At the Aug. 4 Alliance City Council meeting, council discussed on first reading the 2020-2021 proposed budget.&nbsp;

The proposed budget...set at $54.5 million, up $8 million from last year...contains anticipated and estimated revenues and expenses for the next fiscal year.&nbsp; "This year's budget includes enterprise fee transfers to the general fund in the 12% rate," said Mike Dafney, Alliance City Mayor. "This source will provide&nbsp;approximately $2.1 million for the general fund operations." This budget provides City of Alliance employees with a 2% cost of living increase. The overall cost of total employee salaries and benefits is up by $170,000 to $7.9 million-- a 2.6% increase from last year. The budget also includes capital projects of $18.9 million and enterprise capital projects of $6.1 million.&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the bigger projects the city is hoping will happen this year is the third street overlay. Additional projects on the radar include Pillars for the Park, an airport project, the public safety radio system upgrade, a lift station replacement, and upgrades to the Central Park tennis courts.&nbsp; To hear a more in depth list of projects on the budget and costs, click this link below to hear KCOW morning show host Jason Wentworth speak with City of Alliance Finance Director Randy Waggner.&nbsp;<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/0130266a-d00c-419a-a577-01609ce92b4b" target="_blank">https://panhandlepost.com/posts/0130266a-d00c-419a-a577-01609ce92b4b</a>

"Concerning local taxes...the city's property tax request is unchanged for 2021," said Mike Dafney, Alliance Mayor. "This is the same as 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020...so I want that out there. We get hammered about what we are doing with property tax every time we try to do something. We have not made a tax increase for a total of three years and we're leaving it the same." Randy Waggener said the city is projecting healthy sales tax despite the pandemic.&nbsp; "We're expecting to exceed what we have budgeted for this year for sales tax," Waggener added. "I think a lot of people are doing more online shopping and that sales tax comes back to us. It's really looking to be kind of level in many ways...in other ways it's just exciting that we tend to be pretty stable." Council also approved an additional 1% for budgeted restricted funds on the first reading. This was passed with a 75% affirmative vote by council to exceed the allowable growth and basic allowable growth for the 2020 - 2021 fiscal year budget by 1%. This does not increase the budget. It allows the city to increase the unused budget authority for use in future years.&nbsp; The council also heard from Waggener on the third quarter financial statement.&nbsp; "We're all concerned about how COVID might affect the city...and are the revenues still going to come in," Waggener said. "From all our projections it seems like we're going to be doing well this year. Our basic ambulance fees, annual building permits...they're on target to exceed the most recent few years. We've seen a little drop in motor vehicle sales tax, but we anticipate that that's a timing thing more than anything. There was a period of time when people couldn't get their cars licensed and we thing that's going to catch up. We have a reserve there and so we're not anticipating that's going to affect our finances at all." Waggener said the Skyview Golf Course was highly used this season.&nbsp; "The memberships hasn't been as high as they have been since 2008," Waggener added. "We have a new golf pro out there and he's getting kids excited about golfing." He also said the general fund cash trends are at the highest level they've been.&nbsp; "We anticipate there's going to be a little bit to help fund some of those capital projects we got planned for next year," Waggener continued.&nbsp; &nbsp;

-Approved a bid award for the Bulk Water Fill Station Rehabilitation Project to K. L. Wood and Company for $38,039.&nbsp;

-Denied a rezone request with the Starlite Addition. The Alliance Planning Commission at their regular meeting on July 14 recommened this denial.&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostAt the Aug. 4 Alliance City Council meeting, council discussed on first reading the 2020-2021 proposed budget.&nbsp; The proposed budget...set at $54.5 million, up $8 million from last year...contains anticipated and estimated revenues and expenses for the next fiscal year.&nbsp; "This year's budget includes enterprise fee transfers to the general fund in the 12% rate," said Mike Dafney, Alliance City Mayor. "This source will provide&nbsp;approximately $2.1 million for the general fund operations." This budget provides City of Alliance employees with a 2% cost of living increase. The overall cost of total employee salaries and benefits is up by $170,000 to $7.9 million-- a 2.6% increase from last year. The budget also includes capital projects of $18.9 million and enterprise capital projects of $6.1 million.&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the bigger projects the city is hoping will happen this year is the third street overlay. Additional projects on the radar include Pillars for the Park, an airport project, the public safety radio system upgrade, a lift station replacement, and upgrades to the Central Park tennis courts.&nbsp; To hear a more in depth list of projects on the budget and costs, click this link below to hear KCOW morning show host Jason Wentworth speak with City of Alliance Finance Director Randy Waggner.&nbsp;<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/0130266a-d00c-419a-a577-01609ce92b4b" target="_blank">https://panhandlepost.com/posts/0130266a-d00c-419a-a577-01609ce92b4b</a>"Concerning local taxes...the city's property tax request is unchanged for 2021," said Mike Dafney, Alliance Mayor. "This is the same as 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020...so I want that out there. We get hammered about what we are doing with property tax every time we try to do something. We have not made a tax increase for a total of three years and we're leaving it the same." Randy Waggener said the city is projecting healthy sales tax despite the pandemic.&nbsp; "We're expecting to exceed what we have budgeted for this year for sales tax," Waggener added. "I think a lot of people are doing more online shopping and that sales tax comes back to us. It's really looking to be kind of level in many ways...in other ways it's just exciting that we tend to be pretty stable." Council also approved an additional 1% for budgeted restricted funds on the first reading. This was passed with a 75% affirmative vote by council to exceed the allowable growth and basic allowable growth for the 2020 - 2021 fiscal year budget by 1%. This does not increase the budget. It allows the city to increase the unused budget authority for use in future years.&nbsp; The council also heard from Waggener on the third quarter financial statement.&nbsp; "We're all concerned about how COVID might affect the city...and are the revenues still going to come in," Waggener said. "From all our projections it seems like we're going to be doing well this year. Our basic ambulance fees, annual building permits...they're on target to exceed the most recent few years. We've seen a little drop in motor vehicle sales tax, but we anticipate that that's a timing thing more than anything. There was a period of time when people couldn't get their cars licensed and we thing that's going to catch up. We have a reserve there and so we're not anticipating that's going to affect our finances at all." Waggener said the Skyview Golf Course was highly used this season.&nbsp; "The memberships hasn't been as high as they have been since 2008," Waggener added. "We have a new golf pro out there and he's getting kids excited about golfing." He also said the general fund cash trends are at the highest level they've been.&nbsp; "We anticipate there's going to be a little bit to help fund some of those capital projects we got planned for next year," Waggener continued.&nbsp; &nbsp;In other business, council:-Approved a bid award for the Bulk Water Fill Station Rehabilitation Project to K. L. Wood and Company for $38,039.&nbsp;-Denied a rezone request with the Starlite Addition. The Alliance Planning Commission at their regular meeting on July 14 recommened this denial.&nbsp;

Alliance council approves 2020-2021 budget on first reading with no tax increase

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Some of Nebraska's jails and prisons continue to struggle to control the spread of the coronavirus within their walls. 

The Douglas County Jail confirmed on Thursday 35 new COVID-19 cases among the jail's employees and seven new cases among inmates. 

Since the onset of the pandemic, a total of 92 employees, two contractors and 66 prisoners have tested positive at the jail. 

The Nebraska state prisons system has also seen a spate of new confirmed cases among staff.

 The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said Thursday that two more staffers with the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center in Lincoln had tested positive, bringing the total number of prison staffers across the state infected to 54.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Some of Nebraska's jails and prisons continue to struggle to control the spread of the coronavirus within their walls. The Douglas County Jail confirmed on Thursday 35 new COVID-19 cases among the jail's employees and seven new cases among inmates. Since the onset of the pandemic, a total of 92 employees, two contractors and 66 prisoners have tested positive at the jail. The Nebraska state prisons system has also seen a spate of new confirmed cases among staff. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said Thursday that two more staffers with the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center in Lincoln had tested positive, bringing the total number of prison staffers across the state infected to 54.

Nebraska jails, prisons struggle to halt coronavirus spread

Updated quarantine guidance Panhandle total: 481, Active: 56, Recovered: 419, Deaths: 6

The quarantine guidance has been updated as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. This helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms.

· People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19-excluding people who have had COVID-19 within the past three months.

- People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to three months as long as they do not develop symptoms again. People who develop symptoms again within three months of their first bout of COVID-19 may need to be tested again if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms.

Unified Command confirms two more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle. The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.

Testing information and access for the Panhandle area: · You can sign up for the following free testing at Testnebraska.com or 402-207-9377:

o Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am

· Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrows

o Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am

· Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)

o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pm

o Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Monday-Friday, Noon-4pm

o Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays &amp; Thursday, 7-9am

· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq

· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Daily

o Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results, insurance will be billed

· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.

Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.

For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

By PPHDUpdated quarantine guidance Panhandle total: 481, Active: 56, Recovered: 419, Deaths: 6The quarantine guidance has been updated as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. This helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms.Who needs to quarantine?· People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19-excluding people who have had COVID-19 within the past three months.- People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to three months as long as they do not develop symptoms again. People who develop symptoms again within three months of their first bout of COVID-19 may need to be tested again if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms.Unified Command confirms two more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle. The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597420579677.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Testing information and access for the Panhandle area: · You can sign up for the following free testing at Testnebraska.com or 402-207-9377:o Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am· Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrowso Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am· Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pmo Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Monday-Friday, Noon-4pmo Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays &amp; Thursday, 7-9am· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Dailyo Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results, insurance will be billed· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.March 2-August 13, 2020· Total Tests Conducted: 9,415· Positive: 481· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.1%· Recovered: 419· Active Cases: 56· Deaths: 6· Active Hospitalizations: 2· Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 48Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

PPHD: Updated quarantine guidance, 2 news cases, 2 recoveries

SCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp;- Western Nebraska Community College will recieve a $400,554 federal Student Support Services (SSS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund its TRIO SSS program.&nbsp;

TRIOS SSS help low-income, first-generation, and disabled students succeed in and graduate from college. WNCC's TRIO SSS program was established in 1987 and serves 200 students annually. The grant will provide five years of funds for an array of services that include academic tutoring, financial aid advice, career and college mentoring, help in choosing courses, and more. These services enhance academic success and make it more likely that a student will graduate or transfer to without accruing massive student-loan debt.&nbsp;

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to continue to serve the needs of WNCC and the Panhandle for another five years," said Norman Coley, WNCC's dean of students and TRIO programs director. "Our students are dynamic and the TRIO programs are a wonderful tool to empower them to launch themselves into a career or educational pathway of success."

SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs authorized by the Higher Education Act to identify and provide services to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Department of Education awards this grant every five years to higher education institutions, public and private agencies, and community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth and secondary schools.&nbsp;

For more information about WNCC's TRIO SSS program, visit wncc.edu/student-life/student-services/trio-sss.&nbsp; &nbsp;

SCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp;- Western Nebraska Community College will recieve a $400,554 federal Student Support Services (SSS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund its TRIO SSS program.&nbsp; TRIOS SSS help low-income, first-generation, and disabled students succeed in and graduate from college. WNCC's TRIO SSS program was established in 1987 and serves 200 students annually. The grant will provide five years of funds for an array of services that include academic tutoring, financial aid advice, career and college mentoring, help in choosing courses, and more. These services enhance academic success and make it more likely that a student will graduate or transfer to without accruing massive student-loan debt.&nbsp; "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to continue to serve the needs of WNCC and the Panhandle for another five years," said Norman Coley, WNCC's dean of students and TRIO programs director. "Our students are dynamic and the TRIO programs are a wonderful tool to empower them to launch themselves into a career or educational pathway of success." SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs authorized by the Higher Education Act to identify and provide services to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Department of Education awards this grant every five years to higher education institutions, public and private agencies, and community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth and secondary schools.&nbsp; For more information about WNCC's TRIO SSS program, visit wncc.edu/student-life/student-services/trio-sss.&nbsp; &nbsp;

WNCC awarded $400K for TRIO Student Support Services

Alliance – The Alliance Landfill would like to share a few tips on how to properly dispose of paint to prevent paint from running into our water system. 

A few options to properly dry your paint out before disposing include:

· Opening and drying out fully in the sun

For more information, contact Landfill Foreman Clint Fankhauser at (308) 762-2705

Alliance – The Alliance Landfill would like to share a few tips on how to properly dispose of paint to prevent paint from running into our water system. A few options to properly dry your paint out before disposing include:· Mixing with saw dust· Mixing with kitty litter· Opening and drying out fully in the sun· Pour onto cardboard or carpetFor more information, contact Landfill Foreman Clint Fankhauser at (308) 762-2705

City of Alliance release landfill disposal tips for paint

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON – The Project Strive program at Chadron State College has received a U.S. Department of Education five-year renewal grant. The amount of the grant is $285,000 annually.

Jen Schaer, director of the program, said it is rewarding for her and the Project Strive employees watch students grow and discover whom they want to become.

“We had a student that was struggling and after talking to him, he changed his major and now enjoys his classes and knows what his future career is going to be,” Schaer said. “The best feeling is to receive notes and calls of appreciation from students, and especially to have a student walk across the stage at graduation.”

Shane Collins of Prairie City, South Dakota, said as a first generation college student, the transition to college was something that gave him anxiety.

“However, through the assistance and guidance that Project Strive provided me the transition to college was made easier. I am thankful that Project Strive was there to assist me and will continue to be around to help students like myself in the years to come,” Collins said.

Hannah Conner of Orient, Ohio, said Project Strive provides many resources she did not think she would have access to when she started college.

Brennann Jackson of Valentine, Nebraska, agreed with Conner.

“When coming to Chadron State, I was not for sure what there was for opportunities until I found Project Strive and everything that they have to offer for different students,” Jackson said.

Project Strive offices are located in the lower level of the King Library. Staff members include Schaer, Amanda Lewin, Sonja Dressel, and Claudia Magnuson.

The program is designed to provide academic support services to 160 CSC college students with a commitment to help them persist to graduation. It is part of Student Support Services, one of six federal TRiO programs designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their educational endeavors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Services include academic counseling, peer mentors, a study area, study resources, career and personal counseling, field trips, supplemental grant aid, and graduation planning. Workshops help student participants develop study skills, resumes, time management skills, and financial literacy. Other topics include career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness.

To be eligible for the program, a student must be a legal resident of the U.S. and one of the following: a first generation student (neither parent has a four-year degree), meet low income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability.

By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing CoordinatorCHADRON – The Project Strive program at Chadron State College has received a U.S. Department of Education five-year renewal grant. The amount of the grant is $285,000 annually.Jen Schaer, director of the program, said it is rewarding for her and the Project Strive employees watch students grow and discover whom they want to become.“We had a student that was struggling and after talking to him, he changed his major and now enjoys his classes and knows what his future career is going to be,” Schaer said. “The best feeling is to receive notes and calls of appreciation from students, and especially to have a student walk across the stage at graduation.”Shane Collins of Prairie City, South Dakota, said as a first generation college student, the transition to college was something that gave him anxiety.“However, through the assistance and guidance that Project Strive provided me the transition to college was made easier. I am thankful that Project Strive was there to assist me and will continue to be around to help students like myself in the years to come,” Collins said.Hannah Conner of Orient, Ohio, said Project Strive provides many resources she did not think she would have access to when she started college.Brennann Jackson of Valentine, Nebraska, agreed with Conner.“When coming to Chadron State, I was not for sure what there was for opportunities until I found Project Strive and everything that they have to offer for different students,” Jackson said.Project Strive offices are located in the lower level of the King Library. Staff members include Schaer, Amanda Lewin, Sonja Dressel, and Claudia Magnuson.The program is designed to provide academic support services to 160 CSC college students with a commitment to help them persist to graduation. It is part of Student Support Services, one of six federal TRiO programs designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their educational endeavors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Services include academic counseling, peer mentors, a study area, study resources, career and personal counseling, field trips, supplemental grant aid, and graduation planning. Workshops help student participants develop study skills, resumes, time management skills, and financial literacy. Other topics include career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness.To be eligible for the program, a student must be a legal resident of the U.S. and one of the following: a first generation student (neither parent has a four-year degree), meet low income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability.

Project Strive program receives grant renewal in Chadron

CUSTER, S.D. (AP) — Sheriff’s officials say a motorcyclist has survived a violent attack by a bison in the Black Hills. 

A bystander’s video shows several bikers had stopped while a herd of bison crossed a road in Custer State Park Wednesday. 

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office says a 54-year-old Iowa woman got off the motorcycle on which she was a passenger and was attacked by a bison. 

Sheriff's officials say the bison caught the woman’s belt and jeans on its horns and swung her around violently before running away.

 Custer County Sheriff’s deputies, Custer State Park rangers, Custer Ambulance and Black Hills Life Flight responded to the incident. 

There's no word on the woman's condition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CUSTER, S.D. (AP) — Sheriff’s officials say a motorcyclist has survived a violent attack by a bison in the Black Hills. A bystander’s video shows several bikers had stopped while a herd of bison crossed a road in Custer State Park Wednesday. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office says a 54-year-old Iowa woman got off the motorcycle on which she was a passenger and was attacked by a bison. Sheriff's officials say the bison caught the woman’s belt and jeans on its horns and swung her around violently before running away. Custer County Sheriff’s deputies, Custer State Park rangers, Custer Ambulance and Black Hills Life Flight responded to the incident. There's no word on the woman's condition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Woman survives violent bison attack in Custer State Park

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have approved new tax credits for homeowners, farmers and businesses and put more restrictions on abortions as they finish a session marred by ugly public disputes and criticism that they didn’t do enough to address the coronavirus pandemic. 

The 60-day session ended after several last-minute, unsuccessful attempts to derail the tax and abortion bills.

 Lawmakers gave both measures final approval and sent them to Gov. Pete Ricketts, who’s expected to sign them. 

Lawmakers convened as normal in January but suspended their session in March out of concern about the pandemic. 

They returned in July with new safety precautions, including plastic barriers to separate senators and new restrictions on who could access the legislative chamber.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have approved new tax credits for homeowners, farmers and businesses and put more restrictions on abortions as they finish a session marred by ugly public disputes and criticism that they didn’t do enough to address the coronavirus pandemic. The 60-day session ended after several last-minute, unsuccessful attempts to derail the tax and abortion bills. Lawmakers gave both measures final approval and sent them to Gov. Pete Ricketts, who’s expected to sign them. Lawmakers convened as normal in January but suspended their session in March out of concern about the pandemic. They returned in July with new safety precautions, including plastic barriers to separate senators and new restrictions on who could access the legislative chamber.

Nebraska lawmakers OK property tax credits as session ends

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Panhandle Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.panhandlepost.com/recent-obituaries/kcowradio@gmail.com">kcowradio@gmail.com</a>

Click <a href="https://panhandlepost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp; Panhandle Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.panhandlepost.com/recent-obituaries/kcowradio@gmail.com">kcowradio@gmail.com</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579015966834.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: www.canstockphoto.com&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: www.canstockphoto.com&nbsp;</figcaption>
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Recent obituaries

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — A North Platte man has been charged with sexual assault and incest for a series of incidents that took place over nearly 15 years.

 The 50-year-old man is being held on $500,000 bail.

 He was arraigned Wednesday on four charges of first-degree sexual assault and two charges of incest. 

The Associated Press does not generally name victims of sexual assault.

 The man’s name is being withheld to protect the victim’s identity. 

According to court records, the alleged assaults began when the victim was 10 years old and continued for nearly 15 years.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — A North Platte man has been charged with sexual assault and incest for a series of incidents that took place over nearly 15 years. The 50-year-old man is being held on $500,000 bail. He was arraigned Wednesday on four charges of first-degree sexual assault and two charges of incest. The Associated Press does not generally name victims of sexual assault. The man’s name is being withheld to protect the victim’s identity. According to court records, the alleged assaults began when the victim was 10 years old and continued for nearly 15 years.

North Platte man charged with sexual assault, incest

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Traffic on Nebraska highways is approaching normal levels after falling sharply this spring when coronavirus restrictions were imposed. 

The state Transportation Department said this week that traffic statewide was close to the average level from 2016 to 2018 for the first time since March although some areas remain slower. 

On the interstate system of highways around Omaha and between Omaha and Lincoln, traffic was down 9% last week.

 At the height of the coronavirus restrictions in early April traffic was down 44% in that area.

 Highways in some parts of the state were busier. Interstate 80 traffic west of Lincoln was up 8%.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Traffic on Nebraska highways is approaching normal levels after falling sharply this spring when coronavirus restrictions were imposed. The state Transportation Department said this week that traffic statewide was close to the average level from 2016 to 2018 for the first time since March although some areas remain slower. On the interstate system of highways around Omaha and between Omaha and Lincoln, traffic was down 9% last week. At the height of the coronavirus restrictions in early April traffic was down 44% in that area. Highways in some parts of the state were busier. Interstate 80 traffic west of Lincoln was up 8%.

Nebraska traffic back to level seen before virus outbreak

DENVER (AP) — Starling Marte homered and drove in four runs as the Arizona Diamondbacks battered the Colorado Rockies 13-7 Wednesday in a Coors Field slugfest featuring 34 hits, but none by blistering Charlie Blackmon.

Blackmon began the game batting an astonishing .500 for the Rockies. He went 0 for 4, ending his hitting streak at 15 games, and his average dipped to .472.

Blackmon was on deck when Trevor Story, who doubled twice and singled, grounded into a game-ending double play.

Nolan Arenado homered twice and doubled for the Rockies.

Marte had three hits, including a go-ahead single in an eight-run seventh inning. It was 5-all going into the inning.

“It was about time,” said David Peralta, who helped break the game open in the seventh with a three-run double. “We were finding some holes. We’ve been hitting the ball really well but couldn’t find the hole. This just happened. So when this kind of thing happens it’s fun. It’s fun when you do the right thing and things go your way. We just have to keep it up. “

Nick Ahmed had three hits and a pair of RBIs and Kole Calhoun added three hits with an RBI for the Diamondbacks, who took two of three to deny Colorado its sixth consecutive series win to start the season.

Ryan McMahon, swinging on a 3-0 count, connected for a three-run homer to chase Arizona starter Luke Weaver with one out in the fourth inning.

“I thought I hit some spots pretty well, got a little unlucky on some positioning, where we position our guys in the right way, and they just found some holes today,” Weaver said. “And that 3-0, that’s an interesting count. You’re trying to get back in the count and he sold out to the pitch and got one.”

It was the first home run by a Rockies player on a 3-0 count since Michael Cuddyer did it at Atlanta on on May 24, 2014.

“Honestly, the best part about it was Skip (manager Bud Black) giving me the green light there,” said McMahon, who has struggled with strikeouts this season. He has 28 on the season, including three more around his homer and single.

“To be really honest, I’ve just felt really lost,” McMahon added. “I haven’t had a great feel for the (strike zone) which is usually something I take a lot of pride in. It’s hard for me right now.”

Garrett Hampson added a career-high four hits for the Rockies. A total of 11 players had multihit games, seven with at least three hits.

Andrew Chafin (1-0) picked up the win with an inning of scoreless relief.

With the score tied at 5 in the the seventh, the Diamondbacks erupted. Peralta struck the key blow with a three-run double off Tyler Kinley (0-1), who did not retire any of the five batters he faced. Ahmed and Calhoun each had a pair of hits in the inning.

Arizona homered in a club-record 16th straight game at Coors Field and improved to 9-3 in its last 12 against the Rockies.

Colorado starter Antonio Senzatela went six innings and allowed five runs on nine hits.

Around the Majors Wednesday

— The Oakland Athletics avoided a sweep while winning for the 10th time in 12 games.

Stephen Piscotty, Matt Olson and Robbie Grossman homered for the A’s in an 8-4 victory over the Angels. Seven of the Athletics’ nine hits were for extra bases after they were shut out on Tuesday.

Ramón Laureano made three nifty catches in center field as he awaits a decision of his appeal of a six-game suspension for charging Houston coach Alex Cintron on Sunday.

— Gary Sanchez and Clint Frazier launched back-to-back homers and Aaron Hicks delivered an RBI double that put the Yankees ahead to stay in a 6-3 downing of the Braves. Frazier had three hits and scored twice while starting in place of outfielder Aaron Judge, who was scratched due to tightness in his lower body.

— Magneuris Sierra poked a tiebreaking-two-run single in a three-run 10th that pushed the Marlins past the Blue Jays, 14-11 in Buffalo. Toronto lost despite smacking seven home runs, two by Travis Shaw.

— Martín Maldonado belted a three-run home run to back a strong start by Zack Greinke in the Astros’ 5-1 decision over the Giants. Greinke allowed one run and scattered seven hits over a season-high 6 1/3 innings for his first win of the year.

— Justin Turner crushed a three-run homer in the eighth inning to give the Dodgers breathing room in a 6-0 shutout of the Padres. Tony Gonsolin fell one out short of qualifying for the victory, allowing two hits and striking out eight.

— Byron Buxton homered twice, Miguel Sano added a solo shot and Kenta Maeda worked into the seventh inning for the Twins in a 12-2 pounding of the Brewers. Marwin Gonzalez and Jose Cruz Jr. each had two RBIs as part of Minnesota’s 15-hit assault.

— Blake Snell pitched five shutout innings and the Rays backed him with a trio of 400-foot homers to beat the Boston Red Sox 8-5. Willy Adames, Brandon Lowe and Yoshi Tsutsugo all homered off Zack Godley, and Austin Meadows hit a solo shot in the ninth inning of Tampa Bay’s fifth consecutive win.

— Kyle Hendricks pitched six strong innings Anthony Rizzo homered as the pair led the Cubs to a 7-2 win over the Indians. The Cubs are 12-3 in their first season under manager David Ross, matching the club’s 15-game start since 1970.

— Brad Keller tossed two-hit ball over six scoreless innings before the Royals completed a 5-4 win over the Reds. Salvador Perez supplied a solo homer and three RBIs while Kansas City was building a 5-0 lead.

— The Orioles also earned a 5-4 win over the Phillies as Rio Ruiz, Chance Sisco and Anthony Santander all homered. Baltimore reliever Miguel Castro wiggled out a jam in the eighth thanks to a fantastic diving stop by Ruiz.

— Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith provided back-to-back RBI doubles in a four-run first inning and hit consecutive homers in a five-run sixth as the Mets whipped the Nationals, 11-6. The fourth, fifth and sixth batters in the Mets’ lineup, Michael Conforto, Alonso and Smith, went 7-for-11 with eight RBIs, eight runs scored, three walks and a hit batsman in 15 plate appearances.

— The White Sox picked up a 7-5 win over the Tigers as Tim Anderson had four hits and finished a double shy of the cycle. Anderson and Eloy Jimenez opened the game with consecutive home runs, but Chicago blew a 3-1 lead before Luis Robert hit a bases-clearing double.

— Todd Frazier scored the tiebreaking run on a wild pitch while the Rangers plated five in the bottom of the eighth to beat the Mariners, 7-4. Texas rallied after Austin Nola and Daniel Vogelbach homered in Seattle’s four-run second.

DENVER (AP) — Starling Marte homered and drove in four runs as the Arizona Diamondbacks battered the Colorado Rockies 13-7 Wednesday in a Coors Field slugfest featuring 34 hits, but none by blistering Charlie Blackmon.Blackmon began the game batting an astonishing .500 for the Rockies. He went 0 for 4, ending his hitting streak at 15 games, and his average dipped to .472.Blackmon was on deck when Trevor Story, who doubled twice and singled, grounded into a game-ending double play.Nolan Arenado homered twice and doubled for the Rockies.Marte had three hits, including a go-ahead single in an eight-run seventh inning. It was 5-all going into the inning.“It was about time,” said David Peralta, who helped break the game open in the seventh with a three-run double. “We were finding some holes. We’ve been hitting the ball really well but couldn’t find the hole. This just happened. So when this kind of thing happens it’s fun. It’s fun when you do the right thing and things go your way. We just have to keep it up. “Nick Ahmed had three hits and a pair of RBIs and Kole Calhoun added three hits with an RBI for the Diamondbacks, who took two of three to deny Colorado its sixth consecutive series win to start the season.Ryan McMahon, swinging on a 3-0 count, connected for a three-run homer to chase Arizona starter Luke Weaver with one out in the fourth inning.“I thought I hit some spots pretty well, got a little unlucky on some positioning, where we position our guys in the right way, and they just found some holes today,” Weaver said. “And that 3-0, that’s an interesting count. You’re trying to get back in the count and he sold out to the pitch and got one.”It was the first home run by a Rockies player on a 3-0 count since Michael Cuddyer did it at Atlanta on on May 24, 2014.“Honestly, the best part about it was Skip (manager Bud Black) giving me the green light there,” said McMahon, who has struggled with strikeouts this season. He has 28 on the season, including three more around his homer and single.“To be really honest, I’ve just felt really lost,” McMahon added. “I haven’t had a great feel for the (strike zone) which is usually something I take a lot of pride in. It’s hard for me right now.”Garrett Hampson added a career-high four hits for the Rockies. A total of 11 players had multihit games, seven with at least three hits.Andrew Chafin (1-0) picked up the win with an inning of scoreless relief.With the score tied at 5 in the the seventh, the Diamondbacks erupted. Peralta struck the key blow with a three-run double off Tyler Kinley (0-1), who did not retire any of the five batters he faced. Ahmed and Calhoun each had a pair of hits in the inning.Arizona homered in a club-record 16th straight game at Coors Field and improved to 9-3 in its last 12 against the Rockies.Colorado starter Antonio Senzatela went six innings and allowed five runs on nine hits.Around the Majors Wednesday— The Oakland Athletics avoided a sweep while winning for the 10th time in 12 games.Stephen Piscotty, Matt Olson and Robbie Grossman homered for the A’s in an 8-4 victory over the Angels. Seven of the Athletics’ nine hits were for extra bases after they were shut out on Tuesday.Ramón Laureano made three nifty catches in center field as he awaits a decision of his appeal of a six-game suspension for charging Houston coach Alex Cintron on Sunday.— Gary Sanchez and Clint Frazier launched back-to-back homers and Aaron Hicks delivered an RBI double that put the Yankees ahead to stay in a 6-3 downing of the Braves. Frazier had three hits and scored twice while starting in place of outfielder Aaron Judge, who was scratched due to tightness in his lower body.— Magneuris Sierra poked a tiebreaking-two-run single in a three-run 10th that pushed the Marlins past the Blue Jays, 14-11 in Buffalo. Toronto lost despite smacking seven home runs, two by Travis Shaw.— Martín Maldonado belted a three-run home run to back a strong start by Zack Greinke in the Astros’ 5-1 decision over the Giants. Greinke allowed one run and scattered seven hits over a season-high 6 1/3 innings for his first win of the year.— Justin Turner crushed a three-run homer in the eighth inning to give the Dodgers breathing room in a 6-0 shutout of the Padres. Tony Gonsolin fell one out short of qualifying for the victory, allowing two hits and striking out eight.— Byron Buxton homered twice, Miguel Sano added a solo shot and Kenta Maeda worked into the seventh inning for the Twins in a 12-2 pounding of the Brewers. Marwin Gonzalez and Jose Cruz Jr. each had two RBIs as part of Minnesota’s 15-hit assault.— Blake Snell pitched five shutout innings and the Rays backed him with a trio of 400-foot homers to beat the Boston Red Sox 8-5. Willy Adames, Brandon Lowe and Yoshi Tsutsugo all homered off Zack Godley, and Austin Meadows hit a solo shot in the ninth inning of Tampa Bay’s fifth consecutive win.— Kyle Hendricks pitched six strong innings Anthony Rizzo homered as the pair led the Cubs to a 7-2 win over the Indians. The Cubs are 12-3 in their first season under manager David Ross, matching the club’s 15-game start since 1970.— Brad Keller tossed two-hit ball over six scoreless innings before the Royals completed a 5-4 win over the Reds. Salvador Perez supplied a solo homer and three RBIs while Kansas City was building a 5-0 lead.— The Orioles also earned a 5-4 win over the Phillies as Rio Ruiz, Chance Sisco and Anthony Santander all homered. Baltimore reliever Miguel Castro wiggled out a jam in the eighth thanks to a fantastic diving stop by Ruiz.— Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith provided back-to-back RBI doubles in a four-run first inning and hit consecutive homers in a five-run sixth as the Mets whipped the Nationals, 11-6. The fourth, fifth and sixth batters in the Mets’ lineup, Michael Conforto, Alonso and Smith, went 7-for-11 with eight RBIs, eight runs scored, three walks and a hit batsman in 15 plate appearances.— The White Sox picked up a 7-5 win over the Tigers as Tim Anderson had four hits and finished a double shy of the cycle. Anderson and Eloy Jimenez opened the game with consecutive home runs, but Chicago blew a 3-1 lead before Luis Robert hit a bases-clearing double.— Todd Frazier scored the tiebreaking run on a wild pitch while the Rangers plated five in the bottom of the eighth to beat the Mariners, 7-4. Texas rallied after Austin Nola and Daniel Vogelbach homered in Seattle’s four-run second.

Diamondbacks top Rockies in game featuring 34 hits

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🔊 Jay Long Show: “I think all options are out on the table”

DENVER (AP) — Charlie Blackmon raised his batting average to an amazing .500 with three more hits, including a key double during a six-run burst in the eighth inning that led the Colorado Rockies over the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-7 Tuesday night.

After starting out the year 0 for 9, Blackmon has hit in 15 straight games. He's 34 for 68 through 17 games in the coronavirus-shortened 60-game season.

“It’s special to watch. He’s in a great place right now mentally and physically," Trevor Story said of Blackmon. "He hits the ball so hard. He’s just driving it. It’s cool to see what he can do in the three spot.”

Blackmon doubled off Kevin Ginkel (0-1) during the Rockies' big inning that made it 8-2.

The Diamondbacks rallied for five runs in the ninth and had runners on first and third with two outs. Daniel Bard fanned pinch hitter Stephen Vogt to end it and earn his first save since 2011 while with the Boston Red Sox. It was his sixth career save overall.

Nolan Arenado hit a two-run homer and Raimel Tapia added three hits, including a two-run double in the eighth for Colorado.

Carlos Estevez (1-0) worked a scoreless eighth for the victory. Christian Walker and Carson Kelly each homered for the Diamondbacks.

Trailing 2-1, Arizona tied it when Kelly led off the seventh with his first home run of the season.

Colorado had gone in front 2-1 when Arenado followed Blackmon's second single of the night with a fourth-inning drive off Zac Gallen that soared into the stand of evergreens behind the center field fence. Walker, who hit 29 home runs as a rookie for the Diamondbacks last season, connected for his first of the season leading off the fourth inning to put Arizona up 1-0.

Gallen went seven innings and allowed two runs on seven hits, with seven strikeout and no walks. He set an NL record by allowing three or fewer earned runs in each of his first 19 starts. He eclipsed Steve Rogers of Montreal who didn't allow more than three earned runs in each of his first 18 career starts. Kyle Freeland went seven innings for Colorado and allowed two runs on seven hits. He struck out two and walked one.&nbsp;

Major League Action Tuesday

— Eloy Jimenez hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and the Chicago White Sox snapped Detroit’s four-game wining streak with an 8-4 victory over the Tigers on Tuesday night. Edwin Encarnacion also went deep for the White Sox, who won for only the second time in seven games. Austin Romine hit a two-run shot for Detroit. Jose Abreu had three hits, including a pair of RBI doubles. Gio Gonzalez was pulled one out shy of the win. He allowed two runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. Matt Foster was credited with the win after striking out four in two perfect innings.

—Manny Machado slugged a grand slam after two consecutive errors by the Dodgers in the third inning, Garrett Richards won for the first time in two years, and the San Diego Padres defeated Los Angeles 6-2. The Padres have taken the first two games of the series after dropping two of three to the Dodgers last week in San Diego, and have won a season-best three in a row overall.

— Nick Solak singled three times and drove in three runs, leading the Texas Rangers to a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Solak had a two-run single in the first and an RBI hit in third, when Willie Calhoun added another run-scoring single. Left-hander Mike Minor allowed an infield single and three walks with four strikeouts in four scoreless innings. He was pulled after 76 pitches.

—In the first major league game in Buffalo since 1915, Travis Shaw hit an RBI single in the 10th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays settled into their new nest with a 5-4 win over the Miami Marlins. Barred from playing in Toronto by the Canadian government over concerns about the coronavirus, the wandering Blue Jays spent nearly three weeks on the road before moving into the ballpark of their Triple-A affiliate as their temporary home this year.

—Mike Brosseau led off the game with a home run, Yandy Díaz and Hunter Renfroe each had two RBIs and the Tampa Bay Rays continued their offensive onslaught against the Boston Red Sox in an 8-2 win Tuesday night. Brosseau, Diaz and Manuel Margot had multi-hit games as Tampa Bay won its fourth straight game. The Rays had a season-high 16 hits in an 8-7 win Monday. Boston has lost seven of its last 10 games.

—Joey Votto doubled home the winning run in the 10th inning, and the Cincinnati Reds blew another late lead before rallying for a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Royals tied it 5-5 in the eighth on Ryan McBroom’s pinch-hit, two-run homer off Amir Garrett, but they couldn’t keep their four-game winning streak going.

—Jon Lester pitched six strong innings and Jason Heyward hit a three-run homer, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 7-1 win over Cleveland. The Indians welcomed back manager Terry Francona after he missed eight games with a medical issue. Lester allowed one run and three hits as the Cubs, who hadn’t played in four days, moved to 11-3 for the first time since 2016. The Indians put pitchers Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac on the restricted list after they broke team rules and went out in Chicago, exposing themselves to COVID-19.

—Austin Hays hit a two-run, inside-the-park homer in the 10th inning to lift the Baltimore Orioles to a 10-9 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Bryce Harper hit a tying, two-run homer in the eighth and Jean Segura gave the Phillies a 6-5 lead with a solo shot two outs later.

— Aaron Judge dented an advertisement with a scorching home run before making an unusual early exit, Jordan Montgomery pitched efficiently against a lineup missing its brightest star and the New York Yankees beat the Atlanta Braves 9-6. Atlanta scratched Ronald Acuña Jr. about 90 minutes before first pitch with a sore left wrist. The 2018 NL Rookie of the Year homered three times during a doubleheader Sunday against Philadelphia but was pulled early in a blowout loss Monday.

-- Max Scherzer showed no effects of hamstring trouble, navigating heavy traffic early for his first win this season. And Trea Turner hit a record-breaking leadoff homer to help the Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 2-1. Victor Robles blooped an RBI single for the Nationals, who took the first two in a four-game series between NL East rivals. New York dropped to 3-7 at home this season.

— Jedd Gyorko blasted a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Milwaukee Brewers came from behind to beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4 . The Brewers started their winning rally when Christian Yelich beat the Twins’ shift with a one-out double. Eddie Rosario of the Twins and Manny Pina of the Brewers each hit two home runs. Minnesota’s Jorge Polanco and Milwaukee’s Avisail Garcia also homered.

DENVER (AP) — Charlie Blackmon raised his batting average to an amazing .500 with three more hits, including a key double during a six-run burst in the eighth inning that led the Colorado Rockies over the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-7 Tuesday night.After starting out the year 0 for 9, Blackmon has hit in 15 straight games. He's 34 for 68 through 17 games in the coronavirus-shortened 60-game season.“It’s special to watch. He’s in a great place right now mentally and physically," Trevor Story said of Blackmon. "He hits the ball so hard. He’s just driving it. It’s cool to see what he can do in the three spot.”Blackmon doubled off Kevin Ginkel (0-1) during the Rockies' big inning that made it 8-2.The Diamondbacks rallied for five runs in the ninth and had runners on first and third with two outs. Daniel Bard fanned pinch hitter Stephen Vogt to end it and earn his first save since 2011 while with the Boston Red Sox. It was his sixth career save overall.Nolan Arenado hit a two-run homer and Raimel Tapia added three hits, including a two-run double in the eighth for Colorado.Carlos Estevez (1-0) worked a scoreless eighth for the victory. Christian Walker and Carson Kelly each homered for the Diamondbacks.Trailing 2-1, Arizona tied it when Kelly led off the seventh with his first home run of the season.Colorado had gone in front 2-1 when Arenado followed Blackmon's second single of the night with a fourth-inning drive off Zac Gallen that soared into the stand of evergreens behind the center field fence. Walker, who hit 29 home runs as a rookie for the Diamondbacks last season, connected for his first of the season leading off the fourth inning to put Arizona up 1-0.Gallen went seven innings and allowed two runs on seven hits, with seven strikeout and no walks. He set an NL record by allowing three or fewer earned runs in each of his first 19 starts. He eclipsed Steve Rogers of Montreal who didn't allow more than three earned runs in each of his first 18 career starts. Kyle Freeland went seven innings for Colorado and allowed two runs on seven hits. He struck out two and walked one.&nbsp;Major League Action Tuesday— Eloy Jimenez hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and the Chicago White Sox snapped Detroit’s four-game wining streak with an 8-4 victory over the Tigers on Tuesday night. Edwin Encarnacion also went deep for the White Sox, who won for only the second time in seven games. Austin Romine hit a two-run shot for Detroit. Jose Abreu had three hits, including a pair of RBI doubles. Gio Gonzalez was pulled one out shy of the win. He allowed two runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. Matt Foster was credited with the win after striking out four in two perfect innings.—Manny Machado slugged a grand slam after two consecutive errors by the Dodgers in the third inning, Garrett Richards won for the first time in two years, and the San Diego Padres defeated Los Angeles 6-2. The Padres have taken the first two games of the series after dropping two of three to the Dodgers last week in San Diego, and have won a season-best three in a row overall.— Nick Solak singled three times and drove in three runs, leading the Texas Rangers to a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Solak had a two-run single in the first and an RBI hit in third, when Willie Calhoun added another run-scoring single. Left-hander Mike Minor allowed an infield single and three walks with four strikeouts in four scoreless innings. He was pulled after 76 pitches.—In the first major league game in Buffalo since 1915, Travis Shaw hit an RBI single in the 10th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays settled into their new nest with a 5-4 win over the Miami Marlins. Barred from playing in Toronto by the Canadian government over concerns about the coronavirus, the wandering Blue Jays spent nearly three weeks on the road before moving into the ballpark of their Triple-A affiliate as their temporary home this year.—Mike Brosseau led off the game with a home run, Yandy Díaz and Hunter Renfroe each had two RBIs and the Tampa Bay Rays continued their offensive onslaught against the Boston Red Sox in an 8-2 win Tuesday night. Brosseau, Diaz and Manuel Margot had multi-hit games as Tampa Bay won its fourth straight game. The Rays had a season-high 16 hits in an 8-7 win Monday. Boston has lost seven of its last 10 games.—Joey Votto doubled home the winning run in the 10th inning, and the Cincinnati Reds blew another late lead before rallying for a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Royals tied it 5-5 in the eighth on Ryan McBroom’s pinch-hit, two-run homer off Amir Garrett, but they couldn’t keep their four-game winning streak going.—Jon Lester pitched six strong innings and Jason Heyward hit a three-run homer, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 7-1 win over Cleveland. The Indians welcomed back manager Terry Francona after he missed eight games with a medical issue. Lester allowed one run and three hits as the Cubs, who hadn’t played in four days, moved to 11-3 for the first time since 2016. The Indians put pitchers Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac on the restricted list after they broke team rules and went out in Chicago, exposing themselves to COVID-19.—Austin Hays hit a two-run, inside-the-park homer in the 10th inning to lift the Baltimore Orioles to a 10-9 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Bryce Harper hit a tying, two-run homer in the eighth and Jean Segura gave the Phillies a 6-5 lead with a solo shot two outs later.— Aaron Judge dented an advertisement with a scorching home run before making an unusual early exit, Jordan Montgomery pitched efficiently against a lineup missing its brightest star and the New York Yankees beat the Atlanta Braves 9-6. Atlanta scratched Ronald Acuña Jr. about 90 minutes before first pitch with a sore left wrist. The 2018 NL Rookie of the Year homered three times during a doubleheader Sunday against Philadelphia but was pulled early in a blowout loss Monday.-- Max Scherzer showed no effects of hamstring trouble, navigating heavy traffic early for his first win this season. And Trea Turner hit a record-breaking leadoff homer to help the Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 2-1. Victor Robles blooped an RBI single for the Nationals, who took the first two in a four-game series between NL East rivals. New York dropped to 3-7 at home this season.— Jedd Gyorko blasted a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Milwaukee Brewers came from behind to beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4 . The Brewers started their winning rally when Christian Yelich beat the Twins’ shift with a one-out double. Eddie Rosario of the Twins and Manny Pina of the Brewers each hit two home runs. Minnesota’s Jorge Polanco and Milwaukee’s Avisail Garcia also homered.

Rockies sneak by Snakes, Blackmon hitting .500!

And then there were three. The Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference were still moving forward with plans for a fall college football season. Two other Power Five leagues, the Big Ten and the Pac-12, have called things off. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says he is comfortable with the 14-member conference’s approach. The ACC says it will continue to follow advice of medical advisers and health officials. The Big 12 Board of Directors was meeting late Tuesday and reportedly decided to continue moving forward, even looking to release a new schedule soon.

Associated PressAnd then there were three. The Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference were still moving forward with plans for a fall college football season. Two other Power Five leagues, the Big Ten and the Pac-12, have called things off. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says he is comfortable with the 14-member conference’s approach. The ACC says it will continue to follow advice of medical advisers and health officials. The Big 12 Board of Directors was meeting late Tuesday and reportedly decided to continue moving forward, even looking to release a new schedule soon.

Big 12, SEC, ACC all planning to play football this fall

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The surprising (at least to fans) announcement late last week that the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is suspending the fall seasons for football and volleyball probably won’t be the last word, according to Joel Smith, the Chadron State College athletic director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; More discussions are scheduled and some changes are anticipated as the NCAA, the conferences and the schools try to do what is best for the student-athletes and the athletic programs, he added.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smith, who is chairman of the RMAC’s Competition Committee, said Monday morning that he already had four zoom meetings scheduled for this week, two of them at the national level and two at the conference level.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “We’re all trying to do the right thing,” Smith said. “We had to make the announcement last week because we had too many questions that were going to take some time to answer. He said they included testing for COVID-19, insurance coverage in case athletes are affected, eligibility of the athletes and scholarships.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The RMAC announcement said the fall sports competition would be moved to the spring, but that also spawned numerous questions, particularly concerning football because of weather implications.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just a week earlier, the RMAC Presidents’ Council announced that conference-only contests would be played this fall, beginning Sept. 18 and 19. The Presidents’ Council also made last week’s decision suspending the fall football, volleyball and soccer seasons, but allowing cross county and golf to be played this fall because they are considered “low risk” sports.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Several other Division II conferences had made similar announcements prior to the RMAC decision. Now, it appears that all DII conferences have decided to forego competition in the “high risk” sports this fall.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Earlier last week, the NCAA Board of Governors and the DII Presidents’ Council mandated that no fall sports national championships will take place in 2020.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While much remains uncertain, Smith said it’s possible football teams this fall may emulate what they’ve been doing in the spring and then play a limited schedule of games in the spring.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “There’s no way football will play 10 games in the spring and then play another 10 in the fall (of 2021), after we certainly hope everything is back to normal,” Smith said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He added that after visiting with some of his colleagues Monday, it seems probable that volleyball will switch nearly everything that usually takes place in the fall to spring.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NCAA rules state that coaches may have instructional contact with their athletes a total of 103 days annually. In the past for football, 15 of those days have been utilized in the spring and the remainder in the fall.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smith added that the NCAA previously had decided that all athletes would have to take COVID tests through their nostrils 72 hours before the contests began.&nbsp; The process is expensive, but Smith said Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts had stated the state would assist with those costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other members of RMAC had not received similar assurances at last report, Smith said.

He also stated that the colleges’ current insurance does not cover payments for care necessitated by the virus, making it another item that likely will have to be settled before any competition takes place.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State Head Football Coach Jay Long called the scenario “pretty crazy.”&nbsp;

“As coaches, we try to plan and be well organized and then things become so uncertain,” Long added. “That’s just the way things have happened.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Long said at least 40 and maybe as many as 60 CSC football players have been living in Chadron this summer and working out four or five times a week on their own to get ready for the season.

Some of them went home on Friday when they found out there would be no fall camp, which had been scheduled to start on Friday the 14th&nbsp;following the announcement that the Eagles’ first game would be Sept. 19 against South Dakota Mines in Rapid City.

Long said he is hopeful that all of the players will be back this week to be ready when classes begin on Monday.&nbsp; He and his assistants plan to meet with each of the players individually. By then, more information may be available.

&nbsp;&nbsp;Long said some of those nearing graduation may decide not to play if the schedule remains unsettled. The NCAA has determined athletes who decide not to play because of the virus, but remain in school will retain their athletic scholarships.

&nbsp;Football players will be allowed to participate in up to five games before they would use a year of eligibility, Smith said.&nbsp; Similar rules are established for volleyball and other sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State hosted two three-day high school football team camps with nearly 800 participants and two one-day prospect camps, all in July, and received no reports of any COVID-19 problems following them, Long reported.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CSC also hosted volleyball and softball camps during the past month with no negative consequences.&nbsp;

By: Con Marshall, CSC Athletics&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The surprising (at least to fans) announcement late last week that the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is suspending the fall seasons for football and volleyball probably won’t be the last word, according to Joel Smith, the Chadron State College athletic director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; More discussions are scheduled and some changes are anticipated as the NCAA, the conferences and the schools try to do what is best for the student-athletes and the athletic programs, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smith, who is chairman of the RMAC’s Competition Committee, said Monday morning that he already had four zoom meetings scheduled for this week, two of them at the national level and two at the conference level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “We’re all trying to do the right thing,” Smith said. “We had to make the announcement last week because we had too many questions that were going to take some time to answer. He said they included testing for COVID-19, insurance coverage in case athletes are affected, eligibility of the athletes and scholarships.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The RMAC announcement said the fall sports competition would be moved to the spring, but that also spawned numerous questions, particularly concerning football because of weather implications.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just a week earlier, the RMAC Presidents’ Council announced that conference-only contests would be played this fall, beginning Sept. 18 and 19. The Presidents’ Council also made last week’s decision suspending the fall football, volleyball and soccer seasons, but allowing cross county and golf to be played this fall because they are considered “low risk” sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Several other Division II conferences had made similar announcements prior to the RMAC decision. Now, it appears that all DII conferences have decided to forego competition in the “high risk” sports this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Earlier last week, the NCAA Board of Governors and the DII Presidents’ Council mandated that no fall sports national championships will take place in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While much remains uncertain, Smith said it’s possible football teams this fall may emulate what they’ve been doing in the spring and then play a limited schedule of games in the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “There’s no way football will play 10 games in the spring and then play another 10 in the fall (of 2021), after we certainly hope everything is back to normal,” Smith said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He added that after visiting with some of his colleagues Monday, it seems probable that volleyball will switch nearly everything that usually takes place in the fall to spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NCAA rules state that coaches may have instructional contact with their athletes a total of 103 days annually. In the past for football, 15 of those days have been utilized in the spring and the remainder in the fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smith added that the NCAA previously had decided that all athletes would have to take COVID tests through their nostrils 72 hours before the contests began.&nbsp; The process is expensive, but Smith said Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts had stated the state would assist with those costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other members of RMAC had not received similar assurances at last report, Smith said.He also stated that the colleges’ current insurance does not cover payments for care necessitated by the virus, making it another item that likely will have to be settled before any competition takes place.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State Head Football Coach Jay Long called the scenario “pretty crazy.”&nbsp;“As coaches, we try to plan and be well organized and then things become so uncertain,” Long added. “That’s just the way things have happened.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Long said at least 40 and maybe as many as 60 CSC football players have been living in Chadron this summer and working out four or five times a week on their own to get ready for the season.Some of them went home on Friday when they found out there would be no fall camp, which had been scheduled to start on Friday the 14th&nbsp;following the announcement that the Eagles’ first game would be Sept. 19 against South Dakota Mines in Rapid City.Long said he is hopeful that all of the players will be back this week to be ready when classes begin on Monday.&nbsp; He and his assistants plan to meet with each of the players individually. By then, more information may be available.&nbsp;&nbsp;Long said some of those nearing graduation may decide not to play if the schedule remains unsettled. The NCAA has determined athletes who decide not to play because of the virus, but remain in school will retain their athletic scholarships.&nbsp;Football players will be allowed to participate in up to five games before they would use a year of eligibility, Smith said.&nbsp; Similar rules are established for volleyball and other sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State hosted two three-day high school football team camps with nearly 800 participants and two one-day prospect camps, all in July, and received no reports of any COVID-19 problems following them, Long reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CSC also hosted volleyball and softball camps during the past month with no negative consequences.&nbsp;

RMAC's decision to postpone fall sports may not be the last word...

Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications

After meeting Tuesday morning, the Big Ten issued the following statement saying the conference will postpone all fall sports for 2020-21, including regular season contests, tournaments and Big 10 Championships, due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp; The entire statement is posted below.&nbsp;

&nbsp; In making its decision, which was based on multiple factors, the Big Ten Conference relied on the medical advice and counsel of the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee. “Our primary responsibility is to make the best possible decisions in the interest of our students, faculty and staff,” said Morton Schapiro, Chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors and Northwestern University President. “The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been&nbsp;at the center of every&nbsp;decision&nbsp;we have made&nbsp;regarding the ability to proceed forward,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren. “As time progressed and after hours of discussion with our Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee, it became abundantly clear that there&nbsp;was&nbsp;too&nbsp;much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow&nbsp;our student-athletes to compete this fall. “We know how significant the student-athlete experience can be in shaping the&nbsp;future of the talented young women and&nbsp;men who compete in the Big Ten Conference.&nbsp;Although that&nbsp;knowledge made this a painstaking decision, it did not make it difficult.&nbsp;While I know&nbsp;our decision today will be disappointing&nbsp;in many ways for our thousands of student-athletes and their families, I am heartened and inspired by their resilience, their insightful and discerning thoughts, and their participation through our conversations to this point. Everyone associated with the Big Ten Conference and its member institutions&nbsp;is committed to getting everyone back to competition as soon as it is safe to do so.” The fall sports&nbsp;included in this announcement&nbsp;are men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. The Big Ten Conference will continue to evaluate a number of options regarding these sports, including the possibility of competition in the spring. Decisions regarding winter and spring sports will also continue to be evaluated.&nbsp; The Big Ten Conference is proud of its 14 world-class research institutions and has leveraged their resources and expertise to address this pandemic over the past five months. The Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee have engaged in extensive research and sharing of materials and conversations with federal, state and local government agencies, and professional and international sports organizations in order to track and better understand the daily updates surrounding this pandemic.&nbsp;Their advice and counsel have been invaluable as they have worked tirelessly over the past several months in their efforts to create and maintain a safe environment for athletics. The Big Ten Conference will continue to work with medical experts and governmental authorities to gather additional information, evaluate emerging data and technologies, and monitor developments regarding the pandemic to make the best decisions possible for the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following the announcement from the Big Ten,&nbsp; Univeristy of Nebraska officials announced the following statement.

&nbsp; Statement by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter, Nebraska Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=2225">Bill Moos</a>&nbsp;and Nebraska Head Football Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=7076">Scott Frost</a> "We are very disappointed in the decision by the Big Ten Conference to postpone the fall football season, as we have been and continue to be ready to play. Safety comes first. Based on the conversations with our medical experts, we continue to strongly believe the absolute safest place for our student athletes is within the rigorous safety protocols, testing procedures, and the structure and support provided by Husker Athletics.&nbsp; We will continue to consult with medical experts and evaluate the situation as it emerges. We hope it may be possible for our student athletes to have the opportunity to compete."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Courtesy: NU Athletic CommunicationsAfter meeting Tuesday morning, the Big Ten issued the following statement saying the conference will postpone all fall sports for 2020-21, including regular season contests, tournaments and Big 10 Championships, due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp; The entire statement is posted below.&nbsp;&nbsp; In making its decision, which was based on multiple factors, the Big Ten Conference relied on the medical advice and counsel of the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee. “Our primary responsibility is to make the best possible decisions in the interest of our students, faculty and staff,” said Morton Schapiro, Chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors and Northwestern University President. “The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been&nbsp;at the center of every&nbsp;decision&nbsp;we have made&nbsp;regarding the ability to proceed forward,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren. “As time progressed and after hours of discussion with our Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee, it became abundantly clear that there&nbsp;was&nbsp;too&nbsp;much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow&nbsp;our student-athletes to compete this fall. “We know how significant the student-athlete experience can be in shaping the&nbsp;future of the talented young women and&nbsp;men who compete in the Big Ten Conference.&nbsp;Although that&nbsp;knowledge made this a painstaking decision, it did not make it difficult.&nbsp;While I know&nbsp;our decision today will be disappointing&nbsp;in many ways for our thousands of student-athletes and their families, I am heartened and inspired by their resilience, their insightful and discerning thoughts, and their participation through our conversations to this point. Everyone associated with the Big Ten Conference and its member institutions&nbsp;is committed to getting everyone back to competition as soon as it is safe to do so.” The fall sports&nbsp;included in this announcement&nbsp;are men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. The Big Ten Conference will continue to evaluate a number of options regarding these sports, including the possibility of competition in the spring. Decisions regarding winter and spring sports will also continue to be evaluated.&nbsp; The Big Ten Conference is proud of its 14 world-class research institutions and has leveraged their resources and expertise to address this pandemic over the past five months. The Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee have engaged in extensive research and sharing of materials and conversations with federal, state and local government agencies, and professional and international sports organizations in order to track and better understand the daily updates surrounding this pandemic.&nbsp;Their advice and counsel have been invaluable as they have worked tirelessly over the past several months in their efforts to create and maintain a safe environment for athletics. The Big Ten Conference will continue to work with medical experts and governmental authorities to gather additional information, evaluate emerging data and technologies, and monitor developments regarding the pandemic to make the best decisions possible for the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following the announcement from the Big Ten,&nbsp; Univeristy of Nebraska officials announced the following statement.&nbsp; Statement by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter, Nebraska Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=2225">Bill Moos</a>&nbsp;and Nebraska Head Football Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=7076">Scott Frost</a> "We are very disappointed in the decision by the Big Ten Conference to postpone the fall football season, as we have been and continue to be ready to play. Safety comes first. Based on the conversations with our medical experts, we continue to strongly believe the absolute safest place for our student athletes is within the rigorous safety protocols, testing procedures, and the structure and support provided by Husker Athletics.&nbsp; We will continue to consult with medical experts and evaluate the situation as it emerges. We hope it may be possible for our student athletes to have the opportunity to compete."&nbsp;&nbsp;

BIG 10 will postpone fall sports for 2020-21

DENVER (AP) — Kole Calhoun homered and had a two-run double to lead Arizona’s 18-hit outburst, and the Diamondbacks beat the Colorado Rockies 12-8. David Peralta and Ketel Marte got four hits each for Arizona, which finished with 13 singles. Alex Young worked two innings of relief for the win. Archie Bradley entered in the ninth with the bases loaded and allowed just one run, earning his fourth save. Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon continued his torrid start with four singles to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. He has 10 multi-hit games in that stretch, including the last five to raise his batting average to .484, tops in the majors.

&nbsp;— The Washington Nationals entered Monday’s action with a .236 batting average and were ranked next-to-last in the majors with 10 home runs. The defending World Series champs broke out in a big way by pummeling Steven Matz and the New York Mets.

Asdrubal Cabrera homered twice as part of the Nats’ 17-hit attack in a 16-4 thrashing of the Mets. Cabrera was 4-for-4 with five RBIs and three runs scored for the Nationals, who had scored just four runs in dropping their previous three completed games.

Trea Turner and Juan Soto also homered for Washington. Matz was reached for eight runs over 4 1/3 innings, six days after the Nats tagged him for five runs in just three innings. Winning pitcher Patrick Corbin held New York to one earned run over six innings.

— The Angels ended the Athletics’ nine-game winning streak as Mike Trout ripped a solo homer in the eighth inning to lead Los Angeles to a 10-9 victory. Trout homered twice for the Angels, who also received two-run blasts from Anthony Rendon and Shohei Ohtani .

DENVER (AP) — Kole Calhoun homered and had a two-run double to lead Arizona’s 18-hit outburst, and the Diamondbacks beat the Colorado Rockies 12-8. David Peralta and Ketel Marte got four hits each for Arizona, which finished with 13 singles. Alex Young worked two innings of relief for the win. Archie Bradley entered in the ninth with the bases loaded and allowed just one run, earning his fourth save. Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon continued his torrid start with four singles to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. He has 10 multi-hit games in that stretch, including the last five to raise his batting average to .484, tops in the majors.Major League Action Monday&nbsp;— The Washington Nationals entered Monday’s action with a .236 batting average and were ranked next-to-last in the majors with 10 home runs. The defending World Series champs broke out in a big way by pummeling Steven Matz and the New York Mets.Asdrubal Cabrera homered twice as part of the Nats’ 17-hit attack in a 16-4 thrashing of the Mets. Cabrera was 4-for-4 with five RBIs and three runs scored for the Nationals, who had scored just four runs in dropping their previous three completed games.Trea Turner and Juan Soto also homered for Washington. Matz was reached for eight runs over 4 1/3 innings, six days after the Nats tagged him for five runs in just three innings. Winning pitcher Patrick Corbin held New York to one earned run over six innings.— The Angels ended the Athletics’ nine-game winning streak as Mike Trout ripped a solo homer in the eighth inning to lead Los Angeles to a 10-9 victory. Trout homered twice for the Angels, who also received two-run blasts from Anthony Rendon and Shohei Ohtani .— Lance McCullers carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning of the Astros’ 6-4 win over the Giants. The no-hit bid ended when Donovan Solano hit a two-out double to run his hitting streak to 15 games. Michael Brantley laced a two-run double, Carlos Correa drove in a pair and Martin Maldonado smacked a solo homer for Houston.— Six pitchers combined on a four-hitter to carry the Padres past the Dodgers, 2-1. Austin Hedges tied it with a fifth-inning homer and Eric Hosmer singled home the go-ahead run in the sixth.— Didi Gregorius launched a grand slam and Bryce Harper blasted a three-run shot in the Phillies’ 13-8 pounding of the Braves. Aaon Nola allowed one run and two hits while striking out 10 in eight innings of his first victory since last August.— Nico Goodrum was 4-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored in the Tigers’ fourth consecutive win, 5-1 against the White Sox. JaCoby Jones smacked a two-run, inside-the-park homer in the seventh to cap the scoring.— Kevin Kiermaier hit a tiebreaking, two-run double in the seventh inning and Manuel Margot had four of the Rays’ 16 hits in an 8-7 decision over the Red Sox. Kiermaier had three RBIs as Tampa Bay won for the fourth time in five games.— Eddie Rosario belted a grand slam in the third inning and the Twins stopped a four-game skid by downing the Brewers, 4-2. Randy Dobnak allowed a run and four hits over five innings to move to 3-1.— The Mariners rolled to a 10-2 win at Texas as Kyle Seager crushed a grand slam and Kyle Lewis added a three-run shot. Dylan Moore added a solo shot and three RBIs to back winning pitcher Justin Dunn, who gave up two runs over six innings.

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