Friday Night Lights have returned, as the Junction City Blue Jay football team was on the field for a three-team jamboree in Wichita. Junction City competed against Wichita South (6A) and Goddard-Eisenhower (5A). All three teams rotated through with sessions on both offense and defense against each school. The jamboree was one final tune-up before the regular season begins this coming Friday, September 5th.

“I really like these jamborees,” said Junction City High School Football Coach Randall Zimmerman. “It gives us some reps against someone other than yourself. It’s good to get it on film with a lot of good learning situations for us.” Zimmerman said the Blue Jays held their own, and he enjoyed watching the kids compete not only on the Varsity side, but on the JV side as well. “Man, I love these kids,” Zimmerman said. “This is a great group, having a lot of fun, and this team has really good leadership.” When asked what his message to the team was after Friday night's jamboree, Zimmerman kept it simple. “Just get better with every snap and every day.”

A couple of players who made some plays on Friday night included Senior Jackson Hollie and Junior Josiah Totive. Hollie plays on the defensive line and got some reps at tight end, while Totive plays running back. 

Jackson Hollie said he enjoyed the jamboree and is excited to begin the season. “I am confident in what we put on film,” Hollie said. “I think that we can do great things this year.” Hollie is one of the leaders on this years team and said he is excited to bring up the younger guys and welcome new guys onto the team. 

Josiah Totive is one of the new faces on the team. He is a junior running back and in his first year at Junction City High School. “This jamboree was great,” Totive said. “I really like how the team plays and just comes together. Our team chemistry is great, and these guys are like brothers to me.”

The first game of the 2025 High School Football season for Junction City is this coming Friday, September 5th, at Blue Jay Stadium. The Blue Jays host the Colts of Haysville-Campus. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. 

&nbsp;Junction City High School Football games home and away, are broadcast on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756564853656.jpeg" alt="Junction City on defense against Wichita South at Friday nights Jamboree.&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Junction City on defense against Wichita South at Friday nights Jamboree.&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>By Anthony Gorges</i></p><p><i>JC Post</i></p><p>Friday Night Lights have returned, as the Junction City Blue Jay football team was on the field for a three-team jamboree in Wichita. Junction City competed against Wichita South (6A) and Goddard-Eisenhower (5A). All three teams rotated through with sessions on both offense and defense against each school. The jamboree was one final tune-up before the regular season begins this coming Friday, September 5th.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756565123720.jpeg" alt="Junction City Blue Jays working on offense against Wichita South at the Jamboree." />
                        <figcaption>Junction City Blue Jays working on offense against Wichita South at the Jamboree.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“I really like these jamborees,” said Junction City High School Football Coach Randall Zimmerman. “It gives us some reps against someone other than yourself. It’s good to get it on film with a lot of good learning situations for us.” Zimmerman said the Blue Jays held their own, and he enjoyed watching the kids compete not only on the Varsity side, but on the JV side as well. “Man, I love these kids,” Zimmerman said. “This is a great group, having a lot of fun, and this team has really good leadership.” When asked what his message to the team was after Friday night's jamboree, Zimmerman kept it simple. “Just get better with every snap and every day.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756565048601.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right - Josiah Totive and Jackson Hollie after the jamboree at Carpenter Stadium in Wichita.&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Pictured left to right - Josiah Totive and Jackson Hollie after the jamboree at Carpenter Stadium in Wichita.&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>A couple of players who made some plays on Friday night included Senior Jackson Hollie and Junior Josiah Totive. Hollie plays on the defensive line and got some reps at tight end, while Totive plays running back. </p><p>Jackson Hollie said he enjoyed the jamboree and is excited to begin the season. “I am confident in what we put on film,” Hollie said. “I think that we can do great things this year.” Hollie is one of the leaders on this years team and said he is excited to bring up the younger guys and welcome new guys onto the team. </p><p>Josiah Totive is one of the new faces on the team. He is a junior running back and in his first year at Junction City High School. “This jamboree was great,” Totive said. “I really like how the team plays and just comes together. Our team chemistry is great, and these guys are like brothers to me.”</p><p>The first game of the 2025 High School Football season for Junction City is this coming Friday, September 5th, at Blue Jay Stadium. The Blue Jays host the Colts of Haysville-Campus. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. </p><p>&nbsp;Junction City High School Football games home and away, are broadcast on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.</p>

Blue Jays wrap up preseason with Jamboree in Wichita

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns despite playing just one drive in the second half and Kansas easily defeated Wagner 46-7 on Friday night.

Emmanuel Henderson hauled in six of Daniels' passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas (2-0). Daniel Hishaw rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half.

Kansas outgained Wagner 623-143, including 285-53 on the ground and 346-90 through the air. The Jayhawks had 32 first downs, compared to just six for Wagner.

But Kansas was not flawless. The Jayhawks had the game's only two turnovers, and both of those came in the red zone. They were just 4 of 10 on third down.

The Kansas defense did its part, limiting Wagner to just one drive of more than 20 yards.

Jack Stevens was 13 of 20 for 90 yards and a touchdown for Wagner (0-1). No Seahawks runner gained more than 25 yards on the ground.

Kansas was clearly better than its over-matched opponent from the FCS, but the Jayhawks left room for improvement. The Jayhawks put plenty on the tape, including a no-huddle offense on their second first-quarter drive, and some long passes from Daniels to his receivers.

Wagner will face Georgetown on the road on Sept. 6. Kansas will travel to face Missouri in Columbia for the first matchup between the former conference rivals since 2011.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756520094265.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns despite playing just one drive in the second half and Kansas easily defeated Wagner 46-7 on Friday night.</p><p>Emmanuel Henderson hauled in six of Daniels' passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas (2-0). Daniel Hishaw rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half.</p><p>Kansas outgained Wagner 623-143, including 285-53 on the ground and 346-90 through the air. The Jayhawks had 32 first downs, compared to just six for Wagner.</p><p>But Kansas was not flawless. The Jayhawks had the game's only two turnovers, and both of those came in the red zone. They were just 4 of 10 on third down.</p><p>The Kansas defense did its part, limiting Wagner to just one drive of more than 20 yards.</p><p>Jack Stevens was 13 of 20 for 90 yards and a touchdown for Wagner (0-1). No Seahawks runner gained more than 25 yards on the ground.</p><h2>The takeaway</h2><p>Kansas was clearly better than its over-matched opponent from the FCS, but the Jayhawks left room for improvement. The Jayhawks put plenty on the tape, including a no-huddle offense on their second first-quarter drive, and some long passes from Daniels to his receivers.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Wagner will face Georgetown on the road on Sept. 6. Kansas will travel to face Missouri in Columbia for the first matchup between the former conference rivals since 2011.</p>

🏈 Jalon Daniels throws for 4 touchdowns as KU easily defeated Wagner

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter hit two-run doubles and Dillon Dingler hit a solo homer as the Detroit Tigers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Friday night.

After Tigers starter Chris Paddack allowed three runs on five hits in 3 1/3 innings, four relievers shut out the Royals on four hits. Kansas City was 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position over in the final five innings.

Kyle Finnegan (4-4) worked 1 2/3 innings of relief and got five outs, striking out three. Will Vest erned his 20th save.

The Royals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Mike Yastrzemski led off the first with a first-pitch homer, his 11th career leadoff homer and fourth since joining the Royals on July 31st. Bobby Witt Jr. followed with a single, extending his hitting streak to 17 games. One out later, Maikel Garcia’s 14th home run gave Kansas City a three-run lead.

Greene and Gleyber Torres each had three hits and the top four hitters in Detroit’s lineup collected nine hits. Dingler hit his 12th homer of the season in the eighth inning.

Seth Lugo (8-7) scuffled through 3 1/3 innings, allowing multiple baserunners each inning while surrendering four runs on eight hits and four walks.

Kansas City remained three games behind Seattle in the chase for the American League’s final wild card spot.

With runners at the corners, Carpenter leapt to snag Kyle Isbel’s drive at the top of the fence in right field, ending a scoreless sixth inning and maintaining Detroit’s 4-3 lead.

In seven starts since signing a two-year contract extension July 28, Lugo has one win and an 8.35 ERA.

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter hit two-run doubles and Dillon Dingler hit a solo homer as the Detroit Tigers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Friday night.</p><p>After Tigers starter Chris Paddack allowed three runs on five hits in 3 1/3 innings, four relievers shut out the Royals on four hits. Kansas City was 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position over in the final five innings.</p><p>Kyle Finnegan (4-4) worked 1 2/3 innings of relief and got five outs, striking out three. Will Vest erned his 20th save.</p><p>The Royals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Mike Yastrzemski led off the first with a first-pitch homer, his 11th career leadoff homer and fourth since joining the Royals on July 31st. Bobby Witt Jr. followed with a single, extending his hitting streak to 17 games. One out later, Maikel Garcia’s 14th home run gave Kansas City a three-run lead.</p><p>Greene and Gleyber Torres each had three hits and the top four hitters in Detroit’s lineup collected nine hits. Dingler hit his 12th homer of the season in the eighth inning.</p><p>Seth Lugo (8-7) scuffled through 3 1/3 innings, allowing multiple baserunners each inning while surrendering four runs on eight hits and four walks.</p><p>Kansas City remained three games behind Seattle in the chase for the American League’s final wild card spot.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>With runners at the corners, Carpenter leapt to snag Kyle Isbel’s drive at the top of the fence in right field, ending a scoreless sixth inning and maintaining Detroit’s 4-3 lead.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>In seven starts since signing a two-year contract extension July 28, Lugo has one win and an 8.35 ERA.</p><h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Greene, Carpenter and Dingler power Tigers to a win over Royals

<i>USD 475 Communications Coordinator</i>

Are you a kindergarten through sixth grade student in Geary County Schools USD 475 who wants to learn from JCHS varsity football players? Come be a part of Future Blue Jay Day at Junction City High School on Saturday, Aug. 30. Action begins at 9:30 a.m. inside Blue Jay Stadium.&nbsp;

<b>Blue Jay Day Schedule Date: Saturday, Aug 30&nbsp;</b>

• 9 a.m. – JCHS Team and Individual Pictures &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;• 9:30 a.m. – Future Blue Jay Day, which is open to kindergarten through sixth grade students&nbsp;

• 9:50 a.m. – Eighth Grade students, FRMS on the west end and JCMS on the east end

• 10:20 a.m. – Seventh Grade students, FRMS on the west end and JCMS on the east end &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;• 10:50 a.m. – &nbsp;Junior Jays, fourth grade students on the east end and fifth grade students on the west end &nbsp; &nbsp;• 11:15 a.m. – Junior Jays, sixth grade on the east end &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

• 11:40 a.m. – Warm-Up, fourth grade through 12th grade on the field

<p><i>By Matt Hoover&nbsp;</i></p><p><i>USD 475 Communications Coordinator</i></p><p>Are you a kindergarten through sixth grade student in Geary County Schools USD 475 who wants to learn from JCHS varsity football players? Come be a part of Future Blue Jay Day at Junction City High School on Saturday, Aug. 30. Action begins at 9:30 a.m. inside Blue Jay Stadium.&nbsp;</p><p><b>Blue Jay Day Schedule Date: Saturday, Aug 30&nbsp;</b></p><p>• 9 a.m. – JCHS Team and Individual Pictures &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;• 9:30 a.m. – Future Blue Jay Day, which is open to kindergarten through sixth grade students&nbsp;</p><p>• 9:50 a.m. – Eighth Grade students, FRMS on the west end and JCMS on the east end</p><p>• 10:20 a.m. – Seventh Grade students, FRMS on the west end and JCMS on the east end &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;• 10:50 a.m. – &nbsp;Junior Jays, fourth grade students on the east end and fifth grade students on the west end &nbsp; &nbsp;• 11:15 a.m. – Junior Jays, sixth grade on the east end &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p>• 11:40 a.m. – Warm-Up, fourth grade through 12th grade on the field</p>

Future Blue Jay Day will be held on Saturday at Junction City High School

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a leadoff homer and a two-run double in Kansas City's eight-run fifth inning as the Royals pummeled the Chicago White Sox 12-1 on Wednesday night.

Perez’s double gave him 993 RBIs — one more than Amos Otis for third place in Royals history. Next on the list is Hal McRae with 1,012. George Brett leads with 1,596.

Ryan Bergert (2-1) pitched a season-high six innings, allowing one run and six hits for his first win in five starts with Kansas City. Jonathan Bowlan, Angel Zerpa and Daniel Lynch IV finished with a scoreless inning apiece.

Perez tied it at 1 with his 23rd homer when he connected off Aaron Civale (3-9). Bobby Witt Jr. chased Civale with a two-out, two-run single and Vinnie Pasquantino greeted Tyler Gilbert with a two-run single for a 5-1 lead. Adam Frazier doubled in Perez for an 8-1 advantage.

Mike Yastrzemski hit his 14th homer — a three-run shot off Gilbert in the sixth to make it 11-1. Yastrzemski doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia's single in the eighth. Witt went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.

Andrew Benintendi hit his 15th home run in the Chicago fourth. The drive came on a pitch 1.02 feet above the ground, the lowest pitch he's homered on in his career, according to MLB Statcast.

Civale gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Gilbert retired one batter and allowed six runs.

Bergert earned his first win since beating the New York Yankees 4-3 on May 5 with San Diego.

The White Sox need to win 15 of their final 29 games to avoid reaching 100 losses for a third straight season.

The Royals host the Detroit Tigers for three games beginning Friday. Neither team had announced a starting pitcher.

White Sox RHP Davis Martin (5-9, 3.93 ERA) starts Thursday at home in the opener of a four-game series against RHP Will Warren (7-6, 4.47) and the Yankees.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756350904034.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a leadoff homer and a two-run double in Kansas City's eight-run fifth inning as the Royals pummeled the Chicago White Sox 12-1 on Wednesday night.</p><p>Perez’s double gave him 993 RBIs — one more than Amos Otis for third place in Royals history. Next on the list is Hal McRae with 1,012. George Brett leads with 1,596.</p><p>Ryan Bergert (2-1) pitched a season-high six innings, allowing one run and six hits for his first win in five starts with Kansas City. Jonathan Bowlan, Angel Zerpa and Daniel Lynch IV finished with a scoreless inning apiece.</p><p>Perez tied it at 1 with his 23rd homer when he connected off Aaron Civale (3-9). Bobby Witt Jr. chased Civale with a two-out, two-run single and Vinnie Pasquantino greeted Tyler Gilbert with a two-run single for a 5-1 lead. Adam Frazier doubled in Perez for an 8-1 advantage.</p><p>Mike Yastrzemski hit his 14th homer — a three-run shot off Gilbert in the sixth to make it 11-1. Yastrzemski doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia's single in the eighth. Witt went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.</p><p>Andrew Benintendi hit his 15th home run in the Chicago fourth. The drive came on a pitch 1.02 feet above the ground, the lowest pitch he's homered on in his career, according to MLB Statcast.</p><p>Civale gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Gilbert retired one batter and allowed six runs.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Bergert earned his first win since beating the New York Yankees 4-3 on May 5 with San Diego.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The White Sox need to win 15 of their final 29 games to avoid reaching 100 losses for a third straight season.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>The Royals host the Detroit Tigers for three games beginning Friday. Neither team had announced a starting pitcher.</p><p>White Sox RHP Davis Martin (5-9, 3.93 ERA) starts Thursday at home in the opener of a four-game series against RHP Will Warren (7-6, 4.47) and the Yankees.</p>

⚾ Eight-run fifth inning helps Royals rout the White Sox

CHICAGO (AP) — Michael Massey hit a tying two-run single in the ninth inning and Kyle Isbel had a go-ahead run-scoring single as the Kansas City Royals rallied for a 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.

Maikel Garcia had a two-run single in the eighth inning as the Royals rallied from a 4-0 deficit. Jonathan India had two hits and scored two runs.

Sam Long (2-3) pitched a scoreless eighth to pick up the win, and Carlos Estévez got the last three outs for his 35th save as the Royals advanced (68-65) remained in the wild-card race.

Jordan Leasure gave up two runs in the eighth and Grant Taylor (0-4) was charged with three in the ninth as the White Sox fell to an AL-worst 48-84.

Colson Montgomery homered for the fourth consecutive game, and fellow rookie Kyle Teel had three hits and an RBI for the White Sox.

Trailing by two, Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the top of the ninth against Taylor. Tyler Alexander came on gave Massey's tying two-run single. After Adam Frazier was hit by a pitch, Isbel followed with his go-ahead single.

White Sox starter Martín Pérez limited the Royals to one hit in seven innings while striking out five and walking none. Kansas City then had eight hits over the final two innings.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756261736455.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas CityRoyals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas CityRoyals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CHICAGO (AP) — Michael Massey hit a tying two-run single in the ninth inning and Kyle Isbel had a go-ahead run-scoring single as the Kansas City Royals rallied for a 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.</p><p>Maikel Garcia had a two-run single in the eighth inning as the Royals rallied from a 4-0 deficit. Jonathan India had two hits and scored two runs.</p><p>Sam Long (2-3) pitched a scoreless eighth to pick up the win, and Carlos Estévez got the last three outs for his 35th save as the Royals advanced (68-65) remained in the wild-card race.</p><p>Jordan Leasure gave up two runs in the eighth and Grant Taylor (0-4) was charged with three in the ninth as the White Sox fell to an AL-worst 48-84.</p><p>Colson Montgomery homered for the fourth consecutive game, and fellow rookie Kyle Teel had three hits and an RBI for the White Sox.</p><h2>Key Moment</h2><p>Trailing by two, Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the top of the ninth against Taylor. Tyler Alexander came on gave Massey's tying two-run single. After Adam Frazier was hit by a pitch, Isbel followed with his go-ahead single.</p><h2>Key Stat</h2><p>White Sox starter Martín Pérez limited the Royals to one hit in seven innings while striking out five and walking none. Kansas City then had eight hits over the final two innings.</p><h2>Up Next</h2>

⚾ Massey, Isbel get run-scoring hits in 9th as Royals beat White Sox

CHICAGO (AP) — Shane Smith allowed one hit in a career-high seven innings, Korey Lee hit a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0 on Monday night.

Smith (4-7) pitched into the seventh inning for the first time in his career, facing just 23 batters on 80 pitches.

Lee, in his first start since getting called up from Triple-A Charlotte, drove a shot over the left-field wall for his first home run of the season for a 5-0 lead in the fourth. Brooks Baldwin followed with a home run near the same spot for a six-run lead.

Chicago has won three straight games after losing 14 of 18.

Kansas City dropped to 13-10 in August. The Royals entered having scored at least five runs in 20 of 34 games (58.8%) since the All-Star break, tied with Milwaukee for the most in the majors.

Kansas City starter Noah Cameron (7-6) allowed six earned runs and eight hits in five innings.

Mike Yastrzemski hit a double in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had one in the ninth for the Royals' two hits.

Chicago scored three runs on four hits in the first inning. Edgar Quero hit a shot into the gap in left-center field to score Chase Meidroth from first to open the scoring. Lenyn Sosa followed with a hit into the right-field gap for back-to-back doubles. Curtis Mead added Chicago’s third double for his third RBI of the season and a 3-0 lead.

Chicago scored in the first inning for the third time in four games after doing so just once in the previous nine.

Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.50) is scheduled to make his 21st start of the season while White Sox LHP Martín Pérez (1-3, 2.51) will be making his sixth start.

<p>CHICAGO (AP) — Shane Smith allowed one hit in a career-high seven innings, Korey Lee hit a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0 on Monday night.</p><p>Smith (4-7) pitched into the seventh inning for the first time in his career, facing just 23 batters on 80 pitches.</p><p>Lee, in his first start since getting called up from Triple-A Charlotte, drove a shot over the left-field wall for his first home run of the season for a 5-0 lead in the fourth. Brooks Baldwin followed with a home run near the same spot for a six-run lead.</p><p>Chicago has won three straight games after losing 14 of 18.</p><p>Kansas City dropped to 13-10 in August. The Royals entered having scored at least five runs in 20 of 34 games (58.8%) since the All-Star break, tied with Milwaukee for the most in the majors.</p><p>Kansas City starter Noah Cameron (7-6) allowed six earned runs and eight hits in five innings.</p><p>Mike Yastrzemski hit a double in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had one in the ninth for the Royals' two hits.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Chicago scored three runs on four hits in the first inning. Edgar Quero hit a shot into the gap in left-center field to score Chase Meidroth from first to open the scoring. Lenyn Sosa followed with a hit into the right-field gap for back-to-back doubles. Curtis Mead added Chicago’s third double for his third RBI of the season and a 3-0 lead.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Chicago scored in the first inning for the third time in four games after doing so just once in the previous nine.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.50) is scheduled to make his 21st start of the season while White Sox LHP Martín Pérez (1-3, 2.51) will be making his sixth start.</p>

⚾ Shane Smith gives up 1 hit in 7 innings as White Sox beat the Royals 

DETROIT (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 10-8 on Sunday.

The Royals improved to 28-14 in series finales this season. They are 9-4 when they are in danger of being swept.

John Schreiber (3-2) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his 34th save.

Riley Greene hit his 31st homer for the Tigers, who had won five straight and nine of 10. Jack Flaherty (7-13) was tagged for eight runs in five-plus innings.

The Royals scored six runs in the third inning after Flaherty retired the first two batters.

Luke Maile singled and scored on Mike Yastrzemski's double. Bobby Witt Jr. made it 2-1 with an RBI single, and Pasquantino followed with a two-run homer. Garcia singled, Salvador Perez drove in Kansas City's fifth run and Adam Frazier made it seven straight hits with an RBI double.

Jahmai Jones hit a three-run double for Detroit in the fourth, and the Tigers added three more runs in the fifth. Wenceel Pérez homered, and Zach McKinstry’s two-out RBI single made it 7-6 Detroit.

Flaherty departed after the Royals started the sixth with a pair of hits, and Tyler Holton allowed a two-run single to Kyle Isbel. Holton's wild pitch allowed Isbel to score Kansas City's ninth run.

Garcia homered in the seventh to make it 10-7, but Spencer Torkelson answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning.

McKinstry had a chance for a tying two-run homer in the seventh, but Frazier made the catch against the right-field wall.

All nine Royals starters had at least one hit and scored at least one run.

Royals: LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.53 ERA) starts Monday in the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox. RHP Shane Smith (3-7, 4.12 ERA) goes for Chicago.

Tigers: The AL Central leaders begin a three-game set at the Athletics on Monday night.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756070514258.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>DETROIT (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 10-8 on Sunday.</p><p>The Royals improved to 28-14 in series finales this season. They are 9-4 when they are in danger of being swept.</p><p>John Schreiber (3-2) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his 34th save.</p><p>Riley Greene hit his 31st homer for the Tigers, who had won five straight and nine of 10. Jack Flaherty (7-13) was tagged for eight runs in five-plus innings.</p><p>The Royals scored six runs in the third inning after Flaherty retired the first two batters.</p><p>Luke Maile singled and scored on Mike Yastrzemski's double. Bobby Witt Jr. made it 2-1 with an RBI single, and Pasquantino followed with a two-run homer. Garcia singled, Salvador Perez drove in Kansas City's fifth run and Adam Frazier made it seven straight hits with an RBI double.</p><p>Jahmai Jones hit a three-run double for Detroit in the fourth, and the Tigers added three more runs in the fifth. Wenceel Pérez homered, and Zach McKinstry’s two-out RBI single made it 7-6 Detroit.</p><p>Flaherty departed after the Royals started the sixth with a pair of hits, and Tyler Holton allowed a two-run single to Kyle Isbel. Holton's wild pitch allowed Isbel to score Kansas City's ninth run.</p><p>Garcia homered in the seventh to make it 10-7, but Spencer Torkelson answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>McKinstry had a chance for a tying two-run homer in the seventh, but Frazier made the catch against the right-field wall.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>All nine Royals starters had at least one hit and scored at least one run.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Royals: LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.53 ERA) starts Monday in the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox. RHP Shane Smith (3-7, 4.12 ERA) goes for Chicago.</p><p>Tigers: The AL Central leaders begin a three-game set at the Athletics on Monday night.</p>

⚾ Pasquantino and Garcia homer as the Royals hold off the Tigers 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.

Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.

E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.

This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only the east side where the students sit awaiting a facelift this coming offseason.

Then the Jayhawks got busy as they seek to rebound from a 5-7 finish a year ago.

Daniels quickly led them downfield after the opening kickoff, hitting Pickett with a 21-yard touchdown throw. After Fresno State answered with Gilliam's TD run, the Jayhawks' longtime quarterback — a one-time Heisman Trophy candidate whose career has been slowed by injuries — helped Kansas reel off 17 points and take a 24-7 lead into halftime.

Daniels added a touchdown throw to Keaton Kubecka in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.

Fresno State got off to a good start under new coach Matt Entz, and Warner was 5 of 5 for 81 yards in the first quarter. But he was just 13 of 24 for 98 yards the rest of the way while turning the ball over three times.

Kansas dominated both lines of scrimmage. The defense of new coordinator D.K. McDonald was especially disruptive, holding the Bulldogs to just 37 yards on 29 carries while totaling 10 tackles-for-loss.

Fresno State plays Georgia Southern in its home opener next Saturday.

Kansas plays Wagner on Friday night in its final tuneup before visiting rival Missouri.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755998339600.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.</p><p>Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755998416516.png" alt="Sold out David Booth Memorial Stadium on Saturday -photo Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Sold out David Booth Memorial Stadium on Saturday -photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.</p><p>This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only the east side where the students sit awaiting a facelift this coming offseason.</p><p>Then the Jayhawks got busy as they seek to rebound from a 5-7 finish a year ago.</p><p>Daniels quickly led them downfield after the opening kickoff, hitting Pickett with a 21-yard touchdown throw. After Fresno State answered with Gilliam's TD run, the Jayhawks' longtime quarterback — a one-time Heisman Trophy candidate whose career has been slowed by injuries — helped Kansas reel off 17 points and take a 24-7 lead into halftime.</p><p>Daniels added a touchdown throw to Keaton Kubecka in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.</p><h2>The Takeaway</h2><p>Fresno State got off to a good start under new coach Matt Entz, and Warner was 5 of 5 for 81 yards in the first quarter. But he was just 13 of 24 for 98 yards the rest of the way while turning the ball over three times.</p><p>Kansas dominated both lines of scrimmage. The defense of new coordinator D.K. McDonald was especially disruptive, holding the Bulldogs to just 37 yards on 29 carries while totaling 10 tackles-for-loss.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Fresno State plays Georgia Southern in its home opener next Saturday.</p><p>Kansas plays Wagner on Friday night in its final tuneup before visiting rival Missouri.</p>

🏈 Kansas opens rebuilt $450M stadium with win over Fresno State

DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered to help the Detroit Tigers win their fifth straight game, 4-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

The teams entered the game with the best records in the American League in August. Detroit has won nine of its last 10 games.

Chris Paddack (5-11) picked up his second win as a Tiger, allowing one run in five innings.

Michael Wacha (8-10) had his four-start winning streak snapped, giving up three runs on eight hits in six innings.

The Tigers took the lead on Jake Rogers' RBI double in the third, but Vinnie Pasquatino doubled home Bobby Witt Jr. in the fourth.

Torkelson hit his 27th homer to make it 2-1 in the fourth, and Rogers gave Detroit a two-run lead with an RBI single in the fifth.

Witt, though, homered off Tigers reliever Troy Melton in the sixth to pull the Royals to 3-2.

Witt singled with one out in the eighth, took second on Riley Greene's error and moved to third on Pasquatino's grounder back to the mound. A.J. Hinch brought in Will Vest, who struck out Maikel Garcia to end the inning.

Andy Ibáñez made it 4-2 with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth. Vest finished for his 19th save.

The Royals had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh, but Tyler Holton came out of the bullpen and got pinch-hitter Nick Loftin to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.

Pasquatino entered the game with homers in five straight games, matching the franchise record set by Mike Sweeney in 2002 and tied by Salvador Perez in 2024. He went 1 for 4 with the RBI double in the fourth inning.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.73 ERA) was set to face RHP Jack Flaherty (7-12., 4.51) on Sunday in the series finale.

<p>DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered to help the Detroit Tigers win their fifth straight game, 4-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.</p><p>The teams entered the game with the best records in the American League in August. Detroit has won nine of its last 10 games.</p><p>Chris Paddack (5-11) picked up his second win as a Tiger, allowing one run in five innings.</p><p>Michael Wacha (8-10) had his four-start winning streak snapped, giving up three runs on eight hits in six innings.</p><p>The Tigers took the lead on Jake Rogers' RBI double in the third, but Vinnie Pasquatino doubled home Bobby Witt Jr. in the fourth.</p><p>Torkelson hit his 27th homer to make it 2-1 in the fourth, and Rogers gave Detroit a two-run lead with an RBI single in the fifth.</p><p>Witt, though, homered off Tigers reliever Troy Melton in the sixth to pull the Royals to 3-2.</p><p>Witt singled with one out in the eighth, took second on Riley Greene's error and moved to third on Pasquatino's grounder back to the mound. A.J. Hinch brought in Will Vest, who struck out Maikel Garcia to end the inning.</p><p>Andy Ibáñez made it 4-2 with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth. Vest finished for his 19th save.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>The Royals had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh, but Tyler Holton came out of the bullpen and got pinch-hitter Nick Loftin to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Pasquatino entered the game with homers in five straight games, matching the franchise record set by Mike Sweeney in 2002 and tied by Salvador Perez in 2024. He went 1 for 4 with the RBI double in the fourth inning.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.73 ERA) was set to face RHP Jack Flaherty (7-12., 4.51) on Sunday in the series finale.</p>

⚾ Torkelson homers to help the Tigers beat the Royals

DUBLIN (AP) — Rocco Becht passed for two touchdowns and ran for another score, helping No. 22 Iowa State beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic on Saturday.

Becht was 14 for 28 for 183 yards. He found Dominic Overby for a 23-yard TD in the first quarter and passed to Brett Eskildsen for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.

With 2:26 to go, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell had his team go for it on fourth-and-3 at the Kansas State 16-yard line. Becht found Carson Hansen for 15 yards and iced the game.

“He called a great play, he gave me two plays and let me decide and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it," Becht said "We’ve worked on it in practice and it’s been working for us and we’re confident with it and I have trust in my guys.”

The Cyclones (1-0, 1-0 Big 12) opened a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter after a turnover on downs by Kansas State at its own 30-yard line. Becht finished the short drive with a 7-yard touchdown run with 6:38 left.

Avery Johnson passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State (0-1, 0-1). He also had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“I mean that’s the thing, regardless of the outcome we have 11 games to play," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup and get ready to play.”

Johnson threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley with 6:23 remaining, but the Wildcats never got the ball back.

Both teams struggled to deal with wet conditions in the first half. Kansas State had two turnovers and a turnover on downs while Iowa State committed two turnovers in the first 30 minutes.

“We just made some great adjustments," Campbell said. "We saw some things different in the first game and the opportunity to make some adjustments and to have the ability to do that, to have the staff that’s been together for so long that we have the confidence to make those adjustments.”

The Cyclones grabbed a 14-7 lead when Becht found Eskildsen in the corner of the end zone with 1:07 left in the third quarter.

Johnson responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, tying it at 14 with 14:09 remaining in the game.

Carson Hansen led Iowa State with 71 yards rushing on 16 carries. Joe Jackson had 51 yards on 12 carries for Kansas State.

“I thought that the (offensive line) did a really great job in the second half," Campbell said. “Our tight ends and o-line did a great job of execution and man Carson is a really great player so we’re really proud of him.”

Iowa State has beat Kansas State in five of the past six seasons.

“I think those are great wins, any time you can beat quality opponents that’s awesome," Campbell said. "We got a long way to go, it’s only game one and there’s a lot of football left and we’re going to have to see if we’re tough enough as a program and team to go home and get ready for a good South Dakota team next week.”

The matchup featured the past two champions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. To celebrate, the Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts were on the sidelines for the showdown in Ireland.

Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was injured in the first quarter on a punt that he muffed. He didn’t return to the game.

Becht looked like a veteran quarterback in the second half, leading his team with his arm and legs in a crucial opener.

Iowa State hosts South Dakota on Aug. 30, and Kansas State hosts North Dakota the same day.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755977666090.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>DUBLIN (AP) — Rocco Becht passed for two touchdowns and ran for another score, helping No. 22 Iowa State beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic on Saturday.</p><p>Becht was 14 for 28 for 183 yards. He found Dominic Overby for a 23-yard TD in the first quarter and passed to Brett Eskildsen for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.</p><p>With 2:26 to go, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell had his team go for it on fourth-and-3 at the Kansas State 16-yard line. Becht found Carson Hansen for 15 yards and iced the game.</p><p>“He called a great play, he gave me two plays and let me decide and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it," Becht said "We’ve worked on it in practice and it’s been working for us and we’re confident with it and I have trust in my guys.”</p><p>The Cyclones (1-0, 1-0 Big 12) opened a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter after a turnover on downs by Kansas State at its own 30-yard line. Becht finished the short drive with a 7-yard touchdown run with 6:38 left.</p><p>Avery Johnson passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State (0-1, 0-1). He also had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.</p><p>“I mean that’s the thing, regardless of the outcome we have 11 games to play," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup and get ready to play.”</p><p>Johnson threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley with 6:23 remaining, but the Wildcats never got the ball back.</p><p>Both teams struggled to deal with wet conditions in the first half. Kansas State had two turnovers and a turnover on downs while Iowa State committed two turnovers in the first 30 minutes.</p><p>“We just made some great adjustments," Campbell said. "We saw some things different in the first game and the opportunity to make some adjustments and to have the ability to do that, to have the staff that’s been together for so long that we have the confidence to make those adjustments.”</p><p>The Cyclones grabbed a 14-7 lead when Becht found Eskildsen in the corner of the end zone with 1:07 left in the third quarter.</p><p>Johnson responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, tying it at 14 with 14:09 remaining in the game.</p><p>Carson Hansen led Iowa State with 71 yards rushing on 16 carries. Joe Jackson had 51 yards on 12 carries for Kansas State.</p><p>“I thought that the (offensive line) did a really great job in the second half," Campbell said. “Our tight ends and o-line did a great job of execution and man Carson is a really great player so we’re really proud of him.”</p><p>Iowa State has beat Kansas State in five of the past six seasons.</p><p>“I think those are great wins, any time you can beat quality opponents that’s awesome," Campbell said. "We got a long way to go, it’s only game one and there’s a lot of football left and we’re going to have to see if we’re tough enough as a program and team to go home and get ready for a good South Dakota team next week.”</p><h2>Pop-Tarts unite</h2><p>The matchup featured the past two champions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. To celebrate, the Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts were on the sidelines for the showdown in Ireland.</p><h2>Edwards injured</h2><p>Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was injured in the first quarter on a punt that he muffed. He didn’t return to the game.</p><h2>The takeaway</h2><p>Becht looked like a veteran quarterback in the second half, leading his team with his arm and legs in a crucial opener.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Iowa State hosts South Dakota on Aug. 30, and Kansas State hosts North Dakota the same day.</p>

🏈 'Farm O'Gedden' K-State falls to Iowa State in Ireland

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the first-team Kansas City Chiefs offense were in midseason form in their preseason finale Friday night, scoring on each of their three opportunities with the ball before the Chicago Bears rallied for a 29-27 victory.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-503cccd6a5c7b42bf03e6b48c58728cf">Mahomes was 8 of 13 for 143 yards</a>&nbsp;and a touchdown in just over a quarter of work, and he'd have had another TD pass had running back Kareem Hunt not dropped a wide-open throw in the end zone. Isiah Pacheco had a touchdown run and Rashee Rice a scoring catch as the reigning AFC champs built a 20-3 lead before pulling most of their starters.

Kansas City plays its opener in two weeks against the Chargers in Sao Paulo.

“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead (Stadium) and get real reps,” Mahomes said. “We talk about getting here and stuff like that, but to get a feel for the pocket, trust the guys, have a chance to make plays down field — it shows all the hard work that we put in training camp has paid off.

“This is a little step but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.”

The Chiefs had struggled through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-cardinals-score-1dd1abf4ddb738e84df11a3d3a5e48b0">preseason losses to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and Seattle, where they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">dominated up front</a>&nbsp;on both sides of the ball. But they fared better against the Bears, who had played the Dolphins to a draw before routing Buffalo last week.

“We need to finish the game, obviously, better than what we did,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “but I thought the ones on both sides of the ball did well. Special teams was good throughout the night. It was a good start all the way around.”

While the Bears could seemingly do no wrong in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-bears-score-83f72e8037b541c8ba8d7515f3ae4e75">the 38-0 win over the Bills</a>, they had a much tougher time with the Chiefs, who forced Caleb Williams and Co. to punt on their first two possessions. The Bears finally got moving late in the second quarter, and Williams hit Rome Odunze with a touchdown pass to get within 20-10 at halftime.

That was it for Williams, who finished 11 of 15 for 113 yards and the score.

“It was not the start we wanted from our ones, really on offense, defense or special teams. It was disappointing to see how slow we started,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “We couldn't stop them when they got down there in the red zone. That wasn't good on that side. Offensively, the first two possessions was really sloppy football that has plagued us in and out of camp so far.”

It took the second-team offense to get the Bears in gear.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-bears-tyson-bagent-contract-extension-9c06d4f921cf293f61e1dc7f8a15833a">a two-year, $10 million deal this week</a>&nbsp;and then went viral when he grew emotional talking about it on video, played well once he took over in the second half. The former undrafted star from Shepherd University, a Division II program in West Virginia, was 20 of 28 for 212 yards and three touchdown passes.

The last of them was the go-ahead score to Jahdae Walker with 3 seconds left in the game.

The Bears have been thin at running back with Roschon Johnson out with an injury, Travis Homer dealing with a calf problem, and Kyle Monangai and Deion Hankins also out. DeAndre Swift wound up carrying seven times for 28 yards.

Bears kicker Cairo Santos banged a 47-yard field-goal try off the upright in the first half. He had a PAT blocked in the second.

Referee Craig Wrolstad called for a virtual measurement when Chicago was stopped shy of a first down with 5:38 left in the third quarter. But the system was down, Wrolstad said, so an old-school chain gang had to measure. The Bears were indeed short.

Bears: DE Austin Booker will be out “a few weeks” with a knee injury, Johnson said. LB Noah Sewell was banged up tackling the Chiefs' Xavier Worthy late in the first quarter but returned to the game.

Chiefs: WR Jaylen Royals (knee), CB Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder) and LB Jack Cochrane (knee) were among those sitting out. WR Marquise Brown also did not play despite returning to practice this week following an ankle injury.

Bears: Host the Vikings in primetime to open the season Sept. 8.

Chiefs: Head to Brazil to face the Chargers on Sept. 5.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755930313700.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the first-team Kansas City Chiefs offense were in midseason form in their preseason finale Friday night, scoring on each of their three opportunities with the ball before the Chicago Bears rallied for a 29-27 victory.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-503cccd6a5c7b42bf03e6b48c58728cf">Mahomes was 8 of 13 for 143 yards</a>&nbsp;and a touchdown in just over a quarter of work, and he'd have had another TD pass had running back Kareem Hunt not dropped a wide-open throw in the end zone. Isiah Pacheco had a touchdown run and Rashee Rice a scoring catch as the reigning AFC champs built a 20-3 lead before pulling most of their starters.</p><p>Kansas City plays its opener in two weeks against the Chargers in Sao Paulo.</p><p>“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead (Stadium) and get real reps,” Mahomes said. “We talk about getting here and stuff like that, but to get a feel for the pocket, trust the guys, have a chance to make plays down field — it shows all the hard work that we put in training camp has paid off.</p><p>“This is a little step but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.”</p><p>The Chiefs had struggled through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-cardinals-score-1dd1abf4ddb738e84df11a3d3a5e48b0">preseason losses to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and Seattle, where they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">dominated up front</a>&nbsp;on both sides of the ball. But they fared better against the Bears, who had played the Dolphins to a draw before routing Buffalo last week.</p><p>“We need to finish the game, obviously, better than what we did,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “but I thought the ones on both sides of the ball did well. Special teams was good throughout the night. It was a good start all the way around.”</p><p>While the Bears could seemingly do no wrong in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-bears-score-83f72e8037b541c8ba8d7515f3ae4e75">the 38-0 win over the Bills</a>, they had a much tougher time with the Chiefs, who forced Caleb Williams and Co. to punt on their first two possessions. The Bears finally got moving late in the second quarter, and Williams hit Rome Odunze with a touchdown pass to get within 20-10 at halftime.</p><p>That was it for Williams, who finished 11 of 15 for 113 yards and the score.</p><p>“It was not the start we wanted from our ones, really on offense, defense or special teams. It was disappointing to see how slow we started,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “We couldn't stop them when they got down there in the red zone. That wasn't good on that side. Offensively, the first two possessions was really sloppy football that has plagued us in and out of camp so far.”</p><p>It took the second-team offense to get the Bears in gear.</p><p>Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-bears-tyson-bagent-contract-extension-9c06d4f921cf293f61e1dc7f8a15833a">a two-year, $10 million deal this week</a>&nbsp;and then went viral when he grew emotional talking about it on video, played well once he took over in the second half. The former undrafted star from Shepherd University, a Division II program in West Virginia, was 20 of 28 for 212 yards and three touchdown passes.</p><p>The last of them was the go-ahead score to Jahdae Walker with 3 seconds left in the game.</p><p>The Bears have been thin at running back with Roschon Johnson out with an injury, Travis Homer dealing with a calf problem, and Kyle Monangai and Deion Hankins also out. DeAndre Swift wound up carrying seven times for 28 yards.</p><h2>Kicking woes</h2><p>Bears kicker Cairo Santos banged a 47-yard field-goal try off the upright in the first half. He had a PAT blocked in the second.</p><h2>System outage</h2><p>Referee Craig Wrolstad called for a virtual measurement when Chicago was stopped shy of a first down with 5:38 left in the third quarter. But the system was down, Wrolstad said, so an old-school chain gang had to measure. The Bears were indeed short.</p><h2>Injuries</h2><p>Bears: DE Austin Booker will be out “a few weeks” with a knee injury, Johnson said. LB Noah Sewell was banged up tackling the Chiefs' Xavier Worthy late in the first quarter but returned to the game.</p><p>Chiefs: WR Jaylen Royals (knee), CB Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder) and LB Jack Cochrane (knee) were among those sitting out. WR Marquise Brown also did not play despite returning to practice this week following an ankle injury.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Bears: Host the Vikings in primetime to open the season Sept. 8.</p><p>Chiefs: Head to Brazil to face the Chargers on Sept. 5.</p>

🏈  Mahomes leads sharp Chiefs offense before Bears rally to win preseason finale

DETROIT (AP) — Zach McKinstry had three hits, including a homer, and scored twice as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 7-5 win against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

The Tigers have won eight of nine while the Royals lost for just the third time in 11 games.

McKinstry homered in the third inning, tripled in the fifth and singled in the seventh. He flied out in the eighth, finishing a double shy of becoming the first Tigers player to hit for the cycle.

Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the ninth inning, tying the franchise record of five straight games with a home run. Mike Sweeney set the record in 2002 and Salvador Perez matched it in 2021.

The Tigers trailed 3-1 going into the sixth inning, but Riley Greene's 30th homer tied it, and Detroit scored four in the seventh.

McKinstry started the seventh with an infield single off the arm of Royals reliever Bailey Falter (7-7). McKinstry took third on Javier Báez's single and scored when Randal Grichuk's throw bounced away from third baseman Maikel Garcia.

Andy Ibáñez made it 5-3 with an RBI single and scored on Gleyber Torres' double.

Kyle Finnegan (3-4) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.

Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals ahead 1-0 with an RBI single in the third inning and Perez added a two-run double later in the inning.

McKinstry hit a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-1.

With two out and a runner on first in the sixth, Royals manager Matt Quartaro brought in Ángel Zerpa. Greene hit a 1-2 slider deep into the right-center field stands for his 30th homer.

After the Tigers tied the score in the sixth, reliever Drew Sommers walked pinch hitters Nick Loftin and Randal Grichuk to start the seventh. A.J. Hinch brought in Finnegan, and he escaped the inning when Witt hit into his second double play of the game and Pasquantino flew out.

Witt grounded into two double plays in the same game for the third time in his career.

<p>DETROIT (AP) — Zach McKinstry had three hits, including a homer, and scored twice as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 7-5 win against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.</p><p>The Tigers have won eight of nine while the Royals lost for just the third time in 11 games.</p><p>McKinstry homered in the third inning, tripled in the fifth and singled in the seventh. He flied out in the eighth, finishing a double shy of becoming the first Tigers player to hit for the cycle.</p><p>Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the ninth inning, tying the franchise record of five straight games with a home run. Mike Sweeney set the record in 2002 and Salvador Perez matched it in 2021.</p><p>The Tigers trailed 3-1 going into the sixth inning, but Riley Greene's 30th homer tied it, and Detroit scored four in the seventh.</p><p>McKinstry started the seventh with an infield single off the arm of Royals reliever Bailey Falter (7-7). McKinstry took third on Javier Báez's single and scored when Randal Grichuk's throw bounced away from third baseman Maikel Garcia.</p><p>Andy Ibáñez made it 5-3 with an RBI single and scored on Gleyber Torres' double.</p><p>Kyle Finnegan (3-4) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.</p><p>Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals ahead 1-0 with an RBI single in the third inning and Perez added a two-run double later in the inning.</p><p>McKinstry hit a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-1.</p><p>With two out and a runner on first in the sixth, Royals manager Matt Quartaro brought in Ángel Zerpa. Greene hit a 1-2 slider deep into the right-center field stands for his 30th homer.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>After the Tigers tied the score in the sixth, reliever Drew Sommers walked pinch hitters Nick Loftin and Randal Grichuk to start the seventh. A.J. Hinch brought in Finnegan, and he escaped the inning when Witt hit into his second double play of the game and Pasquantino flew out.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Witt grounded into two double plays in the same game for the third time in his career.</p><h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ McKinstry homers among 3 hits as Tigers rally to beat the Royals 

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State men’s basketball player Tyreek Smith has had his eligibility waiver denied by the NCAA, the school announced on Friday (August 22).

“We’re disappointed for Tyreek with this ruling by the NCAA,” said head coach Jerome Tang. “We wish they could’ve provided us better communication and transparency during this process and been more consistent with how the rules are applied as this process left both Tyreek and our program in limbo.

“We want to thank Tyreek for his contributions to our program the past eight months, and we wish him the best as he takes the next step in his basketball career. We are looking forward to continuing our preparations for the 2025-26 season.”

A 6-foot-8, 225-pound wing, Smith joined the Wildcats as a mid-season transfer in January. He had petitioned the NCAA for a fifth year of college eligibility after starting his career at Texas Tech in 2019-20. He received a medical redshirt as a true freshman before playing the 2020-21 season with the Red Raiders. He then played two seasons at Oklahoma State (2021-23) and one season at SMU (2023-24) before transferring to Memphis in 2024-25. He left Memphis before playing a game with the Tigers.

Smith scored more than 600 points in his 128-game college career, connecting on 60 percent (245-of-408) from the field to go with 490 rebounds, 129 blocks, 59 steals and 46 assists. His best individual season came in 2023-24 while at SMU, as he averaged 8.2 points on 58.4 percent (104-of-178) shooting with 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while playing in 33 games with 13 starts.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755882622322.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Kansas State Athletics</i></p><p>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State men’s basketball player Tyreek Smith has had his eligibility waiver denied by the NCAA, the school announced on Friday (August 22).</p><p>“We’re disappointed for Tyreek with this ruling by the NCAA,” said head coach Jerome Tang. “We wish they could’ve provided us better communication and transparency during this process and been more consistent with how the rules are applied as this process left both Tyreek and our program in limbo.</p><p>“We want to thank Tyreek for his contributions to our program the past eight months, and we wish him the best as he takes the next step in his basketball career. We are looking forward to continuing our preparations for the 2025-26 season.”</p><p>A 6-foot-8, 225-pound wing, Smith joined the Wildcats as a mid-season transfer in January. He had petitioned the NCAA for a fifth year of college eligibility after starting his career at Texas Tech in 2019-20. He received a medical redshirt as a true freshman before playing the 2020-21 season with the Red Raiders. He then played two seasons at Oklahoma State (2021-23) and one season at SMU (2023-24) before transferring to Memphis in 2024-25. He left Memphis before playing a game with the Tigers.</p><p>Smith scored more than 600 points in his 128-game college career, connecting on 60 percent (245-of-408) from the field to go with 490 rebounds, 129 blocks, 59 steals and 46 assists. His best individual season came in 2023-24 while at SMU, as he averaged 8.2 points on 58.4 percent (104-of-178) shooting with 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while playing in 33 games with 13 starts.</p>

🏀 K-State's Smith has waiver denied by NCAA

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered for the fourth straight game, this time a go-ahead shot leading off the sixth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Texas Rangers 6-4 on Thursday for their sixth win in their last seven games.

Nick Loftin also homered for the Royals, who boosted their playoff hopes by going 8-2 on a season-high 10-game homestand.

Michael Lorenzen failed to make it through five innings for Kansas City, but Angel Zerpa (5-1), Daniel Lynch IV, John Schreiber and Taylor Clarke were able to shut down the Rangers. Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his AL-leading 33rd save.

Corey Seager had three hits and Josh Smith drove in a pair of runs for Texas. Jacob Webb (4-4) served up Pasquantino's homer.

The Royals pulled ahead 2-1 in the third, when Bobby Witt Jr. sent a fly ball to left-center that Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford lost in the sun. The ball bounced off the warning track, then off the top of the wall, and that gave the speedy Witt enough time to round the bases for what appeared to be an inside-the-park homer.

The umpires huddled and decided to call it a ground-rule double, because a fan appeared to have touched the ball. The Royals challenged the call and it was upheld, only for Salvador Perez to drive in Witt with a single moments later.

Kansas City added two more in the fourth before the Rangers tied the game with three runs in the fifth.

That set the stage for Pasquantino, whose four-game homer streak is one shy of the Royals club record.

Pasquantino greeted Webb's 2-1 pitch by sending it 407 feet to right field.

The Rangers' Patrick Corbin allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings. He has allowed 17 over 13 innings covering his last four starts.

Texas returns home to face Cleveland on Friday night with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (11-3, 1.76 ERA) up first.

The Royals begin a three-game set Friday night in Detroit with RHP Ryan Bergert (1-1, 2.75) on the mound.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755857643961.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits an RBI single during the third inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits an RBI single during the third inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered for the fourth straight game, this time a go-ahead shot leading off the sixth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Texas Rangers 6-4 on Thursday for their sixth win in their last seven games.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyals%2Fvideos%2F1154185179868548%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Nick Loftin also homered for the Royals, who boosted their playoff hopes by going 8-2 on a season-high 10-game homestand.</p><p>Michael Lorenzen failed to make it through five innings for Kansas City, but Angel Zerpa (5-1), Daniel Lynch IV, John Schreiber and Taylor Clarke were able to shut down the Rangers. Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his AL-leading 33rd save.</p><p>Corey Seager had three hits and Josh Smith drove in a pair of runs for Texas. Jacob Webb (4-4) served up Pasquantino's homer.</p><p>The Royals pulled ahead 2-1 in the third, when Bobby Witt Jr. sent a fly ball to left-center that Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford lost in the sun. The ball bounced off the warning track, then off the top of the wall, and that gave the speedy Witt enough time to round the bases for what appeared to be an inside-the-park homer.</p><p>The umpires huddled and decided to call it a ground-rule double, because a fan appeared to have touched the ball. The Royals challenged the call and it was upheld, only for Salvador Perez to drive in Witt with a single moments later.</p><p>Kansas City added two more in the fourth before the Rangers tied the game with three runs in the fifth.</p><p>That set the stage for Pasquantino, whose four-game homer streak is one shy of the Royals club record.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Pasquantino greeted Webb's 2-1 pitch by sending it 407 feet to right field.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Rangers' Patrick Corbin allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings. He has allowed 17 over 13 innings covering his last four starts.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Texas returns home to face Cleveland on Friday night with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (11-3, 1.76 ERA) up first.</p><p>The Royals begin a three-game set Friday night in Detroit with RHP Ryan Bergert (1-1, 2.75) on the mound.</p><p>___</p>

⚾ Pasquantino's homer in 4th straight game helps lift Royals over Rangers 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Higashioka had a three-run double in the ninth inning after a two-out error by Vinnie Pasquantino, and the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Wednesday night.

Wyatt Langford drew a two-out walk from Sam Long (1-3) and Corey Seager was safe when Pasquantino misplayed his slow roller at first. Marcus Semien reached on an infield hit before Higashioka doubled down the left-field line.

Hoby Milner (2-3) got the final four outs for the win.

Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. led off the first with singles off fill-in first-time starter Caleb Boushley, and Pasquantino followed with his 25th home run to put the Royals up 3-1. Witt had three hits for the Royals, including his 39th double — tops in the majors.

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Higashioka had a three-run double in the ninth inning after a two-out error by Vinnie Pasquantino, and the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Wednesday night.</p><p>Wyatt Langford drew a two-out walk from Sam Long (1-3) and Corey Seager was safe when Pasquantino misplayed his slow roller at first. Marcus Semien reached on an infield hit before Higashioka doubled down the left-field line.</p><p>Hoby Milner (2-3) got the final four outs for the win.</p><p>Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. led off the first with singles off fill-in first-time starter Caleb Boushley, and Pasquantino followed with his 25th home run to put the Royals up 3-1. Witt had three hits for the Royals, including his 39th double — tops in the majors.</p><p>Boushley filled in for Jacob deGrom, who had his start skipped after he experienced arm fatigue following his last outing. Boushley pitched two scoreless innings following his 38-pitch first.</p><p>Langford hit his 18th home run to lead off the game against rookie Noah Cameron. Langford singled and scored on a two-out base hit by Semien to cut it to 3-2 in the third.</p><p>Cameron allowed two runs on three hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings as Kansas City saw a five-game win streak end.</p><p>Jonah Heim had a leadoff double off Daniel Lynch IV in the seventh before scoring on Seager's two-out single off Lucas Erceg to tie it 3-3.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Higashioka's double gave Texas its first lead since the first inning.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Royals have hit the fewest home runs in the American League but they've outhomered the Rangers 14-3 in winning five of six matchups this season.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>LHP Patrick Corbin (6-9, 4.45) was set to start Thursday as the Rangers go for a split of the four-game series opposite Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43).</p>

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