Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tyler O’Neill hit a tiebreaking pinch single in the sixth inning and five rookie relievers dominated beginning in the third to lift the St. Louis Cardinals over the Colorado Rockies 6-3. Luke Weaver allowed two runs in 2 2/3 innings before handing off to the Cardinals bullpen. Daniel Poncedeleon followed with 2 1/3 scoreless innings, and Austin Gomber, Dakota Hudson, Jordan Hicks and Mike Mayers closed it out. Gomber got his first career victory with a scoreless inning.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs split up linebacker duties this season by hiring a coach for the inside and outside positions. The idea is to better tutor a group that struggled last season. It also has helped the Chiefs more quickly rebuild their linebacker corps after the departure of stalwarts Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali.

CHICAGO (AP) — Alex Gordon hit a two-run homer and drove in four, helping the Kansas City Royals pound the sloppy Chicago White Sox 10-5. Gordon also walked and scored during Kansas City’s five-run fifth. Brett Phillips added two hits and Ryan O’Hearn singled in a run in his second major league game as the last-place Royals posted consecutive wins for the first time since they won three in a row from July 20-22, matching their season high.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State announced on Wednesday that construction on its new football performance center is expected to start next spring. The complex, which the Iowa Board of Regents approved in April, will include an academic and nutrition center as well as a new plaza and stadium entrance. Athletic director Jamie Pollard says it’s not yet clear when the project might be complete. Iowa State bowled in its other end zone with new seating and a sports bar ahead of the 2015 season.

OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys have activated defensive end Randy Gregory after a year away from football on a substance-abuse suspension. Gregory has played in just two of the past 32 regular-season games because of multiple suspensions. Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated him not long before the Cowboys reported to training camp. The 25-year-old former Nebraska star participated in a walkthrough practice for the first time Wednesday.