KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 for his first win in a month, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Miami Marlins 4-1 on Monday night for just their fourth win in 15 games.

Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe hit solo homers off Roddery Muñoz (1-3), who has allowed six home runs in his last 10 innings.

Ragans (5-5) allowed one run, four hits and three walks in six innings. He had been 0-2 in five starts since beating Detroit on May 22.

“Change up was good,” Ragans said. “Got some good swing-and-miss on it, got some pop ups with it. Overall, I commanded it pretty well.”

“When he can get ahead and attack, that’s when you see a lot of swing-and-miss,” Royals interim manager Paul Hoover said. “A team that hasn’t seen him and he’s executing four different pitches for strikes. That’s tough on any lineup.”

Kansas City pitchers struck out a season-high 15.

Chris Stratton, John Schreiber and James McArthur each followed with a hitless inning as the Marlins were held to four hits or fewest for the 12th time.

McArthur got his 13th save in 17 chances as the Royals stopped a three-game losing streak.

“It’s tough to win when you score one run,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “I thought we had a chance in a couple of innings there. Just couldn’t get the big hit. Ragans is the story tonight. Just kept us off-balance all night.”

Bryan De La Cruz had a two-out RBI double in the third.

“My sinker was a little difficult to locate tonight,” Muñoz said. “There were some pitches that were not exactly what I wanted. I was trying to attack, be very aggressive. They were competing and they won in that situation.”

Muñoz gave up four runs, six hits and four walks in six innings.

“The problem is command catches up with him,” Schumaker said. “Putting himself in better situations, count-wise, is going to be the key to his development.”

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/vinnie-pasquantino-homers-8-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field">Pasquantino led off the fourth with his eighth home run</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/salvador-perez-homers-12-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field?t=all-mlb-team">Perez followed with his 12th on the next pitch</a>, ending an 0-for-17 slump with the Royals’ first consecutive home runs since March 31. Kansas City, which entered with a 25-inning scoreless streak, also got Kyle Isbel’s two-out RBI single in the three-run inning.

“It wasn’t fun, but there was no panic,” Pasquantino said of the offensive slump. “What do we need to do to rectify that? Tonight was a nice step in that direction.”

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/hunter-renfroe-homers-7-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field?t=we-got-now-4040-v7-series">Renfroe hit a 434-foot drive in the sixth</a>&nbsp;for his seventh homer.

“It’s been a while,” Renfroe said. “It’s been a rough 10 days. Just to be able to hit a ball solid and get back into the groove of things is pretty fantastic.”

Michael Massey returned from a sprained lower back that had sidelined him since May 24 and was 1 for 3 as a designated hitter.

CJ Alexander, a 27-year-old who had been in the minor leagues since 2018, made his major league debut at third base for the Royals and went 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Kansas City selected Alexander’s contract from Omaha, optioned outfielder Nelson Velázquez to the Triple-A team and designed left-hander Jake Brentz for assignment.

Otto López had two hits for the Marlins, who are 6-14 in June.

Royals: INF Adam Frazier placed on 10-day IL (right thumb sprain), retroactive to Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719308370836.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, and relief pitcher James McArthur celebrate after their baseball game against the Miami Marlins Monday, June 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals won 4-1. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, and relief pitcher James McArthur celebrate after their baseball game against the Miami Marlins Monday, June 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals won 4-1. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 for his first win in a month, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Miami Marlins 4-1 on Monday night for just their fourth win in 15 games.Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe hit solo homers off Roddery Muñoz (1-3), who has allowed six home runs in his last 10 innings.Ragans (5-5) allowed one run, four hits and three walks in six innings. He had been 0-2 in five starts since beating Detroit on May 22.“Change up was good,” Ragans said. “Got some good swing-and-miss on it, got some pop ups with it. Overall, I commanded it pretty well.”“When he can get ahead and attack, that’s when you see a lot of swing-and-miss,” Royals interim manager Paul Hoover said. “A team that hasn’t seen him and he’s executing four different pitches for strikes. That’s tough on any lineup.”Kansas City pitchers struck out a season-high 15.Chris Stratton, John Schreiber and James McArthur each followed with a hitless inning as the Marlins were held to four hits or fewest for the 12th time.McArthur got his 13th save in 17 chances as the Royals stopped a three-game losing streak.“It’s tough to win when you score one run,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “I thought we had a chance in a couple of innings there. Just couldn’t get the big hit. Ragans is the story tonight. Just kept us off-balance all night.”Bryan De La Cruz had a two-out RBI double in the third.“My sinker was a little difficult to locate tonight,” Muñoz said. “There were some pitches that were not exactly what I wanted. I was trying to attack, be very aggressive. They were competing and they won in that situation.”Muñoz gave up four runs, six hits and four walks in six innings.“The problem is command catches up with him,” Schumaker said. “Putting himself in better situations, count-wise, is going to be the key to his development.”<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/vinnie-pasquantino-homers-8-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field">Pasquantino led off the fourth with his eighth home run</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/salvador-perez-homers-12-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field?t=all-mlb-team">Perez followed with his 12th on the next pitch</a>, ending an 0-for-17 slump with the Royals’ first consecutive home runs since March 31. Kansas City, which entered with a 25-inning scoreless streak, also got Kyle Isbel’s two-out RBI single in the three-run inning.“It wasn’t fun, but there was no panic,” Pasquantino said of the offensive slump. “What do we need to do to rectify that? Tonight was a nice step in that direction.”<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/video/hunter-renfroe-homers-7-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field?t=we-got-now-4040-v7-series">Renfroe hit a 434-foot drive in the sixth</a>&nbsp;for his seventh homer.“It’s been a while,” Renfroe said. “It’s been a rough 10 days. Just to be able to hit a ball solid and get back into the groove of things is pretty fantastic.”Michael Massey returned from a sprained lower back that had sidelined him since May 24 and was 1 for 3 as a designated hitter.CJ Alexander, a 27-year-old who had been in the minor leagues since 2018, made his major league debut at third base for the Royals and went 0 for 3 with a strikeout.Kansas City selected Alexander’s contract from Omaha, optioned outfielder Nelson Velázquez to the Triple-A team and designed left-hander Jake Brentz for assignment.Otto López had two hits for the Marlins, who are 6-14 in June.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF Adam Frazier placed on 10-day IL (right thumb sprain), retroactive to Sunday.UP NEXT

⚾ Ragans strikes out 11 as Royals beat Marlins

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs on Monday after two recent arrests in Alabama.

The 27-year-old Buggs, who signed a $1,292,500 contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season, turned himself in May 30 after he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Two dogs that were under Buggs’ care were allegedly found neglected and malnourished, and one of the dogs had to be euthanized.

On June 16, Buggs was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond, according to records from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

The run-stuffing tackle out of Alabama played three seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers before spending the past two with the Detroit Lions. He has started 23 games and appeared in 56 in his career, with 89 tackles and two sacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718575977539.png" alt="Buggs photo Tuscaloosa County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Buggs photo Tuscaloosa County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs on Monday after two recent arrests in Alabama.The 27-year-old Buggs, who signed a $1,292,500 contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season, turned himself in May 30 after he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Two dogs that were under Buggs’ care were allegedly found neglected and malnourished, and one of the dogs had to be euthanized.On June 16, Buggs was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond, according to records from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.The run-stuffing tackle out of Alabama played three seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers before spending the past two with the Detroit Lions. He has started 23 games and appeared in 56 in his career, with 89 tackles and two sacks.

🏈 Chiefs release DL Isaiah Buggs after 2 recent arrests in Alabama

By GARY VAN CLEAVE&nbsp; Salina Post Contributor

SALINA - Salina soccer is headed to the next level, and Damon McDonald and Jacob Bircher love being at the forefront.&nbsp;

McDonald, an incoming Salina South junior, and Bircher, an upcoming Southeast of Saline junior, are upping their individual games this summer, competing on teams in Kansas City.

The two will compete as members of the Kansas City Surf's ECNL/RL teams.

McDonald, a team captain and starting center back, has already seen his work ethic pay off firsthand.

“People will always be better or faster than you," he said. "But it's important to put in hard work to excel. Working hard has opened the path for me to be on teams that are at higher levels, such as the Surf National team based out of San Diego.”

Bircher, in his third year with the team, can be found at right back, where he has found a home after playing midfielder and right winger for his first two seasons.

“There will always be someone better,” Bircher said. “You have to be at your best all the time, and work hard in order to keep up. With hard work and dedication, you can go a long way.”

Both athletes recently made the Surf Select Midwest Regional team and advanced to the national showcase where McDonald made the national team, and Bircher was named to the national reserve team.

Not bad for a couple of kids from central Kansas.

“To me, it means that my hard work and dedication to this sport is paying off, and that's driving me to keep working harder to achieve more in my career,” Bircher said.

“I've been given an opportunity that few have been given, and that shows me that hard work and dedication pays off,” McDonald noted. “I’m not done yet, and I still have to work hard and have an obsession like never before to continue going farther on this journey.”

Vince Doering of Manhattan High is a teammate of McDonald on the 2008 ECNL/RL squad.

“Damon is a very strong player. He’s a great leader and plays with an unmatched physicality,” Doering said. “Jacob is super fast and makes quick cuts that’s hard to defend. His stamina is great and he plays hard the entire game.”

Both are ecstatic not just to be a part of the national team, but the exposure it’s bringing to Salina soccer as well.

“We can make a large impact in the youth that play soccer,” McDonald said. “Those younger players know about us and that gives them a sort of hope to know that it is possible.”

According to Bircher only two players from Salina have ever gone pro on the soccer circuit. They include goalkeepers Adrianna Franch of the US women’s national team and Ethan Bandre, currently with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.

“My hope is that there could possibly be two or three people from a small town in the middle of KS who make a big impact on youth soccer and for everyone else,” Bircher said. “To show that it is possible to do big things even if you’re from a small place.”

“With my high school’s team making it to state, a lot of those kids came to watch us leave town and made posters for us,” McDonald, whose Cougars finished third at state said. “I do believe I have at least an impact of some of the youth.”

Those posters hit a soft spot in McDonald’s heart.&nbsp;

“To me those posters meant that those kids wanted us to succeed,” McDonald said. “The fact that their dedication and time was put into a poster for us meant that they cared. That in itself was a confidence boost.”

Despite his recent success, Bircher’s three years haven’t always gone smoothly.

“My first year on the team was the first year that KC had put together the ECNL/RL team and it was rough to say the least,” Bircher said. “It was a brand new team playing in one of the highest leagues there is, and to be honest, it went pretty poorly.”

After a bit of a rough start new coach Matt Foster, started the winning culture in year two.&nbsp;

“Coach Matt brought in a few more new players and we started turning our situation around,” Bircher continued. “We started off the year really well with a tournament in Orlando, where we combined teams with Damon’s team and we didn’t lose a game. After that, we separated the 08s and 07s again for league play. And we started playing so much better, and we’ve gone on to win the Presidents Cup which gave us a ticket to go represent Kansas at regionals soon in South Dakota.”

Both are great friends who have respect for the other in sports.

“Jacob is a very good man, he is nice but knows how to keep others moving,” McDonald said. “As a soccer player he never gives up, he is always working and willing to leave everything on the field. He always fights through adversity. He reached out to the necessary people to secure a good training source to further his chances at advancing in his career.”

“I would describe Damon as a very good friend," Bircher said. "We’ve been playing together since we were very young and we’ve excelled together as players and grown as friends on and off the field. He’s pushed me to be a better player and a better person, and we’ve been through a lot together. He's a great friend and a great teammate.”

McDonald’s teammates at South have been a part of 10 shutouts the last two seasons, including six on last year’s 14-6-1 Cougar unit.

Bircher, meanwhile, placed 19th at state in cross country and has been a top-five varsity runner, taking second as a team at state. 

At state track, Bircher finished seventh in the open 400 and third in the 4x4.

“As a runner Jacob has always been really successful,” South’s Bret Jones said. “His level of commitment is higher than the majority of runners out there. Making state as a freshman doesn’t come by accident. He’s got the goofy runner’s personality too.”

Jones had this to say about his Cougar teammate McDonald.

“He’s really fun to be on the field with and you can count on him to win the ball just about every time,” Jones said. “One of the hardest workers I’ve played with. Also very determined, winning is definitely an expectation to him.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719236819013.jpeg" alt="Damon McDonald (left) and Jacob Bircher (right)" />
 <figcaption>Damon McDonald (left) and Jacob Bircher (right)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY VAN CLEAVE&nbsp; Salina Post ContributorSALINA - Salina soccer is headed to the next level, and Damon McDonald and Jacob Bircher love being at the forefront.&nbsp;McDonald, an incoming Salina South junior, and Bircher, an upcoming Southeast of Saline junior, are upping their individual games this summer, competing on teams in Kansas City.The two will compete as members of the Kansas City Surf's ECNL/RL teams.McDonald, a team captain and starting center back, has already seen his work ethic pay off firsthand.“People will always be better or faster than you," he said. "But it's important to put in hard work to excel. Working hard has opened the path for me to be on teams that are at higher levels, such as the Surf National team based out of San Diego.”Bircher, in his third year with the team, can be found at right back, where he has found a home after playing midfielder and right winger for his first two seasons.“There will always be someone better,” Bircher said. “You have to be at your best all the time, and work hard in order to keep up. With hard work and dedication, you can go a long way.”Both athletes recently made the Surf Select Midwest Regional team and advanced to the national showcase where McDonald made the national team, and Bircher was named to the national reserve team.Not bad for a couple of kids from central Kansas.“To me, it means that my hard work and dedication to this sport is paying off, and that's driving me to keep working harder to achieve more in my career,” Bircher said.“I've been given an opportunity that few have been given, and that shows me that hard work and dedication pays off,” McDonald noted. “I’m not done yet, and I still have to work hard and have an obsession like never before to continue going farther on this journey.”Vince Doering of Manhattan High is a teammate of McDonald on the 2008 ECNL/RL squad.“Damon is a very strong player. He’s a great leader and plays with an unmatched physicality,” Doering said. “Jacob is super fast and makes quick cuts that’s hard to defend. His stamina is great and he plays hard the entire game.”Both are ecstatic not just to be a part of the national team, but the exposure it’s bringing to Salina soccer as well.“We can make a large impact in the youth that play soccer,” McDonald said. “Those younger players know about us and that gives them a sort of hope to know that it is possible.”According to Bircher only two players from Salina have ever gone pro on the soccer circuit. They include goalkeepers Adrianna Franch of the US women’s national team and Ethan Bandre, currently with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.“My hope is that there could possibly be two or three people from a small town in the middle of KS who make a big impact on youth soccer and for everyone else,” Bircher said. “To show that it is possible to do big things even if you’re from a small place.”“With my high school’s team making it to state, a lot of those kids came to watch us leave town and made posters for us,” McDonald, whose Cougars finished third at state said. “I do believe I have at least an impact of some of the youth.”Those posters hit a soft spot in McDonald’s heart.&nbsp;“To me those posters meant that those kids wanted us to succeed,” McDonald said. “The fact that their dedication and time was put into a poster for us meant that they cared. That in itself was a confidence boost.”Despite his recent success, Bircher’s three years haven’t always gone smoothly.“My first year on the team was the first year that KC had put together the ECNL/RL team and it was rough to say the least,” Bircher said. “It was a brand new team playing in one of the highest leagues there is, and to be honest, it went pretty poorly.”After a bit of a rough start new coach Matt Foster, started the winning culture in year two.&nbsp;“Coach Matt brought in a few more new players and we started turning our situation around,” Bircher continued. “We started off the year really well with a tournament in Orlando, where we combined teams with Damon’s team and we didn’t lose a game. After that, we separated the 08s and 07s again for league play. And we started playing so much better, and we’ve gone on to win the Presidents Cup which gave us a ticket to go represent Kansas at regionals soon in South Dakota.”Both are great friends who have respect for the other in sports.“Jacob is a very good man, he is nice but knows how to keep others moving,” McDonald said. “As a soccer player he never gives up, he is always working and willing to leave everything on the field. He always fights through adversity. He reached out to the necessary people to secure a good training source to further his chances at advancing in his career.”“I would describe Damon as a very good friend," Bircher said. "We’ve been playing together since we were very young and we’ve excelled together as players and grown as friends on and off the field. He’s pushed me to be a better player and a better person, and we’ve been through a lot together. He's a great friend and a great teammate.”McDonald’s teammates at South have been a part of 10 shutouts the last two seasons, including six on last year’s 14-6-1 Cougar unit.Bircher, meanwhile, placed 19th at state in cross country and has been a top-five varsity runner, taking second as a team at state. At state track, Bircher finished seventh in the open 400 and third in the 4x4.“As a runner Jacob has always been really successful,” South’s Bret Jones said. “His level of commitment is higher than the majority of runners out there. Making state as a freshman doesn’t come by accident. He’s got the goofy runner’s personality too.”Jones had this to say about his Cougar teammate McDonald.“He’s really fun to be on the field with and you can count on him to win the ball just about every time,” Jones said. “One of the hardest workers I’ve played with. Also very determined, winning is definitely an expectation to him.”

⚽️ McDonald, Bircher, represent Salina on national stage

OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;No.&nbsp; 1 Tennessee used a stellar performance from its pitching staff and scored four late runs to earn a hard-fought 4-1 win over No. 3 Texas A&amp;M on Sunday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field, forcing a winner-take-all game three on Monday night that will decide the 2024 national champion.

The Volunteers handed the Aggies (53-14) their first loss of the NCAA Tournament as they were on a nine-game winning streak that started after their 7-4 loss to UT in the SEC Tournament back on May 23.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Volunteers entered the seventh inning trailing 1-0 despite having at least one runner reach base in five of the first six innings. UT was finally able to break through in the seventh when Dylan Dreiling launched a 1-1 pitch over the bullpen in right field for a two-run homer to give the Vols a 2-1 lead.

Through the Vols' five Men's College World Series games, Dreiling leads the team with a .500 batting average (11-for-22), two home runs and eight RBIs.

Cal Stark&nbsp;followed Dreiling's lead with a two-run, two-out blast of his own in the top of the eighth inning to add some insurance.

Tennessee (59-13) got another solid start from junior righthander Drew Beam,&nbsp;who struck out seven and allowed just one run on three hits over four innings.

A national champion will be crowned on Monday night when Tennessee and Texas A&amp;M meet in a winner-take-all game three. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. CT (7 p.m. ET) and the contest will be televised on ESPN.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719189659908.jpeg" alt="Dylan Dreiling in the dugout after hitting a go-ahead home run against Texas A&amp;M at the Men's College World Series on Sunday, June 23, 2024 in Omaha, Neb. (Tennessee Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Dreiling in the dugout after hitting a go-ahead home run against Texas A&amp;M at the Men's College World Series on Sunday, June 23, 2024 in Omaha, Neb. (Tennessee Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tennessee AthleticsOMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;No.&nbsp; 1 Tennessee used a stellar performance from its pitching staff and scored four late runs to earn a hard-fought 4-1 win over No. 3 Texas A&amp;M on Sunday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field, forcing a winner-take-all game three on Monday night that will decide the 2024 national champion.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hays High 2022 grad Dylan Dreiling doing Dylan Dreiling things at the CWS! <a href="https://t.co/uY6TjAzg0f">pic.twitter.com/uY6TjAzg0f</a>&mdash; Hays HS Athletics and Activities (@HaysHighAD) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaysHighAD/status/1804981819831472575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Volunteers handed the Aggies (53-14) their first loss of the NCAA Tournament as they were on a nine-game winning streak that started after their 7-4 loss to UT in the SEC Tournament back on May 23.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Volunteers entered the seventh inning trailing 1-0 despite having at least one runner reach base in five of the first six innings. UT was finally able to break through in the seventh when Dylan Dreiling launched a 1-1 pitch over the bullpen in right field for a two-run homer to give the Vols a 2-1 lead.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">They don&#39;t make &#39;em any more CLUTCH than DYLAN DREILING! LET&#39;S GOOOO! 📺 <a href="https://t.co/dOromFvTCS">https://t.co/dOromFvTCS</a> (ABC)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBO</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OTH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OTH</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCWS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCWS</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeatTAMU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeatTAMU</a> <a href="https://t.co/sWK0xhyhWX">pic.twitter.com/sWK0xhyhWX</a>&mdash; Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vol_Baseball/status/1804979250174312645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Through the Vols' five Men's College World Series games, Dreiling leads the team with a .500 batting average (11-for-22), two home runs and eight RBIs.Cal Stark&nbsp;followed Dreiling's lead with a two-run, two-out blast of his own in the top of the eighth inning to add some insurance.Tennessee (59-13) got another solid start from junior righthander Drew Beam,&nbsp;who struck out seven and allowed just one run on three hits over four innings.UP NEXTA national champion will be crowned on Monday night when Tennessee and Texas A&amp;M meet in a winner-take-all game three. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. CT (7 p.m. ET) and the contest will be televised on ESPN.

⚾ Kansas native leads Vols' past Texas A&M to force Game 3 of MCWS 

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Three-time Cy Young Award winner&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/8193/">Max Scherzer</a>&nbsp;retired 15 of the 16 batters he faced over five scoreless innings in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rangers-scherzer-royals-89d890830653f4407b0c8b979643bb2e" target="_blank">season debut</a>, rookie&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/62973/">Wyatt Langford</a>&nbsp;extended his RBI streak to five games and the&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/texas/">Texas Rangers</a>&nbsp;beat the&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/kansas-city/">Kansas City Royals</a>&nbsp;4-0 on Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep.

<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/9931/">José Ureña</a>&nbsp;pitched the final four innings for his first save and extended the Rangers' consecutive scoreless innings pitched streak to a season-high 22, their longest since 23 in a row in September 2016.

<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/12562/">Josh Smith</a>&nbsp;homered for the Rangers (37-40), who matched their season high by winning their fourth game in a row. It was the first three-game sweep of the season for the reigning World Series champions.

The Royals ended a 2-7 road trip, though at 42-37 overall, they have 20 wins more than at the same point last season. They were shut out for the fourth time this season, including three on the trip that ended with being held scoreless the last two games in&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/texas/">Texas</a>.

<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/kansas-city/">Kansas City</a>&nbsp;manager Matt Quatraro missed the series finale to tend to a personal matter, so bench coach Paul Hoover managed the game.

Texas went ahead for good on Langford's RBI double in the fourth off&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/12446/">Alec Marsh</a>&nbsp;(5-5). Langford had a grand slam in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rangers-royals-score-8473a61b518271c4d8ff63d45835b604" target="_blank">Saturday's 6-0 win</a>&nbsp;and has 10 RBIs in the last five games.&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10608/">Leody Taveras</a>&nbsp;was 5 for 58 in June before his two-run single later in the fourth, and Josh Smith homered leading off the seventh.

Scherzer (1-0) struck out four while allowing only one hit and now walks. The right-hander threw 39 of his 57 pitches for strikes in his first start since exiting Game 3 of the World Series last Oct. 30 after three innings because of back tightness. His fastball was consistently in the 92-94 mph range.

The 39-year-old pitcher, who turns 40 on July 27, had surgery in mid-December to repair a herniated disk in his lower back, then during his rehab dealt with a nerve issue that was diagnosed after he experienced right thumb soreness.

<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10891/">MJ Melendez</a>&nbsp;had the only Royals hit off Scherzer, a ground-rule double that bounced into the Texas bullpen in the right-center field gap.

Scherzer's fourth and final strikeout was the 3,371st in his career to match Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux for 11th on MLB’s career list. Maddux, a four-time Cy Young winner, is the brother of Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux.

Marsh struck out four while allowing three runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Royals:&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10322/">Adam Frazier</a>&nbsp;was scratched from the starting lineup because of a right thumb sprain sustained playing in the outfield Saturday. He was initially set to lead off as the designated hitter for the series finale.

Rangers: RHP Yerry Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to make room on the active roster for Scherzer.

Royals: After nine road games in 10 days, the Royals play the first of 10 home games over 11 days on Monday night against&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/miami/">Miami</a>, with LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10610/">Cole Ragans</a>&nbsp;(4-5, 3.13 ERA) set to start.

Rangers:&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/9949/">Michael Lorenzen</a>&nbsp;(4-3, 3.00) is the scheduled starter on Monday night when the Rangers play their first game at&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/milwaukee/">Milwaukee</a>&nbsp;since 2019.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Three-time Cy Young Award winner&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/8193/">Max Scherzer</a>&nbsp;retired 15 of the 16 batters he faced over five scoreless innings in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rangers-scherzer-royals-89d890830653f4407b0c8b979643bb2e" target="_blank">season debut</a>, rookie&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/62973/">Wyatt Langford</a>&nbsp;extended his RBI streak to five games and the&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/texas/">Texas Rangers</a>&nbsp;beat the&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/kansas-city/">Kansas City Royals</a>&nbsp;4-0 on Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep.<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/9931/">José Ureña</a>&nbsp;pitched the final four innings for his first save and extended the Rangers' consecutive scoreless innings pitched streak to a season-high 22, their longest since 23 in a row in September 2016.<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/12562/">Josh Smith</a>&nbsp;homered for the Rangers (37-40), who matched their season high by winning their fourth game in a row. It was the first three-game sweep of the season for the reigning World Series champions.The Royals ended a 2-7 road trip, though at 42-37 overall, they have 20 wins more than at the same point last season. They were shut out for the fourth time this season, including three on the trip that ended with being held scoreless the last two games in&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/texas/">Texas</a>.<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/kansas-city/">Kansas City</a>&nbsp;manager Matt Quatraro missed the series finale to tend to a personal matter, so bench coach Paul Hoover managed the game.Texas went ahead for good on Langford's RBI double in the fourth off&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/12446/">Alec Marsh</a>&nbsp;(5-5). Langford had a grand slam in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rangers-royals-score-8473a61b518271c4d8ff63d45835b604" target="_blank">Saturday's 6-0 win</a>&nbsp;and has 10 RBIs in the last five games.&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10608/">Leody Taveras</a>&nbsp;was 5 for 58 in June before his two-run single later in the fourth, and Josh Smith homered leading off the seventh.Scherzer (1-0) struck out four while allowing only one hit and now walks. The right-hander threw 39 of his 57 pitches for strikes in his first start since exiting Game 3 of the World Series last Oct. 30 after three innings because of back tightness. His fastball was consistently in the 92-94 mph range.The 39-year-old pitcher, who turns 40 on July 27, had surgery in mid-December to repair a herniated disk in his lower back, then during his rehab dealt with a nerve issue that was diagnosed after he experienced right thumb soreness.<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10891/">MJ Melendez</a>&nbsp;had the only Royals hit off Scherzer, a ground-rule double that bounced into the Texas bullpen in the right-center field gap.Scherzer's fourth and final strikeout was the 3,371st in his career to match Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux for 11th on MLB’s career list. Maddux, a four-time Cy Young winner, is the brother of Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux.Marsh struck out four while allowing three runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals:&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10322/">Adam Frazier</a>&nbsp;was scratched from the starting lineup because of a right thumb sprain sustained playing in the outfield Saturday. He was initially set to lead off as the designated hitter for the series finale.Rangers: RHP Yerry Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to make room on the active roster for Scherzer.UP NEXTRoyals: After nine road games in 10 days, the Royals play the first of 10 home games over 11 days on Monday night against&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/miami/">Miami</a>, with LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/10610/">Cole Ragans</a>&nbsp;(4-5, 3.13 ERA) set to start.Rangers:&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/9949/">Michael Lorenzen</a>&nbsp;(4-3, 3.00) is the scheduled starter on Monday night when the Rangers play their first game at&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/milwaukee/">Milwaukee</a>&nbsp;since 2019.

⚾ Max Scherzer gets win in season debut as Rangers sweep Royals

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jon Gray allowed two hits over five innings to rebound from his worst major league start and Wyatt Langford hit an eighth-inning grand slam that led the Texas Rangers over the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on Saturday.

Gray (3-3) gave up back-to-back third-inning singles while throwing 51 of 72 pitches for strikes. He gave nine earned runs and 11 hits in three innings-plus last Monday in a 14-2 loss to the New York Mets.

Langford, a rookie who debuted on opening day, connected off Angel Zerpa for the Rangers' first grand slam this season.

World Series champion Texas has won three straight following a five-game losing streak. Kansas City has lost 10 of 13, scoring 36 runs in those games.

Josh Smith hit a solo homer in the fourth off Michael Wacha (4-6) and Adolis García hit a run-scoring comebacker in the eighth as Marcus Semien slid home ahead of Zerpa's throw.

Jacob Latz, David Robertson and Brock Burke finished the three-hitter, just the third shutout against the Royals this season. Seventeen consecutive Kansas City batters were retired between Adam Frazier’s third-inning single and pinch-hitter Nelson Velázquez’s one-out single in the ninth.

Wacha gave up three hits and one walk in five innings. It was his first start since May 31, when his left foot was fractured by a comebacker on his fourth pitch against San Diego.

Rangers: 3B Josh Jung (fractured right wrist) will accompany the team on next week’s trip and could be ready to play by midweek.

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is to make his season debut in Sunday’s series finale. Scherzer, 39, hasn’t pitched for the Rangers since Game 3 of the World Series last fall. RHP Alec Marsh (5-4, 4.37 ERA) starts for the Royals after allowing a career-high seven runs in three innings in a loss at Oakland on Tuesday.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jon Gray allowed two hits over five innings to rebound from his worst major league start and Wyatt Langford hit an eighth-inning grand slam that led the Texas Rangers over the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on Saturday.Gray (3-3) gave up back-to-back third-inning singles while throwing 51 of 72 pitches for strikes. He gave nine earned runs and 11 hits in three innings-plus last Monday in a 14-2 loss to the New York Mets.Langford, a rookie who debuted on opening day, connected off Angel Zerpa for the Rangers' first grand slam this season.World Series champion Texas has won three straight following a five-game losing streak. Kansas City has lost 10 of 13, scoring 36 runs in those games.Josh Smith hit a solo homer in the fourth off Michael Wacha (4-6) and Adolis García hit a run-scoring comebacker in the eighth as Marcus Semien slid home ahead of Zerpa's throw.Jacob Latz, David Robertson and Brock Burke finished the three-hitter, just the third shutout against the Royals this season. Seventeen consecutive Kansas City batters were retired between Adam Frazier’s third-inning single and pinch-hitter Nelson Velázquez’s one-out single in the ninth.Wacha gave up three hits and one walk in five innings. It was his first start since May 31, when his left foot was fractured by a comebacker on his fourth pitch against San Diego.<h2>Trainer’s room</h2>Rangers: 3B Josh Jung (fractured right wrist) will accompany the team on next week’s trip and could be ready to play by midweek.<h2>Up next</h2>Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is to make his season debut in Sunday’s series finale. Scherzer, 39, hasn’t pitched for the Rangers since Game 3 of the World Series last fall. RHP Alec Marsh (5-4, 4.37 ERA) starts for the Royals after allowing a career-high seven runs in three innings in a loss at Oakland on Tuesday.

⚾ Gray pitches 2-hit ball over 5 innings to lift Rangers over Royals 

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Marcus Semien hit a three-run double to cap Texas’ five-run sixth inning, Wyatt Langford had two run-scoring hits and the Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Friday night.

Nathan Eovaldi (4-3) allowed two runs and four hits and with one walk while striking out six in six innings as the Rangers won their second straight following a five-game losing streak.

Semien lined a 2-0 fastball into the left-field corner after going 0 for 17 at the plate.

“It’s always good to have a big inning like that, especially in a tight ballgame,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said.

Langford doubled in Adolis García in the fourth inning and singled him home in the sixth, each time tying the score. Jonah Heim followed Langford with an RBI fielder’s choice against John Schreiber (3-2) for a 3-2 lead.

Schreiber gave up three runs on three hits, retiring one batter.

“Schreiber’s been so good for us. Just didn’t execute tonight,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

José Leclerc, David Robertson and Kirby Yates shut out the Royals over the final three innings on two hits and one walk.

Texas has struggled at the plate this season after leading the American League in batting and runs last season en route it first World Series title. The Rangers have scored at least five runs in three consecutive games for the first time this season.

Langford, a 22-year-old rookie, is hitting .302 in June with 13 RBI.

Royals starter Brady Singer, seeking his first win since May 19, left with a 2-1 lead after giving up three hits and two walks in five innings with four strikeouts, leaving the bases loaded in the fourth.

Kansas City has lost nine of its last 12 games while totaling 36 runs.

Kyle Isbel, the Royals’ No. 9 hitter, hit a two-out solo home run, to open the scoring in the third inning.

Isbel, who matched his season high with his fifth homer, left the game after four innings with low back tightness. His substitute, Garrett Hampson, singled home MJ Melendez in the fifth for the 2-1 lead.

The Royals’ Salvador Perez struck out four times, including with two men on in the eighth.

Texas’ Nathaniel Lowe had a double and two singles.

Bochy said RHP Max Scherzer will be evaluated on Saturday with the possibility of the 39-year-old, three-time Cy Young winner making his season debut on Sunday. With multiple news outlets reporting earlier this week that Scherzer would pitch Saturday, Bochy announced Jon Gray as his Saturday starter and emphasized there was no setback with Scherzer, who had back surgery last December and had his rehab schedule interrupted seven weeks ago by a thumb issue.

Royals: OF Hunter Renfroe (fractured left big toe) was activated and played 10 days after it appeared he’d require surgery and miss 6-8 weeks.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-7, 4.24 ERA), who played collegiately at Texas A&amp;M, will make his first start since May 31, when he suffered a fractured left foot when hit with a batted ball. Rangers RHP Jon Gray (2-3, 3.31) was tagged for nine runs on 11 hits in three innings last Monday in a loss to the New York Mets.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Marcus Semien hit a three-run double to cap Texas’ five-run sixth inning, Wyatt Langford had two run-scoring hits and the Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Friday night.Nathan Eovaldi (4-3) allowed two runs and four hits and with one walk while striking out six in six innings as the Rangers won their second straight following a five-game losing streak.Semien lined a 2-0 fastball into the left-field corner after going 0 for 17 at the plate.“It’s always good to have a big inning like that, especially in a tight ballgame,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said.Langford doubled in Adolis García in the fourth inning and singled him home in the sixth, each time tying the score. Jonah Heim followed Langford with an RBI fielder’s choice against John Schreiber (3-2) for a 3-2 lead.Schreiber gave up three runs on three hits, retiring one batter.“Schreiber’s been so good for us. Just didn’t execute tonight,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.José Leclerc, David Robertson and Kirby Yates shut out the Royals over the final three innings on two hits and one walk.Texas has struggled at the plate this season after leading the American League in batting and runs last season en route it first World Series title. The Rangers have scored at least five runs in three consecutive games for the first time this season.Langford, a 22-year-old rookie, is hitting .302 in June with 13 RBI.Royals starter Brady Singer, seeking his first win since May 19, left with a 2-1 lead after giving up three hits and two walks in five innings with four strikeouts, leaving the bases loaded in the fourth.Kansas City has lost nine of its last 12 games while totaling 36 runs.Kyle Isbel, the Royals’ No. 9 hitter, hit a two-out solo home run, to open the scoring in the third inning.Isbel, who matched his season high with his fifth homer, left the game after four innings with low back tightness. His substitute, Garrett Hampson, singled home MJ Melendez in the fifth for the 2-1 lead.The Royals’ Salvador Perez struck out four times, including with two men on in the eighth.Texas’ Nathaniel Lowe had a double and two singles.<h2>SCHERZER DEBUT ON SUNDAY?</h2>Bochy said RHP Max Scherzer will be evaluated on Saturday with the possibility of the 39-year-old, three-time Cy Young winner making his season debut on Sunday. With multiple news outlets reporting earlier this week that Scherzer would pitch Saturday, Bochy announced Jon Gray as his Saturday starter and emphasized there was no setback with Scherzer, who had back surgery last December and had his rehab schedule interrupted seven weeks ago by a thumb issue.<h2>TRAINER’S ROOM</h2>Royals: OF Hunter Renfroe (fractured left big toe) was activated and played 10 days after it appeared he’d require surgery and miss 6-8 weeks.<h2>UP NEXT</h2>Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-7, 4.24 ERA), who played collegiately at Texas A&amp;M, will make his first start since May 31, when he suffered a fractured left foot when hit with a batted ball. Rangers RHP Jon Gray (2-3, 3.31) was tagged for nine runs on 11 hits in three innings last Monday in a loss to the New York Mets.

⚾ Semien’s 3-run double caps 5-run sixth inning as Rangers beat Royals

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Just as the dust appeared to be settled across the Arena Football League landscape it was reported on Tuesday that the West Texas Desert Hawks would be shuttering football operations.

With this move, West Texas became the eighth AFL team to fold, joining the Iowa Rampage, Philadelphia Soul, Louisiana VooDoo, Georgia Force, Minnesota Myth, Oregon Blackbears, and Rapid City Marshals, leaving AFL with half of its original member teams.

There’s no doubt that this relaunch of the Arena Football League has been a troubled one, but despite all the chaos, the enduring group of teams and owners have stayed the course, and remain committed to revitalizing the AFL from the ashes of this restart.

Among those teams is the Salina Liberty, and despite a number of factors outside of their control, this franchise has remained on track, and found ways to compete despite being one of the smallest market teams in a league that spans from coast to coast.

“We always felt that as long as there was a league the Liberty would be okay,” Salina GM Sam Sellers said. “That’s the great thing about our ownership and Coach O, we worry about the things that we can control and we make sure that our players and staff get paid. We haven’t missed a single paycheck or asked anyone to restructure a contract and that’s a testament to the stability of our ownership group.”

Not only have the Liberty weathered the storm, but at 6-2 Salina currently sits in the 3-seed with just one league game remaining before the conclusion of the regular season.

“At the end of the day no matter what’s happening I want to be a contender,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “I don’t want to be a bottom feeder, I don’t want to be middle of the pack, I want to be an upper-echelon team. That’s our goal every year and that’s something we’ve been able to do even with some of the stuff that happened earlier in the year.”

The IFL Hall of Famer also noted that this is not his first rodeo when it comes to a shaky league launch, and highlighted what can come of a league that survives the very adversity this one has faced.

“In 2009 I was a part of the new IFL which is now one of the most dominant indoor football leagues in America but it wasn’t always like that,” he said. “I knew some things were going to go awry but I love that we have a bunch of owners around the United States that worked to take the bull by the horns and turn something that could have been a disaster around through a lot of hard work. Without that work, we wouldn’t be sitting where we are right now but thanks to it I’m excited about the direction the AFL is headed.”

Much of that optimism stems from new league ownership after the league ousted Lee Hutton and Travelle Gaines, the two culprits widely blamed for the league’s early failings, midway through the season.

In their place, former NFL head coach Jeff Fisher has been elevated to interim league commissioner, former AFL head coach Gary Compton has been hired as Head of Football Operations, and Tracey Leinen, who brings 23 years of NFL operations experience, has been hired as President of Football Administration.

“I feel really good about where things are at right now,” Sellers said. “With this being my first year I don’t really know what normal looks like but it’s weirdly exciting to be getting emails from league officials about the way we’re running things now.”

Since instituting this new leadership group, just one game, the one involving West Texas this week, has been canceled, and the league is finding its footing ahead of what should be an exciting postseason in July.

“I love this new leadership,” O’Neal said. “I’m excited to have Jeff Fisher leading us and I was excited to hear his ideas and what he wants to turn this thing into. With that type of leadership coming down from the top I knew things were going to turn around.”

That postseason should excite those in Salina as well as the Liberty look primed to make a real title push, with plenty of familiar faces dotting a stacked roster from top to bottom.

“There was definitely a learning curve but at the end of the day football is football and you build the team in the same way,” O’Neal said. “The key for me was getting our Magnificent Seven back to lead the charge because they know my expectations, they know how to win and they know the Liberty Way.”

While no one should look to make excuses for the early failings of the AFL, those willing to look to the future should find great football, an exciting postseason, and better years to come as the league reasserts itself among the indoor football world.

“The group that got hurt the worst were the players on the teams that couldn’t function and we’ve taken some of those guys in and heard their stories,” Sellers said. You really feel for the guys that were put in those positions but we’ve been fortunate to weather the storm and do right by our players. These guys have been forged by fire and in a weird way we’re stronger for it.”

Salina will conclude its regular season on Saturday, June 29 when they play host to the Billings Outlaws in a game that could very well decide the 2-seed.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostJust as the dust appeared to be settled across the Arena Football League landscape it was reported on Tuesday that the West Texas Desert Hawks would be shuttering football operations.With this move, West Texas became the eighth AFL team to fold, joining the Iowa Rampage, Philadelphia Soul, Louisiana VooDoo, Georgia Force, Minnesota Myth, Oregon Blackbears, and Rapid City Marshals, leaving AFL with half of its original member teams.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715632935741.png" alt="Salina Liberty coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing." />
 <figcaption>Salina Liberty coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing.</figcaption>
 </figure>There’s no doubt that this relaunch of the Arena Football League has been a troubled one, but despite all the chaos, the enduring group of teams and owners have stayed the course, and remain committed to revitalizing the AFL from the ashes of this restart.Among those teams is the Salina Liberty, and despite a number of factors outside of their control, this franchise has remained on track, and found ways to compete despite being one of the smallest market teams in a league that spans from coast to coast.“We always felt that as long as there was a league the Liberty would be okay,” Salina GM Sam Sellers said. “That’s the great thing about our ownership and Coach O, we worry about the things that we can control and we make sure that our players and staff get paid. We haven’t missed a single paycheck or asked anyone to restructure a contract and that’s a testament to the stability of our ownership group.”Not only have the Liberty weathered the storm, but at 6-2 Salina currently sits in the 3-seed with just one league game remaining before the conclusion of the regular season.“At the end of the day no matter what’s happening I want to be a contender,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “I don’t want to be a bottom feeder, I don’t want to be middle of the pack, I want to be an upper-echelon team. That’s our goal every year and that’s something we’ve been able to do even with some of the stuff that happened earlier in the year.”The IFL Hall of Famer also noted that this is not his first rodeo when it comes to a shaky league launch, and highlighted what can come of a league that survives the very adversity this one has faced.“In 2009 I was a part of the new IFL which is now one of the most dominant indoor football leagues in America but it wasn’t always like that,” he said. “I knew some things were going to go awry but I love that we have a bunch of owners around the United States that worked to take the bull by the horns and turn something that could have been a disaster around through a lot of hard work. Without that work, we wouldn’t be sitting where we are right now but thanks to it I’m excited about the direction the AFL is headed.”Much of that optimism stems from new league ownership after the league ousted Lee Hutton and Travelle Gaines, the two culprits widely blamed for the league’s early failings, midway through the season.In their place, former NFL head coach Jeff Fisher has been elevated to interim league commissioner, former AFL head coach Gary Compton has been hired as Head of Football Operations, and Tracey Leinen, who brings 23 years of NFL operations experience, has been hired as President of Football Administration.“I feel really good about where things are at right now,” Sellers said. “With this being my first year I don’t really know what normal looks like but it’s weirdly exciting to be getting emails from league officials about the way we’re running things now.”Since instituting this new leadership group, just one game, the one involving West Texas this week, has been canceled, and the league is finding its footing ahead of what should be an exciting postseason in July.“I love this new leadership,” O’Neal said. “I’m excited to have Jeff Fisher leading us and I was excited to hear his ideas and what he wants to turn this thing into. With that type of leadership coming down from the top I knew things were going to turn around.”That postseason should excite those in Salina as well as the Liberty look primed to make a real title push, with plenty of familiar faces dotting a stacked roster from top to bottom.“There was definitely a learning curve but at the end of the day football is football and you build the team in the same way,” O’Neal said. “The key for me was getting our Magnificent Seven back to lead the charge because they know my expectations, they know how to win and they know the Liberty Way.”While no one should look to make excuses for the early failings of the AFL, those willing to look to the future should find great football, an exciting postseason, and better years to come as the league reasserts itself among the indoor football world.“The group that got hurt the worst were the players on the teams that couldn’t function and we’ve taken some of those guys in and heard their stories,” Sellers said. You really feel for the guys that were put in those positions but we’ve been fortunate to weather the storm and do right by our players. These guys have been forged by fire and in a weird way we’re stronger for it.”Salina will conclude its regular season on Saturday, June 29 when they play host to the Billings Outlaws in a game that could very well decide the 2-seed.

Liberty remain steady amidst rocky start for AFL

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Freddy Fermin homered twice and Bobby Witt Jr. hit the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.

Fermin also singled for his first three-hit game of the season.

“He’s swinging the bat really well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s part of the reason we were trying to get him some at-bats and DH him. He works extremely hard, he’s always prepared, puts together really good at-bats, so I’m really happy for him.”

Witt homered off Oakland reliever Vinny Nittoli (0-1) to break a 2-all tie in the eighth, his 12th homer of the year.

“Just trying to make something happen,” Witt said. “It’s frustrating losing, so I knew we needed to do something to get a win.”

Zack Gelof homered for the third straight game, but Oakland failed to sweep Kansas City for the first time since 2016.

The Royals (42-34) haven’t been swept this year.

“We’re trying to be relentless,” Witt said. “We just try to go out there and take things day by day and not worry about what happened in the past, not worry about what’s still to come in the future and just worry about where we’re at.”

Fermin took A’s rookie Mitch Spence deep to left in the second inning and victimized Spence again in the fourth for his second career multi-homer game. He doubled his home run total this season.

Spence had a solid outing otherwise. He struck out a career-high seven, allowing two runs and six hits with a walk in six innings.

“It was a great series for us, especially coming off a road trip where we didn’t win a game,” A's manager Mark Kotsay said. “Coming back home, winning a series and having an opportunity to sweep a team that’s in (contention), that’s a good sign.”

Gelof tied the game in the seventh with a two-run homer to center off Royals starter Seth Lugo. Following a two-out walk by Kyle McCann, Abraham Toro doubled down the right-field line against reliever James McArthur (4-3), but McCann was thrown out at the plate to keep the game tied.

Lugo permitted two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking two.

“I thought it went pretty well, for the most part,” he said. “Giving up the two-run homer for them to tie it, that hurt, but glad we got the win. We needed a win, so it was big time.”

The A’s put runners on first and second with one out in the ninth. Chris Stratton came in and got two flyouts to secure his fourth save.

McCann was ejected by home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn in the bottom of the ninth for arguing balls and strikes from the dugout following a called third strike to Gelof.

Royals: RHP Dan Altavilla was placed on the 15-day injured list after straining his right oblique Wednesday night. RHP Steven Cruz was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

Athletics: Toro (shoulder soreness) was held out of the starting lineup for the third straight game, but entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and finished the game at third base.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.39 ERA) seeks his first win since May 19 as Kansas City opens a three-game series at Texas on Friday night. The Rangers counter with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (3-3, 3.15)

Athletics: RHP Joey Estes (2-2, 5.97) opens a three-game home series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night opposite RHP Chris Paddack (5-3, 5.25).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718922588178.jpeg" alt="Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr hit a leadoff home run in the eighth inning to help the Royals to a 3-2 win, snapping a three game losing streak/ Photo courtesy MLB on Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr hit a leadoff home run in the eighth inning to help the Royals to a 3-2 win, snapping a three game losing streak/ Photo courtesy MLB on Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Freddy Fermin homered twice and Bobby Witt Jr. hit the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.Fermin also singled for his first three-hit game of the season.“He’s swinging the bat really well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s part of the reason we were trying to get him some at-bats and DH him. He works extremely hard, he’s always prepared, puts together really good at-bats, so I’m really happy for him.”Witt homered off Oakland reliever Vinny Nittoli (0-1) to break a 2-all tie in the eighth, his 12th homer of the year.“Just trying to make something happen,” Witt said. “It’s frustrating losing, so I knew we needed to do something to get a win.”Zack Gelof homered for the third straight game, but Oakland failed to sweep Kansas City for the first time since 2016.The Royals (42-34) haven’t been swept this year.“We’re trying to be relentless,” Witt said. “We just try to go out there and take things day by day and not worry about what happened in the past, not worry about what’s still to come in the future and just worry about where we’re at.”Fermin took A’s rookie Mitch Spence deep to left in the second inning and victimized Spence again in the fourth for his second career multi-homer game. He doubled his home run total this season.Spence had a solid outing otherwise. He struck out a career-high seven, allowing two runs and six hits with a walk in six innings.“It was a great series for us, especially coming off a road trip where we didn’t win a game,” A's manager Mark Kotsay said. “Coming back home, winning a series and having an opportunity to sweep a team that’s in (contention), that’s a good sign.”Gelof tied the game in the seventh with a two-run homer to center off Royals starter Seth Lugo. Following a two-out walk by Kyle McCann, Abraham Toro doubled down the right-field line against reliever James McArthur (4-3), but McCann was thrown out at the plate to keep the game tied.Lugo permitted two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking two.“I thought it went pretty well, for the most part,” he said. “Giving up the two-run homer for them to tie it, that hurt, but glad we got the win. We needed a win, so it was big time.”The A’s put runners on first and second with one out in the ninth. Chris Stratton came in and got two flyouts to secure his fourth save.McCann was ejected by home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn in the bottom of the ninth for arguing balls and strikes from the dugout following a called third strike to Gelof.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Dan Altavilla was placed on the 15-day injured list after straining his right oblique Wednesday night. RHP Steven Cruz was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.Athletics: Toro (shoulder soreness) was held out of the starting lineup for the third straight game, but entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and finished the game at third base.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.39 ERA) seeks his first win since May 19 as Kansas City opens a three-game series at Texas on Friday night. The Rangers counter with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (3-3, 3.15)Athletics: RHP Joey Estes (2-2, 5.97) opens a three-game home series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night opposite RHP Chris Paddack (5-3, 5.25).___

⚾Witt hits go-ahead blast in 8th to send Royals past A's 

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter- Salina Post

Hello and happy Thursday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

Huge news broke earlier this morning when it was announced that Miguel Paredes of Kansas Wesleyan University had been named the 2023-24 KCAC Athletic Director of the Year

In 2023-24 Paredes helped lead Kansas Wesleyan to a second-straight commissioners cup, as well as seven conference titles and a slew of NAIA nationals appearances

Paredes becomes just the second Kansas Wesleyan AD to win this award joining Mike Hermann from 2018-19

Staying in Salina, the Liberty were thrown a curveball earlier this week when it was reported that their Saturday opponent, the West Texas Desert Hawks, would become the eighth team in the AFL to shutter operations.

In just a matter of days the Liberty had already lined up a replacement opponent to play in their stead, and this Saturday, Salina will host the Cedar Rapids Riverkings at Tony's Pizza Events Center, kickoff is still scheduled for 6:30, and that game can be streamed on Salina Post.

And finally, Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months as the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid, beating the Royals 5-1 on Wednesday night.

KC will look to stave off the sweep today at 2:30

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gIwDukjWrA0?si=C4L7bPHStkBVgLp9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter- Salina PostHello and happy Thursday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>_________Huge news broke earlier this morning when it was announced that Miguel Paredes of Kansas Wesleyan University had been named the 2023-24 KCAC Athletic Director of the YearIn 2023-24 Paredes helped lead Kansas Wesleyan to a second-straight commissioners cup, as well as seven conference titles and a slew of NAIA nationals appearancesParedes becomes just the second Kansas Wesleyan AD to win this award joining Mike Hermann from 2018-19_________Staying in Salina, the Liberty were thrown a curveball earlier this week when it was reported that their Saturday opponent, the West Texas Desert Hawks, would become the eighth team in the AFL to shutter operations.In just a matter of days the Liberty had already lined up a replacement opponent to play in their stead, and this Saturday, Salina will host the Cedar Rapids Riverkings at Tony's Pizza Events Center, kickoff is still scheduled for 6:30, and that game can be streamed on Salina Post._________And finally, Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months as the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid, beating the Royals 5-1 on Wednesday night.KC will look to stave off the sweep today at 2:30_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — June 20

WICHITA, Kan. — Miguel Paredes of Kansas Wesleyan University has been named the 2023-24 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year, the conference office announced Thursday.

“I am extremely humbled to receive the KCAC Athletic Director of the Year award,” Paredes said. “However, I couldn’t have done all the things we have done by myself. This award is just as much an award for our athletics administration, coaches and student-athletes as it is for me.”

In the 2023-24 academic year, Paredes has presided over the following:

On top of these accomplishments in the 2023-24 academic year, Paredes is leading the complete overhaul this summer of the Everett Morgan Strength Training Center with new equipment, flooring and a renovated look, along with the renovation of the Men’s Volleyball Locker Room.

"Miguel is an excellent fit for our culture, our goals and our community. I am proud of the fact that he won the KCAC Athletic Director of the Year honor," Dr. Matt Thompson said of Paredes. "Here at Kansas Wesleyan, we pride ourselves on student growth and development. We put the student portion of student-athlete first, and Miguel has helped move that agenda forward."

In addition to his responsibilities at Kansas Wesleyan, Paredes also serves on several conference-level committees, including the KCAC Compliance/Protest Committee and the KCAC Varsity Reserve/Developmental Task Force.

"Miguel Paredes is most deserving of the KCAC Athletics Director of the Year Award," Ted Breidenthal, commissioner of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, remarked. "Kansas Wesleyan just completed another amazing year with its second consecutive Commissioner's Cup. His leadership and passion for his coaches, staff and student-athletes is a major reason for their success."

Previous KCAC Athletic Director of the Year Winners

2022-23: Shawn Summe, Avila University 2021-22: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University 2020-21: Tony Hoops, Bethel College 2019-20: Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Friends University 2018-19: Mike Hermann, Kansas Wesleyan University 2017-18: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University | Dane Pavlovich, Bethany College 2016-17: Rob Miller, University of Saint Mary 2015-16: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University 2014-15: Joe Zimmerman, Friends University 2013-14: Rusty Allen, Tabor College 2012-13: No Nominees Submitted 2011-12: Rusty Allen, Tabor College 2010-11: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University 2009-10: Diane Flickner, Bethel College 2008-09: Joe Zimmerman, Friends University

WICHITA, Kan. — Miguel Paredes of Kansas Wesleyan University has been named the 2023-24 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year, the conference office announced Thursday.“I am extremely humbled to receive the KCAC Athletic Director of the Year award,” Paredes said. “However, I couldn’t have done all the things we have done by myself. This award is just as much an award for our athletics administration, coaches and student-athletes as it is for me.”In the 2023-24 academic year, Paredes has presided over the following:<ul>
 <li>Expanding athletic department staff size and increasing salaries.</li><li>Worked with campus constituents to create new office spaces for coaches.</li><li>An increase in the overall athletic department win percentage (KCAC win percentage up 3%, overall win percentage up 7%).</li><li>The athletic department earning the KCAC Commissioner's Cup for the second year in a row.</li><li>Seven Kansas Wesleyan teams winning conference titles (either regular season or postseason).</li><li>The Kansas Wesleyan baseball team making the program's first appearance in the NAIA Baseball World Series.</li><li>Elevating the overall athletic department GPA to an all-time high (3.23 GPA).</li><li>Contributed to enrollment growth of KWU by improving overall student athlete enrollment by 13% and retention rate to an all-time enrollment high in school history.</li>
 </ul>On top of these accomplishments in the 2023-24 academic year, Paredes is leading the complete overhaul this summer of the Everett Morgan Strength Training Center with new equipment, flooring and a renovated look, along with the renovation of the Men’s Volleyball Locker Room."Miguel is an excellent fit for our culture, our goals and our community. I am proud of the fact that he won the KCAC Athletic Director of the Year honor," Dr. Matt Thompson said of Paredes. "Here at Kansas Wesleyan, we pride ourselves on student growth and development. We put the student portion of student-athlete first, and Miguel has helped move that agenda forward."In addition to his responsibilities at Kansas Wesleyan, Paredes also serves on several conference-level committees, including the KCAC Compliance/Protest Committee and the KCAC Varsity Reserve/Developmental Task Force."Miguel Paredes is most deserving of the KCAC Athletics Director of the Year Award," Ted Breidenthal, commissioner of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, remarked. "Kansas Wesleyan just completed another amazing year with its second consecutive Commissioner's Cup. His leadership and passion for his coaches, staff and student-athletes is a major reason for their success."Previous KCAC Athletic Director of the Year Winners2022-23: Shawn Summe, Avila University 2021-22: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University 2020-21: Tony Hoops, Bethel College 2019-20: Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Friends University 2018-19: Mike Hermann, Kansas Wesleyan University 2017-18: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University | Dane Pavlovich, Bethany College 2016-17: Rob Miller, University of Saint Mary 2015-16: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University 2014-15: Joe Zimmerman, Friends University 2013-14: Rusty Allen, Tabor College 2012-13: No Nominees Submitted 2011-12: Rusty Allen, Tabor College 2010-11: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University 2009-10: Diane Flickner, Bethel College 2008-09: Joe Zimmerman, Friends University

KWUs Paredes Named 2023-24 KCAC Athletic Director of the Year

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months and the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid, beating the Royals 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Medina (1-2) had lost five straight decisions since beating Boston on July 18 last season but was sharp against the struggling Royals. He allowed one run on an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr. and six hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win in front of an announced crowd of 4,557 fans.

“All the time when I go out there, I'm just trying to do a good job and help my teammates,” Medina said. “Every game we try to make an adjustment and try to be better every day. Every time I go out there, I'm trying to put my team in a good situation.”

Brett Rooker hit a pair of RBI singles, Miguel Andujar had three hits and an RBI and Zack Gelof hit a solo homer to provide the offense for Oakland. Medina and the bullpen did the rest, giving the A’s their first back-to-back wins since a six-game winning streak that ended May 4.

A's relievers threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings, ending a streak of 13 games that the bullpen allowed at least one run.

The Royals have lost eight of their last 10 games, including back-to-back games against an A's team that has the second worst record in the American League .

Ragans pitched well, allowing only four hits in six innings but ran into trouble in the third inning when he walked Max Schuemann and JJ Bleday to open the frame. Andujar and Rooker followed with singles to make to give Oakland a 2-0 lead.

“His stuff was good,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “Those walks came back to haunt him there in the third inning. They capitalized on those and that’s all he gave up. His stuff was really good. He gave us six solid innings, two runs, and gave us a chance to win.”

Andujar has 10 multi-hit games since coming off the injured list May 24, providing a big boost after starting the year on the injured list recovering from knee surgery.

“He's just a hitter,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “You don't see these types of hitters that often in the current game that just have bat to ball skills, along with the ability to hit it with some force and exit velo. We talked about the impact he could have once we got him back. Ten multi-hit games is an impact to the offense and a real positive to the middle of the order.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718879432134.jpeg" alt="Oakland Athletics pitcher Luis Medina works against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)" />
 <figcaption>Oakland Athletics pitcher Luis Medina works against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)</figcaption>
 </figure>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months and the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid, beating the Royals 5-1 on Wednesday night.Medina (1-2) had lost five straight decisions since beating Boston on July 18 last season but was sharp against the struggling Royals. He allowed one run on an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr. and six hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win in front of an announced crowd of 4,557 fans.“All the time when I go out there, I'm just trying to do a good job and help my teammates,” Medina said. “Every game we try to make an adjustment and try to be better every day. Every time I go out there, I'm trying to put my team in a good situation.”Brett Rooker hit a pair of RBI singles, Miguel Andujar had three hits and an RBI and Zack Gelof hit a solo homer to provide the offense for Oakland. Medina and the bullpen did the rest, giving the A’s their first back-to-back wins since a six-game winning streak that ended May 4.A's relievers threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings, ending a streak of 13 games that the bullpen allowed at least one run.The Royals have lost eight of their last 10 games, including back-to-back games against an A's team that has the second worst record in the American League .Ragans pitched well, allowing only four hits in six innings but ran into trouble in the third inning when he walked Max Schuemann and JJ Bleday to open the frame. Andujar and Rooker followed with singles to make to give Oakland a 2-0 lead.“His stuff was good,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “Those walks came back to haunt him there in the third inning. They capitalized on those and that’s all he gave up. His stuff was really good. He gave us six solid innings, two runs, and gave us a chance to win.”Andujar has 10 multi-hit games since coming off the injured list May 24, providing a big boost after starting the year on the injured list recovering from knee surgery.“He's just a hitter,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “You don't see these types of hitters that often in the current game that just have bat to ball skills, along with the ability to hit it with some force and exit velo. We talked about the impact he could have once we got him back. Ten multi-hit games is an impact to the offense and a real positive to the middle of the order.”After Witt's double got Kansas City on the board in the fifth, the A's got some insurance in the seventh inning with RBI singles to Rooker and Tyler Nevin against John Schreiber to make it 4-1.Gelof added his seventh homer of the season in the eighth inning.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Dan Altavilla left in the eighth inning after hurting his back after throwing ball four to Schuemann. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.Athletics: INF Abraham Toro is dealing with shoulder soreness from a swing on Sunday and was held out of the lineup. Kotsay said he's hopeful Toro can avoid a stint on the IL.UP NEXTRHP Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.40 ERA) looks for his Major League-leading 11th win when he starts the series finale for Kansas City against RHP Mitch Spence (4-3, 3.95).