The St. Louis Cardinals scored runs late attempting to make a rally from being down big, avoiding a shutout, but still falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks to start the second half of the MLB season 7-3 on the road at Chase Field.&nbsp;

It didn't take long for the Cardinals to fall behind as they were down 5-0 after three innings.&nbsp; In the second inning, with two on and two outs,&nbsp;Jose Herrera singled home&nbsp;Adrian Del Castillo for the first run of the game.&nbsp; After Corbin Carroll walked to load the bases,&nbsp;Geraldo Perdomo hit a two RBI single to extend the lead driving in Alek Thomas and Herrera.&nbsp; In the third, Del Castillo brought home Josh Naylor, after his leadoff walk, with an RBI single.&nbsp; With one out, Thomas grounded out to Masyn Winn, but brought home&nbsp;Eugenio Suárez.&nbsp;

The Diamondbacks extended their lead in the fifth, an RBI double from Blaze Alexander driving in Del Castillo.&nbsp; Then in the seventh inning, Arizona added their final run of the game as Del Castillo grounded into a double play with no outs and the bases loaded, driving in&nbsp;Lourdes Gurriel Jr. putting the Diamondbacks up 7-0.&nbsp;

With a loss seeming more and more likely, the Cardinals were determined to avoid a shutout, Winn scoring the first run of the game after his leadoff single in the ninth on an RBI single by&nbsp;Pedro Pagés, Winn having advanced to second on a groundout by Jordan Walker.&nbsp; The final two runs for the Redbirds came on one swing as Victor Scott II hit a two run home run to right field.&nbsp;

Andre Pallante took the loss, falling to 5-6 on the season, pitching 4 2/3 innings and giving up six runs, five earned, on nine hits while walking two and striking out three.&nbsp; At the plate, Pagés was 2-for-4 with an RBI.&nbsp; Winn was also 2-for-4 on the day, while Scott II was 1-for-4 with the home run and two RBIs.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Arizona continue the second half tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (9-3, 3.50 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Ryne Nelson (5-2, 3.68 ERA) for the Diamondbacks.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:15, coverage will be joined around 6:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals scored runs late attempting to make a rally from being down big, avoiding a shutout, but still falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks to start the second half of the MLB season 7-3 on the road at Chase Field.&nbsp;It didn't take long for the Cardinals to fall behind as they were down 5-0 after three innings.&nbsp; In the second inning, with two on and two outs,&nbsp;Jose Herrera singled home&nbsp;Adrian Del Castillo for the first run of the game.&nbsp; After Corbin Carroll walked to load the bases,&nbsp;Geraldo Perdomo hit a two RBI single to extend the lead driving in Alek Thomas and Herrera.&nbsp; In the third, Del Castillo brought home Josh Naylor, after his leadoff walk, with an RBI single.&nbsp; With one out, Thomas grounded out to Masyn Winn, but brought home&nbsp;Eugenio Suárez.&nbsp;The Diamondbacks extended their lead in the fifth, an RBI double from Blaze Alexander driving in Del Castillo.&nbsp; Then in the seventh inning, Arizona added their final run of the game as Del Castillo grounded into a double play with no outs and the bases loaded, driving in&nbsp;Lourdes Gurriel Jr. putting the Diamondbacks up 7-0.&nbsp;With a loss seeming more and more likely, the Cardinals were determined to avoid a shutout, Winn scoring the first run of the game after his leadoff single in the ninth on an RBI single by&nbsp;Pedro Pagés, Winn having advanced to second on a groundout by Jordan Walker.&nbsp; The final two runs for the Redbirds came on one swing as Victor Scott II hit a two run home run to right field.&nbsp;Andre Pallante took the loss, falling to 5-6 on the season, pitching 4 2/3 innings and giving up six runs, five earned, on nine hits while walking two and striking out three.&nbsp; At the plate, Pagés was 2-for-4 with an RBI.&nbsp; Winn was also 2-for-4 on the day, while Scott II was 1-for-4 with the home run and two RBIs.&nbsp;St. Louis and Arizona continue the second half tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (9-3, 3.50 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Ryne Nelson (5-2, 3.68 ERA) for the Diamondbacks.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:15, coverage will be joined around 6:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cards avoid shutout but fall 7-3 to D-Backs as second half opens

With the end of the regular season on the horizon, the St. Joseph Mustangs returned to Phil Welch Stadium on Friday for the first of their final two home games before the playoffs, and topped the Clarinda A's 11-7 in the penultimate home regular season matchup.

That wasn't before the Mustangs fell behind though, after the A's scored four runs in the top of the second inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cooper Knight singled to score the opening run as Kane Wilson raced home and scored on a throwing error by right fielder Trevor McCollum.&nbsp; Knight, having advanced to second on the throw by McCollum, was driven in on a single by&nbsp;Tayvon Homolar, and later in the inning it was Homolar scoring on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Clayton Pourciau.&nbsp; The final run scored with a groundout by&nbsp;Colin Linteo that brought home&nbsp;Joey Caruso.

Trailing 4-0, the Mustangs cut into the lead in the bottom half, but scored just one run, Lafayette alum Jayden Little hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in Easton Phillipe, putting St. Joseph down by three before the script flipped itself in the fifth inning, with Clarinda scoring just one run, and the Mustangs working their way back to tie up the game.&nbsp;

The A's extended their lead on a bases loaded hit by pitch, Knight getting hit by the pitch by Sam Pitts, before St. Joseph scored four runs in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game.&nbsp; In the bottom half, McCollum started the scoring with an RBI single, driving in Little with the bases loaded, and as the Mustangs moved station to station Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart added another run being hit by a pitch, scoring Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen.&nbsp; Trailing by two runs, Dom Felix delivered the tying blow with a two RBI single, bringing home Darius Freeman and McCollum.&nbsp;

In the sixth, the Mustangs blew the door open to take the lead.&nbsp; After Bodenhausen reached first on a fielders choice, scoring Little thanks to a throwing error by the catcher Pourciau, Luikart drove in two more runs with a single, bringing home Carter Belton and Bodenhausen.&nbsp; Phillipe added the final two runs with another two run single, driving in McCollum and Luikart, putting the Mustangs up 10-5.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The A's added one more run in the seventh inning, Wilson reaching on a fielders choice and scoring&nbsp;Layth Holliday, but in the bottom half of the inning the Mustangs got the run back, scoring their final run of the game on a sacrifice fly by Freeman that drove in Little.&nbsp; Clarinda scored their final run in the eighth inning on an RBI single by&nbsp;Micah Nicholson that brought home Linteo.

Pitts earned the win, pitching four innings and giving up two runs on two hits while walking three and striking out one.&nbsp; At the plate, Phillipe was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two RBIs.&nbsp; McCollum was also 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and one RBI.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 33-8 on the season and 27-7 in the MINK league with two games remaining in the regular season.&nbsp; They host the Jefferson City Renegades in their home regular season finale tomorrow at Phil Welch Stadium with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEWith the end of the regular season on the horizon, the St. Joseph Mustangs returned to Phil Welch Stadium on Friday for the first of their final two home games before the playoffs, and topped the Clarinda A's 11-7 in the penultimate home regular season matchup.That wasn't before the Mustangs fell behind though, after the A's scored four runs in the top of the second inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cooper Knight singled to score the opening run as Kane Wilson raced home and scored on a throwing error by right fielder Trevor McCollum.&nbsp; Knight, having advanced to second on the throw by McCollum, was driven in on a single by&nbsp;Tayvon Homolar, and later in the inning it was Homolar scoring on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Clayton Pourciau.&nbsp; The final run scored with a groundout by&nbsp;Colin Linteo that brought home&nbsp;Joey Caruso.Trailing 4-0, the Mustangs cut into the lead in the bottom half, but scored just one run, Lafayette alum Jayden Little hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in Easton Phillipe, putting St. Joseph down by three before the script flipped itself in the fifth inning, with Clarinda scoring just one run, and the Mustangs working their way back to tie up the game.&nbsp;The A's extended their lead on a bases loaded hit by pitch, Knight getting hit by the pitch by Sam Pitts, before St. Joseph scored four runs in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game.&nbsp; In the bottom half, McCollum started the scoring with an RBI single, driving in Little with the bases loaded, and as the Mustangs moved station to station Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart added another run being hit by a pitch, scoring Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen.&nbsp; Trailing by two runs, Dom Felix delivered the tying blow with a two RBI single, bringing home Darius Freeman and McCollum.&nbsp;In the sixth, the Mustangs blew the door open to take the lead.&nbsp; After Bodenhausen reached first on a fielders choice, scoring Little thanks to a throwing error by the catcher Pourciau, Luikart drove in two more runs with a single, bringing home Carter Belton and Bodenhausen.&nbsp; Phillipe added the final two runs with another two run single, driving in McCollum and Luikart, putting the Mustangs up 10-5.&nbsp;&nbsp;The A's added one more run in the seventh inning, Wilson reaching on a fielders choice and scoring&nbsp;Layth Holliday, but in the bottom half of the inning the Mustangs got the run back, scoring their final run of the game on a sacrifice fly by Freeman that drove in Little.&nbsp; Clarinda scored their final run in the eighth inning on an RBI single by&nbsp;Micah Nicholson that brought home Linteo.Pitts earned the win, pitching four innings and giving up two runs on two hits while walking three and striking out one.&nbsp; At the plate, Phillipe was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two RBIs.&nbsp; McCollum was also 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and one RBI.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 33-8 on the season and 27-7 in the MINK league with two games remaining in the regular season.&nbsp; They host the Jefferson City Renegades in their home regular season finale tomorrow at Phil Welch Stadium with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two games left now, Mustangs top Clarinda 11-7 in penultimate home matchup

Royals rookie John Rave hit his first two career home runs in Kansas City's opener to the second half of the MLB season, but it would not be enough as Miami's Kyle Stowers also homered twice, and the Marlins beat the Royals 8-7 on a walk off in extra innings.&nbsp;

With Seth Lugo on the mound, one of the hottest pitchers in the Royals rotation before the All Star break, the Marlins got out to an early lead in the first inning with&nbsp;Jesús Sánchez hitting a solo home run, before with a runner on Stowers hit his first home run of the game to extend the lead putting Miami up 3-0 at the end of one inning.&nbsp;

Lugo settled in after the rough first inning, striking out two batters before getting a ground out to end the second inning.&nbsp; But in the third, after Xavier Edwards led the inning off with a double, Edwards scored as Otto Lopez doubled to continue extending the lead for the Marlins.&nbsp; Stowers drove in his third run of the game with an RBI single in the inning that scored Lopez to put Miami up 5-0 by the end of the third inning.&nbsp;

Trailing big entering the fourth, the Royals managed to cut the lead to one run scoring four runs.&nbsp; Back to back singles by Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez led off the inning, and after Jac Caglianone struck out, Nick Loftin got Kansas City on the board with an RBI single driving in Garcia.&nbsp; &nbsp;With runners on first and second, Rave stepped to the plate and hit his first major league home run to right field, scoring both Perez and Loftin, to make the Marlins lead 5-4.&nbsp;

And that is where the lead would stay, at least until the ninth inning, when with one out Rave blasted his second home run of his career to tie up the game, setting up extra innings for the Royals.&nbsp; After Kansas City was unable to add more runs, Lucas Erceg came on and only surrendered a single to Graham Pauley forcing extra innings and sending the game to the 10th inning tied 5-5.&nbsp;

With Jonathan India starting the extra inning at second base, Bobby Witt Jr led the frame off with a single, and stole second base to get into scoring position.&nbsp; With two outs, Adam Frazier pinch hit for Luke Maile, who had come on as a defensive replacement at catcher after Tyler Tolbert pinch ran for Perez, and Frazier gave the Royals what they were looking for when they traded for him, a hit with runners in scoring position, doubling into right field, bringing home India and Witt Jr, to give the Royals a 7-5 lead.&nbsp;

But in the bottom half of the inning, All Star closer&nbsp;Carlos Estévez took the mound, and after getting an out to start the inning gave up a single to&nbsp;Agustín Ramírez, driving in Derek Hill who started the inning at second base.&nbsp; Ramírez was replaced by pinch runner&nbsp;Javier Sanoja, but it would not be necessary as with a 1-1 count, Stowers sent the ball sailing into the right field stands for the walk off two run home run.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Estévez took the loss, falling to 4-3 on the season and blowing his sixth save, pitching 1/3 of an inning and giving up three runs, two earned, on two hits.&nbsp; Lugo pitched six innings and gave up five runs on eight hits while striking out five in a no decision.&nbsp; At the plate, Rave was 2-for-4 with the two home runs and four RBIs.&nbsp; Perez was 2-for-3 with a double and a walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas City and Miami continue the second half tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.74 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Cal Quantrill (3-8, 5.62 ERA) for the Marlins.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKERoyals rookie John Rave hit his first two career home runs in Kansas City's opener to the second half of the MLB season, but it would not be enough as Miami's Kyle Stowers also homered twice, and the Marlins beat the Royals 8-7 on a walk off in extra innings.&nbsp;With Seth Lugo on the mound, one of the hottest pitchers in the Royals rotation before the All Star break, the Marlins got out to an early lead in the first inning with&nbsp;Jesús Sánchez hitting a solo home run, before with a runner on Stowers hit his first home run of the game to extend the lead putting Miami up 3-0 at the end of one inning.&nbsp;Lugo settled in after the rough first inning, striking out two batters before getting a ground out to end the second inning.&nbsp; But in the third, after Xavier Edwards led the inning off with a double, Edwards scored as Otto Lopez doubled to continue extending the lead for the Marlins.&nbsp; Stowers drove in his third run of the game with an RBI single in the inning that scored Lopez to put Miami up 5-0 by the end of the third inning.&nbsp;Trailing big entering the fourth, the Royals managed to cut the lead to one run scoring four runs.&nbsp; Back to back singles by Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez led off the inning, and after Jac Caglianone struck out, Nick Loftin got Kansas City on the board with an RBI single driving in Garcia.&nbsp; &nbsp;With runners on first and second, Rave stepped to the plate and hit his first major league home run to right field, scoring both Perez and Loftin, to make the Marlins lead 5-4.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">John Rave’s first career homer brings us within one! <a href="https://t.co/uXbhjEwXvy">pic.twitter.com/uXbhjEwXvy</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1946362913255485596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>And that is where the lead would stay, at least until the ninth inning, when with one out Rave blasted his second home run of his career to tie up the game, setting up extra innings for the Royals.&nbsp; After Kansas City was unable to add more runs, Lucas Erceg came on and only surrendered a single to Graham Pauley forcing extra innings and sending the game to the 10th inning tied 5-5.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tie it up, Raver!! <a href="https://t.co/jLLyrPcooQ">pic.twitter.com/jLLyrPcooQ</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1946381135761596723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With Jonathan India starting the extra inning at second base, Bobby Witt Jr led the frame off with a single, and stole second base to get into scoring position.&nbsp; With two outs, Adam Frazier pinch hit for Luke Maile, who had come on as a defensive replacement at catcher after Tyler Tolbert pinch ran for Perez, and Frazier gave the Royals what they were looking for when they traded for him, a hit with runners in scoring position, doubling into right field, bringing home India and Witt Jr, to give the Royals a 7-5 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fraz for the lead! <a href="https://t.co/V9dJ8gkDoA">pic.twitter.com/V9dJ8gkDoA</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1946386716916412835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But in the bottom half of the inning, All Star closer&nbsp;Carlos Estévez took the mound, and after getting an out to start the inning gave up a single to&nbsp;Agustín Ramírez, driving in Derek Hill who started the inning at second base.&nbsp; Ramírez was replaced by pinch runner&nbsp;Javier Sanoja, but it would not be necessary as with a 1-1 count, Stowers sent the ball sailing into the right field stands for the walk off two run home run.&nbsp; &nbsp;Estévez took the loss, falling to 4-3 on the season and blowing his sixth save, pitching 1/3 of an inning and giving up three runs, two earned, on two hits.&nbsp; Lugo pitched six innings and gave up five runs on eight hits while striking out five in a no decision.&nbsp; At the plate, Rave was 2-for-4 with the two home runs and four RBIs.&nbsp; Perez was 2-for-3 with a double and a walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City and Miami continue the second half tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.74 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Cal Quantrill (3-8, 5.62 ERA) for the Marlins.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Raves first two career homers not enough as Royals fall 8-7 to Marlins

The St. Joseph Mustangs cut the lead to one run in the top of the seventh inning, but a five run bottom half would be their downfall, unable to recover and falling to the Clarinda A's 9-2 on the road in Clarinda, Iowa in their penultimate road game of the regular season.&nbsp;

Clarinda took the early 2-0 lead through the first three innings.&nbsp; In the first, the A's scored the opening run,&nbsp;Kane Wilson grounding out to second baseman Jack Mosh, but still driving in&nbsp;Layth Holliday for the first run of the game.&nbsp; In the third inning, it was Holliday scoring again as he stole home base.

Clarinda held that lead until the seventh inning when the Mustangs scored their first run as Justin George singled home Dom Felix, cutting the lead to one run, but in the bottom half of the inning the A's pulled away with that five run frame.&nbsp; The lead extended when&nbsp;Jake Espeland singled, and a series of errors allowed&nbsp;Colin Linteo to come around and score after his leadoff single.&nbsp; Another single by Holliday drove in Esepeland, while Holliday advanced to second, and then Holliday scored on a fourth consecutive single by&nbsp;Micah Nicholson.

Wilson continued the scoring rally in the seventh with another RBI single, driving in Nicholson and advancing Drake Cobb to second base.&nbsp; Cobb scored the final run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Joey Caruso putting the A's up on the Mustangs 7-1.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the eighth, Tyler Gundelfinger grounded out, scoring Lafayette alum Jayden Little for the final run by the Mustangs, but in the bottom half of the inning Clarinda added two more runs with Espeland singling home Linteo, and then scoring an unearned run as Cobb reached first on an error by Gundelfinger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ian Dittmer took the loss for the Mustangs, despite an effecient start, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on two hits while striking out and walking three batters each.&nbsp; At the plate, Mosh was 3-for-4, while George was 2-for-4 with an RBI.&nbsp;

With three games left in the regular season, the Mustangs have clinched home field advantage in the playoffs and are now 32-8 on the season and 26-7 in the MINK league.&nbsp; They return to Phil Welch Stadium on Friday to host Clarinda with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs cut the lead to one run in the top of the seventh inning, but a five run bottom half would be their downfall, unable to recover and falling to the Clarinda A's 9-2 on the road in Clarinda, Iowa in their penultimate road game of the regular season.&nbsp;Clarinda took the early 2-0 lead through the first three innings.&nbsp; In the first, the A's scored the opening run,&nbsp;Kane Wilson grounding out to second baseman Jack Mosh, but still driving in&nbsp;Layth Holliday for the first run of the game.&nbsp; In the third inning, it was Holliday scoring again as he stole home base.Clarinda held that lead until the seventh inning when the Mustangs scored their first run as Justin George singled home Dom Felix, cutting the lead to one run, but in the bottom half of the inning the A's pulled away with that five run frame.&nbsp; The lead extended when&nbsp;Jake Espeland singled, and a series of errors allowed&nbsp;Colin Linteo to come around and score after his leadoff single.&nbsp; Another single by Holliday drove in Esepeland, while Holliday advanced to second, and then Holliday scored on a fourth consecutive single by&nbsp;Micah Nicholson.Wilson continued the scoring rally in the seventh with another RBI single, driving in Nicholson and advancing Drake Cobb to second base.&nbsp; Cobb scored the final run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Joey Caruso putting the A's up on the Mustangs 7-1.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the eighth, Tyler Gundelfinger grounded out, scoring Lafayette alum Jayden Little for the final run by the Mustangs, but in the bottom half of the inning Clarinda added two more runs with Espeland singling home Linteo, and then scoring an unearned run as Cobb reached first on an error by Gundelfinger.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ian Dittmer took the loss for the Mustangs, despite an effecient start, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on two hits while striking out and walking three batters each.&nbsp; At the plate, Mosh was 3-for-4, while George was 2-for-4 with an RBI.&nbsp;With three games left in the regular season, the Mustangs have clinched home field advantage in the playoffs and are now 32-8 on the season and 26-7 in the MINK league.&nbsp; They return to Phil Welch Stadium on Friday to host Clarinda with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mustangs unable to recover after tough seventh, falling 9-2 to Clarinda

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years probation for his role in a multi car crash during the 2024 offseason.

According to a release from the Dallas County District Attorney's office, Rice pleaded guilty in district court to two third-degree felony charges,&nbsp; collision involving serious bodily injury, and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;A Dallas district court judge ruled that Rice can serve the jail time at any point during the five-year probationary period. Rice received deferred adjudication, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, so the case will be dismissed if he completes the probation.

The NFL now can expedite its disciplinary process of Rice, who is likely to receive a multigame suspension at some point during the upcoming 2025 season.&nbsp; Chiefs Insider Matt Derrick reports that the Chiefs are bracing for a suspension of two to four games, but also say that could be optimistic.

"We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review," NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told Schefter.

Rice, in a statement released Thursday by his attorney, said he is "profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property."

"Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas," Rice said in his statement. "There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole. I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart.

"Last and certainly not least, I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families."

Rice and the Chiefs report to St. Joseph for Training Camp on Sunday, ahead of the first practice on Tuesday at the Mosaic Practice Fields on the Campus of Missouri Western State University.

By MATT PIKEKansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years probation for his role in a multi car crash during the 2024 offseason.According to a release from the Dallas County District Attorney's office, Rice pleaded guilty in district court to two third-degree felony charges,&nbsp; collision involving serious bodily injury, and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;A Dallas district court judge ruled that Rice can serve the jail time at any point during the five-year probationary period. Rice received deferred adjudication, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, so the case will be dismissed if he completes the probation.The NFL now can expedite its disciplinary process of Rice, who is likely to receive a multigame suspension at some point during the upcoming 2025 season.&nbsp; Chiefs Insider Matt Derrick reports that the Chiefs are bracing for a suspension of two to four games, but also say that could be optimistic."We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review," NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told Schefter.Rice, in a statement released Thursday by his attorney, said he is "profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property.""Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas," Rice said in his statement. "There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole. I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart."Last and certainly not least, I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families."Rice and the Chiefs report to St. Joseph for Training Camp on Sunday, ahead of the first practice on Tuesday at the Mosaic Practice Fields on the Campus of Missouri Western State University.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs WR Rice sentenced to jail time, awaits league's punishment

The St. Joseph Mustangs split a doubleheader in Nevada against the Griffons, winning game one in comeback fashion behind four unanswered runs in the final two innings, winning 5-3, and falling in game two 8-6, after a big second inning by Nevada.&nbsp;

The Mustangs took the lead in the first inning as Darius Freeman hit a solo home run.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri State's Jaren Guck held that lead through his three innings on the mound before being replaced by East Buchanan alum Bronco Whitt in the fourth inning, where Nevada would tie up the game.&nbsp;

In the fourth, the Griffons scored on an RBI double by&nbsp;Bryce Humphrey, driving in&nbsp;Cole Collins.&nbsp; Trouble continued for Whitt in the fifth as Nevada took the lead, a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Griffin DuVall scoring&nbsp;Nick Kaelin, and then extended the lead as&nbsp;Xander Miller came home on an RBI single by&nbsp;Trae Burton that put the Griffons up 3-1.&nbsp;

In the sixth inning, the Mustangs backed Whitt up to at least secure him a no decision, first tying the game with one swing of the bat as Dom Felix doubled driving in Freeman and Trevor McCollum, but then Whitt was set up for the win as St. Joseph took the lead on a ground out by Lafayette alum Jayden Little, scoring Felix.&nbsp; In the final frame, Freeman extended the lead with his second home run of the game.&nbsp;

Whitt earned the win, pitching three innings and giving up three runs on five hits while striking out three.&nbsp; East Buchanan alum Gage Busby earned the save pitching the seventh, giving up two hits.&nbsp; At the plate, Freeman was 4-for-4 in the opener with two home runs, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp; Felix was 1-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

In game two, The Mustangs again took the lead in the first inning, this time scoring four runs right away.&nbsp; Freeman was responsible for getting the scoring started once again, this time with an RBI double, driving in Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall, before Freeman scored on a two run home run by Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart.&nbsp; On a wild pitch, Justin George scored the final run of the frame.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Griffons scored one run in the bottom of the first thanks to a wild pitch from Northwest Missouri State's Andrew Clark, Collins moving to third on the wild pitch, but then scoring on an error by Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith.&nbsp; Nevada blew the doors open in the second inning with a six run frame to take the lead.&nbsp; A bases loaded walk from Clark to&nbsp;Jordan Rowe scored&nbsp;Rhett Hays, and an RBI single from&nbsp;Sam Schmidt drove in&nbsp;Cal Cosens to cut the lead to one.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Griffons took the lead with a two RBI single by&nbsp;Hunter Doyle, bringing home Duvall and Rowe, another run scoring as Schmidt came in from third on an error by Freeman.&nbsp; Doyle scored the final run of the inning on a wild pitch from Clark, putting Nevada up on the Mustangs going into the third inning 7-4.

St. Joseph would cut the lead to one run in the fifth inning on RBI singles from Freeman and George, Freeman driving in Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen with Gall being thrown out at home, and George driving in Freeman.&nbsp; In the sixth, Nevada scored their final run as Doyle singled home Humphrey.&nbsp;

Clark took the loss in game two, pitching 1 2/3 innings and giving up seven runs, five earned, on three hits while striking out three and walking six. At the plate, Freeman again led the way going 2-for-4 with a double, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp; Luikart was 1-for-3 with the home run, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 32-7 on the season and 26-6 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They wrap up the road trip on Thursday in Clarinda against the Clarinda A's with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp; St. Joseph will play their final two games of the regular season at home on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs split a doubleheader in Nevada against the Griffons, winning game one in comeback fashion behind four unanswered runs in the final two innings, winning 5-3, and falling in game two 8-6, after a big second inning by Nevada.&nbsp;The Mustangs took the lead in the first inning as Darius Freeman hit a solo home run.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri State's Jaren Guck held that lead through his three innings on the mound before being replaced by East Buchanan alum Bronco Whitt in the fourth inning, where Nevada would tie up the game.&nbsp;In the fourth, the Griffons scored on an RBI double by&nbsp;Bryce Humphrey, driving in&nbsp;Cole Collins.&nbsp; Trouble continued for Whitt in the fifth as Nevada took the lead, a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Griffin DuVall scoring&nbsp;Nick Kaelin, and then extended the lead as&nbsp;Xander Miller came home on an RBI single by&nbsp;Trae Burton that put the Griffons up 3-1.&nbsp;In the sixth inning, the Mustangs backed Whitt up to at least secure him a no decision, first tying the game with one swing of the bat as Dom Felix doubled driving in Freeman and Trevor McCollum, but then Whitt was set up for the win as St. Joseph took the lead on a ground out by Lafayette alum Jayden Little, scoring Felix.&nbsp; In the final frame, Freeman extended the lead with his second home run of the game.&nbsp;Whitt earned the win, pitching three innings and giving up three runs on five hits while striking out three.&nbsp; East Buchanan alum Gage Busby earned the save pitching the seventh, giving up two hits.&nbsp; At the plate, Freeman was 4-for-4 in the opener with two home runs, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp; Felix was 1-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.In game two, The Mustangs again took the lead in the first inning, this time scoring four runs right away.&nbsp; Freeman was responsible for getting the scoring started once again, this time with an RBI double, driving in Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall, before Freeman scored on a two run home run by Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart.&nbsp; On a wild pitch, Justin George scored the final run of the frame.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Griffons scored one run in the bottom of the first thanks to a wild pitch from Northwest Missouri State's Andrew Clark, Collins moving to third on the wild pitch, but then scoring on an error by Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith.&nbsp; Nevada blew the doors open in the second inning with a six run frame to take the lead.&nbsp; A bases loaded walk from Clark to&nbsp;Jordan Rowe scored&nbsp;Rhett Hays, and an RBI single from&nbsp;Sam Schmidt drove in&nbsp;Cal Cosens to cut the lead to one.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Griffons took the lead with a two RBI single by&nbsp;Hunter Doyle, bringing home Duvall and Rowe, another run scoring as Schmidt came in from third on an error by Freeman.&nbsp; Doyle scored the final run of the inning on a wild pitch from Clark, putting Nevada up on the Mustangs going into the third inning 7-4.St. Joseph would cut the lead to one run in the fifth inning on RBI singles from Freeman and George, Freeman driving in Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen with Gall being thrown out at home, and George driving in Freeman.&nbsp; In the sixth, Nevada scored their final run as Doyle singled home Humphrey.&nbsp;Clark took the loss in game two, pitching 1 2/3 innings and giving up seven runs, five earned, on three hits while striking out three and walking six. At the plate, Freeman again led the way going 2-for-4 with a double, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp; Luikart was 1-for-3 with the home run, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 32-7 on the season and 26-6 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They wrap up the road trip on Thursday in Clarinda against the Clarinda A's with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp; St. Joseph will play their final two games of the regular season at home on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mustangs take game one, fall in game two splitting doubleheader with Nevada

Trying to add some veteran presence to their bench, the Kansas City Royals traded for a player who did just that for them last season, acquiring Adam Frazier from the Pittsburg Pirates for Cam Devanney ahead of the second half of the season.&nbsp;

While Frazier is certainly not the impactful offense upgrade the Royals will seek as the July 31 Trade Deadline nears, the club has long thought its bench needed a veteran presence to give what the industry likes to call a “professional at-bat”, working the pitch count, working a walk, poking a single the other way, moving runners over or getting them in from third, etc., coming in late in games when needed.

Also notable is that the Royals loved Frazier last year, when he logged just 294 plate appearances and hit .202 for the postseason team but provided invaluable leadership with the hitting group. Several people in and around the organization, including players, had mentioned earlier this year that the clubhouse was missing personalities like Frazier as the team endures its ups and downs during a 162-game season.

Frazier has declined quite a bit from his peak years with the Pirates, but this year he is slashing&nbsp; .255/.318/.336 this year in 262 plate appearances.&nbsp;Plus, he’s hitting .310 with runners on base this season, including batting .289 with runners in scoring position, an area that the Royals have struggled in this year with a .229 team average and a .627 OPS in scoring situations. &nbsp;He can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield.&nbsp;

The Royals had added Devanney to the 40-man roster last week when Mark Canha hit the injured list with a left elbow injury. Devanney hit 18 home runs with a .931 OPS with Triple-A Omaha this year, but he had yet to get in a Major League game. With his primary position being shortstop, he was blocked on the depth chart by Bobby Witt Jr., but Devanney has started to get reps around the field to increase his versatility.

-MLB.com's Anne Rogers contributed to this story

By MATT PIKETrying to add some veteran presence to their bench, the Kansas City Royals traded for a player who did just that for them last season, acquiring Adam Frazier from the Pittsburg Pirates for Cam Devanney ahead of the second half of the season.&nbsp;While Frazier is certainly not the impactful offense upgrade the Royals will seek as the July 31 Trade Deadline nears, the club has long thought its bench needed a veteran presence to give what the industry likes to call a “professional at-bat”, working the pitch count, working a walk, poking a single the other way, moving runners over or getting them in from third, etc., coming in late in games when needed.Also notable is that the Royals loved Frazier last year, when he logged just 294 plate appearances and hit .202 for the postseason team but provided invaluable leadership with the hitting group. Several people in and around the organization, including players, had mentioned earlier this year that the clubhouse was missing personalities like Frazier as the team endures its ups and downs during a 162-game season.Frazier has declined quite a bit from his peak years with the Pirates, but this year he is slashing&nbsp; .255/.318/.336 this year in 262 plate appearances.&nbsp;Plus, he’s hitting .310 with runners on base this season, including batting .289 with runners in scoring position, an area that the Royals have struggled in this year with a .229 team average and a .627 OPS in scoring situations. &nbsp;He can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield.&nbsp;The Royals had added Devanney to the 40-man roster last week when Mark Canha hit the injured list with a left elbow injury. Devanney hit 18 home runs with a .931 OPS with Triple-A Omaha this year, but he had yet to get in a Major League game. With his primary position being shortstop, he was blocked on the depth chart by Bobby Witt Jr., but Devanney has started to get reps around the field to increase his versatility.-MLB.com's Anne Rogers contributed to this storyYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals bring back familiar face trading for Adam Frazier 

After an off day on Monday, the St. Joseph Mustangs were back in action Tuesday on the road in Sedalia in the final week of the MINK league regular season, beating the Bombers 5-1 on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

The Mustangs gave starting pitcher Cade Perkins the lead in the second inning of the game as Easton Phillipe scored an unearned run as Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen reached first on an error by second baseman Ryan Retone.&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall extended the lead with an RBI single, driving in Lafayette alum Jayden Little to give St. Joseph a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

Sedalia cut the lead to one run in the third inning,&nbsp;Will Muench scoring after&nbsp;Caden Paxton reached on an error by Benton alum Chris Coy.&nbsp; In the fourth inning though, the Mustangs scored two more runs as Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Bodenhausen, before Gall also scored on a sacrifice fly by Dom Felix to put St. Joseph up 4-1 at the end of four innings.&nbsp;

The Mustangs held that 4-1 lead until the sixth inning when they scored their final run of the game on a wild pitch, Bodenhausen scoring the run on the pitch from Dante Johnson.

Perkins earned the win throwing six innings and giving up one run on four hits while striking out five and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Gall was 2-for-5 with a stolen base and an RBI.&nbsp; Luikart was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and an RBI, while Bodenhausen was 0-for-2 with two walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 31-6 on the season and 25-5 in the MINK league.&nbsp; They travel to Nevada on Wednesday for a doubleheader, one game being a makeup game that was originally scheduled for June 29th.&nbsp; First pitch from Nevada is at 5pm, with game two at 7pm.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEAfter an off day on Monday, the St. Joseph Mustangs were back in action Tuesday on the road in Sedalia in the final week of the MINK league regular season, beating the Bombers 5-1 on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;The Mustangs gave starting pitcher Cade Perkins the lead in the second inning of the game as Easton Phillipe scored an unearned run as Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen reached first on an error by second baseman Ryan Retone.&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall extended the lead with an RBI single, driving in Lafayette alum Jayden Little to give St. Joseph a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;Sedalia cut the lead to one run in the third inning,&nbsp;Will Muench scoring after&nbsp;Caden Paxton reached on an error by Benton alum Chris Coy.&nbsp; In the fourth inning though, the Mustangs scored two more runs as Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Bodenhausen, before Gall also scored on a sacrifice fly by Dom Felix to put St. Joseph up 4-1 at the end of four innings.&nbsp;The Mustangs held that 4-1 lead until the sixth inning when they scored their final run of the game on a wild pitch, Bodenhausen scoring the run on the pitch from Dante Johnson.Perkins earned the win throwing six innings and giving up one run on four hits while striking out five and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Gall was 2-for-5 with a stolen base and an RBI.&nbsp; Luikart was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and an RBI, while Bodenhausen was 0-for-2 with two walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 31-6 on the season and 25-5 in the MINK league.&nbsp; They travel to Nevada on Wednesday for a doubleheader, one game being a makeup game that was originally scheduled for June 29th.&nbsp; First pitch from Nevada is at 5pm, with game two at 7pm.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mustangs roll through Sedalia with 5-1 win in final week of regular season

With a deadline of 3pm today so he would not have to play on the franchise tag, the Kansas City Chiefs and guard Trey Smith came to terms on a contract extension that will keep the offensive lineman in Kansas City well into the future.&nbsp;

The Chiefs and&nbsp;Smith reached agreement on a four-year, $94 million contract extension, a record-setting deal that makes him the highest-paid interior lineman in league history, sources told ESPN today.&nbsp;&nbsp;Smith's deal includes $70 million guaranteed, the most guaranteed money ever awarded to an NFL guard.

The Chiefs announced their contract agreement with Smith but did not disclose terms.

Smith entered Tuesday as the lone NFL player who was still on the franchise tag, a move the Chiefs made on February 28th to prevent him from reaching free agency. General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid made the decision, which restricted Smith to a one-year deal worth $23.4 million, so the team could continue to negotiate with him in hopes of signing him to a new contract before the deadline for franchised players to agree to long-term contracts.

Retaining Smith completed the Chiefs' latest revamp of their offensive line, the team's biggest mission this offseason to better support quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Within minutes of the deal's agreement, Mahomes used his X account to post a beaming face with smiling eyes emoji in reaction to Smith's extension.

Smith entered the league in 2021 to help the Chiefs overhaul their offensive line for the first time in the Mahomes era. Although Smith was a second-team All-American in his final season at Tennessee, he was selected in the sixth round because teams were concerned about his medical history. He was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs in February 2018. The issue reappeared eight months later, too. But since joining the Chiefs, Smith has been one of their most dependable players.

Smith, who is known for his athleticism and tenacity, has started 80 of 81 games, including the Chiefs' past four postseason runs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752611684086.jpeg" alt="Ahead of the deadline to keep him from playing under the franchise tag this season, the Kansas City Chiefs extended the contract of offensive lineman Trey Smith/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ahead of the deadline to keep him from playing under the franchise tag this season, the Kansas City Chiefs extended the contract of offensive lineman Trey Smith/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEWith a deadline of 3pm today so he would not have to play on the franchise tag, the Kansas City Chiefs and guard Trey Smith came to terms on a contract extension that will keep the offensive lineman in Kansas City well into the future.&nbsp;The Chiefs and&nbsp;Smith reached agreement on a four-year, $94 million contract extension, a record-setting deal that makes him the highest-paid interior lineman in league history, sources told ESPN today.&nbsp;&nbsp;Smith's deal includes $70 million guaranteed, the most guaranteed money ever awarded to an NFL guard.The Chiefs announced their contract agreement with Smith but did not disclose terms.Smith entered Tuesday as the lone NFL player who was still on the franchise tag, a move the Chiefs made on February 28th to prevent him from reaching free agency. General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid made the decision, which restricted Smith to a one-year deal worth $23.4 million, so the team could continue to negotiate with him in hopes of signing him to a new contract before the deadline for franchised players to agree to long-term contracts.Retaining Smith completed the Chiefs' latest revamp of their offensive line, the team's biggest mission this offseason to better support quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Within minutes of the deal's agreement, Mahomes used his X account to post a beaming face with smiling eyes emoji in reaction to Smith's extension.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">😁&mdash; Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1945181267021963424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Smith entered the league in 2021 to help the Chiefs overhaul their offensive line for the first time in the Mahomes era. Although Smith was a second-team All-American in his final season at Tennessee, he was selected in the sixth round because teams were concerned about his medical history. He was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs in February 2018. The issue reappeared eight months later, too. But since joining the Chiefs, Smith has been one of their most dependable players.Smith, who is known for his athleticism and tenacity, has started 80 of 81 games, including the Chiefs' past four postseason runs.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs extend G Trey Smith ahead of Training Camp in St. Joseph

The St. Joseph Mustangs had their eight game winning streak snapped, falling in game one of a doubleheader with the Jefferson City Renegades 4-2, but bouncing back to win game two 12-6.&nbsp;

In the opener to the day of the two seven inning games, the Renegades got to Mustangs starter Aron Harrington, scoring two runs in the first inning as&nbsp;P.J. Green doubled in both runs, driving in&nbsp;Jack Dunn and Braydn O'Neal.&nbsp; Jefferson City extended the lead adding one run in the second on a home run by&nbsp;Will Bachman, and scored their final run in the third inning with an RBI single by&nbsp;Maddox Meier scoring&nbsp;Alex DiGicianto.

Trailing 4-0 entering the fourth the Mustangs scored both their runs, the first coming thanks to a sacrifice fly by Justin George, driving in Trevor McCollum and moving Darius Freeman to third, before Luke Bies singled to score Freeman.&nbsp;

Harrington took the loss pitching 4 1/3 innings and giving up all four runs on five hits, striking out six and walking four.&nbsp; East Buchanan alum Gage Busby pitched 2/3 of an inning giving up a hit, a walk, and striking out one, while Benton alum Chris Coy pitched one inning surrendering a hit with one strikeout.&nbsp; At the plate in game one, Freeman was 2-for-2 with a double, a walk. and a run scored.&nbsp; Easton Phillipe was 2-for-3 with a double.&nbsp;

Things fared much better for the Mustangs in game two, though they did have to come from behind again.&nbsp; But not before they took the lead in the top of the first inning as Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith singled home Freeman for the opening score. In the bottom half of the inning, the Renegades took the lead, first tying the game as&nbsp;O'Neal scored when&nbsp;Drew Vonder Harr.&nbsp;&nbsp;Karson Durnin doubled later in the inning to give them the lead, driving in&nbsp;DiGicianto.

The Renegades extended the lead in the second inning on an&nbsp;O'Neal that scored Green.&nbsp; The Mustangs were able to cut the lead back to one run in the third, Griffith reaching first on an error allowing Jack Mosh to score unearned, but in the bottom half Jefferson City got the run back as&nbsp;Tyler Towe doubled this time, driving in Durnin for the 4-2 lead.&nbsp;

After a scoreless fourth, the Mustangs snatched the lead back with a five run fifth inning, cutting the lead back to one again thanks to Griffith with an RBI single, scoring Mosh, and then tying the game on a single by Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall that brought home Griffith.&nbsp; St. Joseph took the lead thanks to a bases loaded walk to Lafayette alum Jayden Little that scored Phillipe. and extended the lead with a two RBI single by Bies, driving in Coy and Gall for the 7-4 lead.&nbsp;

In the sixth inning, the Mustangs added three more runs, two coming on a single by Coy, scoring Griffith and Mosh, before Coy scored on an RBI single by Little.&nbsp; The Renegades added their final two runs in the bottom half of the inning, the first scoring on an error as&nbsp;Conner Flieg came home, and the final run coming with a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;DiGicianto, driving in Green to trim the lead to 10-6.&nbsp;

In the seventh, St. Joseph scored the final two runs again thanks to a bases loaded walk with Mosh scoring, and Coy reaching on a fielders choice and bringing home Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart.&nbsp;

Landon Reith earned the win in game two pitching five innings and giving up four runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, Gall was 3-for-5 with an RBI.&nbsp; Griffith was 2-for-3 with two walks and two RBIs while Coy was 1-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 30-6 on the season and 24-5 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They are off on Monday and are back in action on Tuesday continuing their road trip, taking on the Sedalia Bombers.

By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs had their eight game winning streak snapped, falling in game one of a doubleheader with the Jefferson City Renegades 4-2, but bouncing back to win game two 12-6.&nbsp;In the opener to the day of the two seven inning games, the Renegades got to Mustangs starter Aron Harrington, scoring two runs in the first inning as&nbsp;P.J. Green doubled in both runs, driving in&nbsp;Jack Dunn and Braydn O'Neal.&nbsp; Jefferson City extended the lead adding one run in the second on a home run by&nbsp;Will Bachman, and scored their final run in the third inning with an RBI single by&nbsp;Maddox Meier scoring&nbsp;Alex DiGicianto.Trailing 4-0 entering the fourth the Mustangs scored both their runs, the first coming thanks to a sacrifice fly by Justin George, driving in Trevor McCollum and moving Darius Freeman to third, before Luke Bies singled to score Freeman.&nbsp;Harrington took the loss pitching 4 1/3 innings and giving up all four runs on five hits, striking out six and walking four.&nbsp; East Buchanan alum Gage Busby pitched 2/3 of an inning giving up a hit, a walk, and striking out one, while Benton alum Chris Coy pitched one inning surrendering a hit with one strikeout.&nbsp; At the plate in game one, Freeman was 2-for-2 with a double, a walk. and a run scored.&nbsp; Easton Phillipe was 2-for-3 with a double.&nbsp;Things fared much better for the Mustangs in game two, though they did have to come from behind again.&nbsp; But not before they took the lead in the top of the first inning as Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith singled home Freeman for the opening score. In the bottom half of the inning, the Renegades took the lead, first tying the game as&nbsp;O'Neal scored when&nbsp;Drew Vonder Harr.&nbsp;&nbsp;Karson Durnin doubled later in the inning to give them the lead, driving in&nbsp;DiGicianto.The Renegades extended the lead in the second inning on an&nbsp;O'Neal that scored Green.&nbsp; The Mustangs were able to cut the lead back to one run in the third, Griffith reaching first on an error allowing Jack Mosh to score unearned, but in the bottom half Jefferson City got the run back as&nbsp;Tyler Towe doubled this time, driving in Durnin for the 4-2 lead.&nbsp;After a scoreless fourth, the Mustangs snatched the lead back with a five run fifth inning, cutting the lead back to one again thanks to Griffith with an RBI single, scoring Mosh, and then tying the game on a single by Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall that brought home Griffith.&nbsp; St. Joseph took the lead thanks to a bases loaded walk to Lafayette alum Jayden Little that scored Phillipe. and extended the lead with a two RBI single by Bies, driving in Coy and Gall for the 7-4 lead.&nbsp;In the sixth inning, the Mustangs added three more runs, two coming on a single by Coy, scoring Griffith and Mosh, before Coy scored on an RBI single by Little.&nbsp; The Renegades added their final two runs in the bottom half of the inning, the first scoring on an error as&nbsp;Conner Flieg came home, and the final run coming with a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;DiGicianto, driving in Green to trim the lead to 10-6.&nbsp;In the seventh, St. Joseph scored the final two runs again thanks to a bases loaded walk with Mosh scoring, and Coy reaching on a fielders choice and bringing home Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart.&nbsp;Landon Reith earned the win in game two pitching five innings and giving up four runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, Gall was 3-for-5 with an RBI.&nbsp; Griffith was 2-for-3 with two walks and two RBIs while Coy was 1-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 30-6 on the season and 24-5 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They are off on Monday and are back in action on Tuesday continuing their road trip, taking on the Sedalia Bombers.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mustangs split doubleheader with Jefferson City on road

The St. Louis Cardinals avoided being swept by the Atlanta Braves winning 5-4 at Busch Stadium on Sunday afternoon, and entered the All Star Break at 51-46 record within shouting distance of a Wild Card spot.

The game was a long one, with&nbsp;two rain delays that totaled 4 hours, 2 minutes.

The Cardinals took the lead in the bottom of the second inning.&nbsp; Masyn Winn led the inning off with a walk, and stole second base, before scoring on a single by Victor Scott II.&nbsp; The Braves though tied it up the next inning, scoring in the third inning, three straight singles by Nick Allen, Jurickson Profar, and Matt Olson, with Olson's hit driving in Allen for the tying run.&nbsp;

The game went into it's first delay in the bottom of the third, once it resumed Atlanta took the lead in the fifth inning, scoring two runs again thanks to a Olson, another single driving in Michael Harris II and Profar, just before the game again went into a rain delay.&nbsp; After waiting through the delay, St. Louis stormed back to tie the game again.&nbsp;

Scott II walked to lead off the top of the bottom half of the fifth inning, and with two outs, Alec Burleson singled before Willson Contreras hit the game tying double, dropping it between two defenders, driving in both runners.&nbsp; With the go ahead run in scoring position though, Thomas Sagesse lined out to right field to end the inning.&nbsp;

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Cardinals took the lead back for the first time since the second inning, as José Fermín hit his first career home run, a two run shot to left field that scored Masyn Winn who led off the inning with a single.&nbsp; Atlanta scored their final run in the next inning, Harris II scoring on a fielding error after leading off the inning with a double.&nbsp;

Gordon Graceffo earned the win in relief, improving to 3-0 on the season, pitching 1 2/3 innings and giving up one run on one hit while striking out three.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley earned his 19th save pitching one inning and giving up one hit, walking one, and striking out one. At the plate, Burleson was 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

St. Louis is now off until Friday for the All Star Break.&nbsp; They are back in action on Friday in Arizona against the Diamondbacks.

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals avoided being swept by the Atlanta Braves winning 5-4 at Busch Stadium on Sunday afternoon, and entered the All Star Break at 51-46 record within shouting distance of a Wild Card spot.The game was a long one, with&nbsp;two rain delays that totaled 4 hours, 2 minutes.The Cardinals took the lead in the bottom of the second inning.&nbsp; Masyn Winn led the inning off with a walk, and stole second base, before scoring on a single by Victor Scott II.&nbsp; The Braves though tied it up the next inning, scoring in the third inning, three straight singles by Nick Allen, Jurickson Profar, and Matt Olson, with Olson's hit driving in Allen for the tying run.&nbsp;The game went into it's first delay in the bottom of the third, once it resumed Atlanta took the lead in the fifth inning, scoring two runs again thanks to a Olson, another single driving in Michael Harris II and Profar, just before the game again went into a rain delay.&nbsp; After waiting through the delay, St. Louis stormed back to tie the game again.&nbsp;Scott II walked to lead off the top of the bottom half of the fifth inning, and with two outs, Alec Burleson singled before Willson Contreras hit the game tying double, dropping it between two defenders, driving in both runners.&nbsp; With the go ahead run in scoring position though, Thomas Sagesse lined out to right field to end the inning.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mmmmm drop! <a href="https://t.co/F9N6EmzBo9">pic.twitter.com/F9N6EmzBo9</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1944543729139761652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Cardinals took the lead back for the first time since the second inning, as José Fermín hit his first career home run, a two run shot to left field that scored Masyn Winn who led off the inning with a single.&nbsp; Atlanta scored their final run in the next inning, Harris II scoring on a fielding error after leading off the inning with a double.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First career big league home run for José Fermín! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/sv1KhTe4x7">pic.twitter.com/sv1KhTe4x7</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1944546952290410938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Gordon Graceffo earned the win in relief, improving to 3-0 on the season, pitching 1 2/3 innings and giving up one run on one hit while striking out three.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley earned his 19th save pitching one inning and giving up one hit, walking one, and striking out one. At the plate, Burleson was 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.St. Louis is now off until Friday for the All Star Break.&nbsp; They are back in action on Friday in Arizona against the Diamondbacks.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals slow Braves momentum heading into All Star Break

Behind yet another strong performance from St. Joseph's Noah Cameron and a walk off hit by Nick Loftin, the Kansas City Royals avoided being swept by the New York Mets winning 3-2 as both teams head into the All Star break.&nbsp;

The Royals put up two runs in the second inning to back Cameron's strong performance after he shut down the Mets through two innings.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia doubled to lead off the inning and Salvador Perez was hit by a pitch before both runners advanced on a groundout by Jac Caglianone.&nbsp; With one out, John Rave laced a double down the right field line to drive in both Garcia and Perez to give Kansas City the lead.&nbsp;

Cameron stayed in command keeping the Mets off the scoreboard until he was pulled from the mound with two outs in the seventh inning after giving up a single to&nbsp;Luisangel Acuña, and was replaced by John Schreiber who forced Francisco Lindor to groundout.&nbsp; Lucas Erceg continued to mow down New York in the eighth, before the Royals brought on All Star closer&nbsp; Carlos Estévez in the ninth.&nbsp;

Which unfortunately for Cameron, was when the wheels fell off earning the Central alum a no decision, as&nbsp;Estévez gave up a double to&nbsp;Ronny Mauricio and then surrendered a triple to pinch hitter Jeff McNeil.&nbsp; After Brett Baty grounded out, McNeil scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Jared Young.&nbsp;&nbsp;Estévez got out of the inning though and set up the Royals for their second walk off victory of the homestand.&nbsp;

Perez struck out to open the inning, but Tyler Tolbert who had replaced Caglianone defensively singled, and then stole second base, before Loftin hit a single into left field to drive the speedy outfielder in for his second walk off hit of the homestand.&nbsp;

Estévez earned the win, despite the blown save, giving up two hits and two runs in one inning.&nbsp; Cameron pitched 6 2/3 innings giving up seven hits and walking two, matching his career high in strikeouts with eight.&nbsp; It was Cameron's seventh quality start in 12 MLB starts,&nbsp; only one Royal in history had more qualty through 12 G, and that was José Rosado with eight in 1996.&nbsp;

At the plate, Jonathan India was 2-for-4.&nbsp; Rave was 1-for-2 with a double and the two RBIs, while Loftin was 1-for-2 with an RBI.

With the All Star Break, the Royals are now off until Friday when they travel to take on the Miami Marlins.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEBehind yet another strong performance from St. Joseph's Noah Cameron and a walk off hit by Nick Loftin, the Kansas City Royals avoided being swept by the New York Mets winning 3-2 as both teams head into the All Star break.&nbsp;The Royals put up two runs in the second inning to back Cameron's strong performance after he shut down the Mets through two innings.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia doubled to lead off the inning and Salvador Perez was hit by a pitch before both runners advanced on a groundout by Jac Caglianone.&nbsp; With one out, John Rave laced a double down the right field line to drive in both Garcia and Perez to give Kansas City the lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">John plates a pair! <a href="https://t.co/5Ob3GyEVrS">pic.twitter.com/5Ob3GyEVrS</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1944478219928830314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Cameron stayed in command keeping the Mets off the scoreboard until he was pulled from the mound with two outs in the seventh inning after giving up a single to&nbsp;Luisangel Acuña, and was replaced by John Schreiber who forced Francisco Lindor to groundout.&nbsp; Lucas Erceg continued to mow down New York in the eighth, before the Royals brought on All Star closer&nbsp; Carlos Estévez in the ninth.&nbsp;Which unfortunately for Cameron, was when the wheels fell off earning the Central alum a no decision, as&nbsp;Estévez gave up a double to&nbsp;Ronny Mauricio and then surrendered a triple to pinch hitter Jeff McNeil.&nbsp; After Brett Baty grounded out, McNeil scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Jared Young.&nbsp;&nbsp;Estévez got out of the inning though and set up the Royals for their second walk off victory of the homestand.&nbsp;Perez struck out to open the inning, but Tyler Tolbert who had replaced Caglianone defensively singled, and then stole second base, before Loftin hit a single into left field to drive the speedy outfielder in for his second walk off hit of the homestand.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For the second time this homestand!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HEYHEYHEYHEY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HEYHEYHEYHEY</a> <a href="https://t.co/NSIPcED4Nk">pic.twitter.com/NSIPcED4Nk</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1944509787833598328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Estévez earned the win, despite the blown save, giving up two hits and two runs in one inning.&nbsp; Cameron pitched 6 2/3 innings giving up seven hits and walking two, matching his career high in strikeouts with eight.&nbsp; It was Cameron's seventh quality start in 12 MLB starts,&nbsp; only one Royal in history had more qualty through 12 G, and that was José Rosado with eight in 1996.&nbsp;At the plate, Jonathan India was 2-for-4.&nbsp; Rave was 1-for-2 with a double and the two RBIs, while Loftin was 1-for-2 with an RBI.With the All Star Break, the Royals are now off until Friday when they travel to take on the Miami Marlins.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals avoid series sweep with 3-2 win going into All Star break

The St. Joseph Mustangs matched their second longest winning streak of the season, beating the Nevada Griffons for a second day in a row 8-2 at Phil Welch Stadium to end a three game homestand, pushing their win streak to eight games.&nbsp;

Nevada opened the scoring in the first inning&nbsp;Bryce Humphrey grounding out to shortstop and Benton alum Chris Coy, driving in&nbsp;Trae Burton, but from there starting pitcher Ian Dittmer would settle in, not allowing another run before being replaced to start the fifth inning.&nbsp;

While Dittmer left with a no decision, he did leave with the lead after the Mustangs scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take the lead.&nbsp; Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart singled to open the inning and advanced to second on a throwing error, but the bases ended up loaded after Dom Felix and Justin George were both hit by pitches.&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall brough home the tying run on a fielders choice, George getting thrown out at second, and Luikart scoring.&nbsp;

The bases were reloaded as Coy was hit by a pitch, the third hit batter of the inning, and a run would score on yet another hit batter with Lafayette alum Jayden Little getting hit by a pitch to give the Mustangs the lead as Felix came home.&nbsp; The bases still loaded, Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith singled to drive in two more runs and extend the lead, scoring Coy and Gall, and moving Little to second.&nbsp; A double steal and a walk to Tyler Gundelfinger loaded the bases again, and Central alum Logan Miller reached on a fielders choice to drive in Little to give St. Joseph a 5-1 lead.&nbsp;

The Griffons scored their final run in the fifth inning as East Buchanan alum Bronco Whitt took the mound and loaded the bases hitting three consecutive batters before with out Nick Kaelin reached on a fielders choice, driving in Burton who scored on an error by the first baseman Little.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Mustangs added one run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Miller, driving in Little, and scored their final two runs in the seventh inning with a two RBI single by Gall, bringing home George and Felix, Felix having singled to open the inning and George being walked.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was a rough day command wise for both Mustangs and Griffons pitchers.&nbsp; Combined pitchers hit 15 batters.&nbsp; Griffons starter Lucas Snyder hit seven batters.&nbsp; Both Dittmer and Whitt for the Mustangs hit three batters.

Whitt earned the win pitching three innings and giving up no hits and one unearned run while striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, there wasn't much hitting as the Mustangs had just five hits and the Griffons had three.&nbsp; Gall was 1-for-5 with a stolen base and three RBI's.&nbsp; Griffith was 1-for-1 with a walk, a stolen base, and two RBIs

The Mustangs are now 29-5 and 23-4 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They travel next for a four game road trip, starting on Sunday in the capitol city taking on the Jefferson City Renegades in a doubleheader.&nbsp; The first game will begin at 4pm with game two starting at 7pm.&nbsp; Both games will be seven innings.

By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs matched their second longest winning streak of the season, beating the Nevada Griffons for a second day in a row 8-2 at Phil Welch Stadium to end a three game homestand, pushing their win streak to eight games.&nbsp;Nevada opened the scoring in the first inning&nbsp;Bryce Humphrey grounding out to shortstop and Benton alum Chris Coy, driving in&nbsp;Trae Burton, but from there starting pitcher Ian Dittmer would settle in, not allowing another run before being replaced to start the fifth inning.&nbsp;While Dittmer left with a no decision, he did leave with the lead after the Mustangs scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take the lead.&nbsp; Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart singled to open the inning and advanced to second on a throwing error, but the bases ended up loaded after Dom Felix and Justin George were both hit by pitches.&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall brough home the tying run on a fielders choice, George getting thrown out at second, and Luikart scoring.&nbsp;The bases were reloaded as Coy was hit by a pitch, the third hit batter of the inning, and a run would score on yet another hit batter with Lafayette alum Jayden Little getting hit by a pitch to give the Mustangs the lead as Felix came home.&nbsp; The bases still loaded, Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith singled to drive in two more runs and extend the lead, scoring Coy and Gall, and moving Little to second.&nbsp; A double steal and a walk to Tyler Gundelfinger loaded the bases again, and Central alum Logan Miller reached on a fielders choice to drive in Little to give St. Joseph a 5-1 lead.&nbsp;The Griffons scored their final run in the fifth inning as East Buchanan alum Bronco Whitt took the mound and loaded the bases hitting three consecutive batters before with out Nick Kaelin reached on a fielders choice, driving in Burton who scored on an error by the first baseman Little.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Mustangs added one run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Miller, driving in Little, and scored their final two runs in the seventh inning with a two RBI single by Gall, bringing home George and Felix, Felix having singled to open the inning and George being walked.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was a rough day command wise for both Mustangs and Griffons pitchers.&nbsp; Combined pitchers hit 15 batters.&nbsp; Griffons starter Lucas Snyder hit seven batters.&nbsp; Both Dittmer and Whitt for the Mustangs hit three batters.Whitt earned the win pitching three innings and giving up no hits and one unearned run while striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, there wasn't much hitting as the Mustangs had just five hits and the Griffons had three.&nbsp; Gall was 1-for-5 with a stolen base and three RBI's.&nbsp; Griffith was 1-for-1 with a walk, a stolen base, and two RBIsThe Mustangs are now 29-5 and 23-4 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They travel next for a four game road trip, starting on Sunday in the capitol city taking on the Jefferson City Renegades in a doubleheader.&nbsp; The first game will begin at 4pm with game two starting at 7pm.&nbsp; Both games will be seven innings.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Magic number eight, Mustangs keep winning beating Nevada 8-2

The St. Louis Cardinals tied up the game the game late with the Braves after blowing a lead in the eighth inning, but a ninth inning run off closer Ryan Helsley was all Atlanta needed to beat St. Louis 7-6 on Saturday afternoon at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;

For the first time in his career batting in the three hole in the lineup,&nbsp;Ronald Acuña Jr. gave the Braves the lead in the first inning with a solo home run into the Atlanta bullpen.&nbsp; Two more runs scored in the second inning, the first again coming on a home run as former Cardinal Marcell Ozuna led off the inning with a blast to left center field.&nbsp; After Ozzie Albies singled, he advanced to third base on a single by&nbsp;Nacho Alvarez Jr., and then scored on a groundout&nbsp; by Michael Harris II.&nbsp;

Trailing by three runs, the Cardinals tied up the game in the bottom half of the second with three runs of their own.&nbsp; Yohel Pozo doubled to lead off the inning and moved to third base as Lars Nootbaar grounded out all before finally scoring on a single by&nbsp;Thomas Saggese.&nbsp; With Saggese on first base, Nolan Gorman evened the score with a two run home run to right center, his ninth home run of the year, to make it 3-3.&nbsp;

The Cardinals took the lead in the sixth inning thanks to another home run, this time a solo shot by Pozo to left center field with two outs.&nbsp; In the seventh the Redbirds extended the lead as All Star Brendan Donovan singled to drive in Gorman, who had singled earlier in the inning with one out after Saggese struck out to open the frame.&nbsp;

In the eighth inning, reliever Phil Maton blew the Cardinals lead, giving up another home run to the Braves, a three run home run to Sean Murphy, driving in Jurickson Profar who doubled to lead off the inning and&nbsp;Acuña Jr. who walked.&nbsp; St. Louis saved Maton though, tying up the game in the bottom half of the inning thanks to a wild pitch with the bases loaded, scoring Garrett Hampson who pinch ran for Alec Burleson after his one out walk.&nbsp;

Even with the game tied, St. Louis turned to closer Ryan Helsley to hold the tie in the ninth inning.&nbsp; But Alvarez Jr led off the inning with a single, and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Harris II, before advancing to third base with a single by Drake Baldwin, eventually scoring as Profar grounded out to give Atlants the 7-6 lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;Raisel Iglesias came on in the bottom of the ninth for the Braves and retired the Cardinals 1-2-3 for his 11th save of the season.&nbsp;

Helsley fell to 3-1 on the season taking the loss giving up two hits and one run in his one inning of relief.&nbsp; At the plate, Gorman was 2-for-5 with the home run and two RBIs.&nbsp; Pozo was also 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and one RBI, while Donovan was 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Atlanta wrap up their series and the first half of the season tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (9-3, 3.51 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals while the Braves starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15, coverage will be joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals tied up the game the game late with the Braves after blowing a lead in the eighth inning, but a ninth inning run off closer Ryan Helsley was all Atlanta needed to beat St. Louis 7-6 on Saturday afternoon at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;For the first time in his career batting in the three hole in the lineup,&nbsp;Ronald Acuña Jr. gave the Braves the lead in the first inning with a solo home run into the Atlanta bullpen.&nbsp; Two more runs scored in the second inning, the first again coming on a home run as former Cardinal Marcell Ozuna led off the inning with a blast to left center field.&nbsp; After Ozzie Albies singled, he advanced to third base on a single by&nbsp;Nacho Alvarez Jr., and then scored on a groundout&nbsp; by Michael Harris II.&nbsp;Trailing by three runs, the Cardinals tied up the game in the bottom half of the second with three runs of their own.&nbsp; Yohel Pozo doubled to lead off the inning and moved to third base as Lars Nootbaar grounded out all before finally scoring on a single by&nbsp;Thomas Saggese.&nbsp; With Saggese on first base, Nolan Gorman evened the score with a two run home run to right center, his ninth home run of the year, to make it 3-3.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gorman GONE! 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/F3pWbssPYb">pic.twitter.com/F3pWbssPYb</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1944107782438900188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cardinals took the lead in the sixth inning thanks to another home run, this time a solo shot by Pozo to left center field with two outs.&nbsp; In the seventh the Redbirds extended the lead as All Star Brendan Donovan singled to drive in Gorman, who had singled earlier in the inning with one out after Saggese struck out to open the frame.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yohel Pozo Hit the Buds to give us the lead! Reply with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STLCards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STLCards</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HitTheBudsSweepstakes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HitTheBudsSweepstakes</a> for your chance to win whenever a Cardinals player hits a home run into the opposing bullpen! Official rules: <a href="https://t.co/v3V0xNP2oe">https://t.co/v3V0xNP2oe</a> <a href="https://t.co/dm2ZA3Rinm">pic.twitter.com/dm2ZA3Rinm</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1944122564399267937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donnie delivers! He&#39;s an All-Star for a reason. <a href="https://t.co/J2WXDgYN0i">pic.twitter.com/J2WXDgYN0i</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1944125708382744772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the eighth inning, reliever Phil Maton blew the Cardinals lead, giving up another home run to the Braves, a three run home run to Sean Murphy, driving in Jurickson Profar who doubled to lead off the inning and&nbsp;Acuña Jr. who walked.&nbsp; St. Louis saved Maton though, tying up the game in the bottom half of the inning thanks to a wild pitch with the bases loaded, scoring Garrett Hampson who pinch ran for Alec Burleson after his one out walk.&nbsp;Even with the game tied, St. Louis turned to closer Ryan Helsley to hold the tie in the ninth inning.&nbsp; But Alvarez Jr led off the inning with a single, and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Harris II, before advancing to third base with a single by Drake Baldwin, eventually scoring as Profar grounded out to give Atlants the 7-6 lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;Raisel Iglesias came on in the bottom of the ninth for the Braves and retired the Cardinals 1-2-3 for his 11th save of the season.&nbsp;Helsley fell to 3-1 on the season taking the loss giving up two hits and one run in his one inning of relief.&nbsp; At the plate, Gorman was 2-for-5 with the home run and two RBIs.&nbsp; Pozo was also 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and one RBI, while Donovan was 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI.&nbsp;St. Louis and Atlanta wrap up their series and the first half of the season tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (9-3, 3.51 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals while the Braves starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15, coverage will be joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Late run gives Braves hard fought win over Cardinals 

Relying on their bullpen to carry them through the game, the Kansas City Royals fell in a pitchers duel with the New York Mets, losing 3-1 at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

With Michael Lorenzen scratched from his start due to illness, Angel Zerpa started the game, and pitched just one inning before Jonathan Bowlan took the mound in the second inning for the Royals.&nbsp; Bowlan allowed just one hit, a double to Luis Torrens, through the second and third innings before the Mets found the scoreboard in the fourth.&nbsp;

Francisco Lindor singled off Bowlan to start the fourth inning, and stole second base to get into scoring position, but would not need much to score as Juan Soto smashed a ball 435 feet to right field to give New York a 2-0 lead.&nbsp; &nbsp;Bowlan recovered from the home run, getting Pete Alonso to lineout, before giving up a single to Mark Vientos, but then forced Jeff McNeil to flyout and struck Tyrone Taylor out.

John Schreiber replaced Bowlan in the fifth and pitched two scoreless hitless innings, striking out two, before he would be replaced by Steven Cruz who also added a hitless inning of relief from the bullpen.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Royals did add their one run in the sixth inning with back to back doubles by Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sam Long surrendered no hits in 2/3 of an inning, striking out two as well, but did walk one before being replaced by Lucas Erceg who finished out the eighth inning.&nbsp; In the ninth inning Erceg surrendered the final run to the Mets, giving up a double to Alonso who would score after a single by McNeil.

Bowlan took the loss, falling to 1-2 on the season, pitching three innings and giving up four hits and two runs while striking out four.&nbsp; At the plate, India was 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI as Kansas City had just four hits on the afternoon.

Kansas City and New York wrap up their series tomorrow before the All Star Break.&nbsp; Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.56 ERA) pitches the first half finale for the Royals against Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:10pm, pregame coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKERelying on their bullpen to carry them through the game, the Kansas City Royals fell in a pitchers duel with the New York Mets, losing 3-1 at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;With Michael Lorenzen scratched from his start due to illness, Angel Zerpa started the game, and pitched just one inning before Jonathan Bowlan took the mound in the second inning for the Royals.&nbsp; Bowlan allowed just one hit, a double to Luis Torrens, through the second and third innings before the Mets found the scoreboard in the fourth.&nbsp;Francisco Lindor singled off Bowlan to start the fourth inning, and stole second base to get into scoring position, but would not need much to score as Juan Soto smashed a ball 435 feet to right field to give New York a 2-0 lead.&nbsp; &nbsp;Bowlan recovered from the home run, getting Pete Alonso to lineout, before giving up a single to Mark Vientos, but then forced Jeff McNeil to flyout and struck Tyrone Taylor out.John Schreiber replaced Bowlan in the fifth and pitched two scoreless hitless innings, striking out two, before he would be replaced by Steven Cruz who also added a hitless inning of relief from the bullpen.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Royals did add their one run in the sixth inning with back to back doubles by Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sam Long surrendered no hits in 2/3 of an inning, striking out two as well, but did walk one before being replaced by Lucas Erceg who finished out the eighth inning.&nbsp; In the ninth inning Erceg surrendered the final run to the Mets, giving up a double to Alonso who would score after a single by McNeil.Bowlan took the loss, falling to 1-2 on the season, pitching three innings and giving up four hits and two runs while striking out four.&nbsp; At the plate, India was 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI as Kansas City had just four hits on the afternoon.Kansas City and New York wrap up their series tomorrow before the All Star Break.&nbsp; Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.56 ERA) pitches the first half finale for the Royals against Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:10pm, pregame coverage will begin at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals fall to Mets 3-1 as bullpen forced to carry load

The Nevada Griffons tied up the game in the top of the third inning, but the Mustangs took the lead back in the bottom half, and went on to blow the lead wide open in the eighth, beating the Griffons 10-3 on Friday night at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp;

The Mustangs took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning thanks to some errors by the Griffons.&nbsp; After Trevor McCollum was hit by a pitch and stole second base, Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart singled, but advanced to second on an error by right fielder Jordan Rowe, allowing McCollum to score.&nbsp; Justin George reached first on an error, and stole second base, before both Luikart and George scored as Jack Mosh reached first on the third error of the inning.&nbsp;

Despite the lead, the Griffons got to Mustangs starter Jaren Guck to tie the game in the third inning, also benefitting from errors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cole Collins reached first on error by Mosh, driving in&nbsp;Hunter Doyle to start the scoring.&nbsp; The lead was cut to one when Rowe reached on a fielders choice, bringing home&nbsp;Cal Cosens for the second unearned run of the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bryce Humphrey's RBI single, scoring Rowe, tied up the game in the inning.&nbsp;

But in the bottom of the third, the Mustangs wasted no time taking the lead back, Easton Phillipe hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in George who was hit by a pitch to start the inning.&nbsp; In the fifth, St. Joseph added one more to extend the lead as Benton alum Chris Coy singled home Mosh after his one out triple.&nbsp;

Then in the eighth inning, leading 5-3, the Mustangs blew the door open in the game, putting up five runs.&nbsp; After back to back singles by Lafayette alum Jayden Little and Tyler Gundelfinger, Little came home to score on a third straight single by Darius Freeman.&nbsp; A wild pitch moved both Gundelfinger and Freeman into scoring position and McCollum drove in Gundelfinger with a sacrifice fly, before Freeman scored with a single from Luikart.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With Luikart on first, the bases ended up loaded after a walk to George and Mosh getting hit by a pitch, and Coy drove in the final two runs of the game reaching first on an error, scoring Luikart and George.&nbsp; Phillipe would be walked to reload the bases, but Little struck out to end the inning.&nbsp;

Michael Infranca earned the win in relief pitching two scoreless innings giving up one hit and walking one while striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, Luikart was 2-for-5 with an RBI.&nbsp; Little was also 2-for-5 with a run while Coy was 1-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 28-5 on the season and 22-4 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They will run it back again on Saturday against the Nevada Griffons for the final game of the three game homestand.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm from Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe Nevada Griffons tied up the game in the top of the third inning, but the Mustangs took the lead back in the bottom half, and went on to blow the lead wide open in the eighth, beating the Griffons 10-3 on Friday night at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp;The Mustangs took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning thanks to some errors by the Griffons.&nbsp; After Trevor McCollum was hit by a pitch and stole second base, Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart singled, but advanced to second on an error by right fielder Jordan Rowe, allowing McCollum to score.&nbsp; Justin George reached first on an error, and stole second base, before both Luikart and George scored as Jack Mosh reached first on the third error of the inning.&nbsp;Despite the lead, the Griffons got to Mustangs starter Jaren Guck to tie the game in the third inning, also benefitting from errors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cole Collins reached first on error by Mosh, driving in&nbsp;Hunter Doyle to start the scoring.&nbsp; The lead was cut to one when Rowe reached on a fielders choice, bringing home&nbsp;Cal Cosens for the second unearned run of the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bryce Humphrey's RBI single, scoring Rowe, tied up the game in the inning.&nbsp;But in the bottom of the third, the Mustangs wasted no time taking the lead back, Easton Phillipe hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in George who was hit by a pitch to start the inning.&nbsp; In the fifth, St. Joseph added one more to extend the lead as Benton alum Chris Coy singled home Mosh after his one out triple.&nbsp;Then in the eighth inning, leading 5-3, the Mustangs blew the door open in the game, putting up five runs.&nbsp; After back to back singles by Lafayette alum Jayden Little and Tyler Gundelfinger, Little came home to score on a third straight single by Darius Freeman.&nbsp; A wild pitch moved both Gundelfinger and Freeman into scoring position and McCollum drove in Gundelfinger with a sacrifice fly, before Freeman scored with a single from Luikart.&nbsp;&nbsp;With Luikart on first, the bases ended up loaded after a walk to George and Mosh getting hit by a pitch, and Coy drove in the final two runs of the game reaching first on an error, scoring Luikart and George.&nbsp; Phillipe would be walked to reload the bases, but Little struck out to end the inning.&nbsp;Michael Infranca earned the win in relief pitching two scoreless innings giving up one hit and walking one while striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, Luikart was 2-for-5 with an RBI.&nbsp; Little was also 2-for-5 with a run while Coy was 1-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs.&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 28-5 on the season and 22-4 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They will run it back again on Saturday against the Nevada Griffons for the final game of the three game homestand.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm from Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mustangs win seventh in a row in 10-3 win over Nevada

The Kansas City Royals got a big home run from Bobby Witt Jr to take the lead in the seventh inning, but collapsed through the final two frames to fall to the New York Mets 8-3 in their series opener Friday night.&nbsp;

The game was delayed by just over an hour due to weather, the first pitch being thrown just after 8:30pm.&nbsp; The Royals had their chances to strike in the first two innings, but left runners stranded in scoring position, leaving the Mets to score the opening run in the third on a bases loaded walk to Pete Alonso, scoring Luis Torrens who singled to open the third inning.&nbsp;

New York held that lead until the sixth inning, and Royals starter Michael Wacha contained them to just that run, until Kansas City tied up the game in the frame, Salvador Perez singling and then racing all the way home from first base on a double by Nick Loftin.

In the seventh, the Royals took the lead behind Witt Jr's two run blast.&nbsp; Kyle Isbel singled to open the inning, but pinch runner Tyler Tolbert was caught stealing.&nbsp; He was replaced on the basepaths with a single by Jonathan India, just ahead of Witt Jr sending a fly ball deep to center field to give Kansas City a 3-1 lead.&nbsp;

Steven Cruz, who had gotten the Royals out of the top of the seventh inning, remained on the mound for the eighth but immediately ran into trouble, loading the bases with a single to Brandon Nimmo and back to back walks to Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.&nbsp; Manager Matt Quatraro brought on recently named All Star&nbsp;Carlos Estévez to try to escape the jam.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Estévez struck out Pete Alonso, but with a 2-2 count gave up a bases clearing double to Mark Vientos, and in turn the lead as Nimmo, Lindor, and Soto all came across home plate to put the Mets up 4-3.&nbsp; &nbsp;Another four runs scored in the ninth inning off Taylor Clarke, a three run home run by Lindor scoring Nimmo and Tyrone Taylor before Soto followed that with a solo home run of his own for the final run.&nbsp;

Cruz took the loss in relief, falling to 2-1 on the season, pitching 2/3 of an inning and giving up three runs on one hit and two walks while striking out one.&nbsp; At the plate, Witt Jr was 2-for-5 with a double as well as the home run and two RBIs.&nbsp; India was 2-for-5 while Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez were both 2-for-4.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day on Friday, it was announced the Royals will have two more All Stars in Atlanta for the Midsummer Classic as third baseman Maikel Garcia and&nbsp;Estévez were named as replacements for the American League squad.&nbsp;

Estevez, earned his call from manager Matt Quatraro on Thursday night, and Garcia, learned of his first All-Star selection ahead of the opener with the Mets, were both added as replacements to the AL roster, replacing the Rangers’ Jacob deGrom and the Rays’ Brandon Lowe.

For Garcia, it’s one of the more rewarding selections for a Kansas City club that signed him as a 16-year-old out of Venezuela. Cousin to both Royals playoff hero Alcides Escobar and the Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr., Garcia burst onto the scene in 2023 with a .272 average and 20 doubles across 123 games in his first real opportunity in the big leagues.

For Estévez, it is his second selection after earning his first with the Angels in 2023. The Royals’ closer is tied for the most saves in the American League (25) with the Astros’ Josh Hader. Estévez (2.03 ERA) needs one save this weekend to have the most saves by a Royal before the All-Star break.

Kansas City and New York continue their series on Saturday.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Frankie Montas (1-1, 6.14 ERA) for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:10pm, pregame will begin at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals got a big home run from Bobby Witt Jr to take the lead in the seventh inning, but collapsed through the final two frames to fall to the New York Mets 8-3 in their series opener Friday night.&nbsp;The game was delayed by just over an hour due to weather, the first pitch being thrown just after 8:30pm.&nbsp; The Royals had their chances to strike in the first two innings, but left runners stranded in scoring position, leaving the Mets to score the opening run in the third on a bases loaded walk to Pete Alonso, scoring Luis Torrens who singled to open the third inning.&nbsp;New York held that lead until the sixth inning, and Royals starter Michael Wacha contained them to just that run, until Kansas City tied up the game in the frame, Salvador Perez singling and then racing all the way home from first base on a double by Nick Loftin.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Captain’s on his horse! <a href="https://t.co/LZwgkZVCNz">pic.twitter.com/LZwgkZVCNz</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1943871650035851356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the seventh, the Royals took the lead behind Witt Jr's two run blast.&nbsp; Kyle Isbel singled to open the inning, but pinch runner Tyler Tolbert was caught stealing.&nbsp; He was replaced on the basepaths with a single by Jonathan India, just ahead of Witt Jr sending a fly ball deep to center field to give Kansas City a 3-1 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bobby Baseball, baby. <a href="https://t.co/cmoCiwOxww">pic.twitter.com/cmoCiwOxww</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1943878400671629341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Steven Cruz, who had gotten the Royals out of the top of the seventh inning, remained on the mound for the eighth but immediately ran into trouble, loading the bases with a single to Brandon Nimmo and back to back walks to Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.&nbsp; Manager Matt Quatraro brought on recently named All Star&nbsp;Carlos Estévez to try to escape the jam.&nbsp;&nbsp;Estévez struck out Pete Alonso, but with a 2-2 count gave up a bases clearing double to Mark Vientos, and in turn the lead as Nimmo, Lindor, and Soto all came across home plate to put the Mets up 4-3.&nbsp; &nbsp;Another four runs scored in the ninth inning off Taylor Clarke, a three run home run by Lindor scoring Nimmo and Tyrone Taylor before Soto followed that with a solo home run of his own for the final run.&nbsp;Cruz took the loss in relief, falling to 2-1 on the season, pitching 2/3 of an inning and giving up three runs on one hit and two walks while striking out one.&nbsp; At the plate, Witt Jr was 2-for-5 with a double as well as the home run and two RBIs.&nbsp; India was 2-for-5 while Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez were both 2-for-4.&nbsp;Earlier in the day on Friday, it was announced the Royals will have two more All Stars in Atlanta for the Midsummer Classic as third baseman Maikel Garcia and&nbsp;Estévez were named as replacements for the American League squad.&nbsp;Estevez, earned his call from manager Matt Quatraro on Thursday night, and Garcia, learned of his first All-Star selection ahead of the opener with the Mets, were both added as replacements to the AL roster, replacing the Rangers’ Jacob deGrom and the Rays’ Brandon Lowe.For Garcia, it’s one of the more rewarding selections for a Kansas City club that signed him as a 16-year-old out of Venezuela. Cousin to both Royals playoff hero Alcides Escobar and the Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr., Garcia burst onto the scene in 2023 with a .272 average and 20 doubles across 123 games in his first real opportunity in the big leagues.For Estévez, it is his second selection after earning his first with the Angels in 2023. The Royals’ closer is tied for the most saves in the American League (25) with the Astros’ Josh Hader. Estévez (2.03 ERA) needs one save this weekend to have the most saves by a Royal before the All-Star break.Kansas City and New York continue their series on Saturday.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Frankie Montas (1-1, 6.14 ERA) for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:10pm, pregame will begin at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals collapse late in 8-3 series opening loss to Mets

The St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves combined for all 11 runs scored through in a wild first three innings of the game, and the Braves beat the Redbirds 6-5 at Busch Stadium to open the final series ahead of the All Star Break on Friday night.&nbsp;

After Ronald Acuña Jr. led off the game with a double, and advanced to third on a wild pitch from Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore, Austin Riley singled to drive him in for the opening run.&nbsp; Riley scored in the next at bat on a two run home run by Sean Murphy, his 14th of the season, to give Atlanta a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;

The Cardinals cut that lead to one in the bottom half of the inning, Brendan Donovan opening up with a single and scoring on a double by Alec Burleson.&nbsp; A single from Willson Contreras drove in Burleson for the second run to trim the Braves lead.&nbsp; Atlanta pulled away though, getting one run back in the second inning when&nbsp;Acuña Jr. singled home Michael Harris II to give Atlanta 4-2 lead.&nbsp;

Unable to score in the bottom of the third, the Braves added the final two runs in the third inning, Murphy hitting his second home run of the game to lead off the inning, and then later in the inning Drake Baldwin singling home Jurickson Profar, who followed Murphy's home run with a double.

Now trailing by four, the Cardinals again trimmed the lead to one, though that would be all they could do.&nbsp; A single from&nbsp;Pedro Pagés with the bases loaded drove in Burleson, who doubled to open the inning, and Lars Nootbaar who walked.&nbsp; Victor Scott II singled in the final run, scoring Nolan Gorman who also walked in the inning, but the inning ended with Scott being thrown out at second base on a grounder by Donovan.&nbsp;

Neither the Cardinals nor the Braves threatened the remainder of the way, never getting a runner past first base.&nbsp; Liberatore took the loss for St. Louis, falling to 6-7 on the season, pitching three innings and giving up all six runs on nine hits while walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Scott II was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.&nbsp; Contreras was 2-for-5 with an RBI while Burleson was 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.

St. Louis and Atlanta continue their series on Saturday.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (3-9, 4.79 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals while the Braves starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, coverage will be joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves combined for all 11 runs scored through in a wild first three innings of the game, and the Braves beat the Redbirds 6-5 at Busch Stadium to open the final series ahead of the All Star Break on Friday night.&nbsp;After Ronald Acuña Jr. led off the game with a double, and advanced to third on a wild pitch from Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore, Austin Riley singled to drive him in for the opening run.&nbsp; Riley scored in the next at bat on a two run home run by Sean Murphy, his 14th of the season, to give Atlanta a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;The Cardinals cut that lead to one in the bottom half of the inning, Brendan Donovan opening up with a single and scoring on a double by Alec Burleson.&nbsp; A single from Willson Contreras drove in Burleson for the second run to trim the Braves lead.&nbsp; Atlanta pulled away though, getting one run back in the second inning when&nbsp;Acuña Jr. singled home Michael Harris II to give Atlanta 4-2 lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Burly with a hot shot to right and we&#39;re on the board! <a href="https://t.co/sah4yjRuzw">pic.twitter.com/sah4yjRuzw</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1943831008534462793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Contreras goes up the middle and we&#39;ve got a one-run game! <a href="https://t.co/jaMejFIawV">pic.twitter.com/jaMejFIawV</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1943831871235690996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Unable to score in the bottom of the third, the Braves added the final two runs in the third inning, Murphy hitting his second home run of the game to lead off the inning, and then later in the inning Drake Baldwin singling home Jurickson Profar, who followed Murphy's home run with a double.Now trailing by four, the Cardinals again trimmed the lead to one, though that would be all they could do.&nbsp; A single from&nbsp;Pedro Pagés with the bases loaded drove in Burleson, who doubled to open the inning, and Lars Nootbaar who walked.&nbsp; Victor Scott II singled in the final run, scoring Nolan Gorman who also walked in the inning, but the inning ended with Scott being thrown out at second base on a grounder by Donovan.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pedro brings home 2⃣ <a href="https://t.co/QhkKkMios6">pic.twitter.com/QhkKkMios6</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1943846034284630059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Neither the Cardinals nor the Braves threatened the remainder of the way, never getting a runner past first base.&nbsp; Liberatore took the loss for St. Louis, falling to 6-7 on the season, pitching three innings and giving up all six runs on nine hits while walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Scott II was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.&nbsp; Contreras was 2-for-5 with an RBI while Burleson was 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.St. Louis and Atlanta continue their series on Saturday.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (3-9, 4.79 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals while the Braves starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm, coverage will be joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cardinals fall to Braves 6-5 in opener after wild first three innings

Thursday night at Busch Stadium may well have simultaneously felt like a breath of fresh air for Cardinals fans and an unwelcome rerun for Nationals fans. 

Whatever his struggles have been thus far this season, Miles Mikolas has a habit of adjusting his attitude in a matchup with Natitude, evidenced by his 5 2/3 scoreless innings provided in St. Louis’ 8-1 series-clinching victory over the Nationals.

It was Mikolas’ second start this season against Washington, and a worthy sequel to the 5 1/3 one-run innings in DC on May 11. After surrendering a leadoff double to Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, Mikolas did not allow another baserunner, or another ball in play to leave the infield, until Paul DeJong singled with one out in the fifth.

The Cardinals started the scoring in the first inning, Brendan Donovan singling to lead off the inning and later scoring on a groundout by Alec Burleson.&nbsp; In the third inning, it was the same combo that extended the lead as Donovan again led the inning off with a single, but this time Burleson singled to to drive in Donovan, who had advanced on a wild pitch, to push the St. Louis lead to 2-0.&nbsp;

A big sixth inning helped the Cardinals put the game away behind their strong pitching, putting up five runs in the inning.&nbsp; Three consecutive hits to open the inning extended the lead as Willson Contreras, Lars Nootbaar, and Nolan Arenado all singled, Arenado's hit scoring Contreras.&nbsp; After a walk to Nolan Gorman loaded the bases, Yohel Pozo singled to left field driving in Nootbaar.&nbsp;

Leading 4-0 now with the bases still loaded, Victor Scott II grounded into a forceout, Pozo being thrown out at second and Scott making it to first safely, adding another run as Arenado scored.&nbsp; And with runners still on the corners, the scoring barrage continued with a sacrifice fly by Donovan, bringing home Gorman.&nbsp; Scott stole second base, and a double by Masyn Winn put up the final run of the inning driving in the speedy center fielder.&nbsp;

St. Louis finished their scoring in the seventh inning putting up their final run with the first batter of the inning, Contreras sending a ball sailing through the air to center field for his 12th home run of the season.&nbsp; The Nationals scored their lone run in the eighth inning, Jacob Young driving in Daylen Lile with a forceout.&nbsp;

Mikolas improved to 5-6 on the season pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings giving up just two hits while striking out six and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Donovan was 2-for-4 with an RBI, Winn was also 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.&nbsp; Contreras was 2-for-4 with the home run and an RBI.&nbsp;

In some injury news for the Cardinals,&nbsp;Iván Herrera joined Triple-A Memphis for a rehab assignment on Thursday, set to play the final four games before the All-Star break for the Redbirds at designated hitter as he recovers from a strained left hamstring.

He is not scheduled to catch for Memphis, nor do the Cardinals plan to put him behind the plate for any significant action for the remainder of the 2025 season as they look to protect the slugger’s lower body while keeping his bat in the lineup.

“We have to definitely keep that in mind as far as if we want to keep him healthy for the remaining couple months,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “We’ve talked about that. We haven’t come up with, like, 'This is exactly what it will look like,' but we’re pretty close to [not catching].”

Herrera has had a breakout season at the plate derailed by two separate injuries to his left leg. He suffered a bone bruise in his knee on April 6 in Boston when attempting to run from first to third base on a base hit, and then strained his hamstring on June 19 in Chicago when rounding first base after a hit against the White Sox.

Between the injuries, Herrera has slugged eight home runs and driven in 36 runs, powered by a .320 batting average and a .925 OPS that are far and away the team’s best totals by everyday position players.

St. Louis begins a series against Atlanta tomorrow at Busch Stadium for the final games before the All Star Break.&nbsp; Matthew Liberatore (6-6, 3.70 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Grant Holmes (4-8, 3.44 ERA) for the Braves.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:15pm, coverage will be joined near the start at 7:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThursday night at Busch Stadium may well have simultaneously felt like a breath of fresh air for Cardinals fans and an unwelcome rerun for Nationals fans. Whatever his struggles have been thus far this season, Miles Mikolas has a habit of adjusting his attitude in a matchup with Natitude, evidenced by his 5 2/3 scoreless innings provided in St. Louis’ 8-1 series-clinching victory over the Nationals.It was Mikolas’ second start this season against Washington, and a worthy sequel to the 5 1/3 one-run innings in DC on May 11. After surrendering a leadoff double to Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, Mikolas did not allow another baserunner, or another ball in play to leave the infield, until Paul DeJong singled with one out in the fifth.The Cardinals started the scoring in the first inning, Brendan Donovan singling to lead off the inning and later scoring on a groundout by Alec Burleson.&nbsp; In the third inning, it was the same combo that extended the lead as Donovan again led the inning off with a single, but this time Burleson singled to to drive in Donovan, who had advanced on a wild pitch, to push the St. Louis lead to 2-0.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Get him on, get him in! <a href="https://t.co/EAPXsUdHI6">pic.twitter.com/EAPXsUdHI6</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1943469020776403103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A big sixth inning helped the Cardinals put the game away behind their strong pitching, putting up five runs in the inning.&nbsp; Three consecutive hits to open the inning extended the lead as Willson Contreras, Lars Nootbaar, and Nolan Arenado all singled, Arenado's hit scoring Contreras.&nbsp; After a walk to Nolan Gorman loaded the bases, Yohel Pozo singled to left field driving in Nootbaar.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Arenado extends the lead! <a href="https://t.co/3BTvMBttWs">pic.twitter.com/3BTvMBttWs</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1943481755345842381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Leading 4-0 now with the bases still loaded, Victor Scott II grounded into a forceout, Pozo being thrown out at second and Scott making it to first safely, adding another run as Arenado scored.&nbsp; And with runners still on the corners, the scoring barrage continued with a sacrifice fly by Donovan, bringing home Gorman.&nbsp; Scott stole second base, and a double by Masyn Winn put up the final run of the inning driving in the speedy center fielder.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Masyn Winn makes it a FIVE run frame in the 6th! 🖐️ <a href="https://t.co/gdRv0dFkjA">pic.twitter.com/gdRv0dFkjA</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1943484998138368461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>St. Louis finished their scoring in the seventh inning putting up their final run with the first batter of the inning, Contreras sending a ball sailing through the air to center field for his 12th home run of the season.&nbsp; The Nationals scored their lone run in the eighth inning, Jacob Young driving in Daylen Lile with a forceout.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Crushed by Contreras! 💣 <a href="https://t.co/kRWujzF4Qa">pic.twitter.com/kRWujzF4Qa</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1943487246490873922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Mikolas improved to 5-6 on the season pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings giving up just two hits while striking out six and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Donovan was 2-for-4 with an RBI, Winn was also 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.&nbsp; Contreras was 2-for-4 with the home run and an RBI.&nbsp;In some injury news for the Cardinals,&nbsp;Iván Herrera joined Triple-A Memphis for a rehab assignment on Thursday, set to play the final four games before the All-Star break for the Redbirds at designated hitter as he recovers from a strained left hamstring.He is not scheduled to catch for Memphis, nor do the Cardinals plan to put him behind the plate for any significant action for the remainder of the 2025 season as they look to protect the slugger’s lower body while keeping his bat in the lineup.“We have to definitely keep that in mind as far as if we want to keep him healthy for the remaining couple months,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “We’ve talked about that. We haven’t come up with, like, 'This is exactly what it will look like,' but we’re pretty close to [not catching].”Herrera has had a breakout season at the plate derailed by two separate injuries to his left leg. He suffered a bone bruise in his knee on April 6 in Boston when attempting to run from first to third base on a base hit, and then strained his hamstring on June 19 in Chicago when rounding first base after a hit against the White Sox.Between the injuries, Herrera has slugged eight home runs and driven in 36 runs, powered by a .320 batting average and a .925 OPS that are far and away the team’s best totals by everyday position players.St. Louis begins a series against Atlanta tomorrow at Busch Stadium for the final games before the All Star Break.&nbsp; Matthew Liberatore (6-6, 3.70 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Grant Holmes (4-8, 3.44 ERA) for the Braves.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:15pm, coverage will be joined near the start at 7:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mikolas masters Nats again in Cards 8-1 win for win #50 for St. Louis

The St. Joseph Mustangs, or as they were known once again on Thursday night at Phil Welch Stadium the St. Joseph Tenderloins, shut out the Kansas City Monarchs 3-0, winning the season series 3-1, and winning their sixth game in a row.&nbsp;

The Mustangs opened the scoring in the second inning after back to back hits, a single by Jack Mosh and a double from Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall set up runners in scoring position as Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith grounded out, scoring Mosh.&nbsp; &nbsp;St. Joseph extended the lead in the third, again thanks to Griffth his time with an RBI single driving in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart after he opened the inning with a single.

The Monarchs held the Mustangs to the 2-0 lead until the seventh inning when they added their final run on a sacrifice fly by Gall, bringing home Dom Felix who had singled to center with one out in the inning after Luikart led off with a ground out.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs, or as they were known once again on Thursday night at Phil Welch Stadium the St. Joseph Tenderloins, shut out the Kansas City Monarchs 3-0, winning the season series 3-1, and winning their sixth game in a row.&nbsp;The Mustangs opened the scoring in the second inning after back to back hits, a single by Jack Mosh and a double from Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall set up runners in scoring position as Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith grounded out, scoring Mosh.&nbsp; &nbsp;St. Joseph extended the lead in the third, again thanks to Griffth his time with an RBI single driving in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart after he opened the inning with a single.The Monarchs held the Mustangs to the 2-0 lead until the seventh inning when they added their final run on a sacrifice fly by Gall, bringing home Dom Felix who had singled to center with one out in the inning after Luikart led off with a ground out.&nbsp;St. Joseph's pitching staff was brilliant on the night, allowing just four hits total.&nbsp; Ashton Nance earned the win, pitching six innings and giving up two hits while striking out four but also walking four.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri State pitcher Andrew Clark and East Buchanan alum Gage Busby each pitched one inning of relief and gave up the other two hits, one each, as Clark struck out one and Busby struck out two.At the plate, Mosh was 3-for-4 with a run scored.&nbsp; Gall was 1-for-3 with a double, a stolen base, and an RBI, while Griffith was 1-for-3 as well with two RBIs.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Mustangs are now 27-5 on the season and remain 21-4 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They return to MINK league action tomorrow hosting the Nevada Griffons at Phil Welch Stadium with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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