportunity by hitting a first-pitch cutter from reliever Steven Cruz, who entered for Angel Zerpa (3-1), to the left side. Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia got a piece of Rodriguez’s hit before it ricocheted past him, allowing the Mariners to take a 2-1 lead.

Arozarena, who hit a solo homer in the sixth inning, added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to center in the seventh. The Mariners needed that extra run as the Royals closed within a run in the eighth inning on an RBI single from Salvador Perez.

Mariners reliever Carlos Vargas (3-5) struck out two in one inning of relieft and closer Andres Munoz picked up his 19th save.

With runners on first and third in the top of the first inning, Royals rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone lined out sharply to right. Kansas City scored just one run in the inning, but could have scored more had Caglianone's ball fallen for a hit.

<a href="https://x.com/Mariners/status/1940613533009694732">Arozarena has homered in three consecutive regular-season games for the first time in his major league career.</a>&nbsp;He also homered in three straight American League Division Series games with the Tampa Bay Rays from Oct. 5-7 in 2020.

Seattle RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) goes against Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (5-5, 2.74) in the finale of the four-game set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751538414024.jpeg" alt="Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez hits an RBI single to score Ben Williamson against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez hits an RBI single to score Ben Williamson against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Mariners/status/1940620263231836630">Julio Rodriguez hit a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning</a>&nbsp;and Randy Arozarena drove in two runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night.Rodriguez, who left the bases loaded in the fifth inning, atoned for that missed opportunity by hitting a first-pitch cutter from reliever Steven Cruz, who entered for Angel Zerpa (3-1), to the left side. Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia got a piece of Rodriguez’s hit before it ricocheted past him, allowing the Mariners to take a 2-1 lead.Arozarena, who hit a solo homer in the sixth inning, added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to center in the seventh. The Mariners needed that extra run as the Royals closed within a run in the eighth inning on an RBI single from Salvador Perez.Mariners reliever Carlos Vargas (3-5) struck out two in one inning of relieft and closer Andres Munoz picked up his 19th save.<h2>Key moment</h2>With runners on first and third in the top of the first inning, Royals rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone lined out sharply to right. Kansas City scored just one run in the inning, but could have scored more had Caglianone's ball fallen for a hit.<h2>Key stat</h2><a href="https://x.com/Mariners/status/1940613533009694732">Arozarena has homered in three consecutive regular-season games for the first time in his major league career.</a>&nbsp;He also homered in three straight American League Division Series games with the Tampa Bay Rays from Oct. 5-7 in 2020.<h2>Up next</h2>Seattle RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) goes against Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (5-5, 2.74) in the finale of the four-game set.

⚾ Rodriguez go-ahead RBI single lifts the Mariners past Royals

TULSA, Okla. (July 1, 2025)—John Klein set the tone with five strong innings of one-run baseball in a 7-1 victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. While jumping into the Top 5 in the Texas League in wins, he’d start a stretch of eight scoreless innings to put a cap on the sixth win for the Wind Surge in their last 10 games.&nbsp;

Damon Keith pushed a sacrifice fly to right field to get Tulsa on the board with a run scored in the bottom of the first. That would be the only run the Drillers would put up all night, as the starter Klein earned the win after giving up the earned run on four hits with a walk and four strikeouts over five frames.&nbsp;

Wichita put up four runs in the top of the second inning. Kyler Fedko slid in safely at the plate after a rundown ensued between first and second to tie the game. Kaelen Culpepper singled to left to bring around Ben Ross to give the Wind Surge the lead. Culpepper and Gabby Gonzalez later scored on a bases-loaded infield error off the bat of Walker Jenkins.&nbsp;

Jorel Ortega went the opposite way for a solo home run, his eighth of the season, in the top of the fourth. Ricardo Olivar added on with a two-run single to left before the stretch in the seventh to make the score 7-1 Wichita, which would become the future final.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cole Percival and Michael Martinez combined to no-hit Tulsa over the final four innings out of the Wind Surge bullpen. Each of the righthanders struck out three men each to get the Wichita staff to 10 punchouts on the night in the series opener.

TULSA, Okla. (July 1, 2025)—John Klein set the tone with five strong innings of one-run baseball in a 7-1 victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field. While jumping into the Top 5 in the Texas League in wins, he’d start a stretch of eight scoreless innings to put a cap on the sixth win for the Wind Surge in their last 10 games.&nbsp;Damon Keith pushed a sacrifice fly to right field to get Tulsa on the board with a run scored in the bottom of the first. That would be the only run the Drillers would put up all night, as the starter Klein earned the win after giving up the earned run on four hits with a walk and four strikeouts over five frames.&nbsp;Wichita put up four runs in the top of the second inning. Kyler Fedko slid in safely at the plate after a rundown ensued between first and second to tie the game. Kaelen Culpepper singled to left to bring around Ben Ross to give the Wind Surge the lead. Culpepper and Gabby Gonzalez later scored on a bases-loaded infield error off the bat of Walker Jenkins.&nbsp;Jorel Ortega went the opposite way for a solo home run, his eighth of the season, in the top of the fourth. Ricardo Olivar added on with a two-run single to left before the stretch in the seventh to make the score 7-1 Wichita, which would become the future final.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cole Percival and Michael Martinez combined to no-hit Tulsa over the final four innings out of the Wind Surge bullpen. Each of the righthanders struck out three men each to get the Wichita staff to 10 punchouts on the night in the series opener.POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Yesterday, Kaelen Culpepper was announced as the Minnesota Twins representative for the 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game on July 12th at 3 PM CST at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.</li><li>During the game, the updated MLB Pipeline Top 100 Prospects List was announced, and two current Wind Surge players are on the list. Walker Jenkins is #15, while Kaelen Culpepper enters at the #96 spot. A pair of 2024 Wichita teammates in Emmanuel Rodriguez and Luke Keaschall are also on the list at #46 and #47 respectively.&nbsp;</li><li>The Wind Surge staff held Tulsa hitless for the final five innings of the game.&nbsp;</li><li>Wichita trails 7-6 in the Propeller Series after the win tonight.&nbsp;</li><li>The Wind Surge have won six of their last 10 games.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Wichita Takes Series Opener In Tulsa

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1940245133385244693">hit a pivotal two-run double</a>&nbsp;in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3 on Tuesday night for just their second win in 10 games.

Perez lofted a fly ball off Emerson Hancock (3-5) that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-perez-rodriguez-1fe79b9c6a1547e0a59408cf7e58596e">center fielder Julio Rodríguez lost in the twilight sky</a>&nbsp;and dropped for a two-run double. Rodríguez climbed the center-field wall, trying to rob a home run, but he misjudged the ball and it bounced to the wall as the Royals took a 5-1 lead.

<a href="https://x.com/Mariners/status/1940247146802135189">Ben Williamson hit an RBI double in the bottom half and scored on J.P. Crawford's single</a>&nbsp;off Michael Lorenzen.

Five relievers combined for 4 1/3 scoreless innings of one-hit relief. Lucas Erceg (3-2) entered with two on in the seventh and got a double-play grounder and a groundout, and Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect ninth for his 23rd save in 26 chances.

Kansas City built a 3-0 lead on Maikel Garcia's run-scoring single in the first and a two-run second that included an RBI double by Nick Loftin, who scored when Kyle Isbel grounded into a forceout.

Randy Arozarena homered in the bottom half, his 11th this season and third in four at-bats.

After Angel Zerpa walked Dylan Moore starting the seventh, Cole Young grounded into a double play and Crawford grounded out.

Perez moved past Alex Gordon for sixth place on the Royals hits list with 1,646.

Seattle RHP Logan Gilbert (2-2, 3.55) and Kansas City Noah Cameron (2-4, 2.79) started Wednesday in the third game of the four-game set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751432981631.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1940245133385244693">hit a pivotal two-run double</a>&nbsp;in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3 on Tuesday night for just their second win in 10 games.Perez lofted a fly ball off Emerson Hancock (3-5) that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-perez-rodriguez-1fe79b9c6a1547e0a59408cf7e58596e">center fielder Julio Rodríguez lost in the twilight sky</a>&nbsp;and dropped for a two-run double. Rodríguez climbed the center-field wall, trying to rob a home run, but he misjudged the ball and it bounced to the wall as the Royals took a 5-1 lead.<a href="https://x.com/Mariners/status/1940247146802135189">Ben Williamson hit an RBI double in the bottom half and scored on J.P. Crawford's single</a>&nbsp;off Michael Lorenzen.Five relievers combined for 4 1/3 scoreless innings of one-hit relief. Lucas Erceg (3-2) entered with two on in the seventh and got a double-play grounder and a groundout, and Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect ninth for his 23rd save in 26 chances.Kansas City built a 3-0 lead on Maikel Garcia's run-scoring single in the first and a two-run second that included an RBI double by Nick Loftin, who scored when Kyle Isbel grounded into a forceout.Randy Arozarena homered in the bottom half, his 11th this season and third in four at-bats.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Angel Zerpa walked Dylan Moore starting the seventh, Cole Young grounded into a double play and Crawford grounded out.<h2>Key stat</h2>Perez moved past Alex Gordon for sixth place on the Royals hits list with 1,646.<h2>Up next</h2>Seattle RHP Logan Gilbert (2-2, 3.55) and Kansas City Noah Cameron (2-4, 2.79) started Wednesday in the third game of the four-game set.___

⚾ Perez’s 2-run double lifts Royals over the Mariners

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;- Kansas Athletics today announced a new and all-encompassing alliance with MMTH (pronounced Mammoth). KU is the first school to join MMTH’s 360 program. The signature service is designed to help Kansas Athletics navigate the challenges inherent in today’s collegiate environment by investing in student-athletes and the facilities they play in.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"This transformational era of intercollegiate athletics requires us to align more strategically than ever before," Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "To achieve our vision, we will move beyond transactional relationships into deeper, mutually beneficial alliances. MMTH, founded just 30 miles down the road and under Jake Farrant's exceptional leadership, represents values that matter most to us: Kansas roots, blue-collar background, innovation, commitment to excellence, and community impact.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This collaboration will set a new standard in college athletics, and we are grateful to Jake and his outstanding team for their commitment to Kansas Athletics and our industry."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Headquartered in Meriden, KS, MMTH is a team of sports specialists committed to helping everyone experience a better world through sports. MMTH’s vertical integration will allow them to serve the Kansas Athletics department to improve their operational excellence through facilities and athlete and fan experience. Their work can be seen across the country from high schools to Power 4 colleges and professional teams. MMTH has additional offices in Kansas City, Mo., Sioux Falls, S.D., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Clearwater, Fla.&nbsp;

The work by MMTH on campus has already begun, starting with the installation of their proprietary MMTH Turf at Hoglund Ballpark and the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The new turf will prominently feature the MMTH brand. MMTH is also involved with elements of construction work on Phase I of the Gateway District and will also conduct a study of a multi-use indoor baseball facility near Hoglund Ballpark.&nbsp;The MMTH 360 program also proudly supports Kansas student-athletes through various engagements including NIL opportunities.

“To compete in today’s collegiate environment, you can’t match the rate of change, you have to be ahead of it,” said Jake Farrant, Owner and CEO of MMTH. “KU is ready to become the leader in both athlete and fan experience.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

"In conversations with coaches and administrators, NIL is pivotal and one of their highest priorities. At all levels, we believe in investing directly in the athlete. When you see the MMTH icon on a turf field, it means that the school has chosen to put their athletes first," said Farrant.&nbsp;

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;- Kansas Athletics today announced a new and all-encompassing alliance with MMTH (pronounced Mammoth). KU is the first school to join MMTH’s 360 program. The signature service is designed to help Kansas Athletics navigate the challenges inherent in today’s collegiate environment by investing in student-athletes and the facilities they play in.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This transformational era of intercollegiate athletics requires us to align more strategically than ever before," Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "To achieve our vision, we will move beyond transactional relationships into deeper, mutually beneficial alliances. MMTH, founded just 30 miles down the road and under Jake Farrant's exceptional leadership, represents values that matter most to us: Kansas roots, blue-collar background, innovation, commitment to excellence, and community impact.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“This collaboration will set a new standard in college athletics, and we are grateful to Jake and his outstanding team for their commitment to Kansas Athletics and our industry."&nbsp;&nbsp;Headquartered in Meriden, KS, MMTH is a team of sports specialists committed to helping everyone experience a better world through sports. MMTH’s vertical integration will allow them to serve the Kansas Athletics department to improve their operational excellence through facilities and athlete and fan experience. Their work can be seen across the country from high schools to Power 4 colleges and professional teams. MMTH has additional offices in Kansas City, Mo., Sioux Falls, S.D., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Clearwater, Fla.&nbsp;The work by MMTH on campus has already begun, starting with the installation of their proprietary MMTH Turf at Hoglund Ballpark and the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The new turf will prominently feature the MMTH brand. MMTH is also involved with elements of construction work on Phase I of the Gateway District and will also conduct a study of a multi-use indoor baseball facility near Hoglund Ballpark.&nbsp;The MMTH 360 program also proudly supports Kansas student-athletes through various engagements including NIL opportunities.“To compete in today’s collegiate environment, you can’t match the rate of change, you have to be ahead of it,” said Jake Farrant, Owner and CEO of MMTH. “KU is ready to become the leader in both athlete and fan experience.”&nbsp;&nbsp;"In conversations with coaches and administrators, NIL is pivotal and one of their highest priorities. At all levels, we believe in investing directly in the athlete. When you see the MMTH icon on a turf field, it means that the school has chosen to put their athletes first," said Farrant.&nbsp;

Kansas Athletics and MMTH Enter into Strategic Alliance

SEATTLE (AP) — Cal Raleigh hit his major league-leading 33rd homer and Randy Arozarena connected twice as the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Monday night.

Raleigh led off the seventh inning with a home run against reliever Daniel Lynch IV, prompting chants of “MVP! MVP!” from the home crowd.

Arozarena hit his 100th career homer with a solo shot in the fourth to give Seattle its first run. In the fifth, he broke open the game with a three-run drive, his 10th of the season. It was the first multihomer game for Arozarena since July 20, 2024.

George Kirby (2-4) allowed one run and three hits in six innings, striking out five without a walk. He also permitted just one run and three hits over six innings his previous time out at Minnesota.

Royals starter Michael Wacha (4-8) gave up five runs and eight hits over five innings.

Bobby Witt Jr. had two RBIs for the Royals.

Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against reliever Trent Thornton, who then retired Witt and Maikel Garcia on grounders to limit the damage to one run.

Raleigh also had a sacrifice fly in the fifth. He leads the majors with 71 RBIs. ... Witt has at least one hit in 20 straight road games, two shy of the franchise record.

Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-8, 4.91 ERA) starts Tuesday against RHP Emerson Hancock (3-3, 5.43) in the second game of the four-game series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751365499842.jpeg" alt="Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh hits a solo home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher Daniel Lynch IV during the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, June 30, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)" />
 <figcaption>Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh hits a solo home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher Daniel Lynch IV during the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, June 30, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — Cal Raleigh hit his major league-leading 33rd homer and Randy Arozarena connected twice as the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Monday night.Raleigh led off the seventh inning with a home run against reliever Daniel Lynch IV, prompting chants of “MVP! MVP!” from the home crowd.Arozarena hit his 100th career homer with a solo shot in the fourth to give Seattle its first run. In the fifth, he broke open the game with a three-run drive, his 10th of the season. It was the first multihomer game for Arozarena since July 20, 2024.George Kirby (2-4) allowed one run and three hits in six innings, striking out five without a walk. He also permitted just one run and three hits over six innings his previous time out at Minnesota.Royals starter Michael Wacha (4-8) gave up five runs and eight hits over five innings.Bobby Witt Jr. had two RBIs for the Royals.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against reliever Trent Thornton, who then retired Witt and Maikel Garcia on grounders to limit the damage to one run.<h2>Key stats</h2>Raleigh also had a sacrifice fly in the fifth. He leads the majors with 71 RBIs. ... Witt has at least one hit in 20 straight road games, two shy of the franchise record.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-8, 4.91 ERA) starts Tuesday against RHP Emerson Hancock (3-3, 5.43) in the second game of the four-game series.

⚾ Raleigh extends MLB lead with 33rd homer in Mariners' win over Royals

The Southeast of Saline football team announced that it would hold its 10th annual Golf Scramble fundraiser on Saturday, August 2, at the Salina Municipal Golf Course.

This event will feature two sessions, with 25 teams competing in the morning at 8:00, and 25 more teeing off in an afternoon session at 1:30.

Entry fees per four-person team will be $300, which covers green fees, cart fees and a meal held between the two sessions.

All proceeds benefit the defending 2A state champion SES football team.

For more information or to register, contact Chance Ptacek at cptacek@usd306.org.

The Southeast of Saline football team announced that it would hold its 10th annual Golf Scramble fundraiser on Saturday, August 2, at the Salina Municipal Golf Course.This event will feature two sessions, with 25 teams competing in the morning at 8:00, and 25 more teeing off in an afternoon session at 1:30.Entry fees per four-person team will be $300, which covers green fees, cart fees and a meal held between the two sessions.All proceeds benefit the defending 2A state champion SES football team.For more information or to register, contact Chance Ptacek at cptacek@usd306.org.

10th Annual Trojan Football Golf Scramble to be held on August 2

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Wildcat Coleman Hawkins has signed a summer league contract with the Golden State Warriors and will begin his professional career at the upcoming California Classic, which is slated for July 5, 6 and 8 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The Warriors will play three games against Summer League teams from the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat, all on national television.

The opener with the Lakers at 5:30 p.m., CT on Saturday, July 5 can be seen nationally on ESPN2, while the matchup with the Spurs at 5:30 p.m., CT on Sunday, July 6 can be seen on NBA TV. The final contest with the Heat at 6 p.m., CT on Tuesday, July 8 will be available on ESPN+.

Hawkins is also expected to play for the Warriors at the NBA 2K26 Summer League, which runs from July 10-20 in Las Vegas.

A Sacramento, Calif., native, Hawkins will be joined on the Warriors Summer League team by several familiar foes from this past season, including Houston’s L.J. Cryer and Ja’Vier Francis, Utah’s Gabe Madsen, and Texas Tech’s Chance McMillian.

Former Wildcats Cam Carter (Spurs) and Arthur Kaluma (Lakers) are also expected to play in the California Classic after concluding their college careers this past season.

Hawkins earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors in his one season at K-State in 2024-25, as he was the only Division I player in the country to average at least 10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He led the team in steals (1.8 spg.), blocks (1.3 bpg.), defensive rebounds (151) and minutes (33.6 mpg.), while he was second in rebounding (6.9 rpg.) and assists (4.3 apg.), third in field goals made (120) and fourth in scoring (10.7 ppg.). He scored in double figures in 16 games, including 10 times in Big 12 play, while he tallied 3 double-doubles, including a points/assists double-double at Kansas on Jan. 18.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Wildcat Coleman Hawkins has signed a summer league contract with the Golden State Warriors and will begin his professional career at the upcoming California Classic, which is slated for July 5, 6 and 8 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.The Warriors will play three games against Summer League teams from the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat, all on national television.The opener with the Lakers at 5:30 p.m., CT on Saturday, July 5 can be seen nationally on ESPN2, while the matchup with the Spurs at 5:30 p.m., CT on Sunday, July 6 can be seen on NBA TV. The final contest with the Heat at 6 p.m., CT on Tuesday, July 8 will be available on ESPN+.Hawkins is also expected to play for the Warriors at the NBA 2K26 Summer League, which runs from July 10-20 in Las Vegas.A Sacramento, Calif., native, Hawkins will be joined on the Warriors Summer League team by several familiar foes from this past season, including Houston’s L.J. Cryer and Ja’Vier Francis, Utah’s Gabe Madsen, and Texas Tech’s Chance McMillian.Former Wildcats Cam Carter (Spurs) and Arthur Kaluma (Lakers) are also expected to play in the California Classic after concluding their college careers this past season.Hawkins earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors in his one season at K-State in 2024-25, as he was the only Division I player in the country to average at least 10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He led the team in steals (1.8 spg.), blocks (1.3 bpg.), defensive rebounds (151) and minutes (33.6 mpg.), while he was second in rebounding (6.9 rpg.) and assists (4.3 apg.), third in field goals made (120) and fourth in scoring (10.7 ppg.). He scored in double figures in 16 games, including 10 times in Big 12 play, while he tallied 3 double-doubles, including a points/assists double-double at Kansas on Jan. 18.

Hawkins to Play with Golden State in NBA Summer League

WICHITA, Kan. (June 29, 2025)—Kyler Fedko slugged his fifth home run of the week in a 7-4 victory by the Wichita Wind Surge over the Springfield Cardinals at Equity Bank Park. The roundtripper kickstarted a five-run eighth inning that led to Wichita winning the series over the Cardinals.&nbsp;

Two unearned runs crossed for Springfield in the top of the first on an errant throw and a Chase Davis sacrifice fly to center. Gabby Gonzalez slid home safely on a wild pitch to cut the lead in half and make the score 2-1 Cardinals after an inning.&nbsp;

Leonardo Bernal brought one in on a bloop single to right in the top of the third, and Gonzalez responded with a single of his own through the left side in the home half of the inning to make the series finale a one-run game again.&nbsp;

Jaylen Nowlin and Ricky Castro, who earned the win and improved to 2-3 on the season, combined to give up just an earned run on four hits over four and one-third innings with four strikeouts against a walk. That run came on a Jeremy Rivas solo shot in the top of the eighth to give Springfield a 4-2 lead with Wichita down to their final six outs.

The response from the Wind Surge was massive, bringing in five runs on as many hits. After a one-out double from Walker Jenkins and a walk to Nate Baez, Fedko elevated a go-ahead three-run home run into the Wichita bullpen. Ben Ross laced a long single off the left field wall to brin in Ricardo Olivar, and then Jose Salas doubled to right field to bring in run number five in Baez to make the score 7-4.

Jacob Wosinski got all three outs after a leadoff single and a walk to garner his first-ever Double-A save and give the Wind Surge a series victory over the Cardinals.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (June 29, 2025)—Kyler Fedko slugged his fifth home run of the week in a 7-4 victory by the Wichita Wind Surge over the Springfield Cardinals at Equity Bank Park. The roundtripper kickstarted a five-run eighth inning that led to Wichita winning the series over the Cardinals.&nbsp;Two unearned runs crossed for Springfield in the top of the first on an errant throw and a Chase Davis sacrifice fly to center. Gabby Gonzalez slid home safely on a wild pitch to cut the lead in half and make the score 2-1 Cardinals after an inning.&nbsp;Leonardo Bernal brought one in on a bloop single to right in the top of the third, and Gonzalez responded with a single of his own through the left side in the home half of the inning to make the series finale a one-run game again.&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin and Ricky Castro, who earned the win and improved to 2-3 on the season, combined to give up just an earned run on four hits over four and one-third innings with four strikeouts against a walk. That run came on a Jeremy Rivas solo shot in the top of the eighth to give Springfield a 4-2 lead with Wichita down to their final six outs.The response from the Wind Surge was massive, bringing in five runs on as many hits. After a one-out double from Walker Jenkins and a walk to Nate Baez, Fedko elevated a go-ahead three-run home run into the Wichita bullpen. Ben Ross laced a long single off the left field wall to brin in Ricardo Olivar, and then Jose Salas doubled to right field to bring in run number five in Baez to make the score 7-4.Jacob Wosinski got all three outs after a leadoff single and a walk to garner his first-ever Double-A save and give the Wind Surge a series victory over the Cardinals.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Kyler Fedko finishes the series with five home runs and the month of June with six long balls.&nbsp;</li><li>Gabby Gonzalez has hit in eight straight games.</li><li>Kala’i Rosario is on an 11 Game On Base Streak.</li><li>Today marks Wichita’s third win of the year when trailing after seven innings.</li><li>The Wind Surge take the series 4-2 over the Springfield Cardinals.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Wind Surge Storm Back In Eighth To Defeat Cardinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer, Will Smith also went deep and the Los Angeles Dodgers got a dominant performance from Justin Wrobleski and the rest of their bullpen in a rain-delayed 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Wrobleski (4-2) pitched six innings of three-hit ball in place of opener Lou Trivino, Kirby Yates worked a perfect eighth and Jack Dreyer handled the ninth, helping Los Angeles win for the sixth time in seven games.

Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas also drove in runs for the Dodgers, who have won six consecutive series.

Kris Bubic (6-6) allowed Hernández's two-run shot in the second inning among his three hits and two walks in five innings. The left-hander struck out five but still took his fourth loss in his last five starts, despite maintaining a 2.25 ERA.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to score the only run for the Royals, who have lost seven of their last eight games.

Both of the teams paid homage to the Negro Leagues, whose museum is less than 10 miles from Kauffman Stadium. The Dodgers wore hats from their Brooklyn days out of respect for Jackie Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs before breaking the color barrier, and the Royals wore the interlocking “KC” hats of the 1945 Monarchs.

The Dodgers were leading 2-1 in the fifth when Freddy Fermin led off with a bunt single for Kansas City. Drew Waters worked a 3-0 count before failing to get down a sacrifice bunt, striking out instead. Wrobleski proceeded to get Jonathan India to pop out and struck out Witt to end the threat.

The Royals went 6 for 12 with runners in scoring position in their 9-5 win Saturday. They were 1 for 5 on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751279398489.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Dodgers' Kike Hernandez (8) celebrates with Andy Pages (44) after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Dodgers' Kike Hernandez (8) celebrates with Andy Pages (44) after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer, Will Smith also went deep and the Los Angeles Dodgers got a dominant performance from Justin Wrobleski and the rest of their bullpen in a rain-delayed 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Wrobleski (4-2) pitched six innings of three-hit ball in place of opener Lou Trivino, Kirby Yates worked a perfect eighth and Jack Dreyer handled the ninth, helping Los Angeles win for the sixth time in seven games.Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas also drove in runs for the Dodgers, who have won six consecutive series.Kris Bubic (6-6) allowed Hernández's two-run shot in the second inning among his three hits and two walks in five innings. The left-hander struck out five but still took his fourth loss in his last five starts, despite maintaining a 2.25 ERA.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to score the only run for the Royals, who have lost seven of their last eight games.Both of the teams paid homage to the Negro Leagues, whose museum is less than 10 miles from Kauffman Stadium. The Dodgers wore hats from their Brooklyn days out of respect for Jackie Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs before breaking the color barrier, and the Royals wore the interlocking “KC” hats of the 1945 Monarchs.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Dodgers were leading 2-1 in the fifth when Freddy Fermin led off with a bunt single for Kansas City. Drew Waters worked a 3-0 count before failing to get down a sacrifice bunt, striking out instead. Wrobleski proceeded to get Jonathan India to pop out and struck out Witt to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals went 6 for 12 with runners in scoring position in their 9-5 win Saturday. They were 1 for 5 on Sunday.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Dodgers' Hernández and Smith homer in win over Royals

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22STEPHEN%20WHYNO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer</a>

D. Wayne Lukas, the Hall of Famer who became one of the most accomplished trainers in the history of horse racing and a face of the sport for decades, has died. He was 89.

His family said Sunday that Lukas died Saturday night at his Louisville, Kentucky, home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d-wayne-lukas-hosptialized-3696adc1800e69d3f7708374bd444d1c">Lukas had been hospitalized</a>&nbsp;with a severe MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system and worsened pre-existing chronic conditions.

“Wayne devoted his life not only to horses but to the industry — developing generations of horsemen and horsewomen and growing the game by inviting unsuspecting fans into the winner’s circle,” his family said in a statement. “Whether he was boasting about a maiden 2-year-old as the next Kentucky Derby winner or offering quiet words of advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport. His final days were spent at home in Kentucky, where he chose peace, family, and faith.”

Lukas won 15 Triple Crown races, including the Kentucky Derby four times. Only good friend Bob Baffert has more Triple Crown victories, and Lukas owns a record-tying 20 in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

“The whole secret of this game, I think, is being able to read the horse: Read what he needs, what he doesn’t need, what he can’t do, what he can do,” Lukas said in May before his 34th and final Preakness Stakes. “That’s the whole key. Everybody’s got the blacksmith, everybody’s got to the same bed available, the feed man. We all can hire a good jockey. We all can hire a pretty good exercise rider if we’ve got the means, so what the hell is the difference? The horse is the difference and what we do with him in reading him.”

Lukas was affectionately known around the barns and the racetrack as “Coach” because he coached high school basketball before his professional career with horses began. Even with months to go before his 90th birthday, he would get up on his pony in the early morning hours and go out to the track himself, rather than letting his assistants do the day-to-day work.

Born Darnell Wayne Lukas on Sept. 2, 1935, in Wisconsin as the second of three children, he rose to prominence in the sport with quarter horses in races that are effectively sprints. He moved into thoroughbreds in the late 1970s and won his first Preakness with Codex in 1980.

Lukas has 4,967 documented victories in thoroughbred racing, with his horses earning more than $310 million from more than 30,600 starts.

"Today we lost one of the great champions of Churchill Downs and one of the most significant figures in Thoroughbred racing over the last 50 years,” Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “We will miss his humor, his wisdom and his unmatched capacity to thrill the fans with the performances of his horses on our sport’s biggest days.”

Achieving something of a career renaissance over the past decade, one he credits to finding the right owners willing to spend money on horses, Lukas won the Preakness last year with Seize the Grey. Asked what motivates him to keep doing his job well into his late 80s, he gave a pep talk fit for a locker room before a big game.

“If you have a passion, you eliminate all the excuses,” Lukas said. “That’s how it works. You get up early. You go without a meal. You drive. You go without sleep — as long as you got the passion. Don’t let that sofa pull you down. It’s a little easy when that alarm goes off to say, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know if I really want to do this today.’ Erase that. The most important decision you’ll ever make in your life is your attitude decision. Make it early, and make the right one.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751224552018.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22STEPHEN%20WHYNO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer</a>D. Wayne Lukas, the Hall of Famer who became one of the most accomplished trainers in the history of horse racing and a face of the sport for decades, has died. He was 89.His family said Sunday that Lukas died Saturday night at his Louisville, Kentucky, home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d-wayne-lukas-hosptialized-3696adc1800e69d3f7708374bd444d1c">Lukas had been hospitalized</a>&nbsp;with a severe MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system and worsened pre-existing chronic conditions.“Wayne devoted his life not only to horses but to the industry — developing generations of horsemen and horsewomen and growing the game by inviting unsuspecting fans into the winner’s circle,” his family said in a statement. “Whether he was boasting about a maiden 2-year-old as the next Kentucky Derby winner or offering quiet words of advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport. His final days were spent at home in Kentucky, where he chose peace, family, and faith.”Lukas won 15 Triple Crown races, including the Kentucky Derby four times. Only good friend Bob Baffert has more Triple Crown victories, and Lukas owns a record-tying 20 in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.“The whole secret of this game, I think, is being able to read the horse: Read what he needs, what he doesn’t need, what he can’t do, what he can do,” Lukas said in May before his 34th and final Preakness Stakes. “That’s the whole key. Everybody’s got the blacksmith, everybody’s got to the same bed available, the feed man. We all can hire a good jockey. We all can hire a pretty good exercise rider if we’ve got the means, so what the hell is the difference? The horse is the difference and what we do with him in reading him.”Lukas was affectionately known around the barns and the racetrack as “Coach” because he coached high school basketball before his professional career with horses began. Even with months to go before his 90th birthday, he would get up on his pony in the early morning hours and go out to the track himself, rather than letting his assistants do the day-to-day work.Born Darnell Wayne Lukas on Sept. 2, 1935, in Wisconsin as the second of three children, he rose to prominence in the sport with quarter horses in races that are effectively sprints. He moved into thoroughbreds in the late 1970s and won his first Preakness with Codex in 1980.Lukas has 4,967 documented victories in thoroughbred racing, with his horses earning more than $310 million from more than 30,600 starts."Today we lost one of the great champions of Churchill Downs and one of the most significant figures in Thoroughbred racing over the last 50 years,” Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “We will miss his humor, his wisdom and his unmatched capacity to thrill the fans with the performances of his horses on our sport’s biggest days.”Achieving something of a career renaissance over the past decade, one he credits to finding the right owners willing to spend money on horses, Lukas won the Preakness last year with Seize the Grey. Asked what motivates him to keep doing his job well into his late 80s, he gave a pep talk fit for a locker room before a big game.“If you have a passion, you eliminate all the excuses,” Lukas said. “That’s how it works. You get up early. You go without a meal. You drive. You go without sleep — as long as you got the passion. Don’t let that sofa pull you down. It’s a little easy when that alarm goes off to say, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know if I really want to do this today.’ Erase that. The most important decision you’ll ever make in your life is your attitude decision. Make it early, and make the right one.”___

Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a winner of 15 Triple Crown races, dies at 89

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered, doubled and drove in a career high-tying five runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-5 on Saturday to snap an 11-game home losing streak.

Ohtani made his third start of the season and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-pitching-882646a3578e99e4c81b1c0e774df7d1">threw the fastest pitch</a>&nbsp;of his career, a 101.7 mph fastball that induced an inning-ending double-play grounder by Pasquantino in the first.

The Dodgers' two-way superstar threw 27 pitches in two scoreless innings. He is working as an opener as he eases back into pitching following Tommy John surgery in 2023. Ohtani went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as LA's leadoff batter.

Pasquantino’s&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1939074998011916473">430-foot, three-run blast</a>&nbsp;to right-center off Ben Casparius (6-2) capped a four-run fifth inning for the Royals, who won at Kaufmann Stadium for the first time since May 31. They ended a six-game skid overall.

Freddie Freeman went 3-for-3 with a homer for the Dodgers, whose five-game winning streak ended. Infielder Miguel Rojas pitched the eighth.

Seth Lugo (5-5) threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and five walks while striking out eight.

Casparius relieved Ohtani in the third and quickly allowed three hits and a pair of runs on Maikel Garcia’s two-out double off the left-field wall.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single in the fifth before Pasquantino went deep. Pasquantino added a two-run double in the seventh.

Jonathan India and Witt each had four hits as the top four Royals batters finished with 11 hits and eight runs.

The Royals' four-run fifth was their biggest inning at home since they scored four in the eighth against the Chicago White Sox on May 8.

The Royals' 15 home-field home runs are the fewest in the majors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751156034931.png" alt="Image from KC Royals video" />
 <figcaption>Image from KC Royals video</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered, doubled and drove in a career high-tying five runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-5 on Saturday to snap an 11-game home losing streak.Ohtani made his third start of the season and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-pitching-882646a3578e99e4c81b1c0e774df7d1">threw the fastest pitch</a>&nbsp;of his career, a 101.7 mph fastball that induced an inning-ending double-play grounder by Pasquantino in the first.The Dodgers' two-way superstar threw 27 pitches in two scoreless innings. He is working as an opener as he eases back into pitching following Tommy John surgery in 2023. Ohtani went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as LA's leadoff batter.Pasquantino’s&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1939074998011916473">430-foot, three-run blast</a>&nbsp;to right-center off Ben Casparius (6-2) capped a four-run fifth inning for the Royals, who won at Kaufmann Stadium for the first time since May 31. They ended a six-game skid overall.Freddie Freeman went 3-for-3 with a homer for the Dodgers, whose five-game winning streak ended. Infielder Miguel Rojas pitched the eighth.Seth Lugo (5-5) threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and five walks while striking out eight.Casparius relieved Ohtani in the third and quickly allowed three hits and a pair of runs on Maikel Garcia’s two-out double off the left-field wall.Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single in the fifth before Pasquantino went deep. Pasquantino added a two-run double in the seventh.Jonathan India and Witt each had four hits as the top four Royals batters finished with 11 hits and eight runs.LA scored four runs in the ninth.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals' four-run fifth was their biggest inning at home since they scored four in the eighth against the Chicago White Sox on May 8.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals' 15 home-field home runs are the fewest in the majors.<h2>Up next</h2>The Dodgers plan to use an opener for Sunday’s series finale against Royals LHP Kris Bubic (6-5, 2.16 ERA).