Noah Bodenhausen hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th inning, and the St. Joseph Mustangs are back in first place with a 7-6 win over the Clarinda A’s on Thursday night at Phil Welch Stadium.

Easton Bruce scored from third to win it after Bodenhausen’s single down the third baseline.

Bodenhausen was 2-for-3 with a run scored. He also drew three walks. Lafayette alum Cole Slibowski went 3-for-5 at the plate. Ryan Callahan went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.

On the mound, Bishop LeBlond product Frank Gall gave up just one earned run in six innings, striking out nine and walking three.

Ryker Curry got the win, pitching two scoreless innings to end the game.

 St. Joseph improves to 22-11 overall and is back in first place in the MINK League North Division.

The Mustangs go on the road to face Des Moines Friday night, but Mustangs alumni will play at home Friday against the U.S. WarDogs - a non-profit baseball team made up of players from the armed forces that raises money for various veteran causes.

First pitch in that game from Phil Welch Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687520231734.jpeg" alt="Noah Bodenhausen. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Noah Bodenhausen. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostNoah Bodenhausen hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th inning, and the St. Joseph Mustangs are back in first place with a 7-6 win over the Clarinda A’s on Thursday night at Phil Welch Stadium.Easton Bruce scored from third to win it after Bodenhausen’s single down the third baseline.Bodenhausen was 2-for-3 with a run scored. He also drew three walks. Lafayette alum Cole Slibowski went 3-for-5 at the plate. Ryan Callahan went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.On the mound, Bishop LeBlond product Frank Gall gave up just one earned run in six innings, striking out nine and walking three.Ryker Curry got the win, pitching two scoreless innings to end the game. St. Joseph improves to 22-11 overall and is back in first place in the MINK League North Division.The Mustangs go on the road to face Des Moines Friday night, but Mustangs alumni will play at home Friday against the U.S. WarDogs - a non-profit baseball team made up of players from the armed forces that raises money for various veteran causes.First pitch in that game from Phil Welch Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

Bodenhausen's walk-off in the 12th lifts Mustangs to key win over Clarinda

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez and Josh Naylor homered on consecutive pitches in the sixth inning, powering the Cleveland Guardians to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. 

Ramírez homered to left field and, Naylor, who missed the previous two games because of tendinitis in his right wrist, drove one over the wall in right against reliever Amir Garrett (0-1). Andrés Giménez also homered for Cleveland (43-44). 

The Guardians haven’t been at .500 since April 28 at 13-13. Eli Morgan (4-1) worked a scoreless inning before Enyel De Los Santos, Trevor Stephan and Nick Sandlin completed the six-hitter. Light rain pushed the scheduled start back 81 minutes to 8:31 p.m.

The Royals face the Guardians again Friday evening at 6:10 central. The game is on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez and Josh Naylor homered on consecutive pitches in the sixth inning, powering the Cleveland Guardians to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Ramírez homered to left field and, Naylor, who missed the previous two games because of tendinitis in his right wrist, drove one over the wall in right against reliever Amir Garrett (0-1). Andrés Giménez also homered for Cleveland (43-44). The Guardians haven’t been at .500 since April 28 at 13-13. Eli Morgan (4-1) worked a scoreless inning before Enyel De Los Santos, Trevor Stephan and Nick Sandlin completed the six-hitter. Light rain pushed the scheduled start back 81 minutes to 8:31 p.m.The Royals face the Guardians again Friday evening at 6:10 central. The game is on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Ramírez, Naylor homer on consecutive pitches in the Guardians' 6-1 win over the Royals

The Clarinda A's scored a run in all but one inning and rolled to an 11-1 win over the St. Joseph Mustangs in seven innings at Phil Welch Stadium Wednesday.

Clarinda outhit St. Joseph 11-5, and the A's now move into first place in the MINK League North Division for the moment.

Clarinda put the game away with four runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh. St. Joseph also committed five fielding errors in the loss.

Mustangs pitcher Tanner Schmidt was charged with the loss, giving up four hits, six walks and three earned runs in four innings. Noah Bodenhausen went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the way offensively.

St. Joseph will rematch with Clarinda on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Phil Welch Stadium.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Clarinda A's scored a run in all but one inning and rolled to an 11-1 win over the St. Joseph Mustangs in seven innings at Phil Welch Stadium Wednesday.Clarinda outhit St. Joseph 11-5, and the A's now move into first place in the MINK League North Division for the moment.Clarinda put the game away with four runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh. St. Joseph also committed five fielding errors in the loss.Mustangs pitcher Tanner Schmidt was charged with the loss, giving up four hits, six walks and three earned runs in four innings. Noah Bodenhausen went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the way offensively.St. Joseph will rematch with Clarinda on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Phil Welch Stadium.

Clarinda run rules Mustangs at Phil Welch Wednesday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Pablo López pitched his first career shutout, a four-hitter complete with a career-high 12 strikeouts, in the Minnesota Twins’ 4-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night. 

López (5-5) retired 15 straight from the third to the eighth inning, including a stretch with six consecutive strikeouts, to help the Twins complete a three-game sweep. The smooth-throwing right-hander, who came to Minnesota this season from Miami in a trade for major league batting leader Luis Arraez, had the Twins’ second shutout from a starter in less than two weeks after Joe Ryan spun one for the club’s first in five years.

López gave up two doubles and two singles without a walk in his first scoreless appearance since he beat the Royals on opening day.

The Royals next face the Guardians Thursday evening at 6:10 central. The game is on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Pablo López pitched his first career shutout, a four-hitter complete with a career-high 12 strikeouts, in the Minnesota Twins’ 4-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night. López (5-5) retired 15 straight from the third to the eighth inning, including a stretch with six consecutive strikeouts, to help the Twins complete a three-game sweep. The smooth-throwing right-hander, who came to Minnesota this season from Miami in a trade for major league batting leader Luis Arraez, had the Twins’ second shutout from a starter in less than two weeks after Joe Ryan spun one for the club’s first in five years.López gave up two doubles and two singles without a walk in his first scoreless appearance since he beat the Royals on opening day.The Royals next face the Guardians Thursday evening at 6:10 central. The game is on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Pablo López throws 1st career shutout, strikes out 12 in the Twins' 4-0 win over the Roya

The St. Joseph Mustangs celebrated the Fourth of July in style with a 10-2 win against the Sedalia Bombers at Phil Welch Stadium Tuesday night. The Mustangs have won nine of their last 11 games and sit in first place in the MINK League North Division at 21-10 overall.&nbsp;

The Mustangs outhit Sedalia 12-4 and pulled away with three runs in the fifth inning and four more in the eighth.

Savannah native Noah Bodenhausen went 3-for-3 at the plate with three runs scored. Lafayette graduate Brayden Luikart went 3-for-5 with three runs scored.&nbsp;

Ben Click, Ryan Callahan and LeBlond alum Will Dryburgh each had two RBIs in the win. On the mound, former Savannah Savage Ty Hilsabeck got the win in six innings, allowing just two hits and two earned runs. He struck out four batters and walked five.

LeBlond alum Jaren Guck pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two. St. Joseph continues their homestand Wednesday night by hosting Clarinda. First pitch is at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686194127336.jpeg" alt="Ty Hilsabeck. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Ty Hilsabeck. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs celebrated the Fourth of July in style with a 10-2 win against the Sedalia Bombers at Phil Welch Stadium Tuesday night. The Mustangs have won nine of their last 11 games and sit in first place in the MINK League North Division at 21-10 overall.&nbsp;The Mustangs outhit Sedalia 12-4 and pulled away with three runs in the fifth inning and four more in the eighth.Savannah native Noah Bodenhausen went 3-for-3 at the plate with three runs scored. Lafayette graduate Brayden Luikart went 3-for-5 with three runs scored.&nbsp;Ben Click, Ryan Callahan and LeBlond alum Will Dryburgh each had two RBIs in the win. On the mound, former Savannah Savage Ty Hilsabeck got the win in six innings, allowing just two hits and two earned runs. He struck out four batters and walked five.LeBlond alum Jaren Guck pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two. St. Joseph continues their homestand Wednesday night by hosting Clarinda. First pitch is at 7 p.m.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The celebration is on! Mustangs win 10-2 and move into sole possession of first place in the North Division! <a href="https://t.co/H3QEu06qQv">pic.twitter.com/H3QEu06qQv</a>&mdash; StJoeMustangs (@theSJmustangs) <a href="https://twitter.com/theSJmustangs/status/1676424501427421186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Mustangs breeze past Sedalia in Fourth of July win at Phil Welch Stadium

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Max Kepler hit a three-run homer, driving in four runs, while Kenta Maeda continued his strong comeback from the injured list for the Minnesota Twins in a 9-2 win against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.

Donovan Solano and Byron Buxton added back-to-back homers for Minnesota, which has won four of five after being swept in Atlanta that caused manager Rocco Baldelli to criticize his team’s effort.

Maeda (2-5) made his third start since coming off the injured list for a right triceps strain. He gave up two runs and three hits in seven innings. He struck out nine. In the three starts, Maeda has given up just three earned runs in 17 innings.

The 35-year-old right-hander was the Cy Young Award runner-up in 2020 for the Twins, but he struggled in April in his return from Tommy John surgery that kept him out all last season.

Zack Greinke (1-9) started for Kansas City, giving up six runs in 5 1/3 innings before leaving with a team athletic trainer. After Jose Miranda’s popup to shortstop to lead off the sixth, catcher Salvador Perez immediately called to the dugout for a trainer and manager Matt Quatraro.

While he showed no signs on the mound, the team announced that Greinke left the game with right shoulder discomfort.

Greinke hasn’t won a road start since Aug. 13, 2021. He’s 0-15 with a 6.39 ERA in 26 starts during that span.

Bobby Witt Jr. added his 13th homer of the season for Kansas City.

Royals: 2B Michael Massey was reinstated from the 10-day injured list after recovering from a left-hand laceration. RHP Jonathan Heasley was also recalled from Triple-A Omaha. LHP Austin Cox and IF/OF Samad Taylor were optioned to Triple-A.

RHP Pablo López (4-5, 4.24 ERA) starts the series finale for Minnesota, while Kansas City has RHP Alec Marsh (0-1, 11.25) lined up to make his second career start. López will be making his third start against the Royals this season, giving up six earned runs in 11 1/3 innings. Marsh allowed five runs in four innings in his debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688508055069.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt (7) celebrates his two-run home run with Maikel Garcia (11) against the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt (7) celebrates his two-run home run with Maikel Garcia (11) against the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Max Kepler hit a three-run homer, driving in four runs, while Kenta Maeda continued his strong comeback from the injured list for the Minnesota Twins in a 9-2 win against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.Donovan Solano and Byron Buxton added back-to-back homers for Minnesota, which has won four of five after being swept in Atlanta that caused manager Rocco Baldelli to criticize his team’s effort.Maeda (2-5) made his third start since coming off the injured list for a right triceps strain. He gave up two runs and three hits in seven innings. He struck out nine. In the three starts, Maeda has given up just three earned runs in 17 innings.The 35-year-old right-hander was the Cy Young Award runner-up in 2020 for the Twins, but he struggled in April in his return from Tommy John surgery that kept him out all last season.Zack Greinke (1-9) started for Kansas City, giving up six runs in 5 1/3 innings before leaving with a team athletic trainer. After Jose Miranda’s popup to shortstop to lead off the sixth, catcher Salvador Perez immediately called to the dugout for a trainer and manager Matt Quatraro.While he showed no signs on the mound, the team announced that Greinke left the game with right shoulder discomfort.Greinke hasn’t won a road start since Aug. 13, 2021. He’s 0-15 with a 6.39 ERA in 26 starts during that span.Bobby Witt Jr. added his 13th homer of the season for Kansas City.TRAINERS ROOMRoyals: 2B Michael Massey was reinstated from the 10-day injured list after recovering from a left-hand laceration. RHP Jonathan Heasley was also recalled from Triple-A Omaha. LHP Austin Cox and IF/OF Samad Taylor were optioned to Triple-A.UP NEXTRHP Pablo López (4-5, 4.24 ERA) starts the series finale for Minnesota, while Kansas City has RHP Alec Marsh (0-1, 11.25) lined up to make his second career start. López will be making his third start against the Royals this season, giving up six earned runs in 11 1/3 innings. Marsh allowed five runs in four innings in his debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kepler drives in four to back Maeda's strong start in Twins' 9-2 win over Royals

The St. Joseph Mustangs continued their winning ways at Phil Welch Stadium, pushing their home record to 13-3 in a 5-4 win over the Chillicothe Mudcats on Monday night.&nbsp;

The Mustangs got off to an early 1-0 lead in the first after an Easton Bruce single would move Lafayette alumni Cole Slibowski to third base.&nbsp; A wild pitch in the next at bat would bring Slibowski home for the lead.&nbsp; St. Joseph would go on to score two more runs in the third, a Ryan Callahan double scoring Bruce from first and then later in the inning as Trevor McCollum would go to steal second, a throwing error from the catcher would score Callahan, giving the Mustangs a 3-0 lead through three innings.&nbsp;

After the Mudcats answered with a run in the top of the fifth inning, the Mustangs would get one run back in the bottom of the sixth as Slibowski would single scoring Mason Holton pushing the lead to 4-1 at the end of the sixth.&nbsp;

Chillicothe would claw even closer in the top of the seventh scoring two runs and narrowing the St. Joseph lead to 4-3, but the Mustangs would answer again in the bottom half of the inning with the only insurance run they would need, a McColllum single scoring Lafayette alumni Brayden Luikart and pushing the lead back to 5-3 at the end of the frame.&nbsp;

The Mudcats would score one more run in the top of the ninth when Nathan Maclaren scored on a wild pitch and the tying run in the form of&nbsp;Kodai Yaoita would advance to third. Jack Wells would issue a walk to&nbsp;Elian Guzman and Guzman would go on to steal second before Wells would get&nbsp;Zack Thompson to fly out to left field to end the game.&nbsp;

Bruce led all Mustangs hitters with two hits, while multiple others had one hit a piece on the night.&nbsp; The Mustangs while getting eight hits did struggle against Chillicothe starter&nbsp;Karter Muck striking out 11 times through his five innings on the mound.&nbsp;

St. Joseph's starter also was dealing on the mound through five innings as Aron Harrington struck out eight batters and gave up just one unearned run on the night. Savannah alumni Braden Berry pitched three innings of relief before Wells came on to close out the game for his third save of the season.

The Mustangs are now 20-10 on the season, 18-10 in MINK League play, and sit just one game behind the Clarinda A's after Clarinda fell 11-1 to Sedalia on Monday.&nbsp; St. Joseph will have two shots at the A's this week to wrap up a four game home stand.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But before they meet Clarinda, the Mustangs will face Sedalia at home on the Fourth of July.&nbsp; A third fireworks spectacular will follow the game to celebrate Independence Day.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685590308528.jpeg" alt="Cole Slibowski slides into third base." />
 <figcaption>Cole Slibowski slides into third base.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs continued their winning ways at Phil Welch Stadium, pushing their home record to 13-3 in a 5-4 win over the Chillicothe Mudcats on Monday night.&nbsp;The Mustangs got off to an early 1-0 lead in the first after an Easton Bruce single would move Lafayette alumni Cole Slibowski to third base.&nbsp; A wild pitch in the next at bat would bring Slibowski home for the lead.&nbsp; St. Joseph would go on to score two more runs in the third, a Ryan Callahan double scoring Bruce from first and then later in the inning as Trevor McCollum would go to steal second, a throwing error from the catcher would score Callahan, giving the Mustangs a 3-0 lead through three innings.&nbsp;After the Mudcats answered with a run in the top of the fifth inning, the Mustangs would get one run back in the bottom of the sixth as Slibowski would single scoring Mason Holton pushing the lead to 4-1 at the end of the sixth.&nbsp;Chillicothe would claw even closer in the top of the seventh scoring two runs and narrowing the St. Joseph lead to 4-3, but the Mustangs would answer again in the bottom half of the inning with the only insurance run they would need, a McColllum single scoring Lafayette alumni Brayden Luikart and pushing the lead back to 5-3 at the end of the frame.&nbsp;The Mudcats would score one more run in the top of the ninth when Nathan Maclaren scored on a wild pitch and the tying run in the form of&nbsp;Kodai Yaoita would advance to third. Jack Wells would issue a walk to&nbsp;Elian Guzman and Guzman would go on to steal second before Wells would get&nbsp;Zack Thompson to fly out to left field to end the game.&nbsp;Bruce led all Mustangs hitters with two hits, while multiple others had one hit a piece on the night.&nbsp; The Mustangs while getting eight hits did struggle against Chillicothe starter&nbsp;Karter Muck striking out 11 times through his five innings on the mound.&nbsp;St. Joseph's starter also was dealing on the mound through five innings as Aron Harrington struck out eight batters and gave up just one unearned run on the night. Savannah alumni Braden Berry pitched three innings of relief before Wells came on to close out the game for his third save of the season.The Mustangs are now 20-10 on the season, 18-10 in MINK League play, and sit just one game behind the Clarinda A's after Clarinda fell 11-1 to Sedalia on Monday.&nbsp; St. Joseph will have two shots at the A's this week to wrap up a four game home stand.&nbsp;&nbsp;But before they meet Clarinda, the Mustangs will face Sedalia at home on the Fourth of July.&nbsp; A third fireworks spectacular will follow the game to celebrate Independence Day.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm.

Mustangs earn 13th home win of the season in 5-4 win over Chillicothe

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Edouard Julien hit a pinch-hit, solo homer to start a five-run eighth inning and the Minnesota Twins went on to beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4. 

Carlos Correa had four hits from the leadoff spot and Byron Buxton drove in a pair of runs with sacrifice flies for Minnesota, which beat Kansas City for the seventh time in eight games this season. Royals reliever Taylor Clarke (1-3) surrendered five runs on five hits and retired just one of the seven batters he faced. 

Minnesota’s Brent Headrick (2-0) earned the win for Minnesota with an inning of relief.

The Royals face the Twins again Tuesday afternoon at 1:10 central. The game is on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Edouard Julien hit a pinch-hit, solo homer to start a five-run eighth inning and the Minnesota Twins went on to beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4. Carlos Correa had four hits from the leadoff spot and Byron Buxton drove in a pair of runs with sacrifice flies for Minnesota, which beat Kansas City for the seventh time in eight games this season. Royals reliever Taylor Clarke (1-3) surrendered five runs on five hits and retired just one of the seven batters he faced. Minnesota’s Brent Headrick (2-0) earned the win for Minnesota with an inning of relief.The Royals face the Twins again Tuesday afternoon at 1:10 central. The game is on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Julien's pinch-hit homer starts 5-run inning; Twins beat Royals 8-4

The City of St. Joseph has announced that once again the Red Rally will take over Civic Center Park to welcome the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs back to St. Joseph for Training Camp.&nbsp;

The event will be held on Saturday, July 29th beginning at 1pm with live music, food vendors, and inflatables for kids.&nbsp; Red Rally T-Shirts will also be available to purchase.&nbsp;

Live music will include 90's cover bands Motley Crucial and Poison Overdose.&nbsp; &nbsp;Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus will be on stage along with the KC Rumble drum line and the Chiefs Cheerleaders.&nbsp;

Highlighting the event will once again be an appearance from Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne and country singer Blaine Howard who will close out the event which will run until 7:30pm.

The Red Rally is a collaboration of Made with Uncommon Character, an organization supported by Mosaic Life Care, the City of St. Joseph, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph School District, and the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688396529452.jpeg" alt="Tech N9ne performs during the 2022 Red Rally at Civic Center Park in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Tech N9ne performs during the 2022 Red Rally at Civic Center Park in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe City of St. Joseph has announced that once again the Red Rally will take over Civic Center Park to welcome the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs back to St. Joseph for Training Camp.&nbsp;The event will be held on Saturday, July 29th beginning at 1pm with live music, food vendors, and inflatables for kids.&nbsp; Red Rally T-Shirts will also be available to purchase.&nbsp;Live music will include 90's cover bands Motley Crucial and Poison Overdose.&nbsp; &nbsp;Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus will be on stage along with the KC Rumble drum line and the Chiefs Cheerleaders.&nbsp;Highlighting the event will once again be an appearance from Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne and country singer Blaine Howard who will close out the event which will run until 7:30pm.The Red Rally is a collaboration of Made with Uncommon Character, an organization supported by Mosaic Life Care, the City of St. Joseph, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph School District, and the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Red Rally announced, Tech N9ne returning to St. Joseph and Blaine Howard to headline

The St. Joseph Mustangs struggled to get into the hit column on Sunday in Indianola, IA against the Des Moines Peak Prospects falling 9-1 in the afternoon matchup.

Des Moines got off to an early 6-0 lead through three innings before the St. Joseph pushed across their only run of the game in the top of the fourth inning, a double from Aron Harrington that scored Jeremy Rader.

The Mustangs recorded just two hits on the night, both coming from Rader and Harrington, and struck out eight times against the Prospect pitchers.&nbsp;

Northwest Missouri State pitcher Andrew Clark started on the mound giving up eight runs through 5.1 innings and striking out three but struggled with command walking seven batters.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 19-10 on the season, 17-10 in the MINK League, and remain in second place behind the Clarinda A's, now by two games after Clarinda split a doubleheader on Sunday against Jefferson City.&nbsp;

A four game homestand is up next for the Mustangs as they enter the July playoff push.&nbsp; First up will be Chillicothe on Monday at Phil Welch Stadium with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655982885950.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs struggled to get into the hit column on Sunday in Indianola, IA against the Des Moines Peak Prospects falling 9-1 in the afternoon matchup.Des Moines got off to an early 6-0 lead through three innings before the St. Joseph pushed across their only run of the game in the top of the fourth inning, a double from Aron Harrington that scored Jeremy Rader.The Mustangs recorded just two hits on the night, both coming from Rader and Harrington, and struck out eight times against the Prospect pitchers.&nbsp;Northwest Missouri State pitcher Andrew Clark started on the mound giving up eight runs through 5.1 innings and striking out three but struggled with command walking seven batters.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 19-10 on the season, 17-10 in the MINK League, and remain in second place behind the Clarinda A's, now by two games after Clarinda split a doubleheader on Sunday against Jefferson City.&nbsp;A four game homestand is up next for the Mustangs as they enter the July playoff push.&nbsp; First up will be Chillicothe on Monday at Phil Welch Stadium with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoemustangs%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02J9kgHpSkhYTfUWq2r1brNkrjRip9C8h8vqpEiPF6BCPfZFr78hpnnd8LRAXAU31Tl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="731" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Mustangs struggle to get going against Des Moine in 9-1 loss

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nicky Lopez remembers the halcyon days of the Kansas City Royals in 2014 and 2015, when the small-market club won back-to-back American League pennants and its first World Series title in three decades.

More importantly, Lopez remembers how they did it: good starting pitching, timely hitting and a dominant bullpen.

It's precisely the formula they used to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

Brady Singer threw seven effective innings, Lopez matched a career high with four RBIs, Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. drove in two runs apiece and the Royals beat the Dodgers 9-1 to claim their first series victory since May 17.

“You know, a lot of the times in 2014 and 2015, they won a lot of ballgames 3-1, but they put it all together — timely hitting and a bullpen shut it down, and good starting pitching,” Lopez said. “I just think that's been the identity of the Royals for a while, and sometimes we lose sight of that, but I feel like that has to be it.”

Singer (5-7) played a big part in it from the mound, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over seven innings.

“Hopefully, you know, this gives us a lot of confidence,” Singer said. “We have a lot of confidence.”

The Royals took the lead off Tony Gonsolin (4-3) in the second on a single by Garcia, who also had a career-best four hits, and then knocked the right-hander from the game in the fourth, when they scored three more to pull away.

Gonsolin allowed four runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings, and has now allowed 15 runs over his last 14 1/3 innings.

“We just didn't play well and they played better, quite frankly,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Those guys just outplayed us. It's a different brand of baseball as far as putting the ball in play, hitting behind runners, stealing bases. They were excellent in situational hitting. To be quite honest, we didn't keep up. That's how they won the series.”

The Royals, who still have not homered in their last seven games, continued to produce runs with small ball, just as they did in a rain-delayed 6-4 victory Saturday night. They strung together a walk and three hits to score three times in the fourth; had four hits along with a walk and a sacrifice to score three more in the fifth; and took advantage of an error leading off the sixth with a walk and two more hits to produce two more runs and take a 9-1 lead.

“Getting the ball in play consistently is the difference-maker,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

The only offense the Dodgers mustered came in the fourth inning, when J.D. Martinez drew a leadoff walk and advanced on a single by David Peralta. Miguel Vargas followed with a sacrifice fly to deep center field.

Otherwise, the 26-year-old Singer shut down one of baseball's hottest lineups to win for the first time since June 4. He'd taken the loss in three of his last four starts, though he did pitch six innings of four-hit ball without a result his last time out.

After Daniel Lynch's win Saturday night, the Royals have back-to-back wins by starters for the first time in 93 games.

“That was huge. The bullpen was a little taxed,” Singer said. “To get out there and give them seven was huge.”

Royals: 1B/OF Matt Beaty (concussion) was cleared to resume baseball activities, Quatraro said, and will head to Arizona to begin his rehab. Beaty was hurt in a collision with Samad Taylor on June 21 in Detroit.

&nbsp;The Royals have not announced a starter for their series opener Monday night in Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688345750272.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia hits an RBI single during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia hits an RBI single during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nicky Lopez remembers the halcyon days of the Kansas City Royals in 2014 and 2015, when the small-market club won back-to-back American League pennants and its first World Series title in three decades.More importantly, Lopez remembers how they did it: good starting pitching, timely hitting and a dominant bullpen.It's precisely the formula they used to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.Brady Singer threw seven effective innings, Lopez matched a career high with four RBIs, Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. drove in two runs apiece and the Royals beat the Dodgers 9-1 to claim their first series victory since May 17.“You know, a lot of the times in 2014 and 2015, they won a lot of ballgames 3-1, but they put it all together — timely hitting and a bullpen shut it down, and good starting pitching,” Lopez said. “I just think that's been the identity of the Royals for a while, and sometimes we lose sight of that, but I feel like that has to be it.”Singer (5-7) played a big part in it from the mound, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over seven innings.“Hopefully, you know, this gives us a lot of confidence,” Singer said. “We have a lot of confidence.”The Royals took the lead off Tony Gonsolin (4-3) in the second on a single by Garcia, who also had a career-best four hits, and then knocked the right-hander from the game in the fourth, when they scored three more to pull away.Gonsolin allowed four runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings, and has now allowed 15 runs over his last 14 1/3 innings.“We just didn't play well and they played better, quite frankly,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Those guys just outplayed us. It's a different brand of baseball as far as putting the ball in play, hitting behind runners, stealing bases. They were excellent in situational hitting. To be quite honest, we didn't keep up. That's how they won the series.”The Royals, who still have not homered in their last seven games, continued to produce runs with small ball, just as they did in a rain-delayed 6-4 victory Saturday night. They strung together a walk and three hits to score three times in the fourth; had four hits along with a walk and a sacrifice to score three more in the fifth; and took advantage of an error leading off the sixth with a walk and two more hits to produce two more runs and take a 9-1 lead.“Getting the ball in play consistently is the difference-maker,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.The only offense the Dodgers mustered came in the fourth inning, when J.D. Martinez drew a leadoff walk and advanced on a single by David Peralta. Miguel Vargas followed with a sacrifice fly to deep center field.Otherwise, the 26-year-old Singer shut down one of baseball's hottest lineups to win for the first time since June 4. He'd taken the loss in three of his last four starts, though he did pitch six innings of four-hit ball without a result his last time out.After Daniel Lynch's win Saturday night, the Royals have back-to-back wins by starters for the first time in 93 games.“That was huge. The bullpen was a little taxed,” Singer said. “To get out there and give them seven was huge.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: 1B/OF Matt Beaty (concussion) was cleared to resume baseball activities, Quatraro said, and will head to Arizona to begin his rehab. Beaty was hurt in a collision with Samad Taylor on June 21 in Detroit.UP NEXT&nbsp;The Royals have not announced a starter for their series opener Monday night in Minnesota.

Brady Singer dazzles as Royals blow out Dodgers to win first series since May 17

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals rudely welcomed Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías back from the injured list on Saturday night.

The AL Central bottom-dwellers had four hits off last year's National League ERA leader in the first inning, and only one was a hard-hit ball. The Royals worked a 12-pitch walk, got a base when Matt Duffy was hit in the foot by a pitch, and managed a pair of sacrifice flies to get five runs across before Los Angeles even got to bat.

The Royals held on from there for a rain-delayed 6-4 victory, just their second in their last 10 games against the Dodgers.

“I was thinking, ‘I hope that doesn’t happen to me,'" Royals starter Daniel Lynch said of the parade of weakly hit singles that staked Kansas City to a 5-0 lead. “They're bloopers but they're still good at-bats. Hits are hits.”

Lynch (2-3) nearly gave all his support back when he allowed three runs in the second. But the left-hander settled down, eventually throwing 108 pitches to get through five innings. He allowed five hits and three walks with four strikeouts.

The Dodgers left the bases loaded in the eighth when Yonny Hernandez struck out and Freddie Freeman grounded out, and Scott Barlow got the final four outs for his 10th save while capping four innings of one-run ball by the Kansas City bullpen.

“The biggest thing was just staying relaxed,” Barlow said. “Do as much as you can to make quality pitches.”

Drew Waters and Salvador Perez drove in runs, and Edward Oliveras and Samad Taylor had sacrifice flies, as Urías (5-5) scuffled through his first game since hurting his hamstring on May 18. He lasted three innings and allowed six hits and two walks.

Urías struggled with both command and misfortune after a nearly 90 minute rain delay to start the game.

Maikel Garcia started the trouble for last year's NL ERA leader with a double and Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez added bloopers to give Kansas City the lead. Nick Pratto followed by working a 12-pitch walk, and Oliveras hit a sacrifice fly that was caught by a backpedaling second baseman who couldn't get enough on the throw home.

The big inning continued when Duffy was hit by a pitch and Taylor added his sacrifice fly. That scored the slow-footed Perez, who contorted his body around catcher Will Smith's tag, and the Dodgers were so stunned by his slide that they allowed the remaining runners to advance. Waters followed with another blooper to make it 5-0.

“It was a frustrating inning. I think initially, Julio came out good but got victimized by a lot of soft contact,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Give him a lot of credit. He got up to 66 pitches and threw up a couple of zeros.”

The Dodgers similarly manufactured three runs off Lynch in the second but left a runner on base, then left runners on the corners in the third and another on base in the fifth as their comeback began to fizzle.

Their last chance came in the eighth, when pinch hitter Max Muncy got a single to first past Pratto, who later froze in indecision on James Outman's grounder and allowed a run to score. Royals reliever Taylor Clarke came back to retire Hernandez, and Barlow walked Mookie Betts to load the bases before getting Freeman to ground out and end the inning.

“Scotty is one of our best relievers,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That's why I brought him in there.”

Three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw walked off the field drenched in sweat after playing catch three hours before first pitch, and Roberts later said his session was “just OK.” Kershaw felt&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kershaw-dodgers-shoulder-ccc81c95c488883d66fc1dfa6f122b2b">tenderness in his shoulder after a strong start Tuesday</a>. He was given a shot to relieve inflammation Wednesday and is scheduled to face Pittsburgh on Monday.

Dodgers: LHP Justin Bruihl was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make space for Urías on the roster.

Royals: RHP Collin Snider was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and Brooks Kriske was optioned to the same club. The Royals needed some depth out of the bullpen and Quatraro said that Snider is capable of going multiple innings.

Dodgers: IF/OF Chris Taylor (right knee) will not return before the All-Star break, Roberts said. Taylor left a game against the Giants on June 16 with soreness before a pair of pinch-hitting appearances, the last of them coming on June 21.

Royals: RHP Jordan Lyles (illness) returned to the ballpark Saturday and the club is waiting to see how he feels before deciding whether he makes his next start. Lyles is scheduled to face the Twins on Wednesday.

Dodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (4-2, 3.30 ERA) will start their final road game before the All-Star break on Sunday. RHP Brady Singer (4-7, 5.88) will start for the Royals, who then head on the road for seven games leading into the break. First Pitch is set for 1:10, with pregame starting at 12:30 on 680 and 95.3 KFEQ.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688297234631.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez, left, beats a tag by Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, right, to score off a Samad Taylor sacrifice fly during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, July 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez, left, beats a tag by Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, right, to score off a Samad Taylor sacrifice fly during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, July 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals rudely welcomed Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías back from the injured list on Saturday night.The AL Central bottom-dwellers had four hits off last year's National League ERA leader in the first inning, and only one was a hard-hit ball. The Royals worked a 12-pitch walk, got a base when Matt Duffy was hit in the foot by a pitch, and managed a pair of sacrifice flies to get five runs across before Los Angeles even got to bat.The Royals held on from there for a rain-delayed 6-4 victory, just their second in their last 10 games against the Dodgers.“I was thinking, ‘I hope that doesn’t happen to me,'" Royals starter Daniel Lynch said of the parade of weakly hit singles that staked Kansas City to a 5-0 lead. “They're bloopers but they're still good at-bats. Hits are hits.”Lynch (2-3) nearly gave all his support back when he allowed three runs in the second. But the left-hander settled down, eventually throwing 108 pitches to get through five innings. He allowed five hits and three walks with four strikeouts.The Dodgers left the bases loaded in the eighth when Yonny Hernandez struck out and Freddie Freeman grounded out, and Scott Barlow got the final four outs for his 10th save while capping four innings of one-run ball by the Kansas City bullpen.“The biggest thing was just staying relaxed,” Barlow said. “Do as much as you can to make quality pitches.”Drew Waters and Salvador Perez drove in runs, and Edward Oliveras and Samad Taylor had sacrifice flies, as Urías (5-5) scuffled through his first game since hurting his hamstring on May 18. He lasted three innings and allowed six hits and two walks.Urías struggled with both command and misfortune after a nearly 90 minute rain delay to start the game.Maikel Garcia started the trouble for last year's NL ERA leader with a double and Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez added bloopers to give Kansas City the lead. Nick Pratto followed by working a 12-pitch walk, and Oliveras hit a sacrifice fly that was caught by a backpedaling second baseman who couldn't get enough on the throw home.The big inning continued when Duffy was hit by a pitch and Taylor added his sacrifice fly. That scored the slow-footed Perez, who contorted his body around catcher Will Smith's tag, and the Dodgers were so stunned by his slide that they allowed the remaining runners to advance. Waters followed with another blooper to make it 5-0.“It was a frustrating inning. I think initially, Julio came out good but got victimized by a lot of soft contact,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Give him a lot of credit. He got up to 66 pitches and threw up a couple of zeros.”The Dodgers similarly manufactured three runs off Lynch in the second but left a runner on base, then left runners on the corners in the third and another on base in the fifth as their comeback began to fizzle.Their last chance came in the eighth, when pinch hitter Max Muncy got a single to first past Pratto, who later froze in indecision on James Outman's grounder and allowed a run to score. Royals reliever Taylor Clarke came back to retire Hernandez, and Barlow walked Mookie Betts to load the bases before getting Freeman to ground out and end the inning.“Scotty is one of our best relievers,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That's why I brought him in there.”KERSHAW'S SHOULDERThree-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw walked off the field drenched in sweat after playing catch three hours before first pitch, and Roberts later said his session was “just OK.” Kershaw felt&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kershaw-dodgers-shoulder-ccc81c95c488883d66fc1dfa6f122b2b">tenderness in his shoulder after a strong start Tuesday</a>. He was given a shot to relieve inflammation Wednesday and is scheduled to face Pittsburgh on Monday.TRANSACTIONSDodgers: LHP Justin Bruihl was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make space for Urías on the roster.Royals: RHP Collin Snider was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and Brooks Kriske was optioned to the same club. The Royals needed some depth out of the bullpen and Quatraro said that Snider is capable of going multiple innings.TRAINER'S ROOMDodgers: IF/OF Chris Taylor (right knee) will not return before the All-Star break, Roberts said. Taylor left a game against the Giants on June 16 with soreness before a pair of pinch-hitting appearances, the last of them coming on June 21.Royals: RHP Jordan Lyles (illness) returned to the ballpark Saturday and the club is waiting to see how he feels before deciding whether he makes his next start. Lyles is scheduled to face the Twins on Wednesday.UP NEXTDodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (4-2, 3.30 ERA) will start their final road game before the All-Star break on Sunday. RHP Brady Singer (4-7, 5.88) will start for the Royals, who then head on the road for seven games leading into the break. First Pitch is set for 1:10, with pregame starting at 12:30 on 680 and 95.3 KFEQ.

Royals score 5 in first inning off Dodgers' Julio Urías before holding on for 6-4 win

After rain on Friday in St. Joseph forced a delay at Phil Welch Stadium between the St. Joseph Mustangs and the Carroll Merchants, a double header was held on Saturday between the two teams.&nbsp;

The Mustangs took an early lead to start the game Friday night as a Ryan Callahan single would score Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart, giving the Mustangs a 1-0 lead.&nbsp; But from there the Merchants would score four unanswered runs over the next four innings, leading 4-1 at the end of the fifth.&nbsp;

St. Joseph would knot the game up at four a piece in the sixth inning.&nbsp; A Ben Click double would drive in one run and in the very next at bat, with William Dryburg at the plate, a wild pitch would score Michael Paule, advancing Click to third. Dryburg would fly out in his at bat to right field, bringing Click across home.&nbsp;

The Mustangs would take the lead for good in the bottom of the seventh as a Paule sacrifice fly would score Callahan.&nbsp; They would then go on to add three more in the bottom of the eighth giving them an 8-4 lead before mother nature would have something to say and forced the game to be delayed to finish Saturday.&nbsp;

In the resumption on Saturday, the Merchants would add just one more run in the ninth inning, eventually falling 8-5.&nbsp;

Easton Bruce led all hitters with two hits.&nbsp; Callahan drove in two runs on the night.&nbsp; Michael Infranca started the game and pitched seven innings, giving up four runs (two earned), while St. Joseph Christian alum Camden Lutz pitched the final two innings with two strikeouts and just one run given up.

Fifteen minutes after the conclusion of Game 1, the Mustangs would again take the field with Mason Holton starting the game and out of the gate Holton looked like a man on a mission shutting down the Merchants.

Holton pitched four perfect innings before finally giving up an infield single in the top of the fifth inning to Carroll's Cullen McBride.&nbsp; Later in the same inning Holton would also give up his first walk of the game to Justin Johnson.&nbsp;

The Mustangs took a 1-0 lead in the second inning.&nbsp; Following singles from Lafayette alumni Jayden Little and William Dryburg, Lafayette alumni Cole Slibowski would drive in Little on a single to left field.&nbsp; A double steal would put Slibowski and Dryburg on second and third respectively, before Trevor McCollum would strike out to end the inning.

St. Joseph would strike for five more runs in the fifth inning.&nbsp; A McCollum single would start the inning and then after a single from Lafayette alumni Brayden Luikart, both McCollum and Luikart would advance one more base on a throwing error, before Jeremy Rader would drive in both on a double.&nbsp; Jayden Little would bring in Rader on a single before the fifth run of the inning would come across unearned as Michael Paule scored on a throwing error from the catcher.&nbsp;

The Mustangs would score two more runs in the eighth inning, winning 8-0, as the Merchants struggled to figure out Holton all night, with Holton pitching eight shutout innings giving up just one hit and striking out nine batters while walking three.&nbsp; Ryker Curry would close out the game in the ninth with a 1-2-3 inning only needing seven pitches.

Rader drove in four runs on the night with only one hit.&nbsp; Luikart, Little, McCollum, and Dryburg each had two hits.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 19-9 on the season, 17-9 in MINK League play, and sit just one game behind the Clarinda A's for first place in the North division.&nbsp; They will hit the road tomorrow to take on the Des Moines Peak Prospects with first pitch at 4pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622229798263.jpeg" alt="file photo" />
 <figcaption>file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter rain on Friday in St. Joseph forced a delay at Phil Welch Stadium between the St. Joseph Mustangs and the Carroll Merchants, a double header was held on Saturday between the two teams.&nbsp;The Mustangs took an early lead to start the game Friday night as a Ryan Callahan single would score Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart, giving the Mustangs a 1-0 lead.&nbsp; But from there the Merchants would score four unanswered runs over the next four innings, leading 4-1 at the end of the fifth.&nbsp;St. Joseph would knot the game up at four a piece in the sixth inning.&nbsp; A Ben Click double would drive in one run and in the very next at bat, with William Dryburg at the plate, a wild pitch would score Michael Paule, advancing Click to third. Dryburg would fly out in his at bat to right field, bringing Click across home.&nbsp;The Mustangs would take the lead for good in the bottom of the seventh as a Paule sacrifice fly would score Callahan.&nbsp; They would then go on to add three more in the bottom of the eighth giving them an 8-4 lead before mother nature would have something to say and forced the game to be delayed to finish Saturday.&nbsp;In the resumption on Saturday, the Merchants would add just one more run in the ninth inning, eventually falling 8-5.&nbsp;Easton Bruce led all hitters with two hits.&nbsp; Callahan drove in two runs on the night.&nbsp; Michael Infranca started the game and pitched seven innings, giving up four runs (two earned), while St. Joseph Christian alum Camden Lutz pitched the final two innings with two strikeouts and just one run given up.GAME TWOFifteen minutes after the conclusion of Game 1, the Mustangs would again take the field with Mason Holton starting the game and out of the gate Holton looked like a man on a mission shutting down the Merchants.Holton pitched four perfect innings before finally giving up an infield single in the top of the fifth inning to Carroll's Cullen McBride.&nbsp; Later in the same inning Holton would also give up his first walk of the game to Justin Johnson.&nbsp;The Mustangs took a 1-0 lead in the second inning.&nbsp; Following singles from Lafayette alumni Jayden Little and William Dryburg, Lafayette alumni Cole Slibowski would drive in Little on a single to left field.&nbsp; A double steal would put Slibowski and Dryburg on second and third respectively, before Trevor McCollum would strike out to end the inning.St. Joseph would strike for five more runs in the fifth inning.&nbsp; A McCollum single would start the inning and then after a single from Lafayette alumni Brayden Luikart, both McCollum and Luikart would advance one more base on a throwing error, before Jeremy Rader would drive in both on a double.&nbsp; Jayden Little would bring in Rader on a single before the fifth run of the inning would come across unearned as Michael Paule scored on a throwing error from the catcher.&nbsp;The Mustangs would score two more runs in the eighth inning, winning 8-0, as the Merchants struggled to figure out Holton all night, with Holton pitching eight shutout innings giving up just one hit and striking out nine batters while walking three.&nbsp; Ryker Curry would close out the game in the ninth with a 1-2-3 inning only needing seven pitches.Rader drove in four runs on the night with only one hit.&nbsp; Luikart, Little, McCollum, and Dryburg each had two hits.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 19-9 on the season, 17-9 in MINK League play, and sit just one game behind the Clarinda A's for first place in the North division.&nbsp; They will hit the road tomorrow to take on the Des Moines Peak Prospects with first pitch at 4pm.

Mustangs sweep Merchants in double header after rain delay on Friday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mookie Betts homered twice off big league debutant Alec Marsh, finishing 4 for 4 with two walks and four RBIs as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Kansas City Royals 9-3 on Friday night.

Jason Heyward added three hits and two RBIs for the Dodgers, whose hot bats that produced a season-high 18 hits the previous night in Colorado kept sizzling at Kauffman Stadium, where the temperature was 97 degrees at first pitch.

Los Angeles had 11 hits to go with nine walks, and seven different players crossed the plate, giving Bobby Miller (4-1) more than enough support. The right-hander pitched into the sixth inning and allowed three runs on five hits and a walk.

Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Pratto and Freddy Fermin drove in runs for Kansas City, which has lost eight of its last nine against the Dodgers.

Marsh (0-1), the fourth Royals player to make his major league debut this season, threw 95 pitches before he was lifted with two aboard and nobody out in the fifth. He allowed five runs on four walks and six hits with five strikeouts.

The 25-year-old Marsh actually pitched fairly well when he wasn't facing Betts, the Dodgers' All-Star leadoff hitter, who drove the right-hander's fifth career pitch 422 feet over the left-field bullpen. Betts followed his ninth leadoff homer of the season with a shot off the left-field foul pole to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead in the third.

Betts added an RBI single in the fourth, a walk in the sixth, a run-scoring double in the eighth and another walk in the ninth. That allowed the seven-time All-Star to match a career high by reaching base six times, which Betts also accomplished for the Red Sox against the Yankees on Aug. 2, 2018.

Witt's RBI groundout got the Royals within 2-1 in the third before Los Angeles capitalized on a pair of walks to score twice in the fourth, when bolts of lightning began tracing across the outfield sky. The umpires huddled but allowed play to continue.

The Dodgers answered Pratto's run-scoring double in the fourth with a run in the fifth, when Will Smith was awarded a triple on a hit down the right-field line that was initially ruled foul. J.D. Martinez followed two batters later with a sacrifice fly.

Heyward made it 6-3 with an RBI single in the seventh before Los Angeles put the game out of reach with three more runs in the eighth.

The Royals traded LHP Aroldis Chapman to the Rangers for LHP Cole Ragans and OF Roni Cabrera about two hours before the first pitch. The 35-year-old Chapman has resurrected his career this season, frequently hitting 102 mph out of the bullpen, but the Royals needed younger players as they build toward the future. The 25-year-old Ragans will go to Triple-A Omaha to stretch out as a starter and could be in the majors soon, and the 17-year-old Cabrera will play in the Dominican Summer League.

“It was just a matter of the timing of when we thought we'd get the right return,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said about trading Chapman. “He's just thrown so well that we had an opportunity to make a move sooner than later.”

Royals: LHP Amir Garrett (left elbow) came off the injured list, where he had been since June 2, and pitched a scoreless inning in relief. RHP James McArthur also was optioned to Omaha so Marsh could join the club.

Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw plans to play catch Saturday rather than throw a bullpen. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is on track to start Monday after feeling tenderness in his shoulder Tuesday. He was given a shot to relieve inflammation Wednesday. “That’s the plan as it stands right now,” manager Dave Roberts said.

Dodgers LHP Julio Urías (hamstring) is expected to start Saturday for the first time since May 17. He was 5-4 with a 4.39 ERA in 10 starts before landing on the injured list. The Royals will counter with LHP Daniel Lynch (1-3, 3.96).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688183781114.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Alec Marsh throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday, June 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Alec Marsh throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday, June 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mookie Betts homered twice off big league debutant Alec Marsh, finishing 4 for 4 with two walks and four RBIs as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Kansas City Royals 9-3 on Friday night.Jason Heyward added three hits and two RBIs for the Dodgers, whose hot bats that produced a season-high 18 hits the previous night in Colorado kept sizzling at Kauffman Stadium, where the temperature was 97 degrees at first pitch.Los Angeles had 11 hits to go with nine walks, and seven different players crossed the plate, giving Bobby Miller (4-1) more than enough support. The right-hander pitched into the sixth inning and allowed three runs on five hits and a walk.Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Pratto and Freddy Fermin drove in runs for Kansas City, which has lost eight of its last nine against the Dodgers.Marsh (0-1), the fourth Royals player to make his major league debut this season, threw 95 pitches before he was lifted with two aboard and nobody out in the fifth. He allowed five runs on four walks and six hits with five strikeouts.The 25-year-old Marsh actually pitched fairly well when he wasn't facing Betts, the Dodgers' All-Star leadoff hitter, who drove the right-hander's fifth career pitch 422 feet over the left-field bullpen. Betts followed his ninth leadoff homer of the season with a shot off the left-field foul pole to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead in the third.Betts added an RBI single in the fourth, a walk in the sixth, a run-scoring double in the eighth and another walk in the ninth. That allowed the seven-time All-Star to match a career high by reaching base six times, which Betts also accomplished for the Red Sox against the Yankees on Aug. 2, 2018.Witt's RBI groundout got the Royals within 2-1 in the third before Los Angeles capitalized on a pair of walks to score twice in the fourth, when bolts of lightning began tracing across the outfield sky. The umpires huddled but allowed play to continue.The Dodgers answered Pratto's run-scoring double in the fourth with a run in the fifth, when Will Smith was awarded a triple on a hit down the right-field line that was initially ruled foul. J.D. Martinez followed two batters later with a sacrifice fly.Heyward made it 6-3 with an RBI single in the seventh before Los Angeles put the game out of reach with three more runs in the eighth.CHAPMAN TRADEDThe Royals traded LHP Aroldis Chapman to the Rangers for LHP Cole Ragans and OF Roni Cabrera about two hours before the first pitch. The 35-year-old Chapman has resurrected his career this season, frequently hitting 102 mph out of the bullpen, but the Royals needed younger players as they build toward the future. The 25-year-old Ragans will go to Triple-A Omaha to stretch out as a starter and could be in the majors soon, and the 17-year-old Cabrera will play in the Dominican Summer League.“It was just a matter of the timing of when we thought we'd get the right return,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said about trading Chapman. “He's just thrown so well that we had an opportunity to make a move sooner than later.”ROSTER MOVESRoyals: LHP Amir Garrett (left elbow) came off the injured list, where he had been since June 2, and pitched a scoreless inning in relief. RHP James McArthur also was optioned to Omaha so Marsh could join the club.TRAINER'S ROOMDodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw plans to play catch Saturday rather than throw a bullpen. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is on track to start Monday after feeling tenderness in his shoulder Tuesday. He was given a shot to relieve inflammation Wednesday. “That’s the plan as it stands right now,” manager Dave Roberts said.UP NEXTDodgers LHP Julio Urías (hamstring) is expected to start Saturday for the first time since May 17. He was 5-4 with a 4.39 ERA in 10 starts before landing on the injured list. The Royals will counter with LHP Daniel Lynch (1-3, 3.96).

Mookie Betts homers twice, goes 4 for 4 with 4 RBIs and leads Dodgers to 9-3 win over Royals

The St. Joseph Mustangs rallied back but were unable to complete a comeback against the Chillicothe Mudcats on Thursday night in Chillicothe, falling 10-7 in the matchup.&nbsp;

The Mudcats took the lead in the first inning scoring four runs before the Mustangs could even get a second out.&nbsp; St. Joseph would get a run back in the top of the second inning, but would score no more for the next three innings, falling behind 10-1 by the end of the fifth inning.

The comeback attempt would start in the sixth as Lafayette alumni Jayden Little would drive in one run on a single and in the very next at bat Savannah alumni Noah Bodenhausen would single to drive in two more, and eventually Bodenhausen would score on a wild pitch to narrow the lead to 10-5 at the end of six.

The Mustangs would get one run each in the eighth inning and the ninth inning, narrowing the lead to 10-7.&nbsp; St. Joseph would load the bases in the top of the ninth with one out, before Little would strike out and Bodenhausen would fly out to right to end the game.&nbsp;

Right fielder Aron Harrington led the way hitting going 4 for 5 at the plate, but the catalyst driving in runs was Bodenhausen who despite only going 2 for 5 drove in three runs on the night.&nbsp; Little also had two RBI's at the plate.&nbsp;

Frank Gall struggled on the mound in his third start of the season, pitching just three innings and giving up eight runs, before Benton alumni Tanner Schmidt would limit the damage giving up just two runs through five innings pitched.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 17-9 on the year and 15-9 in the MINK League North division.&nbsp; Next up the Mustangs will return home for eight of their next nine games, starting with a two game homestand against the Carroll Merchants on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp; Both games will start at 7pm at Phil Welch Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659155839379.jpeg" alt="Noah Bodenhausen (12) receives high fives as he makes his way back to the dugout." />
 <figcaption>Noah Bodenhausen (12) receives high fives as he makes his way back to the dugout.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs rallied back but were unable to complete a comeback against the Chillicothe Mudcats on Thursday night in Chillicothe, falling 10-7 in the matchup.&nbsp;The Mudcats took the lead in the first inning scoring four runs before the Mustangs could even get a second out.&nbsp; St. Joseph would get a run back in the top of the second inning, but would score no more for the next three innings, falling behind 10-1 by the end of the fifth inning.The comeback attempt would start in the sixth as Lafayette alumni Jayden Little would drive in one run on a single and in the very next at bat Savannah alumni Noah Bodenhausen would single to drive in two more, and eventually Bodenhausen would score on a wild pitch to narrow the lead to 10-5 at the end of six.The Mustangs would get one run each in the eighth inning and the ninth inning, narrowing the lead to 10-7.&nbsp; St. Joseph would load the bases in the top of the ninth with one out, before Little would strike out and Bodenhausen would fly out to right to end the game.&nbsp;Right fielder Aron Harrington led the way hitting going 4 for 5 at the plate, but the catalyst driving in runs was Bodenhausen who despite only going 2 for 5 drove in three runs on the night.&nbsp; Little also had two RBI's at the plate.&nbsp;Frank Gall struggled on the mound in his third start of the season, pitching just three innings and giving up eight runs, before Benton alumni Tanner Schmidt would limit the damage giving up just two runs through five innings pitched.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 17-9 on the year and 15-9 in the MINK League North division.&nbsp; Next up the Mustangs will return home for eight of their next nine games, starting with a two game homestand against the Carroll Merchants on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp; Both games will start at 7pm at Phil Welch Stadium.

Mustangs fail to comeback, fall 10-7 to Chillicothe on Thursday night

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hope to settle on the location for a new ballpark by the end of the summer, and owner John Sherman said Thursday that he envisions the club playing in a new stadium by the 2027 or 2028 season.

The long-preferred site is near downtown Kansas City, where the park would be the centerpiece of a redevelopment project that links the eastern part of the metro to the vibrant area near T-Mobile Center. The location would keep the club in Jackson County, though far from the current Kauffman Stadium, and continue a trend of using sports to spearhead urban renewal.

But complicating matters has been a competing bid from Clay County, which sits across the Missouri River from downtown Kansas City. There is more space available for a ballpark village, much like the entertainment district that has sprung up around Truist Park in Atlanta, and that could help the small-market organization generate much-needed long-term revenue.

“We've always said ‘downtown or near downtown,'” said Sherman, who purchased the club in November 2019 from the late David Glass. “It's a highly motivated and creative bunch (in Clay County), but we've been partners with Jackson County and in Kansas City for 52 years. We value that relationship. We want them to give us their best shot, and we're going to give them our best shot to do it there. But I think we should be clear that there is certainly an alternative to that area.”

The decision, like most when it comes to building stadiums, could come down to finances.

The Royals have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Kansas City Chiefs dating to the construction of both Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium. Part of the current lease agreement calls for a 3/8-cent sales tax that goes toward the upkeep of both facilities, and that in turn has allowed each to far outlive other stadiums built during the same era.

Sherman said the Royals want that sales tax to continue — it would likely be on the ballot in the spring — with the roughly $350 million that it produces in public funding shifted toward the construction of a new stadium.

“Ownership will take the rest,” Sherman said. “It's a $2 billion project, probably more when you think of infrastructure.”

The Royals also have been in constant communication with the Chiefs, who are going through their own rounds of feasibility studies for Arrowhead Stadium. Like the Royals, their lease expires in 2030-31, and the Chiefs are trying to decide whether the stadium can undergo additional renovations or whether an entirely new stadium should be built.

The Royals quickly dismissed more renovations to Kauffman Stadium, where the concrete is beginning to show irreparable. It remains widely regarded as one of the most picturesque in baseball, but it also has grown antiquated when it comes to premium offerings that generate the sort of revenue that is necessary for teams to compete these days.

“We knew when we bought this team we were approaching the end of a lease with Jackson County. We knew we were in an aging building,” Sherman said. “This is the most important thing we'll have the opportunity to do while we have the privilege of being stewards of this franchise. This will be the largest private-public partnership in the history of Kansas City. It has a massive and immediate community impact, and economic impact. That's why we have a great sense of urgency of getting on with it.”

Sherman did acknowledge the awkward timing of the project. The Royals are languishing in last place in the AL Central, and are having one of the worst seasons in franchise history, which makes asking for public money a difficult proposition.

But he also doesn't want the Royals to follow in the footsteps of the Athletics, who called Kansas City home before their move to Oakland. The A's tried for decades to get a new ballpark built in the Bay Area, but they are now going through the relocation application process with MLB that could result in the team building a new ballpark in Las Vegas.

“I have about 30 letters on my desk asking to vote ‘no’ on the transfer of the A's to Las Vegas. That's a process that drug on a long time, and people waited,” Sherman said. “We're at warp speed compared to how long these complicated projects usually take. We are down to two sites. We're going to be ready to have that down to one by the end of the summer.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hope to settle on the location for a new ballpark by the end of the summer, and owner John Sherman said Thursday that he envisions the club playing in a new stadium by the 2027 or 2028 season.The long-preferred site is near downtown Kansas City, where the park would be the centerpiece of a redevelopment project that links the eastern part of the metro to the vibrant area near T-Mobile Center. The location would keep the club in Jackson County, though far from the current Kauffman Stadium, and continue a trend of using sports to spearhead urban renewal.But complicating matters has been a competing bid from Clay County, which sits across the Missouri River from downtown Kansas City. There is more space available for a ballpark village, much like the entertainment district that has sprung up around Truist Park in Atlanta, and that could help the small-market organization generate much-needed long-term revenue.“We've always said ‘downtown or near downtown,'” said Sherman, who purchased the club in November 2019 from the late David Glass. “It's a highly motivated and creative bunch (in Clay County), but we've been partners with Jackson County and in Kansas City for 52 years. We value that relationship. We want them to give us their best shot, and we're going to give them our best shot to do it there. But I think we should be clear that there is certainly an alternative to that area.”The decision, like most when it comes to building stadiums, could come down to finances.The Royals have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Kansas City Chiefs dating to the construction of both Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium. Part of the current lease agreement calls for a 3/8-cent sales tax that goes toward the upkeep of both facilities, and that in turn has allowed each to far outlive other stadiums built during the same era.Sherman said the Royals want that sales tax to continue — it would likely be on the ballot in the spring — with the roughly $350 million that it produces in public funding shifted toward the construction of a new stadium.“Ownership will take the rest,” Sherman said. “It's a $2 billion project, probably more when you think of infrastructure.”The Royals also have been in constant communication with the Chiefs, who are going through their own rounds of feasibility studies for Arrowhead Stadium. Like the Royals, their lease expires in 2030-31, and the Chiefs are trying to decide whether the stadium can undergo additional renovations or whether an entirely new stadium should be built.The Royals quickly dismissed more renovations to Kauffman Stadium, where the concrete is beginning to show irreparable. It remains widely regarded as one of the most picturesque in baseball, but it also has grown antiquated when it comes to premium offerings that generate the sort of revenue that is necessary for teams to compete these days.“We knew when we bought this team we were approaching the end of a lease with Jackson County. We knew we were in an aging building,” Sherman said. “This is the most important thing we'll have the opportunity to do while we have the privilege of being stewards of this franchise. This will be the largest private-public partnership in the history of Kansas City. It has a massive and immediate community impact, and economic impact. That's why we have a great sense of urgency of getting on with it.”Sherman did acknowledge the awkward timing of the project. The Royals are languishing in last place in the AL Central, and are having one of the worst seasons in franchise history, which makes asking for public money a difficult proposition.But he also doesn't want the Royals to follow in the footsteps of the Athletics, who called Kansas City home before their move to Oakland. The A's tried for decades to get a new ballpark built in the Bay Area, but they are now going through the relocation application process with MLB that could result in the team building a new ballpark in Las Vegas.“I have about 30 letters on my desk asking to vote ‘no’ on the transfer of the A's to Las Vegas. That's a process that drug on a long time, and people waited,” Sherman said. “We're at warp speed compared to how long these complicated projects usually take. We are down to two sites. We're going to be ready to have that down to one by the end of the summer.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">John Sherman details how the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a>&#39; new stadium will impact the team: &quot;The new stadium will generate more revenue than this one does.... This is a business where you take your excess cash flow and you put it back on the field and you find ways to compete.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/QCirXxnbzL">pic.twitter.com/QCirXxnbzL</a>&mdash; Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsKC/status/1674476547015688192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Royals owner John Sherman envisions new stadium by 2027 or 2028 season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — José Ramirez daringly stole home for the go-ahead run in the 10th inning, but the Kansas City Royals rebounded to beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 Thursday on pinch-hitter Freddy Fermin's two-run double in the bottom half.

Even win, the Royals reached the season's midpoint at 23-58, the worst first-half record in team history.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona was in attendance but was not in uniform as an on-going precaution against health concerns. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale managed the Guardians.

Ramirez started the 10th on second base as the automatic runner and advanced on Josh Naylor's groundout. Josh Bell struck out and with an 0-2 count on Andrés Giménez and left-hander Aroldis Chapman (4-2) working from the stretch, Ramirez took five small steps toward the plate and burst home.

He slid headfirst and with his body to the infield side of the line, slapped his right hand on the plate as catcher Salvador Perez gloved the high sinker and lunged forward. Umpire Jeremy Riggs called Ramirez out, but the call was reversed in a video review, giving Cleveland its first steal of home since Leonys Martin on June 15, 2019.

Nicky Lopez singled off Emmanuel Clase (1-5) leading off the bottom half, moving automatic runner Kyle Isbel to third.

Drew Waters took a called third strike, bringing up the pitcher's spot in the order created when designated Bobby Witt Jr. replaced Maikel Garcia at shortstop on the ninth inning. Fermin lined a pitch into the left-field corner, easily scoring Isbel and allowing Lopez to score standing up.

Clase blew a save for the sixth time in 30 chances.

Cleveland built a 2-0 lead in the fifth on Ramirez’s sacrifice fly and Bell’s two-out RBI single. Kansas City tied the score in the eighth on Edward Olivares' sacrifice fly and Nick Pratto's two-out, run-scoring single against Trevor Stephan.

Shane Bieber faced two batters over the minimum, working around leadoff doubles in the second and third innings. He allowed just the two hits in six shutout innings and struck out eight, one on Waters’ pitch-clock violation that ended the fifth.

Royals starter Zack Greinke gave up two runs and 11 hits in six innings. He is 0-4 in 10 starts since beating Baltimore on May 3.

Naylor had two of the Guardian’s 13 hits and is hitting .398 (43 for 108) in his last 26 games.

Dodgers RHP Bobby Miller (3-1, 4.13) will oppose Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (1-11, 6.68) in Friday’s series opener.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:10pm on Friday with pregame at 6:30 pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688075657483.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Freddy Fermin (34) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run double to win the baseball game during the tenth inning Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals won 3-2 in ten innings. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Freddy Fermin (34) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run double to win the baseball game during the tenth inning Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals won 3-2 in ten innings. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — José Ramirez daringly stole home for the go-ahead run in the 10th inning, but the Kansas City Royals rebounded to beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 Thursday on pinch-hitter Freddy Fermin's two-run double in the bottom half.Even win, the Royals reached the season's midpoint at 23-58, the worst first-half record in team history.Cleveland manager Terry Francona was in attendance but was not in uniform as an on-going precaution against health concerns. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale managed the Guardians.Ramirez started the 10th on second base as the automatic runner and advanced on Josh Naylor's groundout. Josh Bell struck out and with an 0-2 count on Andrés Giménez and left-hander Aroldis Chapman (4-2) working from the stretch, Ramirez took five small steps toward the plate and burst home.He slid headfirst and with his body to the infield side of the line, slapped his right hand on the plate as catcher Salvador Perez gloved the high sinker and lunged forward. Umpire Jeremy Riggs called Ramirez out, but the call was reversed in a video review, giving Cleveland its first steal of home since Leonys Martin on June 15, 2019.Nicky Lopez singled off Emmanuel Clase (1-5) leading off the bottom half, moving automatic runner Kyle Isbel to third.Drew Waters took a called third strike, bringing up the pitcher's spot in the order created when designated Bobby Witt Jr. replaced Maikel Garcia at shortstop on the ninth inning. Fermin lined a pitch into the left-field corner, easily scoring Isbel and allowing Lopez to score standing up.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Freddy&#39;s that guy.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HEYHEYHEYHEY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HEYHEYHEYHEY</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeToTheCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeToTheCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/1vtLBJpNWt">pic.twitter.com/1vtLBJpNWt</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1674524145332240384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Clase blew a save for the sixth time in 30 chances.Cleveland built a 2-0 lead in the fifth on Ramirez’s sacrifice fly and Bell’s two-out RBI single. Kansas City tied the score in the eighth on Edward Olivares' sacrifice fly and Nick Pratto's two-out, run-scoring single against Trevor Stephan.Shane Bieber faced two batters over the minimum, working around leadoff doubles in the second and third innings. He allowed just the two hits in six shutout innings and struck out eight, one on Waters’ pitch-clock violation that ended the fifth.Royals starter Zack Greinke gave up two runs and 11 hits in six innings. He is 0-4 in 10 starts since beating Baltimore on May 3.Naylor had two of the Guardian’s 13 hits and is hitting .398 (43 for 108) in his last 26 games.UP NEXTDodgers RHP Bobby Miller (3-1, 4.13) will oppose Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (1-11, 6.68) in Friday’s series opener.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:10pm on Friday with pregame at 6:30 pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688075714501.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nicky Lopez celebrates after scoring the game-winning run on a two-run double by Freddy Fermin during the tenth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals won 4-3 in ten innings. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nicky Lopez celebrates after scoring the game-winning run on a two-run double by Freddy Fermin during the tenth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals won 4-3 in ten innings. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ramirez steal of home not enough as Fermin's double in 10th lifts Royals over Guardians 4-3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — José Ramírez hit his fifth career grand slam and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 14-1 on Wednesday night, moving into first place in the AL Central despite a losing record.

Ramírez lined a first-pitch cutter from Austin Cox into the left-field bullpen after Cox opened the third by allowing a single and two walks. It was the slugger's 13th homer this season. Ramírez added an RBI double in the seventh and is hitting .411 (30-for-73) with 14 extra-base hits over his last 18 games.

Josh Bell’s two-run blast, a 464-foot shot into the right-field fountains, gave Cleveland a 6-0 lead in the fifth. Bell added a two-run double in the sixth as the Guardians batted around against James McArthur, who made his major league debut.

Cleveland (39-40) played its second straight game without manager Terry Francona, who was hospitalized overnight and told by doctors to rest after he felt lightheaded before Tuesday's game.

Bo Naylor connected for his first major league home run, a two-run line drive to left-center during the seven-run sixth. He had a career-high three hits.

Nick Sandlin (4-3), the first of four Guardians relievers, got four outs for the win. Starter Logan Allen worked out of several jams, allowing six baserunners over 3 2/3 innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688008849334.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) takes the ball from starting pitcher Austin Cox after making a pitching change during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) takes the ball from starting pitcher Austin Cox after making a pitching change during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — José Ramírez hit his fifth career grand slam and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 14-1 on Wednesday night, moving into first place in the AL Central despite a losing record.Ramírez lined a first-pitch cutter from Austin Cox into the left-field bullpen after Cox opened the third by allowing a single and two walks. It was the slugger's 13th homer this season. Ramírez added an RBI double in the seventh and is hitting .411 (30-for-73) with 14 extra-base hits over his last 18 games.Josh Bell’s two-run blast, a 464-foot shot into the right-field fountains, gave Cleveland a 6-0 lead in the fifth. Bell added a two-run double in the sixth as the Guardians batted around against James McArthur, who made his major league debut.Cleveland (39-40) played its second straight game without manager Terry Francona, who was hospitalized overnight and told by doctors to rest after he felt lightheaded before Tuesday's game.Bo Naylor connected for his first major league home run, a two-run line drive to left-center during the seven-run sixth. He had a career-high three hits.Nick Sandlin (4-3), the first of four Guardians relievers, got four outs for the win. Starter Logan Allen worked out of several jams, allowing six baserunners over 3 2/3 innings.Making his first major league start, Cox (0-1) allowed his first runs after 12 1/3 scoreless relief innings to begin his career. He surrendered four runs on four hits, walking four and striking out two in 3 2/3 innings.The Guardians have won seven of nine to surpass Minnesota (40-42) in the division standings.First baseman Matt Duffy pitched a scoreless ninth for the Royals, who have lost 10 of their last 12 series, with two splits.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: 2B Nicky Lopez left the game after being hit by a pitch on his right hand.UP NEXTWith the Guardians seeking a three-game sweep, Shane Bieber (5-5, 3.69 ERA) will oppose Kansas City's Zach Greinke (1-8, 5.31) on Thursday. First Pitch is set for 1:10 on KFEQ.