Sports – Page 467 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Chiefs’ 2016 regular season schedule finalized; KC gets three prime time games

Posted on April 14, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Football League announced on Thursday the regular season schedule for the 2016 season. The Kansas City Chiefs will be featured in three primetime television games, including two at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs will host the Oakland Raiders in Week 14 on Thursday Night Football followed by a Dec. 25 Christmas matchup on Sunday Night Football vs. the Denver Broncos on NBC. KC’s first nationally-televised game is at Pittsburgh in Week 4 on Sunday Night Football. This season will mark the seventh-consecutive year the Chiefs have held at least one primetime contest and the third-straight year the team has been slated for three night games. The Chiefs will open the season at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 11, vs. the San Diego Chargers.

“I always look forward to the schedule coming out because it means we are closer to football,” Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said. “We are looking to build off of last year’s momentum beginning next week with the start of our offseason program. Our fans provide us with the best home-field advantage in the National Football League and we are excited to welcome opponents into Chiefs Kingdom.”

Kansas City’s schedule features five games against four playoff teams from the 2015 season including the defending Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos and the NFC Champion Carolina Panthers. The club’s 2016 opponents boasted a combined record of 104-104 (.500) last season.

Following KC’s home opener, the Chiefs will then hit the road for a rematch with the Texans in Houston on Sunday, Sept. 18. Kansas City’s last visit to Houston culminated in the club’s first playoff win in 22 years after shutting out the Texans 30-0 in a 2015 AFC Wild Card game. The Chiefs return home to face the Jets on Sept. 25 before rounding out the first quarter of the season on the road at Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football Oct. 2.

Week 5 will serve as the club’s Bye Week before traveling to Oakland to face the Raiders on Oct. 16. KC will go head-to-head against the Saints at home on Oct. 23, then visit Indianapolis on Oct. 30 before returning home again to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 6. The second half of the season kicks off at the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 13 followed by a home contest vs. the Buccaneers in Week 11. The Chiefs will then have back-to-back road contests for the first time all season in Weeks 12 and 13 when they travel to Denver on Nov. 27 and then Atlanta on Dec. 4.

The final quarter of the season features three consecutive home games and two national games, the first of which is a Thursday night contest vs. the Raiders on Dec. 8. The Chiefs will take on the Tennessee Titans at home on Dec. 18 and then face the Broncos on Sunday Night Football at Arrowhead on Dec. 25. Kansas City wraps up its regular season schedule on the road vs. the Chargers on Sunday, Jan. 1.

2016 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Saturday, Aug. 13 vs. Seattle 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 20 at Los Angeles Rams TBA
Saturday, Aug. 27 at Chicago Noon
Thursday, Sept. 1 vs. Green Bay 7 p.m.

2016 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

Sunday, Sept. 11 vs. San Diego Noon
Sunday, Sept. 18 at Houston Noon
Sunday, Sept. 25 vs. New York Jets 3:25 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 2 at Pittsburgh 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 9 BYE WEEK
Sunday, Oct. 16 at Oakland 3:05 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23 vs. New Orleans Noon
Sunday, Oct. 30 at Indianapolis Noon
Sunday, Nov. 6 vs. Jacksonville Noon
Sunday, Nov. 13 at Carolina Noon
Sunday, Nov. 20 vs. Tampa Bay Noon
Sunday, Nov. 27 at Denver 3:25 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 at Atlanta Noon
Thursday, Dec. 8 vs. Oakland 7:25 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 18 vs. Tennessee Noon
Sunday, Dec. 25 vs. Denver 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 1 at San Diego 3:25 p.m.

— Chiefs Press Release —

Jaime Garcia pitches one-hitter as St. Louis defeat Milwaukee 7-0

Posted on April 14, 2016

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jaime Garcia was simply dominant against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Garcia pitched a one-hitter, allowing only Domingo Santana’s lined single into right field with two outs in the sixth inning, in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 7-0 victory on Thursday.

“There’s a couple guys in their lineup that hit me real well, and it’s a tough lineup,” Garcia said. “They swing the bat. They take good at-bats every time they go up to the plate, so it’s a challenge for me.”

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Garcia was in control from his first pitch.

“Every time he walks out there he has a chance to throw a no-hitter,” Matheny said. “It’s amazing what he can make the ball do when he is in a good rhythm. This is what we expect to see. When he’s healthy, he’s special.”

Garcia struck out 13, three more than his previous career high, and caught eight of them looking at third strikes. The 13 strikeouts were the most by a Cardinals left-hander since Steve Carlton fanned 16 Phillies on May 21, 1970.

“I was just trying to focus on one pitch at a time and just try to do the job to keep us in the ballgame,” Garcia said.

The movement on Garcia’s pitches gave the Brewers fits.

“The changeup was acting as a split finger almost,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “He had plus, plus, plus late movement.”

Garcia’s previous shutout had been against Milwaukee on May 6, 2011. He is 4-1 with a 1.44 ERA in his last five starts against the Brewers.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been able to go nine innings,” Garcia said. “It’s definitely a lot of fun, but it’s a long season, just got to try to do that again.”

Randal Grichuk and Jeremy Hazelbaker hit two-run homers. Grichuk’s drive in the third off Wily Peralta (0-3), which boosted the lead to 5-0, barely eluded the glove of center field Keon Broxton. Grichuk actually passed teammate Brandon Moss rounding first while looking to see if Broxton made the catch, but the Brewers didn’t challenge and first base umpire John Hirschbeck missed it, as well.

“You’re taught on deep fly balls like that to play it like (Moss) did,” Grichuk said. “He actually didn’t see it go over. We kind of got confused there rounding first, and going back to first.”

Broxton didn’t know about the missed baserunning blunder until after the game.

“Got a good read on it, tracked it well, found the wall, jumped up caught it with my palm and once I hit the wall it just bobbled out,” Broxton said.

Hazelbaker hit his team-high third home run of the season in the seventh, against Chris Capuano.

Peralta gave up five runs and seven hits in five innings, throwing just 55 of his 96 pitches for strikes.

Matt Carpenter had a two run double in the three-run second and is hitting .471 in 34 plate appearances against Peralta.

DOUBLING DOWN

Yadier Molina’s second-inning double was his 124th at the current Busch Stadium. Molina, who was tied with Albert Pujols at 123, now has more doubles than any other player at the 10-year-old stadium.

STREAK SNAPPED

Scooter Gennett went 0 for 4. It marked the first time in 18 career games at Busch Stadium he failed to reach safely.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Brewers: SS Jonathan Villar was out of the lineup for a second straight game after injuring his left ankle sliding during Monday’s game. “Trying to get him back to as close to 100 percent as we can,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “It’s just day to day with it.”

Cardinals: SS Ruben Tejada (strained quadriceps) began a rehab assignment at Double-A Springfield on Thursday.

UP NEXT

Brewers: RHP Jimmy Nelson is to make his third start as Milwaukee opens a three-game series in Pittsburgh on Friday. Nelson is 4-2 with a 2.48 ERA in six starts against the Pirates.

Cardinals: RHP Carlos Martinez is to make his 2016 home debut on Friday against Cincinnati. Martinez is 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 14 appearances versus the Reds.

— Associated Press —

Western volleyball adds three to 2016 recruiting class

Posted on April 14, 2016April 14, 2016

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western head volleyball coach Marian Carbin has announced the addition of three student-athletes for the 2016 season.

Stephanie Doak, Erin Erb and Lauren Murphy have signed national letters of intent to play volleyball at Missouri Western. The three spring signees bring the total to four necomers for the 2016 season. Tiana Butler signed her letter of intent in November.

“This class is so dynamic. We are excited about the versatility of the hitters in this class and the high level of club volleyball experience that each of them brings to the table,” Carbin said. “They have played for some of the most elite club programs across the country; from Sports Performance and Sky High in Chicago, to Triangle and Wave in North Carolina and California respectively.”

“They have definitely played against the best of the best, which makes them more than prepared for what they will see on a nightly basis in our league and in our region. We are very eager to see what the future holds for these four young ladies now that they are officially members of the Griffon Volleyball family.”

Doak will come to Missouri Western from Encinitas, California. The 6-1 right side hitter played at Audeo Charter High School.

“Stephanie is a tall, physical player on the right side who can also take swings from the middle or outside if necessary,” Carbin said. “She says her favorite part of the game is blocking the other team’s best outside hitters and we are excited to watch her do just that for the next four years.”

Erb comes to MWSU from Huntley, Illinois, where she played at Huntley High School. The 6-0 outside hitter totaled 825 kills, 182 blocks, 317 digs and 147 service aces.

“Erin is a strong, powerful outside hitter from the Chicago area,” Carbin said. “She hits a very heavy ball from the outside, and she’s a strong force as a blocker.”

Murphy also comes to Missouri Western from Illinois. The 5-9 setter prepped at Plainfield North High School in Plainfield.

“Lauren is a well-trained setter with a smooth style of play that makes the game look easy,” Carbin said. “She is a technically sound player and has an advanced understanding of offenses and how to bring out the best in her hitters.”

The 2015 team went 21-10 overall and 12-6 in MIAA play. Carbin has led a resurgence, winning more than 20 matches the last two seasons and going a combined 59-33 in her first three seasons as the head coach at her alma mater. The Griffons will begin the 2016 season on Sept. 2 at the Washburn Invitational in Topeka, Kansas. Missouri Western will play University of Mary, Drury, Quincy and Midwestern State that weekend.

— MWSU Athletics —

Missouri Western wins at Northwest Missouri State 8-2

Posted on April 13, 2016April 13, 2016

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Missouri Western baseball team fell short of its season average, but still managed to plate eight at Northwest Missouri State on Wednesday, winning 8-2.

The Griffons entered the first of three mid-week games with their rivals averaging just more than nine runs per contest after 54 crossed the plate in three games at Central Oklahoma last weekend. Wednesday, it was more of a marathon than a sprint as the Griffons snapped a 1-1 tie in the fourth with three runs then padded the lead with four more in the sixth.

MIAA Hitter of the Week David Glaude went 3-5 in the game with three RBIs. All three came in one swing with a bases clearing double in the sixth. Cosimo Cannella padded his MIAA leading RBI total with two more, going 2-4 and also scoring two runs. Cannella picked up both his RBIs with a triple in the fourth to snap the one-all tie. Orencio Fisher scored twice and went 2-5 at the plate. Kody Matthews continued a hot stretch at the plate with a 2-5 day and two runs.

On the mound, the win went to Alex Clavet who went six innings, allowing both runs on five hits. He struck out four and walked three. Tyler Tuepker pitched the final three innings, allowing just two hits, both in the ninth.

With the win, Missouri Western improved to 25-11 overall and 17-8 in the MIAA and gave the team sole possession of third place in the league standings. The Griffons crossed the halfway point of a seven-game road swing that concludes this weekend with three games at Fort Hays State.

— MWSU Athletics —

Perez’s eighth inning home run list Kansas City past Houston

Posted on April 13, 2016

HOUSTON (AP) — Salvador Perez tagged Houston reliever Ken Giles for a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning, lifting the Kansas City Royals over the Houston Astros 4-2 Wednesday night.

The World Series champion Royals have taken two of the three from the team they beat in the decisive Game 5 of the AL Division Series last October. This four-game set wraps up Thursday.

Giles (0-1) retired the first two batters in the eighth before walking Alex Gordon on a full count. Perez followed with a drive off the facade above the Crawford Boxes in left field for his first homer of the year.

Giles has given up three home runs in four games, and flung his glove in the dugout after this latest shot. He was acquired from Philadelphia in the offseason after giving up a total of three homers in 113 games over the past two years.

Jose Altuve had three hits for Houston, including a solo home run. He tied it at 2 with an RBI double in the seventh off Luke Hochevar (1-0).

Kelvin Herrera pitched the eighth and Joakim Soria pitched the ninth for his first save.

The Royals scored twice in the sixth following pitcher Scott Feldman’s error. Feldman fielded Kendrys Morales’ dribbler and overthrew first base, allowing Lorenzo Cain to score before Perez hit a sacrifice fly.

Royals starter Yordano Ventura gave up one run on four hits with six strikeouts in six innings. He walked three after walking six in his first outing.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Royals: OF Jarod Dyson (right oblique strain) went 1 for 4 in his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha after playing a full nine innings on Tuesday. Dyson is 4 for 13 in four games. Royals manager Ned Yost said Dyson will be back soon but doesn’t know exactly when.

Astros: Max Stassi, who is currently on the 15-day disabled list after undergoing surgery to remove the hook on the top of his left hamate bone, is taking a few days off from his rehab in Florida because of oblique soreness. It is not an injury but more of a delay in his day-to-day work for a couple of days, Houston manager A.J. Hinch said.

UP NEXT

Royals: RHP Ian Kennedy (1-0) will start the finale of the four-game series Thursday in Houston. He will try to repeat his first outing of the season after he threw 6 2/3 scoreless innings against Minnesota Saturday.

Astros: RHP Doug Fister (1-0) will make his first home start for the Astros after earning a win in his first outing of the year, allowing three runs in five innings Saturday against Milwaukee.

— Associated Press —

MWSU softball comes in fourth in first Central Region ranking

Posted on April 13, 2016

The Missouri Western softball team is fourth in the first Central Region ranking that was released by the NCAA on Wednesday.

The 15th-ranked Griffons are the only MIAA team that is ranked as they are 34-10 and atop the MIAA at 19-3. Despite what they’ve done in league play, MWSU is behind another league opponent in the regional rankings. Northwest Missouri State is third as they are 33-9 overall and 17-5 in the MIAA.

Arkansas Tech (38-5) in No. 1 in the Central Region right now, followed by Southern Arkansas (33-6), Northwest and Missouri Western.

The top eight team qualify for the NCAA Tournament as the top two seeds will host two four-team regional tournaments.

Minnesota State (30-11) is fifth in the regional rankings, followed by Central Oklahoma (30-14), Pittsburg State (33-14) and Augustana (28-11).

Missouri Western is back in action Thursday as they host Northwest Missouri State for two non-league games begining at 4:00 p.m. The games won’t count in the MIAA race, but are very big in the regional rankings.

Both games will be broadcast on ESPN 1550 AM or you can click here to listen.

Mizzou basketball signs Cleveland prep guard Frankie Hughes

Posted on April 13, 2016

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men’s Basketball has signed future student-athlete Frankie Hughes (Cleveland, Ohio) to the program’s 2016 recruiting class, head coach Kim Anderson announced. A 6-4, 185-pound guard, Hughes inked financial aid agreement documents Wednesday morning to affirm his commitment to Mizzou.

Hughes tormented Ohio’s Division I, the state’s highest section of high school basketball, alongside current Mizzou signee Willie Jackson, with the Garfield Heights duo set to wear the Black & Gold for the 2016-17 season. Both Hughes and Jackson were named to the Associated Press’ Division I All-Ohio First Team to close their senior seasons, in which they led Garfield Heights to back-to-back regional titles for the first time in school history.

“Bringing someone with Frankie’s ability and attitude into our program is very exciting,” Anderson said. “He comes from an outstanding program at Garfield Heights where he competed and won on the biggest stage in the state of Ohio. We feel Frankie’s skillset can make an impact with our program. Most of all, he comes from a great family and is a young man who I think Mizzou fans will enjoy getting to know.

“Frankie will join his high school teammate and longtime friend, Willie Jackson, here at Mizzou. We’re really looking forward to having both of those young men on campus this summer.”

As a senior in 2015-16, Hughes averaged 19.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs, leading head coach Sonny Johnson’s squad to a strong 23-5 record and a second consecutive state semifinals appearance. Hughes was recognized to cleveland.com’s boys basketball All-Star team for his efforts.

Hughes showed his potential for big scoring outputs throughout his senior year, recording five games of 20 points or more. He scored 20 points in the thrilling 70-69 double overtime win over Shaw that gained Garfield Heights the regional crown.

Hughes was considered one of the top prospects in the state of Ohio throughout his senior season, ranking as high as 11th in the state according to 247sports.com.

“Everybody is on the same page for Mizzou, it’s exciting to know the program really is a family,” Hughes said. “I feel like the coaching staff and players all really know each other and have great relationships. That stood out to me. I know I’ll bring a lot of energy, both of as a student, athlete and Columbia resident. I can’t wait to get on campus and have a lot of interaction with everyone. I’m a people person.

“I think Mizzou fans will see that I won’t give up on any play. If it’s a loose ball, I’m diving. At this level, you have to understand that every play counts.”

As a junior in 2014-15, Hughes helped lead Garfield Heights to a stout 24-4 record before bowing out to eventual champion, Westerville South, by a score of 60-57. Hughes recorded a double-double to end his junior campaign with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Hughes averaged nearly 15 points per game as a junior, including a season- and career-high 28 points vs. Mentor early in the campaign.

Hughes previously signed a national letter of intent to Louisville before asking for his release. The newly-inked Tiger also considered Miami (Fla.), Texas A&M, VCU, Wichita State and Wisconsin, among others, at the time.

Hughes’ signing joins him with the current 2016 recruiting class of Jackson, Reed Nikko (Maple Grove, Minn.) and Mitchell Smith (Van Buren, Ark.).

— Mizzou Athletics —

Cardinals lose to Brewers on ninth inning home run

Posted on April 13, 2016April 13, 2016

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Domingo Santana hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the ninth inning, Chase Anderson threw six innings without an earned run and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-4 on Wednesday night.

Santana connected off closer Trevor Rosenthal (0-1) with two out to break a 4-4 tie.

Milwaukee had lost five of its previous seven in St. Louis.

Jeremy Jeffress pitched the ninth for his fourth save.

St. Louis’ Brandon Moss tied the game 4-4 with a leadoff, pinch-hit homer in the eighth off reliever Michael Blazek (1-0). It was the Cardinals’ fourth pinch-hit homer this season, matching their total from last season.

Jonathan Lucroy had three hits and drove in two runs for the Brewers, and Chris Carter had a run-scoring double.

Lucroy had all three of his hits off starter Mike Leake and is 15 for 32 in his career against the right-hander. Lucroy doubled in the first to give his team a 1-0 lead.

Randal Grichuk had a two-run double in the first for the Cardinals, who ended a four-game winning streak.

Anderson bounced back after giving up three unearned runs in the first. He allowed four hits and two walks while striking out four.

Leake gave up four runs and eight hits over six innings.

The Cardinals had scored 10 or more runs in each of their previous three games.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Cardinals: LHP Marco Gonzales will have Tommy John surgery Friday and will be lost for the rest of the season.

Gonzales, selected by St. Louis in the first round of the 2013 draft, had just one major league appearance last season. He was plagued by a left pectoral injury.

“He’s certainly disappointed,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said. “He feels he will come back better and stronger.”

Brewers: SS Jonathan Villar was held out of the starting lineup for a day of rest.

UP NEXT

Cardinals: LHP Jaime Garcia (0-0, 6.00) will start the finale of the three-game series on Thursday. Garcia is 10-3 in his career in April starts.

Brewers: RHP Wily Peralta (0-1, 9.00) will make his third start of the season. He is 4-8 with a 4.74 ERA in 13 starts against St. Louis

— Associated Press —

Griffons move up to No. 15 in latest NFCA Division II softball top 25 poll

Posted on April 13, 2016April 13, 2016

ST. JOSEPH – Win eight games in a row, take a two-game lead atop the conference standings, move up three spots in the national poll. That’s been the chain of events for the Missouri Western softball team over the last week.

The Griffons (34-10, 19-3) moved up to No. 15 in the latest NFCA Division II Coaches poll after extending their winning streak to eight games over the weekend. The eighth win in that streak completed a doubleheader sweep of Pittsburg State and gave Missouri Western a two-game lead over the Gorillas and Northwest Missouri State for first place in the MIAA. It was the fourth straight MIAA doubleheader sweep for the team that has won 12 of its last 14 games, and is 24-4 since Mar. 4.

Missouri Western will take a break from MIAA play this week, even with a doubleheader against conference rival, and current second place, Northwest Missouri State. Thursday’s home doubleheader with the Bearcats will not count as conference games. It’s also the Griffons’ final home regular season games this year. Jen Trotter’s team wraps up the regular season with games at Washburn (April 22) and Emporia State (April 23).

Click here to view entire poll.

— MWSU Athletics —

Cain’s early homer powers Royals over Astros 3-2

Posted on April 12, 2016

HOUSTON (AP) — Lorenzo Cain hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and the Kansas City Royals held on for a 3-2 win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.

Alcides Escobar and Mike Moustakas hit consecutive singles to start the game before Cain connected on a full-count, 91-mph fastball off Mike Fiers (0-1) to make it 3-0.

The Astros got within 1 in the bottom of the inning after an RBI double by Colby Rasmus followed by a run-scoring single by Tyler White.

Kris Medlen (1-0) allowed six hits and two runs with seven strikeouts in five innings in his 2016 debut. Wade Davis walked two players with one out in the ninth before retiring Jose Altuve and George Springer for his third save.

Fiers settled down after his tough first inning, allowing just three more hits and no runs in the next five innings before he was replaced by Will Harris for the seventh. But the early hole was too much to overcome on a night when the Astros went 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Kansas City’s bullpen was solid after Medlen’s exit, with Luke Hochevar and Kelvin Herrera striking out two each in perfect innings before Joakim Soria took over in the eighth. He allowed one hit and walked one before he was relieved by Davis.

Houston designated hitter Evan Gattis went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts in his first game of the season after starting the year on the disabled list after February surgery to repair a sports hernia.

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD

The Royals announced on Tuesday that they received permission from Major League baseball to continue to wear the gold accented jerseys and hats that they wore for the first two games of this season during each Friday home game this season. The uniforms, which include hats that have the 2015 World Series Champions logo on the side, are a tribute to their championship season.

Their next Friday home game is April 22 against the Orioles.

PRESIDENTIAL PITCH

Former President George H.W. Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday’s game. The 91-year-old was pushed onto the field in a wheelchair and tossed the ball left-handed to Monday’s starter Collin McHugh from about five feet in front of the plate. After McHugh grabbed the pitch, which was just a bit outside, Bush raised both of his fists in the air and smiled.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Royals: OF Jarrod Dyson (right oblique strain) went 2 for 5 in his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday. Manager Ned Yost said there wasn’t a timetable for his return yet.

Astros: Right-hander Lance McCullers (right shoulder soreness) will make his second rehabilitation start for Double-A Corpus Christi on Saturday.

UP NEXT

Royals: Yordano Ventura (0-0, 3.60) will make his second start of the season on Wednesday. Ventura didn’t factor into the decision in his first start after allowing two hits and two runs and tying a career high with six walks in a 4-3 win over the Twins.

Astros: Scott Feldman (0-1, 9.00) will pitch for Houston on Wednesday. It will be his second start this season after he allowed five hits and four runs in four innings of a 6-4 loss to Milwaukee.

— Associated Press —