The Jefferson City Renegades hit an RBI double in the bottom of the 10th inning to beat the St. Joseph Mustangs 8-7 in the first game of the MINK League Championship Series on Thursday night at Vivion Field in Jefferson City.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, but Jeff City tied it with four runs in the third.

St. Joseph led again 7-5 in the top of the seventh, but the Renegades tied it with a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth.

The Renegades notched 17 hits, while the Mustangs had 14. Brayden Luikart and Trevor McCollum each had three hits. Ben Click scored three runs, while Cole Slibowski had three RBIs.

Ryker Curry took the loss on the mound, pitching the final 1.2 innings. He allowed two hits, one earned run and three walks. He also struck out two.&nbsp;

Ty Hilsabeck made the start, but Jeff City tallied 10 hits and four earned runs on him in four innings.

The MINK League Championship Series now heads to St. Joseph with game two slated for Friday night at 7 p.m. at Phil Welch Stadium.

The Mustangs must win in order to force a decisive game three, which would be held on Saturday night at Phil Welch at 7 p.m. as well.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Jefferson City Renegades hit an RBI double in the bottom of the 10th inning to beat the St. Joseph Mustangs 8-7 in the first game of the MINK League Championship Series on Thursday night at Vivion Field in Jefferson City.The Mustangs jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, but Jeff City tied it with four runs in the third.St. Joseph led again 7-5 in the top of the seventh, but the Renegades tied it with a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth.The Renegades notched 17 hits, while the Mustangs had 14. Brayden Luikart and Trevor McCollum each had three hits. Ben Click scored three runs, while Cole Slibowski had three RBIs.Ryker Curry took the loss on the mound, pitching the final 1.2 innings. He allowed two hits, one earned run and three walks. He also struck out two.&nbsp;Ty Hilsabeck made the start, but Jeff City tallied 10 hits and four earned runs on him in four innings.The MINK League Championship Series now heads to St. Joseph with game two slated for Friday night at 7 p.m. at Phil Welch Stadium.The Mustangs must win in order to force a decisive game three, which would be held on Saturday night at Phil Welch at 7 p.m. as well.

Mustangs fall in extra innings Thursday in first MINK League title series game

The Lafayette girls' tennis team had been holding summer practices at the Northside Tennis Courts in Krug Park.

Near those courts is a city-owned storage building, where the team had stored all of their equipment.

Unfortunately, it was discovered this past Tuesday that the team's equipment, everything from ball machines to tennis rackets, had been stolen. Locks on the doors had been apparently cut.

After news of this robbery had been made public on Facebook, many people in St. Joseph have stepped in to help, including the St. Joseph Mustangs.

The Mustangs are holding a 50/50 raffle on Friday night at Phil Welch Stadium during the MINK League Championship Series game with proceeds going toward the Lafayette tennis team.

The team has already agreed to donate $100 to the team up front.

Lafayette head coach Kara Berry was blown away with how fast the Mustangs responded.

"I know there's a lot of Lafayette alumni that work the Mustangs," Berry said. "I don't know how it all came about, but I couldn't believe how quickly everyone came to our rescue. That was really, really nice of everyone and we greatly appreciate that."

Several Lafayette alums play for the Mustangs, including Brayden Luikart, Ike Book, Jayden Little and Cole Slibowski. Jennifer Koch, the team's host family coordinator, works at the high school and Phil Welch Stadium operations director Stan Weston was once the head baseball coach at Lafayette.

Berry says there have been others outside the Mustangs who have contacted her about donating equipment.

"It's so great that everyone is rushing to help us right away," she said. "People have contacted me separately that have donated things. My brother teaches (tennis) lessons and he immediately sent us four used rackets. Anything is helpful, especially when our kids don't have the funds to go out and purchase nice, new rackets."

Benton and Maryville's tennis teams have contacted Lafayette, asking if there's anything they can donate. Lafayette is coming off of a district runner-up finish in 2022. They also sent a doubles team,&nbsp;Erinn Lotspeich and Brooklyn Lorenz, to state last year as well.

As unfortunate as the circumstance is, Berry says the generosity from the community has been a silver lining.

"I really appreciate the St. Joseph coming together and helping us out with everything."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690540675205.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Lafayette girls' tennis team had been holding summer practices at the Northside Tennis Courts in Krug Park.Near those courts is a city-owned storage building, where the team had stored all of their equipment.Unfortunately, it was discovered this past Tuesday that the team's equipment, everything from ball machines to tennis rackets, had been stolen. Locks on the doors had been apparently cut.After news of this robbery had been made public on Facebook, many people in St. Joseph have stepped in to help, including the St. Joseph Mustangs.The Mustangs are holding a 50/50 raffle on Friday night at Phil Welch Stadium during the MINK League Championship Series game with proceeds going toward the Lafayette tennis team.The team has already agreed to donate $100 to the team up front.Lafayette head coach Kara Berry was blown away with how fast the Mustangs responded."I know there's a lot of Lafayette alumni that work the Mustangs," Berry said. "I don't know how it all came about, but I couldn't believe how quickly everyone came to our rescue. That was really, really nice of everyone and we greatly appreciate that."Several Lafayette alums play for the Mustangs, including Brayden Luikart, Ike Book, Jayden Little and Cole Slibowski. Jennifer Koch, the team's host family coordinator, works at the high school and Phil Welch Stadium operations director Stan Weston was once the head baseball coach at Lafayette.Berry says there have been others outside the Mustangs who have contacted her about donating equipment."It's so great that everyone is rushing to help us right away," she said. "People have contacted me separately that have donated things. My brother teaches (tennis) lessons and he immediately sent us four used rackets. Anything is helpful, especially when our kids don't have the funds to go out and purchase nice, new rackets."Benton and Maryville's tennis teams have contacted Lafayette, asking if there's anything they can donate. Lafayette is coming off of a district runner-up finish in 2022. They also sent a doubles team,&nbsp;Erinn Lotspeich and Brooklyn Lorenz, to state last year as well.As unfortunate as the circumstance is, Berry says the generosity from the community has been a silver lining."I really appreciate the St. Joseph coming together and helping us out with everything."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/LHS-tennis-coach-Kara-Berry-e27ff54" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mustangs raising money for Lafayette tennis team that had equipment stolen

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the fourth, leading the Cleveland Guardians past the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Wednesday.

Ramírez has 22 multi-homer games in his career, including two this season. He homered into the right field seats in the first and cleared the wall in center in the fourth for his 16th of the season.

Ramírez was 3 for 4 with a check-swing infield hit in the sixth and a walk in the second followed by a stolen base, and he scored three runs. He was finally retired on a groundout in the eighth.

David Fry hit a two-run homer in the fourth and Steven Kwan had two RBIs. Cleveland moved to 51-51 and trails Minnesota by two games in the AL Central.

Cleveland starter Gavin Williams pitched four scoreless innings but was pulled after throwing 85 pitches. It was his first start since developing a blister on his middle finger Friday against Philadelphia. The rookie right-hander threw 31 pitches and worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the first.

Nick Sandlin (5-3) allowed a run in the fifth.

Kansas City starter Alec Marsh (0-5) allowed four runs in 2 2/3 innings. The rookie right-hander has lost each of his five major league starts. Marsh has allowed nine home runs in 23 innings.

MJ Melendez hit a solo homer in the ninth for Kansas City. Maikel Garcia had an RBI single in the fifth and Dairon Blanco drove in a run with an eighth-inning single. Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the sixth but failed to score.

Cleveland has won three straight series for the first time since ending the 2022 season with five straight series wins.

Ramírez’s first-inning homer followed a walk to Andrés Giménez. Kwan had an RBI single in the second and drew a bases-loaded walk in the third.

Williams dodged trouble in the first. Center fielder Myles Straw made a leaping catch at the wall on a drive hit by Bobby Witt Jr. for the second out. Two singles and a walk followed. The inning ended when Freddy Fermin popped out to Giménez at second base.

Williams struck out five and allowed three hits. The Guardians are closely monitoring the workloads of Williams and rookies Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen. Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill are on Cleveland’s injured list.

Royals: RHP Brad Keller (shoulder impingement) is nearing the conclusion of a 30-day minor league rehab assignment that began June 28. He hasn’t pitched for Kansas City since May 15.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (6-8, 5.55 ERA) is the scheduled starter Friday night at home against Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690403853334.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) throws his bat after lining out to first base in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) throws his bat after lining out to first base in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the fourth, leading the Cleveland Guardians past the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Wednesday.Ramírez has 22 multi-homer games in his career, including two this season. He homered into the right field seats in the first and cleared the wall in center in the fourth for his 16th of the season.Ramírez was 3 for 4 with a check-swing infield hit in the sixth and a walk in the second followed by a stolen base, and he scored three runs. He was finally retired on a groundout in the eighth.David Fry hit a two-run homer in the fourth and Steven Kwan had two RBIs. Cleveland moved to 51-51 and trails Minnesota by two games in the AL Central.Cleveland starter Gavin Williams pitched four scoreless innings but was pulled after throwing 85 pitches. It was his first start since developing a blister on his middle finger Friday against Philadelphia. The rookie right-hander threw 31 pitches and worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the first.Nick Sandlin (5-3) allowed a run in the fifth.Kansas City starter Alec Marsh (0-5) allowed four runs in 2 2/3 innings. The rookie right-hander has lost each of his five major league starts. Marsh has allowed nine home runs in 23 innings.MJ Melendez hit a solo homer in the ninth for Kansas City. Maikel Garcia had an RBI single in the fifth and Dairon Blanco drove in a run with an eighth-inning single. Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the sixth but failed to score.Cleveland has won three straight series for the first time since ending the 2022 season with five straight series wins.Ramírez’s first-inning homer followed a walk to Andrés Giménez. Kwan had an RBI single in the second and drew a bases-loaded walk in the third.Williams dodged trouble in the first. Center fielder Myles Straw made a leaping catch at the wall on a drive hit by Bobby Witt Jr. for the second out. Two singles and a walk followed. The inning ended when Freddy Fermin popped out to Giménez at second base.Williams struck out five and allowed three hits. The Guardians are closely monitoring the workloads of Williams and rookies Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen. Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill are on Cleveland’s injured list.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Brad Keller (shoulder impingement) is nearing the conclusion of a 30-day minor league rehab assignment that began June 28. He hasn’t pitched for Kansas City since May 15.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (6-8, 5.55 ERA) is the scheduled starter Friday night at home against Minnesota.

José Ramírez homers twice, drives in three to lead Guardians past Royals 8-3

Matt Nagy is once again the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator after a head coaching stint with the Chicago Bears.

He came back to the Chiefs last year as quarterbacks coach and was elevated to offensive coordinator with the departure of Eric Bieniemy in the offseason.

As one might expect, Nagy is pretty encouraged by what he’s seen from this high-powered offense so far in training camp in St. Joseph.

 "The players have been phenomenal," he said. "Just the mental side of it. Getting into the scheme stuff. Coach (Andy) Reid likes to keep things fresh. Then, you come here. It's an amazing setup here. The fans are great, the people are great. The players come in with a great mindset."

The Chiefs worked for about two hours in helmets and shorts on Wednesday at Missouri Western. It was certainly a warm workout, as temperatures were already in the mid 80s just after 9 a.m.

Linebacker Nick Bolton was absent Wednesday due to illness. Receiver John Ross had an excused absence, while linebacker Isiah Moore was held out due to a knee injury.

Receiver Kadarius Toney (knee surgery) and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (PUP list) are still out, while defensive tackle Chris Jones has yet to report.

Cornerback Nazeeh Johnson has been playing steadily with the first-team defense to start camp, and had strong reps again Wednesday.

Johnson was a seventh-round draft pick out of Marshall last year, and he's worked with the ones, while Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson have spent time with the second-team defense. Williams has rotated in with the first-team as well.

In Nick Bolton's absence, Drue Tranquill was the first-team middle linebacker Wednesday. Tranquill is a fifth-year pro who signed with the Chiefs this past March. He was with the Chargers from 2019-2022.

Much like last year, the Chiefs have an arsenal of young and talented wide receivers to pick from. Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman left in the offseason, but guys like Richie James, rookie Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross have taken over nicely.

Matt Nagy was asked specifically about James.

"Some of these wideouts, you know when they have a feel," Nagy said. "They know the timing with the quarterback. They understand the defense. They know when to speed up or slow down their route. They know how to play in zone. (James) has got that. You also have to have that confidence, and I'm excited to see what he does this preseason."

"He came in phenomenal shape here," Nagy said of Rice. "Every day, he has made incremental improvements. It's exciting for us, because the sky is the roof for his talent."

Tight end Noah Gray and receiver Cornell Powell caught practically everything thrown their way Wednesday. Nagy also had praise for tight end Matt Bushman, who had a solid OTAs.

James, joining the Chiefs this year after three years in San Francisco and one year with the Giants, is encouraged by the depth at his position.

"We have a lot of good players inside and out," James said. "We have a lot of moving pieces. People can move inside, outside. I think we're talented, to be honest. I think we're a really solid group."

The Chiefs have been in helmets, jerseys and shorts for the first four training camp practices. The teams gets a day off Thursday and they’ll be back on the field in full pads Friday.

Starting center Creed Humphrey says he looks forward to putting the pads on.

"It builds mental toughness," he said. "It's something you fight through on those days you don't want to go, but it makes you a better player for it. I think everyone is excited to get the pads on. It's a lot more fun playing football with pads for sure. So, I think everyone is really excited for Friday."

In Chris Jones' absence, guys like George Karlaftis, Derrick Nnadi, and newcomers Charles Omenihu and Daniel Wise have gotten reps with the first-team defense.

Karlaftis says that group is working hard

"When you have a guy like (Jones) who's not here right now, you have to fill that void as a collective, so that's kind of what we're doing."

Karlaftis, now a second-year pro, says he feels a lot better this year compared to last.

 "I feel a whole lot better both physically and mentally being out here on year two," he said. "I'm super excited to hit the ground running with these guys."

Known as the 'Greek freak,' Karlaftis had seven total sacks last year as a rookie. Six-and-a-half of those sacks came after Week 10. He also logged seven pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.

The Chiefs are off Thursday and are back to work on Friday morning at 9:15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690396962626.jpeg" alt="Creed Humphrey (52), George Karlaftis (56) and Joe Thuney (62) come down the hill to start training camp Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Creed Humphrey (52), George Karlaftis (56) and Joe Thuney (62) come down the hill to start training camp Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMatt Nagy is once again the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator after a head coaching stint with the Chicago Bears.He came back to the Chiefs last year as quarterbacks coach and was elevated to offensive coordinator with the departure of Eric Bieniemy in the offseason.As one might expect, Nagy is pretty encouraged by what he’s seen from this high-powered offense so far in training camp in St. Joseph. "The players have been phenomenal," he said. "Just the mental side of it. Getting into the scheme stuff. Coach (Andy) Reid likes to keep things fresh. Then, you come here. It's an amazing setup here. The fans are great, the people are great. The players come in with a great mindset."The Chiefs worked for about two hours in helmets and shorts on Wednesday at Missouri Western. It was certainly a warm workout, as temperatures were already in the mid 80s just after 9 a.m.Linebacker Nick Bolton was absent Wednesday due to illness. Receiver John Ross had an excused absence, while linebacker Isiah Moore was held out due to a knee injury.Receiver Kadarius Toney (knee surgery) and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (PUP list) are still out, while defensive tackle Chris Jones has yet to report.Defensive standoutsCornerback Nazeeh Johnson has been playing steadily with the first-team defense to start camp, and had strong reps again Wednesday.Johnson was a seventh-round draft pick out of Marshall last year, and he's worked with the ones, while Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson have spent time with the second-team defense. Williams has rotated in with the first-team as well.In Nick Bolton's absence, Drue Tranquill was the first-team middle linebacker Wednesday. Tranquill is a fifth-year pro who signed with the Chiefs this past March. He was with the Chargers from 2019-2022.Receivers impressingMuch like last year, the Chiefs have an arsenal of young and talented wide receivers to pick from. Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman left in the offseason, but guys like Richie James, rookie Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross have taken over nicely.Matt Nagy was asked specifically about James."Some of these wideouts, you know when they have a feel," Nagy said. "They know the timing with the quarterback. They understand the defense. They know when to speed up or slow down their route. They know how to play in zone. (James) has got that. You also have to have that confidence, and I'm excited to see what he does this preseason."He also had high praise for Rice."He came in phenomenal shape here," Nagy said of Rice. "Every day, he has made incremental improvements. It's exciting for us, because the sky is the roof for his talent."Tight end Noah Gray and receiver Cornell Powell caught practically everything thrown their way Wednesday. Nagy also had praise for tight end Matt Bushman, who had a solid OTAs.James, joining the Chiefs this year after three years in San Francisco and one year with the Giants, is encouraged by the depth at his position."We have a lot of good players inside and out," James said. "We have a lot of moving pieces. People can move inside, outside. I think we're talented, to be honest. I think we're a really solid group."Full pads comingThe Chiefs have been in helmets, jerseys and shorts for the first four training camp practices. The teams gets a day off Thursday and they’ll be back on the field in full pads Friday.Starting center Creed Humphrey says he looks forward to putting the pads on."It builds mental toughness," he said. "It's something you fight through on those days you don't want to go, but it makes you a better player for it. I think everyone is excited to get the pads on. It's a lot more fun playing football with pads for sure. So, I think everyone is really excited for Friday."Defensive linemen putting in workIn Chris Jones' absence, guys like George Karlaftis, Derrick Nnadi, and newcomers Charles Omenihu and Daniel Wise have gotten reps with the first-team defense.Karlaftis says that group is working hard"When you have a guy like (Jones) who's not here right now, you have to fill that void as a collective, so that's kind of what we're doing."Karlaftis, now a second-year pro, says he feels a lot better this year compared to last. "I feel a whole lot better both physically and mentally being out here on year two," he said. "I'm super excited to hit the ground running with these guys."Known as the 'Greek freak,' Karlaftis had seven total sacks last year as a rookie. Six-and-a-half of those sacks came after Week 10. He also logged seven pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.The Chiefs are off Thursday and are back to work on Friday morning at 9:15.Video recap<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F669549711694281%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Moments caught on tape<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Trick play alert! 🚨 <a href="https://t.co/dr1nLIt5jk">pic.twitter.com/dr1nLIt5jk</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1684257638354124806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Justyn Ross with a one-handed catch <a href="https://t.co/yF4XE7ECus">pic.twitter.com/yF4XE7ECus</a>&mdash; KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCSportsNetwork/status/1684219190834520072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mahomes finds Skyy Moore downfield <a href="https://t.co/vldpmK6b42">pic.twitter.com/vldpmK6b42</a>&mdash; KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCSportsNetwork/status/1684215912113512448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690397960425.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690397970719.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690397988169.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chiefs complete long, hot training camp practice Wednesday before day off Thursday

Mason Holton delivered a terrific complete-game shutout on the mound, and the St. Joseph Mustangs are in the MINK League Championship series for a fourth straight season with a 6-0 win over Clarinda in the MINK League Divisional Playoffs on Tuesday at Phil Welch Stadium.

Holton, a Western Carolina commit, delivered arguably the most impressive pitching effort of the season for St. Joseph Tuesday, allowing just four hits in nine innings. He struck out 11 and walked only one.

Offensively, the Mustangs got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, putting up five runs. St. Joseph added another run in the seventh.

Easton Bruce went 3-for-3 with a run scored and three RBIs. Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart went 2-for-5 with a run scored and two RBIs.

St. Joseph will play the Jefferson City Renegades for a MINK League Championship. The championship series is a best-of-three showcase. The first game is Thursday in Jefferson City.

The second game is Friday at Phil Welch Stadium. A third game, if needed, would be on Saturday in St. Joseph as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690371619185.jpeg" alt="Mason Holton. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Mason Holton. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMason Holton delivered a terrific complete-game shutout on the mound, and the St. Joseph Mustangs are in the MINK League Championship series for a fourth straight season with a 6-0 win over Clarinda in the MINK League Divisional Playoffs on Tuesday at Phil Welch Stadium.Holton, a Western Carolina commit, delivered arguably the most impressive pitching effort of the season for St. Joseph Tuesday, allowing just four hits in nine innings. He struck out 11 and walked only one.Offensively, the Mustangs got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, putting up five runs. St. Joseph added another run in the seventh.Easton Bruce went 3-for-3 with a run scored and three RBIs. Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart went 2-for-5 with a run scored and two RBIs.St. Joseph will play the Jefferson City Renegades for a MINK League Championship. The championship series is a best-of-three showcase. The first game is Thursday in Jefferson City.The second game is Friday at Phil Welch Stadium. A third game, if needed, would be on Saturday in St. Joseph as well.

Mustangs advance to MINK Championship series with win over Clarinda Tuesday

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie catcher Bo Naylor had his first career two-homer game and drove in three runs as the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 5-1 on Tuesday night, handing Royals pitcher Zack Greinke his 16th consecutive road loss.

 Naylor hit a 430-foot solo shot to right in the third inning and a 397-foot blast to right-center in the fifth to score Myles Straw for his first home runs at Progressive Field. Greinke gave up four runs in five innings and remained winless on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he pitched for Houston at Angel Stadium. 

In 27 subsequent away starts, he is 0-16 with a 6.43 ERA. Guardians starter Aaron Civale worked a season-high eight innings, allowing one run on five hits.

The Royals face the Guardians again Wednesday afternoon at 12:10 central. The game is on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie catcher Bo Naylor had his first career two-homer game and drove in three runs as the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 5-1 on Tuesday night, handing Royals pitcher Zack Greinke his 16th consecutive road loss. Naylor hit a 430-foot solo shot to right in the third inning and a 397-foot blast to right-center in the fifth to score Myles Straw for his first home runs at Progressive Field. Greinke gave up four runs in five innings and remained winless on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he pitched for Houston at Angel Stadium. In 27 subsequent away starts, he is 0-16 with a 6.43 ERA. Guardians starter Aaron Civale worked a season-high eight innings, allowing one run on five hits.The Royals face the Guardians again Wednesday afternoon at 12:10 central. The game is on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Naylor slugs 2 HRs as the Guardians top the Royals, dealing Zack Greinke his 16th straight road loss

KANSAS CITY - Tyler Fenwick has been on the job as Missouri Western's head football coach for just over half a year now.

He won't coach his first game for five weeks yet, but in the time leading up to that day, there's been a lot of change.

A whole new coaching staff, a newly renovated locker room and a change in the program's culture.

The cultural shift, Fenwick says, is ongoing. Not an overnight switch. But, the emphasis this offseason has been focused on making the Griffons into more of a player-led team.

"Our guys have really embraced that and have had an open mind and have had great buy-in from what we've seen so far," Fenwick said at MIAA Media Day in Kansas City Tuesday. "The challenge is, what happens when we line up against someone else?"

Fenwick was hired as Missouri Western's new head coach this past December after the Griffons finished the 2022 season with a 5-6 record in the fifth and final year of the Matt Williamson era.

Fenwick enjoyed great success as the Griffons' offensive coordinator from 2007-2012, helping the team go 53-18 during that time. Missouri Western also averaged 35.1 points per game under Fenwick in that span as well.

Having come back a little more than 10 years later, Fenwick says getting settled back in St. Joseph has been a comfortable transition.

"I've been at Missouri Western before and have had success with previous years I was here," he said. "Obviously, it feels a bit like home. My boys (Kayden and Kiptyn) were born in St. Joe. My wife (Angela) is a (MWSU) alum."

Fenwick has had head coaching stints at Missouri S&amp;T (2013-2018) and most recently at Southeastern Oklahoma State (2019-2022). His combined record in those years is 53-48, including a 10-2 record in 2018 and a 9-3 mark in 2021.

The introductory stage of this new job is over for Fenwick. He completed his first spring with the team this past April. As the team adjourned, one thing was clear to Fenwick - there's enough talent on the roster to be competitive with the best in the MIAA.

"I think there's talent," he said. "I don't think that's the issue. Just like anybody else would say, you just have to stay healthy."

The Griffons return eight starters on offense and seven on defense. Missouri Western had its flashes on offense last season, finishing second in the MIAA in total yards (412.3) and rushing yards (232.7).

Yet, Missouri Western averaged just 25.6 points per game and ranked seventh in the league in red zone offense. Fenwick says some of those things won't be fully righted until a game is played.

"How quickly can we get our kids to understand situational football?" he said. "Our red zone numbers last year were not very good. So, that's something we have to make sure...we don't want it to be a blockage of, 'Oh no we're in the red zone. How are we going to do this?' We kind of have to flip that mindset."

At quarterback, Missouri Western has an interesting battle shaping up. Reagan Jones is back for a third season, and has made 15 starts in his career. Jones, however, could not play in the spring due to injury.

Jones' backup, Ty Baker, got most of the first-team reps in spring football. Baker had his moments last year, including a game-winning touchdown run against Northeastern State last October.

Missouri Western also added University of Hawaii transfer quarterback Armani Edden this past offseason. Edden was at Hawaii for three seasons, but never saw the field.

"We're going to have to find a way to make sure those guys are all getting reps and being evaluated equally," Fenwick said, "so we can make the right decision on who's going to be the guy."

Fenwick is encouraged by what he has at running back. The Griffons return three of their top four backs in Brandon Hall, Jared Scott and Jonas Bennett.

Missouri Western also returns their top two receivers in Traveon James and Cooper Burton - both all-MIAA performers. Those two combined for 76 receptions and 1016 receiving yards in 2022.

The Griffons also return starting placekicker Cody Watson and starting punter Evan Williams, who each had solid seasons in their own right last year. Watson was fourth in the MIAA with 11 made field goals and he was 31-of-32 on point-after tries.

Williams averaged 39.5 yards per punt, pinning 12 kicks inside the 20-yard line.

Defensively, the Griffons return seven players with starting experience, but the team is making the change to a 3-4 defense - a scheme with three down linemen, four linebackers and four defensive backs.

The 3-4 is an athletic scheme that focuses on speed and running instead of using bigger players to clog gaps.

It's a scheme where coaches can get creative with all sorts of pass rushes involving defensive ends and outside linebackers. Linebackers can also more frequently hybrid between run and pass coverage.

Defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell has been at Missouri Western since 2018. A two-time all-MIAA defender and the team's lead returning tackler this year, this scheme change has been an eye opening experience for him.

"It's a little different having one less defensive lineman out there," Ravenell said. "I think we've adjusted well. The plays that we run and the way we do things, it really opens up a lot of opportunities for the defensive line and linebackers to make explosive plays."

Another emphasis, Ravenell says, is creating more turnovers. Missouri Western picked off opposing quarterbacks just four times last season - the lowest number of any team in the league. They also recovered just three fumbles.

"Coach (Fenwick), from day one, came in and has told us the expectations and standards he has on us creating and forcing turnovers," Ravenell said, "to put our offense in successful situations to win the game."

Ravenell and senior teammate Evan Clark, a two-time all-MIAA right guard, are amongst a group of upperclassmen that's helping Fenwick flip the culture and turn the Griffons into more of a player-led bunch.

Clark says it starts with the four pillars they've established - communication, family, work ethic and selflessness.

They've also sung the praises of new head strength coach Zach Fears, who often tells the team, 'Success comes before winning.'

"If we're successful now with these workouts and what we're doing and the mindset we're trying to achieve," Clark said, "if we're successful in what we're trying to do now, we will win games. We will win many games if we continue to be successful and continue to strive for that top level of success."

Missouri Western kicks off the 2023 season with a home game against Central Missouri on August 31 at 7 p.m. The season-opener is obviously a highly anticipated moment for any team.

It feels especially so with this Missouri Western team - a group picked to finish 9th in the MIAA preseason poll. A team eager to prove that 2023 will be more about growth, rather than growing pains, under the guise of a new head coach.

"They're buying in, and they're learning," Fenwick said. "They've seen success throughout spring and so now they're like, 'Okay this is cool. This is fun.' When we came in, there's a group of guys that want to work and want to learn. That makes it easier."

"We didn't have to come in and cut ties with a bunch of guys. It was more about, 'let's take the guys that we have and continue to develop them.'"

"Just have to take it day-by-day and week-by-week," Ravenell added. "We can't look forward to week two, week three opponents. We're focused on week one. Once we get past that hurdle, we'll move onto the next one. That's how we'll take it each day."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690304966161.jpeg" alt="Fenwick 1.JPG" />
 <figcaption>Fenwick 1.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY - Tyler Fenwick has been on the job as Missouri Western's head football coach for just over half a year now.He won't coach his first game for five weeks yet, but in the time leading up to that day, there's been a lot of change.A whole new coaching staff, a newly renovated locker room and a change in the program's culture.The cultural shift, Fenwick says, is ongoing. Not an overnight switch. But, the emphasis this offseason has been focused on making the Griffons into more of a player-led team."Our guys have really embraced that and have had an open mind and have had great buy-in from what we've seen so far," Fenwick said at MIAA Media Day in Kansas City Tuesday. "The challenge is, what happens when we line up against someone else?"Fenwick was hired as Missouri Western's new head coach this past December after the Griffons finished the 2022 season with a 5-6 record in the fifth and final year of the Matt Williamson era.Fenwick enjoyed great success as the Griffons' offensive coordinator from 2007-2012, helping the team go 53-18 during that time. Missouri Western also averaged 35.1 points per game under Fenwick in that span as well.Having come back a little more than 10 years later, Fenwick says getting settled back in St. Joseph has been a comfortable transition."I've been at Missouri Western before and have had success with previous years I was here," he said. "Obviously, it feels a bit like home. My boys (Kayden and Kiptyn) were born in St. Joe. My wife (Angela) is a (MWSU) alum."Fenwick has had head coaching stints at Missouri S&amp;T (2013-2018) and most recently at Southeastern Oklahoma State (2019-2022). His combined record in those years is 53-48, including a 10-2 record in 2018 and a 9-3 mark in 2021.The introductory stage of this new job is over for Fenwick. He completed his first spring with the team this past April. As the team adjourned, one thing was clear to Fenwick - there's enough talent on the roster to be competitive with the best in the MIAA."I think there's talent," he said. "I don't think that's the issue. Just like anybody else would say, you just have to stay healthy."The Griffons return eight starters on offense and seven on defense. Missouri Western had its flashes on offense last season, finishing second in the MIAA in total yards (412.3) and rushing yards (232.7).Yet, Missouri Western averaged just 25.6 points per game and ranked seventh in the league in red zone offense. Fenwick says some of those things won't be fully righted until a game is played."How quickly can we get our kids to understand situational football?" he said. "Our red zone numbers last year were not very good. So, that's something we have to make sure...we don't want it to be a blockage of, 'Oh no we're in the red zone. How are we going to do this?' We kind of have to flip that mindset."At quarterback, Missouri Western has an interesting battle shaping up. Reagan Jones is back for a third season, and has made 15 starts in his career. Jones, however, could not play in the spring due to injury.Jones' backup, Ty Baker, got most of the first-team reps in spring football. Baker had his moments last year, including a game-winning touchdown run against Northeastern State last October.Missouri Western also added University of Hawaii transfer quarterback Armani Edden this past offseason. Edden was at Hawaii for three seasons, but never saw the field."We're going to have to find a way to make sure those guys are all getting reps and being evaluated equally," Fenwick said, "so we can make the right decision on who's going to be the guy."Fenwick is encouraged by what he has at running back. The Griffons return three of their top four backs in Brandon Hall, Jared Scott and Jonas Bennett.Missouri Western also returns their top two receivers in Traveon James and Cooper Burton - both all-MIAA performers. Those two combined for 76 receptions and 1016 receiving yards in 2022.The Griffons also return starting placekicker Cody Watson and starting punter Evan Williams, who each had solid seasons in their own right last year. Watson was fourth in the MIAA with 11 made field goals and he was 31-of-32 on point-after tries.Williams averaged 39.5 yards per punt, pinning 12 kicks inside the 20-yard line.Defensively, the Griffons return seven players with starting experience, but the team is making the change to a 3-4 defense - a scheme with three down linemen, four linebackers and four defensive backs.The 3-4 is an athletic scheme that focuses on speed and running instead of using bigger players to clog gaps.It's a scheme where coaches can get creative with all sorts of pass rushes involving defensive ends and outside linebackers. Linebackers can also more frequently hybrid between run and pass coverage.Defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell has been at Missouri Western since 2018. A two-time all-MIAA defender and the team's lead returning tackler this year, this scheme change has been an eye opening experience for him."It's a little different having one less defensive lineman out there," Ravenell said. "I think we've adjusted well. The plays that we run and the way we do things, it really opens up a lot of opportunities for the defensive line and linebackers to make explosive plays."Another emphasis, Ravenell says, is creating more turnovers. Missouri Western picked off opposing quarterbacks just four times last season - the lowest number of any team in the league. They also recovered just three fumbles."Coach (Fenwick), from day one, came in and has told us the expectations and standards he has on us creating and forcing turnovers," Ravenell said, "to put our offense in successful situations to win the game."Ravenell and senior teammate Evan Clark, a two-time all-MIAA right guard, are amongst a group of upperclassmen that's helping Fenwick flip the culture and turn the Griffons into more of a player-led bunch.Clark says it starts with the four pillars they've established - communication, family, work ethic and selflessness.They've also sung the praises of new head strength coach Zach Fears, who often tells the team, 'Success comes before winning.'What does that mean?"If we're successful now with these workouts and what we're doing and the mindset we're trying to achieve," Clark said, "if we're successful in what we're trying to do now, we will win games. We will win many games if we continue to be successful and continue to strive for that top level of success."Missouri Western kicks off the 2023 season with a home game against Central Missouri on August 31 at 7 p.m. The season-opener is obviously a highly anticipated moment for any team.It feels especially so with this Missouri Western team - a group picked to finish 9th in the MIAA preseason poll. A team eager to prove that 2023 will be more about growth, rather than growing pains, under the guise of a new head coach."They're buying in, and they're learning," Fenwick said. "They've seen success throughout spring and so now they're like, 'Okay this is cool. This is fun.' When we came in, there's a group of guys that want to work and want to learn. That makes it easier.""We didn't have to come in and cut ties with a bunch of guys. It was more about, 'let's take the guys that we have and continue to develop them.'""Just have to take it day-by-day and week-by-week," Ravenell added. "We can't look forward to week two, week three opponents. We're focused on week one. Once we get past that hurdle, we'll move onto the next one. That's how we'll take it each day."Interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/MWSU-Football-coach-Tyler-Fenwick---MIAA-Media-Day-e27c937" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/C-J--Ravenell-and-Evan-Clark---MIAA-Media-Day-e27c94h" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690313070814.jpeg" alt="Evan Clark." />
 <figcaption>Evan Clark.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690313059645.jpeg" alt="C.J. Ravenell." />
 <figcaption>C.J. Ravenell.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU embracing cultural changes, new leadership as Tyler Fenwick era dawns

A sunny Tuesday morning started the third day of Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western and slowly became overcast through the practice that was moved up to just under two hours.  

Practice lasted an hour and fifty-five minutes and saw another large crowd at the practice fields at Missouri Western.  

The Chiefs have a young receiver room full of new guys and three new offensive linemen this training camp in St. Joseph.   

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes says as the practices move along, he likes to try different things to test some of those guys.  

"I feel like now I have a good sense of the offense obviously, so I like to try to do stuff and see how guys react," Mahomes tells reporters during the post practice press conference.  "I mean if that's using a lot of cadences throughout practice and see if the offensive line will sit in there with the new guys." 

One guy that has been absent from large team drills has been running back Isiah Pacheco, continuing to recover from offseason surgeries on a broken bone in his hand and a torn labrum. 

Pacheco has been getting limited work during training camp in St. Joseph though, so far donning that yellow non-contact jersey.   

Veteran running back Jerick McKinnon, who has dealt with his own injuries during his career, knows how badly Pacheco wants to work.   

"Everybody knows the energy he brings, his motor, the way he's engineered, and the way he works, but at the same time it's a process," Mckinnon says. "Not only is it about camp right now, but it's also about down the road and being healthy for the season, and then having that durability and lasting the season." 

Pacheco did take some reps during 7 on 7 drills during Tuesday’s practice at Missouri Western State University but was still held back from full team drills.   

The team will start padded practices on Friday. They'll be back in action tomorrow at 9:15am. 

New Chiefs defender working on a learning curve

Searching for a replacement for Frank Clark this past offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs signed defensive end Charles Omenihu. 

Omenihu says an Andy Reid training camp is living up to expectations, but with new schemes comes plenty of new things to learn.  

"I think the biggest difference is just dropping, that's something that I haven't done my whole career, so that's something that I'm everyday learning and asking questions and trying to get better at," Omenihu says. "But as far as the role of rushing inside and out, it's been good." 

Omenihu says that without Frank Clark and still no Chris Jones at camp, veterans like himself, Danny Shelton, and Derrick Nnadi have tried to help out some of the young guys during training camp in St. Joseph.  

Head coach Andy Reid says wide receiver Kadarius Toney had surgery on his knee Tuesday morning.  The timetable for his return is still unknown but Reid says he's hopeful for Toney to be back for the first game of the season.  Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is still on the physically unable to perform list and once again did not practice.  Rookie linebacker Isaiah Moore also left practice with some knee inflammation 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690312105799.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterbacks alongside offensive lineman Wanya Morris and Anderson Hardy walk into practice/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterbacks alongside offensive lineman Wanya Morris and Anderson Hardy walk into practice/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A sunny Tuesday morning started the third day of Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western and slowly became overcast through the practice that was moved up to just under two hours. Practice lasted an hour and fifty-five minutes and saw another large crowd at the practice fields at Missouri Western. The Chiefs have a young receiver room full of new guys and three new offensive linemen this training camp in St. Joseph. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes says as the practices move along, he likes to try different things to test some of those guys. "I feel like now I have a good sense of the offense obviously, so I like to try to do stuff and see how guys react," Mahomes tells reporters during the post practice press conference. "I mean if that's using a lot of cadences throughout practice and see if the offensive line will sit in there with the new guys." One guy that has been absent from large team drills has been running back Isiah Pacheco, continuing to recover from offseason surgeries on a broken bone in his hand and a torn labrum. Pacheco has been getting limited work during training camp in St. Joseph though, so far donning that yellow non-contact jersey. Veteran running back Jerick McKinnon, who has dealt with his own injuries during his career, knows how badly Pacheco wants to work. "Everybody knows the energy he brings, his motor, the way he's engineered, and the way he works, but at the same time it's a process," Mckinnon says. "Not only is it about camp right now, but it's also about down the road and being healthy for the season, and then having that durability and lasting the season." Pacheco did take some reps during 7 on 7 drills during Tuesday’s practice at Missouri Western State University but was still held back from full team drills. The team will start padded practices on Friday. They'll be back in action tomorrow at 9:15am. New Chiefs defender working on a learning curve Searching for a replacement for Frank Clark this past offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs signed defensive end Charles Omenihu. Omenihu says an Andy Reid training camp is living up to expectations, but with new schemes comes plenty of new things to learn. "I think the biggest difference is just dropping, that's something that I haven't done my whole career, so that's something that I'm everyday learning and asking questions and trying to get better at," Omenihu says. "But as far as the role of rushing inside and out, it's been good." Omenihu says that without Frank Clark and still no Chris Jones at camp, veterans like himself, Danny Shelton, and Derrick Nnadi have tried to help out some of the young guys during training camp in St. Joseph. Injury updates Head coach Andy Reid says wide receiver Kadarius Toney had surgery on his knee Tuesday morning. The timetable for his return is still unknown but Reid says he's hopeful for Toney to be back for the first game of the season. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is still on the physically unable to perform list and once again did not practice. Rookie linebacker Isaiah Moore also left practice with some knee inflammation

Chiefs complete third day of practice at Missouri Western

CLEVELAND (AP) — Salvador Perez became the 10th player in major league history to hit 200 homers as a catcher and Ryan Yarbrough allowed one run in six innings, lifting the Kansas City Royals to a 5-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.

Perez hit a two-run shot in the sixth off Logan Allen (4-3) to put Kansas City ahead 4-0. He has 240 total home runs in 12 seasons, all with the Royals. Hall of Famer Mike Piazza holds the big league record for homers as a catcher with 396.

“Every time we win and I hit a homer, I feel better,” said Perez, who didn't know about the milestone until afterward. “I like to compete every day and do my best.”

Yarbrough (3-5), who carried a shutout into the sixth, won at Cleveland for the second time in 15 days. The left-hander struck out one and didn’t issue a walk in his third start since being struck on the face by a liner from Oakland’s Ryan Noda on May 7.

“The Guardians are an aggressive team, but don’t strike out much, so I tried to put them in positions where they had to swing the bat,” Yarbrough said. “I wanted to control what I could control.”

Edward Olivares had a two-run double and Maikel Garcia hit a solo homer for Kansas City, which ended a five-game skid and has the second-worst record in baseball (29-73). Scott Barlow gave up two hits in the ninth before retiring Myles Straw and Steven Kwan to pick up his 12th save.

Straw hit a two-run single in the seventh off Jose Cuas to pull Cleveland within 5-3. Josh Bell added an RBI single and Amed Rosario went 3 for 4, his 12th game with three hits or more, which tied the major league lead.

“We just had a tough time keeping the line moving,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “Yarbrough gave our lefties some difficulties.”

Cleveland fell four games behind first-place Minnesota in the AL Central. Earlier in the day, ace Shane Bieber was shifted to the 60-day injured list as he continues to battle right elbow inflammation.

Francona said the 2020 AL Cy Young winner has not experienced a setback but isn’t on track to return until mid-September. Bieber went 5-6 with a 3.77 ERA in 19 starts before getting hurt on July 9 against the Royals.

Rookie left-hander Allen matched his season highs with seven innings and five runs allowed, striking out five. He allowed two homers for the first time.

“I was trying to go up against Perez, but pulled it down and he put a good swing on it,” Allen said. “That’s why he is as good as he is. We were really efficient today, but they took advantage of some of those opportunities and jumped on them.”

Perez, an eight-time All-Star and the 2015 World Series MVP with Kansas City, is one of 21 catchers with 500 extra-base hits and has a team-best 17 home runs this season.

“Everyone knows what a big part of the organization that Salvy is,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “And he continues to be one.”

Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-10, 5.40 ERA) takes on Guardians RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.71). Greinke has not won on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he was pitching for Houston at Angel Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690256677473.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez, right, celebrates his home run with teammate Bobby Witt Jr. (7) in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Monday, July 24, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez, right, celebrates his home run with teammate Bobby Witt Jr. (7) in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Monday, July 24, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — Salvador Perez became the 10th player in major league history to hit 200 homers as a catcher and Ryan Yarbrough allowed one run in six innings, lifting the Kansas City Royals to a 5-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.Perez hit a two-run shot in the sixth off Logan Allen (4-3) to put Kansas City ahead 4-0. He has 240 total home runs in 12 seasons, all with the Royals. Hall of Famer Mike Piazza holds the big league record for homers as a catcher with 396.“Every time we win and I hit a homer, I feel better,” said Perez, who didn't know about the milestone until afterward. “I like to compete every day and do my best.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Salvy 💣💣!! TV: Bally Sports Kansas City Stream: <a href="https://t.co/f35yU14wLO">https://t.co/f35yU14wLO</a> <a href="https://t.co/bWEidyeaU7">pic.twitter.com/bWEidyeaU7</a>&mdash; Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsKC/status/1683633784623702016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Yarbrough (3-5), who carried a shutout into the sixth, won at Cleveland for the second time in 15 days. The left-hander struck out one and didn’t issue a walk in his third start since being struck on the face by a liner from Oakland’s Ryan Noda on May 7.“The Guardians are an aggressive team, but don’t strike out much, so I tried to put them in positions where they had to swing the bat,” Yarbrough said. “I wanted to control what I could control.”Edward Olivares had a two-run double and Maikel Garcia hit a solo homer for Kansas City, which ended a five-game skid and has the second-worst record in baseball (29-73). Scott Barlow gave up two hits in the ninth before retiring Myles Straw and Steven Kwan to pick up his 12th save.Straw hit a two-run single in the seventh off Jose Cuas to pull Cleveland within 5-3. Josh Bell added an RBI single and Amed Rosario went 3 for 4, his 12th game with three hits or more, which tied the major league lead.“We just had a tough time keeping the line moving,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “Yarbrough gave our lefties some difficulties.”Cleveland fell four games behind first-place Minnesota in the AL Central. Earlier in the day, ace Shane Bieber was shifted to the 60-day injured list as he continues to battle right elbow inflammation.Francona said the 2020 AL Cy Young winner has not experienced a setback but isn’t on track to return until mid-September. Bieber went 5-6 with a 3.77 ERA in 19 starts before getting hurt on July 9 against the Royals.Rookie left-hander Allen matched his season highs with seven innings and five runs allowed, striking out five. He allowed two homers for the first time.“I was trying to go up against Perez, but pulled it down and he put a good swing on it,” Allen said. “That’s why he is as good as he is. We were really efficient today, but they took advantage of some of those opportunities and jumped on them.”FRANCHISE FIXTUREPerez, an eight-time All-Star and the 2015 World Series MVP with Kansas City, is one of 21 catchers with 500 extra-base hits and has a team-best 17 home runs this season.“Everyone knows what a big part of the organization that Salvy is,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “And he continues to be one.”UP NEXTRoyals RHP Zack Greinke (1-10, 5.40 ERA) takes on Guardians RHP Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.71). Greinke has not won on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he was pitching for Houston at Angel Stadium.

Salvador Perez hits his 200th homer as a catcher as the Royals beat the Guardians 5-3

After heavy storms forced the Kansas City Chiefs indoors to start practice Monday, the rain stopped, the clouds cleared out and the Chiefs ended their practice outside on the second day of training camp in St. Joseph.

The team practiced in helmets, jerseys and shorts for just over 90 minutes at Missouri Western State University.

While there's been a lot of focus on offensive playmakers, there's been quite a bit of talk about defense early on in camp.

Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said after the first practice on Sunday that being a “top 10 defense" is a major goal for he and the team this year.

Not surprisingly, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo agrees. Spags said on Monday that the biggest stat he looks for at the end of the season is defensive efficiency.

"We want to be No. 1 in the NFL in defensive efficiency," Spagnuolo said. "Points allowed, third down, red zone. It's all of the rankings in those particular categories. I'm with Nick (Bolton). I'm not going to worry about that week-to-week."

The Chiefs ranked 11th in the NFL last year in total defense and 16th in scoring defense. Second-year corner Trent McDuffie says creating more takeaways is also a focus.

"The big thing for us is just getting that ball back," he said. "I know Spags talks a lot about attitude defense. Eleven guys at the ball 24-7. I think that's something this defense will hone in on. Just making sure we don't give up on any play."

Receiver Kadarius Toney was not at practice Monday after he tweaked his knee early in Sunday's workout.

A more detailed report is expected from Andy Reid on Tuesday, but Travis Kelce said about Toney, "We've got all of the confidence in the world in our training staff here to get him ready either by season or early on in the season. Got our fingers crossed that we get him back as soon as possible."

The only other injury is that of Tershawn Wharton (knee), who's still on the PUP list. Rookie offensive lineman Wanya Morris was back to work Monday after sitting out Sunday.

Travis Kelce is entering his 11th year with the Kansas City Chiefs this season and he’s been through all of the highs and lows that come with training camp.

Despite all of his achievements and experience, Kelce says camp is just as important now, if not more so, than it was when he was a young player.

"Everything you can do to gain a mental advantage on every single play and get you more comfortable out there on the field to be able to run and play fast, be accountable for the guy next to you," Kelce said. "All of that stuff is much needed. That's why I love coming out here, man."

Chiefs receiver Skyy Moore had his rookie moments last year, but he also showed some flashes of greatness, including his long punt return in the final minute of this past year's Super Bowl.

Entering year two, Moore says he feels “30 times more comfortable” than last year.

"Having an idea of the whole playbook," he said. "Going through it one year before and just understanding the culture the Chiefs have in Kansas City."

The receiver room is once again filled with young talent and new faces, and Moore says the competition there is productive.

"I feel like we have a lot of great guys in the room," he said. "It's super competitive in the room. But at the same time, have a good bond. All of the guys eat together. We laugh, we joke, but we also work. We know it's a competitive room for sure."

Rookie receiver Rashee Rice has turned heads at camp. He had a diving one-handed catch for a score on Monday. Richie James has also had some strong moments at receiver.

James signed with the team back in April after being with the Giants last year and then in San Francisco three years before that. In fact, Moore said Monday that James is his "favorite" receiver on the team right now.

"I like how (James) moves," Moore pointed out. "He does this stuff that....I think I'm doing what he's doing, but he's doing it a little different."

Last year, it was Isiah Pacheco turning heads as the rookie running back. This year, it's Deneric Prince. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Tulsa, Prince has the shown the ability to catch everything thrown his way and find room to run after the catch.

His best moment Monday was catching a long touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes. Trent McDuffie has noticed all of the running backs making solid improvements.

"They're fast, agile, they're hard workers and they're strong," McDuffie said. "Especially a guy like Deneric Prince. He really has that chip on his shoulder. That's something you really saw pop last year. 'If they ain't give me a shot, I'm going to go and make one for myself.'"

The Chiefs return to practice on Tuesday morning at 9:15 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690222319840.jpeg" alt="Blaine Gabbert (9) and Patrick Mahomes make their way down the hill at Chiefs training camp Monday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Blaine Gabbert (9) and Patrick Mahomes make their way down the hill at Chiefs training camp Monday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAfter heavy storms forced the Kansas City Chiefs indoors to start practice Monday, the rain stopped, the clouds cleared out and the Chiefs ended their practice outside on the second day of training camp in St. Joseph.The team practiced in helmets, jerseys and shorts for just over 90 minutes at Missouri Western State University.While there's been a lot of focus on offensive playmakers, there's been quite a bit of talk about defense early on in camp.Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said after the first practice on Sunday that being a “top 10 defense" is a major goal for he and the team this year.Not surprisingly, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo agrees. Spags said on Monday that the biggest stat he looks for at the end of the season is defensive efficiency."We want to be No. 1 in the NFL in defensive efficiency," Spagnuolo said. "Points allowed, third down, red zone. It's all of the rankings in those particular categories. I'm with Nick (Bolton). I'm not going to worry about that week-to-week."The Chiefs ranked 11th in the NFL last year in total defense and 16th in scoring defense. Second-year corner Trent McDuffie says creating more takeaways is also a focus."The big thing for us is just getting that ball back," he said. "I know Spags talks a lot about attitude defense. Eleven guys at the ball 24-7. I think that's something this defense will hone in on. Just making sure we don't give up on any play."InjuriesReceiver Kadarius Toney was not at practice Monday after he tweaked his knee early in Sunday's workout.A more detailed report is expected from Andy Reid on Tuesday, but Travis Kelce said about Toney, "We've got all of the confidence in the world in our training staff here to get him ready either by season or early on in the season. Got our fingers crossed that we get him back as soon as possible."The only other injury is that of Tershawn Wharton (knee), who's still on the PUP list. Rookie offensive lineman Wanya Morris was back to work Monday after sitting out Sunday.Importance of campTravis Kelce is entering his 11th year with the Kansas City Chiefs this season and he’s been through all of the highs and lows that come with training camp.Despite all of his achievements and experience, Kelce says camp is just as important now, if not more so, than it was when he was a young player."Everything you can do to gain a mental advantage on every single play and get you more comfortable out there on the field to be able to run and play fast, be accountable for the guy next to you," Kelce said. "All of that stuff is much needed. That's why I love coming out here, man."Receivers making stridesChiefs receiver Skyy Moore had his rookie moments last year, but he also showed some flashes of greatness, including his long punt return in the final minute of this past year's Super Bowl.Entering year two, Moore says he feels “30 times more comfortable” than last year."Having an idea of the whole playbook," he said. "Going through it one year before and just understanding the culture the Chiefs have in Kansas City."The receiver room is once again filled with young talent and new faces, and Moore says the competition there is productive."I feel like we have a lot of great guys in the room," he said. "It's super competitive in the room. But at the same time, have a good bond. All of the guys eat together. We laugh, we joke, but we also work. We know it's a competitive room for sure."Rookie receiver Rashee Rice has turned heads at camp. He had a diving one-handed catch for a score on Monday. Richie James has also had some strong moments at receiver.James signed with the team back in April after being with the Giants last year and then in San Francisco three years before that. In fact, Moore said Monday that James is his "favorite" receiver on the team right now."I like how (James) moves," Moore pointed out. "He does this stuff that....I think I'm doing what he's doing, but he's doing it a little different."Deneric PrinceLast year, it was Isiah Pacheco turning heads as the rookie running back. This year, it's Deneric Prince. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Tulsa, Prince has the shown the ability to catch everything thrown his way and find room to run after the catch.His best moment Monday was catching a long touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes. Trent McDuffie has noticed all of the running backs making solid improvements."They're fast, agile, they're hard workers and they're strong," McDuffie said. "Especially a guy like Deneric Prince. He really has that chip on his shoulder. That's something you really saw pop last year. 'If they ain't give me a shot, I'm going to go and make one for myself.'"The Chiefs return to practice on Tuesday morning at 9:15 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690222352361.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chiefs complete second training camp practice outdoors after a rainy start Monday

The St. Joseph Mustangs concluded the regular season with a 7-5 win at Joplin Sunday night.

The Mustangs scored two runs in the top of the ninth to break a 5-5 tie. Easton Bruce pitched the final two innings for St. Joseph, allowing just one earned run. He struck out four and walked two.

At the plate, Lafayette alum Ike Book went 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Mason Holton doubled and drew three walks. The Mustangs drew 13 total walks in the victory.

St. Joseph concludes the regular season at 31-16 overall. St. Joseph is home on Tuesday for a win-or-go-home MINK League Divisional playoff game.

The Mustangs await the winner of Carroll vs. Clarinda. Those two play tonight at 7 p.m. in Clarinda.

The Mustangs play on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. as well.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs concluded the regular season with a 7-5 win at Joplin Sunday night.The Mustangs scored two runs in the top of the ninth to break a 5-5 tie. Easton Bruce pitched the final two innings for St. Joseph, allowing just one earned run. He struck out four and walked two.At the plate, Lafayette alum Ike Book went 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Mason Holton doubled and drew three walks. The Mustangs drew 13 total walks in the victory.St. Joseph concludes the regular season at 31-16 overall. St. Joseph is home on Tuesday for a win-or-go-home MINK League Divisional playoff game.The Mustangs await the winner of Carroll vs. Clarinda. Those two play tonight at 7 p.m. in Clarinda.The Mustangs play on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. as well.

Mustangs close out regular season with win at Joplin Sunday

NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Rizzo hit his first home run since May 20 and went 4 for 4 as the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Sunday to complete their third series sweep of the season.

Gleyber Torres’ two-run homer sparked New York’s four-run first inning against Jordan Lyles (1-12). Torres extended his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games but exited in the seventh because of left hip tightness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690151076347.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey watches his two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, July 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey watches his two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, July 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Rizzo hit his first home run since May 20 and went 4 for 4 as the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Sunday to complete their third series sweep of the season.Gleyber Torres’ two-run homer sparked New York’s four-run first inning against Jordan Lyles (1-12). Torres extended his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games but exited in the seventh because of left hip tightness.Luis Severino (2-4) won for the first time in four starts since June 24.Rizzo also hit an RBI double in the first and singled in the fifth before capping a 10-pitch at-bat with a single in the eighth against Scott Barlow. It was Rizzo’s 15th career four-hit game and first since Aug. 4, 2019.“I loved how he finished up the day with Barlow there, a long at-bat and maybe his best swing of the day, the ball he smoked back through the middle,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "So that’s him in position, on time and his contact right. Obviously he was able to do that all day, but really happy for him.”Rizzo raised his batting average nine points to .253 and helped the Yankees win three straight for the first time since a four-game streak May 27-30. His big game came after he snapped an 0-for-20 skid Saturday — a day after taking swings off a tee on the field in early batting practice with new hitting coach Sean Casey.“It’s just sticking to a routine and tweaking, making little tweaks here and there,” Rizzo said. “This game is such (about) feel. You could take a thousand swings and it could go the opposite way and you can take three swings and feel like miles and miles of success. So it’s just all part of it."Harrison Bader punctuated New York’s early burst with an RBI single and the Yankees took all three games from last-place Kansas City for their first series sweep since winning three times in Cincinnati from May 19-21.New York improved to 18-22 without slugger Aaron Judge, who faced 16 pitches from rehabbing reliever Jonathan Loáisiga before the game as they both work their way back from injuries.The Yankees held a four-run lead when Rizzo batted with one out in the third. After fouling off two pitches, the first baseman homered into the lower rows of the right-center seats.Rizzo carried his bat about halfway up the line before calmly dropping it and starting his trot. Teammates gave him the silent treatment and then mobbed him at the end of the dugout to celebrate Rizzo’s 12th homer.“It was all good fun,” designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton said. “We know everything going into that homer.”Rizzo had gone 187 plate appearances and 166 at-bats since connecting off Cincinnati reliever Ian Gibaut. Rizzo’s 45-game homerless drought was one shy of his career high, which lasted from June 2011 to June 2012 with the Padres and Cubs.The Yankees added three in the eighth on Oswald Peraza’s infield single and a throwing error by Kansas City first baseman Nick Pratto ahead of a sacrifice fly by Kyle Higashioka.Salvador Perez hit a solo homer to end an 0-for-16 skid and Michael Massey launched a two-run shot off Severino, who allowed three runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.Freddy Fermin and Kyle Isbel homered in the ninth off Ron Marinaccio, but the Royals lost their fifth straight.“It’s nice to crawl back into it and make them work a little bit,” manager Matt Quatraro said.Lyles, the major league leader in losses, gave up five runs and nine hits in five innings. The Royals are 1-18 in his starts.MAKING THE ROUNDSUConn basketball coach Danny Hurley, who led the school to its fifth national championship this year, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.Hurley, a Royals fan, was presented with a signed jersey from Hall of Famer George Brett during an appearance on Kansas City’s pregame show.It was the third major league park the Huskies were honored in since their 76-59 championship game win over San Diego State on April 3.On May 1 at Citi Field, Andre Jackson Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Mets faced the Braves.On Friday at Fenway Park, Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton threw out first pitches before the Red Sox faced the Mets.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Ryan Yarbrough (2-5, 5.21 ERA) opposes Cleveland LHP Logan Allen (4-2, 3.21) in the opener of a three-game series Monday in Kansas City.