St. Joseph's Noah Cameron recorded some career bests as he earned his third career win on Monday night at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals helping out the Central alum by hitting four home runs to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 for their first win at "The K" since the Royals defeated the Dodgers 9-5 June 28th.

The Royals started the scoring for Cameron in the first inning, with the first home run of the night, a solo home run by Vinnie Pasquantino to right field for the Kansas City first baseman's 15th of the season, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead which they held until the third inning as Cameron cruised striking out three batters in two innings, and only surrendering a walk to Nick Gonzales.&nbsp;

In the third inning, one problem that Cameron has had at the major league level continued, as he gave up a two run home run to former Royal Tommy Pham, scoring Henry Davis who singled to open the inning, giving the Pirates a lead.&nbsp; A lead they did not hold for long though, as in the bottom half of the inning the Royals struck for three runs, first tying up the game with an RBI single by Maikel Garcia driving in Jonathan India.&nbsp; 

Salvador Perez doubled giving Kansas City the lead, scoring Bobby Witt Jr, before Garcia came home on a force out at second base on a grounder by Mark Canha.The Royals extended their lead in the fourth inning with a two run home run by Witt Jr, his 13th of the season, driving in India.&nbsp; The scoring continued in the fifth inning when Perez led off the inning with a solo home run, his 11th, to push the Royals lead to 7-2.&nbsp;

A sacrifice fly from Witt Jr in the sixth inning scored Kyle Isbel, before the Royals got their final run, and the fourth home run of the game in the eighth inning as Nick Loftin hit his second home run of the season to left center field.&nbsp; Alexander Canario singled home Gonzales in the ninth inning for the final run of the game for the Pirates off reliever Jonathan Bowlan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cameron earned the win, moving to 3-4 on the season, pitching a career best seven innings and giving up two runs on three hits while striking out seven and walking one, throwing a career high 109 pitches.&nbsp; At the plate, Witt Jr was 2-for-3 with the home run and three RBI's.&nbsp; Perez was 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBIs, while Garcia was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Pittsburgh continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.65 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.64 ERA) for the Pirates.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

This article has been edited since first published.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cameron throws career high seven innings, Royals hit four homers in 9-3 win over Pirates

September corn closed down 16 3/4 cents and December corn was down 16 1/4 cents. August soybeans closed down 24 cents and November soybeans were down 28 1/2 cents. September KC wheat closed down 8 1/2 cents, September Chicago wheat was down 8 1/4 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was down 0 cents.

Another Monday, another very ugly day for price action across grain futures as traders came back from the Independence Day break eager to add short positions to their portfolios. In fact, September corn futures haven't opened a trading week with a positive session since May 19, while August soybean futures have also traded lower in five out of the past six Monday sessions. Traders were clearly frustrated that the most recent wave of trade optimism following the agreement with Vietnam last week didn't amount to further ag-centric announcements from President Trump. Meanwhile, growing season weather is friendly and market seasonality is firmly against prices at this point. Ag markets were not alone in expressing tariff and trade-related nervousness, as stock indices fell on Monday as well ahead of the July 9th tariff deadline, although it is appearing likely the deadline will be extended in some cases.

With the equity markets off to a strong start this week, the live cattle complex also pushed an impressive rally to start Monday's trade off strong. This week it will be interesting to note how fed cash cattle prices trend, as packers need to stay engaged enough in the market to avoid becoming short bought for the weeks ahead, but it's unlikely that the market will trade better than steady, as packers do have some immediate supply around them. It will also be interesting to note how boxed beef prices will trade as seasonally it's expected that demand should soften. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Nebraska/Colorado, but lower in Kansas and Texas.

The feeder cattle complex was aggressively traded higher into Monday's noon hour as most of the contracts traded anywhere from $2.00 to $3.00 higher. From a cow-calf producer's standpoint, it's stress-relieving to see the market trade higher, as again this week Superior Livestock Auction is going to be hosting their Week in the Rockies Sale. It will again help set the tone for what feeder cattle prices could be later this fall.

The lean hog complex traded mostly higher into Monday's noon hour as traders are pleased to see the slight uptick in pork demand. Last week, demand was sluggish, and it gravely affected the futures complex. Wild price swings were the theme of this morning's cutout report as the belly was up $13.83, the picnic was up $7.15 and the rib was up $4.76.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/07142117/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Commodity markets daily recap

University of Missouri Extension’s Crop and Pest Management Field Day on July 10th is an opportunity to learn about best management practices for the most important weed, insect and disease pests in corn and soybean, said MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley.

Bradley and his team will share results and recommendations related to weed management during the event at the MU Bradford Research Farm in Columbia. Participants will also hear updates on the status of herbicide-resistant Johnsongrass and waterhemp in Missouri. Bradley will discuss the implications of these developments on weed management in future production systems. There is a $30 fee for the event, which includes guided tours through the research plots, lunch and refreshments. Registration begins at 7:30 the morning of the 10th.

Missouri extension’s crop and pest management field day

September corn closed up 2 1/4 cents and December corn was up 3 1/2 cents. August soybeans closed up 2 cents and November soybeans were up 1 1/4 cents. September KC wheat closed down 6 1/4 cents, September Chicago wheat was down 7 1/4 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was down 1 3/4 cents.

September corn closed up 14 cents and December corn was up 10 cents. August soybeans closed up 28 1/2 cents and November soybeans were up 24 1/2 cents. September KC wheat closed up 2 cents, September Chicago wheat was up 23 cents and September Minneapolis wheat was up 19 1/4 cents.

Grain and oilseed markets were mixed to mostly positive on Thursday. Markets closed moderately below daily highs amid technical resistance ahead of the long weekend, with traders not quite willing to extend bullish price bets to the next level with the nearby weather outlook still appearing mostly favorable for growing crops. At this point, the rally is primarily driven by short covering ahead of the holiday break, with no significant changes to the underlying fundamental picture for row crop markets. Meanwhile, investors and traders spent the session awaiting the final House of Representative vote on the 2025 Budget bill. The final vote was delayed but eventually the bill did pass just minutes after the close of trade for Thursday, sending the legislation to President Trump's desk by Independence Day.

It's refreshing to see the live cattle complex traded fully higher into Thursday's close, and to see the spot August contracts fully and confidently trading above the market's 40-day moving average. At this point, it seems safe to assume that traders feel as if the market has endured enough immediate pressure, but it will be imperative that fundamental support begins to improve early next week if traders are going to keep with their current upward trend. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that the fed cash cattle will be able to trade higher as packers continue to build up supply around themselves, and at some point, boxed beef prices will likely break to fit the seasonal norm.

With the continued support of seeing the live cattle contracts trading higher, the feeder cattle market also traded fully higher into Thursday's close. It will be especially interesting to see if Superior's Week in the Rockies sale (which happens all of next week) will be as strong as the Corn Belt Classic was. From a demand perspective, buyers are still in desperate need of calves, but the concern at the back of cow-calf producers' minds is that some buyers could elect to see how aggressive an influx of Mexican feeder cattle imports is going to be. And if that will give them another avenue to buy from and at a cheaper price.

It's been a tough fundamental week for the lean hog complex. Couple the dip in consumer demand with this morning's lousy export report, and it's no surprise that the contracts were trading lower into Thursday's closing bell. In this morning's pork cutout report, no major declines were seen, but with most of the cuts trading lower, that was enough pressure to push the carcass price lower, too.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/03150238/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

The USDA will lead a trade mission to the Dominican Republic from July 13-17 to expand market access and boost America’s agricultural exports. The delegation includes 47 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and officials from several state departments of agriculture. Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs Michelle Bekkering, who will lead the mission said “USDA is committed to opening up more export opportunities for American agriculture. This trade mission will connect U.S. exporters with key buyers, tapping into Latin America’s growing demand"  

The Dominican Republic is the fourth-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports in the Western Hemisphere and the top market within the Central America Free Trade Agreement-Dominican Republic region. It’s helped increase U.S. exports to the Dominican Republic to $2.2 billion in 2024. The U.S. supplies 44 percent of the country’s agricultural imports.

USDA trade mission heading to the Dominican Republic

As Americans fire up their grills on Independence Day and throughout the summer, the National Farmers Union highlights how little independence family farmers have in the marketplace. The “Farmers’ Share of the Food Dollar,” released this week, highlights how little family farmers earn compared to how much consumers pay at the grocery store. Family farmers get only a small fraction of their income from popular Independence Day foods, an average of as low as 16.3 percent of a $30 shopping cart. 

For example, one pound of ground beef costs an average of $5.99 a pound, and the farmer’s share is $2.08. An eight-count package of hamburger buns retails for $3.79, and the farmer’s share is nine cents, or 2.3 percent. One pound of lettuce is $3.55, and farmers get 29 cents. NFU President Rob Larew says, “Family farmers and ranchers are working harder than ever and taking home less, all while corporate monopolies make record profits.”

Family farmers don’t get much Independence on July 4th

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/02142633/30001-closing-markets.wav">HERE</a> to listen to audio for your closing markets

September corn closed up 12 cents and December corn was up 11 1/2 cents. August soybeans closed up 23 3/4 cents and November soybeans were up 20 3/4 cents. September KC wheat closed up 11 cents, September Chicago wheat was up 15 cents, September MIAX Minneapolis wheat was up 20 1/2 cents.

The U.S. Dollar Index is down 0.03 at 96.79. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 39.0 points at 44,768.0. August gold is up $13.10 at $3,362.90, September silver is up $0.34 at $36.74 and September copper is up $0.1090. August crude oil is up $1.95 at $67.40, August ultra-low sulfur diesel is up $0.0795, August RBOB gasoline is up $0.0207 and August natural gas is up $0.071.

September corn futures closed up 12 cents to $4.18. December futures were up 11 1/2 cents to $4.33 1/2. In overnight trade, September futures appeared primed to test the $4.00 mark again and traded as low as $4.02 before buyers stepped in to ultimately send prices up 16 cents off the low by the close. It could be we are seeing traders' express satisfaction that the surge in recent bearish bias for the corn market is adequately priced in at this point.

Tuesday's Grain Crushing's report was neutral for the most part. Corn used for ethanol in May was 449.4 million bushels (mb), in line with expectations but about 1.3% less than in May 2024. In fact, monthly corn grind has fallen below the respective month from 2024 in four out of the past six months. Corn grind will need to average 473 mb per month over the final quarter of the marketing year to hit the USDA goal of 5.5 billion bushels (bb). At this point this seems like a stretch; I personally have lowered my estimate for 2024-25 corn crush to 5.45 bb. The Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday that last week's ethanol production averaged 1.076 million barrels per day, the third straight weekly decline but still larger than the previous 4-year average for the same week.

In corn technicals, December futures rose to post their highest close since June 23. Prices once again were supported in the $4.15 to $4.20 range. The close back above the former contract low at $4.28 is a positive technical achievement. The short-term bullish objective should be to return prices to downtrend resistance in the upper $4.30s.

The DTN National Corn Index finished Tuesday at $3.92. Wednesday's futures close and implied corn basis of 14 cents under the September board would indicate the index on Wednesday afternoon to be near $4.04.

August soybeans surged 23 3/4 cents on Wednesday to $10.53 1/2. New-crop November soybeans followed suit, up 20 3/4 cents to $10.48. It was all around bullish session for the soybean complex as soybean oil futures started the session strong with a gap higher, pulling soybeans along for the ride but the market really took off midmorning with the announcement of the trade deal with Vietnam, which injected a new shot of trade optimism into the market.

Tuesday's Fats and Oils report was overall strong. USDA reported soybeans crushed in May totaled 203.68 mb, just slightly less than I was anticipating but still the strongest May on record at 6% higher than May 2024. The U.S. crush industry has only posted two months through the marketing year thus far at less than 200 mb, keeping the program on pace to hit the USDA goal of 2.420 bb of crush if not slightly more. I personally am penciling 2.425 bb for the marketing year. Also supportive were historically low soybean oil stocks for the end of May/beginning of June at 1.4 billion pounds, 19% less than in May 2024. Meanwhile meal stocks were 36% larger than in May 2024, adding to supply woes in that market. However, meal futures traded higher Wednesday as well amid a very technically oversold market in the short term as well as overwhelmingly positive influence from the soybean market.

In regard to the trade agreement with Vietnam, it is possible traders are viewing it more as a show of optimism that similar agreements will ultimately be reached with trading partners such as Japan and most importantly for soybeans, China. Vietnam is certainly no slouch in the soybean trade however, importing 38.75 mb of soybeans from the U.S. in 2024, good for ninth among buying countries.

In soybean technicals, November futures erupted through the major moving averages in the $10.35 to $10.40 range and have now reclaimed about 50% of last week's losses back to the June 18 high. $10.50 may be the next source of resistance for a sustained move higher. To the downside, a test of the 50-day moving average near $10.36 1/2 currently for support seems likely and will be an important technical test for gauging the staying power of the emerging price rally.

The DTN National Soybean Index finished Tuesday at $9.76. Wednesday's futures close and implied soybean basis of 54 cents under the August board would indicate the index on Wednesday afternoon to be near $10.00.

September Kansas City wheat closed 11 cents higher on Wednesday to $5.42 1/4. September Chicago wheat was 15 cents higher while MIAX Minneapolis September spring wheat was 20 1/2 cents higher. The spring wheat market continues to be the bull of the wheat complex, driven by lower year-over-year acreage and expanding drought concerns for Montana, Idaho, and eastern Washington. Winter wheat prices were able to shake off harvest pressure on Wednesday, riding a wave of overarching grain market positivity to close higher by double digits as well.

In world wheat markets, Paris milling futures recovered from a rough past week of trade which sent prices back near 2025 lows. The intense heat wave may be worth keeping an eye on for adverse effects, although the majority of the wheat is mature at this point and harvest just around the corner. In Russia, the International Grains Council (IGC) reported winter wheat harvest is 1% complete as of the end of June, a slow start to harvest which supported export offers through the past week although Russian offers still remain among the least expensive in the world according to the weekly IGC report.

In wheat technicals, September KC futures were able to move back above support at $5.37 on Wednesday, which will be an important level to watch for a retest in coming sessions. The 20-day and 50-day moving averages just below $5.50 are the immediate bullish target for a further retracement of last week's losses. The next round of support is currently seen near $4.27.

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced risk-based port re-openings for cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico beginning as early as July 7. USDA - after extensive collaboration between the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service experts and their counterparts in Mexico to increase New World screwworm surveillance, detection, and eradication efforts - is set to begin a phased reopening of the southern ports, starting with Douglas, Arizona. 

Progress has been made in several critical areas since the ports were closed on May 11, including the resolution of challenges with conducting flights in Mexico that allowed the USDA team to consistently conduct sterile NWS fly dispersal seven days a week and the dispersal of more than 100 million flies each week. “We’ve focused on fighting the New World screwworm’s advancement in Mexico,” Rollins said. “We have made good progress with our counterparts in Mexico to increase surveillance efforts and have boosted sterile fly dispersal efforts.”

Phased reopening for southern livestock imports

Farmer sentiment weakened in June following two months of improvement. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped 12 points from the previous month to 146. A change in producers’ expectations for the future served as the primary factor in the shift. The Index of Future Expectations sank 18 points to 146. However, the Current Conditions Index only lost two points to 144. 

A drop in optimism about future agricultural exports seems to have influenced producers’ weakened outlook. Even with the June declines, all three indexes persist at higher levels than a year ago. The Farm Financial Performance Index dropped five points to 104, with producers projecting a slightly weaker financial outlook for their farms in June compared to May. An index above 100 indicates that U.S. farmers expect a stronger financial performance in 2025 than in 2024. The Farm Capital Investment Index rose five points in June to 60. 

Farmer sentiment weakens on trade outlook 

September corn closed down 3 1/4 cents and December corn was down 3 1/2 cents. August soybeans closed unchanged, and November soybeans were up 1/4 cent. September KC wheat closed up 4 1/2 cents, September Chicago wheat was up 10 3/4 cents and September Minneapolis wheat was up 7 3/4 cents.

Grain and oilseed markets recovered from overnight losses to trade well off session lows, with price action following USDA clues given in Monday's Crop Progress report. For now, it would appear markets have moved past Monday's Acreage and Stocks data, with traders likely eager to see what the weather holds as spring crops prepare to enter a crucial period for development. Outside market influence on Tuesday was mixed, with energy markets quietly higher and stocks mixed to mostly higher. Headline news for Tuesday was the Senate passing President Trump's budget bill by a vote of 51-50, with Vice President Vance casting the deciding vote. The bill now returns to the House, where Senate revisions will be voted on.

Although the live cattle contracts did not react as drastically as the feeder cattle contracts to the USDA's announcement that some Mexican cattle imports will resume as early as July 5. The market still traded lower thanks to the bearish news. Still no cash cattle trade has developed. Asking prices are noted in the South at $225-plus, but are still not established in the North. Trade will likely be delayed for at least another day.

And just like that, the oxygen that seemed so bountiful in the feeder cattle complex has dried up as traders negatively reacted to the announcement that the US will begin to allow Mexican cattle Imports starting as soon as July 5. Nevertheless, the biggest concern that cattle producers have is how many cattle are now going to be allowed to cross the border? And how is that going to affect domestic prices? Unfortunately, time will have to answer those questions, but today's negative downturn is a psychological reaction to the announcement. The fact remains that even with Mexican feeder cattle imports, the US still will be short of feeder cattle, but the concern is that if imports flood the market, some of the upper echelon of the market could quickly disappear.

With cash prices lower and pork cutout values sharply lower, it comes as no real surprise that the lean hog complex is also traded no better than mixed into Tuesday's closing bell. Oddly enough today the biggest reason why the carcass price is lower is because the belly wass down $9.10 and the butt was down $6.69.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/01143749/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Growth Energy says Americans will potentially save over $10.1 billion in fuel costs this summer thanks to an emergency waiver issued this year by the Environmental Protection Agency. The waiver allowed for the continued sale of E15 throughout the summer. An analysis from Growth Energy says if American drivers choose E15 instead of the standard E10 this summer, they could collectively save more than 10.1 billion dollars. 

“Access to E15 is a win for American drivers and for American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This summer, up to $10.1 billion dollars is money that could go back into the pockets of working families, and we should never put those savings on hold.” Now that the waiver is in place, Growth Energy is pushing for Congress to make unrestricted access to E15 available year-round. Those savings will deliver relief for working families while creating jobs and economic growth. 

Summer E15 waiver will save billions of dollars

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

KANSAS CITY —The celebration of July 4th has led to an alarming number of deaths and injuries in fires and explosions in Missouri that investigations show appear to be related to fireworks, according to a statement from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

The State Division of Fire Safety is currently investigating five fires in which fireworks are suspected and in which three people have died. There have also been multiple serious injuries.

“Tragically, we have seen more fires, explosions, injuries and deaths this July 4th holiday that appear to be related to fireworks than any other Independence Day holiday in recent memory,”&nbsp;State Fire Marshal Tim Bean&nbsp;said. “Many Missourians still have fireworks that they intend to use even after July 4th. I urge everyone to be extremely cautious and responsible if they intend to use consumer fireworks, and to never attempt to make their own fireworks, which is extremely dangerous. Many people fail to understand the risk involved in fireworks because they can be purchased at retail stores and stands. The flash powder in fireworks is highly sensitive to a variety of ignition sources, including static electricity, friction and heat. They must be handled with extreme care.”

DFS is currently involved in these investigations in which fireworks appear to be involved:

July 3 – Joplin:&nbsp;A shed exploded on the afternoon of July 3 on the property of a home at 2501 S. Virginia Avenue, killing a 47-year-old man. A juvenile female sustained serious injuries. The DFS investigation has not ruled out fireworks as the cause of the explosion. (Assisting Joplin Fire Department in investigation.)

July 4 – Buckner (Jackson County): Early on the morning of July 4, the Independence Fire Department responded to a fire at a residence at 1101 North Lake City Valley Road that has killed two people. A 13-year-old girl died in the fire. A second person later succumbed to his injuries. At least one other remains hospitalized. The DFS investigation showed the fire originated on the residence’s covered back deck. Consumer-grade fireworks being used the night before could not be eliminated as the cause of the fire. (Assisting Independence Fire Department in investigation.)

July 4 – Hannibal:&nbsp;At about 2 p.m. on July 4, the Hannibal Fire Department responded to a fire&nbsp; at 923 Center Street, which caused heavy fire and smoke damage to the structure’s four units. The DFS investigation found that an individual had been shooting off consumer-grade fireworks in the backyard and one ignited a fire in the structure, which quickly spread. (Assisting Hannibal Fire Department in investigation.)

July 4 – Sibley (Jackson County):&nbsp;At about 4:30 p.m. on July 4, there was an explosion in the garage of the house at 30500 Hunter Road that quickly spread throughout the residence and left three people with serious burns that required hospitalization. DFS has not been able to eliminate a large quantity of consumer-grad fireworks as being the cause of the explosion and fire. (Assisting Fort Osage Fire Protection District in investigation.)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

July 4 – Leadwood (St. Francois County):&nbsp;An explosion occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on July 4 at 535 Birch Street during a large private fireworks display put on by a resident that was being viewed by people across the street in Leadwood City Park. Six people were reportedly injured, including an elderly woman who was transported with a serious injury. (Assisting Leadwood Fire Protection District in investigation.)

The circumstances of these cases vary widely, and all remain under investigation. Fire Marshal Bean urges those who choose to use consumer fireworks to remember these vitally important safety measures:

MDPS: Deaths, injuries appear to have involved fireworks

A
Grain Belt Express spokesman accuses Attorney General, Andrew Bailey,
of playing politics with his latest legal maneuver to cancel the green energy
transmission line.

Bailey
is demanding documents from Invenergy, the
utility behind the project, claiming concerns have arisen about whether
Invenergy misled the Missouri Public Service Commission. Bailey also is asking
the PSC to reconsider its approval of Grain Belt.

“We should be building energy
infrastructure in America, but the Missouri Attorney General is instead playing
politics with U.S. power,” said project spokesperson, Martin Grego, in a
written statement released by Grain Belt. “His last-ditch and obviously
politically-driven attempt to delay construction of a critical American power
project comes&nbsp;at a time when our country is facing a national energy
emergency—declared by the Administration. Electricity demand is rising across
the country, and we urgently need transmission infrastructure to deliver power.
Projects like Grain Belt Express are the answer to providing all forms
of&nbsp;affordable and reliable electricity to U.S. consumers.”

Grain Belt, in a statement sent to
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, said it is reviewing
the Investigative Demand, and project development is continuing. While Grain
Belt has pending eminent domain actions against around 50 landowners, the
utility says it has reached 1,500 agreements with landowners totaling $86
million.

Utility officials noted that Grain Belt Express has been approved by all four states,
including Missouri. It claims the transmission line could save Missouri customers
as much as $18 billion.

In a separate action, U.S. Sen. Josh
Hawley has written Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, asking him to cancel the $4.9
billion loan that Invenergy secured during the Biden Administration.

This article has been updated to eliminate a duplicate word.&nbsp;

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Grain Belt spokesman accuses AG of playing politics in latest action

Missouri State
Highway Patrol troopers worked eight fatal crashes during the long Independence
Day holiday weekend.

Among those, a
71-year-old woman who walked into the path of an eastbound vehicle on U.S. 136
Highway west of I-35 in Bethany. The patrol reports the woman from Santee,
California walked in front a vehicle driven by a 61-year-old Bethany man just
before 11:30 Saturday night.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer identifies crash victims.

Statewide, troopers
worked 246 traffic crashes, which resulted in 115 injuries and eight
fatalities. Troopers also made 114 DWI arrests.

Troopers worked
nine boating crashes, which included four injuries. No one died in the boating
crashes. Troopers made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests. No one drowned
during the counting period.

Eight highway fatalities, no boating deaths in Missouri's long Independence Day holiday

The Mosaic Life Care Foundation is offering some fun hands-on learning opportunities to students this summer at EmpowerU in downtown St. Joseph.  

EmpowerU will offer three weeklong STEAM camps, starting July 14th and running through August 1st. Camps run from 9am to noon and 12:30 to 3:30 for the week. 

Director of Program Operations Devran Brower says these camps are very focused 

"So, they can learn about the fun of science, technology, engineering, and we add the arts in there, and mathematics as well," Brower tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "We have a variety of things including Lego robots, we have a couple modules for the young students and then older for those who are more advanced, that way they get to build cool contraptions but they also get to make them do things, so we love the robots but we also do everything from Minecraft education, that's something newer we've added over the past couple of years." 

STEAM Camps will be held at EmPowerU twice a day, starting next week for students in the third through eighth grades.  

Brower says he feels having that age range of students fits the program, because that's a key time in a student’s life 

"When a certain level of maturity starts coming in, a certain level of mental development comes in, but really things start to interest students," Brower explains.  "And if we can peak the interest early I think they'll learn a lot." 

And with eighth graders one step away from high school, Brower says getting them interested could be key, especially with high schools focus on career readiness 

"Not that we all don't change from time to time, but I think it's fun when that interest is sparked and they kind of say yeah I want to do that, then learning continues to be fun for them throughout their academic career," Brower says. 

Brower says with an everchanging workforce and career opportunities, it's important to get some of these activities during the camp in front of students 

"You see the statistics on the percentage of jobs that don't even exist today but will be a significant part of the workforce, so it's important we not only have exposing these students to all these fun technologies, fun things to do, but hopefully spark a passion in them that helps them choose a path that someday they'll want to follow in their career," Brower says. 

For instance, one activity during the camp will be Rocket League Esports, which Brower says he would have never dreamed of being the industry that it is today 

You can register on the <a href="https://www.mlcfoundation.com/steamcamps/">Mosaic Life Care Foundations website</a>.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

STEAM camps prepare young people for future

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating multiple thefts and burglaries that occurred in Atchison over the past week in Atchison.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 22-year-old victim reported the theft of a Glock .40 caliber handgun from a vehicle in the 1500 block Commercial Street on July 2.

A 26-year-old victim reported the theft of a pocket book and contents from a vehicle in the 1400 block Commercial on July 2.

An 18-year-old victim reported forced entry was made into a vehicle in the 300 block North 16th Street on July 3.&nbsp;

A 42-year-old victim reported the theft of a Taurus .38 caliber handgun from a vehicle in the 1300 block Kansas Avenue on July 3.

A 32-year-old victim reported the rear glass was broken out of a vehicle in the 200 block North 15th Street on July 4. A spare tire was taken, the tire was recovered in a nearby yard.

Victims reported a burglary that occurred during the early morning hours on July 4th at a residence in the 1400 block Kansas Avenue. Forced entry was made into the residence where clothing, jewelry, and a television were taken. Forced entry was also made into an outside shed where tools were taken which included two big tool boxes.

Polic investigating series of burglary, thefts in Atchison

Missouri Attorney General, Andrew
Bailey, is demanding documents and information from Grain Belt Express,
claiming the utility behind the green energy transmission line might have
misled the Missouri Public Service Commission.

Bailey says his office is moving to
stop Grain Belt Express from constructing its line across north-central
Missouri.

“I am dead set against foreign
corporations abusing eminent domain when there’s no benefit to the people of
the state of Missouri,” Bailey tells KFEQmmunity in a guest appearance.

Bailey claims Invenergy has
considerable foreign backing. The Attorney General says Invenergy either
presented speculative evidence to the PSC that shouldn’t have been used.

“Or, a fraud was perpetrated on the
people of the state of Missouri,” Bailey asserts, “But at the end of the day,
we’re going to get to the bottom of it and hold any wrongdoers accountable.”

Bailey has issued a Civil
Investigative Demand to Grain Belt Express, which demands documentation from
Invenergy.

“Well, we certainly need to understand
the evidence that they used when estimating the job-creation numbers that they
presented to the Public Service Commission and the public,” Bailey says. “We
want to know why they estimate that they’re going to reduce energy costs for
Missouri.”

The action is being taken under the
Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, which prohibits false promises, fraud,
and overall deceptive business practices.

Bailey says the proposal to send
wind-generated energy from Kansas through Missouri to the East Coast won’t
benefit Missouri, but will burden Missouri landowners. 

“I reject the notion that eminent domain
can be used for purely corporate interests that don’t serve Missourians,”
Bailey says. “That coastal elites, coming in to take farmland in Missouri,
destroy family livelihoods and legacies, to pad the pockets of coastal elites.
That’s not good for Missouri. I reject that that should ever be allowed under
our laws.”

Bailey also has written the PSC, urging
the commission to reevaluate its decision to approve the Grain Belt Express. The
letter points out Invenergy made reference to a potential carbon tax that has
not been approved on either the state or federal level.

“Because, again, I think one of two
things happen:&nbsp; either the PSC relied on
bad information or Grain Belt lied, and either way that Certificate of
Convenience and Necessity should have never (been) issued, because they can’t
demonstrate a benefit for Missourians and they based everything on faulty
assumptions,” according to Bailey.

This latest action against the Grain Belt
Express might be coming late in the game.

“This project was underway before I took
office and so, we’re running to catch up with the train, but certainly we feel that
we have a strong case to make.”

AG Bailey takes aim at Grain Belt Express; filing legal action

The St. Joseph Mustangs lost an early lead but came back from behind to beat the Carroll Merchants on the road in Carroll, Iowa, topping the Merchants 8-6 at Merchants Ballpark, winning the the middle game of a three game road trip.&nbsp;

The Mustangs jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning with one big hit as Darius Freeman hit a two run home run, driving in Central alum Logan Miller to start the scoring.&nbsp; After a scoreless second inning though, the Merchants scored five unanswered runs to steal the lead from St. Joseph in their stadium.&nbsp;

In the third inning, a double by Fernando Espinal drove in Aiden Eggers, before a single from&nbsp;Gavin Gonzalez brought home&nbsp;Martin Smith, tying up the game, also advancing Espinal to third base, which set up Espinal to score the go ahead run on a wild pitch by Mustangs starting pitcher Ian Dittmer.&nbsp; Carroll extended the lead in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by Bradley Soto, scoring&nbsp;Kengri De Los Santo, and pushed ahead even more as Dittmer hit Gonzalez with a pitch with the bases loaded, allowing Eggers to score for a 5-2 lead.&nbsp;

Dittmer settled in after the fourth, holding the Merchants off the board the rest of the way until he was replaced by East Buchanan alum Bronco Whitt who pitched a clean seventh inning for the Mustangs, who went on to take the lead back in the eighth with a big five run inning.&nbsp;

After Miller singled, and stole second base, the bases wound up loaded as the Merchants walked Trevor McCollum and hit Freeman with a pitch.&nbsp; With the bases loaded, Miller scored on an error by pitcher Jackson Gwin, and after a wild pitch from Gwin allowed McCollum and Freeman to move to second and third respectively, another wild pitch brough McCollum home to score, moving Freeman to third base.&nbsp; Easton Phillipe tied up the game with an RBI single, driving in Freeman.&nbsp;

St. Joseph took the lead in the inning after Benton alum Chris Coy singled, and following a double steal by Phillipe and Coy, Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith doubled to drive in both runners to give the Mustangs a 7-5 lead.&nbsp; Carroll did cut that lead to one in the bottom half of the inning, as Espinal grounded out to the shortstop Coy, scoring Eggers, but in the ninth the Mustangs added the final run of insurance they needed as Phillipe singled again to score Freeman.&nbsp;

The Mustangs ended the game by turning a triple play.

Whitt earned the win, pitching one inning, giving up one hit and walking one while also striking out one.&nbsp; Jase Johnson notched the save also pitching one inning and giving up a hit while walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Phillipe was 3-for-5 with a stolen base and two RBI's.&nbsp; Miller was 2-for-5 with two runs scored.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 26-5 on the season and 21-4 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They wrap up the road trip tomorrow in Jefferson City, taking on the Jefferson City Renegades before an off day on Wednesday.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mustangs come back from behind to take down Carroll 8-6

The St. Joseph Mustangs started their three game road trip off the right way, taking care of business against the team right behind them in the MINK League standings and beating the Clarinda A's 13-4.&nbsp;

The Mustangs opened the scoring putting up five runs in the second inning, starting with an RBI single by Tyler Gundelfinger, driving in Benton alum Chris Coy.&nbsp; Gundelfinger and Easton Phillipe scored on a triple by Jack Mosh, and Mosh came home when Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart singled.&nbsp; Luikart scored the final run in the top half of the inning as he stole third base, and came home scoring on an error by catcher Tayvon Homolar.&nbsp;

Trailing 5-0, the A's began to chip away at the lead over the next two innings, getting one run in the bottom half of the second as&nbsp;Kane Wilson scored on a groundout by&nbsp;Clayton Pourciau.&nbsp; In the third, two more runs scored with Drake Cobb singling home Cooper Eberly.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Wilson cut the Mustangs lead to two, driving in Cooper Knight, to make the lead 5-3.&nbsp;

St. Joseph started to pull back away in the fifth, scoring two runs on bases loaded walks to Coy and Phillipe, with Mosh and Justin George scoring respectively.&nbsp; One more run scored in the top of the sixth inning as Gundelfinger grounded out, allowing Darius Freeman to come home to score.&nbsp; The A's though got one run back in the bottom of the sixth on a single by Homolar, scoring Wilson to make the Mustangs lead 8-4.

In the seventh inning, the Mustangs got the final runs of insurance they needed scoring the final five runs of the game, three coming on bases loaded walks.&nbsp; Carter Belton walked with the bases loaded to open the scoring, bringing home Luke Bies, and then Gundelfinger reached first on an error by Colin Linteo, driving in Coy.&nbsp;

Back to back bases loaded walks to Mosh and Luikart scored Phillipe and Belton, still keeping the bases loaded, but the final run scored as George reached first on an error by the third baseman Knight, scoring Gundelfinger for the 13-4 lead.&nbsp;

Cade Perkins earned the win for the Mustangs, pitching five innings and giving up three runs on one hit, walking three and striking out six.&nbsp; Lawson alum Lane Chapman pitched two innings of relief giving up one run on one hit, striking out two and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, Mosh was 2-for-5 with a triple, a walk, and three RBI's.&nbsp; Gundelfinger was also 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI's.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 25-5 on the season and 20-4 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They continue the road trip, next heading to Carroll, Iowa to face the Carroll Merchants.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:30pm.&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mustangs take care of Clarinda 13-4 to begin road trip 

The Chicago Cubs teed off again on the St. Louis Cardinals, dominating the Redbirds in an 11-0 shutout in their series finale at historic Wrigley Field on Sunday evening, securing a series win.&nbsp;

A sole run scored in the first inning for the Cubs on an RBI single by Pete Crow-Armstrong, driving in Kyle Tucker for the opening run.&nbsp; And it was Tucker who drove in the next two runs in the second inning on one hit, a two RBI single that brought home Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw, putting the Cubs up 3-0 before a big third inning saw Chicago put a five spot up on the scoreboard.&nbsp;

Reese McGuire extended the lead first with an RBI single, driving in Michael Busch with the bases loaded.&nbsp; And after reliever Matt Svanson replaced reliever John King for the Cardinals, another run scored on a fielders choice, where everyone was safe thanks to a throwing error by Thomas Saggese, Matt Shaw reaching first safely and Dansby Swanson scoring.&nbsp; The bases still juiced, Ian Happ grounded out to score another run, bringing home Hoerner, and a sacrfice fly by Tucker drove in another run scoring McGuire, all before Seiya Suzuki doubled to drive in Shaw for an 8-0 lead.&nbsp;

A triple by Hoerner in the fourth inning continue the scoring parade for the Cubs, driving in Swanson, before Hoerner scored on a groundout by McGuire.&nbsp; The final run scored in the fifth for the Cubs on a solo home run by Suzuki.&nbsp;

Erick Fedde took the loss for the Cardinals, pitching just 1 1/3 innings and giving up three runs on two hits, walking four batters.&nbsp; At the plate, Willson Contreras was 2-for-3 as the Cardinals managed just six hits on the day off Cubs pitchers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Before the game, it was announced that second baseman Brendan Donovan was named to the National League All Star Team.&nbsp; Among qualified National League hitters, Donovan entered play Sunday fifth in the batting title race with a .296 average. His seven home runs put him on pace to challenge last season’s career-high 14 blasts, and his .798 OPS is the best mark among his four seasons. He has been the team’s most valuable player by far, racking up 2.4 wins above replacement.

St. Louis is off on Monday, they are back in action Tuesday at Busch Stadium against Washington.&nbsp; Andre Pallante (5-4, 4.10 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Jake Irvin (7-3, 4.71 ERA) for the Nationals.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, coverage will be joined near the start at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

Cubs tee off on Cardinals again for series win, Donovan an NL All Star

The Kansas City Royals had a winning road trip following another rough homestand where they won just one game, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 on Sunday afternoon for a series win, finishing the road trip between Seattle and Arizona with a 4-3 record.&nbsp;

Recently named American League All Star Bobby Witt Jr opened the scoring for the Royals in the shutout win with a solo home run to left field, his 12th of the season.&nbsp; After a flyout by Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez extended the lead with a solo home run of his own, also going to left center field for his 10th of the season, putting Kansas City up 2-0.&nbsp;

The Royals scored their final two runs in the fifth inning, John Rave singling home Jac Caglianone, after Caglianone led the inning off being hit by a pitch and stealing second base for his first major league stolen base.&nbsp; Nick Loftin who singled in the inning moved to third base on the hit by Rave, and scored on a single by Kyle Isbel for the final run giving Kansas City the 4-0 lead.&nbsp;

Michael Lorenzen pitched a gem in the finale, earning the win and improving to 5-8 on the season, pitching seven innings and giving up just two hits in the shutout effort, striking out seven and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Isbel was 2-for-4 with an RBI, Pasquantino was also 2-for-4 with two doubles.&nbsp; Perez was 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.&nbsp;

Also announced during the game was that Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic will join Witt Jr in Atlanta, Georgia for the All Star Game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bubic has 107 strikeouts in 103 1/3 innings, and his 2.36 ERA this season ranks fifth-best among AL starters. Bubic earned AL Pitcher of the Month honors back in May with a 0.56 ERA.

Kansas City now will return to Kauffman Stadium, again hoping for better luck, taking welcoming in Pittsburgh.&nbsp; Noah Cameron (2-4, 2.56 ERA) makes the start for the Royals against Andrew Heaney (4-7, 4.16 ERA) for the Pirates.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage starts at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

Royals shutout D-Backs 4-0 for series win, Witt Jr. and Bubic named AL All Stars

The St. Joseph Mustangs swept a three game homestand, filled each night with postgame fireworks, beating the Clarinda A's 10-9 on Saturday night at Phil Welch Stadium in a battle of the two teams at the top of the MINK League.

Before the matchup, the two teams concluded a suspended matchup from June 26th, a game that was stopped tied 3-3 in the top of the ninth inning due to inclement weather rolling into St. Joseph.&nbsp; After Jase Johnson escaped the top of the inning unharmed, only giving up a single, the Mustangs led off the bottom of the ninth with a double by Jack Mosh, who eventually was the winning run as Trevor McCollum hit a walkoff single into right field for a 4-3 win.&nbsp;

Starting action in their normally scheduled game, following an exhibition matchup between the St. Joseph Police Department and Fire Department, the Mustangs and A's took the field, with St. Joseph taking a lead in the first inning, scoring four runs.&nbsp;

Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart drove in the first runs of the game with a double with no outs, scoring Jack Mosh and Central alum Logan Miller.&nbsp; Luikart scored later in the inning thanks to a new face to the team, in his first game with the Mustangs Luke Bies singled home Luikart.&nbsp; Bies scored the final run of the inning on a single by Carter Belton for a 4-0 Mustangs lead.&nbsp;

St. Joseph extended their lead in the second inning as Miller scored on a groundout by Luikart.&nbsp; Two more runs were added in the inning when Justin George doubled into center field, driving in Dom Felix for an unearned run as well as Jack Mosh, giving the Mustangs a 7-0 lead, a lead they held until Clarinda began to rally in the fourth inning.&nbsp;

A big inning for the A's cut the lead to two as&nbsp;Colin Linteo hit a two run triple, bringing home&nbsp;Clayton Pourciau and&nbsp;Brady Dobson.&nbsp; Then, with the bases loaded after&nbsp;Cooper Knight was hit by a pitch and&nbsp;Micah Nicholson walked,&nbsp;Drake Cobb hit a bases clearing double driving in all three runners to cut the Mustangs lead to 7-5.&nbsp;

In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Mustangs added another run of insurance as Bies scored on a wild pitch.&nbsp; But in the sixth inning the A's got that run back to cut the lead back to two runs on a home run, a solo shot by Linteo, and in the same inning cut the lead to one run with another solo home run from Cobb.&nbsp; By the end of the sixth, the lead remained two runs though, as Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen scored on a wild pitch in the bottom half of the sixth, giving the Mustangs a 9-7 lead.

Linteo continued having a field day for the A's in the eighth inning, cutting the lead to one again, hitting his second home run of the game.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, Bies also continued his stellar debut for the Mustangs, driving in a big insurance run with the bases loaded, singling to drive in Miller for a 10-9 lead, the bases were stranded loaded however as Darius Freeman grounded out to third base.&nbsp;

The Mustangs brought on Benton alum Chris Coy to close out the game in the ninth inning.&nbsp; Coy forced Cooper Eberly to flyout to right field, but then ran into some trouble, surrendering a single to&nbsp;Tayvon Homolar, who later advanced to second on a wild pitch, before walking&nbsp;Clayton Pourciau, and then again allowing both runners to advance on another wild pitch.&nbsp; With runners at second and third, Coy got&nbsp;Jake Espeland to ground out, scoring Homolar, and bringing Linteo to the plate.&nbsp; But this time, Linteo was called out on strikes, and Coy earned his first career save.

Michael Infranca earned the win for the Mustangs, pitching 1 1/3 innings of relief and giving up one run on two hits, striking out two and walking one after taking over for starter Aron Harrington who pitched 3 2/3 innings giving up four runs on one hit while striking out three and walking three.&nbsp; At the plate, Luikart was 1-for-5 with a double, a stolen base, three RBI's, and a walk.&nbsp; Mosh was 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, and two runs scored, while Bodenhausen was also 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 24-5 on the season and are 19-4 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They hit the road next for a three game roadtrip, starting tomorrow in Clarinda taking on the A's once again, with first pitch from Iowa at 7pm.&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Mustangs score homestand sweep with two wins in a day over A's

The Kansas City Royals offense struggled in the middle game of their weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, as the D-Backs evened up the series winning 7-1 on Saturday afternoon at Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks started the scoring in the third inning on back to back RBI singles, the first by Josh Naylor, driving in Geraldo Perdomo, followed by&nbsp;Eugenio Suárez bringing in Pavin Smith.&nbsp; Another two runs scored in the fifth inning, again with Perdomo and Smith coming across home plate on a double by Lourdes Gurriel Jr.&nbsp;

Kansas City's lone run came in the sixth inning, an RBI single by Bobby Witt Jr driving in Freddy Fermin, and then in the seventh inning the Diamondbacks got that run back as following a triple, Gourriel Jr scored on a double by James McCann.&nbsp; Randal Grichuk's two run home run in the eighth inning, scoring Blaze Alexander, put the final two runs on for Arizona.&nbsp;

Michael Wacha took the loss for Kansas City, falling to 4-9 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up four runs on four hits while striking out four and walking four.&nbsp; At the plate, Fermin was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored as the Royals had five hits on the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas City and Arizona wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen (4-8, 4.95 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Anthony DeSclafani (0-0, 4.82 ERA) for the Diamondbacks.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:10pm, pregame coverage starts at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Royals offense stalls falling to Diamondbacks 7-1

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch homered for a fourth time in the series, but the St. Louis Cardinals used a big five run eighth inning to even up the series in Chicago at Wrigley Field, beating the Cubs 8-6 on Saturday afternoon.

The Cardinals opened up the scoring in the first inning after the bases were loaded thanks to walks to Brendan Donovan and Willson Contreras and a single by Alec Burleson, setting up&nbsp;Thomas Saggese for a two RBI single, driving in Donovan and Contreras for the early lead.&nbsp; The Cubs cut that lead in half in the bottom of the second inning on Busch's solo home run to center field, his 18th of the season, and fourth of the series after hitting three in the opener on Friday.&nbsp;

Nolan Gorman answered the home run with one of his own to extend the Cardinals lead in the fourth inning, blasting it 420 feet to center field for his eighth home run of the season.&nbsp; The Cubs again though in the bottom half of the inning cut the lead to one as Ian Happ grounded out, bringing home Nico Hoerner&nbsp; who walked earlier in the inning.&nbsp;

Chicago took the lead briefly in the bottom of the sixth inning after former Cardinal Carson Kelly doubled, and later scored the tying run on an RBI single by Hoerner.&nbsp; A wild pitch from reliever Kyle Leahy, his second of the inning, brought home Busch who had singled following Kelly's double for the go ahead run.&nbsp; The Cubs extended that lead in the seventh on a solo home run by Kelly.&nbsp;

Trailing 5-3, the Cardinals used the eighth inning to take the lead, scoring five runs in the frame which started by cutting the Cubs lead to one run on a solo home run by Burleson.&nbsp; After back to back singles by Saggese and Lars Nootbaar, it was Gorman coming through again for the Redbirds with an RBI single, tying the game and bringing home Saggese.&nbsp; 

With two runners on, Yohel Pozo pinch hit for&nbsp;Pedro Pagés, and as he has a couple other times this season, came through clutch with a three run go ahead home run to left field, putting St. Louis up 8-5. Seiya Suzuki doubled to bring home Kyle Tucker, who reached first on catcher's interference, for the final run for Chicago in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp;

Steven Matz earned the win in relief for the Cardinals, improving to 5-2 on the season, pitching 1 2/3 innings and giving up one run on one hit while striking out three and walking two.&nbsp; Former Royal Brad Keller took the loss for the Cubs.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley earned his 17th save.&nbsp; At the plate, Burleson was 3-for-5 with the home run and an RBI.&nbsp; Gorman was 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Chicago wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (3-8, 4.56 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Matthew Boyd (8-3, 2.65 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:10pm, coverage will be joined just before the start at 5 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Busch homers again, but Cardinals even up series with 8-6 win over Cubs

For just the second time in his career, Vinnie Pasquantino hit two home runs in a game, and recorded a career high six RBI's as the Kansas City Royals opened a series with the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 9-3 win on Independence Day.&nbsp;

Pasquantino's first home run opened the scoring for the Royals in the first inning.&nbsp; After Jonathan India was hit by a pitch and Bobby Witt Jr singled, Pasquantino homered to right field, his 13th of the season.&nbsp; The Diamondbacks cut the lead to one in the bottom half of the inning, a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Eugenio Suárez driving in Ketel Marte for the first run before&nbsp;&nbsp;Josh Naylor's single brought home Geraldo Perdomo.

Kansas City added three more runs in the second inning, first extending the lead on an RBI single by Witt Jr, driving in Freddy Fermin, and keeping the bases loaded moving India to second and John Rave to third.&nbsp; Pasquantino drove in his fourth run of the day with a single, scoring Rave, and again keeping the bases loaded, setting the table for India to score as Salvador Perez grounded into a force out, with Pasquantino out at second as Perez beat the throw to first.&nbsp;

After Witt Jr singled to open the fourth inning, the Royals added more insurance runs as Pasquantino hit his second home run of the game, driving in Witt Jr.&nbsp; 

In the fifth, Kansas City added their final run on yet another home run, this time by Mark Canha, hitting his first home run of the season. Arizona's final run came in the next inning on a solo home run by&nbsp;Suárez.

Kris Bubic looked like his early season self, earning the win and improving to 7-6 on the season, pitching seven innings and giving up three runs on seven hits while striking out six and walking three.&nbsp; At the plate, Pasquantino was 3-for-5 with two home runs and six RBI's.&nbsp; Witt Jr was also 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas City and Arizona continue their series on Saturday.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (4-8, 3.62 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Ryne Nelson (4-2, 3.61 ERA) for the Diamondbacks.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

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