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Cards top Reds, halt 3-game skid in interim manager Mike Shildt’s debut

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ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mike Shildt wasn’t sure what to expect in his first day as interim manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.

He certainly didn’t foresee the treatment he received in a wild post-game celebration that occurred following the Cardinals’ 6-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

“They got me in a laundry basket and they spin you around and then they go at you with a bunch of cold water to the point where I was hyperventilating,” Shildt said.

Veteran Dexter Fowler, who homered in the win, was happy to lead the joyful water attack.

“That guy knows his stuff, and you’re happy to put a smile on his face and get the (first) win for him,” Fowler said.

The frivolity came at a perfect time for the Cardinals, who broke a six-game home losing streak.

Rumors of discontent in the locker room, along with inconsistent play, spelled the end for manager Mike Matheny, who was fired after Saturday’s 8-2 loss after six-plus seasons. The Cardinals were 591-474 during Mathey’s tenure and made the playoffs in each of his first four years. But St. Louis failed to reach the postseason the last two years.

Matheny was a gold glove catcher for St. Louis from 2000-04 and used those leadership qualities as a manager.

Veteran catcher Yadier Molina said the firing of Matheny reflects on the entire team.

“When you see that happen, it’s because us, as players, we’re not doing our job,” Molina said. “I hate to say it, but that’s what it is. The blame is on us.”

Matt Carpenter and Fowler homered to lead an opportunistic seven-hit attack. Tommy Pham broke out of a 0-for-20 slump with a two-run, go-ahead single for the Cardinals, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

Cincinnati, which had won four of five, is 35-26 since beginning the season 8-27.

John Gant (3-3) picked up the win with four hitless innings of relief. He struck out four and walked two.

Carpenter began the game with a first-pitch homer, his fifth leadoff home run of the season and 20th of his career. He leads the team with 19 round-trippers.

Fowler added a solo shot in the second off Anthony DeSclafani (4-2) for a 2-0 lead.

Pham erased a 3-2 deficit with a two-run single that highlighted a four-run outburst in the fourth. It was Pham’s first hit since July 5. He entered the game in the second inning after starter Harrison Bader left with a knee injury.

Both Pham, who is hitting .243 and Fowler (.176), have struggled at times this season.

“Those are guys that have proven success in this league,” Shildt said. “It’s definitely good for their confidence.”

Shildt said he was still in awe of his new situation after the contest.

“I’m still not believing it to some degree,” Shildt said. “But it’s a real moment. (I) just got through managing a game for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Adam Duvall tied the game for the Reds with a two-run, bases-loaded single in the fourth. Jose Peraza then put his team in front with a single off the leg of starter Miles Mikolas.

DeSclafani allowed six earned runs on five hits over 3 1/3 innings.

“I just wasn’t good,” DeSclafani said. “I was terrible.”

Mikolas, who is headed to the All-Star Game, surrendered three runs on six hits over four innings in his shortest outing of the season.

Reds outfielder Jesse Winker extended his hitting streak to a career-high 10 games with a third-inning single.

TRAINER’S ROOM:

Reds: RHP Homer Bailey allowed four earned runs in six innings of a rehab start for Triple-A Louisville on Friday. Bailey is 1-2 with a 5.87 ERA in six minor league appearances. He was put on the disabled list June 2 with right knee inflammation.

Cardinals: Bader suffered his knee injury while running out a hit to right field.

UP NEXT

Reds: Cincinnati begins the second half on Friday against Pittsburgh. Right-hander Tyler Mahle (7-7, 4.02) will get the start.

Cardinals: St. Louis travels to Chicago for a four-game series against the Cubs after the break.

— Associated Press —

St. Joseph uses four-run eighth to rally past Clarinda 10-8

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The St. Joseph Mustangs rallied past Clarinda Friday night inside Phil Welch Stadium as they beat the A’s 10-8.

St. Joe’s collegiate summer basetball team improves to 20-19 and 17-18 in the MINK League. They’re now just one game back of the A’s for second in the North Division.

Clarinda broke a 6-6 tie with two runs in the top of the eighth inning, but the Mustangs answered right back with four runs of their own to take the lead for good.

Jordan Maxson led St. Joseph with three hits, while Mason Janvrin, Zack Smith and Alex Phillips added two hits each. Phillips also drove in three runs.

Gaylon Viney earned the win in relief as he allowed one earned run and four hits in three innings. Drake Kanallakan received a no decision after giving up six runs in six innings.

The Mustangs are back at home Saturday as they host Regal Plastics in a non-league game at 7:00 p.m. inside Phil Welch Stadium.

Royals’ rally comes up short in 9-6 loss at Chicago

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CHICAGO (AP) — Leury Garcia had three hits and three RBI, All-Star Jose Abreu homered for the first time in July, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-6 on Friday night.

Garcia doubled in two runs in the first, singled in the third and connected for a solo drive in the sixth. Omar Narvaez added a two-run homer in the eighth off Kevin McCarthy and Joakim Soria pitched the ninth for his 14th save in 17 chances.

James Shields (4-10) pitched five-hit ball into the seventh inning as the White Sox earned their second straight win after a six-game slide. They finished with 14 hits against the AL Central-worst Royals.

Whit Merrifield had two hits and scored two runs for Kansas City, which has dropped 12 of 13. Brad Keller (2-4) was tagged for five runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings.

— Associated Press —

Cardinals get blown out by Reds in series opener

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ST. LOUIS (AP) — Scooter Gennett and Dilson Herrera homered, Matt Harvey tossed five solid innings and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 9-1 on Friday night.

Jesse Winker reached base four times and drove in three runs for the Reds, who won their second in a row against St. Louis after breaking a 13-game losing streak to the Cardinals on June 10.

St. Louis had won 17 of the previous 20 games between the teams.

Winker staked the Reds to an early lead with a two-run double in the first.

Gennett hit his 17th homer of the season off Carlos Martinez (6-5) in the third to push the lead to 3-1.

Herrera added a three-run, pinch-hit homer off Sam Tuivailala to highlight a five-run outburst in the seventh.

Harvey (5-5) won his fourth successive decision. He allowed one run on four hits over five innings and left after walking Jose Martinez to start the sixth. He struck out five and walked two.

Harvey, who was acquired from the New York Mets on May 8, is 4-1 with a 2.38 ERA in his last six starts. He retired 10 consecutive batters before the walk to Martinez.

Yadier Molina, celebrating his 36th birthday, drove in the Cardinals’ run in the first.

Martinez gave up three runs on six hits over five innings. He had won his previous three starts.

Jose Peraza and Eugenio Suarez had three hits for Cincinnati, which has won three of four.

The Reds improved to 34-25 following their 8-27 start to the season. They are 39-37 under interim manager Jim Riggleman, who took over for Bryan Price on April 19.

Outfielder Billy Hamilton reached over the wall to rob Matt Carpenter of a homer in the seventh.

TATUM’S TOSS

Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum threw out the first pitch before the contest. The St. Louis native wore a Cardinals jersey with the No. 0, his NBA number.

Tatum attended Chaminade School in suburban St. Louis.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Reds: RHP Austin Brice (1-2, 6.04) was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Friday. RHP Tanner Rainey (0-0, 24.43) was optioned to Louisville.

Cardinals: Activated RHP Luke Gregerson (0-0, 8.64) and LHP Tyler Lyons (1-0, 5.93) from the disabled list. Gregerson had been sidelined since May 16 with right shoulder impingement. Lyons missed 33 games with a left elbow strain. RHPs John Brebbia (1-3, 4.13) and Luke Weaver (5-8, 4.72) were optioned to Memphis.

UP NEXT:

RHP Luis Castillo (5-8, 5.53) will face RHP Jack Flaherty (3-4, 3.34) in the second game of the three-game series on Saturday afternoon. Castillo is 0-3 with a 5.71 ERA in three career starts against the Cardinals. Flaherty is coming off the shortest start of his career. He went just 2 1/3 innings and gave up three earned runs in a 13-8 loss.

— Associated Press —

Mustangs lose to Clarinda in 10 innings 5-2

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The St. Joseph Mustangs rallied to force extra innings Thursday against Clarinda, but they lost to the A’s 5-2 in 10 innings inside Phil Welch Stadium.

St. Joe’s collegiate summer baseball team falls to 19-19 this season and they’re 16-18 in the MINK League. For the Mustangs to make the playoffs they have to finished first or second in the North Division, but right now they’re in third place behind Sedalia and Clarinda. The Bombers are running away with the divison as they lead St. Joseph by 7.5 games, while the Mustangs now trail the A’s by two games for second place.

The Mustangs led 1-0 after six innings on Thursday, but Clarinda scored single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to take the lead. St. Joseph got an RBI double from Daniel COvert to the tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning, but they had two chances to win the game with the bases loaded and failed to score another run.

The A’s then put the game away with a three-run 10th inning.

Mustangs’ starter Joseph Hietpas received a no decision as he allowed two runs and six hits in eight innings of work. Mack Stephenson suffered the loss in relief.

Alex Phillips had two of St. Joseph’s six hits, while Covert and Zach Smith each had an RBI for the Mustangs.

St. Joe will play Clarinda against Friday night at 7:00 p.m. inside Phil Welch Stadium.

Missouri Western dedicates the Bill Snyder Pavilion at Spratt Stadium

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ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western State University dedicated the Bill Snyder Pavilion at the west end of Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium, Thursday. The Kansas State head football coach was born and raised in St. Joseph, and attended Missouri Western briefly when it was St. Joseph Junior College.

“We are very excited to celebrate the Bill Snyder Pavilion on our campus,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s President. “Along with our renovated stadium and video scoreboard, the Griffon game day experience just keeps getting better and better.”

The pavilion will be used on game days and for special events, including the Back to Football Party after the first public practice of Chiefs Training Camp on July 26.

“I truly am humbled,” Snyder said. “I know that’s what you’re supposed to say, but I truly am.”

Steve Craig, who donated the pavilion, suggested naming it after the legendary coach.

“I don’t know where to begin with Steve, and my appreciation for the very kind words, and an even greater appreciation for what you have done for this University,” Snyder said.

A centerpiece of the Bill Snyder Pavilion is an 80-foot tall flagpole, with a 20-by-30 foot American flag, dedicated to Missouri Western students and alumni who have served or are currently serving in the United States military. The flag was raised at the dedication ceremony by members of the Pony Express Battalion of the U.S. Army ROTC, headquartered at Missouri Western, and the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard, headquartered at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph.

— MWSU Athletics —

Northwest ranked No. 9 in Street & Smith’s preseason top 25 poll

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The 2018 Street & Smith’s College Football Yearbook has tabbed Northwest Missouri State at No. 9 in its preseason Division II top 25 poll.

The Bearcats are coming off the program’s 22nd NCAA Division II playoff appearance and will be in the second year under head coach Rich Wright.

Northwest ranked No. 1 in the country in total defense in 2017 – marking the fourth consecutive season that the Bearcats were tops in the nation in total defense. Northwest gave up only 212.8 yards per game (150.8 passing and 62.0 rushing). Northwest did not allow a rushing touchdown in the 2017 season – the only NCAA school (FBS, FCS, II, III) to do so.

Northwest will open the 2018 season Thurs., Aug. 30, at home against the Missouri Western Griffons at 7 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium.

Street and Smith’s Magazine Preseason DII Top 25 Poll
1. West Florida (11-4)
2. Indiana, Pa. (13-1)
3. Minnesota State (13-1)
4. Fort Hays State, Kan. (11-1)
5. Grand Valley State, Mich. (8-3)
6. Texas A&M Commerce (14-1)
7. Indianapolis (11-1)
8. Harding, Ark. (11-4)
9. Northwest Missouri State, 9-3
10. Midwestern State, Texas (10-1)
11. Central Washington (11-1)
12. Shepherd, W.V., 10-1
13. Ashland, Ohio, 11-2
14. Colorado State-Pueblo, 9-3
15. Sioux Falls, 9-3
16. West Georgia, 9-4
17. Assumption, 11-2
18. Central Missouri, 9-3
19. Ferris State, Mich., 11-2
20. West Alabama, 10-3
21. Findlay, Ohio, 10-3
22. Carson-Newman, Tenn., 8-3
23. Virginia State, 10-1
24. Edinboro, Pa., 7-4
25. Colorado School of Mines, 7-4

— Northwest Athletics —

Royals drop series finale at Minnesota 8-5

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — If this is Brian Dozier’s last month with the Minnesota Twins, it’s off to a strong start.

Whether he is helping boost the Twins back into the division race or merely increasing his trade value, Dozier has found his form at the plate.

Dozier hit a two-run homer, going deep for the second straight game to help the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Wednesday.

“About stats, talk to me in October. If they’re not there, then we’ll talk,” Dozier said. “I keep telling these guys, `Eight games: That’s not that much.”

Lance Lynn (7-7) recovered from a three-run homer by Salvador Perez in the first inning to win his second straight start for the Twins, who used the bottom third of their lineup to launch rallies in the second and the fourth against Burch Smith (0-1).

Max Kepler, Jake Cave and Bobby Wilson went 6 for 11 with five runs scored. Wilson, whose batting average fell to .114 last week, had two RBI and was one of three Twins with three hits, joining Dozier and Joe Mauer. Wilson, the backup catcher, is now hitting .169.

Dozier drove in a run with an infield single in the fourth. Then he sent his 15th homer of the season into the second deck above left field in the sixth inning against Enny Romero. Logan Morrison hit a solo shot one out later to pad the lead for Minnesota, which improved 6-1 on an 11-game homestand.

With the Twins trailing AL Central-leading Cleveland by 8 1/2 games when the day began, Dozier is among several prominent players on expiring contracts whose names are part of the annual July trade market speculation. Lynn is one of those, too.

“We don’t pay attention to it, so whatever happens happens,” said Lynn, who pitched to two batters in the sixth. “In this game I’ve learned that you go where you told, because they pay you. That’s just the way it works, unless you’ve got a no-trade clause.”

Only first baseman Joe Mauer has that.

“So everyone else can just wear it and do what they’re told,” Lynn said.

Mike Moustakas homered twice for the Royals, who took the Twins deep five times over the last two games of this series despite toting the fewest home runs in MLB. Kansas City has lost 23 of its past 27 games.

“Come in here and play hard,” Perez said. “One of the things everybody should think: That’s how we bring food to the table for our family. That’s our job.”

BULL DOZIER

Dozier’s production at the plate is lower than it has been in at least five years, but he has begun to warm up with a .375 batting average, three homers and eight RBI over his past six games. Only four of his home runs have come at home this season. He hit 127 homers over the previous four years, with 63 of those at Target Field.

“You just ride the wave. Sometimes they find the green grass, sometimes they find the seats, sometimes you’re walking back with your head down,” he said.

BURCH IS BACK

After 24 relief appearances this year, Smith made his first major league start since 2013, when he was with San Diego. Forearm and elbow injuries kept him from pitching in 2015 and 2016, and he spent last season with the Tampa Bay organization.

“It was definitely special. Today had been a long time,” said Smith, who gave up seven hits in 3 1/3 innings. “It meant a lot just getting the opportunity to do it again. I was feeling a lot of emotions going into that game.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Royals: RHP Jason Adam was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to take the spot of a discouraged RHP Ian Kennedy, who returned to the disabled list with a strained left oblique after an injury-shortened three-inning start on Tuesday night. Adam had been sent down the day before so Kennedy, who has gone 16 turns without a victory, could be reinstated.

Twins: RHP Addison Reed was placed on the DL with tightness in his right triceps, and RHP Alan Busenitz was recalled from Triple-A Rochester for the third time this season. … INF Ehire Adrianza is on track to come off the DL on Thursday, after missing 10 games with a strained left hamstring.

UP NEXT

Royals: Following a day off, rookie RHP Brad Keller (2-3, 2.52 ERA) pitches in the opener of a three-game series at Chicago on Friday night for his eighth start of the season. Former Kansas City RHP James Shields (3-10, 4.53 ERA) takes the mound for the White Sox.

Twins: RHP Kyle Gibson (3-6, 3.59 ERA) starts a four-game series against Tampa Bay on Thursday night. LHP Blake Snell (12-4, 2.09 ERA) takes the mound for the Rays with the second-lowest ERA in league. Snell has won four straight starts with just two runs allowed in his past 28 2/3 innings.

— Associated Press —

St. Louis gets blanked by White Sox 4-0

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CHICAGO (AP) — Carlos Rodon pitched three-hit, shutout ball into the eighth inning to outduel Luke Weaver and lead the Chicago White Sox to a 4-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

Tim Anderson tripled and had two RBI. Charlie Tilson singled in a run off reliever Mike Mayers in Chicago’s two-run seventh and Jose Abreu added an RBI groundout as White Sox ended a six-game losing streak and won for just the third time in their last 13.

Rodon (2-3) allowed only two singles and a double while walking two and striking out a season-high seven though 7 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old left-hander, who spent the first two months of 2018 on the disabled list rehabbing from shoulder surgery, sparkled in just his seventh start this season.

Joakim Soria got the final four outs for his 13th save in 16 chances.

Weaver (5-8) allowed one run on three hits and fanned seven his second straight impressive start. The right-hander pitched two-hit ball over a career-high eight innings last week in San Francisco.

Jose Martinez grounded a sharp single off Rodon with two outs in the first. Then the White Sox lefty didn’t allow another hit — and retired 14 of 15 batters — before Matt Carpenter doubled with one out in the sixth.

Rodon was coming off his strongest outing this season, when he allowed two runs on five hits in a six-inning no-decision at Houston last week.

The White Sox managed only three baserunners — with Yolmer Sanchez singling twice — before the fifth, when Chicago took a 1-0 lead.

Leury Garcia walked to lead off, advanced to third on Omar Narvaez’s single and came home when Anderson grounded into a force at second.

The White Sox scored twice with two outs in the seventh to make it 3-0. Narvaez singled, then scored on Anderson’s triple to the left field corner. Tilson’s single plated Anderson.

The Cardinals loaded the bases with one out in the eighth to chase Rodon. Paul DeJong led off with a single, Kolten Wong reached on an error and Carpenter walked.

But Juan Minaya fanned Tommy Pham for the second out, then Soria struck out Martinez to end the threat.

The White Sox added a run in the eighth when Yoan Moncada came home on Abreu’s groundout.

ALL-STAR NIX

Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas was removed from the National League’s active roster for the All-Star Game next Tuesday because he’s scheduled to start Sunday against Cincinnati. Los Angeles Dodgers righty Ross Stripling was added to the NL pitching staff Wednesday as Mikolas’ replacement.

Mikolas is 10-3 with a 2.65 ERA and was selected to his first All-Star team last weekend. The 29-year-old is enjoying a resurgent season in the majors after three years in Japan.

ROSTER MOVES

The White Sox designated RHP Bruce Rondon for assignment and purchased the contract of RHP Jeanmar Gomez from Triple-A Charlotte before the game The 27-year-old Rondon went 2/3 with an 8.49 ERA and one save in 35 games. The reliever got one out and issued three walks in Tuesday night’s 14-2 loss to St. Louis.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Cardinals: CF Tommy Pham (bruised left ankle) was back in the lineup after being a last-minute scratch on Tuesday and struck out four times. Pham fouled a ball off his foot on Sunday. . Manager Mike Matheny said LHP Tyler Lyons (sprained left elbow) is close to returning from his rehab assignment. . RHP Luke Gregerson (right shoulder impingement) could be activated this weekend, but Matheny didn’t have a date.

White Sox: RHP Nate Jones (right forearm muscle strain) tossed live batting practice on Wednesday. Jones said he felt good and threw at “90-100 percent,” but the next steps in the right-hander’s recovery haven’t been determined . RHP Miguel Gonzales underwent right shoulder surgery in Los Angeles on Wednesday. His recovery time is expected to be nine to 12 months.

UP NEXT

Cardinals: RHP Carlos Martinez (6-4, 3.05) looks for his fourth straight win when he takes the mound against Cincinnati’s Matt Harvey (4-5, 4.80) on Friday in the opener of a three-game home series.

White Sox: RHP James Shields (3-10, 4.53) squares off against Kansas City RHP Brad Kelley (2-3, 2.52) on Friday in Chicago.

— Associated Press —

St. Joseph blows 8-0 lead, loses 12-9 at Sedalia

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The St. Joseph Mustangs blew an 8-0 lead Tuesday at Sedalia and they lost to the Bombers 12-9 at Liberty Park Stadium.

St. Joe’s collegiate summer baseball team drops to 19-18 and 16-17 in the MINK League.

The Mustangs jumped all over Sedalia Tuesday as they scored five runs in the first inning, two in the second and one run in the third inning to build an 8-0 lead. The Bombers needed just three innings to take back control of the game as they scored four in the fourth, one run in the fifth inning and they completed their comeback with a seven-run sixth inning.

St. Joseph pitchers struggled to find the strike zone Tuesday as they walked ten Sedalia batters. Adam Thies started and walked seven as he allowed nine runs in five innings of work. Jonathan Lynch suffered the loss in relief as he walked three and gave up three runs in just one inning.

The Mustangs Zach Smith led the way offensively with three hits, while Mason Janvrin, Joshua Lincoln, Jordan Maxson and Aaron Dees added two hits each. Maxson drove in three runs and Dees added two RBI.

St. Joe is off Wednesday and then they return home Thursday for their first meeting with the Clarinda A’s. The first pitch is at 7:00 p.m. inside Phil Welch Stadium.

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