KANSAS CITY, MO (August 24, 2020) – The Kansas City Royals and Sinclair Broadcast Group (NASDAQ: SBGI) on Monday announced a new multi-year media rights agreement for FOX Sports Kansas City (FSKC) to continue as the television home of the Royals. The agreement begins with the 2020 season. Years and financial terms are not disclosed.

“On behalf of our organization, I’m excited to announce we have reached this agreement with the Sinclair Broadcast Group to continue to bring Royals baseball to our fan base on FOX Sports Kansas City,” said John Sherman, Royals Chairman and CEO. “FSKC has been an outstanding partner since the 2008 season, not only in bringing our fans the action on the field but working with us in our community and in countless charity endeavors. We currently are ranked fourth in Major League Baseball in television ratings thanks to our fans who are among the most knowledgeable and loyal in all of baseball.” 

“We’re thrilled to announce a new agreement with the Royals,” said Chris Ripley, Sinclair Broadcast Group President and Chief Executive Officer. “This is a great deal with an important longtime partner that allows us additional flexibility for distribution and digital rights. It’s been the network’s honor to bring Royals fans some of the greatest moments in franchise history, and we can’t wait to be part of many more in the years to come.” 

FOX Sports Kansas City, a Sinclair-owned regional sports network, is in its 13th season as the exclusive television home of the Royals and 21st overall as the Royals’ television partner. FOX Sports Kansas City will televise 59 of the scheduled 60 games in this pandemic shortened season. 

Ryan Lefebvre serves as play-by-play announcer for the majority of telecasts, while Steve Physioc also calls play-by-play periodically. Rex Hudler returns as the game analyst, while the pre and post-game shows are once again anchored by Joel Goldberg and Jeff Montgomery.

KANSAS CITY, MO (August 24, 2020) – The Kansas City Royals and Sinclair Broadcast Group (NASDAQ: SBGI) on Monday announced a new multi-year media rights agreement for FOX Sports Kansas City (FSKC) to continue as the television home of the Royals. The agreement begins with the 2020 season. Years and financial terms are not disclosed.“On behalf of our organization, I’m excited to announce we have reached this agreement with the Sinclair Broadcast Group to continue to bring Royals baseball to our fan base on FOX Sports Kansas City,” said John Sherman, Royals Chairman and CEO. “FSKC has been an outstanding partner since the 2008 season, not only in bringing our fans the action on the field but working with us in our community and in countless charity endeavors. We currently are ranked fourth in Major League Baseball in television ratings thanks to our fans who are among the most knowledgeable and loyal in all of baseball.” “We’re thrilled to announce a new agreement with the Royals,” said Chris Ripley, Sinclair Broadcast Group President and Chief Executive Officer. “This is a great deal with an important longtime partner that allows us additional flexibility for distribution and digital rights. It’s been the network’s honor to bring Royals fans some of the greatest moments in franchise history, and we can’t wait to be part of many more in the years to come.” FOX Sports Kansas City, a Sinclair-owned regional sports network, is in its 13th season as the exclusive television home of the Royals and 21st overall as the Royals’ television partner. FOX Sports Kansas City will televise 59 of the scheduled 60 games in this pandemic shortened season. Ryan Lefebvre serves as play-by-play announcer for the majority of telecasts, while Steve Physioc also calls play-by-play periodically. Rex Hudler returns as the game analyst, while the pre and post-game shows are once again anchored by Joel Goldberg and Jeff Montgomery.--- Royals Press Release ---

Royals & FOX Sports Kansas City announce multi-year agreement

The Lafayette football team will open their 2020 season this Friday at Harrisonville after the Fighting Irish finalized a schedule change Sunday.

LHS was scheduled to play Carnahan High School out of St. Louis, but after they back out of the game last week, Lafayette was searching for a new opponent and Harrisonville happened to have an opening in week one.

The Fighting Irish went 5-5 last season as Eric McDowell enters his third season as the head coach of Lafayette.  He's 12-8 in two years and 8-5 in the MEC.

Harrisonville has rich football tradition as they've won five state championship in their history.  The latest came in 2016.  The Wildcats were 6-6 last season.

Lafayette will kick off with Harrisonville at 7:00 p.m. Friday inside Memorial Stadium.

The Lafayette football team will open their 2020 season this Friday at Harrisonville after the Fighting Irish finalized a schedule change Sunday.LHS was scheduled to play Carnahan High School out of St. Louis, but after they back out of the game last week, Lafayette was searching for a new opponent and Harrisonville happened to have an opening in week one.The Fighting Irish went 5-5 last season as Eric McDowell enters his third season as the head coach of Lafayette. He's 12-8 in two years and 8-5 in the MEC.Harrisonville has rich football tradition as they've won five state championship in their history. The latest came in 2016. The Wildcats were 6-6 last season.Lafayette will kick off with Harrisonville at 7:00 p.m. Friday inside Memorial Stadium.

Lafayette adds Harrisonville to 2020 football schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nelson Cruz hit his 10th homer, Marwin Gonzalez had two RBI and closer Taylor Rogers dodged trouble in the ninth inning to lift the Minnesota Twins over the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Sunday.

Cruz hit a solo shot an estimated 453-feet to center field in the ninth inning for a two-run lead, helping the Twins win their eighth series in nine tries this season.

Max Wisler opened with two scoreless innings for Minnesota and Tyler Clippard (1-0) got the win with a perfect eighth. Rogers allowed an RBI single to Maikel Franco in the ninth but retired Alex Gordon to complete his sixth save.

Kris Bubic (0-4), the Royals' 2018 first-round pick, allowed four runs and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. He's yet to get a win in any of his five big league starts.

Minnesota's Miguel Sano scored Max Kepler on an RBI double to right-center to plate the first run of the game, and Eddie Rosario scored Sano on an RBI single the next at-bat to lead 2-0.

After three straight singles in the third by Cruz, Sano and Rosario — two of which didn't leave the infield — Gonzalez scored two with a double to left field to extend the score to 4-0.

The Royals responded right away when Meibrys Viloria walked, Hunter Dozier doubled for one of his career-high four hits, which was then followed by a double by Jorge Soler, which scored both runners to cut the deficit in half at 4-2.

With two outs in the seventh, Dozier singled, Soler walked and Franco hit an RBI single right Gonzalez's glove at third to cut the lead to 4-3.

The Royals' best chance to take the lead came right after that with the bases loaded in the seventh inning with two outs, but Adalberto Mondesi struck out against Sergio Romo. The Royals are 2 for 21 with the bases loaded this season.

Royals: RHP Jake Newberry was optioned after Saturday's game and RHP Chance Adams was recalled.

Twins: Clippard was hit in the right arm by a line drive on the third out of the eighth inning. Manager Rocco Baldelli said imaging didn't show a serious injury, but he anticipates shutting Clippard down from throwing for some amount of time.

Royals: RHP Danny Duffy might get a few extra days before his next start. Although no official injury has been reported, manager Mike Matheny said he'd like all his guys to be rested as they gear up for 20 games in the next 21 days.

Royals: Travel to St. Louis for a three-game series starting Monday night. RHP Brad Keller (3-0, 0.00) faces Cardinals RHP Jack Flaherty (1-0, 3.12).

Twins: Start a three-game series on the road against Cleveland on Monday night. RHP Kenta Maeda (3-0, 2.27) took a no-hitter into the ninth inning of his last start against Milwaukee. He'll face RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.91), who pitched his first career complete game against Pittsburgh last week.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nelson Cruz hit his 10th homer, Marwin Gonzalez had two RBI and closer Taylor Rogers dodged trouble in the ninth inning to lift the Minnesota Twins over the Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Sunday.Cruz hit a solo shot an estimated 453-feet to center field in the ninth inning for a two-run lead, helping the Twins win their eighth series in nine tries this season.Max Wisler opened with two scoreless innings for Minnesota and Tyler Clippard (1-0) got the win with a perfect eighth. Rogers allowed an RBI single to Maikel Franco in the ninth but retired Alex Gordon to complete his sixth save.Kris Bubic (0-4), the Royals' 2018 first-round pick, allowed four runs and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. He's yet to get a win in any of his five big league starts.Minnesota's Miguel Sano scored Max Kepler on an RBI double to right-center to plate the first run of the game, and Eddie Rosario scored Sano on an RBI single the next at-bat to lead 2-0.After three straight singles in the third by Cruz, Sano and Rosario — two of which didn't leave the infield — Gonzalez scored two with a double to left field to extend the score to 4-0.The Royals responded right away when Meibrys Viloria walked, Hunter Dozier doubled for one of his career-high four hits, which was then followed by a double by Jorge Soler, which scored both runners to cut the deficit in half at 4-2.With two outs in the seventh, Dozier singled, Soler walked and Franco hit an RBI single right Gonzalez's glove at third to cut the lead to 4-3.The Royals' best chance to take the lead came right after that with the bases loaded in the seventh inning with two outs, but Adalberto Mondesi struck out against Sergio Romo. The Royals are 2 for 21 with the bases loaded this season.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: RHP Jake Newberry was optioned after Saturday's game and RHP Chance Adams was recalled.TRAINERS ROOMTwins: Clippard was hit in the right arm by a line drive on the third out of the eighth inning. Manager Rocco Baldelli said imaging didn't show a serious injury, but he anticipates shutting Clippard down from throwing for some amount of time.Royals: RHP Danny Duffy might get a few extra days before his next start. Although no official injury has been reported, manager Mike Matheny said he'd like all his guys to be rested as they gear up for 20 games in the next 21 days.UP NEXTRoyals: Travel to St. Louis for a three-game series starting Monday night. RHP Brad Keller (3-0, 0.00) faces Cardinals RHP Jack Flaherty (1-0, 3.12).Twins: Start a three-game series on the road against Cleveland on Monday night. RHP Kenta Maeda (3-0, 2.27) took a no-hitter into the ninth inning of his last start against Milwaukee. He'll face RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.91), who pitched his first career complete game against Pittsburgh last week.

Royals' rally comes up short in 5-4 loss to Twins

ST. LOUIS -- Yadier Molina had four hits and top prospect Dylan Carlson hit his first career homer, helping the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-2 on Sunday.

Harrison Bader also connected for St. Louis, which won three of four in the series. Molina, Carlson and Bader each finished with two RBI.

The Cardinals scored the last six runs after Eugenio Suarez hit a two-run homer in the first inning for the Reds.

Bader went deep for a two-run shot in the second after he also homered during Saturday's 3-0 win.

"Little tweaks here and there. It's a game of survivability," said Bader, who hiked his average to .233 after a slow start this season. "Baseball players can't be dinosaurs. If you can't adjust, you'll become extinct."

Molina put St. Louis ahead to stay with an RBI single against Tyler Mahle (0-1) in the third.

The Cardinals added three more in the seventh against Nate Jones. Molina singled in Matt Carpenter and scored on Carlson's drive to right-center.

"It was so exciting to come through in that situation," Carlson said. "For that to happen, I was definitely fired up and excited. It's something I'll always remember."

It was Molina's first four-hit game against Cincinnati and No. 19 for his career. He needs one more RBI to tie Joe Medwick (923) for eighth place in Cardinals history.

Molina needs two doubles to tie Johnny Bench (381) for eighth among primary catchers in MLB history. In addition, Molina is 10 hits shy of tying Red Schoendienst (1,980) for sixth in franchise history.

"I hope it doesn't stop anytime soon," St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said. "When it does stop, he'll be one of the greatest Cardinals to play in his organization. His skillset is super unique and special. This guy's an elite player."

Molina has five RBI in his four games since returning after being out as part of the team's coronavirus outbreak.

Genesis Cabrera (2-1) pitched two scoreless innings for the win.

Cincinnati finished with three hits in the game and 17 in the series.

"It's tough losing. To have a game with three hits, it's not good for us," Suarez said.

Mahle was lifted after three innings. He allowed five hits, struck out five and walked two.

St. Louis right-hander Daniel Ponce de Leon finally got some runs to work with after not receiving a single run of support in either of his first two starts. With two outs and two on in the fifth, he was relieved by Cabrera, who got a flyout to end the inning.

"It's pretty simple: We didn't get a whole lot of offense going," Cincinnati manager David Bell said. "We turn the page and we've got to keep playing."

St. Louis shortstop Paul DeJong returned to the lineup after he was sidelined as part of the team's coronavirus outbreak. He went 0 for 4 in his first game since July 29 in Minnesota.

The Cardinals optioned pitcher Seth Elledge to the team's alternate training site to make room on the active roster for DeJong.

Reds: INF Mike Moustakas was back in the lineup after sitting out Saturday night's game. He is working his way back from a left quad injury.

Cardinals: RHP Carlos Martinez is scheduled to pitch a live batting practice against teammates Monday at Busch Stadium. RHP Ryan Helsley will have a bullpen session. Both are on the COVID-19 injured list.

Reds: RHP Trevor Bauer (3-0, 0.68 ERA) will pitch Monday at Milwaukee. In four starts, he has struck out 41 batters and allowed just eight hits. He pitched seven innings in his last start, a 5-0 win against Kansas City.

Cardinals: RHP Jack Flaherty (1-0, 3.12 ERA) will make his third start Monday against visiting Kansas City. His last outing was the shortest start of his career, coming out after 1 2/3 innings against the Cubs.

Associated PressST. LOUIS -- Yadier Molina had four hits and top prospect Dylan Carlson hit his first career homer, helping the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-2 on Sunday.Harrison Bader also connected for St. Louis, which won three of four in the series. Molina, Carlson and Bader each finished with two RBI.The Cardinals scored the last six runs after Eugenio Suarez hit a two-run homer in the first inning for the Reds.Bader went deep for a two-run shot in the second after he also homered during Saturday's 3-0 win."Little tweaks here and there. It's a game of survivability," said Bader, who hiked his average to .233 after a slow start this season. "Baseball players can't be dinosaurs. If you can't adjust, you'll become extinct."Molina put St. Louis ahead to stay with an RBI single against Tyler Mahle (0-1) in the third.The Cardinals added three more in the seventh against Nate Jones. Molina singled in Matt Carpenter and scored on Carlson's drive to right-center."It was so exciting to come through in that situation," Carlson said. "For that to happen, I was definitely fired up and excited. It's something I'll always remember."It was Molina's first four-hit game against Cincinnati and No. 19 for his career. He needs one more RBI to tie Joe Medwick (923) for eighth place in Cardinals history.Molina needs two doubles to tie Johnny Bench (381) for eighth among primary catchers in MLB history. In addition, Molina is 10 hits shy of tying Red Schoendienst (1,980) for sixth in franchise history."I hope it doesn't stop anytime soon," St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said. "When it does stop, he'll be one of the greatest Cardinals to play in his organization. His skillset is super unique and special. This guy's an elite player."Molina has five RBI in his four games since returning after being out as part of the team's coronavirus outbreak.Genesis Cabrera (2-1) pitched two scoreless innings for the win.Cincinnati finished with three hits in the game and 17 in the series."It's tough losing. To have a game with three hits, it's not good for us," Suarez said.Mahle was lifted after three innings. He allowed five hits, struck out five and walked two.St. Louis right-hander Daniel Ponce de Leon finally got some runs to work with after not receiving a single run of support in either of his first two starts. With two outs and two on in the fifth, he was relieved by Cabrera, who got a flyout to end the inning."It's pretty simple: We didn't get a whole lot of offense going," Cincinnati manager David Bell said. "We turn the page and we've got to keep playing."BACK FROM COVID-19St. Louis shortstop Paul DeJong returned to the lineup after he was sidelined as part of the team's coronavirus outbreak. He went 0 for 4 in his first game since July 29 in Minnesota.ROSTER MOVEThe Cardinals optioned pitcher Seth Elledge to the team's alternate training site to make room on the active roster for DeJong.TRAINER'S ROOMReds: INF Mike Moustakas was back in the lineup after sitting out Saturday night's game. He is working his way back from a left quad injury.Cardinals: RHP Carlos Martinez is scheduled to pitch a live batting practice against teammates Monday at Busch Stadium. RHP Ryan Helsley will have a bullpen session. Both are on the COVID-19 injured list.UP NEXTReds: RHP Trevor Bauer (3-0, 0.68 ERA) will pitch Monday at Milwaukee. In four starts, he has struck out 41 batters and allowed just eight hits. He pitched seven innings in his last start, a 5-0 win against Kansas City.Cardinals: RHP Jack Flaherty (1-0, 3.12 ERA) will make his third start Monday against visiting Kansas City. His last outing was the shortest start of his career, coming out after 1 2/3 innings against the Cubs.

Molina leads St. Louis past Cincinnati 6-2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Twins' Eddie Rosario and Miguel Sano have seen Royals starter Brady Singer three times in the last three weeks.

They must have learned how to hit him hard.

Rosario hit a three-run homer in the first inning, Sano sent a pitch an estimated 458 feet off the home team's Hall of Fame in left field, and Minnesota beat Kansas City 7-2 on Saturday night to even their three-game series.

"When we see pitchers like that back-to-back, we study them and we just try to go out there and execute against them," Rosario said. "As a team, we showed tonight we can do damage when we get pitchers like that."

Randy Dobnak (5-1) pitched five innings of two-run ball, continuing his brilliant start to the season. The former undrafted free agent, who just three years ago was pitching for the independent Utica Unicorns, gave up a homer to Alex Gordon but otherwise kept dodging trouble on a hot, humid night at Kauffman Stadium.

Singer (1-3) allowed four runs and six hits in four innings while trying to flummox a team already familiar with him.

"They had a good game plan against him, coming right out of the box swinging well," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "We've all been talking about this for several days. He was going to face them three times and would he mix it up enough to keep them off balance a third time? That's definitely a challenge but that's how the schedule lined up."

After the Royals jumped on the Twins with four runs in the first Friday night, it was Minnesota's turn to strike early. Max Kepler hit a leadoff double, Jorge Polanco singled and Rosario hit Singer's biggest mistake into the right-field fountain.

Sano made it 4-0 when he crushed a pitch to left field, a home run that rivals one hit by Albert Pujols with the St. Louis Cardinals more than a decade ago for the longest to that part of the ballpark.

"You know, the funny part of that, I didn't hit it that well," Sano said. "If I got all of it, I would have hit it over it."

Meanwhile, Dobnak was keeping the Royals off the scoreboard until the fifth, when Gordon sent a one-out pitch over the wall in center. That finally gave Kansas City some momentum: Cam Gallagher and Whit Merrifield added two-out singles and Nicky Lopez guided an RBI double down the left-field line to make it 4-2.

Dobnak escaped the jam when he speared Hunter Dozier's line drive right back up the middle.

The Royals' last chance to pull ahead came on a series of miscues in the sixth. Alex Avila was called for interference when his catcher's mitt was nicked by Jorge Soler's bat, then Ryan McBroom singled before Gordon was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Tyler Duffy responded by striking out Adalberto Mondesi and pinch hitter Ryan O'Hearn to end the threat.

In a strange coincidence, Avila also was called for catchers' interference on Soler's previous at-bat.

The Twins put the game away with three runs off Ian Kennedy in the seventh.

"Guys came together. We got great efforts on both sides of the ball from the very beginning of the game," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. "We had really quality at-bats, hard-hit balls and a couple that left the yard."

The Twins purchased the contract of left-hander Danny Coulombe and recalled right-hander Sean Poppen before the game. Both relievers had been on the four-man taxi squad that made the trip to Kansas City.

Twins: RHPs Jake Odorizzi (bruised ribs) and Zack Littell (right elbow inflammation) went on the injured list after getting hurt in the series opener. RHP Homer Bailey was moved to the 45-day injury list after a setback in his recovery from right biceps tendinitis. "Most teams are dealing with rosters that don't necessarily look like they looked on opening day," Baldelli said. "Some of these teams -- and we want to be in this group -- just go out there and play."

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (0-3, 5.12 ERA) will try again for his first win when he makes his fifth career start and second in a row against Minnesota. He allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings in a loss Monday. The Twins have yet to announce their starter because of their injuries.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Twins' Eddie Rosario and Miguel Sano have seen Royals starter Brady Singer three times in the last three weeks.They must have learned how to hit him hard.Rosario hit a three-run homer in the first inning, Sano sent a pitch an estimated 458 feet off the home team's Hall of Fame in left field, and Minnesota beat Kansas City 7-2 on Saturday night to even their three-game series."When we see pitchers like that back-to-back, we study them and we just try to go out there and execute against them," Rosario said. "As a team, we showed tonight we can do damage when we get pitchers like that."Randy Dobnak (5-1) pitched five innings of two-run ball, continuing his brilliant start to the season. The former undrafted free agent, who just three years ago was pitching for the independent Utica Unicorns, gave up a homer to Alex Gordon but otherwise kept dodging trouble on a hot, humid night at Kauffman Stadium.Singer (1-3) allowed four runs and six hits in four innings while trying to flummox a team already familiar with him."They had a good game plan against him, coming right out of the box swinging well," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "We've all been talking about this for several days. He was going to face them three times and would he mix it up enough to keep them off balance a third time? That's definitely a challenge but that's how the schedule lined up."After the Royals jumped on the Twins with four runs in the first Friday night, it was Minnesota's turn to strike early. Max Kepler hit a leadoff double, Jorge Polanco singled and Rosario hit Singer's biggest mistake into the right-field fountain.Sano made it 4-0 when he crushed a pitch to left field, a home run that rivals one hit by Albert Pujols with the St. Louis Cardinals more than a decade ago for the longest to that part of the ballpark."You know, the funny part of that, I didn't hit it that well," Sano said. "If I got all of it, I would have hit it over it."Meanwhile, Dobnak was keeping the Royals off the scoreboard until the fifth, when Gordon sent a one-out pitch over the wall in center. That finally gave Kansas City some momentum: Cam Gallagher and Whit Merrifield added two-out singles and Nicky Lopez guided an RBI double down the left-field line to make it 4-2.Dobnak escaped the jam when he speared Hunter Dozier's line drive right back up the middle.The Royals' last chance to pull ahead came on a series of miscues in the sixth. Alex Avila was called for interference when his catcher's mitt was nicked by Jorge Soler's bat, then Ryan McBroom singled before Gordon was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Tyler Duffy responded by striking out Adalberto Mondesi and pinch hitter Ryan O'Hearn to end the threat.In a strange coincidence, Avila also was called for catchers' interference on Soler's previous at-bat.The Twins put the game away with three runs off Ian Kennedy in the seventh."Guys came together. We got great efforts on both sides of the ball from the very beginning of the game," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. "We had really quality at-bats, hard-hit balls and a couple that left the yard."TWINS MOVESThe Twins purchased the contract of left-hander Danny Coulombe and recalled right-hander Sean Poppen before the game. Both relievers had been on the four-man taxi squad that made the trip to Kansas City.TRAINER'S ROOMTwins: RHPs Jake Odorizzi (bruised ribs) and Zack Littell (right elbow inflammation) went on the injured list after getting hurt in the series opener. RHP Homer Bailey was moved to the 45-day injury list after a setback in his recovery from right biceps tendinitis. "Most teams are dealing with rosters that don't necessarily look like they looked on opening day," Baldelli said. "Some of these teams -- and we want to be in this group -- just go out there and play."UP NEXTRoyals LHP Kris Bubic (0-3, 5.12 ERA) will try again for his first win when he makes his fifth career start and second in a row against Minnesota. He allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings in a loss Monday. The Twins have yet to announce their starter because of their injuries.

Royals fall to Twins Saturday 7-2

ST. LOUIS -- Kwang Hyun Kim pitched six sharp innings and earned his first major league win as the St. Louis Cardinals blanked the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Saturday night.

Kim gave up three hits, walked none and struck out three. This was his third game for St. Louis and second start.

The 32-year-old left-hander signed with the Cardinals in the winter after going 136-77 over 12 seasons in South Korea.

Cardinals relievers John Gant, Andrew Miller and Giovanny Gallegos combined for three innings. Gallegos earned his first save by retiring all four batters he faced.

Cincinnati's bats struggled for a second straight night. The Reds totaled only four hits after getting just two in a win the previous day at Busch Stadium.

Harrison Bader homered on Wade Miley's first pitch of the fifth inning to give the Cardinals a 3-0 lead. The homer snapped a season-long homerless streak of 39 1/3 innings by Reds pitching.

Tommy Edman's two-run single put the Cardinals ahead in the third.

Miley (0-3) gave up three runs in a season-high five innings. He had failed to survive the second inning in his first two starts.

Cardinals C Yadier Molina moved into third all-time in franchise history by playing in his 1,991st game, surpassing Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith.

The Reds selected the contract of OF Mark Payton and optioned IF Josh VanMeter to the alternate training site, and assigned RHP Jose De Leon ((hash)87) to the taxi squad and moved IF Robel Garcia off the taxi squad to the alternate training site.

Reds: IF Mike Moustakas was not in the lineup as he still works his way back from a left quad injury. Manager David Bell said it was a routine day of rest for Moustakas after he played four games in three days after returning from the injured list and that he may feel the lingering affects of the injury for the rest of the season.

Reds: RHP Tyler Mahle (0-0, 3.38 ERA) will make his third start of the season. He is 1-4 with a 5.00 ERA in five career starts against St. Louis.

Cardinals: RHP Daniel Ponce de Leon (0-2, 6.14 ERA) he hasn't received a single run of support in either of his first two starts.

Associated PressST. LOUIS -- Kwang Hyun Kim pitched six sharp innings and earned his first major league win as the St. Louis Cardinals blanked the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Saturday night.Kim gave up three hits, walked none and struck out three. This was his third game for St. Louis and second start.The 32-year-old left-hander signed with the Cardinals in the winter after going 136-77 over 12 seasons in South Korea.Cardinals relievers John Gant, Andrew Miller and Giovanny Gallegos combined for three innings. Gallegos earned his first save by retiring all four batters he faced.Cincinnati's bats struggled for a second straight night. The Reds totaled only four hits after getting just two in a win the previous day at Busch Stadium.Harrison Bader homered on Wade Miley's first pitch of the fifth inning to give the Cardinals a 3-0 lead. The homer snapped a season-long homerless streak of 39 1/3 innings by Reds pitching.Tommy Edman's two-run single put the Cardinals ahead in the third.Miley (0-3) gave up three runs in a season-high five innings. He had failed to survive the second inning in his first two starts.MILESTONECardinals C Yadier Molina moved into third all-time in franchise history by playing in his 1,991st game, surpassing Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith.ROSTER MOVESThe Reds selected the contract of OF Mark Payton and optioned IF Josh VanMeter to the alternate training site, and assigned RHP Jose De Leon ((hash)87) to the taxi squad and moved IF Robel Garcia off the taxi squad to the alternate training site.TRAINER'S ROOMReds: IF Mike Moustakas was not in the lineup as he still works his way back from a left quad injury. Manager David Bell said it was a routine day of rest for Moustakas after he played four games in three days after returning from the injured list and that he may feel the lingering affects of the injury for the rest of the season.UP NEXTReds: RHP Tyler Mahle (0-0, 3.38 ERA) will make his third start of the season. He is 1-4 with a 5.00 ERA in five career starts against St. Louis.Cardinals: RHP Daniel Ponce de Leon (0-2, 6.14 ERA) he hasn't received a single run of support in either of his first two starts.

Kim earns first big league win as Cards blank Reds 3-0

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals knew they would need somebody to step up when Salvador Perez went on the injured list earlier in the day with a mysterious eye ailment that had caused the star catcher to have some blurry vision.

Well, Jorge Soler and Hunter Dozier certainly left the Twins seeing red.

Soler hit a three-run homer to cap a four-run first inning, Dozier went deep for the third straight game against Minnesota, and the two young sluggers helped Kansas City cruise to a 7-2 victory Friday night to open a third straight weekend series against its AL Central rival.

"We talked about his before game. We have to have a couple guys step up," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "Every time you lose somebody it creates an opportunity."

It also created an easy night for Danny Duffy (2-2), who pitched a 1-2-3 first inning and then suddenly found himself with a 4-0 lead. Duffy wound up needing 81 pitches to get through five, but he permitted just four hits and a pair of walks while striking out six. The only run he allowed came on Ehire Adrianza's groundout with a runner on third.

"Fastball command, was able to throw some sinkers in there that moved a lot. Curveball was good. The slider was the best it has been all year," said Duffy, who also happened to punch out a handful of Twins with his changeup.

Twins starter Jake Odorizzi (0-1) allowed five runs and seven hits before he was literally knocked from the game.

Alex Gordon drilled him with a liner in the ribs in the fourth inning, and the right-hander who began his career in the Kansas City organization went to the ground immediately. It took several minutes before Odorizzi could walk gingerly to the dugout. X-rays taken at the ballpark were negative, and the Twins called his injury a bruised right abdomen.

"That's a frightening moment. You never want to see anything like that on a field or anywhere else," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. "Jake's abdomen took the brunt of it. He's OK. He's pretty sore, obviously. He's got a pretty good mark, visible from across the room. He was able to avoid serious injury, which is really all we're caring about at this point."

The Royals, who have struggled to give Duffy much run support, staked him to a big lead right out of the gate.

Whit Merrifield opened the game with a crisp double and, after Nicky Lopez put runners on the corners with a base hit, Dozier followed with an RBI single. That merely set the table for the power-hitting Soler, who boosted a hanging 1-2 pitch over the left-field bullpen for his sixth homer of the season.

The Twins scratched out a run in the second on a walk, single and groundout but kept squandering chances. They left a runner in scoring position when Max Kepler struck out, then left runners stranded on the corners in the third.

The Royals answered with a run in the fourth. They tacked on two more on Dozier's homer in the seventh.

"Any time you can barrel a ball," Dozier said, "it feels pretty good."

Twins: They were playing their first game without either OF Byron Buxton (shoulder), 2B Luis Arraez (knee), 3B Josh Donaldson (calf) and C Mitch Garver (ribs) in the starting lineup. There is a chance Arraez returns during the series. ... RHP Zack Littell left after recording one out with right elbow inflammation.

Royals: Perez began having vision problems last weekend and saw an eye specialist Monday. The condition is not considered serious. "We want to take as much time as we can and make a wise decision for him and us," Matheny said. "He's trying to push everything as hard as he can to help that eye heal, but it's just going to take time."

RHP Brady Singer (1-2, 4.56 ERA) makes his sixth career start for the Royals, with half of them having now come against the Twins. Minnesota counters with Randy Dobnak, who is off to a brilliant 4-1 start with a 1.42 ERA.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals knew they would need somebody to step up when Salvador Perez went on the injured list earlier in the day with a mysterious eye ailment that had caused the star catcher to have some blurry vision.Well, Jorge Soler and Hunter Dozier certainly left the Twins seeing red.Soler hit a three-run homer to cap a four-run first inning, Dozier went deep for the third straight game against Minnesota, and the two young sluggers helped Kansas City cruise to a 7-2 victory Friday night to open a third straight weekend series against its AL Central rival."We talked about his before game. We have to have a couple guys step up," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "Every time you lose somebody it creates an opportunity."It also created an easy night for Danny Duffy (2-2), who pitched a 1-2-3 first inning and then suddenly found himself with a 4-0 lead. Duffy wound up needing 81 pitches to get through five, but he permitted just four hits and a pair of walks while striking out six. The only run he allowed came on Ehire Adrianza's groundout with a runner on third."Fastball command, was able to throw some sinkers in there that moved a lot. Curveball was good. The slider was the best it has been all year," said Duffy, who also happened to punch out a handful of Twins with his changeup.Twins starter Jake Odorizzi (0-1) allowed five runs and seven hits before he was literally knocked from the game.Alex Gordon drilled him with a liner in the ribs in the fourth inning, and the right-hander who began his career in the Kansas City organization went to the ground immediately. It took several minutes before Odorizzi could walk gingerly to the dugout. X-rays taken at the ballpark were negative, and the Twins called his injury a bruised right abdomen."That's a frightening moment. You never want to see anything like that on a field or anywhere else," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. "Jake's abdomen took the brunt of it. He's OK. He's pretty sore, obviously. He's got a pretty good mark, visible from across the room. He was able to avoid serious injury, which is really all we're caring about at this point."The Royals, who have struggled to give Duffy much run support, staked him to a big lead right out of the gate.Whit Merrifield opened the game with a crisp double and, after Nicky Lopez put runners on the corners with a base hit, Dozier followed with an RBI single. That merely set the table for the power-hitting Soler, who boosted a hanging 1-2 pitch over the left-field bullpen for his sixth homer of the season.The Twins scratched out a run in the second on a walk, single and groundout but kept squandering chances. They left a runner in scoring position when Max Kepler struck out, then left runners stranded on the corners in the third.The Royals answered with a run in the fourth. They tacked on two more on Dozier's homer in the seventh."Any time you can barrel a ball," Dozier said, "it feels pretty good."TRAINER'S ROOMTwins: They were playing their first game without either OF Byron Buxton (shoulder), 2B Luis Arraez (knee), 3B Josh Donaldson (calf) and C Mitch Garver (ribs) in the starting lineup. There is a chance Arraez returns during the series. ... RHP Zack Littell left after recording one out with right elbow inflammation.Royals: Perez began having vision problems last weekend and saw an eye specialist Monday. The condition is not considered serious. "We want to take as much time as we can and make a wise decision for him and us," Matheny said. "He's trying to push everything as hard as he can to help that eye heal, but it's just going to take time."UP NEXTRHP Brady Singer (1-2, 4.56 ERA) makes his sixth career start for the Royals, with half of them having now come against the Twins. Minnesota counters with Randy Dobnak, who is off to a brilliant 4-1 start with a 1.42 ERA.

Soler, Dozier power Royals to 7-2 victory over Twins

ST. LOUIS -- Pinch-hitter Matt Davidson delivered a go-ahead grand slam in the sixth inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 on Friday night.

Davidson drove a 2-0 pitch from Tyler Webb to left field and into the Cincinnati bullpen. It was his third home run of the season, his second career grand slam and his first pinch-hit homer.

Cincinnati is 2-2 after a three-game pause because of a positive COVID-19 test. St. Louis has lost four of six. The teams combined for only five hits.

Michael Lorenzen (1-1) earned the victory in relief. He went 1 2/3 innings.

Raisel Iglasias pitched a perfect ninth for his third save.

Genesis Cabera (1-1) took the loss after working one inning. He was charged with three of the four runs on Davidson's homer, but all were unearned. Cabrera didn't allow a hit, but he walked one and hit a batter with a pitch.

St. Louis came unraveled in the sixth after Cabera retired the first two Reds batters. Harrison Bader made a long run into deep center in an attempt to snag Eugenio Suarez's drive and was in position to make the catch for the final out of the inning but the ball popped out of his glove. Cardinals shortstop Tommy Edman then dropped Bader's throw for a second error on the play, allowing Suarez to scoot into third base.

Mike Moustakas walked and Caberea plunked Phil Ervin to load the bases. Webb came in and gave up Davidson's homer.

Associated PressST. LOUIS -- Pinch-hitter Matt Davidson delivered a go-ahead grand slam in the sixth inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 on Friday night.Davidson drove a 2-0 pitch from Tyler Webb to left field and into the Cincinnati bullpen. It was his third home run of the season, his second career grand slam and his first pinch-hit homer.Cincinnati is 2-2 after a three-game pause because of a positive COVID-19 test. St. Louis has lost four of six. The teams combined for only five hits.Michael Lorenzen (1-1) earned the victory in relief. He went 1 2/3 innings.Raisel Iglasias pitched a perfect ninth for his third save.Genesis Cabera (1-1) took the loss after working one inning. He was charged with three of the four runs on Davidson's homer, but all were unearned. Cabrera didn't allow a hit, but he walked one and hit a batter with a pitch.St. Louis came unraveled in the sixth after Cabera retired the first two Reds batters. Harrison Bader made a long run into deep center in an attempt to snag Eugenio Suarez's drive and was in position to make the catch for the final out of the inning but the ball popped out of his glove. Cardinals shortstop Tommy Edman then dropped Bader's throw for a second error on the play, allowing Suarez to scoot into third base.Mike Moustakas walked and Caberea plunked Phil Ervin to load the bases. Webb came in and gave up Davidson's homer.

St. Louis falls to Cincinnati 4-2 Friday night

University
of Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos announced today cost-saving measures to
help offset the financial impacts of the postponement of the Big Ten fall
athletic season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The
postponement of the fall sports season, and specifically the football season,
has put us in the position of making some very difficult decisions that impact
every member of our staff,” Moos said. “In my three decades as an athletic
director, I have always said that people are our most valuable resource and
there is no question that is true here at Nebraska. These are outstanding staff
members and great people, and that is what makes this a particularly tough
day.” 

The measures
announced today are in addition to cost savings announced in June that included
a 10 percent reduction in overall expenses for Fiscal Year 2021, no merit
increases for staff for FY 21 and the elimination of 17 positions in
Athletics.&nbsp; In total, staffing decisions are expected to result in a
savings of approximately $3 million for the Athletic Department. 

University
of Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos announced today cost-saving measures to
help offset the financial impacts of the postponement of the Big Ten fall
athletic season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ul>
 <li>51 athletic department staff members will be furloughed
 from Sept. 1-Dec. 31</li><li>All other athletic department staff members will take a
 10 percent salary reduction from Sept. 1-Dec. 31</li>
 </ul>“The
postponement of the fall sports season, and specifically the football season,
has put us in the position of making some very difficult decisions that impact
every member of our staff,” Moos said. “In my three decades as an athletic
director, I have always said that people are our most valuable resource and
there is no question that is true here at Nebraska. These are outstanding staff
members and great people, and that is what makes this a particularly tough
day.” The measures
announced today are in addition to cost savings announced in June that included
a 10 percent reduction in overall expenses for Fiscal Year 2021, no merit
increases for staff for FY 21 and the elimination of 17 positions in
Athletics.&nbsp; In total, staffing decisions are expected to result in a
savings of approximately $3 million for the Athletic Department. --- Nebraska Athletics ---

Nebraska Athletics announces additional cost saving measures

ST. LOUIS -- Kolten Wong hit an RBI single and the St. Louis Cardinals returned to Busch Stadium with a rousing rally, scoring three runs in the ninth inning to beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 Thursday night.

St. Louis played its first home game since July 26. The Cardinals were idle for 17 days after 10 players tested positive for the virus.

Yadier Molina drove in three runs, including an RBI single in the ninth. The nine-time All-Star catcher made his first appearance since being sidelined by COVID-19 earlier this month.

A hit batter and a balk helped put the Cardinals in position in the ninth, and Wong hit a one-out, bases-loaded fly over the head of center fielder Travis Jankowski to win it.

St. Louis put the first four runners on in the ninth against closer Raisel Iglesias (1-2). Dexter Fowler loaded the bases with a single and Molina hit a grounder off the glove of Iglesias, cutting the deficit to 4-3.

Iglesias followed with a run-scoring balk to tie it and set up Wong.

Seth Elledge (1-0) picked up his first major league win with a scoreless ninth inning.

Cincinnati starter Sonny Gray struck out six over six innings to bring his NL-leading total to 51. He walked four.

Freddy Galvis homered off St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright, who gave up four runs, two of them earned, on six hits in seven innings. The 38-year-old retired the last 15 batters he faced after allowing a run-scoring double to Mike Moustakas in the third that pushed the lead to 4-2.

The Reds pushed across of a pair of unearned runs in the first on errors by third baseman Brad Miller and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

The Cardinals just completed a stretch of eight games in five days that ended Wednesday in Chicago. They will play 50 games over the next 42 days to conclude the season.

St. Louis INF Paul DeJong was sent to the Cardinals alternate camp in Springfield, Missouri, to resume workouts as he returns from COVID-19. DeJong was one of 10 players to come down with the virus. St. Louis manager Mike Shildt indicated DeJong could return as soon as Monday.

Cardinals: C Matt Wieters was placed on the 10-day injury list with a broken toe.

Reds RHP Anthony DeSclafani (1-1, 6.23) will face RHP Dakota Hudson (0-2, 5.40) is the second game of the four-game series on Friday. DeSclafani gave up nine earned runs in two innings of a 9-6 loss to Pittsburgh on Aug. 13. Hudson is 3-0 in four career starts against Cincinnati.

Associated PressST. LOUIS -- Kolten Wong hit an RBI single and the St. Louis Cardinals returned to Busch Stadium with a rousing rally, scoring three runs in the ninth inning to beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 Thursday night.St. Louis played its first home game since July 26. The Cardinals were idle for 17 days after 10 players tested positive for the virus.Yadier Molina drove in three runs, including an RBI single in the ninth. The nine-time All-Star catcher made his first appearance since being sidelined by COVID-19 earlier this month.A hit batter and a balk helped put the Cardinals in position in the ninth, and Wong hit a one-out, bases-loaded fly over the head of center fielder Travis Jankowski to win it.St. Louis put the first four runners on in the ninth against closer Raisel Iglesias (1-2). Dexter Fowler loaded the bases with a single and Molina hit a grounder off the glove of Iglesias, cutting the deficit to 4-3.Iglesias followed with a run-scoring balk to tie it and set up Wong.Seth Elledge (1-0) picked up his first major league win with a scoreless ninth inning.Cincinnati starter Sonny Gray struck out six over six innings to bring his NL-leading total to 51. He walked four.Freddy Galvis homered off St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright, who gave up four runs, two of them earned, on six hits in seven innings. The 38-year-old retired the last 15 batters he faced after allowing a run-scoring double to Mike Moustakas in the third that pushed the lead to 4-2.The Reds pushed across of a pair of unearned runs in the first on errors by third baseman Brad Miller and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.BUSY BIRDSThe Cardinals just completed a stretch of eight games in five days that ended Wednesday in Chicago. They will play 50 games over the next 42 days to conclude the season.ON THE WAY BACKSt. Louis INF Paul DeJong was sent to the Cardinals alternate camp in Springfield, Missouri, to resume workouts as he returns from COVID-19. DeJong was one of 10 players to come down with the virus. St. Louis manager Mike Shildt indicated DeJong could return as soon as Monday.TRAINER'S ROOMCardinals: C Matt Wieters was placed on the 10-day injury list with a broken toe.UP NEXTReds RHP Anthony DeSclafani (1-1, 6.23) will face RHP Dakota Hudson (0-2, 5.40) is the second game of the four-game series on Friday. DeSclafani gave up nine earned runs in two innings of a 9-6 loss to Pittsburgh on Aug. 13. Hudson is 3-0 in four career starts against Cincinnati.

Cardinals rally for three in 9th to beat the Reds 5-4

The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement on Thursday:

In 2014, we began a dialogue with a group of local leaders from diverse American Indian backgrounds and experiences. As an organization, our goal was to gain a better understanding of the issues facing American Indian communities in our region and explore opportunities to both raise awareness of American Indian cultures and celebrate the rich traditions of tribes with a historic connection to the Kansas City area.

These meaningful conversations with the American Indian Community Working Group helped us educate ourselves and our fans, and our partnership with these leaders has helped guide our American Indian Heritage Month Games, as well as the ceremonial Blessing of the Drum and the Four Directions of Arrowhead Stadium. Our discussions also led us to discourage fans from wearing ceremonial headdresses and American Indian-themed face paint in our stadium. We are grateful to the members of the working group for their counsel and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.

In addition to that ongoing collaboration, we recently expanded our efforts through consultation with a national organization that works closely on issues affecting American Indian people and tribes. Based on those conversations, as well as the work we've done alongside the local working group over the past six years, we will be adopting the following measures/policies going forward:

We are grateful for the meaningful conversations we have had with all of these American Indian leaders. It is important that we continue the dialogue on these significant topics, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.

The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement on Thursday:In 2014, we began a dialogue with a group of local leaders from diverse American Indian backgrounds and experiences. As an organization, our goal was to gain a better understanding of the issues facing American Indian communities in our region and explore opportunities to both raise awareness of American Indian cultures and celebrate the rich traditions of tribes with a historic connection to the Kansas City area.These meaningful conversations with the American Indian Community Working Group helped us educate ourselves and our fans, and our partnership with these leaders has helped guide our American Indian Heritage Month Games, as well as the ceremonial Blessing of the Drum and the Four Directions of Arrowhead Stadium. Our discussions also led us to discourage fans from wearing ceremonial headdresses and American Indian-themed face paint in our stadium. We are grateful to the members of the working group for their counsel and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.In addition to that ongoing collaboration, we recently expanded our efforts through consultation with a national organization that works closely on issues affecting American Indian people and tribes. Based on those conversations, as well as the work we've done alongside the local working group over the past six years, we will be adopting the following measures/policies going forward:<ul>
 <li>While we have discouraged fans from wearing headdresses for several years, effective immediately, fans will be prohibited from wearing headdresses into the stadium.</li><li>Face painting is still allowed for all fans, but any face paint that is styled in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions will be prohibited.</li><li>Fans will be asked to remove any American Indian-themed face paint prior to passing security screening outside the stadium.</li><li>We are engaged in a thorough review process of the Arrowhead Chop and plan to have additional discussions in the future.</li><li>We are exploring all options for a modified engagement moment from the Drum Deck that maintains a unifying effect between our fans and our players but better represents the spiritual significance of the drum in American Indian cultures.</li><li>This includes discussions around how to shift the focus of the drum to something that symbolizes the heartbeat of the stadium.</li><li>As allowed by NFL guidelines and the City of Kansas City Health Department for the coronavirus-impacted 2020 season, we will continue with many of the traditions that we have introduced over the past six years, including the Blessing of the Four Directions, the Blessing of the Drum, as well as inviting members of tribes with a historic connection to our region to participate in our American Indian Heritage Month Game.</li><li>Finally, we are exploring the creation of a more formalized education program with input from both our local and national partners.</li>
 </ul>We are grateful for the meaningful conversations we have had with all of these American Indian leaders. It is important that we continue the dialogue on these significant topics, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.--- Chiefs Press Release ---

Chiefs to prohibit fans from wearing headdresses & American Indian-themed face paint

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (August 20, 2020) – The Kansas City Royals are excited to announce the details
of the Salute to the Negro Leagues game for the 2020 season which will take
place on September 22 against the St. Louis Cardinals.&nbsp;

This season, MLB has celebrated the 100th
anniversary of the Negro Leagues, with the league-wide recognition taking place
this past Sunday, August 16.&nbsp; 

“This is a day for celebration of the
Negro Leagues, treasured not only for its role in Kansas City’s heritage, but
for all of baseball in America,” said Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman.
“This sport has created positive change that still hasn’t reached its finish
line.&nbsp; But today is a day that we celebrate players who were just working
to create opportunities.&nbsp; In the process, they changed our game and our
country for the better.&nbsp; That story of struggle and triumph continues to
resonate today.”

“These 100 years later,” he continued,
“we stand in awe of the Negro Leagues, and of the brave examples of people like
Rube Foster, J.L. Wilkinson , Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, our own Buck O’Neil,
Satchel Paige and so many others.&nbsp; Their efforts truly transcended the
game of baseball.”

“On behalf of the entire Kansas City
Royals organization, we are grateful for the opportunity to be so close to
their extraordinary history.&nbsp; We feel a deep bond as a team with the great
Kansas City Monarchs. We pledge to never forget them, and to forever honor
them.”

The Royals will host their in-state rival, St. Louis
Cardinals, who will be taking place in the Royals annual celebration for the
first time since 2003.&nbsp; The competition between the Missouri cities began
many years before the storied MLB rivalry.

“Long
before the vaunted 1985 I-70 series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas
City Royals, the St. Louis Stars and Kansas City Monarchs clashed in an epic
seven-game playoff series to determine which team would advance to face the
Hilldale Daisies in the 1925 Negro League World Series. The heated series
featured four future Hall of Famers, James “Cool Papa” Bell and Willie Wells for
the Stars and Wilbur “Bullet” Rogan and Jose Mendez for the Monarchs. The
Monarchs 4-3 series win fueled a baseball rivalry between the two stoic
franchises,” said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Negro Leagues, it’s
only fitting that the Stars and Monarchs will take the field again in our
annual Salute to the Negro Leagues game.” 

“The
Cardinals are honored to take part in this year’s Salute to the Negro Leagues
game with the Royals,” said Cardinals Team President Bill DeWitt III.&nbsp;
“This year’s centennial celebration of the founding of the Negro Leagues is a
notable milestone, and it also reminds us that we need to continue to
prioritize issues of diversity, equality and inclusion in MLB.”

The Royals will wear the 1945 Kansas City Monarchs home
uniform which is a replica of the jersey Jackie Robinson wore when he played
that year for the Monarchs.&nbsp; It is a cream color uniform with navy stripes
and red and navy piping.&nbsp; The well-known “KC” Monarchs logo is on the
jersey in red block lettering with a navy outline, and the jersey also features
red buttons.&nbsp; The Royals will also wear inspired batting helmets that are
red with the same “KC” Monarchs logo in a cream color.

The Cardinals will wear the 1930 St. Louis Stars away
uniform which is the team that won the Negro National League Pennant.&nbsp; It
is a gray uniform with navy piping and “St. Louis” block lettering on the chest
of the jersey in navy with a red outline.&nbsp; The hat will be navy with “St.
L” lettering on the front in white.&nbsp; 

Game-worn uniform pieces and bases will be up for auction
starting at 9 a.m. on September 22 through Royals Authentics online at <a href="http://royals.com/auction">royals.com/auction</a>.&nbsp; All proceeds
will benefit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (August 20, 2020) – The Kansas City Royals are excited to announce the details
of the Salute to the Negro Leagues game for the 2020 season which will take
place on September 22 against the St. Louis Cardinals.&nbsp; This season, MLB has celebrated the 100th
anniversary of the Negro Leagues, with the league-wide recognition taking place
this past Sunday, August 16.&nbsp; “This is a day for celebration of the
Negro Leagues, treasured not only for its role in Kansas City’s heritage, but
for all of baseball in America,” said Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman.
“This sport has created positive change that still hasn’t reached its finish
line.&nbsp; But today is a day that we celebrate players who were just working
to create opportunities.&nbsp; In the process, they changed our game and our
country for the better.&nbsp; That story of struggle and triumph continues to
resonate today.”“These 100 years later,” he continued,
“we stand in awe of the Negro Leagues, and of the brave examples of people like
Rube Foster, J.L. Wilkinson , Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, our own Buck O’Neil,
Satchel Paige and so many others.&nbsp; Their efforts truly transcended the
game of baseball.”“On behalf of the entire Kansas City
Royals organization, we are grateful for the opportunity to be so close to
their extraordinary history.&nbsp; We feel a deep bond as a team with the great
Kansas City Monarchs. We pledge to never forget them, and to forever honor
them.”The Royals will host their in-state rival, St. Louis
Cardinals, who will be taking place in the Royals annual celebration for the
first time since 2003.&nbsp; The competition between the Missouri cities began
many years before the storied MLB rivalry.“Long
before the vaunted 1985 I-70 series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas
City Royals, the St. Louis Stars and Kansas City Monarchs clashed in an epic
seven-game playoff series to determine which team would advance to face the
Hilldale Daisies in the 1925 Negro League World Series. The heated series
featured four future Hall of Famers, James “Cool Papa” Bell and Willie Wells for
the Stars and Wilbur “Bullet” Rogan and Jose Mendez for the Monarchs. The
Monarchs 4-3 series win fueled a baseball rivalry between the two stoic
franchises,” said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Negro Leagues, it’s
only fitting that the Stars and Monarchs will take the field again in our
annual Salute to the Negro Leagues game.” “The
Cardinals are honored to take part in this year’s Salute to the Negro Leagues
game with the Royals,” said Cardinals Team President Bill DeWitt III.&nbsp;
“This year’s centennial celebration of the founding of the Negro Leagues is a
notable milestone, and it also reminds us that we need to continue to
prioritize issues of diversity, equality and inclusion in MLB.”The Royals will wear the 1945 Kansas City Monarchs home
uniform which is a replica of the jersey Jackie Robinson wore when he played
that year for the Monarchs.&nbsp; It is a cream color uniform with navy stripes
and red and navy piping.&nbsp; The well-known “KC” Monarchs logo is on the
jersey in red block lettering with a navy outline, and the jersey also features
red buttons.&nbsp; The Royals will also wear inspired batting helmets that are
red with the same “KC” Monarchs logo in a cream color.The Cardinals will wear the 1930 St. Louis Stars away
uniform which is the team that won the Negro National League Pennant.&nbsp; It
is a gray uniform with navy piping and “St. Louis” block lettering on the chest
of the jersey in navy with a red outline.&nbsp; The hat will be navy with “St.
L” lettering on the front in white.&nbsp; Game-worn uniform pieces and bases will be up for auction
starting at 9 a.m. on September 22 through Royals Authentics online at <a href="http://royals.com/auction">royals.com/auction</a>.&nbsp; All proceeds
will benefit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.--- Royals Press Release ---

Royals, Cardinals announce Salute to the Negro Leagues game

COLUMBIA, Mo. –&nbsp;There is no Mizzou tradition quite like Homecoming, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic altering the 2020 Mizzou Football schedule, Mizzou and Mizzou Athletics both still plan to celebrate Homecoming this season. This year's celebration will be the 109th&nbsp;Mizzou Homecoming and it will be held the weekend of Oct. 17 when Mizzou Football hosts Vanderbilt at Memorial Stadium.

In times like these, traditions are more important than ever, and Mizzou is committed to hosting a Homecoming experience. Homecoming will look different this year but the tradition will always be Timeless and True. All Homecoming activities will follow current campus safety guidelines and fun, new virtual experiences will bring Homecoming to you.

COLUMBIA, Mo. –&nbsp;There is no Mizzou tradition quite like Homecoming, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic altering the 2020 Mizzou Football schedule, Mizzou and Mizzou Athletics both still plan to celebrate Homecoming this season. This year's celebration will be the 109th&nbsp;Mizzou Homecoming and it will be held the weekend of Oct. 17 when Mizzou Football hosts Vanderbilt at Memorial Stadium.In times like these, traditions are more important than ever, and Mizzou is committed to hosting a Homecoming experience. Homecoming will look different this year but the tradition will always be Timeless and True. All Homecoming activities will follow current campus safety guidelines and fun, new virtual experiences will bring Homecoming to you.--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou’s 109th Homecoming will be October 17 vs. Vanderbilt

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Trevor Bauer pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Wednesday night to split a doubleheader marked by strong starting pitching.

In the opener of the two seven-inning games, Brad Keller didn't allow a hit until the sixth and extended his shutout streak, leading the Royals past the Reds 4-0.

Bauer allowed only a single by Adalberto Mondesi in the fifth inning. He walked three and struck out nine, lowering his ERA to 0.68. He has allowed two runs on eight hits in 26 1/3 innings this season.

After Brett Phillips lined out to right to end the game, Bauer unbuttoned his jersey to reveal a T-shirt depicting him amid a low point in his career, a meltdown during his previous visit to Kauffman Stadium last July. Bauer threw the ball over the center field wall as Cleveland manager Terry Francona approached the mound to remove him from his last game before the Indians traded him way.

Before the game, the outspoken right-hander tweeted that he would wear cleats featuring the phrase "Free Joe Kelly" and an image of the Dodgers reliever, who was suspended for throwing near the heads of Houston batters. Kelly's suspension was reduced from eight games to five on appeal.

Bauer, however, did not appear to wear the cleats on the mound.

In his first major league start in more than a year, Matt Harvey (0-1) threw 54 pitches in three innings and allowed two homers, both in the third. He gave up three runs on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Trevor Bauer pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Wednesday night to split a doubleheader marked by strong starting pitching.In the opener of the two seven-inning games, Brad Keller didn't allow a hit until the sixth and extended his shutout streak, leading the Royals past the Reds 4-0.Bauer allowed only a single by Adalberto Mondesi in the fifth inning. He walked three and struck out nine, lowering his ERA to 0.68. He has allowed two runs on eight hits in 26 1/3 innings this season.After Brett Phillips lined out to right to end the game, Bauer unbuttoned his jersey to reveal a T-shirt depicting him amid a low point in his career, a meltdown during his previous visit to Kauffman Stadium last July. Bauer threw the ball over the center field wall as Cleveland manager Terry Francona approached the mound to remove him from his last game before the Indians traded him way.Before the game, the outspoken right-hander tweeted that he would wear cleats featuring the phrase "Free Joe Kelly" and an image of the Dodgers reliever, who was suspended for throwing near the heads of Houston batters. Kelly's suspension was reduced from eight games to five on appeal.Bauer, however, did not appear to wear the cleats on the mound.In his first major league start in more than a year, Matt Harvey (0-1) threw 54 pitches in three innings and allowed two homers, both in the third. He gave up three runs on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Keller dominates opener as Royals split doubleheader with Reds

The Kansas City Chiefs will have to start off their title defense without a key member of their defense.

Starting cornerback Bashaud Breeland has been issued a four-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's policy on substance abuse, he confirmed Wednesday.

Breeland issued an apology in an Instagram post.

"I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I look forward to getting back on the field with my teammates to defend our Super Bowl Title," he wrote.

Breeland already had been facing a four-game ban for a separate violation of the substance abuse policy prior to his April 28 arrest in South Carolina, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported earlier.

Breeland was arrested on charges of resisting arrest, transporting alcohol with the seal broken in a motor vehicle, open container of beer or wine in a motor vehicle, possession of 28 grams or less of marijuana or 10 grams of hash and driving without a license, according to the York County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspension would put Breeland out for the team's season opener at home on Sept. 10 against the Houston Texans as well as contests against the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.

The Chiefs acknowledged throughout the offseason that a suspension was possible, but coach Andy Reid said he would reserve judgement until the legal process played out.

“We’re just going to let the law enforcement part of it take its course. Let’s see exactly what went on,” Reid said in May. “I know there is video out there. I’ve seen the video. I’ve talked to the kid. Let’s find out what the pace of this was and what caused everything to take place. I’m curious to see that part, as we all are, and then we’ll evaluate it from there.”

Breeland was among three individuals witnessed by a deputy smoking in a parked car at a gas station, according to the incident report from York County. The report stated that when a sheriff’s deputy attempted to speak with Breeland, the player continued to resist and the officer took out his taser. Breeland then pushed the deputy and attempted to get back into his car, at which point the officer drew his weapon and ordered him to put up his hands.

Breeland was handcuffed and arrested. A search of his vehicle found an open container of alcohol and a bag of marijuana, the report said, and a search of his phone found several communications about purchasing marijuana.

Breeland acknowledged to the deputy that he was a “marijuana enthusiast,” the report said.

A six-year veteran, Breeland signed with the Chiefs in 2019 and started 15 games for Kansas City. He recorded two interceptions in the regular season and one in the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year, $4.5 million contract this offseason. 

The Kansas City Chiefs will have to start off their title defense without a key member of their defense.Starting cornerback Bashaud Breeland has been issued a four-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's policy on substance abuse, he confirmed Wednesday.Breeland issued an apology in an Instagram post."I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I look forward to getting back on the field with my teammates to defend our Super Bowl Title," he wrote.Breeland already had been facing a four-game ban for a separate violation of the substance abuse policy prior to his April 28 arrest in South Carolina, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported earlier.Breeland was arrested on charges of resisting arrest, transporting alcohol with the seal broken in a motor vehicle, open container of beer or wine in a motor vehicle, possession of 28 grams or less of marijuana or 10 grams of hash and driving without a license, according to the York County Sheriff’s Office.The suspension would put Breeland out for the team's season opener at home on Sept. 10 against the Houston Texans as well as contests against the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.The Chiefs acknowledged throughout the offseason that a suspension was possible, but coach Andy Reid said he would reserve judgement until the legal process played out.“We’re just going to let the law enforcement part of it take its course. Let’s see exactly what went on,” Reid said in May. “I know there is video out there. I’ve seen the video. I’ve talked to the kid. Let’s find out what the pace of this was and what caused everything to take place. I’m curious to see that part, as we all are, and then we’ll evaluate it from there.”Breeland was among three individuals witnessed by a deputy smoking in a parked car at a gas station, according to the incident report from York County. The report stated that when a sheriff’s deputy attempted to speak with Breeland, the player continued to resist and the officer took out his taser. Breeland then pushed the deputy and attempted to get back into his car, at which point the officer drew his weapon and ordered him to put up his hands.Breeland was handcuffed and arrested. A search of his vehicle found an open container of alcohol and a bag of marijuana, the report said, and a search of his phone found several communications about purchasing marijuana.Breeland acknowledged to the deputy that he was a “marijuana enthusiast,” the report said.A six-year veteran, Breeland signed with the Chiefs in 2019 and started 15 games for Kansas City. He recorded two interceptions in the regular season and one in the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year, $4.5 million contract this offseason. --- Associated Press ---

Chiefs CB Bashaud Breeland suspended for four games

CHICAGO -- David Bote hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the seventh and final inning, Adbert Alzolay pitched five solid innings in his season debut, and the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 on Wednesday night to split a doubleheader.

St. Louis' Brad Miller hit a tying RBI single in the bottom of the sixth against Jeremy Jeffress (2-1). But the Cubs quickly answered.

Playing as the visitor in the nightcap because the game was a makeup from a postponed series in St. Louis from earlier this month, the Cubs loaded the bases against Andrew Miller (0-1) on singles by Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras and Nico Hoerner with one out. Bote, whose pinch-hit, hit three-run homer won the second game of Monday's doubleheader, then lined a single to center against Giovanny Gallegos, making it 4-2 and propelling the Cubs to their third win in four games.

"You try to create that mentality throughout the entire game, taking each at-bat as an important at-bat," Bote said. "Each pitch as an important pitch. As (hitting coach Anthony Iapoce) has always said, every at-bat's a life-changing at-bat. You kind of have to approach it in that sense."

Craig Kimbrel, who lost the closer's job after a shaky start to the season, worked the seventh for his first save. He struck out Kolten Wong after hitting Tommy Edman with two out to close out an unusual five-game, three-day series.

In the opener, Matt Carpenter belted a first-inning grand slam and the Cardinals beat the Cubs 9-3. St. Louis held Chicago to two hits in the seven-inning game even though shaky starter Jack Flaherty only recorded five outs.

Alzolay gave the Cubs what they were looking for in his third major league start, holding the reigning division champions to an unearned run and two hits. The 25-year-old right-hander struck out six and walked one after being called up from Chicago's alternate site in South Bend, Indiana.

Johan Oviedo made an impressive major league debut for St. Louis a day after he found out he was being called up. He went five innings, giving up two runs and two hits.

"Yesterday I was sleeping, we've got a day off from the schedule, the team was calling me and I had my phone on Do Not Disturb," Oviedo said. "They go to my room and knock on the door, come to me and say, `You're going to the big leagues.' .... I was like, `What? What did you say?"

Flaherty gave up a leadoff homer to Ian Happ in the first game, his first start since a season-opening win over Pittsburgh.

The right-hander struggled to locate his fastball and issued what he described as "pretty out-of-character walks." But he got plenty of help.

Associated PressCHICAGO -- David Bote hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the seventh and final inning, Adbert Alzolay pitched five solid innings in his season debut, and the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 on Wednesday night to split a doubleheader.St. Louis' Brad Miller hit a tying RBI single in the bottom of the sixth against Jeremy Jeffress (2-1). But the Cubs quickly answered.Playing as the visitor in the nightcap because the game was a makeup from a postponed series in St. Louis from earlier this month, the Cubs loaded the bases against Andrew Miller (0-1) on singles by Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras and Nico Hoerner with one out. Bote, whose pinch-hit, hit three-run homer won the second game of Monday's doubleheader, then lined a single to center against Giovanny Gallegos, making it 4-2 and propelling the Cubs to their third win in four games."You try to create that mentality throughout the entire game, taking each at-bat as an important at-bat," Bote said. "Each pitch as an important pitch. As (hitting coach Anthony Iapoce) has always said, every at-bat's a life-changing at-bat. You kind of have to approach it in that sense."Craig Kimbrel, who lost the closer's job after a shaky start to the season, worked the seventh for his first save. He struck out Kolten Wong after hitting Tommy Edman with two out to close out an unusual five-game, three-day series.In the opener, Matt Carpenter belted a first-inning grand slam and the Cardinals beat the Cubs 9-3. St. Louis held Chicago to two hits in the seven-inning game even though shaky starter Jack Flaherty only recorded five outs.Alzolay gave the Cubs what they were looking for in his third major league start, holding the reigning division champions to an unearned run and two hits. The 25-year-old right-hander struck out six and walked one after being called up from Chicago's alternate site in South Bend, Indiana.Johan Oviedo made an impressive major league debut for St. Louis a day after he found out he was being called up. He went five innings, giving up two runs and two hits."Yesterday I was sleeping, we've got a day off from the schedule, the team was calling me and I had my phone on Do Not Disturb," Oviedo said. "They go to my room and knock on the door, come to me and say, `You're going to the big leagues.' .... I was like, `What? What did you say?"Flaherty gave up a leadoff homer to Ian Happ in the first game, his first start since a season-opening win over Pittsburgh.The right-hander struggled to locate his fastball and issued what he described as "pretty out-of-character walks." But he got plenty of help.Carpenter drove a rope to center in the first against Alec Mills (2-2) for his second career grand slam. Tommy Edman had three hits and Wong scored four runs.Flaherty threw 41 pitches, walked two and exited with the bases loaded after hitting Hoerner with an 0-2 pitch. Austin Gomber struck out Happ to end that threat and escaped another bases-loaded jam in the third. Tyler Webb (1-1) got four outs for the Game 1 win.Mills lasted lasted 3 2/3 innings, allowing six runs and seven hits.TRAINER'S ROOMCardinals: Manger Mike Shildt said C Yadier Molina could return as soon as Thursday against Cincinnati, while INF Paul DeJong might need more time. Both players, along with INF Rangel Ravelo and RHP Kodi Whitley, have been working out after being cleared by Major League Baseball. All four were sidelined by COVID-19. Shildt said Molina was asymptomatic.Cubs: 3B Kris Bryant missed his third consecutive game after getting an injection Tuesday for his ailing left wrist. The 2016 NL MVP was hurt on a diving attempt on Cesar Hernandez's flare to left field in the fifth inning of a 7-2 victory at Cleveland last week. ... LHP Jose Quintana (thumb surgery) is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Friday.GOMBER ACTIVATEDThe Cardinals activated LHP Gomber from the injured list prior to Game 1 and optioned RHP Ryan Meisinger to their alternate training site. Gomber was placed on the IL because of a potential concern in contact tracing, though he did not test positive for the coronavirus.UP NEXTCardinals: Open a 12-game homestand, with RHP Adam Wainwright (2-0, 1.64 ERA) going against RHP Sonny Gray (4-1, 2.05) of the Reds. Wainwright got the win in the opener of Saturday's doubleheader against the White Sox -- the Cardinals' first game since July 29.Cubs: LHP Jon Lester (2-0, 2.74) gets the ball as the Cubs open a three-game series against the crosstown White Sox at Wrigley Field on Friday. LHP Dallas Keuchel (3-2, 3.07) starts for the South Siders.