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Category: Sports

Carpenter homers as Cardinals beat Royals

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Matt Carpenter hit a three-run homer in St. Louis’ six-run fourth inning, and the Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 11-3 on Monday night for their third consecutive victory.

Paul DeJong and Kolten Wong also connected for the Cardinals, who returned to .500 at 56-56. Carlos Martinez (8-9) pitched eight innings of two-run ball for just his second win in his last nine starts.

St. Louis also got some help from Kansas City during its outburst in the fourth. Ian Kennedy (4-8) walked No. 9 hitter Greg Garcia on five pitches with the bases loaded, and shortstop Alcides Escobar and catcher Drew Butera each committed an error.

FHSU football holds first practice

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HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State football team held their first practice of the 2017 preseason camp Monday afternoon on a relatively cool day at Lewis Field Stadium. Close to 120 players were suited up for the first practice. The Tigers, who are picked fifth by both the MIAA coaches and media in the preseason poll, open their season August 31 at Missouri Southern State.

Chris Brown address the media following the Tigers first practice

Quarterback Jacob Mezera

Defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd

FHSU Men’s Soccer opens 2017 ranked No. 11

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KANSAS CITY – Fort Hays State Men’s Soccer will open the 2017 season ranked No. 11 in the nation, tabbed with that mark in the preseason edition of the United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) NCAA Division II Poll. The Tigers are coming off their third consecutive NCAA Central Regional title and appearance in the national quarterfinals.

This is the highest-ever preseason ranking for the men, pushing their consecutive preseason poll appearance run to five consecutive years. The previous high for the Tigers in the preseason poll was No. 14 in the 2015 poll. FHSU entered last year tabbed No. 15 and finished the year at No. 12. This marks the sixth straight year the Tigers have been in the top 25 of the national rankings at any point of the season.

The Tigers will challenge that ranking early in the season, facing No. 3 Rockhurst (the team that defeated FHSU the last two years in the national quarterfinals) in the first game of the season in Hays on August 31. Just over a week later, the Tigers will have another stiff test when it faces No. 6 Midwestern State in a neutral site match in Claremore, Okla.

The Tigers enjoy the return of their top goal scorer from last year, Derick Gonzalez. He led the team with 10 goals among 14 players on the team that reached the back of the net as least once. The team produced 53 goals in 2016, averaging 2.65 goals per match to rank 10th in the nation. Also returning are All-America defender Luis Torres, and 2016 MIAA Freshman of the Year Luis Mendez. Both scored seven goals apiece last year. Goalkeepers Michael Yantz and Alex Rodela are back after combining for 13 of Fort Hays State’s 14 wins last year.

Brett Parker enters his seventh year leading the Tiger program, now with an impressive record of 72-32-14 (.669) at Fort Hays State. He is just two wins shy of 100 in his collegiate coaching career, bringing a mark of 98-53-17 into this year. He has guided FHSU to the NCAA Tournament in five of his six years leading the program.

Below is the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason Poll.

Rank School Prev. W-L-T
1 Wingate University 1 19-1-0
2 University Of Charleston 2 19-3-2
3 Rockhurst University 3 18-3-3
4 University of California-San Diego 4 19-3-2
5 Adelphi University 5 19-1-2
6 Midwestern State University 7 18-4-1
7 LIU Post 8 18-1-1
8 University Of Tampa 9 13-5-3
9 St. Edward’s University 10 18-3-1
10 Lynn University 11 14-2-2
11 Fort Hays State University 12 14-2-2
12 Urbana University 13 14-5-1
13 Simon Fraser University 14 14-1-3
14 Palm Beach Atlantic University 15 13-5-1
15 Cal Poly Pomona 16 13-6-3
16 Colorado Mesa University 19 14-2-5
17 Lindenwood University 17 13-4-2
18 Drury University 20 13-4-4
19 Saginaw Valley State University 18 15-5-1
20 Mercyhurst University 21 15-5-1
21 Regis University 22 14-5-1
22 Southern New Hampshire University 23 12-5-2
23 Tusculum College 24 16-4-0
24 Florida Tech 25 10-5-1
25 Merrimack College RV 15-6-0
Also receiving votes: Tiffin University, Limestone College, Lenoir-Rhyne University, University of Southern Indiana, Young-Harris College.

FHSU Women’s Soccer gets first-ever preseason ranking

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On the heels of the best season in program history, Fort Hays State Women’s Soccer will open the 2017 season ranked No. 14 in the nation. The preseason edition of the United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) NCAA Division II Poll features two MIAA schools in the Top 25 as FHSU joins No. 5 Central Missouri. FHSU and UCM shared the MIAA Regular Season Title last year.

This is the first appearance for the FHSU women’s program in the preseason poll. FHSU jumped into the top 25 nationally for the first time last year on September 13, debuting No. 16 in the poll at that time. Eventually, the Tigers finished at No. 14 in the nation

Fort Hays State finished the 2016 campaign at 15-5-3, setting a new school record for wins in a season and advancing to the NCAA Central Regional Final (Round of 16). The Tigers were knocked out of the tournament by conference co-champ Central Missouri, but advanced past Harding and Minnesota State-Mankato for their deepest NCAA Tournament run in program history.

The Tigers enter their first year under head coach Blake Reynolds after Craig Shaw led the program for its first six years of existence. Reynolds was a head coach at NAIA affiliates Midland University (Neb.) and Kansas Wesleyan University before taking the head role at FHSU. He compiled an overall mark of 102-42-19, spending four years at each of the previous two schools.

Eden Stoddard is the top returning goal scorer on the team after putting seven in the back of the net last year to earn All-MIAA status. She also led the team in game-winning goals. Bailey Schmitz looks to give the Tigers solid defensive presence again after All-MIAA and all-region honors a year ago. She helped the team to a new school record 12 shutouts last season, so the Tigers may look to defense once again as a strong point. FHSU ranked 19th nationally in goals against average last year (0.62). Taryn Schnell and Jasmine Beaulieu were also All-MIAA selections that helped anchor the midfield and defense, who give FHSU a total of four all-conference selections from last year returning in 2017.

Below is the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason Poll.

Rank School Prev. W-L-T
1 Western Washington University 1 24-0-1
2 Grand Valley State University 2 23-2-1
3 Columbus State University 3 21-3-0
4 Kutztown University 4 20-5-0
5 University of Central Missouri 5 21-2-0
6 Colorado School Of Mines 6 20-3-1
7 University Of Bridgeport 7 18-4-0
8 University Of West Florida 8 19-5-0
9 West Chester University 9 19-1-1
10 University of California-San Diego 10 19-3-0
11 Truman State University 11 15-2-4
12 Adelphi University 12 16-4-1
13 University of North Georgia 13 15-3-3
14 Fort Hays State University 14 15-5-3
15 Texas A&M University-Commerce 15 15-6-1
16 Barry University 16 11-4-2
17 Saint Leo University 17 13-4-1
18 LIU Post 18 15-4-2
19 Minnesota State University-Mankato 19 16-3-3
20 East Stroudsburg University 20 16-5-2
21 Limestone College 22 18-2-0
22 Sonoma State University 23 12-3-3
23 St. Edward’s University 24 15-1-3
24 University Of Charleston 25 15-4-0
25 Carson-Newman University RV 17-4-1
Also receiving votes: Rockhurst University, University of Central Oklahoma, Azusa Pacific University, Central Washington University, Nova Southeastern University, Midwestern State University, Colorado State University-Pueblo, McKendree University, Minot State University, Rollins College, University of Missouri-St. Louis.

FHSU Sports Information

Siemian gets 1st start but hasn’t nailed down Broncos QB job

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – Trevor Siemian hasn’t won the Denver Broncos’ quarterback job just yet but he has earned the starting nod over Paxton Lynch in Denver’s preseason opener at Chicago.

Coach Vance Joseph announced after Monday’s indoor practice that Siemian will get first crack against the Bears on Thursday night while Lynch will start Denver’s second game, at San Francisco on Aug. 19.

Joseph insisted the QB job is still up for grabs.

Siemian, however, has clearly started to separate himself from Lynch, who had a rare turnover-free practice Monday but was erratic and blundered by throwing away the ball on fourth down from the 12.

Siemian was solid expect for an interception by Lorenzo Doss when receiver Jordan Taylor slipped.

Junis, Royals beat Mariners for doubleheader split

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Rookie Jakob Junis pitched eight sharp innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 9-1 to split their doubleheader Sunday.

Nelson Cruz homered twice and drove in four runs as the Mariners held off the Royals 8-7 in the first game.

Whit Merrifield homered in both games for the Royals.

Junis (4-2), who was added to Kansas City’s roster as the extra 26th man for the twinbill, allowed one run. He retired his final 19 batters after giving up an RBI double to Danny Espinosa in the second inning.

Junis walked none and struck out a career-high seven.

Melky Cabrera hit a three-run homer off Erasmo Ramirez (4-4) during a four-run third inning. It was Cabrera’s first home run since the Royals acquired him in a July 30 trade with the Chicago White Sox. Cabrera also had an RBI double.

Eric Hosmer homered and drove in three runs for the Royals.

Nelson Cruz homered twice and drove in four runs as the Seattle Mariners built a big lead, then held off the Kansas City Royals 8-7 Sunday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Cruz, Danny Valencia and Kyle Seager homered in the first two innings, helping the Mariners take a 7-0 lead off Danny Duffy (7-7).

Cruz, who leads the American League with 84 RBIs, hit a three-run drive in a four-run second. He hit his 24th home run in the seventh off Scott Alexander, a shot estimated at 465 feet to center. It was Cruz’s 22nd multihomer game, his first this season.

Duffy could have been out of the second inning with Robinson Cano striking out, but catcher Drew Butera was charged with a passed ball, allowing Cano to reach first and for Jean Segura to score from second base. Four pitches later, Cruz homered.

Marco Gonzalez, who was making his Mariners’ debut since being acquired in a July 21 with St. Louis, failed to make it through the fifth inning. James Pazos (3-3) won in relief and Edwin Diaz posted his 23rd save in 27 opportunities.

Royals’ All-Star catcher Perez on DL with intercostal strain

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Kansas City Royals have put All-Star catcher Salvador Perez on the 10-day disabled list with a strain on the right side of his chest.

Perez was injured on a swing in the sixth inning Friday. The five-time All-Star is hitting .278 with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs.

Manager Ned Yost says the worst-case scenario is Perez being sidelined for four weeks with the right intercostal strain, but he is hopeful it will be in the 10-to-14 days range. Yost says the club is expected to know more Monday about the extent of Perez’s injury when the swelling diminishes. The move is retroactive to Saturday.

Drew Butera, who entered Sunday hitting .250 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 92 at-bats, will do the majority of the catching in Perez’s absence.

The Royals recalled catcher Cameron Gallagher from Triple-A Omaha, where he was hitting .294 with five home runs. Gallagher was a 2011 second-round pick and will be making his major league debut.

Late rally lifts Merchants past Larks in NBC World Series semifinals

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WICHITA, Kan. – In a game that lasted nearly eight hours due in part to a couple of rain delays of nearly five hours, it looked as if the Hays Larks were headed back to the NBC World Series title game for a second year in a row. After rallying from a 5-0 deficit, the Larks built a 9-5 lead after six innings over the Everett (WA) Merchants, but the runner-up of the Pacific International League rallied with three runs in the eighth to tie then one in the ninth to take the lead and beat the Larks 10-9 to advance to Sunday night’s title game at the NBC World Series.

Highlights

Everett (25-17) struck for five in the third off Larks starter Alex Lopez, but the Larks answered with six in the bottom of the inning to take a 6-5 lead. Alex Weiss, who was named the tournament’s most inspirational player after battling back from testicular cancer, led off the big inning with a double. Jace Selsor, Jacob Boston, Colin Simpson and Nick Jones all drove in runs to close the gap to one. Clayton Rasbeary gave the Larks the lead on an infield single that glanced off the glove of Everett second baseman Kevin Olmstead in short right field and scored two runs.

The Larks added another run in the fourth after Jonathan Soberanes reached on a dropped third strike, stole second then scored on Jacob Boston’s two-out single to center.

The Larks plated two more in the fifth after back-to-back walks and a fielder’s choice on an Alex Weiss bunt loaded the bases. Nick Jones scored on a wild pitch and Clayton Rasbeary on a bases loaded walk to Trey Ochoa.

Everett started their comeback in the seventh after back to back walks and a single loaded the bases. Kent Hasler entered for the Larks and held the Merchants to one run. Hasler then gave up three straight hits which scored three runs with two outs in the seventh to close the gap to one.

Following a second rain delay that lasted a little over four hours, the Merchants took the lead on a Ty Holm single with two outs in the ninth off closer Tyler Starks. Starks suffered the loss (3-1) allowing one run on two hits over 1 1/3 innings.

Trevor Boone was hit by a pitch and Jonathan Soberanes reached on an infield single with two outs but Jace Selsor flied to center to end the game and the season for the Larks who finish third for the third time in six years at the NBC World Series.

Paxton wins 7th straight start, Mariners top Royals

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — James Paxton tied a Mariners’ record by winning his seventh straight start, and Seattle beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 Friday night to move back over .500.

Paxton (12-3) did not allow a hit until Mike Moustakas’ single with one out in the fifth, and Brandon Moss’ two-out single ended Paxton’s scoreless streak at 21 innings.

Paxton gave up two runs and four hits in six innings with one walk, seven strikeouts and a pair of wild pitches. Scott Bankhead won seven straight starts in 1989 and Jamie Moyer in 2003.

David Phelps, Nick Vincent and Edwin Diaz each followed with a perfect inning as Seattle improved to 13-8 since the All-Star break. Diaz got his 22nd save in 26 chances.

Jason Hammel (5-9) gave up three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Larks defeat San Diego to advance to NBC WS semifinals

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WICHITA, Kan. – Dylan Schneider pitched seven innings without allowing an earned run and Colin Simpson had a two-double to give the Hays Larks the lead as they held off the San Diego Waves 4-2 Friday to advance the semifinals of the NBC World Series.

Frank Leo Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

Schneider (5-0) struck out five and walked only one while scattering four hits. After giving up a single followed by a walk with one out in the fourth, Schneider retired the next 11 Waves batters before exiting after the seventh.

Tyler Starks worked around a one-out double and walk in the ninth and picked up a five-out save, his ninth of the season and second in consecutive days.

San Diego (32-15) scored an unearned run in the first on an Alex Weiss throwing error. They added another unearned run in the second to go up 2-1.

The Larks (34-16) scored in the first on a Jacob Boston two-out single. They took the lead for good with three in the third which was highlighted by a Colin Simpson two-run double.

Simpson, Jonathan Soberanes, and Jacob Boston all had two hits.

The Larks advance to NBC World Series semifinals for a second straight year where they will take on the Everett (WA) Merchants Saturday at 3 pm . The Merchants knocked out the defending champion Santa Barbara Foresters 6-3 in Friday’s first quarterfinal round game.

Royals rally to beat Mariners

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brandon Moss hit two home runs and Lorenzo Cain drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning as the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 6-4 on Thursday night.

The Royals rallied from deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 for their 32nd comeback victory. They snapped a three-game losing streak.

Moss homered in the fifth off Yovani Gallardo after Mike Moustakas had walked. That snapped a four-game homer-less skid for the Royals, which matched their longest drought of the season.

Moss also homered in eighth for his 11th career multi-homer game.

Emilio Pagan (0-2) took the loss, giving up two runs, one unearned, in the seventh.

Larks hold off Studs to advance to NBC World Series quarterfinals

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WICHITA, Kan. – The Seattle Studs had scored 20 runs in their first two games at the NBC World Series. Walter Pennington and Tyler Starks combined to hold the Studs potent offense to one run and the Hays Larks had just enough offense for a 3-1 win to advance to Friday’s quarterfinals.

Frank Leo Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

The Larks (33-16) finished 2-1 in pool play and will take on the San Diego Waves at 3:30 pm Friday. San Diego went 3-0 in pool play with a come from behind 3-2 win over the USA National Team Thursday.

Pennington (3-2), who will be a sophomore at Colorado School of Mines, held the Studs (38-9) to one run on five hits with a season-high six strikeouts and only one walk over eight innings. Tyler Starks allowed a couple of hits in the ninth but got a pup up to end the game for his eighth save.

The Larks scored two in the first inning on a sacrifice fly from Trey Ochoa and a fielder’s choice from Ke’one Givens. Colin Simpson’s two-out single scored Ochoa in the sixth for a 3-1 lead.

Hellickson helps Orioles beat Royals 6-0 for 3-game sweep

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BALTIMORE (AP) – Jeremy Hellickson threw seven outstanding innings in his Orioles debut, Caleb Joseph homered and Baltimore beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.

Playing in his second game with Baltimore, Tim Beckham doubled, tripled and drove in two runs.

The Orioles’ five-game winning streak is their longest since early May, and they now stand just 2 1/2 games behind Kansas City for the second AL wild-card slot.

The Royals had won 10 of 11 before coming up flat at Camden Yards, scoring only three runs in 27 innings. They showed their frustration in the ninth inning, when Mike Moustakas was tossed after complaining about a third-strike call and manager Ned Yost was ejected for joining the argument.

Hellickson (1-0), obtained Saturday from Philadelphia, limited Kansas City to five hits, issuing one walk and allowing only one runner to reach third base.

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