Bailey Falter struggled in his Kansas City Royals debut, giving up five runs in the first inning, and the Royals could not recover on way to an 8-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Monday night at Fenway Park.&nbsp;

The Red Sox loaded the bases against Falter in the bottom of the first inning right away, and scored two runs on a single by Rob Refsnyder, driving in Romy Gonzalez and Alex Bregman.&nbsp; With two outs, the final three runs of the inning scored as Jarren Duran hit his 12th home run of the season, scoring Wilyer Abreu and Refsnyder.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ceddanne Rafaela extended the lead in the third inning with an RBI single for Boston, driving in Trevor Story.&nbsp; The Royals found their way onto the scoreboard in the next inning Adam Frazier hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Salvador Perez, but in the bottom half of the inning the Red Sox got that run back on a single by Bregman, scoring Abraham Toro.&nbsp;

Abreu added the final run for the Red Sox in the seventh inning, an RBI single driving in Gonzalez.&nbsp; In the eighth inning, the Royals put together a small rally with a four run inning.&nbsp; Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia led the inning off with back to back home runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mike Yastrzemski doubled with one out, and advanced to third base on a fielding error by Duran, later scoring with a single by Frazier.&nbsp; Frazier scored the final run on a double by Nick Loftin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Falter fell to 7-6 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up seven runs on eight hits while striking out two and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, Garcia was 2-for-5 with the home run and an RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yastrzemski was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Boston continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Ryan Bergert (1-0, 2.78 ERA) makes his Royals debut while Garrett Crochet (12-4, 2.23 ERA) takes the mound for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

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

By MATT PIKEBailey Falter struggled in his Kansas City Royals debut, giving up five runs in the first inning, and the Royals could not recover on way to an 8-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Monday night at Fenway Park.&nbsp;The Red Sox loaded the bases against Falter in the bottom of the first inning right away, and scored two runs on a single by Rob Refsnyder, driving in Romy Gonzalez and Alex Bregman.&nbsp; With two outs, the final three runs of the inning scored as Jarren Duran hit his 12th home run of the season, scoring Wilyer Abreu and Refsnyder.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ceddanne Rafaela extended the lead in the third inning with an RBI single for Boston, driving in Trevor Story.&nbsp; The Royals found their way onto the scoreboard in the next inning Adam Frazier hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Salvador Perez, but in the bottom half of the inning the Red Sox got that run back on a single by Bregman, scoring Abraham Toro.&nbsp;Abreu added the final run for the Red Sox in the seventh inning, an RBI single driving in Gonzalez.&nbsp; In the eighth inning, the Royals put together a small rally with a four run inning.&nbsp; Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia led the inning off with back to back home runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mike Yastrzemski doubled with one out, and advanced to third base on a fielding error by Duran, later scoring with a single by Frazier.&nbsp; Frazier scored the final run on a double by Nick Loftin.&nbsp;&nbsp;Falter fell to 7-6 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up seven runs on eight hits while striking out two and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, Garcia was 2-for-5 with the home run and an RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yastrzemski was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.&nbsp;Kansas City and Boston continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Ryan Bergert (1-0, 2.78 ERA) makes his Royals debut while Garrett Crochet (12-4, 2.23 ERA) takes the mound for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Falter struggles, Pasquantino, Garcia go back to back as Royals fall 8-5

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1UdK398L6OuivW7YZs3Z7u?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals haven't had quite the luck they hoped for since the All Star Break, losing 11 of their 16 games, and dropping below .500 after falling to the San Diego Padres 7-3 on Sunday afternoon, losing the series as well for their fourth series loss out of five series since the break.&nbsp;

The Cardinals fell behind in the fourth inning on a one out two run home run by Jake Cronenworth, scoring&nbsp;Ramón Laureano after his one out single.&nbsp; In the seventh inning, the Padres extended their lead scoring four runs, three coming on a bases clearing triple by Jackson Merrill, driving in Freddy Fermin, Fernando Tatis Jr, and Manny Machado, before Merrill scored on a sacrifice fly by Xander Bogaerts.&nbsp; Laureano homered in the eighth inning for the final San Diego run.&nbsp;

In the ninth inning, St. Louis finally found their way onto the scoreboard scoring all their runs.&nbsp; After loading the bases with singles by&nbsp;Iván Herrera and Alec Burleson and a walk to Willson Contreras, Nolan Gorman drove in the first run with an RBI single bringing home Herrera.&nbsp; Jordan Walker followed that with an RBI single of his own to drive in Burleson, before Contreras scored the final run later in the inning on a sacrifice fly by Lars Nootbar.&nbsp;

Andre Pallante took the loss, falling to 6-8 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on five hits while striking out four and walking three.&nbsp; At the plate, Herrera was 2-for-3 with a run scored.&nbsp; Contreras was 0-for-2 with two walks and a run scored.&nbsp; Gorman and Walker were both 1-for-4 with an RBI.

St. Louis continues their trip along the west coast and travels to Los Angeles next.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (10-5, 4.38 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Tyler Glasnow (1-1, 3.38 ERA) for the Dodgers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 9:10pm with coverage being joined around 9 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals haven't had quite the luck they hoped for since the All Star Break, losing 11 of their 16 games, and dropping below .500 after falling to the San Diego Padres 7-3 on Sunday afternoon, losing the series as well for their fourth series loss out of five series since the break.&nbsp;The Cardinals fell behind in the fourth inning on a one out two run home run by Jake Cronenworth, scoring&nbsp;Ramón Laureano after his one out single.&nbsp; In the seventh inning, the Padres extended their lead scoring four runs, three coming on a bases clearing triple by Jackson Merrill, driving in Freddy Fermin, Fernando Tatis Jr, and Manny Machado, before Merrill scored on a sacrifice fly by Xander Bogaerts.&nbsp; Laureano homered in the eighth inning for the final San Diego run.&nbsp;In the ninth inning, St. Louis finally found their way onto the scoreboard scoring all their runs.&nbsp; After loading the bases with singles by&nbsp;Iván Herrera and Alec Burleson and a walk to Willson Contreras, Nolan Gorman drove in the first run with an RBI single bringing home Herrera.&nbsp; Jordan Walker followed that with an RBI single of his own to drive in Burleson, before Contreras scored the final run later in the inning on a sacrifice fly by Lars Nootbar.&nbsp;Andre Pallante took the loss, falling to 6-8 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on five hits while striking out four and walking three.&nbsp; At the plate, Herrera was 2-for-3 with a run scored.&nbsp; Contreras was 0-for-2 with two walks and a run scored.&nbsp; Gorman and Walker were both 1-for-4 with an RBI.St. Louis continues their trip along the west coast and travels to Los Angeles next.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (10-5, 4.38 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Tyler Glasnow (1-1, 3.38 ERA) for the Dodgers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 9:10pm with coverage being joined around 9 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cards drop series, fall below .500, in 7-3 loss to Padres

The Kansas City Royals used a big extra innings frame, with clutch hits from Kyle Isbel and Tyler Tolbert among others, to clinch their fourth series win in a row beating the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 to end the first series of a nine game road trip.&nbsp;

The Blue Jays opened up the scoring as they battled back and forth with the Royals, scoring in the second inning on an RBI single by Myles Straw that drove in Bo Bichette, after Bichette led the inning off with a walk.&nbsp; Kansas City came back to tie up the game in the fourth inning with Vinnie Pasquantino scoring on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Mike Yastrzemski.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Toronto took the lead back in the fifth inning with two outs in the inning, Ernie Clement scoring after his leadoff walk to the inning on an RBI single by&nbsp;Joey Loperfido.&nbsp; The Blue Jays held that lead until the Royals tied the game again in the eighth, an RBI single by Pasquantino driving in Bobby Witt Jr after his two out double, tying the game at 2-2 where it would remain through nine innings, forcing the rubber match into extra innings.

Randal Grichuk started the 10th inning at second base, and on the first pitch against reliever Seranthony Domínguez, Kyle Isbel laced a double down the right field line, scoring Grichuk for the go ahead run.&nbsp; The bases would end up loaded after Jonathan India was hit by a pitch and Witt Jr walked, and Tolbert, who had pinch ran for Pasquantino after his RBI single, delivered a two RBI single scoring Isbel and India.&nbsp; Witt Jr went first to third on the single, and scored as catcher Alejandro Kirk attempted to pick him off at third, overthrowing the third baseman, also allowing Tolbert to race from first to third.&nbsp; Tolbert scored the final run of the frame on a sacrifice fly by Maikel Garcia.&nbsp;

Carlos Estévez took the mound in the bottom half of the inning for Kansas City with the Royals leading by five, but that lead was reduced right away to start the frame on an RBI single by Nathan Lukes driving in Straw.&nbsp; &nbsp;Estévez did get two outs, striking out Loperfido and getting Vladimir Guerrero Jr to pop out, but Lukes moved to second on defensive indifference, and later scored on an RBI single by Addison Barger.&nbsp; With runners on the corners,&nbsp;Estévez forced Kirk to ground out ending the game.

Hunter Harvey earned the win in relief, his first win of the season moving to 1-0, pitching one inning and giving up one hit while striking out one.&nbsp; At the plate, Isbel was 2-for-4 with the double and one RBI.&nbsp; Tolbert was 1-for-1 with two RBIs.

Kansas City now travels to Boston on the road trip.&nbsp; Bailey Falter (7-5, 3.73 ERA) makes his Royals debut starting for Kansas City against&nbsp;Brayan Bello (7-5, 3.19 ERA) for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10pm, pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals used a big extra innings frame, with clutch hits from Kyle Isbel and Tyler Tolbert among others, to clinch their fourth series win in a row beating the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 to end the first series of a nine game road trip.&nbsp;The Blue Jays opened up the scoring as they battled back and forth with the Royals, scoring in the second inning on an RBI single by Myles Straw that drove in Bo Bichette, after Bichette led the inning off with a walk.&nbsp; Kansas City came back to tie up the game in the fourth inning with Vinnie Pasquantino scoring on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Mike Yastrzemski.&nbsp;&nbsp;Toronto took the lead back in the fifth inning with two outs in the inning, Ernie Clement scoring after his leadoff walk to the inning on an RBI single by&nbsp;Joey Loperfido.&nbsp; The Blue Jays held that lead until the Royals tied the game again in the eighth, an RBI single by Pasquantino driving in Bobby Witt Jr after his two out double, tying the game at 2-2 where it would remain through nine innings, forcing the rubber match into extra innings.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vinnie comes through to tie things up! <a href="https://t.co/lKHGrtnSbZ">pic.twitter.com/lKHGrtnSbZ</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1952094456485679329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Randal Grichuk started the 10th inning at second base, and on the first pitch against reliever Seranthony Domínguez, Kyle Isbel laced a double down the right field line, scoring Grichuk for the go ahead run.&nbsp; The bases would end up loaded after Jonathan India was hit by a pitch and Witt Jr walked, and Tolbert, who had pinch ran for Pasquantino after his RBI single, delivered a two RBI single scoring Isbel and India.&nbsp; Witt Jr went first to third on the single, and scored as catcher Alejandro Kirk attempted to pick him off at third, overthrowing the third baseman, also allowing Tolbert to race from first to third.&nbsp; Tolbert scored the final run of the frame on a sacrifice fly by Maikel Garcia.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Big hits, boys! <a href="https://t.co/zi7VYohiLk">pic.twitter.com/zi7VYohiLk</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1952102864660169193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Carlos Estévez took the mound in the bottom half of the inning for Kansas City with the Royals leading by five, but that lead was reduced right away to start the frame on an RBI single by Nathan Lukes driving in Straw.&nbsp; &nbsp;Estévez did get two outs, striking out Loperfido and getting Vladimir Guerrero Jr to pop out, but Lukes moved to second on defensive indifference, and later scored on an RBI single by Addison Barger.&nbsp; With runners on the corners,&nbsp;Estévez forced Kirk to ground out ending the game.Hunter Harvey earned the win in relief, his first win of the season moving to 1-0, pitching one inning and giving up one hit while striking out one.&nbsp; At the plate, Isbel was 2-for-4 with the double and one RBI.&nbsp; Tolbert was 1-for-1 with two RBIs.Kansas City now travels to Boston on the road trip.&nbsp; Bailey Falter (7-5, 3.73 ERA) makes his Royals debut starting for Kansas City against&nbsp;Brayan Bello (7-5, 3.19 ERA) for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10pm, pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals rally for fourth straight series win beating Blue Jays 7-4

The hot topic during this Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University has been the battle along the offensive line 

With guys shifting to every position to find the best five along the line, players like Josh Simmons, Jaylon Moore, and Jawaan Taylor are competing every day for their spot.  

Taylor, who recently returned from the physically unable to perform list after an offseason knee procedure, says the competition is going well 

"Everyone's moving around, trying different positions and stuff like that, doing what Coach Heck is asking us to do," Taylor tells reporters after practice.  "And everyone's just trying to get better as a unit and be a better O-Line for sure." 

To find the best five guys to start week one, head coach Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck have players moving all across the offensive line, some in positions they may have not played much in their careers.

Like newly signed lineman Jaylon Moore, whose been working out at guard despite playing tackle for most of his career in San Francisco.  But Moore says while it's new, it's still just football 

"The biggest thing is just keep trying to take steps forward, keep trying to improve looking at the film and try to improve every day," Moore says. 

Moore has been competing with Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia to replace Joe Thuney at left guard, while also competing with rookie Josh Simmons at left tackle.  He's also rotated with Jawaan Taylor at right tackle.  

This year's NFL Draft brought an impressive crop of rookies to the Chiefs, many that have quickly become fan favorites during Chiefs Training Camp 

One of those is fourth round pick wide receiver Jalen Royals, whose impressed fans with his pass catching and route running ability for Patrick Mahomes.

Royals says he's been soaking in a lot of knowledge from his veteran quarterback 

"In the meeting room he tells me everything I need to do and then off the meetings and stuff like that where I'm just out here he'll tell me corrections and stuff like that," Royals says.  "And obviously after the play he'll let me know on the sidelines." 

Royals has built a good rapport with Mahomes, and could make a pretty immediate impact in the offense with the pending suspension to Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown currently injured with an ankle injury

The Chiefs practiced again for just over two hours today, this time in shorts and out of pads.  They are off on Monday, and back to practice on Tuesday at 9:15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754246656084.jpeg" alt="The Chiefs offensive line works hard at Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp. The offensive line battle has been a huge focus of this year's camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>The Chiefs offensive line works hard at Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp. The offensive line battle has been a huge focus of this year's camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE The hot topic during this Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University has been the battle along the offensive line With guys shifting to every position to find the best five along the line, players like Josh Simmons, Jaylon Moore, and Jawaan Taylor are competing every day for their spot. Taylor, who recently returned from the physically unable to perform list after an offseason knee procedure, says the competition is going well "Everyone's moving around, trying different positions and stuff like that, doing what Coach Heck is asking us to do," Taylor tells reporters after practice. "And everyone's just trying to get better as a unit and be a better O-Line for sure." To find the best five guys to start week one, head coach Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck have players moving all across the offensive line, some in positions they may have not played much in their careers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754246290245.jpeg" alt="Offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (77) walks down the hill alongside fellow offensive lineman Chukwuebuka Godrick (72) and rookie Josh Simmons (71)/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (77) walks down the hill alongside fellow offensive lineman Chukwuebuka Godrick (72) and rookie Josh Simmons (71)/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Like newly signed lineman Jaylon Moore, whose been working out at guard despite playing tackle for most of his career in San Francisco. But Moore says while it's new, it's still just football "The biggest thing is just keep trying to take steps forward, keep trying to improve looking at the film and try to improve every day," Moore says. Moore has been competing with Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia to replace Joe Thuney at left guard, while also competing with rookie Josh Simmons at left tackle. He's also rotated with Jawaan Taylor at right tackle. This year's NFL Draft brought an impressive crop of rookies to the Chiefs, many that have quickly become fan favorites during Chiefs Training Camp One of those is fourth round pick wide receiver Jalen Royals, whose impressed fans with his pass catching and route running ability for Patrick Mahomes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754245545125.jpeg" alt="Rookie Jalen Royals goes up for a catch during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Rookie Jalen Royals goes up for a catch during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>Royals says he's been soaking in a lot of knowledge from his veteran quarterback "In the meeting room he tells me everything I need to do and then off the meetings and stuff like that where I'm just out here he'll tell me corrections and stuff like that," Royals says. "And obviously after the play he'll let me know on the sidelines." Royals has built a good rapport with Mahomes, and could make a pretty immediate impact in the offense with the pending suspension to Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown currently injured with an ankle injury<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754245681052.jpeg" alt="Jalen Royals (11) goes for a catch during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Jalen Royals (11) goes for a catch during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chiefs practiced again for just over two hours today, this time in shorts and out of pads. They are off on Monday, and back to practice on Tuesday at 9:15.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

O-Line battle remains hot topic during Chiefs Training Camp

With one week until their first preseason game, the Kansas City Chiefs were back at practice on Saturday continuing to prepare for the Arizona Cardinals.  

Ahead of the first preseason game, Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub says there's a checklist of things to prepare for, wanting to be ready for every situation 

"We go over it and we go over it, and we have a lot of walkthroughs in the afternoon where you don't see us working on hands team or onside kick, all those different scenarios, and there's thousands of them on special teams, we have to be sure we're on those," Toub tells reporters following practice.  "And every group's got to do it, it's not just the ones, you finish a game your hands team is going to be your fourteen guys, so they need to know what to do, how to lineup, and everything that goes along with it, which is a lot." 

The first preseason game will give Chiefs rookies their first taste of NFL game action, 

One of those rookies is third round pick defensive end Ashton Gillotte, whose been getting reps with both the first and second team defense.

Gillotte says getting to touch that field for the first time against the Arizona Cardinals will be a dream come true 

"I've been dreaming of this since I was a kid and God put this journey on my heart and just to be able to live it out and play at the highest level that's a privilege and an honor," Gillotte says. 

At this point, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wants Gillotte to focus on learning defensive end but hopes during his career to be able to move him around on the defensive line.

There's a bit of a dark cloud that's been looming over Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University.  

Wide receiver Rashee Rice has been back at camp at full strength after suffering a season ending injury in week four last season.  But, after being sentenced for an offseason crash last year, Rice is awaiting punishment from the league.  

For Rice, while the league and his team sort that suspension out, there's only one thing he says he can worry about 

"All I can do is focus on what I can control right now, and that's doing what I do best right here on the field," Rice says. 

As for coming back from the injury, Rice says he feels even better than he felt during last year's camp, being able to focus on things that he hadn't focused on before during the offseason. 

The Chiefs practiced without Jared Wiley today, a new addition to the injury list.  Drue Tranquill remained out after a back injury in yesterday's practice.&nbsp; wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Skyy Moore,&nbsp; tight end Jake Briningstool, safety Deon Bush, and cornerback Kristian Fulton also remained absent from practice due to injury.

The Chiefs practiced again for just over two hours today.  They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15, before an off day on Monday. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722794628807.jpeg" alt="Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub during the first official practice in St. Joseph during last year's training camp/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub during the first official practice in St. Joseph during last year's training camp/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE With one week until their first preseason game, the Kansas City Chiefs were back at practice on Saturday continuing to prepare for the Arizona Cardinals. Ahead of the first preseason game, Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub says there's a checklist of things to prepare for, wanting to be ready for every situation "We go over it and we go over it, and we have a lot of walkthroughs in the afternoon where you don't see us working on hands team or onside kick, all those different scenarios, and there's thousands of them on special teams, we have to be sure we're on those," Toub tells reporters following practice. "And every group's got to do it, it's not just the ones, you finish a game your hands team is going to be your fourteen guys, so they need to know what to do, how to lineup, and everything that goes along with it, which is a lot." The first preseason game will give Chiefs rookies their first taste of NFL game action, One of those rookies is third round pick defensive end Ashton Gillotte, whose been getting reps with both the first and second team defense.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754163309621.jpeg" alt="Ashton Gillotte/ Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Ashton Gillotte/ Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>Gillotte says getting to touch that field for the first time against the Arizona Cardinals will be a dream come true "I've been dreaming of this since I was a kid and God put this journey on my heart and just to be able to live it out and play at the highest level that's a privilege and an honor," Gillotte says. At this point, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wants Gillotte to focus on learning defensive end but hopes during his career to be able to move him around on the defensive line.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753383787856.jpeg" alt="Rashee Rice (4) cathces a pass with coverage by linebacker Leo Chenal (54)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Rashee Rice (4) cathces a pass with coverage by linebacker Leo Chenal (54)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>There's a bit of a dark cloud that's been looming over Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University. Wide receiver Rashee Rice has been back at camp at full strength after suffering a season ending injury in week four last season. But, after being sentenced for an offseason crash last year, Rice is awaiting punishment from the league. For Rice, while the league and his team sort that suspension out, there's only one thing he says he can worry about "All I can do is focus on what I can control right now, and that's doing what I do best right here on the field," Rice says. As for coming back from the injury, Rice says he feels even better than he felt during last year's camp, being able to focus on things that he hadn't focused on before during the offseason. The Chiefs practiced without Jared Wiley today, a new addition to the injury list. Drue Tranquill remained out after a back injury in yesterday's practice.&nbsp; wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Skyy Moore,&nbsp; tight end Jake Briningstool, safety Deon Bush, and cornerback Kristian Fulton also remained absent from practice due to injury.The Chiefs practiced again for just over two hours today. They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15, before an off day on Monday. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs gearing up at training camp with one week left until first preseason action

With the month of July behind us, the Kansas City Royals announced their monthly team awards, honoring the Pitcher and Hitter of the month, naming St. Joseph's Noah Cameron the pitcher of the month.&nbsp;

After a rough month of June, for both Cameron and the Royals, Cameron bounced back in July across five starts on the month.&nbsp; Cameron posted a 3-0 record with a 1.84 ERA striking out 33 batters and walking five, giving up an opponent batting average of .218.&nbsp; In the month, Cameron also tied a season high and career high in strikeouts, on July 13th against the Mets, striking out eight batters in 6 2/3 innings.&nbsp;

Cameron had one more milestone in the month, pitching the longest game of his major league career going seven innings on July 7th against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving up two runs but striking out seven in what was his first win of the month.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, catcher and Royals captain, Salvador Perez heated up in July earning the hitter of the month honors.&nbsp; Perez hit .337 with nine home runs and 21 RBIs, also hitting seven doubles while walking three times, posting a .379 OBP and a .719 SLG.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748521730260.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Noah Cameron throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Noah Cameron throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostWith the month of July behind us, the Kansas City Royals announced their monthly team awards, honoring the Pitcher and Hitter of the month, naming St. Joseph's Noah Cameron the pitcher of the month.&nbsp;After a rough month of June, for both Cameron and the Royals, Cameron bounced back in July across five starts on the month.&nbsp; Cameron posted a 3-0 record with a 1.84 ERA striking out 33 batters and walking five, giving up an opponent batting average of .218.&nbsp; In the month, Cameron also tied a season high and career high in strikeouts, on July 13th against the Mets, striking out eight batters in 6 2/3 innings.&nbsp;Cameron had one more milestone in the month, pitching the longest game of his major league career going seven innings on July 7th against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving up two runs but striking out seven in what was his first win of the month.&nbsp;Meanwhile, catcher and Royals captain, Salvador Perez heated up in July earning the hitter of the month honors.&nbsp; Perez hit .337 with nine home runs and 21 RBIs, also hitting seven doubles while walking three times, posting a .379 OBP and a .719 SLG.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Noah Cameron named Royals July Pitcher of the Month

This December, St. Joseph's Civic Arena will again play host to Division I women's college basketball  

"We're really fortunate and honored that we're able to host Division I women's college basketball at a time where the product is arguably as popular as it's ever been," St. Joseph Sports Commision Director Brett Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Esely says the third annual Bill Snyder Classic will play host to the Kansas State women again, this year taking on Ole Miss of the SEC.  

Esely says the matchup is one that should draw a lot of interest 

"Just a really, really intriguing matchup anywhere, let alone here in St. Joseph, when you've got one of the Big 12's best teams taking on one of the SEC's best teams," Esely says. 

Eseley says this year's matchup will take place on Sunday, rather than Saturday, and tipoff at 2pm which is significant because this matchup could attract national attention 

"ESPN obviously has a lot of family of networks, and whereas those time windows may not be as readily available on Saturday, they could be on Sunday, and so we hope that that's the case this time around," Esely explains.  "Because the matchup sells itself, there's very little to sell with the matchup, any time you've got two teams that are likely going to be nationally ranked and two teams just with the recent history that they've had and what they did a season ago, there's going to be interest around this game." 

Esely does point out games are always streamed online typically, but that TV window for women's basketball is typically on Sunday's, which made moving a matchup like this intriguing.  

Both teams made the sweet 16 in last season's NCAA tournament, and finished the season ranked in the top 25, with Kansas State at #13 and Ole Miss at #17.   

Esely is already expecting a large crowd on hand at the arena on December 7th 

"I'll be honest, I'd be disappointed if we didn't sell this game out," Esely candidly says.  "I think the uniqueness of the event, the opponents that are playing, I would say there's a very good chance going into that game that these two teams are going to be nationally ranked, which is another huge selling point, I'd be really disappointed if this game didn't sell out, I think our tickets will be very affordably priced depending on where you want to sit in the arena." 

Tickets will go on sale this month, with an early presale for people who have purchased tickets to the two previous Bill Snyder classics. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233150922.jpeg" alt="The Kansas State Wildcats and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders played in the second annual Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic at Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas State Wildcats and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders played in the second annual Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic at Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE This December, St. Joseph's Civic Arena will again play host to Division I women's college basketball "We're really fortunate and honored that we're able to host Division I women's college basketball at a time where the product is arguably as popular as it's ever been," St. Joseph Sports Commision Director Brett Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Esely says the third annual Bill Snyder Classic will play host to the Kansas State women again, this year taking on Ole Miss of the SEC. Esely says the matchup is one that should draw a lot of interest "Just a really, really intriguing matchup anywhere, let alone here in St. Joseph, when you've got one of the Big 12's best teams taking on one of the SEC's best teams," Esely says. Eseley says this year's matchup will take place on Sunday, rather than Saturday, and tipoff at 2pm which is significant because this matchup could attract national attention "ESPN obviously has a lot of family of networks, and whereas those time windows may not be as readily available on Saturday, they could be on Sunday, and so we hope that that's the case this time around," Esely explains. "Because the matchup sells itself, there's very little to sell with the matchup, any time you've got two teams that are likely going to be nationally ranked and two teams just with the recent history that they've had and what they did a season ago, there's going to be interest around this game." Esely does point out games are always streamed online typically, but that TV window for women's basketball is typically on Sunday's, which made moving a matchup like this intriguing. Both teams made the sweet 16 in last season's NCAA tournament, and finished the season ranked in the top 25, with Kansas State at #13 and Ole Miss at #17. Esely is already expecting a large crowd on hand at the arena on December 7th "I'll be honest, I'd be disappointed if we didn't sell this game out," Esely candidly says. "I think the uniqueness of the event, the opponents that are playing, I would say there's a very good chance going into that game that these two teams are going to be nationally ranked, which is another huge selling point, I'd be really disappointed if this game didn't sell out, I think our tickets will be very affordably priced depending on where you want to sit in the arena." Tickets will go on sale this month, with an early presale for people who have purchased tickets to the two previous Bill Snyder classics. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753981987157.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Sports Commision" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Sports Commision</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Third annual Bill Snyder Classic brings intriguing matchup to Civic Arena

Acquired by the Kansas City Royals just minutes before Thursday's 5pm deadline, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski joined the Royals in Toronto on Friday making his debut in right field, and homering in his first at bat to give Kansas City the lead on way to a 9-3 series opening victory.&nbsp;

The Blue Jays got on the board in the first inning, with two outs Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting a solo home run off Michael Wacha.&nbsp; In the second inning though, with one out and Maikel Garcia on second base after his leadoff single and a stolen base, Yastrzemski stepped to the plate for the first time as a Royal and homered to right center field giving Kansas City a 2-1 lead.&nbsp;

In the third inning, the Royals added three more runs.&nbsp; Kyle Isbel singled leading off the inning and Jonathan India followed that up with a double, before Bobby Witt Jr hit his 16th home run of the season to left field to extend the Kansas City lead to 5-1.&nbsp;

After giving up the home run and a double in the first inning, Wacha went on to retire 21 of the next 23 batters he faced through the game, only surrendering a single to Bo Bichette in the fourth inning and having Ernie Clement reach first on a throwing error by Witt Jr.&nbsp; Wacha would be replaced by Thomas Hatch in the ninth inning.&nbsp;

Before Hatch came to the mound though, the Royals extended their lead more in the top half of the ninth behind more home runs.&nbsp; Salvador Perez hit a solo shot to lead off the inning.&nbsp; Then, with Randal Grichuk on first base, Adam Frazier hit his fourth home run of the season to push Kansas City ahead more.&nbsp; Later, with the bases loaded, the final run was driven in by Garcia with an RBI single, scoring Isbel who singled after the Frazier home run.&nbsp;

Against Hatch in the bottom half of the inning,&nbsp;Joey Loperfido doubled to lead off the inning, and later scored with two outs as Addison Barger hit a two run home run to right field for the final runs of the game.&nbsp; Hatch struck out Ty France to end the game.&nbsp;

Wacha improved to 5-9 on the season earning the win, pitching eight innings and giving up three hits and one run while striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, Garcia was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored.&nbsp; Isbel was 2-for-4 with two runs scored.&nbsp; In his debut,&nbsp;Yastrzemski was 1-for-3 with the home run and two RBIs.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Toronto continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Noah Cameron (5-4, 2.44 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Max Scherzer (1-1, 4.89 ERA) for the Blue Jays.&nbsp; First pitch is at 2:07pm, pregame coverage will begin at 1:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

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

By MATT PIKEAcquired by the Kansas City Royals just minutes before Thursday's 5pm deadline, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski joined the Royals in Toronto on Friday making his debut in right field, and homering in his first at bat to give Kansas City the lead on way to a 9-3 series opening victory.&nbsp;The Blue Jays got on the board in the first inning, with two outs Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting a solo home run off Michael Wacha.&nbsp; In the second inning though, with one out and Maikel Garcia on second base after his leadoff single and a stolen base, Yastrzemski stepped to the plate for the first time as a Royal and homered to right center field giving Kansas City a 2-1 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">So, you like Yaz? <a href="https://t.co/iu8hYtis2Q">pic.twitter.com/iu8hYtis2Q</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1951426460335378760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the third inning, the Royals added three more runs.&nbsp; Kyle Isbel singled leading off the inning and Jonathan India followed that up with a double, before Bobby Witt Jr hit his 16th home run of the season to left field to extend the Kansas City lead to 5-1.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bobby Baseball blast-off! 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/HG2DJctYeg">pic.twitter.com/HG2DJctYeg</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1951430489895739439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After giving up the home run and a double in the first inning, Wacha went on to retire 21 of the next 23 batters he faced through the game, only surrendering a single to Bo Bichette in the fourth inning and having Ernie Clement reach first on a throwing error by Witt Jr.&nbsp; Wacha would be replaced by Thomas Hatch in the ninth inning.&nbsp;Before Hatch came to the mound though, the Royals extended their lead more in the top half of the ninth behind more home runs.&nbsp; Salvador Perez hit a solo shot to lead off the inning.&nbsp; Then, with Randal Grichuk on first base, Adam Frazier hit his fourth home run of the season to push Kansas City ahead more.&nbsp; Later, with the bases loaded, the final run was driven in by Garcia with an RBI single, scoring Isbel who singled after the Frazier home run.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New month, same Sal. 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/JsvMuytQID">pic.twitter.com/JsvMuytQID</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1951452521136107580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Out goes Frazier! <a href="https://t.co/udadTxOrZC">pic.twitter.com/udadTxOrZC</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1951453515022283052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Against Hatch in the bottom half of the inning,&nbsp;Joey Loperfido doubled to lead off the inning, and later scored with two outs as Addison Barger hit a two run home run to right field for the final runs of the game.&nbsp; Hatch struck out Ty France to end the game.&nbsp;Wacha improved to 5-9 on the season earning the win, pitching eight innings and giving up three hits and one run while striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, Garcia was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored.&nbsp; Isbel was 2-for-4 with two runs scored.&nbsp; In his debut,&nbsp;Yastrzemski was 1-for-3 with the home run and two RBIs.&nbsp;Kansas City and Toronto continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Noah Cameron (5-4, 2.44 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Max Scherzer (1-1, 4.89 ERA) for the Blue Jays.&nbsp; First pitch is at 2:07pm, pregame coverage will begin at 1:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Yaz goes long in KC debut as Royals beat Blue Jays 9-3

The Kansas City Chiefs hit the ground running after an off-day Thursday, back at practice today on a much cooler Friday morning.  

Despite questions of a knee injury, the Chiefs drafted Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons in the first round of this year's draft.  Simmons though is past that knee injury and has been impressing during camp.  

Head Coach Andy Reid says Simmons has been getting in his reps, which is good for a rookie 

"Showing up every day and working and not taking plays off or anything like that, but he's a worker," Reid tells reporters following practice.  "But he's a worker and he's willing to do it, it's just a matter of you've got to keep on going, but he's done a nice job of what we've asked him, he's working on all the fundamentals and techniques and that's the challenge for him." 

After being limited during team OTA's, Simmons has been getting full reps during training camp and has impressed fans with his blocking skills along the offensive line.  

Simmons says he's leaned on players like Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Jaylon Moore, who have been in the league for some time, and have made rookie mistakes before 

"So, I don't make them or I'm at least ready for those welcome to the NFL moments," Simmons explains.  "But it's just about the work you put it, even if it's something that I already know just to confirm, like hey on this I should set like this or something like that? Yes, that's what you want to do, just getting that kind of imprinted in my brain that way I can play as fast as I can when i get out there." 

Simmons has been rotating with Moore at the tackle position as the two compete for the left tackle job.  Moore has also been working at guard.

A player that's paved his way into the Chiefs special teams' group is wide receiver Nikki Remigio.  Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub says Remigio is one of the best returners on the squad.  

While Remigio accepts the compliment, he says he takes it with a grain of salt, pointing out you can't get complacent in this league 

"I think the thing that I've learned with this business is that if you get to comfortable, you're going to get got, and I've worked to damn hard to get to this point in my career, to get to year three, to let it slip through my fingers," Remigio says.  "So really I approach everyday like I'm an undrafted rookie that barely got a shot to make it to the NFL." 

Remigio has had opportunities to run with the upper wide receiver groups as well this camp, with injuries to Skyy Moore and Hollywood Brown 

Jawaan Taylor was back at practice today, as was wide receiver Xavier Worthy who cleared the NFL's concussion protocol.  

The Chiefs practiced for just over two hours.  They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754079180650.jpeg" alt="Rookie Josh Simmons (71) blocks during a 7-on-7 drill during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Rookie Josh Simmons (71) blocks during a 7-on-7 drill during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE The Kansas City Chiefs hit the ground running after an off-day Thursday, back at practice today on a much cooler Friday morning. Despite questions of a knee injury, the Chiefs drafted Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons in the first round of this year's draft. Simmons though is past that knee injury and has been impressing during camp. Head Coach Andy Reid says Simmons has been getting in his reps, which is good for a rookie "Showing up every day and working and not taking plays off or anything like that, but he's a worker," Reid tells reporters following practice. "But he's a worker and he's willing to do it, it's just a matter of you've got to keep on going, but he's done a nice job of what we've asked him, he's working on all the fundamentals and techniques and that's the challenge for him." After being limited during team OTA's, Simmons has been getting full reps during training camp and has impressed fans with his blocking skills along the offensive line. Simmons says he's leaned on players like Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Jaylon Moore, who have been in the league for some time, and have made rookie mistakes before "So, I don't make them or I'm at least ready for those welcome to the NFL moments," Simmons explains. "But it's just about the work you put it, even if it's something that I already know just to confirm, like hey on this I should set like this or something like that? Yes, that's what you want to do, just getting that kind of imprinted in my brain that way I can play as fast as I can when i get out there." Simmons has been rotating with Moore at the tackle position as the two compete for the left tackle job. Moore has also been working at guard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754079226552.jpeg" alt="Nikko Remigio (81) catches a pass during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Nikko Remigio (81) catches a pass during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>A player that's paved his way into the Chiefs special teams' group is wide receiver Nikki Remigio. Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub says Remigio is one of the best returners on the squad. While Remigio accepts the compliment, he says he takes it with a grain of salt, pointing out you can't get complacent in this league "I think the thing that I've learned with this business is that if you get to comfortable, you're going to get got, and I've worked to damn hard to get to this point in my career, to get to year three, to let it slip through my fingers," Remigio says. "So really I approach everyday like I'm an undrafted rookie that barely got a shot to make it to the NFL." Remigio has had opportunities to run with the upper wide receiver groups as well this camp, with injuries to Skyy Moore and Hollywood Brown Jawaan Taylor was back at practice today, as was wide receiver Xavier Worthy who cleared the NFL's concussion protocol. The Chiefs practiced for just over two hours. They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs first round pick impressing as camp reaches midway point

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6qIgvU2Uy1G9Dd103MsZId?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

With the MLB Trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the Kansas City Royals on the final day added three pitchers to their pitching staff, a staff that is currently ridded with injuries with Cole Ragans, Michael Lorenzen, Daniel Lynch, and Kris Bubic.&nbsp;

The Royals started the day trading backup catcher Freddy Fermin to the San Diego Padres for two right handed pitchers, acquiring&nbsp;Ryan Bergert (SD's No. 7 prospect) and Stephen Kolek.

Bergert made his Major League debut this season and has a 2.78 ERA across 11 games (seven starts) and 35 2/3 innings. Bergert has a 22.8% strikeout rate and 12.1% walk rate, but that walk rate was lower when he was in Triple-A earlier this year (9.2%) and Double-A last year (7.9%).&nbsp;

Kolek has just over a year of service time and won’t be a free agent until 2030. He made his debut in 2024 with the Padres,&nbsp; after they took him in the Rule 5 Draft in 2023 from the Mariners, and posted a 5.21 ERA out of the bullpen that season.&nbsp; This year, he has a 4.18 ERA across 14 starts in 79 2/3 innings. He’s been up and down between the Padres and their Triple-A team and was optioned on Wednesday.&nbsp;

What they gave up was a backup catcher, although Fermin was much more than simply a backup in Kansas City. The 30-year-old Fermin has been Salvador Perez’s right-hand man for the past three seasons, stepping up into more of a co-catcher situation as Perez plays more first base and DH.&nbsp; Fermin is both a clubhouse and fan favorite because of work ethic, preparation and ability to come through in big moments, including in walk-off situations.

Near the buzzer of the 5pm trade deadline, Kansas City made a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, trading minor league pitcher Evan Sisk and minor league first baseman Callan Moss to the Pirates for left handed pitcher Bailey Falter

Falter, owns a 3.73 ERA in 22 starts this season, striking out 70 batters in 113 1/3 innings. He's under team control through the 2028 season, so the Royals will have him as an option for the next few years as others (including Bubic) eventually head to free agency.

Sisk has appeared in five games for the Royals this season. He has posted a 1.69 ERA in 5 1/3 innings of work.&nbsp; In 31 games in Omaha, Sisk has an 0-2 record pitching 28 2/3 innings with a 3.77 ERA earning four saves in five opportunities and striking out 36.

Moss has spent the entire season at High-A, posting a batting average of .270 with 7 home runs and 70 RBIs in 92 games.

The final move for the Royals prior to the deadline was adding an outfield bat, trading with the San Francisco Giants for outfielder&nbsp;Mike Yastrzemski, in turn sending minor league pitcher Yunior Marte, the Royals #20 prospect per MLB Pipline, to the Giants.

Yastrzemski has spent his entire seven year career with the Giants as a pretty consistent corner outfield bat. He is a lifetime .238/.323/.444 hitter with solid defense. Last year he hit 18 home runs with and was a finalist for a Gold Glove. He looks to platoon with recently acquired Randal Grichuk, who bats well against left handers, with Yastrzemski hitting .254/.366/.393 against right-handers. Yastrzemski will be a free agent this winter.

Marte is a 21-year-old right-hander who had a 2.74 ERA in 19 starts with Low-A Columbia with 79 strikeouts in 82 innings.&nbsp;

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

By MATT PIKEWith the MLB Trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the Kansas City Royals on the final day added three pitchers to their pitching staff, a staff that is currently ridded with injuries with Cole Ragans, Michael Lorenzen, Daniel Lynch, and Kris Bubic.&nbsp;The Royals started the day trading backup catcher Freddy Fermin to the San Diego Padres for two right handed pitchers, acquiring&nbsp;Ryan Bergert (SD's No. 7 prospect) and Stephen Kolek.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754001088028.jpeg" alt="Ryan Bergert" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Bergert</figcaption>
 </figure>Bergert made his Major League debut this season and has a 2.78 ERA across 11 games (seven starts) and 35 2/3 innings. Bergert has a 22.8% strikeout rate and 12.1% walk rate, but that walk rate was lower when he was in Triple-A earlier this year (9.2%) and Double-A last year (7.9%).&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754001131988.jpeg" alt="Stephen Kolek/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stephen Kolek/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kolek has just over a year of service time and won’t be a free agent until 2030. He made his debut in 2024 with the Padres,&nbsp; after they took him in the Rule 5 Draft in 2023 from the Mariners, and posted a 5.21 ERA out of the bullpen that season.&nbsp; This year, he has a 4.18 ERA across 14 starts in 79 2/3 innings. He’s been up and down between the Padres and their Triple-A team and was optioned on Wednesday.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754001215508.jpeg" alt="Freddy Fermin/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Freddy Fermin/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>What they gave up was a backup catcher, although Fermin was much more than simply a backup in Kansas City. The 30-year-old Fermin has been Salvador Perez’s right-hand man for the past three seasons, stepping up into more of a co-catcher situation as Perez plays more first base and DH.&nbsp; Fermin is both a clubhouse and fan favorite because of work ethic, preparation and ability to come through in big moments, including in walk-off situations.Near the buzzer of the 5pm trade deadline, Kansas City made a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, trading minor league pitcher Evan Sisk and minor league first baseman Callan Moss to the Pirates for left handed pitcher Bailey Falter<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754001420060.jpeg" alt="Bailey Falter/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Bailey Falter/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Falter, owns a 3.73 ERA in 22 starts this season, striking out 70 batters in 113 1/3 innings. He's under team control through the 2028 season, so the Royals will have him as an option for the next few years as others (including Bubic) eventually head to free agency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754001527083.jpeg" alt="Evan Sisk/ Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Evan Sisk/ Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Sisk has appeared in five games for the Royals this season. He has posted a 1.69 ERA in 5 1/3 innings of work.&nbsp; In 31 games in Omaha, Sisk has an 0-2 record pitching 28 2/3 innings with a 3.77 ERA earning four saves in five opportunities and striking out 36.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754001575188.jpeg" alt="Callan Moss/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Callan Moss/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Moss has spent the entire season at High-A, posting a batting average of .270 with 7 home runs and 70 RBIs in 92 games.The final move for the Royals prior to the deadline was adding an outfield bat, trading with the San Francisco Giants for outfielder&nbsp;Mike Yastrzemski, in turn sending minor league pitcher Yunior Marte, the Royals #20 prospect per MLB Pipline, to the Giants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754002055054.jpeg" alt="Mike Yastrzemski/ courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mike Yastrzemski/ courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Yastrzemski has spent his entire seven year career with the Giants as a pretty consistent corner outfield bat. He is a lifetime .238/.323/.444 hitter with solid defense. Last year he hit 18 home runs with and was a finalist for a Gold Glove. He looks to platoon with recently acquired Randal Grichuk, who bats well against left handers, with Yastrzemski hitting .254/.366/.393 against right-handers. Yastrzemski will be a free agent this winter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754002140061.jpeg" alt="Yunior Marte/ Photo courtesy of MLB Pipeline on X" />
 <figcaption>Yunior Marte/ Photo courtesy of MLB Pipeline on X</figcaption>
 </figure>Marte is a 21-year-old right-hander who had a 2.74 ERA in 19 starts with Low-A Columbia with 79 strikeouts in 82 innings.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals add three pitchers, outfielder on MLB trade deadline day

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7LvtB6ev1TM7kg7Un3GdB8?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Very little offense was needed on Wednesday evening for the Miami Marlins to take the series at Busch Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals, winning 2-0 to shut down the Cardinals offense for a second game in a row after a 5-0 shut out on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Marlins outhit the Cardinals six to five, and needed just a two run home run by&nbsp;Jesús Sánchez, his 10th home run of the season that scored Xavier Edwards, for the only runs of the game to take the victory.&nbsp; Miami starter Cal Quantrill gave up just three of the Cardinals five hits in his fourth win of the year.&nbsp; Calvin Faucher earned his 10th save for the Marlins.&nbsp;

Miles Mikolas took the loss, falling to 6-8 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up the two runs on five hits while striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, five Cardinals had one hit each.&nbsp; Brendan Donovan, Alec Burleson, and&nbsp;Thomas Saggese were 1-for-3 with a walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis is off on Thursday and hit the road on Friday to start a six game road trip along the west coast, beginning in San Diego.&nbsp; Matthew Liberatore (6-8, 4.04 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Nick Pivetta (10-3, 2.81 ERA) for the Padres.&nbsp; First pitch is at 8:40pm on Friday with coverage beginning around 8:30 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Closer Ryan Helsley traded to Mets for prospects

Resigned to the fact that he would likely be dealt elsewhere before the MLB Trade Deadline, Ryan Helsley and his camp had talked to various teams in recent days about him possibly sharing the closer role with a World Series contender.

That team will be the New York Mets, who traded for the Cardinals' two-time All-Star closer on Wednesday night. He’ll join a remade Mets bullpen where star closer Edwin Diaz is already in place.

In return for Helsley, the Cardinals got 20-year-old infielder Jesus Baez plus right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt. Baez, a former Dominican Summer League Player of the Year, was ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the Mets system by MLB Pipeline, while Dohm was ranked No. 14. Elissalt was not ranked among the Mets’ Top 30 prospects.

Baez is a 20 year old with pro experience at second and third base in addition to shortstop. He played six games at Class A this season before being promoted to High-A. In 75 games total, he's hitting .242/.332/.390 with 11 doubles, 10 homers, 42 RBI, 46 runs and seven steals.

Dohm, 22, has also split time between Class A and High-A. In 18 outings at the two stops this year, he's pitched to a 2.87 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 77 strikeouts in 62 ⅔ innings. 

Elissalt, 23, has been with both Class A and High-A. In seven starts and 13 appearances in relief, he's worked 56 ⅓ total innings, posting a 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 65 strikeouts.

By MATT PIKEVery little offense was needed on Wednesday evening for the Miami Marlins to take the series at Busch Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals, winning 2-0 to shut down the Cardinals offense for a second game in a row after a 5-0 shut out on Tuesday.&nbsp;The Marlins outhit the Cardinals six to five, and needed just a two run home run by&nbsp;Jesús Sánchez, his 10th home run of the season that scored Xavier Edwards, for the only runs of the game to take the victory.&nbsp; Miami starter Cal Quantrill gave up just three of the Cardinals five hits in his fourth win of the year.&nbsp; Calvin Faucher earned his 10th save for the Marlins.&nbsp;Miles Mikolas took the loss, falling to 6-8 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up the two runs on five hits while striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, five Cardinals had one hit each.&nbsp; Brendan Donovan, Alec Burleson, and&nbsp;Thomas Saggese were 1-for-3 with a walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Louis is off on Thursday and hit the road on Friday to start a six game road trip along the west coast, beginning in San Diego.&nbsp; Matthew Liberatore (6-8, 4.04 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Nick Pivetta (10-3, 2.81 ERA) for the Padres.&nbsp; First pitch is at 8:40pm on Friday with coverage beginning around 8:30 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;Closer Ryan Helsley traded to Mets for prospects<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753930766127.jpeg" alt="Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley was traded on Wednesday ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline to the New York Mets/ courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley was traded on Wednesday ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline to the New York Mets/ courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Resigned to the fact that he would likely be dealt elsewhere before the MLB Trade Deadline, Ryan Helsley and his camp had talked to various teams in recent days about him possibly sharing the closer role with a World Series contender.That team will be the New York Mets, who traded for the Cardinals' two-time All-Star closer on Wednesday night. He’ll join a remade Mets bullpen where star closer Edwin Diaz is already in place.In return for Helsley, the Cardinals got 20-year-old infielder Jesus Baez plus right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt. Baez, a former Dominican Summer League Player of the Year, was ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the Mets system by MLB Pipeline, while Dohm was ranked No. 14. Elissalt was not ranked among the Mets’ Top 30 prospects.Baez is a 20 year old with pro experience at second and third base in addition to shortstop. He played six games at Class A this season before being promoted to High-A. In 75 games total, he's hitting .242/.332/.390 with 11 doubles, 10 homers, 42 RBI, 46 runs and seven steals.Dohm, 22, has also split time between Class A and High-A. In 18 outings at the two stops this year, he's pitched to a 2.87 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 77 strikeouts in 62 ⅔ innings. Elissalt, 23, has been with both Class A and High-A. In seven starts and 13 appearances in relief, he's worked 56 ⅓ total innings, posting a 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 65 strikeouts.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cards drop series to Marlins with 2-0 loss; Helsley traded to Mets

The Royals’ bullpen gates at Kauffman Stadium swung open eight times on Wednesday afternoon, a steady dose of relievers jogging to the mound one after another, inning after inning.&nbsp; Together, they ended up making history.

Nine Royals relievers, including opener Angel Zerpa. tossed 10 scoreless innings in the Royals’ 1-0 walk-off win, tying a Major League record for pitchers used in a 10-inning shutout win in the Modern Era. Cleveland also used nine pitchers against Detroit on Sept. 17, 2016.

Salvador Perez was the walk-off hero, lining an RBI single into right-center field in the bottom of the 10th inning for the Royals’ third hit in a game that saw very little offense, driving in MJ Melendez who started the extra inning off at second base pinch running for Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp;

The victory clinched the Royals’ third consecutive series win and second consecutive winning homestand after losing the previous four.

.The bullpen game featured Zerpa for one-plus innings, Jonathan Bowlan for two and then one apiece from John Schreiber, Taylor Clarke, Hunter Harvey, Steven Cruz, Lucas Erceg, Estévez and Sam Long, who earned the win after navigating around runners on the corners with no outs in the 10th inning.

The Royals are off on Thursday, before hitting the road for a nine game road trip that starts on Friday across the border in Canada against Toronto.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.53 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals while the Blue Jays starter is currently listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:07pm, pregame coverage will begin at 5:30 Friday on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKEThe Royals’ bullpen gates at Kauffman Stadium swung open eight times on Wednesday afternoon, a steady dose of relievers jogging to the mound one after another, inning after inning.&nbsp; Together, they ended up making history.Nine Royals relievers, including opener Angel Zerpa. tossed 10 scoreless innings in the Royals’ 1-0 walk-off win, tying a Major League record for pitchers used in a 10-inning shutout win in the Modern Era. Cleveland also used nine pitchers against Detroit on Sept. 17, 2016.Salvador Perez was the walk-off hero, lining an RBI single into right-center field in the bottom of the 10th inning for the Royals’ third hit in a game that saw very little offense, driving in MJ Melendez who started the extra inning off at second base pinch running for Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Captain Clutch! 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/Xp19ufkJNL">pic.twitter.com/Xp19ufkJNL</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1950661919854989494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The victory clinched the Royals’ third consecutive series win and second consecutive winning homestand after losing the previous four..The bullpen game featured Zerpa for one-plus innings, Jonathan Bowlan for two and then one apiece from John Schreiber, Taylor Clarke, Hunter Harvey, Steven Cruz, Lucas Erceg, Estévez and Sam Long, who earned the win after navigating around runners on the corners with no outs in the 10th inning.The Royals are off on Thursday, before hitting the road for a nine game road trip that starts on Friday across the border in Canada against Toronto.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.53 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals while the Blue Jays starter is currently listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:07pm, pregame coverage will begin at 5:30 Friday on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas City bullpen makes history as Royals walk off Braves 1-0

It was a lighter day at practice for the Kansas City Chiefs after three consecutive days of padded practices in the heat, with cooler temperatures today as well. 

Back at full strength in this year's camp has been defensive end Charles Omenihu.  Injuries have limited Omenihu during his time with the Chiefs, but for the first time in Kansas City, he'll be on the field in week one. 

For Omenihu, he says it will be exciting to be able to be on the field week one.

"It is going to be the first time I play in Week 1 since my fourth year in the league. So, I have definitely, these last two years have understood the fact of not taking things for granted. Understood the fact that you got to cherish everything in this game. Because I have been on the end where you’ve had to sit and wait for different reasons," Omenihu tells reporters. "So, I’ll be excited, I’ll be geeked (and) I’ll be ready to rock and ready to go help us get a win.”

Omenihu had just one sack in six games for the Chiefs last year, first hitting the field in week 13. 

With a very young receiving group, when asked who the leader in that room is, Head Coach Andy Reid quickly said it was ninth year receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. 

Smith-Schuster says that's a responsiblility he does not take lightly

"We’ve got a bunch of young guys in the room, different ages; and you know, for me it’s a big responsibility,"  Smith-Schuster says. "I take full control. I think I lead by, you know, not just by my words, but by my actions. And, you know, like I said there’s a lot of guys, a lot of experience, different ages, and everyone’s coachable, so, you know, I’m glad to take (on) that responsibility.”

After returning to practice yesterday (Tues), Xavier Worthy was out of practice today, and it was reported he is in concussion protocol, putting the Chiefs down three receivers with injuries to Skyy Moore and Hollywood Brown

The Chiefs are getting a little break after a tough stretch of practices, with three straight days of padded practices in pretty extreme heats. 

Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says he felt like the team held up pretty well through that tough stretch

"What will be really interesting to me, you know, we had the three hard days, we had today was 10-10-10 – we get the day off. The tough day to come back is the next one, you know after you’ve had the day off so I’m looking for them – if we can ramp it up on that day, I’ll be pretty happy," Spagnuolo says.

The “10-10-10” specifically refers to the team cycling through 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays and 10 minutes of special teams work during the duration of the practice session. 

The Chiefs practiced for an hour and a half.  They are off tomorrow and will practice again on Friday at 9:15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753903544787.jpeg" alt="JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) warms up before a lighter 10-10-10 practice alongside Nikki Remigio (81) and Jason Brownlee (89)/ Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) warms up before a lighter 10-10-10 practice alongside Nikki Remigio (81) and Jason Brownlee (89)/ Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEIt was a lighter day at practice for the Kansas City Chiefs after three consecutive days of padded practices in the heat, with cooler temperatures today as well. Back at full strength in this year's camp has been defensive end Charles Omenihu. Injuries have limited Omenihu during his time with the Chiefs, but for the first time in Kansas City, he'll be on the field in week one. For Omenihu, he says it will be exciting to be able to be on the field week one."It is going to be the first time I play in Week 1 since my fourth year in the league. So, I have definitely, these last two years have understood the fact of not taking things for granted. Understood the fact that you got to cherish everything in this game. Because I have been on the end where you’ve had to sit and wait for different reasons," Omenihu tells reporters. "So, I’ll be excited, I’ll be geeked (and) I’ll be ready to rock and ready to go help us get a win.”Omenihu had just one sack in six games for the Chiefs last year, first hitting the field in week 13. With a very young receiving group, when asked who the leader in that room is, Head Coach Andy Reid quickly said it was ninth year receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Smith-Schuster says that's a responsiblility he does not take lightly"We’ve got a bunch of young guys in the room, different ages; and you know, for me it’s a big responsibility," Smith-Schuster says. "I take full control. I think I lead by, you know, not just by my words, but by my actions. And, you know, like I said there’s a lot of guys, a lot of experience, different ages, and everyone’s coachable, so, you know, I’m glad to take (on) that responsibility.”After returning to practice yesterday (Tues), Xavier Worthy was out of practice today, and it was reported he is in concussion protocol, putting the Chiefs down three receivers with injuries to Skyy Moore and Hollywood BrownThe Chiefs are getting a little break after a tough stretch of practices, with three straight days of padded practices in pretty extreme heats. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says he felt like the team held up pretty well through that tough stretch"What will be really interesting to me, you know, we had the three hard days, we had today was 10-10-10 – we get the day off. The tough day to come back is the next one, you know after you’ve had the day off so I’m looking for them – if we can ramp it up on that day, I’ll be pretty happy," Spagnuolo says.The “10-10-10” specifically refers to the team cycling through 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays and 10 minutes of special teams work during the duration of the practice session. The Chiefs practiced for an hour and a half. They are off tomorrow and will practice again on Friday at 9:15.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753903613835.jpeg" alt="Charles Omenihu (90) walks down the hill with rookie Ashton Gillotte (97) for practice on Wednesday/ Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Charles Omenihu (90) walks down the hill with rookie Ashton Gillotte (97) for practice on Wednesday/ Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs get relief from heat with lighter practice on Wednesday

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7bIPGZTWw5sF47BXDgStov?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Former Cardinal Sandy Alcantara took the mound at Busch Stadium on Tuesday evening and shut down his former team, as the St. Louis Cardinals fell to the Miami Marlins in a 5-0 shutout evening up the series heading into a rubber match in Wednesday evening's finale.&nbsp;

Graham Pauley put the Marlins up in the second inning with a two run home run, driving in Troy Johnston after his one out single.&nbsp; In the fifth inning, Miami extended their lead on an RBI single by Otto Lopez that scored Kyle Stowers.&nbsp; The final runs came in the sixth inning for the Marlins with Eric Wagamn doubling to bring home Dane Myers, before later scoring on a triple by Xavier Edwards.&nbsp;

Sonny Gray took the loss, falling to 10-5 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up three runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and a walk.&nbsp; At the plate, the Cardinals had just four hits in the loss.&nbsp; Jordan Walker was 1-for-3 with a walk. Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and&nbsp;Pedro Pagés also had hits.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Miami wrap up their series tomorrow night.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (6-7, 4.94 ERA) takes the mound against Cal Quantrill (3-8, 5.05 ERA) for the Marlins.&nbsp; First pitch is again at 6:45pm with coverage being joined around 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEFormer Cardinal Sandy Alcantara took the mound at Busch Stadium on Tuesday evening and shut down his former team, as the St. Louis Cardinals fell to the Miami Marlins in a 5-0 shutout evening up the series heading into a rubber match in Wednesday evening's finale.&nbsp;Graham Pauley put the Marlins up in the second inning with a two run home run, driving in Troy Johnston after his one out single.&nbsp; In the fifth inning, Miami extended their lead on an RBI single by Otto Lopez that scored Kyle Stowers.&nbsp; The final runs came in the sixth inning for the Marlins with Eric Wagamn doubling to bring home Dane Myers, before later scoring on a triple by Xavier Edwards.&nbsp;Sonny Gray took the loss, falling to 10-5 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up three runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and a walk.&nbsp; At the plate, the Cardinals had just four hits in the loss.&nbsp; Jordan Walker was 1-for-3 with a walk. Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and&nbsp;Pedro Pagés also had hits.&nbsp;St. Louis and Miami wrap up their series tomorrow night.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (6-7, 4.94 ERA) takes the mound against Cal Quantrill (3-8, 5.05 ERA) for the Marlins.&nbsp; First pitch is again at 6:45pm with coverage being joined around 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals shut down by former Redbird Alcantara in 5-0 loss

The Kansas City Royals bounced back from a series opening loss to the Atlanta Braves, winning on Tuesday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium 9-6 and evening up the series, setting up a rubber match in Wednesday's finale between the two.&nbsp;

The Royals were powered to the victory taking the lead in the first inning, with two outs Vinnie Pasquantino powering his 18th home run of the season to right field to put Kansas City up 1-0 right away.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Royals extended that lead in the second inning, putting up three more runs on a two RBI double by Jonathan India, driving in Adam Frazier and Kyle Isbel, with India scoring on an RBI single by Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;

In the sixth inning, the Braves got those three runs back, behind two home runs, a solo home run by Austin Riley first getting Atlanta on the scoreboard, before Marcell Ozuna's two run home run that drove in Michael Harris II cut the Royals lead to one.&nbsp; However, in the bottom half of the inning, Kansas City pulled away scoring five runs.&nbsp;

A double by Isbel with the bases loaded cleared the bases, bringing home Frazier, Freddy Fermin, and Randal Grichuk.&nbsp; Witt Jr singled later in the inning driving Isbel home, and after Witt Jr stole second base the shortstop scored on a double from Pasquantino for the final run of the inning, putting the Royals up 9-3 on the Braves.&nbsp;

Atlanta scored one run in the seventh attempting their comeback, Ozuna singling to drive in Eli White.&nbsp; In the eighth inning the Braves added two more runs, with Matt Olson scoring Ozzie Albies with an RBI single, moving Jurickson Profar to second base before Profar scored on a single by White.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlos Estévez came on in the ninth, giving up only a single on way to his 28th save of the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seth Lugo earned the win in his first start since his contract extension, improving to 8-5 on the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings and giving up three runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and four walks.&nbsp; At the plate, Pasquantino was 3-for-5 with the home run, a double and two RBIs.&nbsp; Witt Jr was 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas City and Atlanta wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Angel Zerpa (3-1, 4.15 ERA) will start for the Royals against Joey Wentz (2-2, 5.76 ERA) for the Braves.&nbsp; First pitch will be joined at 1:10 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals bounced back from a series opening loss to the Atlanta Braves, winning on Tuesday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium 9-6 and evening up the series, setting up a rubber match in Wednesday's finale between the two.&nbsp;The Royals were powered to the victory taking the lead in the first inning, with two outs Vinnie Pasquantino powering his 18th home run of the season to right field to put Kansas City up 1-0 right away.&nbsp; &nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Crushed. 🤌 <a href="https://t.co/fNndWfseKE">pic.twitter.com/fNndWfseKE</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1950344714827223399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Royals extended that lead in the second inning, putting up three more runs on a two RBI double by Jonathan India, driving in Adam Frazier and Kyle Isbel, with India scoring on an RBI single by Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Big two-out knocks! <a href="https://t.co/kh8YgxksC5">pic.twitter.com/kh8YgxksC5</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1950350512391352789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the sixth inning, the Braves got those three runs back, behind two home runs, a solo home run by Austin Riley first getting Atlanta on the scoreboard, before Marcell Ozuna's two run home run that drove in Michael Harris II cut the Royals lead to one.&nbsp; However, in the bottom half of the inning, Kansas City pulled away scoring five runs.&nbsp;A double by Isbel with the bases loaded cleared the bases, bringing home Frazier, Freddy Fermin, and Randal Grichuk.&nbsp; Witt Jr singled later in the inning driving Isbel home, and after Witt Jr stole second base the shortstop scored on a double from Pasquantino for the final run of the inning, putting the Royals up 9-3 on the Braves.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Big two-out knocks! <a href="https://t.co/kh8YgxksC5">pic.twitter.com/kh8YgxksC5</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1950350512391352789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Atlanta scored one run in the seventh attempting their comeback, Ozuna singling to drive in Eli White.&nbsp; In the eighth inning the Braves added two more runs, with Matt Olson scoring Ozzie Albies with an RBI single, moving Jurickson Profar to second base before Profar scored on a single by White.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlos Estévez came on in the ninth, giving up only a single on way to his 28th save of the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seth Lugo earned the win in his first start since his contract extension, improving to 8-5 on the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings and giving up three runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and four walks.&nbsp; At the plate, Pasquantino was 3-for-5 with the home run, a double and two RBIs.&nbsp; Witt Jr was 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City and Atlanta wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Angel Zerpa (3-1, 4.15 ERA) will start for the Royals against Joey Wentz (2-2, 5.76 ERA) for the Braves.&nbsp; First pitch will be joined at 1:10 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals bounce back with 9-6 win over Braves

The Kansas City Chiefs held their longest training camp practice today at Missouri Western State University in temperatures that felt upwards of 110 degrees with the heat index.  

Transitioning to a new position in camp is offensive lineman Kingsley  Suamataia, moving from left tackle to a position he's played just once left guard.  

Head Coach Andy Reid says now that players have had pads on for a few days now, he's seen good things from Suamataia 

“He’s done a nice job. He really battled in there, (he) looks solid. (I) really like what we see,” Reid tells reporters following practice 

Suamataia says while the move is going well, it's still a learning process, with things moving much faster at the guard position 

"It’s all just taking my mind from out here to in here and working it from in there and getting the work from Trey (Smith) and the inside guys,” Suamataia says.  “So, it’s been good.” 

Things did get chippy today in the heat with rookies Josh Simmons and Ashton Gillotte going at each other.     

With a packed running back room, Kansas City Chiefs seventh round pick Brashard Smith is trying to find whatever way he can to make the team and make an impact 

Smith spent his career at SMU as a pass catching back, which he could do with the Chiefs, but he has to work his way past Elijah Mitchell and Kareem Hunt first. Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub also likes Smith's potential as a punt and kick returner.  

For Smith, who didn't spend much time on special teams in college, he says he likes the possibility of being a returner.  

"I love the ball in my hands, and I feel like I can make explosive plays,” Smith says.  “So, I’d love to play punt return, kick return, it doesn’t matter just to help the team win I’ll do whatever for sure.” 

Practice at Chiefs Training Camp went just about two hours today.  The Chiefs will have one more practice tomorrow at 9:15 before an off day on Thursday. 

The heat at camp brought a slew of injuries with some leaving practice. Reid reported that linebacker Jeffrey Bassa was out with an ankle sprain. Tight end Jake Briningstool was out with a hamstring injury as was safety Deon Bush. Cornerback Kristian Fulton remains on the PUP list with a knee injury, and cornerback Darius Rush was out with a hamstring injury, 

Cornerback Eric Scott also had a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy had a rough fall during practice and left for the medical tent, but did return to practice, however fellow wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Skyy Moore left practice in a cart, Moore with a hamstring injury and Brown with an ankle injury. Linebacker Cooper McDonald was out of practice with an illness. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753827674364.jpeg" alt="Kingsley Suamataia walks down the hill alongside offensive guard Trey Smith/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Kingsley Suamataia walks down the hill alongside offensive guard Trey Smith/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Chiefs held their longest training camp practice today at Missouri Western State University in temperatures that felt upwards of 110 degrees with the heat index. Transitioning to a new position in camp is offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia, moving from left tackle to a position he's played just once left guard. Head Coach Andy Reid says now that players have had pads on for a few days now, he's seen good things from Suamataia “He’s done a nice job. He really battled in there, (he) looks solid. (I) really like what we see,” Reid tells reporters following practice Suamataia says while the move is going well, it's still a learning process, with things moving much faster at the guard position "It’s all just taking my mind from out here to in here and working it from in there and getting the work from Trey (Smith) and the inside guys,” Suamataia says. “So, it’s been good.” Things did get chippy today in the heat with rookies Josh Simmons and Ashton Gillotte going at each other. With a packed running back room, Kansas City Chiefs seventh round pick Brashard Smith is trying to find whatever way he can to make the team and make an impact Smith spent his career at SMU as a pass catching back, which he could do with the Chiefs, but he has to work his way past Elijah Mitchell and Kareem Hunt first. Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub also likes Smith's potential as a punt and kick returner. For Smith, who didn't spend much time on special teams in college, he says he likes the possibility of being a returner. "I love the ball in my hands, and I feel like I can make explosive plays,” Smith says. “So, I’d love to play punt return, kick return, it doesn’t matter just to help the team win I’ll do whatever for sure.” Practice at Chiefs Training Camp went just about two hours today. The Chiefs will have one more practice tomorrow at 9:15 before an off day on Thursday. The heat at camp brought a slew of injuries with some leaving practice. Reid reported that linebacker Jeffrey Bassa was out with an ankle sprain. Tight end Jake Briningstool was out with a hamstring injury as was safety Deon Bush. Cornerback Kristian Fulton remains on the PUP list with a knee injury, and cornerback Darius Rush was out with a hamstring injury, Cornerback Eric Scott also had a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy had a rough fall during practice and left for the medical tent, but did return to practice, however fellow wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Skyy Moore left practice in a cart, Moore with a hamstring injury and Brown with an ankle injury. Linebacker Cooper McDonald was out of practice with an illness. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753827733978.jpeg" alt="Bailey Zappe hands the ball off to Brashard Smith/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Bailey Zappe hands the ball off to Brashard Smith/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Suamataia settling into new position as Chiefs tackle practice on hot day

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0bVhLy7aHKMb20uDAnJFFA?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The Kansas City Royals battled with the Atlanta Braves, falling behind big in the eighth inning, but a late rally fell short and the Royals fell 10-7 to open a the series at Kauffman Stadium on Monday evening.&nbsp;

The Royals opened the scoring in the first inning with two runs, the first coming in on an RBI double by Maikel Garcia, driving in Jonathan India after his leadoff single to the inning.&nbsp; Garcia later scored on an RBI single by Salvador Perez, beating a throw to home plate by Garcia's cousin in right field&nbsp;Ronald Acuña Jr.

The Braves tied up the game in the third inning as&nbsp;Acuña Jr hit a two run home run to left center field off Royals starter Rich Hill, driving in Matt Olson after his two out walk.&nbsp; In the fourth inning, a two run home run by Marcell Ozuna gave the Braves the lead in the game, scoring Ozzie Albies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another home run extended the Braves lead in the seventh inning, a solo home run by Austin Riley.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the Royals cut the Atlanta lead to two after back to back doubles by Bobby Witt Jr and Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; But in the next inning, the Braves would pull away, scoring four runs in the top of the eighth inning.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals battled with the Atlanta Braves, falling behind big in the eighth inning, but a late rally fell short and the Royals fell 10-7 to open a the series at Kauffman Stadium on Monday evening.&nbsp;The Royals opened the scoring in the first inning with two runs, the first coming in on an RBI double by Maikel Garcia, driving in Jonathan India after his leadoff single to the inning.&nbsp; Garcia later scored on an RBI single by Salvador Perez, beating a throw to home plate by Garcia's cousin in right field&nbsp;Ronald Acuña Jr.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Off and running! <a href="https://t.co/9x7Pes3ob2">pic.twitter.com/9x7Pes3ob2</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1949983722716938734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Braves tied up the game in the third inning as&nbsp;Acuña Jr hit a two run home run to left center field off Royals starter Rich Hill, driving in Matt Olson after his two out walk.&nbsp; In the fourth inning, a two run home run by Marcell Ozuna gave the Braves the lead in the game, scoring Ozzie Albies.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another home run extended the Braves lead in the seventh inning, a solo home run by Austin Riley.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the Royals cut the Atlanta lead to two after back to back doubles by Bobby Witt Jr and Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; But in the next inning, the Braves would pull away, scoring four runs in the top of the eighth inning.&nbsp;With Nick Allen on after a one out walk, and Jurickson Profar following a single, Olson doubled to drive in the first run of the inning scoring Allen.&nbsp; After Steven Cruz intentionally walked&nbsp;Acuña Jr to load the bases, Riley doubled to unload the bases, scoring Profar, Olson, and&nbsp;Acuña Jr for all the runs in the inning.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, Randal Grichuk hit his first home run in a Royals uniform to help cut into the lead, putting the Royals down 9-4.In the ninth inning, an RBI single from Profar put the Braves back up by six, driving in Allen after his one out double.&nbsp; In the bottom half, the Royals did start to put together a comeback rally, loading the bases with a double by Witt Jr and walks to Pasquantino and Garcia, before Witt Jr and Pasquantino scored on a single by Freddy Fermin.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Adam Frazier was the first out, driving in Garcia and putting the Royals down by three, before Grichuk lined out and MJ Melendez flew out to end the game.&nbsp;Hill took the loss, falling to 0-2 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up four runs on three hits while walking six and striking out three.&nbsp; At the plate, Garcia was 3-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, and an RBI.&nbsp; Witt Jr was 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City looks to even up the series with Atlanta tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo (7-5, 2.95 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against former Cardinal, recently acquired Erick Fedde (3-10, 5.22 ERA) for the Braves.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;