By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

For the Salina Liberty, the title defense began with a bang on Saturday, as the reigning champs handled their business at home, knocking off the Gillette Mustangs 37-30 to punch their ticket to a fourth consecutive Champions Bowl.

This win marks the ninth of the season for the Liberty while the book closes on a still-impressive 8-4 campaign for the Mustangs.

The first half of this semifinal bout was very similar to the two teams meeting a few weeks back, although this time it would be Gillette that held the narrow 17-16 lead at the intermission.

That score would hold all the way through the third quarter, as the defensive units tightened the screws, with the deadlock finally broken on an Aaron Aiken touchdown scamper that put the Mustangs up by seven following a missed extra point.

With the scoring restarted the Liberty wasted no time getting to work, as Tracy Brooks took the ensuing kickoff to the four, setting himself up for a two-yard touchdown plunge just two plays later.

It was a brand new ballgame with 10 minutes to play and a 23-23 tie, and after forcing Gillette into a long field goal try Salina found some much-anticipated special teams magic.

Ed Smith caught the short miss in his own end zone and collected the defense on the right side of the field before spinning back to his left and finding a perfectly-blocked crease, taking it to the house for a Liberty touchdown.

That return would deliver Salina their first lead of the day, and the Liberty never looked back as Donavyn Jackson lept into action picking off Aiken with under 2:00 to play to secure the game for the red white, and blue.

Salina would add an insurance touchdown before all was said and done, and the Mustangs would find the scoreboard one final time, but it was too little too late as the Liberty cruised to a 37-30 victory.

In the other semifinal, the Omaha Beef maintained their status as the only undefeated squad in the CIF, bulldozing Billings 42-6 to ensure the trilogy with Salina in a third-straight title bout.

Champions Bowl VIII will take place at Ralston Arena in Omaha on Saturday, June 17th with a 6:30 pm kickoff.

For continuing coverage of Liberty football all postseason long stay tuned to the Salina, Little Apple, and JC Posts.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributorFor the Salina Liberty, the title defense began with a bang on Saturday, as the reigning champs handled their business at home, knocking off the Gillette Mustangs 37-30 to punch their ticket to a fourth consecutive Champions Bowl.This win marks the ninth of the season for the Liberty while the book closes on a still-impressive 8-4 campaign for the Mustangs.The first half of this semifinal bout was very similar to the two teams meeting a few weeks back, although this time it would be Gillette that held the narrow 17-16 lead at the intermission.That score would hold all the way through the third quarter, as the defensive units tightened the screws, with the deadlock finally broken on an Aaron Aiken touchdown scamper that put the Mustangs up by seven following a missed extra point.With the scoring restarted the Liberty wasted no time getting to work, as Tracy Brooks took the ensuing kickoff to the four, setting himself up for a two-yard touchdown plunge just two plays later.It was a brand new ballgame with 10 minutes to play and a 23-23 tie, and after forcing Gillette into a long field goal try Salina found some much-anticipated special teams magic.Ed Smith caught the short miss in his own end zone and collected the defense on the right side of the field before spinning back to his left and finding a perfectly-blocked crease, taking it to the house for a Liberty touchdown.That return would deliver Salina their first lead of the day, and the Liberty never looked back as Donavyn Jackson lept into action picking off Aiken with under 2:00 to play to secure the game for the red white, and blue.Salina would add an insurance touchdown before all was said and done, and the Mustangs would find the scoreboard one final time, but it was too little too late as the Liberty cruised to a 37-30 victory.In the other semifinal, the Omaha Beef maintained their status as the only undefeated squad in the CIF, bulldozing Billings 42-6 to ensure the trilogy with Salina in a third-straight title bout.Champions Bowl VIII will take place at Ralston Arena in Omaha on Saturday, June 17th with a 6:30 pm kickoff.For continuing coverage of Liberty football all postseason long stay tuned to the Salina, Little Apple, and JC Posts.

Liberty eliminate Mustangs with fourth-quarter comeback

With the CIF quarterfinals officially in the books, the Salina Liberty will return to Tony’s Pizza Events Center on Saturday for a semifinal tilt with the Gillette Mustangs.

The 2-seeded Liberty are fresh off a bye-week that they earned with a 43-41 win in Gillette just two weeks ago, while the Mustangs come into this one having knocked off the Southwest Kansas Storm 40-35 last week.

Salina’s youth was tested in the first battle between these two, but several players rose to the occasion and will be prepared if called upon to answer the bell again in this one.

“We saw a lot of young players really grow up in that first game with Gillette,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “Antoine Brown made the game-clinching interception in his first start, Donavyn Jackson led us in tackles as a rookie and Parker faced some adversity for the first time but he adjusted and helped us solidify the win.”

Unlike in their first meeting, the Liberty will have this game in front of a ruckus home fanbase that has turned out in numbers to spur Salina all season.

“Having our city support us the way they have this year has been huge,” O’Neal said. “We’ve seen some of the biggest crowds that this team has ever played in front of and these fans expect to see us compete for championships now. It’s been fun to see the hard work of so many people pay off and we don’t do what we do without them.”

To make a return to their third-consecutive Champions Bowl, the Liberty will have to overcome a Gillette squad that has silenced their opponents this season, ranking second in the league in both scoring defense (32 PPGA), and total defense (155 Y/GA)

“Defensively this is a team that doesn’t let you into that end zone,” he said. “Coach Walker was a legend as a defensive specialist with the Arizona Rattlers and he’s built this defense in his image. They fly around and make plays all over the field. It’s a tough unit to go against but we’re looking forward to battling them on Saturday.”

In addition to a stout defense, the Mustangs have retooled their attack around new QB Aaron Aiken, who has racked up 14 touchdowns, including nine on the ground, in just three games under center.

“This is a Mustang team that is very well coached,” O’Neal said. “They had great personnel on that line and a great running game already but then they bring in Aaron Aiken and he’s added a dynamic to this offense. He has the experience of playing in big games and that’s put them in a different place as a team.”

Two weeks ago, the Liberty emphasized and won the turnover battle, and this week's focus will be no different as Salina turns their attention to taking care of the football as well as the battle up-front.

“This game will be won or lost in the trenches,” he said. “We have some things that we need to be ready for and this should be a fun battle between two supremely talented lines. Just like in that first matchup, we can’t turn the ball over and we have to find ways to generate turnovers on them again.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Mustangs is set for 6:30 CT at Tony’s Pizza Events Center and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>With the CIF quarterfinals officially in the books, the Salina Liberty will return to Tony’s Pizza Events Center on Saturday for a semifinal tilt with the Gillette Mustangs.The 2-seeded Liberty are fresh off a bye-week that they earned with a 43-41 win in Gillette just two weeks ago, while the Mustangs come into this one having knocked off the Southwest Kansas Storm 40-35 last week.Salina’s youth was tested in the first battle between these two, but several players rose to the occasion and will be prepared if called upon to answer the bell again in this one.“We saw a lot of young players really grow up in that first game with Gillette,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “Antoine Brown made the game-clinching interception in his first start, Donavyn Jackson led us in tackles as a rookie and Parker faced some adversity for the first time but he adjusted and helped us solidify the win.”Unlike in their first meeting, the Liberty will have this game in front of a ruckus home fanbase that has turned out in numbers to spur Salina all season.“Having our city support us the way they have this year has been huge,” O’Neal said. “We’ve seen some of the biggest crowds that this team has ever played in front of and these fans expect to see us compete for championships now. It’s been fun to see the hard work of so many people pay off and we don’t do what we do without them.”To make a return to their third-consecutive Champions Bowl, the Liberty will have to overcome a Gillette squad that has silenced their opponents this season, ranking second in the league in both scoring defense (32 PPGA), and total defense (155 Y/GA)“Defensively this is a team that doesn’t let you into that end zone,” he said. “Coach Walker was a legend as a defensive specialist with the Arizona Rattlers and he’s built this defense in his image. They fly around and make plays all over the field. It’s a tough unit to go against but we’re looking forward to battling them on Saturday.”In addition to a stout defense, the Mustangs have retooled their attack around new QB Aaron Aiken, who has racked up 14 touchdowns, including nine on the ground, in just three games under center.“This is a Mustang team that is very well coached,” O’Neal said. “They had great personnel on that line and a great running game already but then they bring in Aaron Aiken and he’s added a dynamic to this offense. He has the experience of playing in big games and that’s put them in a different place as a team.”Two weeks ago, the Liberty emphasized and won the turnover battle, and this week's focus will be no different as Salina turns their attention to taking care of the football as well as the battle up-front.“This game will be won or lost in the trenches,” he said. “We have some things that we need to be ready for and this should be a fun battle between two supremely talented lines. Just like in that first matchup, we can’t turn the ball over and we have to find ways to generate turnovers on them again.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Mustangs is set for 6:30 CT at Tony’s Pizza Events Center and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

Liberty host Gillette to kick off title defense in CIF semifinals

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head men's golf coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/coaches/grant-robbins/1886">Grant Robbins</a>&nbsp;was honored by his peers on Thursday as he was named the 2023 Big 12 Men's Golf Coach of the Year, the conference office announced.&nbsp;

Robbins, who shared this year's award with TCU head coach Bill Montigel in a vote among all Big 12 coaches, is the first K-State men's golf coach to earn Big 12 Coach of the Year accolades. Completing his ninth year in Manhattan during the 2022-23 season, Robbins led K-State to one of its best campaigns in school history as the Wildcats set a school record with a team stroke average of 281.47, nearly seven shots per round better than the previous low mark of 288.24 put together by the 2021-22 squad. K-State also tied for second in school history in both team victories (4) and top-five finishes (7), while it had eight of the top-20 team rounds and seven of the top-25 team 54-hole scores in school history. The Wildcats won each of their first three events during the fall - the Wildcat Invitational, Old Town Collegiate and Oregon State Invitational - to mark the first time in school history K-State captured three-straight team titles. In the spring, K-State opened with three more top-three performances, including a victory at The Johnnie-O, to propel the Wildcats to a highwater mark of No. 17 in the Golfstat Top 25. K-State earned a bid as the No. 5 seed in the NCAA Bath (Mich.) Regional, the first time the Wildcats advanced to postseason play in consecutive years since 2008 and 2009. The Wildcats just missed the cut for the fifth and final qualifying spot for the NCAA Championship as they battled Florida, which eventually went on to win the National Championship. Under Robbins, four Kansas State golfers finished in the top six in school history in single-season stroke average during the 2022-23 season with the top three marks being claimed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tim-tillmanns/9694">Tim Tillmanns</a>&nbsp;(70.21),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/will-hopkins/9688">Will Hopkins</a>&nbsp;(70.35) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-schultz/9693">Cooper Schultz</a>&nbsp;(71.15). Additionally, Hopkins set the school's career stroke average mark at 72.29. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/luke-o-neill/9691">Luke O'Neill</a>&nbsp;finished sixth in school history in stroke average at 71.65, and he became the fifth Wildcat to ever compete in the NCAA Championship as he qualified as an individual.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686257636341.jpeg" alt="Grant Robbins was named the Big 12 Men's Golf Coach of the Year." />
 <figcaption>Grant Robbins was named the Big 12 Men's Golf Coach of the Year.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head men's golf coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/coaches/grant-robbins/1886">Grant Robbins</a>&nbsp;was honored by his peers on Thursday as he was named the 2023 Big 12 Men's Golf Coach of the Year, the conference office announced.&nbsp; Robbins, who shared this year's award with TCU head coach Bill Montigel in a vote among all Big 12 coaches, is the first K-State men's golf coach to earn Big 12 Coach of the Year accolades. Completing his ninth year in Manhattan during the 2022-23 season, Robbins led K-State to one of its best campaigns in school history as the Wildcats set a school record with a team stroke average of 281.47, nearly seven shots per round better than the previous low mark of 288.24 put together by the 2021-22 squad. K-State also tied for second in school history in both team victories (4) and top-five finishes (7), while it had eight of the top-20 team rounds and seven of the top-25 team 54-hole scores in school history. The Wildcats won each of their first three events during the fall - the Wildcat Invitational, Old Town Collegiate and Oregon State Invitational - to mark the first time in school history K-State captured three-straight team titles. In the spring, K-State opened with three more top-three performances, including a victory at The Johnnie-O, to propel the Wildcats to a highwater mark of No. 17 in the Golfstat Top 25. K-State earned a bid as the No. 5 seed in the NCAA Bath (Mich.) Regional, the first time the Wildcats advanced to postseason play in consecutive years since 2008 and 2009. The Wildcats just missed the cut for the fifth and final qualifying spot for the NCAA Championship as they battled Florida, which eventually went on to win the National Championship. Under Robbins, four Kansas State golfers finished in the top six in school history in single-season stroke average during the 2022-23 season with the top three marks being claimed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tim-tillmanns/9694">Tim Tillmanns</a>&nbsp;(70.21),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/will-hopkins/9688">Will Hopkins</a>&nbsp;(70.35) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-schultz/9693">Cooper Schultz</a>&nbsp;(71.15). Additionally, Hopkins set the school's career stroke average mark at 72.29. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/luke-o-neill/9691">Luke O'Neill</a>&nbsp;finished sixth in school history in stroke average at 71.65, and he became the fifth Wildcat to ever compete in the NCAA Championship as he qualified as an individual.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ K-State's Robbins named Big 12 Coach of the Year

Courtesy of the Kansas Shrine Bowl

Just weeks ahead of their 50th&nbsp;event in Hays, the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is excited to announce the return of the Kansas Shrine Bowl to Emporia in 2024. The 51st&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be held Saturday, June 29th, 2024, at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University. “Emporia State’s Welch Stadium will be a great backdrop for our game, with a true all-star environment,” said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. &nbsp;“We’re thrilled to welcome the Kansas Shrine Bowl back to Emporia for the first time since 2016,” said LeLan Dains, Director of Visit Emporia. “It provides a great opportunity to host students and athletes in our community and we hope they’ll take full advantage of all Emporia has to offer.” &nbsp; “Emporia has always been a great host city for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Harris. “We’ve had successful events each time we’ve returned, and we’re excited about what 2024 has in store!”

The Kansas Shrine Bowl is awarded following a competitive bid process which includes communities across Kansas. Since 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl has been played in Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City, and Hutchinson.

In addition to the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football game and camp for eighty players, the Kansas Shrine Bowl event includes all-star band and cheer camps for more than two hundred respectively. Additional events include a golf tournament, banquet, parade, alumni reunion, tailgate party, and more. &nbsp; The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year in Kansas, by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, now known as Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has donated over $3.7M to Shriners Children’s.

Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2022, the West leads the series with 30 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Recent NFL alumni include Cody Whitehair (Chicago Bears). Additional notable alumni include former All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, former All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau and many others.

Learn more about the upcoming 50th&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15th, 2023, in Hays, Kansas at&nbsp;<a>www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578430839100.jpeg" alt="Kansas Shrine Bowl logo." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Shrine Bowl logo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas Shrine BowlJust weeks ahead of their 50th&nbsp;event in Hays, the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is excited to announce the return of the Kansas Shrine Bowl to Emporia in 2024. The 51st&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be held Saturday, June 29th, 2024, at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University. “Emporia State’s Welch Stadium will be a great backdrop for our game, with a true all-star environment,” said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. &nbsp;“We’re thrilled to welcome the Kansas Shrine Bowl back to Emporia for the first time since 2016,” said LeLan Dains, Director of Visit Emporia. “It provides a great opportunity to host students and athletes in our community and we hope they’ll take full advantage of all Emporia has to offer.” &nbsp; “Emporia has always been a great host city for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Harris. “We’ve had successful events each time we’ve returned, and we’re excited about what 2024 has in store!”The Kansas Shrine Bowl is awarded following a competitive bid process which includes communities across Kansas. Since 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl has been played in Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City, and Hutchinson.In addition to the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football game and camp for eighty players, the Kansas Shrine Bowl event includes all-star band and cheer camps for more than two hundred respectively. Additional events include a golf tournament, banquet, parade, alumni reunion, tailgate party, and more. &nbsp; The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year in Kansas, by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, now known as Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has donated over $3.7M to Shriners Children’s.Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2022, the West leads the series with 30 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Recent NFL alumni include Cody Whitehair (Chicago Bears). Additional notable alumni include former All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, former All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau and many others.Learn more about the upcoming 50th&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl, Saturday, July 15th, 2023, in Hays, Kansas at&nbsp;<a>www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.

🏈 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl to be played in Emporia

MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez singled twice and raised his major league-leading average to .403 as the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 on Wednesday night. Jesús Sánchez homered, singled twice and had four RBI for the Marlins, who won their sixth straight. Marlins starter Edward Cabrera’s one-run outing ended after throwing his warm-up pitches to begin the sixth. Cabrera gave up two hits, walked two, struck out four and hit a batter. Jordan Lyles remained winless and lost his 10th decision. He allowed five runs, six hits, walked one and struck out two.

MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez singled twice and raised his major league-leading average to .403 as the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 on Wednesday night.

Jesús Sánchez homered, singled twice and had four RBI for the Marlins, who won their sixth straight. The consecutive three-game series sweeps over the Royals and Oakland A’s are the first by the Marlins at home since winning six straight against Washington and Houston in 2008.

“We’re very confident and happy right now,” Sánchez said. “At the end of the day, the most important thing is to win the game. The positive vibe and adrenaline are there.”

Kansas City was swept in a series for the sixth time this year, dropping to 18-44 after its sixth loss in seven games, The Royals haven’t swept a single series.

Marlins starter Edward Cabrera’s one-run outing ended after throwing his warm-up pitches to begin the sixth. Manager Skip Schumaker and a Marlins trainer approached the mound and spoke with the right-hander, who was then removed because of a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand.

Cabrera (5-4) gave up two hits, walked two, struck out four and hit a batter.

“I started feeling it in the third inning but we were winning and I couldn’t let the team down,” Cabrera said. “I kept fighting and throwing as many innings as I could.”

Jordan Lyles remained winless and lost his 10th decision. He allowed five runs, six hits, walked one and struck out two in seven-plus innings.

“He’s had several starts like that this year where he’s gone real deep in the games,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And that’s something he’s always done. He’s durable and bounces back well.”

Left-handers Steven Okert, Tanner Scott, Andrew Nardi and A.J. Puk relieved Cabrera and threw an inning each to complete the three-hitter.

Sánchez’s three-run shot in the third erased a 1-0 deficit. Sánchez hit a change-up from Lyles over the wall in center for his sixth homer and second straight game.

“I wasn’t trying to hit a home run, just making a good swing,” Sánchez said.

Miami padded its lead in the eighth on Bryan De La Cruz’s two-run double and Sánchez’s RBI single.

The Royals struck first on Nick Pratto’s RBI single in the third inning.

Marlins centerfield Garrett Hampson tracked down Bobby Witt Jr.’s drive, jumped and caught it above the wall in the fourth.

“It was high enough where I could get to the wall,” Hampson said. “Just trying to get back and find the wall, kind of get a general idea where the wall is and go make the play.”

The Royals placed RHP Josh Staumont (neck strain) on the 15-day injured list and recalled LHP Austin Cox from Triple-A Omaha.

Royals: OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) will return to the club’s spring training complex in Arizona to continue his progression, Quatraro said.

Marlins: OF-INF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (turf toe) will travel with the team on its upcoming three-city trip as he moves closer to resuming baseball activities. ... OF-DH Jorge Soler didn’t play as he deals with right thumb soreness after fouling off a pitch against Oakland on Sunday.

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch (0-1, 4.35) starts the opener of a three-game series at Baltimore on Friday. The Orioles have not announced their starter.

Marlins: RHP Eury Pérez (3-1, 2.25) will start the opener of a three-game road series at the Chicago White Sox on Friday. RHP Dylan Cease (3-3, 4.63) gets the start for the White Sox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686216954092.jpeg" alt="Luis Arraez via Miami Marlin Baseball" />
 <figcaption>Luis Arraez via Miami Marlin Baseball</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez singled twice and raised his major league-leading average to .403 as the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 on Wednesday night. Jesús Sánchez homered, singled twice and had four RBI for the Marlins, who won their sixth straight. Marlins starter Edward Cabrera’s one-run outing ended after throwing his warm-up pitches to begin the sixth. Cabrera gave up two hits, walked two, struck out four and hit a batter. Jordan Lyles remained winless and lost his 10th decision. He allowed five runs, six hits, walked one and struck out two.<h2>Story Body</h2>MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez singled twice and raised his major league-leading average to .403 as the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 on Wednesday night.Jesús Sánchez homered, singled twice and had four RBI for the Marlins, who won their sixth straight. The consecutive three-game series sweeps over the Royals and Oakland A’s are the first by the Marlins at home since winning six straight against Washington and Houston in 2008.“We’re very confident and happy right now,” Sánchez said. “At the end of the day, the most important thing is to win the game. The positive vibe and adrenaline are there.”Kansas City was swept in a series for the sixth time this year, dropping to 18-44 after its sixth loss in seven games, The Royals haven’t swept a single series.Marlins starter Edward Cabrera’s one-run outing ended after throwing his warm-up pitches to begin the sixth. Manager Skip Schumaker and a Marlins trainer approached the mound and spoke with the right-hander, who was then removed because of a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand.Cabrera (5-4) gave up two hits, walked two, struck out four and hit a batter.“I started feeling it in the third inning but we were winning and I couldn’t let the team down,” Cabrera said. “I kept fighting and throwing as many innings as I could.”Jordan Lyles remained winless and lost his 10th decision. He allowed five runs, six hits, walked one and struck out two in seven-plus innings.“He’s had several starts like that this year where he’s gone real deep in the games,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And that’s something he’s always done. He’s durable and bounces back well.”Left-handers Steven Okert, Tanner Scott, Andrew Nardi and A.J. Puk relieved Cabrera and threw an inning each to complete the three-hitter.Sánchez’s three-run shot in the third erased a 1-0 deficit. Sánchez hit a change-up from Lyles over the wall in center for his sixth homer and second straight game.“I wasn’t trying to hit a home run, just making a good swing,” Sánchez said.Miami padded its lead in the eighth on Bryan De La Cruz’s two-run double and Sánchez’s RBI single.The Royals struck first on Nick Pratto’s RBI single in the third inning.HOMER DENIEDMarlins centerfield Garrett Hampson tracked down Bobby Witt Jr.’s drive, jumped and caught it above the wall in the fourth.“It was high enough where I could get to the wall,” Hampson said. “Just trying to get back and find the wall, kind of get a general idea where the wall is and go make the play.”ROSTER MOVEThe Royals placed RHP Josh Staumont (neck strain) on the 15-day injured list and recalled LHP Austin Cox from Triple-A Omaha.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) will return to the club’s spring training complex in Arizona to continue his progression, Quatraro said.Marlins: OF-INF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (turf toe) will travel with the team on its upcoming three-city trip as he moves closer to resuming baseball activities. ... OF-DH Jorge Soler didn’t play as he deals with right thumb soreness after fouling off a pitch against Oakland on Sunday.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch (0-1, 4.35) starts the opener of a three-game series at Baltimore on Friday. The Orioles have not announced their starter.Marlins: RHP Eury Pérez (3-1, 2.25) will start the opener of a three-game road series at the Chicago White Sox on Friday. RHP Dylan Cease (3-3, 4.63) gets the start for the White Sox.

⚾ Arraez raises average to .403, Sánchez has 4 RBIs to lead Marlins over Royals 6-1

New York (AP) —The PGA Tour abruptly dropped its expensive fight with Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf venture on Tuesday and instead announced a stunning merger that creates a global operation featuring the world’s top players backed by the Saudis’ massive wealth.

As part of the deal merging the PGA Tour and European tour with Saudi Arabia’s golf interests, the sides immediately are dropping all lawsuits involving LIV Golf.

From the golf side, still to be determined is how players like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-the-masters-golf-rory-mcilroy-brooks-koepka-bbd749c85f449b5e07dbcb66f6b0ad73">Brooks Koepka</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-golf-sergio-phil-mickelson-dustin-johnson-21f4722d284a2b9ed0c95652de809522">Dustin Johnson</a>&nbsp;can rejoin the PGA Tour after defecting last year for signing bonuses reported to be in the $150 million range.

From the commercial side, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund joins the PGA Tour board of directors and leads the new business venture as chairman, though the PGA Tour will have a majority stake.

News of the deal came as a surprise to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-golf-pga-liv-trump-lawsuit-edcd86df5ff12fa067505afd98b18a84">many watchers of the lawsuits and Saudi Arabia’s inroads</a>&nbsp;into U.S. politics, sports and culture.

“This is a huge development and obviously upends a world of golf, which has been perhaps more tradition-bound in the past,” said Kristian Ulrichsen, a Middle East fellow at Houston’s Baker Institute.

Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has made a point of seeking out investments, like LIV, where it could shake up existing industries, Ulrichsen said.

“That’s sort of one of their mantras, is to try to be disruptive and to take on the status quo,” he said. “And in this case, they seem to have succeeded.”

The announcement comes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-charl-schwartzel-phil-mickelson-louis-oosthuizen-branden-grace-78d7e81d0b9937eba4132bde75e107bc">a year after LIV Golf began</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-greg-norman-bryson-dechambeau-dustin-johnson-england-956515e3a79f59d620a39a52708eed67">PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan was at the Canadian Open</a>&nbsp;that week and said pointedly about any player who joined LIV or was thinking about it: “Have you ever had to apologize for being a member of the PGA Tour?”

Now they are partners, giving Saudi Arabia a commercial voice in golf’s premier organization.

“I recognize everything I’ve said in the past. I recognize people will call me a hypocrite,” Monahan said in a conference call Tuesday evening. “Any time I’ve said anything, I’ve said it with the information I had, and I said it with someone trying to compete with our tour and our players.”

Most PGA Tour players were bewildered by the shocking turnaround. It didn’t help that a news outlet broke the embargoed announcement before Monahan could send a memo to the players. Most learned of the development on social media.

“I love finding out about morning news on Twitter,” two-time major champion Collin Morikawa&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/collin_morikawa/status/1666085967105773574?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" target="_blank">tweeted</a>.

Many were not happy. Wesley Bryan&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/wesleybryangolf/status/1666086991476424706" target="_blank">tweeted</a>, “I feel betrayed, and will not ... be able to trust anyone within the corporate structure of the PGA Tour for a very long time.”

Byeong Hun An added on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ByeongHunAn/status/1666090106447593474" target="_blank">Twitter</a>: “I’m guessing the liv teams were struggling to get sponsors and pga tour couldn’t turn down the money. Win-win for both tours but it’s a big lose for who defended the tour for last two years.”

“They were going down their path, we were going down ours, and after a lot of introspection you realize all this tension in the game is not a good thing,” Monahan said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.

“We have a responsibility to our tour and to the game, and we felt like the time was right to have that conversation.”

Monahan held a player meeting at the Canadian Open, though most top players are not there. He described the meeting as “intense, certainly heated.”

And while this likely will only lead to greater riches in golf, there still was explaining to do on why the tour would merge with a group that tried to take away some of the PGA Tour’s best players and was seen as the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/liv-pga-sportswashing-saudi-golf-5614114833688edfe58c4ff6dd47ac75">example of “sportswashing.”</a>

The deal was in the works for the last seven weeks, when Monahan first met with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund. Players typically approve changes to the schedule and other competition matters. On this one, they were left out.

“No one had word of this,” Monahan said. “Our players expect us to operate in the best interests of the tour.”

Instead, he cited guidance from corporate members of the PGA Tour board.

Still, Monahan has his toughest work ahead of him.

He sought loyalty from his players against a league accused of taking part in sportswashing, an attempt by Saudi Arabia to shift focus away from its human rights abuses, such as the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Now the very group that posed such a threat is the commercial partner of the PGA Tour and European tour.

“The divisiveness is now over, and two years of disruption and distractions ... is over and now we can concentrate on building our respective tours,” said Keith Pelley, CEO of the European tour. “And we are building it with PIF, who is clearly committed to the game.”

Along the way, PGA Tour players also got rich. The tour raised prize money at elite events to $20 million, the same purse for LIV’s individual competition. The 2024 schedule has been reshaped for roughly 16 tournaments like that.

“In the short term, I expect a lot of questions and criticism,” Monahan said. “In the long run, players who stayed with the PGA Tour will see they benefited in many ways.”

The agreement combines the Public Investment Fund’s golf-related commercial businesses and rights — including LIV Golf — with those of the PGA and European tours. The new entity has not been named.

Al-Rumayyan will join the board of the PGA Tour, which continues to operates its tournaments. The PIF will invest in the commercial venture.

“From the very beginning, the whole initiative was how to grow the game of golf,” Al-Rumayyan said. “And I think what was achieved today was exactly that.”

Augusta National and the Royal &amp; Ancient welcomed the news because it ends a bitter feud. Augusta National said the deal “represents a positive development in bringing harmony to men’s professional golf.” R&amp;A CEO Martin Slumbers said it would help golf “move forward in a collaborative, constructive and innovative fashion.”

As for the new role of Greg Norman, Al-Rumayyan said only that Norman is LIV Golf’s commissioner and details of his future role would be announced in the coming weeks.

Monahan’s memo to players indicated a strong Saudi Arabian presence. He said PIF would make a financial investment to become a “premier corporate sponsor” of the PGA Tour, the European tour and other international tours.

The PIF initially will be the exclusive investor in the new entity and will have the exclusive right to further invest, including a right of first refusal on any capital that may be invested.

Al-Rumayyan has been spotted wearing a “MAGA” hat during LIV events at courses owned by former President Donald Trump.

Trump predicted last July that a merger was inevitable and said anyone not signing with the Saudi league would be losing out. He&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/110497654627066909" target="_blank">weighed in</a>&nbsp;Tuesday and called it a “glamorous deal for the wonderful world of golf.”

Monahan said the merger came together the last seven weeks, with PGA Tour board member Jimmy Dunne responsible for bringing together Monahan and Al-Rumayyan. Dunne and Ed Herlihy, chairman of the PGA Tour’s board, will serve on the board of the commercial venture.

Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau were among 11 players who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-lawsuits-golf-phil-mickelson-d17cc25c582c2ec2dd4dce318c288bb1">filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour</a>&nbsp;last August.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-lawsuits-golf-e85dce12007d5a34bbaa0085741c5a7e">LIV joined as plaintiffs</a>, and the PGA Tour countersued.

The concern for PIF was whether its leaders could be deposed, which Saudi Arabia wanted to avoid. Being open to depositions would leave the kingdom’s leaders more vulnerable to legal action, including lawsuits demanding they reveal business deals in the United States.

A federal judge had ruled the PIF could not claim immunity from the Foreign Service Immunity Act because of its commercial work with LIV Golf in the U.S.

The PIF appealed the ruling to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which was likely to extend the lawsuit deep into 2024 if not longer.

Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and AP Sports Writer Steve Douglas in Stockholm contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686106188400.png" alt="-FILE - Team champions David Puig, Sebastián Muñoz, Mito Pereira, Captain Joaquín Niemann of Torque GC and their caddies celebrate on stage with the team trophy during LIV Golf DC at the Trump National Golf Club in Washington Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Sterling, Virginia. The most disruptive year in golf ended Tuesday, June 6, 2023, when the PGA Tour and European tour agreed to a merger with Saudi Arabia's golf interests, creating a commercial operation designed to unify professional golf around the world.(Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via AP, File" />
 <figcaption>-FILE - Team champions David Puig, Sebastián Muñoz, Mito Pereira, Captain Joaquín Niemann of Torque GC and their caddies celebrate on stage with the team trophy during LIV Golf DC at the Trump National Golf Club in Washington Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Sterling, Virginia. The most disruptive year in golf ended Tuesday, June 6, 2023, when the PGA Tour and European tour agreed to a merger with Saudi Arabia's golf interests, creating a commercial operation designed to unify professional golf around the world.(Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via AP, File</figcaption>
 </figure>New York (AP) —The PGA Tour abruptly dropped its expensive fight with Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf venture on Tuesday and instead announced a stunning merger that creates a global operation featuring the world’s top players backed by the Saudis’ massive wealth.As part of the deal merging the PGA Tour and European tour with Saudi Arabia’s golf interests, the sides immediately are dropping all lawsuits involving LIV Golf.From the golf side, still to be determined is how players like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-the-masters-golf-rory-mcilroy-brooks-koepka-bbd749c85f449b5e07dbcb66f6b0ad73">Brooks Koepka</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-golf-sergio-phil-mickelson-dustin-johnson-21f4722d284a2b9ed0c95652de809522">Dustin Johnson</a>&nbsp;can rejoin the PGA Tour after defecting last year for signing bonuses reported to be in the $150 million range.From the commercial side, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund joins the PGA Tour board of directors and leads the new business venture as chairman, though the PGA Tour will have a majority stake.News of the deal came as a surprise to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-golf-pga-liv-trump-lawsuit-edcd86df5ff12fa067505afd98b18a84">many watchers of the lawsuits and Saudi Arabia’s inroads</a>&nbsp;into U.S. politics, sports and culture.“This is a huge development and obviously upends a world of golf, which has been perhaps more tradition-bound in the past,” said Kristian Ulrichsen, a Middle East fellow at Houston’s Baker Institute.Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has made a point of seeking out investments, like LIV, where it could shake up existing industries, Ulrichsen said.“That’s sort of one of their mantras, is to try to be disruptive and to take on the status quo,” he said. “And in this case, they seem to have succeeded.”The announcement comes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-charl-schwartzel-phil-mickelson-louis-oosthuizen-branden-grace-78d7e81d0b9937eba4132bde75e107bc">a year after LIV Golf began</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-greg-norman-bryson-dechambeau-dustin-johnson-england-956515e3a79f59d620a39a52708eed67">PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan was at the Canadian Open</a>&nbsp;that week and said pointedly about any player who joined LIV or was thinking about it: “Have you ever had to apologize for being a member of the PGA Tour?”Now they are partners, giving Saudi Arabia a commercial voice in golf’s premier organization.“I recognize everything I’ve said in the past. I recognize people will call me a hypocrite,” Monahan said in a conference call Tuesday evening. “Any time I’ve said anything, I’ve said it with the information I had, and I said it with someone trying to compete with our tour and our players.”Most PGA Tour players were bewildered by the shocking turnaround. It didn’t help that a news outlet broke the embargoed announcement before Monahan could send a memo to the players. Most learned of the development on social media.“I love finding out about morning news on Twitter,” two-time major champion Collin Morikawa&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/collin_morikawa/status/1666085967105773574?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" target="_blank">tweeted</a>.Many were not happy. Wesley Bryan&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/wesleybryangolf/status/1666086991476424706" target="_blank">tweeted</a>, “I feel betrayed, and will not ... be able to trust anyone within the corporate structure of the PGA Tour for a very long time.”Byeong Hun An added on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ByeongHunAn/status/1666090106447593474" target="_blank">Twitter</a>: “I’m guessing the liv teams were struggling to get sponsors and pga tour couldn’t turn down the money. Win-win for both tours but it’s a big lose for who defended the tour for last two years.”“They were going down their path, we were going down ours, and after a lot of introspection you realize all this tension in the game is not a good thing,” Monahan said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.“We have a responsibility to our tour and to the game, and we felt like the time was right to have that conversation.”Monahan held a player meeting at the Canadian Open, though most top players are not there. He described the meeting as “intense, certainly heated.”And while this likely will only lead to greater riches in golf, there still was explaining to do on why the tour would merge with a group that tried to take away some of the PGA Tour’s best players and was seen as the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/liv-pga-sportswashing-saudi-golf-5614114833688edfe58c4ff6dd47ac75">example of “sportswashing.”</a>The deal was in the works for the last seven weeks, when Monahan first met with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund. Players typically approve changes to the schedule and other competition matters. On this one, they were left out.“No one had word of this,” Monahan said. “Our players expect us to operate in the best interests of the tour.”Instead, he cited guidance from corporate members of the PGA Tour board.Still, Monahan has his toughest work ahead of him.He sought loyalty from his players against a league accused of taking part in sportswashing, an attempt by Saudi Arabia to shift focus away from its human rights abuses, such as the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.Now the very group that posed such a threat is the commercial partner of the PGA Tour and European tour.“The divisiveness is now over, and two years of disruption and distractions ... is over and now we can concentrate on building our respective tours,” said Keith Pelley, CEO of the European tour. “And we are building it with PIF, who is clearly committed to the game.”Along the way, PGA Tour players also got rich. The tour raised prize money at elite events to $20 million, the same purse for LIV’s individual competition. The 2024 schedule has been reshaped for roughly 16 tournaments like that.“In the short term, I expect a lot of questions and criticism,” Monahan said. “In the long run, players who stayed with the PGA Tour will see they benefited in many ways.”The agreement combines the Public Investment Fund’s golf-related commercial businesses and rights — including LIV Golf — with those of the PGA and European tours. The new entity has not been named.Al-Rumayyan will join the board of the PGA Tour, which continues to operates its tournaments. The PIF will invest in the commercial venture.“From the very beginning, the whole initiative was how to grow the game of golf,” Al-Rumayyan said. “And I think what was achieved today was exactly that.”Augusta National and the Royal &amp; Ancient welcomed the news because it ends a bitter feud. Augusta National said the deal “represents a positive development in bringing harmony to men’s professional golf.” R&amp;A CEO Martin Slumbers said it would help golf “move forward in a collaborative, constructive and innovative fashion.”As for the new role of Greg Norman, Al-Rumayyan said only that Norman is LIV Golf’s commissioner and details of his future role would be announced in the coming weeks.Monahan’s memo to players indicated a strong Saudi Arabian presence. He said PIF would make a financial investment to become a “premier corporate sponsor” of the PGA Tour, the European tour and other international tours.The PIF initially will be the exclusive investor in the new entity and will have the exclusive right to further invest, including a right of first refusal on any capital that may be invested.Al-Rumayyan has been spotted wearing a “MAGA” hat during LIV events at courses owned by former President Donald Trump.Trump predicted last July that a merger was inevitable and said anyone not signing with the Saudi league would be losing out. He&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/110497654627066909" target="_blank">weighed in</a>&nbsp;Tuesday and called it a “glamorous deal for the wonderful world of golf.”Monahan said the merger came together the last seven weeks, with PGA Tour board member Jimmy Dunne responsible for bringing together Monahan and Al-Rumayyan. Dunne and Ed Herlihy, chairman of the PGA Tour’s board, will serve on the board of the commercial venture.Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau were among 11 players who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-lawsuits-golf-phil-mickelson-d17cc25c582c2ec2dd4dce318c288bb1">filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour</a>&nbsp;last August.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-lawsuits-golf-e85dce12007d5a34bbaa0085741c5a7e">LIV joined as plaintiffs</a>, and the PGA Tour countersued.The concern for PIF was whether its leaders could be deposed, which Saudi Arabia wanted to avoid. Being open to depositions would leave the kingdom’s leaders more vulnerable to legal action, including lawsuits demanding they reveal business deals in the United States.A federal judge had ruled the PIF could not claim immunity from the Foreign Service Immunity Act because of its commercial work with LIV Golf in the U.S.The PIF appealed the ruling to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which was likely to extend the lawsuit deep into 2024 if not longer.___Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and AP Sports Writer Steve Douglas in Stockholm contributed to this report.

⛳ PGA Tour and European tour agree to merge with Saudis and end LIV Golf feud

MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez had two hits to raise his major league-leading batting average to .401 and help the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 on Tuesday night.

Second in the NL East, the Marlins have won five straight to improve to 34-28 — the first time they’ve been six games over .500 since August 2016.

After Arraez flew out to left in his first two at-bats, he hit consecutive singles to finish 2 for 4 with an RBI. Jesús Sánchez homered and Bryan De La Cruz drove in three runs.

“It is an honor when I see that number on the scoreboard but as I’ve said before it is not impossible,” Arraez said in Spanish. “Things are going well for me and we are also winning, which is what is most important.”

Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo threw seven innings of one-run ball. Luzardo (5-4) scattered two hits and struck out eight, matching his longest outing of the season. Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing followed Luzardo, each throwing an inning to complete the five-hitter.

“Today was a step in the right direction for something me and (catcher) Nick (Fortes) have been working on, which is just mixing it up with everything I’ve got,” Luzardo said. “Hopefully, we keep doing that and taking steps forward.”

Luzardo was pulled after 86 pitches and a perfected seventh.

“We have an idea of the amount of innings Jesús has thrown in his career,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “He’s going to be on pace for a career high and we want to monitor it, throwing the extra inning when it’s needed. We felt we had really good matchups at the end with the bullpen to give guys an inning.”

Miami broke open a scoreless game with a five-run fifth against Zack Greinke (1-6).

The former Cy Young Award winner kept Miami hitless until Sánchez’s leadoff blast. Sánchez drove the first pitch breaking ball from Greinke over the wall in left for his fifth homer.

“All of his pitches move,” Sánchez said about facing Greinke. “Although he doesn’t have the stuff, I always look for the fastball. He threw me the curveball and I adjusted because I have the ability to hit the curveball, too.”

Arraez’s one-out single with the bases loaded made it 2-0 and ended Greinke’s outing. Reliever Jackson Kowar retired Jorge Soler on a pop out to second before De La Cruz cleared the bases with a double to right.

The 39-year-old Greinke gave up five runs, four hits and struck out three. He was unbeaten in seven career decisions against Miami.

“Really, he didn’t throw the ball any differently that inning,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Maybe one of those pitches may have been left over the middle of the plate. They got a little more aggressive that inning and put a couple of good swings on it.”

Nick Pratto doubled off Luzardo in the seventh, advanced on a ground out and raced home after a wild pitch for Kansas City’s run.

The Marlins are 12-2 against the American League this season. They began the season with a major league-worst 103-148 record in interleague play.

The Marlins activated LHP A.J. Puk from the injured list and optioned RHP George Soriano to Triple-A Jacksonville.

Marlins: RHP Johnny Cueto (right biceps tightness) threw a batting practice session Tuesday at the club’s spring training complex in Jupiter, Florida.

Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (0-9, 6.89) will start the final game of the series Wednesday against RHP Edward Cabrera (4-4, 4.05).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680115673148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez had two hits to raise his major league-leading batting average to .401 and help the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 on Tuesday night.Second in the NL East, the Marlins have won five straight to improve to 34-28 — the first time they’ve been six games over .500 since August 2016.After Arraez flew out to left in his first two at-bats, he hit consecutive singles to finish 2 for 4 with an RBI. Jesús Sánchez homered and Bryan De La Cruz drove in three runs.“It is an honor when I see that number on the scoreboard but as I’ve said before it is not impossible,” Arraez said in Spanish. “Things are going well for me and we are also winning, which is what is most important.”Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo threw seven innings of one-run ball. Luzardo (5-4) scattered two hits and struck out eight, matching his longest outing of the season. Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing followed Luzardo, each throwing an inning to complete the five-hitter.“Today was a step in the right direction for something me and (catcher) Nick (Fortes) have been working on, which is just mixing it up with everything I’ve got,” Luzardo said. “Hopefully, we keep doing that and taking steps forward.”Luzardo was pulled after 86 pitches and a perfected seventh.“We have an idea of the amount of innings Jesús has thrown in his career,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “He’s going to be on pace for a career high and we want to monitor it, throwing the extra inning when it’s needed. We felt we had really good matchups at the end with the bullpen to give guys an inning.”Miami broke open a scoreless game with a five-run fifth against Zack Greinke (1-6).The former Cy Young Award winner kept Miami hitless until Sánchez’s leadoff blast. Sánchez drove the first pitch breaking ball from Greinke over the wall in left for his fifth homer.“All of his pitches move,” Sánchez said about facing Greinke. “Although he doesn’t have the stuff, I always look for the fastball. He threw me the curveball and I adjusted because I have the ability to hit the curveball, too.”Arraez’s one-out single with the bases loaded made it 2-0 and ended Greinke’s outing. Reliever Jackson Kowar retired Jorge Soler on a pop out to second before De La Cruz cleared the bases with a double to right.The 39-year-old Greinke gave up five runs, four hits and struck out three. He was unbeaten in seven career decisions against Miami.“Really, he didn’t throw the ball any differently that inning,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Maybe one of those pitches may have been left over the middle of the plate. They got a little more aggressive that inning and put a couple of good swings on it.”Nick Pratto doubled off Luzardo in the seventh, advanced on a ground out and raced home after a wild pitch for Kansas City’s run.INTERLEAGUE SUCCESSThe Marlins are 12-2 against the American League this season. They began the season with a major league-worst 103-148 record in interleague play.ROSTER MOVEThe Marlins activated LHP A.J. Puk from the injured list and optioned RHP George Soriano to Triple-A Jacksonville.TRAINER’S ROOMMarlins: RHP Johnny Cueto (right biceps tightness) threw a batting practice session Tuesday at the club’s spring training complex in Jupiter, Florida.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Jordan Lyles (0-9, 6.89) will start the final game of the series Wednesday against RHP Edward Cabrera (4-4, 4.05).

⚾ Luis Arraez singles twice to raise average to .401, Marlins beat Royals

MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez had three hits to raise his major league-leading batting average to .399, and the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-6 on Monday night.

Arraez drove in two runs for the Marlins, who erased an early four-run deficit and won their fourth straight game. Bryan De La Cruz hit his eighth homer, while Jon Berti, Nick Fortes and Joey Wendle had two hits apiece.

After going hitless in four at-bats Friday against Oakland, Arraez is 10 for 13 over the last three games.

“It’s huge,” he said of his current average. “I have worked hard for this. But this is just starting. I am not complacent. I want to accomplish more.”

No big league player has batted .400 for a season since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.

Braxton Garrett (2-2) overcame a difficult start and completed five innings of four-run ball. The left-hander gave up six hits and struck out six.

Arraez’s RBI single capped a four-run fourth and put Miami ahead 6-4. Berti hit a two-run triple and Jonathan Davis followed with an RBI double as the Marlins got five consecutive hits against reliever Mike Mayers with two outs.

Miami increased its lead to 9-4 on De La Cruz’s two-run drive against Josh Staumont in the sixth.

“Our offense always feels like they’re in the game,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “When you’re getting length out of the lineup from top to bottom, you feel really good about every single inning, whether it starts with Arraez at the top or whoever the six- or seven-hole hitter is at the bottom.”

The Royals narrowed the gap to 9-6 on Drew Waters’ run-scoring single off Steven Okert in the ninth. Dylan Floro relieved Okert with one out and retired Bobby Witt Jr. on a double-play grounder for his seventh save.

Carlos Hernández opened for the Royals and retired six straight. Mayers (1-1) took over in the third and allowed Davis’ RBI grounder and Arraez’s run-scoring double.

“The first couple of innings didn’t go too well for us,” Berti said. “To be able to string some things together was just big.”

Mayers, who pitched six scoreless innings of relief and carried a combined perfect game into the seventh against St. Louis in his previous appearance May 29, gave up seven runs and nine hits over three innings.

“I thought I made some quality pitches there early,” Mayers said. “They put the barrel to the ball and had a good approach against me.”

Kansas City struck quickly on MJ Melendez’s RBI single and Salvador Pérez’s run-scoring single in the first.

Nick Pratto’s solo shot and Melendez’s second run-scoring single in the third made it 4-0.

The start time of the series finale Wednesday night has been moved up 30 minutes to 6:10 p.m. With the Miami Heat playing their first home game of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets later that night, Marlins management sought to reduce the window of both events coinciding.

The Royals renewed their annual “Fathers Trip” during series stops in Miami and Baltimore. Fathers, fathers-in-law, and brothers of current Royals players and staff travel with the group. They stay in the team hotel and have the option of riding on chartered buses. The trip became a Royals tradition until it was interrupted in 2020 because of the pandemic.

“It’s eye-opening to me. I’ve never been part of something like this,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “I think it’s really cool. To share that with them is really special.”

Royals: 1B Vinnie Pasquantino got the night off but was available to pinch-hit.

Marlins: OF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (turf toe) is scheduled to visit a foot specialist on Wednesday to determine his progression. ... LHP A.J. Puk (elbow nerve irritation) was in the clubhouse before the game but has not been activated after one-inning rehab appearances with Double-A Pensacola on Friday and Saturday.

Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.19 ERA) starts the middle game of the series Tuesday. Greinke is 7-0 against the Marlins. LHP Jesús Luzardo (4-4, 4.05) pitches for Miami.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686019585494.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nick Pratto reacts after striking out swinging during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Monday, June 5, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nick Pratto reacts after striking out swinging during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Monday, June 5, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez had three hits to raise his major league-leading batting average to .399, and the Miami Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-6 on Monday night.Arraez drove in two runs for the Marlins, who erased an early four-run deficit and won their fourth straight game. Bryan De La Cruz hit his eighth homer, while Jon Berti, Nick Fortes and Joey Wendle had two hits apiece.After going hitless in four at-bats Friday against Oakland, Arraez is 10 for 13 over the last three games.“It’s huge,” he said of his current average. “I have worked hard for this. But this is just starting. I am not complacent. I want to accomplish more.”No big league player has batted .400 for a season since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.Braxton Garrett (2-2) overcame a difficult start and completed five innings of four-run ball. The left-hander gave up six hits and struck out six.Arraez’s RBI single capped a four-run fourth and put Miami ahead 6-4. Berti hit a two-run triple and Jonathan Davis followed with an RBI double as the Marlins got five consecutive hits against reliever Mike Mayers with two outs.Miami increased its lead to 9-4 on De La Cruz’s two-run drive against Josh Staumont in the sixth.“Our offense always feels like they’re in the game,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “When you’re getting length out of the lineup from top to bottom, you feel really good about every single inning, whether it starts with Arraez at the top or whoever the six- or seven-hole hitter is at the bottom.”The Royals narrowed the gap to 9-6 on Drew Waters’ run-scoring single off Steven Okert in the ninth. Dylan Floro relieved Okert with one out and retired Bobby Witt Jr. on a double-play grounder for his seventh save.Carlos Hernández opened for the Royals and retired six straight. Mayers (1-1) took over in the third and allowed Davis’ RBI grounder and Arraez’s run-scoring double.“The first couple of innings didn’t go too well for us,” Berti said. “To be able to string some things together was just big.”Mayers, who pitched six scoreless innings of relief and carried a combined perfect game into the seventh against St. Louis in his previous appearance May 29, gave up seven runs and nine hits over three innings.“I thought I made some quality pitches there early,” Mayers said. “They put the barrel to the ball and had a good approach against me.”Kansas City struck quickly on MJ Melendez’s RBI single and Salvador Pérez’s run-scoring single in the first.Nick Pratto’s solo shot and Melendez’s second run-scoring single in the third made it 4-0.TIME CHANGEThe start time of the series finale Wednesday night has been moved up 30 minutes to 6:10 p.m. With the Miami Heat playing their first home game of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets later that night, Marlins management sought to reduce the window of both events coinciding.BONDING EXPERIENCEThe Royals renewed their annual “Fathers Trip” during series stops in Miami and Baltimore. Fathers, fathers-in-law, and brothers of current Royals players and staff travel with the group. They stay in the team hotel and have the option of riding on chartered buses. The trip became a Royals tradition until it was interrupted in 2020 because of the pandemic.“It’s eye-opening to me. I’ve never been part of something like this,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “I think it’s really cool. To share that with them is really special.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: 1B Vinnie Pasquantino got the night off but was available to pinch-hit.Marlins: OF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (turf toe) is scheduled to visit a foot specialist on Wednesday to determine his progression. ... LHP A.J. Puk (elbow nerve irritation) was in the clubhouse before the game but has not been activated after one-inning rehab appearances with Double-A Pensacola on Friday and Saturday.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.19 ERA) starts the middle game of the series Tuesday. Greinke is 7-0 against the Marlins. LHP Jesús Luzardo (4-4, 4.05) pitches for Miami.

⚾ Royals can't hold early lead, fall to Marlins

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said the Kansas City Chiefs are "building a dynasty” as he hosted the team at the White House Monday to mark their Super Bowl victory in February.

Speaking on the South Lawn, Biden praised the team for playing with “the real joy of the game and love for each other and the great city you represent.” He also praised the team for their charitable work off the field, saying, “as these guys know about football, they know about life and how to use their platform to make a difference. ”

Biden joked that first lady Jill Biden, a “rabid” Philadelphia fan, is still not over the dramatic end to the game, which included a controversial holding penalty against the Eagles that set the Chiefs up for their game-winning field goal. The president added, “I have to be careful what I say today,” even thoughhis wife was out of the country.

Biden led the crowd in a moment of silence to mark the death Sunday of Norma Hunt, wife of the late team founder Lamar Hunt, saying he was sending “our condolences to the entire Hunt family.”

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the game's most valuable player, and tight end Travis Kelce presented Biden with a personalized Kansas City Chiefs jersey before posing for a team photo with the president.

Before the ceremony, the team was given a tour of the White House.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said the Kansas City Chiefs are "building a dynasty” as he hosted the team at the White House Monday to mark their Super Bowl victory in February.(Click below to watch the ceremony)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F128853000214485%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=48" 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>Speaking on the South Lawn, Biden praised the team for playing with “the real joy of the game and love for each other and the great city you represent.” He also praised the team for their charitable work off the field, saying, “as these guys know about football, they know about life and how to use their platform to make a difference. ”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The celebration of the <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a> Super Bowl victory continues! I&#39;m happy to be in D.C. today to congratulate the team in person — and I was lucky enough to get MVP <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickMahomes</a> to sign my football with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>! 🏈 <a href="https://t.co/66pFyiwqks">pic.twitter.com/66pFyiwqks</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1665843404159287296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A HUGE welcome to the SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS, the Kansas City <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChiefsKingdom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChiefsKingdom</a> <a href="https://t.co/6m0uTSZGxu">pic.twitter.com/6m0uTSZGxu</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1665900083550773248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden joked that first lady Jill Biden, a “rabid” Philadelphia fan, is still not over the dramatic end to the game, which included a controversial holding penalty against the Eagles that set the Chiefs up for their game-winning field goal. The president added, “I have to be careful what I say today,” even thoughhis wife was out of the country.Biden led the crowd in a moment of silence to mark the death Sunday of Norma Hunt, wife of the late team founder Lamar Hunt, saying he was sending “our condolences to the entire Hunt family.”Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the game's most valuable player, and tight end Travis Kelce presented Biden with a personalized Kansas City Chiefs jersey before posing for a team photo with the president.Before the ceremony, the team was given a tour of the White House.

🎥 Biden hosts Super Bowl champs at the White House

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;Brady Singer scattered five singles over 5 2/3 innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Colorado Rockies 2-0 on Sunday.

Singer (4-4) allowed just one runner past first base while striking out seven, his most since getting eight on April 14 against Atlanta. He allowed no walks for the first time in seven starts.

“The sinker was a lot better than it has been lately,” Singer said. “It had some good run on it. I was able to attack with it, and the slider was really good.”

“He did a good job of elevating when he had to, but also pitching to the corners,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The slider looked like it had better depth at times when he needed to get under the left-handed bat or expand with the righties.”

Rockies starter Kyle Freeland (4-7) retired the first 13 batters he faced. With one out in the fifth, MJ Melendez’s ground-ball double took a bad hop past Rockies second baseman Harold Castro to end Freeland’s perfect game bid. Melendez scored one out later on Michael Massey’s single to right.

“They were firing immediately, swinging the bats,” Freeland said. “When I see that from a team it just gets down to execution. When you’re executing your pitches they’ll get themselves out.”

Maikel Garcia led off the eighth with his first major league homer, ending Freeland’s day.

“We’ve seen him hit several balls off the wall here,” Quatraro said. “It was just a matter of time.”

Freeland gave up two runs and four hits with no walks and one strikeout in seven-plus innings.

“It was nice to get into the eighth inning like that,” Freeland said. “The slider was really good today. The curveball was not there at all. Every single time I tried to throw it, it was hit hard somewhere.”

“He had tremendous movement,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “Kyle’s ball was really moving, the fastball, the change, the breaking pitches.”

The Royals’ bullpen, with a major-league high 19 blown-lead losses, shut down the Rockies over the final 3 1/3 innings. Scott Barlow struck out three while working around a pair of singles to earn his seventh save.

Before the start of the sixth inning, the game was delayed for 16 minutes due to rain.

Mike Moustakas and Nolan Jones each had two of Colorado’s eight hits. Jones extended his hitting streak to a career-best seven games.

“I was seeing the ball well,” Jones said. “I feel like I was doing what I wanted to do.”

Kansas City got its third shutout of the season, and second in five games. Colorado was blanked for the second time in five games.

“It was a tough loss,” Black said. “We swung the bats pretty well the last couple of nights. Today we just couldn’t get to their assortment of breaking pitches. (Singer) threw a lot of quality breaking balls. There was just something about the slider we couldn’t solve.”

The win prevented the Rockies from getting a sweep, but the Royals still lost their fifth straight series and they are 1-9 in home series this year.

Rockies: RHP Dinelson Lamet (1-2, 13.17 ERA) will take the mound against San Francisco on Tuesday.

Royals: have not announced a starter for their series opener on Monday at Miami against Marlins LHP Braxton Garrett (1-2, 4.22).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680115673148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;Brady Singer scattered five singles over 5 2/3 innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Colorado Rockies 2-0 on Sunday.Singer (4-4) allowed just one runner past first base while striking out seven, his most since getting eight on April 14 against Atlanta. He allowed no walks for the first time in seven starts.“The sinker was a lot better than it has been lately,” Singer said. “It had some good run on it. I was able to attack with it, and the slider was really good.”“He did a good job of elevating when he had to, but also pitching to the corners,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The slider looked like it had better depth at times when he needed to get under the left-handed bat or expand with the righties.”Rockies starter Kyle Freeland (4-7) retired the first 13 batters he faced. With one out in the fifth, MJ Melendez’s ground-ball double took a bad hop past Rockies second baseman Harold Castro to end Freeland’s perfect game bid. Melendez scored one out later on Michael Massey’s single to right.“They were firing immediately, swinging the bats,” Freeland said. “When I see that from a team it just gets down to execution. When you’re executing your pitches they’ll get themselves out.”Maikel Garcia led off the eighth with his first major league homer, ending Freeland’s day.“We’ve seen him hit several balls off the wall here,” Quatraro said. “It was just a matter of time.”Freeland gave up two runs and four hits with no walks and one strikeout in seven-plus innings.“It was nice to get into the eighth inning like that,” Freeland said. “The slider was really good today. The curveball was not there at all. Every single time I tried to throw it, it was hit hard somewhere.”“He had tremendous movement,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “Kyle’s ball was really moving, the fastball, the change, the breaking pitches.”The Royals’ bullpen, with a major-league high 19 blown-lead losses, shut down the Rockies over the final 3 1/3 innings. Scott Barlow struck out three while working around a pair of singles to earn his seventh save.Before the start of the sixth inning, the game was delayed for 16 minutes due to rain.Mike Moustakas and Nolan Jones each had two of Colorado’s eight hits. Jones extended his hitting streak to a career-best seven games.“I was seeing the ball well,” Jones said. “I feel like I was doing what I wanted to do.”Kansas City got its third shutout of the season, and second in five games. Colorado was blanked for the second time in five games.“It was a tough loss,” Black said. “We swung the bats pretty well the last couple of nights. Today we just couldn’t get to their assortment of breaking pitches. (Singer) threw a lot of quality breaking balls. There was just something about the slider we couldn’t solve.”The win prevented the Rockies from getting a sweep, but the Royals still lost their fifth straight series and they are 1-9 in home series this year.UP NEXTRockies: RHP Dinelson Lamet (1-2, 13.17 ERA) will take the mound against San Francisco on Tuesday.Royals: have not announced a starter for their series opener on Monday at Miami against Marlins LHP Braxton Garrett (1-2, 4.22).

⚾ Singer pitches into sixth, Royals beat Rockies

Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of our mother, Norma. She was a wonderful mother and an extraordinary woman who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Kind, generous and unfailingly positive, mom was one of a kind. Her joy and zeal for life were infectious. She loved caring for others, and she always had an encouraging word. She was a loyal friend, the consummate hostess and she had a rare ability to make everyone she encountered feel valued and at ease.

Mom was steadfastly devoted to her family and fiercely passionate about her family's sports teams. She was by our father Lamar's side every step of the way – from the merger of the AFL and the NFL to the formation of Major League Soccer, World Championship Tennis, the North American Soccer League, and their founding investment in the Chicago Bulls. She was the only person we knew who rivaled his love of sports. The two of them found such joy together, whether at home, or in stadium stands around the world.

This February, she attended her 57th and final Super Bowl and watched her beloved Chiefs hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the third time. It was a fitting conclusion to her streak as the only woman to attend every Super Bowl.

Her quiet yet deep faith sustained her throughout her life, and we take great comfort knowing that she is home with the Lord. She will be greatly missed by our family, the extended Chiefs and FC Dallas families, and by everyone who knew her.

<h2>Statement from the Hunt Family</h2> Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of our mother, Norma. She was a wonderful mother and an extraordinary woman who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.Kind, generous and unfailingly positive, mom was one of a kind. Her joy and zeal for life were infectious. She loved caring for others, and she always had an encouraging word. She was a loyal friend, the consummate hostess and she had a rare ability to make everyone she encountered feel valued and at ease.Mom was steadfastly devoted to her family and fiercely passionate about her family's sports teams. She was by our father Lamar's side every step of the way – from the merger of the AFL and the NFL to the formation of Major League Soccer, World Championship Tennis, the North American Soccer League, and their founding investment in the Chicago Bulls. She was the only person we knew who rivaled his love of sports. The two of them found such joy together, whether at home, or in stadium stands around the world.This February, she attended her 57th and final Super Bowl and watched her beloved Chiefs hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the third time. It was a fitting conclusion to her streak as the only woman to attend every Super Bowl.Her quiet yet deep faith sustained her throughout her life, and we take great comfort knowing that she is home with the Lord. She will be greatly missed by our family, the extended Chiefs and FC Dallas families, and by everyone who knew her.

Chiefs Mourn Passing of Norma Hunt

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Elehuris Montero’s two-run triple highlighted Colorado’s five-run first inning and the Rockies hung on for a 6-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Matt Carasiti (1-0) earned the win with 2 1/3 innings in relief of starter Austin Gomber, who allowed a pair of runs on six hits and three walks over 2 2/3 innings. Justin Lawrence recorded four outs for his second save.

“To win a game like that, when you go to the bullpen in the third inning, you need your relievers to all step up,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “They all did a nice job.”

Carasiti’s win was his first since Aug. 19, 2016, his only other major league victory.

“Honestly, I didn’t even really realize it,” Carasiti said. “But, it does feel good. It means a lot, helping the team win.”

The Rockies’ first three hitters reached safely in the first, with Charlie Blackmon — who was hit by a pitch to lead off the game — scoring on Ryan McMahon’s soft liner over shortstop. McMahon is hitting .487 (19 for 39) with 15 RBIs in his last 10 games.

Randal Grichuk’s one-out single added another run before Montero tripled down the right-field line, scoring two more. Montero scored on Brenton Doyle’s sacrifice fly for a 5-0 lead.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Elehuris Montero’s two-run triple highlighted Colorado’s five-run first inning and the Rockies hung on for a 6-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.Matt Carasiti (1-0) earned the win with 2 1/3 innings in relief of starter Austin Gomber, who allowed a pair of runs on six hits and three walks over 2 2/3 innings. Justin Lawrence recorded four outs for his second save.“To win a game like that, when you go to the bullpen in the third inning, you need your relievers to all step up,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “They all did a nice job.”Carasiti’s win was his first since Aug. 19, 2016, his only other major league victory.“Honestly, I didn’t even really realize it,” Carasiti said. “But, it does feel good. It means a lot, helping the team win.”The Rockies’ first three hitters reached safely in the first, with Charlie Blackmon — who was hit by a pitch to lead off the game — scoring on Ryan McMahon’s soft liner over shortstop. McMahon is hitting .487 (19 for 39) with 15 RBIs in his last 10 games.Randal Grichuk’s one-out single added another run before Montero tripled down the right-field line, scoring two more. Montero scored on Brenton Doyle’s sacrifice fly for a 5-0 lead.“That was a good inning for us,” Montero said. “We took advantage and executed when we needed to. It gave us confidence going into the rest of the game.”“We caught a couple of breaks right off the bat,” Black said. “(Blackmon) got hit and (McMahon), sort of a soft liner, and we just kept going from there. We made contact. You put the ball in play, a lot of good things can happen.”Royals starter Daniel Lynch (0-1) threw 38 pitches in the laborious first inning, then settled in to complete five innings. He allowed five runs, three earned, and six hits with seven strikeouts and one walk.“Hits like that are going to happen,” Lynch said. “I tried to stay within my control and keep on attacking guys. I felt like I did that, but I put myself in a hole hitting the first guy.”Colorado added a run in the sixth on Blackmon’s RBI hit as Kansas City reliever Josh Staumont walked three in the frame.Nick Pratto’s third home run, a 438-foot solo shot to right, got the Royals on the board in the first. It was Pratto’s first career leadoff homer.Bobby Witt Jr. had three singles for Kansas City but also committed a first-inning error that led to two unearned runs. He was also picked off third base ahead of Maikel Garcia’s RBI hit in the third inning which cut Colorado’s lead to 5-2.“Bobby just tried to be too quick on the double-play ball,” Quatraro said. “I don’t know if we get (Jurickson) Profar on that.”Drew Waters’ RBI single in the eighth made it 6-3. Salvador Perez’s two-out single in the ninth capped the scoring.The Royals have lost 14 of 19 and are 8-23 at home.Colorado LHP Kyle Freeland (4-6, 4.22 ERA) opposes RHP Brady Singer (3-4, 7.12) in Sunday’s series finale.First pitch is set for 1:10, with pregame coverage beginning at 12:30 on KFEQ.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685877737927.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals Nick Pratto (32) is congratulated by Bobby Witt Jr. (7) at home plate after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals Nick Pratto (32) is congratulated by Bobby Witt Jr. (7) at home plate after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
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