The 2025 regular season for the Junction City Brigade wrapped up last weekend, and the Junction City Brigade finished in second place in the Jayhawk Collegiate League. By finishing in the top three, the Brigade qualified for the National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series.

Junction City lost their first two games of the season and then held steady, staying right about .500 into late June. On June 25, the Brigade had a record of 10-9. After that, they ended the regular season winning 15 of their final 17 games and finished 25-11. (Junction City only finished behind the Hutchinson Monarchs, who went 25-7).

Junction City will now play in the postseason at the NBC World Series this weekend. This is the first year for the Brigade in the Jayhawk Collegiate League, so it is also the first year they have qualified for the NBC World Series.

In a radio interview with 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio, General Manager of the Brigade, Cecil Aska, expressed excitement about playing in the postseason tournament. "This is a brand new experience for us," Aska said. "The main thing I want our guys to do is stay in the right frame of mind and represent our community and the Junction City Brigade, and help put us on the map."

Micah Cannon, the head coach of the Brigade, in his first year coaching the team, is appreciative of the opportunity, but also wants his team to realize more work is still to be done. "I just keep challenging our guys," Cannon said. "I don't care if we are playing the Yankees or the Bad News Bears, I challenge them to compete the same way."

The NBC World Series, which is in its 91st&nbsp;year, is held in Wichita and played at Eck Stadium, the home of the Wichita State Shockers baseball team. 16 teams make it into the NBC, and they are from all across the country. 16 teams are split into four different pools, and three teams from each pool advance into bracket play, which begins next week. The World Series began on Thursday, July 24, and goes through Saturday, August 2.

Junction City will play three games in pool play. Their pool play schedule is posted below.

Game 1 - Junction City Brigade vs. TPA Texas - Saturday @ Noon

Game 2 - Junction City Brigade vs. GPS Legends - Sunday @ 3:00 p.m.

Game 3 - Junction City Brigade vs. Alaska Goldpanners - Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.

For more information on the schedule, tickets or the NBC World Series, check out their website <a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/">here.</a>

You can follow the Junction City Brigade facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCBrigade/">here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753503269776.jpeg" alt="(Photo - Junction City Brigade Facebook Page)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo - Junction City Brigade Facebook Page)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe 2025 regular season for the Junction City Brigade wrapped up last weekend, and the Junction City Brigade finished in second place in the Jayhawk Collegiate League. By finishing in the top three, the Brigade qualified for the National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series.Junction City lost their first two games of the season and then held steady, staying right about .500 into late June. On June 25, the Brigade had a record of 10-9. After that, they ended the regular season winning 15 of their final 17 games and finished 25-11. (Junction City only finished behind the Hutchinson Monarchs, who went 25-7).Junction City will now play in the postseason at the NBC World Series this weekend. This is the first year for the Brigade in the Jayhawk Collegiate League, so it is also the first year they have qualified for the NBC World Series.In a radio interview with 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio, General Manager of the Brigade, Cecil Aska, expressed excitement about playing in the postseason tournament. "This is a brand new experience for us," Aska said. "The main thing I want our guys to do is stay in the right frame of mind and represent our community and the Junction City Brigade, and help put us on the map."Micah Cannon, the head coach of the Brigade, in his first year coaching the team, is appreciative of the opportunity, but also wants his team to realize more work is still to be done. "I just keep challenging our guys," Cannon said. "I don't care if we are playing the Yankees or the Bad News Bears, I challenge them to compete the same way."The NBC World Series, which is in its 91st&nbsp;year, is held in Wichita and played at Eck Stadium, the home of the Wichita State Shockers baseball team. 16 teams make it into the NBC, and they are from all across the country. 16 teams are split into four different pools, and three teams from each pool advance into bracket play, which begins next week. The World Series began on Thursday, July 24, and goes through Saturday, August 2.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753503663335.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City will play three games in pool play. Their pool play schedule is posted below. Game 1 - Junction City Brigade vs. TPA Texas - Saturday @ NoonGame 2 - Junction City Brigade vs. GPS Legends - Sunday @ 3:00 p.m.Game 3 - Junction City Brigade vs. Alaska Goldpanners - Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.For more information on the schedule, tickets or the NBC World Series, check out their website <a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/">here.</a>You can follow the Junction City Brigade facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCBrigade/">here.</a>

Postseason Play begins this Weekend for the Junction City Brigade

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Thursday signed an executive order mandating that federal authorities clarify whether college athletes can be considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-lawsuit-settlement-c5e0cea45fd210cc935cff992ab16f25">employees of the schools</a>&nbsp;they play for in an attempt to create clearer national standards in the NCAA’s name, image and likeness era.

Trump directed the secretary of labor and the National Labor Relations Board to clarify the status of collegiate athletes through guidance or rules “that will maximize the educational benefits and opportunities provided by higher education institutions through athletics.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/saving-college-sports/" target="_blank">The order</a>&nbsp;does not provide or suggest specifics on the controversial topic of college athlete employment.

The move comes after months of speculation about whether Trump will establish a college sports commission to tackle some of the thorny issues facing what is now a multibillion-dollar industry. He instead issued an order intended to add some controls to “an out-of-control, rudderless system in which competing university donors engage in bidding wars for the best players, who can change teams each season.”

“Absent guardrails to stop the madness and ensure a reasonable, balanced use of resources across collegiate athletic programs that preserves their educational and developmental benefits, many college sports will soon cease to exist,” Trump’s order says. “It is common sense that college sports are not, and should not be, professional sports, and my administration will take action accordingly.”

There has been a dramatic increase in money flowing into and around college athletics and a sense of chaos. Key court victories won by athletes angry that they were barred for decades from earning income based on their celebrity and from sharing in the billions of revenue they helped generate have gutted the amateurism model long at the heart of college sports.

Facing a growing number of state laws undercutting its authority, the NCAA in July 2021 cleared the way for athletes to cash in with NIL deals with brands and sponsors — deals now worth millions. That came mere days after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-sports-basketball-football-college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-417874bc33f0a791458bb4ad8d414305">9-0 decision</a>&nbsp;from the Supreme Court that found the NCAA cannot impose caps on education-related benefits schools provide to their athletes because such limits violate antitrust law.

The NCAA’s embrace of NIL deals set the stage for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-house-settlement-aa3169056e8194aeebf34495641bce0b">another massive change</a>&nbsp;that took effect July 1: The ability of schools to begin paying millions of dollars to their own athletes, up to $20.5 million per school over the next year. The $2.8 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-settlement-b6ff58d62f93359789dde1626f827bf1">House settlement</a>&nbsp;shifts even more power to athletes, who have also won the ability to transfer from school to school without waiting to play.

At Big Ten Conference football media days in Las Vegas, Purdue coach Barry Odom was asked about the Trump order.

“We’ve gotten to the point where government is involved. Obviously, there’s belief it needs to be involved,” he said. “We’ll get it all worked out. The game’s been around for a hundred years and it’s going to be around 100 more.”

The NCAA has been lobbying for several years for limited antitrust protection to keep some kind of control over this new landscape — and avoid more crippling lawsuits — but a handful of bills have gone nowhere in Congress. Trump’s order makes no mention of that, nor does it refer to any of the current&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/olympics-ncaa-sports-congress-59d5ed03574fbe1c22063d0d9496eb35">bills in Congress</a>&nbsp;aimed at addressing issues in college sports.

orking with student-athletes, a bipartisan coalition in Congress and the Trump administration,” said Baker, while the conferences said it was important to pass a law with national standards for athletes’ NIL rights as soon as possible.

The 1,100 universities that comprise the NCAA have insisted for decades that athletes are students who cannot be considered anything like a school employee. Still, some coaches have recently suggested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-settlement-tennessee-athlete-bargaining-e6b2c2b30a693a1313d1f04be8d304e9">collective bargaining</a>&nbsp;as a potential solution to the chaos they see.

It is a complicated topic: Universities would become responsible for paying wages, benefits, and workers’ compensation and schools and conferences have insisted they will fight any such move in court. While private institutions fall under the National Labor Relations Board, public universities must follow labor laws that vary from state to state and it’s worth noting that virtually every state in the South has “right to work” laws that present challenges for unions.

— Calls for adding or at least preserving athletic scholarships and roster spots for non-revenue sports, which are those outside football and basketball. The House settlement allows for unlimited scholarships but does impose roster limits, leading to a complicated set of decisions for each program at each school that include potential concerns about Title IX equity rules. Trump said “opportunities for scholarships and collegiate athletic competition in women’s and non-revenue sports must be preserved and, where possible, expanded.”

— Asks the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to “preserve college athletics through litigation” and other actions to protect the rights and interests of athletes — a stance that could influence&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-zakai-zeigler-lawsuit-pistons-323876e4b82844a68da27362a1d102da">ongoing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;filed by athletes over eligibility and other issues.

— Directs White House staff to work with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to protect the collegiate pipeline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-settlement-olympic-sports-98e974041f0af901b047d69672ad3176">feeding Team USA.</a>&nbsp;College sports programs produce around three-quarters of U.S. Olympians at a typical Summer Games, but some are on uncertain footing as schools begin sharing revenue with athletes and the lion’s share going to football and basketball.

AP National Writer Eddie Pells contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732431241743.jpeg" alt="File Photo courtesy of K State Football on X" />
 <figcaption>File Photo courtesy of K State Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Thursday signed an executive order mandating that federal authorities clarify whether college athletes can be considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-lawsuit-settlement-c5e0cea45fd210cc935cff992ab16f25">employees of the schools</a>&nbsp;they play for in an attempt to create clearer national standards in the NCAA’s name, image and likeness era.Trump directed the secretary of labor and the National Labor Relations Board to clarify the status of collegiate athletes through guidance or rules “that will maximize the educational benefits and opportunities provided by higher education institutions through athletics.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/saving-college-sports/" target="_blank">The order</a>&nbsp;does not provide or suggest specifics on the controversial topic of college athlete employment.The move comes after months of speculation about whether Trump will establish a college sports commission to tackle some of the thorny issues facing what is now a multibillion-dollar industry. He instead issued an order intended to add some controls to “an out-of-control, rudderless system in which competing university donors engage in bidding wars for the best players, who can change teams each season.”“Absent guardrails to stop the madness and ensure a reasonable, balanced use of resources across collegiate athletic programs that preserves their educational and developmental benefits, many college sports will soon cease to exist,” Trump’s order says. “It is common sense that college sports are not, and should not be, professional sports, and my administration will take action accordingly.”There has been a dramatic increase in money flowing into and around college athletics and a sense of chaos. Key court victories won by athletes angry that they were barred for decades from earning income based on their celebrity and from sharing in the billions of revenue they helped generate have gutted the amateurism model long at the heart of college sports.Facing a growing number of state laws undercutting its authority, the NCAA in July 2021 cleared the way for athletes to cash in with NIL deals with brands and sponsors — deals now worth millions. That came mere days after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-sports-basketball-football-college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-417874bc33f0a791458bb4ad8d414305">9-0 decision</a>&nbsp;from the Supreme Court that found the NCAA cannot impose caps on education-related benefits schools provide to their athletes because such limits violate antitrust law.The NCAA’s embrace of NIL deals set the stage for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-house-settlement-aa3169056e8194aeebf34495641bce0b">another massive change</a>&nbsp;that took effect July 1: The ability of schools to begin paying millions of dollars to their own athletes, up to $20.5 million per school over the next year. The $2.8 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-settlement-b6ff58d62f93359789dde1626f827bf1">House settlement</a>&nbsp;shifts even more power to athletes, who have also won the ability to transfer from school to school without waiting to play.At Big Ten Conference football media days in Las Vegas, Purdue coach Barry Odom was asked about the Trump order.“We’ve gotten to the point where government is involved. Obviously, there’s belief it needs to be involved,” he said. “We’ll get it all worked out. The game’s been around for a hundred years and it’s going to be around 100 more.”The NCAA has been lobbying for several years for limited antitrust protection to keep some kind of control over this new landscape — and avoid more crippling lawsuits — but a handful of bills have gone nowhere in Congress. Trump’s order makes no mention of that, nor does it refer to any of the current&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/olympics-ncaa-sports-congress-59d5ed03574fbe1c22063d0d9496eb35">bills in Congress</a>&nbsp;aimed at addressing issues in college sports.orking with student-athletes, a bipartisan coalition in Congress and the Trump administration,” said Baker, while the conferences said it was important to pass a law with national standards for athletes’ NIL rights as soon as possible.The 1,100 universities that comprise the NCAA have insisted for decades that athletes are students who cannot be considered anything like a school employee. Still, some coaches have recently suggested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-settlement-tennessee-athlete-bargaining-e6b2c2b30a693a1313d1f04be8d304e9">collective bargaining</a>&nbsp;as a potential solution to the chaos they see.It is a complicated topic: Universities would become responsible for paying wages, benefits, and workers’ compensation and schools and conferences have insisted they will fight any such move in court. While private institutions fall under the National Labor Relations Board, public universities must follow labor laws that vary from state to state and it’s worth noting that virtually every state in the South has “right to work” laws that present challenges for unions.Trump’s order also:— Calls for adding or at least preserving athletic scholarships and roster spots for non-revenue sports, which are those outside football and basketball. The House settlement allows for unlimited scholarships but does impose roster limits, leading to a complicated set of decisions for each program at each school that include potential concerns about Title IX equity rules. Trump said “opportunities for scholarships and collegiate athletic competition in women’s and non-revenue sports must be preserved and, where possible, expanded.”— Asks the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to “preserve college athletics through litigation” and other actions to protect the rights and interests of athletes — a stance that could influence&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-zakai-zeigler-lawsuit-pistons-323876e4b82844a68da27362a1d102da">ongoing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;filed by athletes over eligibility and other issues.— Directs White House staff to work with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to protect the collegiate pipeline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-settlement-olympic-sports-98e974041f0af901b047d69672ad3176">feeding Team USA.</a>&nbsp;College sports programs produce around three-quarters of U.S. Olympians at a typical Summer Games, but some are on uncertain footing as schools begin sharing revenue with athletes and the lion’s share going to football and basketball.___AP National Writer Eddie Pells contributed.

Trump signs order to clarify college athletes' employment status amid NIL chaos

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas basketball coach Bill Self had two stents inserted into his heart to treat blocked arteries Thursday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after he felt “felt unwell and experienced some concerning symptoms.”

“The procedure went very well, and he is expected to make a full recovery,” the Kansas athletic department said in a statement. "He is in good spirits and expects to be released from the hospital soon.”

The 62-year-old Self directed the final practice of the summer session Thursday morning as he prepares for his 23rd seasons as head coach of the Jayhawks. He missed the 2023 Big 12 and NCAA tournaments because of a heart condition, getting a standard catheterization and having two stents inserted to help treat blocked arteries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681311280126.jpeg" alt="Bill Self-Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Bill Self-Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas basketball coach Bill Self had two stents inserted into his heart to treat blocked arteries Thursday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after he felt “felt unwell and experienced some concerning symptoms.”“The procedure went very well, and he is expected to make a full recovery,” the Kansas athletic department said in a statement. "He is in good spirits and expects to be released from the hospital soon.”The 62-year-old Self directed the final practice of the summer session Thursday morning as he prepares for his 23rd seasons as head coach of the Jayhawks. He missed the 2023 Big 12 and NCAA tournaments because of a heart condition, getting a standard catheterization and having two stents inserted to help treat blocked arteries.

KU basketball coach Bill Self has stents inserted to treat blocked arteries

CHICAGO (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino hit two of Kansas City’s four two-run homers and doubled on a 3-for-4 afternoon, leading the Royals past the Chicago Cubs 8-4 on Wednesday.

Salvador Perez and rookie Tyler Tolbert also went deep as the Royals took two of three games from the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Tolbert’s homer was his first in the majors.

Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit solo shots for Chicago, which entered tied with Milwaukee for first place in the NL Central and the best record in the majors.

Pasquantino’s pair of 400-foot-plus drives gave him two multi-homer games this season, three for his career and upped his season total to 17. He entered with just one hit in his previous 16 at-bats.

Seth Lugo (7-5) tossed six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. The right-hander stuck out six and walked two before three relievers wrapped up the win.

The 35-year-old Perez has five homers in his last five games and cracked three in the series to give him a team leading 18.

Chicago's Colin Rea (8-4) was tagged with six runs, five earned, on six hits in five innings, ending his four-start winning streak.

Pasquantino drove his second homer off Rea’s full-count down-the-middle curve in the fifth to up the Royals lead to 6-2. Tolbert put it out of reach in the sixth, making it 8-2 with a drive off reliever Drew Pomeranz.

Tolbert left the game in the bottom of the eighth.

Rea had allowed only five runs over 23 2/3 innings in his four previous starts for an ERA of 1.90.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.62 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.54) on Friday in Kansas City.

Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (7-3, 2.40) starts Friday at Rate Field against the White Sox, who send RHP Adrian Houser (5-2, 1.89) to the mound.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753305143425.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino hit two of Kansas City’s four two-run homers and doubled on a 3-for-4 afternoon, leading the Royals past the Chicago Cubs 8-4 on Wednesday.Salvador Perez and rookie Tyler Tolbert also went deep as the Royals took two of three games from the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Tolbert’s homer was his first in the majors.Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit solo shots for Chicago, which entered tied with Milwaukee for first place in the NL Central and the best record in the majors.Pasquantino’s pair of 400-foot-plus drives gave him two multi-homer games this season, three for his career and upped his season total to 17. He entered with just one hit in his previous 16 at-bats.Seth Lugo (7-5) tossed six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. The right-hander stuck out six and walked two before three relievers wrapped up the win.The 35-year-old Perez has five homers in his last five games and cracked three in the series to give him a team leading 18.Chicago's Colin Rea (8-4) was tagged with six runs, five earned, on six hits in five innings, ending his four-start winning streak.<h2>Key moment</h2>Pasquantino drove his second homer off Rea’s full-count down-the-middle curve in the fifth to up the Royals lead to 6-2. Tolbert put it out of reach in the sixth, making it 8-2 with a drive off reliever Drew Pomeranz.Tolbert left the game in the bottom of the eighth.<h2>Key stat</h2>Rea had allowed only five runs over 23 2/3 innings in his four previous starts for an ERA of 1.90.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.62 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.54) on Friday in Kansas City.Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (7-3, 2.40) starts Friday at Rate Field against the White Sox, who send RHP Adrian Houser (5-2, 1.89) to the mound.

⚾ Pasquantino hits two homers as Royals top the Cubs

CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled Rich Hill’s return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw each had two hits as Chicago ended a two-game slide. Shaw, Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly had RBIs.

Boyd (11-3) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in winning his fifth straight start. The left-hander retired the first eight Royals batters and didn't allow a hit until Nick Loftin led off the fifth with a line single.

Caleb Thielbar followed with a perfect eighth and Daniel Palencia worked around two singles in the ninth to complete a six-hitter.

Hill (0-1)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cubs-rich-hill-oldest-e09c2d43a7a83309e1cf9696c3e80d71">became the oldest active player in baseball</a>&nbsp;after the Royals selected the 45-year-old from Triple-A Omaha. He allowed three runs — one earned — and six hits in five innings. The left-hander threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one.

It was the debut of Hill's 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record.

Hill and the Royals fell behind 2-0 in the second when the Royals committed two errors, botching potential double plays. Crow-Armstrong doubled in a run off Hill in the fifth.

The Cubs put the game away with three runs in the seventh off Jonathan Bowlan.

After Loftin singled in the fifth, the Royals loaded the bases with one out on Freddy Fermin’s bloop and John Rave’s bunt single. Swanson snared Kyle Isbel’s broken-bat liner at shortstop, then dived to tag out Fermin before he could get back to second for an inning-ending double play.

The Cubs stole six bases in the game, including four off Hill. That included a double-steal by Justin Turner and Shaw in the second, Chicago scored its final run with on double-steal with Kyle Tucker stealing home and Suzuzki second base in the seventh.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.94 ERA) will face Cubs RHP Colin Rea (8-3, 3.80) on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753237083056.png" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled Rich Hill’s return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw each had two hits as Chicago ended a two-game slide. Shaw, Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly had RBIs.Boyd (11-3) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in winning his fifth straight start. The left-hander retired the first eight Royals batters and didn't allow a hit until Nick Loftin led off the fifth with a line single.Caleb Thielbar followed with a perfect eighth and Daniel Palencia worked around two singles in the ninth to complete a six-hitter.Hill (0-1)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cubs-rich-hill-oldest-e09c2d43a7a83309e1cf9696c3e80d71">became the oldest active player in baseball</a>&nbsp;after the Royals selected the 45-year-old from Triple-A Omaha. He allowed three runs — one earned — and six hits in five innings. The left-hander threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one.It was the debut of Hill's 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record.Hill and the Royals fell behind 2-0 in the second when the Royals committed two errors, botching potential double plays. Crow-Armstrong doubled in a run off Hill in the fifth.The Cubs put the game away with three runs in the seventh off Jonathan Bowlan.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Loftin singled in the fifth, the Royals loaded the bases with one out on Freddy Fermin’s bloop and John Rave’s bunt single. Swanson snared Kyle Isbel’s broken-bat liner at shortstop, then dived to tag out Fermin before he could get back to second for an inning-ending double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Cubs stole six bases in the game, including four off Hill. That included a double-steal by Justin Turner and Shaw in the second, Chicago scored its final run with on double-steal with Kyle Tucker stealing home and Suzuzki second base in the seventh.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.94 ERA) will face Cubs RHP Colin Rea (8-3, 3.80) on Wednesday.

⚾ Matthew Boyd sharp for 11th win, Cubs blank Royals and Rich Hill 

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice and drove in four runs, Jac Caglianone and John Rave added solo shots and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 12-4 on Monday night.

Chicago’s Matt Shaw and Carson Kelly went deep off Noah Cameron (4-4) in the second, but the rookie lefthander was in control for most of the first six innings. He allowed all four Cubs runs and seven hits while striking out six to help the Royals win their second straight.

Ben Brown (4-7), recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Iowa, replaced opener Ryan Brasier in the second and gave up six earned runs and seven hits while striking out four over the next four innings. Caglianone had a solo shot off Brown in the second and Perez added a two-run homer in the fourth.

Kansas City got RBI hits from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. to start a four-run fifth. The two scored on a throwing error and wild pitch, respectively.

Rave homered in the seventh off Chris Flexen, who gave up Perez’s two-run shot in a four-run eighth that ensured the Cubs’ second straight loss. Relievers John Schreiber and Andrew Hoffman kept Chicago scoreless, and Witt and Rave each finished with a pair of RBIs.

Shaw drove in three runs for the Cubs, who gave All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the night off due to knee soreness.

Witt made the most of his at-bat in the fifth inning. He drove in Kyle Isbel with a single to put the Royals in front for good, stole second and went to third on Kelly’s errant pickoff throw, then scored on Brown’s wild pitch for the final run of the inning.

The top third of the Cubs’ order — Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki — was a combined 0 for 11.

Cubs LHP Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA) makes his first post-All Star break appearance Tuesday. Kansas City has not named a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753154061646.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice and drove in four runs, Jac Caglianone and John Rave added solo shots and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 12-4 on Monday night.Chicago’s Matt Shaw and Carson Kelly went deep off Noah Cameron (4-4) in the second, but the rookie lefthander was in control for most of the first six innings. He allowed all four Cubs runs and seven hits while striking out six to help the Royals win their second straight.Ben Brown (4-7), recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Iowa, replaced opener Ryan Brasier in the second and gave up six earned runs and seven hits while striking out four over the next four innings. Caglianone had a solo shot off Brown in the second and Perez added a two-run homer in the fourth.Kansas City got RBI hits from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. to start a four-run fifth. The two scored on a throwing error and wild pitch, respectively.Rave homered in the seventh off Chris Flexen, who gave up Perez’s two-run shot in a four-run eighth that ensured the Cubs’ second straight loss. Relievers John Schreiber and Andrew Hoffman kept Chicago scoreless, and Witt and Rave each finished with a pair of RBIs.Shaw drove in three runs for the Cubs, who gave All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the night off due to knee soreness.<h2>Key moment</h2>Witt made the most of his at-bat in the fifth inning. He drove in Kyle Isbel with a single to put the Royals in front for good, stole second and went to third on Kelly’s errant pickoff throw, then scored on Brown’s wild pitch for the final run of the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The top third of the Cubs’ order — Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki — was a combined 0 for 11.Up nextCubs LHP Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA) makes his first post-All Star break appearance Tuesday. Kansas City has not named a starter.

⚾ Perez, Caglianone and Rave homers power Royals over the Cubs

MIAMI (AP) — Kris Bubic pitched five shutout innings, Salvador Perez homered and doubled and the Kansas City Royals beat Miami 7-4 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep and end the Marlins' winning streak at four.

Bubic (8-6) gave up three hits and a walk. Andrew Hoffmann came on in the ninth and gave up four runs — none earned — in two-thirds of an inning before Carlos Estévez got the final out for his 26th save.

Perez hit his 15th homer of the season in the eighth.

Kansas City took a 3-0 lead in the fourth, and made it 6-0 in the fifth.

In the fourth, Bobby Witt Jr. scored on Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly, Perez hit a ground-rule double and Jac Caglianone followed with a two-run double off starter Janson Junk (4-2). In the fifth, Jonathan India had a two-run double and Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI sacrifice fly.

Xavier Edwards and Agustín Ramírez each had two RBIs for Miami.

After India popped out to open the fourth, Witt hit his major league-leading 33 double of the season and moved to third on a single by Pasquantino to spark Kansas City's three-run fourth inning.

The Royals, who went into the game with the fourth-most doubles (172) in the major leagues behind the Boston Red Sox (202), Arizona Diamondbacks (178) and New York Yankees (175), had five doubles by five players.

Miami's Eury Pérez (3-2, 3.18 ERA) was scheduled to start Monday night at home against San Diego. Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.31) was set to start for Kansas City on Monday night in Chicago against the Cubs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753051874824.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) gestures as he scores after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) gestures as he scores after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI (AP) — Kris Bubic pitched five shutout innings, Salvador Perez homered and doubled and the Kansas City Royals beat Miami 7-4 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep and end the Marlins' winning streak at four.Bubic (8-6) gave up three hits and a walk. Andrew Hoffmann came on in the ninth and gave up four runs — none earned — in two-thirds of an inning before Carlos Estévez got the final out for his 26th save.Perez hit his 15th homer of the season in the eighth.Kansas City took a 3-0 lead in the fourth, and made it 6-0 in the fifth.In the fourth, Bobby Witt Jr. scored on Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly, Perez hit a ground-rule double and Jac Caglianone followed with a two-run double off starter Janson Junk (4-2). In the fifth, Jonathan India had a two-run double and Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI sacrifice fly.Xavier Edwards and Agustín Ramírez each had two RBIs for Miami.<h2>Key moment</h2>After India popped out to open the fourth, Witt hit his major league-leading 33 double of the season and moved to third on a single by Pasquantino to spark Kansas City's three-run fourth inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals, who went into the game with the fourth-most doubles (172) in the major leagues behind the Boston Red Sox (202), Arizona Diamondbacks (178) and New York Yankees (175), had five doubles by five players.<h2>Up next</h2>Miami's Eury Pérez (3-2, 3.18 ERA) was scheduled to start Monday night at home against San Diego. Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.31) was set to start for Kansas City on Monday night in Chicago against the Cubs.

⚾ Bubic pitches 5 scoreless innings, Perez homers to help the Royals beat the Marlins

Rain moved through the area on Friday night, but the Junction City Rodeo went on as planned. Despite the muddy arena, a large crowd was in attendance for the first of two nights at the 31st annual Junction City Rodeo.

The rodeo once again begins tonight at 8:00 p.m. at the Geary County 4-H Fairgrounds Arena. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids 6-12, and children five and under are admitted free.

** Photos by Adam Cooke - Geary County CVB Marketing Specialist

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752945899370.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostRain moved through the area on Friday night, but the Junction City Rodeo went on as planned. Despite the muddy arena, a large crowd was in attendance for the first of two nights at the 31st annual Junction City Rodeo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752945960488.jpeg" alt="Mutton Bustin" />
 <figcaption>Mutton Bustin</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752945995675.jpeg" alt="Mini Bull Riding" />
 <figcaption>Mini Bull Riding</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752946021326.jpeg" alt="Boot scramble" />
 <figcaption>Boot scramble</figcaption>
 </figure>The rodeo once again begins tonight at 8:00 p.m. at the Geary County 4-H Fairgrounds Arena. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids 6-12, and children five and under are admitted free.** Photos by Adam Cooke - Geary County CVB Marketing Specialist

Rodeo time in Junction City

McKenzie Jackson, an 11-year-old Junction City girl, has quite a story. She is a stellar baseball player who is on her way to Nevada to play in a National baseball tournament for girls.

Jackson fell in love with the game of baseball at a young age. She began playing at the age of four years old after watching her brother and sister play. This season, she played locally for the 13U Vikings (red team), and they played their games at North Park. Currently, McKenzie and her dad, Jeff Jackson, are on their way to Sparks, Nevada, for the Baseball for All Girls National Tournament. At this tournament, McKenzie will play for the 10U Florida Bolts, the defending champions of the tournament.

“I am super excited to go,” McKenzie Jackson said. “I am excited to play with all girls and get to experience something most people don’t get to experience.”

The tournament games begin on Monday, July 21, and go through Thursday, July 24.

Amanda Jackson, McKenzies mother, said there have been some naysayers about McKenzie's choice to play baseball rather than softball. “I am going to support her in whatever route she chooses to go,” Amanda Jackson said. “Being a veteran, facing the adversity I’ve faced as a female, I’ve instilled in McKenzie, put your mind to it, and you can do it. I’ll support you.”

On the baseball diamond, McKenzie plays all over the field. She said she can play pitcher, catcher, shortstop, first base, second base, third base, and center field. She also said she bats at the top of the order on her local team. McKenzie said she’s ready for the tournament and “excited to prove that girls can do things too.”

The drive to Sparks, Nevada, is 22 hours. Jeff and McKenzie left Junction City on Thursday and should arrive Saturday evening. On Sunday, McKenzie will meet the team, and there will also be the opening ceremonies prior to the games beginning on Monday.

Jeff Jackson, McKenzie's dad, said that they fundraised for the trip and McKenzie received a lot of support. “It has been a whirlwind,” Jeff said. They did coin drop events at Freedom Fest and at a Junction City Brigade game this summer to help offset travel costs and the cost of uniforms.

McKenzie is excited to showcase her skills at the Baseball For All Girls National Tournament and plans to keep playing baseball moving forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752942813882.jpeg" alt="McKenzie Jackson" />
 <figcaption>McKenzie Jackson</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostMcKenzie Jackson, an 11-year-old Junction City girl, has quite a story. She is a stellar baseball player who is on her way to Nevada to play in a National baseball tournament for girls.Jackson fell in love with the game of baseball at a young age. She began playing at the age of four years old after watching her brother and sister play. This season, she played locally for the 13U Vikings (red team), and they played their games at North Park. Currently, McKenzie and her dad, Jeff Jackson, are on their way to Sparks, Nevada, for the Baseball for All Girls National Tournament. At this tournament, McKenzie will play for the 10U Florida Bolts, the defending champions of the tournament.“I am super excited to go,” McKenzie Jackson said. “I am excited to play with all girls and get to experience something most people don’t get to experience.”The tournament games begin on Monday, July 21, and go through Thursday, July 24.Amanda Jackson, McKenzies mother, said there have been some naysayers about McKenzie's choice to play baseball rather than softball. “I am going to support her in whatever route she chooses to go,” Amanda Jackson said. “Being a veteran, facing the adversity I’ve faced as a female, I’ve instilled in McKenzie, put your mind to it, and you can do it. I’ll support you.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752942782300.jpeg" alt="McKenzie on the pitchers mound." />
 <figcaption>McKenzie on the pitchers mound.</figcaption>
 </figure>On the baseball diamond, McKenzie plays all over the field. She said she can play pitcher, catcher, shortstop, first base, second base, third base, and center field. She also said she bats at the top of the order on her local team. McKenzie said she’s ready for the tournament and “excited to prove that girls can do things too.”The drive to Sparks, Nevada, is 22 hours. Jeff and McKenzie left Junction City on Thursday and should arrive Saturday evening. On Sunday, McKenzie will meet the team, and there will also be the opening ceremonies prior to the games beginning on Monday.Jeff Jackson, McKenzie's dad, said that they fundraised for the trip and McKenzie received a lot of support. “It has been a whirlwind,” Jeff said. They did coin drop events at Freedom Fest and at a Junction City Brigade game this summer to help offset travel costs and the cost of uniforms.McKenzie is excited to showcase her skills at the Baseball For All Girls National Tournament and plans to keep playing baseball moving forward.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752942798573.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Junction City girl is headed to the Baseball for All Girls National Tournament

ATLANTA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber was nervous.

He had played in Game 7 of the World Series, homered for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.

But he had never walked up to the plate in an All-Star Game swing-off.

“That’s kind of like the baseball version of a shootout,” he said after homering on all three of his swings, going down to his left knee on the final one, to overcome a two-homer deficit. That held up when Jonathan Aranda fell short on the American League’s final three swings, giving the National League a 4-3 swing-off win after a 6-6 tie Tuesday night in which it wasted a six-run, seventh-inning lead.

Schwarber earned the MVP award, going 0 for 2 with a walk as the NL won for the second time in its last 12 tries. He became the first non-pitcher MVP without a hit.

“It will be interesting to see where that goes,” said AL manager Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees. “There’s probably a world where you could see that in the future, where maybe it’s in some regular season mix. I wouldn’t be surprised if people start talking about it like that.”

Concerned about running out of pitchers in an era where no All-Star throws more than one inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-new-york-mets-brian-snitker-38d3dc0ea869992ebcab83a4ef4c960b">Major League Baseball and the players’ association made the change in 2022</a>.

In baseball’s equivalent of soccer’s penalty-kicks shootout, the game was decided by having three batters from each league take three swings each off coaches.

Boone picked Brent Rooker, Randy Arozarena and Aranda on Monday, and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts picked Eugenio Suárez, Schwarber and Pete Alonso for the NL. Because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eugenio-suarez-allstar-game-3a86937e6a6e74ade4399711717f1f9b">Suárez was hit</a>&nbsp;on the left hand by a fastball in the eighth inning, the NL turned to its alternate, Kyle Stowers.

Players from both teams stood outside their dugouts, some already in street clothes, jumping and shouting after each long ball from their side. Yankees coach Travis Chapman threw to the AL batters and Dodgers coach Dino Ebel to the NL hitters.

Rooker put the AL ahead by homering on his last two swings, and Stowers hit one. Randy Arozarena boosted the AL lead to 3-1.

Ebel had thrown BP to Schwarber two years ago at the WBC.

“He asked me right before, he was like, where do you want it?” Schwarber recalled “I’m like, just middle. And he’s like, `I gotcha.’”

He took two pitches and deposited the third just over the center-field fence. Schwarber took another, then hit a 461-foot drive over the right-center bullpen. After letting two more go by, he dropped to a knee while pulling the third, craned his neck and held his bat it the air as the ball landed in the fourth row of the Chop House seats.

“I didn’t hit it, obviously, my best, but I was thinking I got enough of it,” Schwarber said. “And I was just kind of down there, hoping, saying: go, go, go. And it went. And it was awesome.”

Aranda followed with a fly well short of the center-field warning track, drove a pitch about a foot shy of the top of the right-field wall and hit an opposite-field pop that dropped in medium left.

Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby champion, didn’t have to bat and patted Schwarber on the head as fireworks went off at Truist Field.

“I felt like a closer like a closer going into a game,” Alonso said, “and then it’s like, wait, the guy in the field got a double play to end the inning. You’re not going in.”

MLB, after consulting with the Elias Sports Bureau,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-college-football-soccer-sports-baseball-3e3fc1fa9ba55a1ec4e563353e69db56">said in 2022</a>&nbsp;that All-Star Games ending in a swing-off would be listed as tied, with a notation of the game being decided in a swing-off. MLB’s official postgame notes listed Tuesday’s outcome as a 7-6 NL victory.

Ketel Marte’s two-run double in the first had put the NL ahead, and Alonso’s three-run homer off Kris Bubic and Corbin Carroll’s solo shot against Casey Mize opened a 6-0 lead in the sixth.

The AL comeback began when Rooker hit a three-run pinch homer against Randy Rodríguez in a four-run seventh that included Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI groundout. Robert Suarez allowed consecutive doubles to Byron Buxton and Witt with one out in ninth, and Steven Kwan’s infield hit on a three-hopper to third off Edwin Díaz drove in the tying run.

Paul Skenes, the first pitcher to start the All-Star Game each of his first two seasons, reached 100 mph on four pitches in a perfect first. Jacob Misiorowski,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/misiorowski-allstar-game-534280740b0ceafc9dcc10c011df6cbb">a controversial inclusion</a>&nbsp;after pitching in just five major league games in his rookie season, fired nine pitches of 100 mph or more in a one-hit eighth 34 days after his major league debut. The 23-year-old righty, added to the NL roster by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, reached 102.3 mph. There were 21 pitches of 100 mph or more, down from a record 23 last year.

Four of five challenges were successful in the first use of the robot umpire in the All-Star Game

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-allstar-game-uniforms-8f3891854c6aab41e02a8a08c4263ea2">Teams were back in their regular-season club jerseys</a>&nbsp;— whites for the NL, mostly grays for the AL — after four years of special All-Star uniforms that were much criticized. The AL leads 48-45 with two ties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752638555921.png" alt="Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber celebrates after winning the tiebreaker at the MLB baseball All-Star game between the American League and National League, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)" />
 <figcaption>Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber celebrates after winning the tiebreaker at the MLB baseball All-Star game between the American League and National League, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber was nervous.He had played in Game 7 of the World Series, homered for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.But he had never walked up to the plate in an All-Star Game swing-off.No one had.“That’s kind of like the baseball version of a shootout,” he said after homering on all three of his swings, going down to his left knee on the final one, to overcome a two-homer deficit. That held up when Jonathan Aranda fell short on the American League’s final three swings, giving the National League a 4-3 swing-off win after a 6-6 tie Tuesday night in which it wasted a six-run, seventh-inning lead.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPhillies%2Fvideos%2F1417266409542562%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>Schwarber earned the MVP award, going 0 for 2 with a walk as the NL won for the second time in its last 12 tries. He became the first non-pitcher MVP without a hit.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPhillies%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02XNpxrnGZ7iF5FMjnbLHBLNaARVvie18rfnjxQ4RMwadDvabWET3tRafAFsRC3nwul&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="590" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>“It will be interesting to see where that goes,” said AL manager Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees. “There’s probably a world where you could see that in the future, where maybe it’s in some regular season mix. I wouldn’t be surprised if people start talking about it like that.”Concerned about running out of pitchers in an era where no All-Star throws more than one inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-new-york-mets-brian-snitker-38d3dc0ea869992ebcab83a4ef4c960b">Major League Baseball and the players’ association made the change in 2022</a>.In baseball’s equivalent of soccer’s penalty-kicks shootout, the game was decided by having three batters from each league take three swings each off coaches.Boone picked Brent Rooker, Randy Arozarena and Aranda on Monday, and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts picked Eugenio Suárez, Schwarber and Pete Alonso for the NL. Because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eugenio-suarez-allstar-game-3a86937e6a6e74ade4399711717f1f9b">Suárez was hit</a>&nbsp;on the left hand by a fastball in the eighth inning, the NL turned to its alternate, Kyle Stowers.Players from both teams stood outside their dugouts, some already in street clothes, jumping and shouting after each long ball from their side. Yankees coach Travis Chapman threw to the AL batters and Dodgers coach Dino Ebel to the NL hitters.Rooker put the AL ahead by homering on his last two swings, and Stowers hit one. Randy Arozarena boosted the AL lead to 3-1.Ebel had thrown BP to Schwarber two years ago at the WBC.“He asked me right before, he was like, where do you want it?” Schwarber recalled “I’m like, just middle. And he’s like, `I gotcha.’”He took two pitches and deposited the third just over the center-field fence. Schwarber took another, then hit a 461-foot drive over the right-center bullpen. After letting two more go by, he dropped to a knee while pulling the third, craned his neck and held his bat it the air as the ball landed in the fourth row of the Chop House seats.“I didn’t hit it, obviously, my best, but I was thinking I got enough of it,” Schwarber said. “And I was just kind of down there, hoping, saying: go, go, go. And it went. And it was awesome.”Aranda followed with a fly well short of the center-field warning track, drove a pitch about a foot shy of the top of the right-field wall and hit an opposite-field pop that dropped in medium left.Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby champion, didn’t have to bat and patted Schwarber on the head as fireworks went off at Truist Field.“I felt like a closer like a closer going into a game,” Alonso said, “and then it’s like, wait, the guy in the field got a double play to end the inning. You’re not going in.”<h2>What was the score?</h2>MLB, after consulting with the Elias Sports Bureau,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-college-football-soccer-sports-baseball-3e3fc1fa9ba55a1ec4e563353e69db56">said in 2022</a>&nbsp;that All-Star Games ending in a swing-off would be listed as tied, with a notation of the game being decided in a swing-off. MLB’s official postgame notes listed Tuesday’s outcome as a 7-6 NL victory.<h2>In earlier action</h2>Ketel Marte’s two-run double in the first had put the NL ahead, and Alonso’s three-run homer off Kris Bubic and Corbin Carroll’s solo shot against Casey Mize opened a 6-0 lead in the sixth.The AL comeback began when Rooker hit a three-run pinch homer against Randy Rodríguez in a four-run seventh that included Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI groundout. Robert Suarez allowed consecutive doubles to Byron Buxton and Witt with one out in ninth, and Steven Kwan’s infield hit on a three-hopper to third off Edwin Díaz drove in the tying run.<h2>Heat on the mound</h2>Paul Skenes, the first pitcher to start the All-Star Game each of his first two seasons, reached 100 mph on four pitches in a perfect first. Jacob Misiorowski,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/misiorowski-allstar-game-534280740b0ceafc9dcc10c011df6cbb">a controversial inclusion</a>&nbsp;after pitching in just five major league games in his rookie season, fired nine pitches of 100 mph or more in a one-hit eighth 34 days after his major league debut. The 23-year-old righty, added to the NL roster by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, reached 102.3 mph. There were 21 pitches of 100 mph or more, down from a record 23 last year.<h2>Robot umpire debuts</h2>Four of five challenges were successful in the first use of the robot umpire in the All-Star Game<h2>Styling</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-allstar-game-uniforms-8f3891854c6aab41e02a8a08c4263ea2">Teams were back in their regular-season club jerseys</a>&nbsp;— whites for the NL, mostly grays for the AL — after four years of special All-Star uniforms that were much criticized. The AL leads 48-45 with two ties.

⚾ Schwarber’s 3 homers in All-Star Game’s first tiebreaking swing-off lift NL over AL

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Loftin delivered his second game-winning hit in less than a week, driving in Tyler Tolbert from second base with a single in the ninth inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 win over the New York Mets on Sunday.

Tolbert singled off Sean Manaea, who had been dominant in relief in his season debut for the Mets. And when the speedster stole second base, that gave Loftin the chance to deliver another winner after his deciding single Tuesday against Pittsburgh.

Manaea (0-1), who had been out after straining an oblique in spring training and then developing an elbow issue during his rehab outings, allowed that lone run and five hits while striking out seven in 3 1/3 innings.

Noah Cameron delivered another brilliant start for Kansas City, scattering seven hits while matching a career best with eight strikeouts over 6 2/3 scoreless innings. And the rookie left-hander was in line for his fourth win when John Schreiber and Lucas Erceg shepherded a 2-0 lead — courtesy of John Rave's second-inning double — to All-Star closer Carlos Estévez.

Ronny Mauricio led off the ninth with a double off Estévez (4-2). Jeff McNeil followed with an RBI triple off the center-field wall, and fellow pinch hitter Jared Young delivered a sacrifice fly moments later to tie the game.

Clay Holmes allowed two runs and five hits and a walk over five innings for New York.

Tolbert entered the game in the eighth for Jac Caglianone for his defense. It wound up being his offense that mattered, helping the Royals avoid a three-game sweep heading into the All-Star break.

The Mets went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight in the game.

The Mets will be represented at the All-Star Game in Atlanta this week by LHP David Peterson, RHP Edwin Diaz, SS Francisco Lindor and 1B Pete Alonso. The Royals will have INF Maikel Garcia, Estévez, SS Bobby Witt Jr. and LHP Kris Bubic there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752446547726.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Loftin delivered his second game-winning hit in less than a week, driving in Tyler Tolbert from second base with a single in the ninth inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 win over the New York Mets on Sunday.Tolbert singled off Sean Manaea, who had been dominant in relief in his season debut for the Mets. And when the speedster stole second base, that gave Loftin the chance to deliver another winner after his deciding single Tuesday against Pittsburgh.Manaea (0-1), who had been out after straining an oblique in spring training and then developing an elbow issue during his rehab outings, allowed that lone run and five hits while striking out seven in 3 1/3 innings.Noah Cameron delivered another brilliant start for Kansas City, scattering seven hits while matching a career best with eight strikeouts over 6 2/3 scoreless innings. And the rookie left-hander was in line for his fourth win when John Schreiber and Lucas Erceg shepherded a 2-0 lead — courtesy of John Rave's second-inning double — to All-Star closer Carlos Estévez.Ronny Mauricio led off the ninth with a double off Estévez (4-2). Jeff McNeil followed with an RBI triple off the center-field wall, and fellow pinch hitter Jared Young delivered a sacrifice fly moments later to tie the game.Clay Holmes allowed two runs and five hits and a walk over five innings for New York.<h2>Key moment</h2>Tolbert entered the game in the eighth for Jac Caglianone for his defense. It wound up being his offense that mattered, helping the Royals avoid a three-game sweep heading into the All-Star break.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Mets went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight in the game.<h2>Up next</h2>The Mets will be represented at the All-Star Game in Atlanta this week by LHP David Peterson, RHP Edwin Diaz, SS Francisco Lindor and 1B Pete Alonso. The Royals will have INF Maikel Garcia, Estévez, SS Bobby Witt Jr. and LHP Kris Bubic there.

⚾ Nick Loftin hits game-winner as Royals beat Mets to avoid 3-game sweep

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Juan Soto homered to lead the New York Mets past the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday.

Soto’s two-run shot into the right field fountains opened the scoring in the fourth. Over his last 20 games, Soto has nine home runs and 19 RBIs.

Frankie Montas (2-1) threw first-pitch strikes to 14 of 19 batters while allowing a run on four hits and striking out five.

Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India opened the sixth with doubles, reducing the Mets lead to 2-1. India had two of the Royals four hits, both doubles.

Reed Garrett relieved Montas and permitted India to advance on a wild pickoff attempt before retiring the heart of the Royals lineup, stranding the tying run.

Jeff McNeil’s two-out RBI single capped the scoring in the ninth.

Edwin Díaz allowed a walk in two hitless frames, earning his 19th save.

Scheduled Royals starter Michael Lorenzen missed the game with illness.

Jonathan Bowlan (1-2), the second of six Royals bullpen pitchers, threw three innings, allowing two runs on four hits, including Soto’s 435-foot home run.

For the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-royals-score-0422928fba3a49675263472a78de8105">second straight game</a>, the Mets successfully challenged a safe call on a Royals stolen base attempt. In both instances — Tyler Tolbert on Friday and Bobby Witt Jr. on Saturday — the runner didn’t maintain contact with the base during a head-first slide.

Witt popped up twice with runners in scoring position while his 14-game hitting streak ended. The Royals batted 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position during the first two games of the series.

With a runner at third and the infield drawn in, first baseman Pete Alonso made a diving stop of Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp grounder, preserving the Mets one-run lead in the sixth.

Soto leads the majors with 77 walks, the most in Mets history prior to the All-Star break.

Mets RHP Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.56) on Sunday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Juan Soto homered to lead the New York Mets past the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday.Soto’s two-run shot into the right field fountains opened the scoring in the fourth. Over his last 20 games, Soto has nine home runs and 19 RBIs.Frankie Montas (2-1) threw first-pitch strikes to 14 of 19 batters while allowing a run on four hits and striking out five.Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India opened the sixth with doubles, reducing the Mets lead to 2-1. India had two of the Royals four hits, both doubles.Reed Garrett relieved Montas and permitted India to advance on a wild pickoff attempt before retiring the heart of the Royals lineup, stranding the tying run.Jeff McNeil’s two-out RBI single capped the scoring in the ninth.Edwin Díaz allowed a walk in two hitless frames, earning his 19th save.Scheduled Royals starter Michael Lorenzen missed the game with illness.Jonathan Bowlan (1-2), the second of six Royals bullpen pitchers, threw three innings, allowing two runs on four hits, including Soto’s 435-foot home run.For the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-royals-score-0422928fba3a49675263472a78de8105">second straight game</a>, the Mets successfully challenged a safe call on a Royals stolen base attempt. In both instances — Tyler Tolbert on Friday and Bobby Witt Jr. on Saturday — the runner didn’t maintain contact with the base during a head-first slide.Witt popped up twice with runners in scoring position while his 14-game hitting streak ended. The Royals batted 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position during the first two games of the series.<h2>Key moment</h2>With a runner at third and the infield drawn in, first baseman Pete Alonso made a diving stop of Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp grounder, preserving the Mets one-run lead in the sixth.<h2>Key stat</h2>Soto leads the majors with 77 walks, the most in Mets history prior to the All-Star break.<h2>Up next</h2>Mets RHP Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.56) on Sunday.

⚾ Juan Soto's 435-foot homer lifts Mets over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mark Vientos had a three-run double in the eighth inning, Francisco Lindor hit a three-run homer in the ninth and the New York Mets beat the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Friday night.

Brandon Nimmo singled to open the eighth and Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto walked to load the bases against Steven Cruz (2-1). Carlos Estévez entered to strike out Pete Alonso before Vientos cleared the bases for a 4-3 lead.

Lindor added his 19th homer in the ninth. He has 29 home runs and 81 RBIs against the Royals, his most against any opponent. Juan Soto followed with his 22nd homer, the sixth pair of back-to-back homers by the Mets.

Huascar Brazobán (5-2) won after allowing four hits and a two-run homer by Bobby Witt Jr. while pitching the seventh.

Kodai Senga returned from the injured list to make his first start in since leaving a June 12 start with a right hamstring strain.

Working on a pitch limit, Senga threw four scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks, striking out four.

Michael Wacha allowed a run on two hits and three walks in five innings, striking out five.

After Kyle Isbel’s seventh-inning leadoff single, pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert stole second. The Mets challenged and the safe call was overturned because Tolbert came off the bag during his head-first slide. Witt homered two batters later.

Senga’s “ghost fork” has induced 113 of his 206 career strikeouts.

Mets RHP Frankie Montas (1-1, 6.14 ERA) was set to face Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752331158597.jpeg" alt="New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, July 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, July 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mark Vientos had a three-run double in the eighth inning, Francisco Lindor hit a three-run homer in the ninth and the New York Mets beat the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Friday night.Brandon Nimmo singled to open the eighth and Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto walked to load the bases against Steven Cruz (2-1). Carlos Estévez entered to strike out Pete Alonso before Vientos cleared the bases for a 4-3 lead.Lindor added his 19th homer in the ninth. He has 29 home runs and 81 RBIs against the Royals, his most against any opponent. Juan Soto followed with his 22nd homer, the sixth pair of back-to-back homers by the Mets.Huascar Brazobán (5-2) won after allowing four hits and a two-run homer by Bobby Witt Jr. while pitching the seventh.Kodai Senga returned from the injured list to make his first start in since leaving a June 12 start with a right hamstring strain.Working on a pitch limit, Senga threw four scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks, striking out four.Michael Wacha allowed a run on two hits and three walks in five innings, striking out five.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Kyle Isbel’s seventh-inning leadoff single, pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert stole second. The Mets challenged and the safe call was overturned because Tolbert came off the bag during his head-first slide. Witt homered two batters later.<h2>Key stat</h2>Senga’s “ghost fork” has induced 113 of his 206 career strikeouts.<h2>Up next</h2>Mets RHP Frankie Montas (1-1, 6.14 ERA) was set to face Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61) on Saturday.___

⚾ Vientos and Lindor lead the Mets past the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice, Jac Caglianone hit the longest measured homer by a Royals rookie, and Kansas City beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.

Perez broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning with his longball off Isaac Mattson (2-1). He opened the scoring with a 444-foot shot to center in the second.

But the most impressive homer of the game belonged to Caglianone —&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943109192639762689">a 466-foot, two-run drive</a>&nbsp;to center in the fourth against Bailey Falter. It was the longest homer by a Royals rookie since Statcast started tracking in 2015 and the fourth-longest by any Kansas City player at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals have won six of seven overall. They did not have a multi-homer game this season before doing it Monday night against Pittsburgh, and now they've done it three games in a row. Kansas City hit nine homers in the series.

Pittsburgh fell to 0-6 on its nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star break after getting shut out in three straight games at Seattle.

Perez had his second multi-homer game of the season and 19th of his career, extending his franchise record.

Lucas Erceg (4-2) worked a scoreless eighth and Carlos Estevez pitched the ninth for his 25th save.

Ke'Bryan Hayes had a two-run single in the Pirates' three-run sixth.

<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943129622788354333">Perez sent the first pitch of the eighth</a>&nbsp;to the walkway just short of the fountains in right-center.

Kansas City swept a series at home for the first time since a four-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox in early May.

Pirates: Begin a three-game series at Minnesota on Friday.

Royals: Host the New York Mets for three games starting Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752142974949.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone watches his two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone watches his two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice, Jac Caglianone hit the longest measured homer by a Royals rookie, and Kansas City beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.Perez broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning with his longball off Isaac Mattson (2-1). He opened the scoring with a 444-foot shot to center in the second.But the most impressive homer of the game belonged to Caglianone —&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943109192639762689">a 466-foot, two-run drive</a>&nbsp;to center in the fourth against Bailey Falter. It was the longest homer by a Royals rookie since Statcast started tracking in 2015 and the fourth-longest by any Kansas City player at Kauffman Stadium.The Royals have won six of seven overall. They did not have a multi-homer game this season before doing it Monday night against Pittsburgh, and now they've done it three games in a row. Kansas City hit nine homers in the series.Pittsburgh fell to 0-6 on its nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star break after getting shut out in three straight games at Seattle.Perez had his second multi-homer game of the season and 19th of his career, extending his franchise record.Lucas Erceg (4-2) worked a scoreless eighth and Carlos Estevez pitched the ninth for his 25th save.Ke'Bryan Hayes had a two-run single in the Pirates' three-run sixth.<h2>Key moment</h2><a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943129622788354333">Perez sent the first pitch of the eighth</a>&nbsp;to the walkway just short of the fountains in right-center.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City swept a series at home for the first time since a four-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox in early May.<h2>Up next</h2>Pirates: Begin a three-game series at Minnesota on Friday.Royals: Host the New York Mets for three games starting Friday.

⚾ Perez and Caglianone power Royals to win over Pirates 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Loftin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning, then won it in the ninth with a one-out RBI single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Tuesday night.

Rookie Jac Caglianone homered for the Royals,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1942737397579669574">a 421-foot drive</a>&nbsp;leading off the second inning that was his first extra-base hit in 14 games at Kauffman Stadium. He had been 5 for 46 at home before Tuesday.

Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz tied it in the fourth with&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1942743739161596193">a 458-foot shot</a>&nbsp;over the fountains in right field on the day he was announced as a participant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oneil-cruz-pirates-home-run-derby-e0d48db4b4f6792bbca476b590a1dac1">in next-week's Home Run Derby</a>.

Nick Gonzales put the Pirates ahead with a homer in the top of the seventh before Loftin's drive made it 3-2.

Bryan Reynolds tied it with an RBI grounder in the eighth.

Maikel Garcia singled leading off the ninth against Dennis Santana (2-2) and Salvador Perez followed with a base hit. With one out, Isaac Mattson came in and gave up Loftin's game-ending hit on a 1-0 fastball.

The Pirates fell to 0-5 to start their nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star Break. Kansas City has won five of six.

Carlos Estevez (3-2) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City.

The Pirates' Mitch Keller and the Royals' Seth Lugo, both rumored to be trade candidates before the July 31 deadline, were nearly identical through six innings. Each allowed one run on three hits with five strikeouts.

The Pirates loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against Lucas Erceg, who gave up Reynolds' tying fielder's-choice grounder and then retired Gonzales on another groundball.

The Royals had their second straight multi-homer game after not having done that all season.

The teams complete their three-game series Wednesday night with Pittsburgh's Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.69 ERA) facing Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.36).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752030418171.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Loftin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning, then won it in the ninth with a one-out RBI single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Tuesday night.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyals%2Fvideos%2F722270243999771%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" 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>Rookie Jac Caglianone homered for the Royals,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1942737397579669574">a 421-foot drive</a>&nbsp;leading off the second inning that was his first extra-base hit in 14 games at Kauffman Stadium. He had been 5 for 46 at home before Tuesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyals%2Fvideos%2F1427201965159858%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" 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>Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz tied it in the fourth with&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1942743739161596193">a 458-foot shot</a>&nbsp;over the fountains in right field on the day he was announced as a participant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oneil-cruz-pirates-home-run-derby-e0d48db4b4f6792bbca476b590a1dac1">in next-week's Home Run Derby</a>.Nick Gonzales put the Pirates ahead with a homer in the top of the seventh before Loftin's drive made it 3-2.Bryan Reynolds tied it with an RBI grounder in the eighth.Maikel Garcia singled leading off the ninth against Dennis Santana (2-2) and Salvador Perez followed with a base hit. With one out, Isaac Mattson came in and gave up Loftin's game-ending hit on a 1-0 fastball.The Pirates fell to 0-5 to start their nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star Break. Kansas City has won five of six.Carlos Estevez (3-2) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City.The Pirates' Mitch Keller and the Royals' Seth Lugo, both rumored to be trade candidates before the July 31 deadline, were nearly identical through six innings. Each allowed one run on three hits with five strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Pirates loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against Lucas Erceg, who gave up Reynolds' tying fielder's-choice grounder and then retired Gonzales on another groundball.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals had their second straight multi-homer game after not having done that all season.<h2>Up next</h2>The teams complete their three-game series Wednesday night with Pittsburgh's Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.69 ERA) facing Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.36).

⚾ Nick Loftin hits 2-run homer in 7th as Royals beat the Pirates

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State junior linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;and senior tight end&nbsp;Will Swanson&nbsp;earned nods on the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Monday.

Both players are coming off All-Big 12 seasons as Romaine earned second-team honors and Swanson was an honorable mention pick.

A product of Hillsboro, Missouri, Romaine played in every game a year ago with 12 starts, leading the team with 96 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He tied for fifth in the Big 12 in forced fumbles and finished ninth in tackles as he also earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades from the Associated Press.

Romaine tallied the most tackles in a season by a Wildcat since Jayd Kirby had 99 in 2017 thanks to at least five stops in 11 games, including a career-high 12 tackles at West Virginia, Houston and Iowa State. His first in the line of 12-tackle performances against the Mountaineers were the most by a Wildcat in a single game since Daniel Green had 13 at Baylor in 2020.

Swanson, who was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team as a fullback/H-Back, made four starts among his 13 games played last season, hauling in nine receptions for 66 yards and three touchdowns. He tied for sixth among Big 12 tight ends in receiving touchdowns, helping the K-State tight end unit to a nation-best 13 touchdowns. A native of Papillion, Nebraska, Swanson was also a vital part of a K-State ground attack that ranked second nationally and first in the Big 12 in rushing yards per carry (6.08) in addition to ranking 11th&nbsp;in the country and second in the conference in rushing yards per game (215.5).

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State junior linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;and senior tight end&nbsp;Will Swanson&nbsp;earned nods on the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Monday.Both players are coming off All-Big 12 seasons as Romaine earned second-team honors and Swanson was an honorable mention pick.A product of Hillsboro, Missouri, Romaine played in every game a year ago with 12 starts, leading the team with 96 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He tied for fifth in the Big 12 in forced fumbles and finished ninth in tackles as he also earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades from the Associated Press.Romaine tallied the most tackles in a season by a Wildcat since Jayd Kirby had 99 in 2017 thanks to at least five stops in 11 games, including a career-high 12 tackles at West Virginia, Houston and Iowa State. His first in the line of 12-tackle performances against the Mountaineers were the most by a Wildcat in a single game since Daniel Green had 13 at Baylor in 2020.Swanson, who was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team as a fullback/H-Back, made four starts among his 13 games played last season, hauling in nine receptions for 66 yards and three touchdowns. He tied for sixth among Big 12 tight ends in receiving touchdowns, helping the K-State tight end unit to a nation-best 13 touchdowns. A native of Papillion, Nebraska, Swanson was also a vital part of a K-State ground attack that ranked second nationally and first in the Big 12 in rushing yards per carry (6.08) in addition to ranking 11th&nbsp;in the country and second in the conference in rushing yards per game (215.5).K-State takes part in 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days, powered by Microsoft Copilot, on Tuesday at The Star in Frisco, Texas.&nbsp;– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEY