By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are getting healthier, deeper and more dynamic as the season presses on.

The Baltimore Ravens? Pretty much the opposite of all of that.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns in a turn-back-the-clock kind of performance, and the Chiefs jumped on a Ravens team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-injuries-af1317927ff33522a590d3cc7c5f84c9">missing seven defensive starters</a>&nbsp;by the end — to say nothing of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had to leave with a hamstring injury — for a 37-20 victory in a matchup of AFC behemoths desperate for a win.

Four different players caught TD passes for the Chiefs, while Xavier Worthy returned from a shoulder injury to catch five passes for 83 yards, igniting a Kansas City offense that had been struggling to find its footing through the first three weeks.

“We've been making little mistakes here and there and that causes frustration,” Mahomes said, “but we've been learning from them. I've been proud of the guys for the way they've responded, getting better every week.”

The Chiefs (2-2) built a 20-10 halftime lead against Baltimore before cruising to their seventh win in the past eight meetings. The most recent time the Ravens (1-3) beat them was September 2021, and their previous win in Kansas City was on Oct. 7, 2021.

Jackson threw for 147 yards with a touchdown and his first interception of the season before hurting his hamstring midway through the third quarter, though by that point the game was mostly decided. Cooper Rush played the rest of the way for the Ravens, who suddenly find themselves in a dire situation just four weeks into the season.

Only five teams in the 14-team playoff era have started 1-3 and made the postseason.

“I'm concerned but I'm not overwhelmed by it. Three losses to probably three of the top teams in the league,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who explained that Jackson sustained a strain to his hamstring and will be evaluated further on Monday.

“We've got to win the next game, and then once you win the next game, then you have a chance to start stacking some wins."

Derrick Henry finished with just eight carries for 42 yards. Justice Hill had a late 71-yard touchdown run. Otherwise, the Chiefs shut down a Baltimore offense that had scored an NFL-best 111 points over the first three weeks.

“It was a big step forward for us,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who flew back from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-chris-jones-da9b5b2a0b2f18857ad1c6e39401ccb2">a family funeral in Mississippi</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, and whose police escort got him to Arrowhead Stadium with about 20 minutes left before kickoff.

While the Chiefs were getting healthier with the return of Worthy, the Ravens defense — already decimated by injuries — thinned even more when linebacker Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins got hurt. That left the Ravens without seven defensive starters — among them two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and pass rusher Broderick Washington Jr., who went on injured reserve Saturday — by the early minutes of the fourth quarter.

“It's part of the game,” Hill said of the injuries. “I mean, not everything would be sunshine and rainbows. Last year we started off slow and (made the) playoffs and went deep. So I don't think it's difficult. We just know what we need to do going forward to be in the place we want to be. It just kind of shows you the character of the team.”

Still, the Chiefs took advantage of a team that was wounded.

Their own offense had been inconsistent through the first three weeks but scored on its first four possessions on Sunday. Harrison Butker knocked through a pair of field goals, then Mahomes hit JuJu Smith-Schuster with a short TD throw and Isiah Pacheco with another touchdown pass to give Kansas City a 20-7 lead late in the first half.

The Chiefs nearly made it 5 for 5 on scoring drives, but Butker missed a 56-yarder wide left. That opened the door for Baltimore to get a 43-yard field goal from Tyler Loop and make it a 10-point game at the break.

But the mounting injuries, coupled with a red-hot Kansas City offense, were far too much to overcome.

The Chiefs needed just six plays to drive 65 yards for Tyquan Thornton's touchdown reception to start the second half. And after the Ravens added Loop's second field goal, the Chiefs answered with one of their own, before Mahomes threw a nifty pass to Marquise Brown in the end zone early in the fourth quarter to put the game well out of reach.

“These two teams, I mean, the competition — you love it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That's why we play this game.”

Ravens: Along with Jackson, Smith, Humphrey and Wiggins, LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) also left the game and did not return.

Chiefs: There were no injuries for Kansas City.

Baltimore plays Houston next Sunday. Kansas City visits Jacksonville next Monday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759107806319.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are getting healthier, deeper and more dynamic as the season presses on.The Baltimore Ravens? Pretty much the opposite of all of that.Patrick Mahomes threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns in a turn-back-the-clock kind of performance, and the Chiefs jumped on a Ravens team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-injuries-af1317927ff33522a590d3cc7c5f84c9">missing seven defensive starters</a>&nbsp;by the end — to say nothing of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had to leave with a hamstring injury — for a 37-20 victory in a matchup of AFC behemoths desperate for a win.Four different players caught TD passes for the Chiefs, while Xavier Worthy returned from a shoulder injury to catch five passes for 83 yards, igniting a Kansas City offense that had been struggling to find its footing through the first three weeks.“We've been making little mistakes here and there and that causes frustration,” Mahomes said, “but we've been learning from them. I've been proud of the guys for the way they've responded, getting better every week.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759107771703.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Chiefs (2-2) built a 20-10 halftime lead against Baltimore before cruising to their seventh win in the past eight meetings. The most recent time the Ravens (1-3) beat them was September 2021, and their previous win in Kansas City was on Oct. 7, 2021.Jackson threw for 147 yards with a touchdown and his first interception of the season before hurting his hamstring midway through the third quarter, though by that point the game was mostly decided. Cooper Rush played the rest of the way for the Ravens, who suddenly find themselves in a dire situation just four weeks into the season.Only five teams in the 14-team playoff era have started 1-3 and made the postseason.“I'm concerned but I'm not overwhelmed by it. Three losses to probably three of the top teams in the league,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who explained that Jackson sustained a strain to his hamstring and will be evaluated further on Monday.“We've got to win the next game, and then once you win the next game, then you have a chance to start stacking some wins."Derrick Henry finished with just eight carries for 42 yards. Justice Hill had a late 71-yard touchdown run. Otherwise, the Chiefs shut down a Baltimore offense that had scored an NFL-best 111 points over the first three weeks.“It was a big step forward for us,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who flew back from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-chris-jones-da9b5b2a0b2f18857ad1c6e39401ccb2">a family funeral in Mississippi</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, and whose police escort got him to Arrowhead Stadium with about 20 minutes left before kickoff.While the Chiefs were getting healthier with the return of Worthy, the Ravens defense — already decimated by injuries — thinned even more when linebacker Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins got hurt. That left the Ravens without seven defensive starters — among them two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and pass rusher Broderick Washington Jr., who went on injured reserve Saturday — by the early minutes of the fourth quarter.“It's part of the game,” Hill said of the injuries. “I mean, not everything would be sunshine and rainbows. Last year we started off slow and (made the) playoffs and went deep. So I don't think it's difficult. We just know what we need to do going forward to be in the place we want to be. It just kind of shows you the character of the team.”Still, the Chiefs took advantage of a team that was wounded.Their own offense had been inconsistent through the first three weeks but scored on its first four possessions on Sunday. Harrison Butker knocked through a pair of field goals, then Mahomes hit JuJu Smith-Schuster with a short TD throw and Isiah Pacheco with another touchdown pass to give Kansas City a 20-7 lead late in the first half.The Chiefs nearly made it 5 for 5 on scoring drives, but Butker missed a 56-yarder wide left. That opened the door for Baltimore to get a 43-yard field goal from Tyler Loop and make it a 10-point game at the break.But the mounting injuries, coupled with a red-hot Kansas City offense, were far too much to overcome.The Chiefs needed just six plays to drive 65 yards for Tyquan Thornton's touchdown reception to start the second half. And after the Ravens added Loop's second field goal, the Chiefs answered with one of their own, before Mahomes threw a nifty pass to Marquise Brown in the end zone early in the fourth quarter to put the game well out of reach.“These two teams, I mean, the competition — you love it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That's why we play this game.”<h2>Injuries</h2>Ravens: Along with Jackson, Smith, Humphrey and Wiggins, LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) also left the game and did not return.Chiefs: There were no injuries for Kansas City.<h2>Up next</h2>Baltimore plays Houston next Sunday. Kansas City visits Jacksonville next Monday night.

🏈 Mahomes shines as Chiefs roll to victory over the Ravens

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski hit two solo home runs, Cole Ragans struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Athletics 9-2 on Sunday.

Yastrzemski hit a homer deep to right in the seventh inning off Michael Kelly and homered to right off Osvaldo Bido in the eighth. Yastrzemski hit 17 homers, including nine with the Royals after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-trade-deadline-miller-bieber-7a7d771f58aad301d7e0953fc0eb919d">traded from the Giants at the deadline</a>.

Michael Massey had four of Kansas City’s 15 hits. Catcher Carter Jensen had three, including a homer just after Yastrzemski’s seventh-inning home run.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run double in the seventh. The Kansas City shortstop led the majors in hits for the second straight year. He had 184 this season after collecting 211 in 2024.

Ragans limited the A’s to two hits and a walk. Lefty Daniel Lynch IV (6-2) got the victory. Lynch entered the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth and escaped the jam by striking out Nick Kurtz.

Kurtz hit an opposite-field two-run homer off lefty Sam Long in the eighth. The Athletics’ first baseman leads all rookies in home runs (36), RBIs (86), runs (90) and walks (63).

Brady Basso (1-1), the first of seven Athletics pitchers, took the loss.

Ragans struck out four consecutive hitters over the third and fourth innings. Max Muncy, Willie MacIver, Colby Thomas and Kurtz each went down on a swinging strike three.

The three homers the A’s allowed Sunday boosted their season total to 222, a franchise record. The previous mark was 220, set by the 1964 Kansas City A’s.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski hit two solo home runs, Cole Ragans struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Athletics 9-2 on Sunday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Back-to-back (absolute) blasts! <a href="https://t.co/SSTqXiSsqO">pic.twitter.com/SSTqXiSsqO</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1972407039558128127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Yastrzemski hit a homer deep to right in the seventh inning off Michael Kelly and homered to right off Osvaldo Bido in the eighth. Yastrzemski hit 17 homers, including nine with the Royals after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-trade-deadline-miller-bieber-7a7d771f58aad301d7e0953fc0eb919d">traded from the Giants at the deadline</a>.Michael Massey had four of Kansas City’s 15 hits. Catcher Carter Jensen had three, including a homer just after Yastrzemski’s seventh-inning home run.Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run double in the seventh. The Kansas City shortstop led the majors in hits for the second straight year. He had 184 this season after collecting 211 in 2024.Ragans limited the A’s to two hits and a walk. Lefty Daniel Lynch IV (6-2) got the victory. Lynch entered the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth and escaped the jam by striking out Nick Kurtz.Kurtz hit an opposite-field two-run homer off lefty Sam Long in the eighth. The Athletics’ first baseman leads all rookies in home runs (36), RBIs (86), runs (90) and walks (63).Brady Basso (1-1), the first of seven Athletics pitchers, took the loss.<h2>Key moment</h2>Ragans struck out four consecutive hitters over the third and fourth innings. Max Muncy, Willie MacIver, Colby Thomas and Kurtz each went down on a swinging strike three.<h2>Key stat</h2>The three homers the A’s allowed Sunday boosted their season total to 222, a franchise record. The previous mark was 220, set by the 1964 Kansas City A’s.___

⚾ Yastrzemski homers twice as Royals rout A's to finish season with a winning record

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched six scoreless innings to earn his 10th win of the season, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Athletics 4-2 on Saturday night.

Wacha (10-13) gave up two hits and three walks while striking out five for his first victory in more than three weeks. It's the fourth consecutive year and sixth time in his 13 major league seasons that Wacha has won 10 or more games.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run double and Mike Yastrzemski reached base three times and scored twice as the Royals (81-80) beat the A’s (76-85) for the first time in five meetings this season.

John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa and Jonathan Bowlan each retired two batters for Kansas City. Carlos Estévez worked the ninth for his major league-leading 42nd save.

Shea Langeliers had three hits and an RBI for the A’s. Manager Mark Kotsay was ejected in the ninth for arguing balls and strikes.

Michael Massey singled leading off the fifth and advanced to third on Yastrzemki’s one-out single. After Bobby Witt Jr. flied out, Pasquantino blooped a double to left field that fell between A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson and sliding left fielder Tyler Soderstrom as two runs scored.

Athletics starter Luis Morales (4-3) allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits with five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.

Wacha pitched with runners on base in four of his six innings, but allowed only one to reach third.

Pasquantino fouled off three consecutive two-strike fastballs from Morales before his two-out hit in the fifth.

Royals LHP Cole Ragans (3-3, 5.02 ERA) starts the season finale Sunday against Athletics LHP Brady Basso (1-0, 1.74).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759037719034.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched six scoreless innings to earn his 10th win of the season, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Athletics 4-2 on Saturday night.Wacha (10-13) gave up two hits and three walks while striking out five for his first victory in more than three weeks. It's the fourth consecutive year and sixth time in his 13 major league seasons that Wacha has won 10 or more games.Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run double and Mike Yastrzemski reached base three times and scored twice as the Royals (81-80) beat the A’s (76-85) for the first time in five meetings this season.John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa and Jonathan Bowlan each retired two batters for Kansas City. Carlos Estévez worked the ninth for his major league-leading 42nd save.Shea Langeliers had three hits and an RBI for the A’s. Manager Mark Kotsay was ejected in the ninth for arguing balls and strikes.Michael Massey singled leading off the fifth and advanced to third on Yastrzemki’s one-out single. After Bobby Witt Jr. flied out, Pasquantino blooped a double to left field that fell between A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson and sliding left fielder Tyler Soderstrom as two runs scored.Athletics starter Luis Morales (4-3) allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits with five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.<h2>Key stat</h2>Wacha pitched with runners on base in four of his six innings, but allowed only one to reach third.<h2>Key moment</h2>Pasquantino fouled off three consecutive two-strike fastballs from Morales before his two-out hit in the fifth.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Cole Ragans (3-3, 5.02 ERA) starts the season finale Sunday against Athletics LHP Brady Basso (1-0, 1.74).

⚾ Wacha throws 6 shutout innings as Royals top Athletics 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, Dylan Edwards ran for 166 yards and another score, and Kansas State held on to beat UCF 34-20 on Saturday for its first Big 12 win of the season.

Johnson also ran for 75 yards, and the Wildcats (2-3, 1-1) piled up 268 yards on the ground, while their defense made a critical fourth-down stop with just over 4 minutes left after the Knights (3-1, 0-1) had closed to within 31-20.

“I'm like, ‘Here we go again,’” said Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, whose team's first four games this season had been decided by one score, and who nearly had his 58th birthday spoiled when the Knights began to mount their comeback.

“Proud of the guys to get some stops on defense after we gave up some explosive plays," Klieman said.

Tayven Jackson, who missed a chunk of the game with an injury, returned to throw for 115 yards for UCF, which had won its last 16 games under Scott Frost dating to his first tenure with the program. Myles Montgomery had 119 yards rushing.

Kansas State has never lost to UCF in three meetings.

“We fought. We just weren’t consistent enough, and that’s what we have to keep working on is not making the mistakes that hurt you,” Frost said. “We needed to be better on offense early on to keep our defense off the field.”

The Knights were rolling off a 34-9 rout of North Carolina, but Kansas State must have had plenty of time to scout them during their bye. The Wildcats shut down the UCF offense even before Jackson got hurt with 10:48 left in the first half.

Jacurri Brown entered the game and immediately threw an interception, leading to Joe Jackson's TD run and a 10-0 lead.

UCF finally got a big play moments later, when Brown hit DJ Black down the sideline. Kansas State's Wesley Fair missed a tackle, and the resulting 82-yard TD reception was the longest by a Knights player since Doug Gabriel's 83-yarder in 2001.

But the Wildcats answered with a 73-yard touchdown march, and Will Anciaux's catch gave them a 17-7 lead at the break.

“We just didn't get started as fast as we like to," Montgomery said, "and on the road in the Big 12, you have to start fast.”

Not much changed after halftime. Brown and the Knights went three-and-out to start the third quarter, and Kansas State added to the lead with another long touchdown drive. And when Jackson's surprising return sparked the UCF offense, Brown came in to run a sneak on fourth down, and the backup quarterback promptly fumbled the ball away.

Edwards added a 75-yard touchdown run later in the third quarter, helping to put the game out of UCF's reach.

The Wildcats played most of the way without wide receiver Jayce Brown, who had been dealing with “something,” Klieman said, and tried to play but ultimately could not. He's their leading receiver with 25 catches for 284 yards and two scores.

The Knights were playing for the first time since offensive line coach Shawn Clark died unexpectedly on Sunday. The 50-year-old Clark was hospitalized after a medical emergency on Sept. 9, but the school said last week that he had been stable.

UCF struggled mightily to move the ball when Jackson was out of the game. Once he returned, the ground game got going and the Knights began to resemble the offense that scored 68 points in a rout of North Carolina A&amp;T.

Kansas State turned loose Johnson to run the ball for the first time this season, and that seemed to open up an offense that had struggled with inconsistency. The athletic QB finished with the third-best rushing total of his 26-game career.

UCF returns home to face Kansas on Saturday night.

Kansas State heads to Baylor on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759004147612.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, Dylan Edwards ran for 166 yards and another score, and Kansas State held on to beat UCF 34-20 on Saturday for its first Big 12 win of the season.Johnson also ran for 75 yards, and the Wildcats (2-3, 1-1) piled up 268 yards on the ground, while their defense made a critical fourth-down stop with just over 4 minutes left after the Knights (3-1, 0-1) had closed to within 31-20.“I'm like, ‘Here we go again,’” said Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, whose team's first four games this season had been decided by one score, and who nearly had his 58th birthday spoiled when the Knights began to mount their comeback.“Proud of the guys to get some stops on defense after we gave up some explosive plays," Klieman said.Tayven Jackson, who missed a chunk of the game with an injury, returned to throw for 115 yards for UCF, which had won its last 16 games under Scott Frost dating to his first tenure with the program. Myles Montgomery had 119 yards rushing.Kansas State has never lost to UCF in three meetings.“We fought. We just weren’t consistent enough, and that’s what we have to keep working on is not making the mistakes that hurt you,” Frost said. “We needed to be better on offense early on to keep our defense off the field.”The Knights were rolling off a 34-9 rout of North Carolina, but Kansas State must have had plenty of time to scout them during their bye. The Wildcats shut down the UCF offense even before Jackson got hurt with 10:48 left in the first half.Jacurri Brown entered the game and immediately threw an interception, leading to Joe Jackson's TD run and a 10-0 lead.UCF finally got a big play moments later, when Brown hit DJ Black down the sideline. Kansas State's Wesley Fair missed a tackle, and the resulting 82-yard TD reception was the longest by a Knights player since Doug Gabriel's 83-yarder in 2001.But the Wildcats answered with a 73-yard touchdown march, and Will Anciaux's catch gave them a 17-7 lead at the break.“We just didn't get started as fast as we like to," Montgomery said, "and on the road in the Big 12, you have to start fast.”Not much changed after halftime. Brown and the Knights went three-and-out to start the third quarter, and Kansas State added to the lead with another long touchdown drive. And when Jackson's surprising return sparked the UCF offense, Brown came in to run a sneak on fourth down, and the backup quarterback promptly fumbled the ball away.Edwards added a 75-yard touchdown run later in the third quarter, helping to put the game out of UCF's reach.<h2>K-State's injury</h2>The Wildcats played most of the way without wide receiver Jayce Brown, who had been dealing with “something,” Klieman said, and tried to play but ultimately could not. He's their leading receiver with 25 catches for 284 yards and two scores.<h2>Fond farewell</h2>The Knights were playing for the first time since offensive line coach Shawn Clark died unexpectedly on Sunday. The 50-year-old Clark was hospitalized after a medical emergency on Sept. 9, but the school said last week that he had been stable.<h2>The takeaway</h2>UCF struggled mightily to move the ball when Jackson was out of the game. Once he returned, the ground game got going and the Knights began to resemble the offense that scored 68 points in a rout of North Carolina A&amp;T.Kansas State turned loose Johnson to run the ball for the first time this season, and that seemed to open up an offense that had struggled with inconsistency. The athletic QB finished with the third-best rushing total of his 26-game career.<h2>Up next</h2>UCF returns home to face Kansas on Saturday night.Kansas State heads to Baylor on Saturday.

🏈  Wildcats secure first Big 12 win with victory over UCF

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tawee Walker scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 29 seconds left to lift Cincinnati to a 37-34 victory over Kansas on Saturday.

The Bearcats (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) drove 75 yards in 1:16 for the game-winning score.

Jalon Daniels put Kansas (3-2, 1-1) ahead 34-30 with 1:45 left when he found Levi Wentz for a 6-yard touchdown. But there was too much time for Brendan Sorsby and the Bearcats.

Sorsby was 29 of 43 for 388 yards and two touchdowns for Cincinnati.

Daniels threw for four touchdowns and 445 yards.

Kansas took the opening drive of the second half and marched 75 yards for the tying score. Daniels found Boden Groen on a 24-yard, wide-open touchdown pass. But Cincinnati answered with a 14-yard Sorsby to Cyrus Allen touchdown to retake the lead.

Daniels found Emmanuel Henderson for a 75-yard touchdown to tie the game at 27-all. Cincinnati had first-and-goal inside the 1-yard line but had to settle for a 24-yard Stephen Rusnak field goal.

Kansas struck quickly on a 93-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Henderson on the Jayhawks' first play from scrimmage. Cincinnati responded with a methodical 13-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Walker. The Bearcats attempted and succeeded on two fourth-down conversions on the drive.

Cincinnati appeared to score on an 88-yard punt return just before halftime, but it was nullified by an illegal-block penalty. The Bearcats still drove from their own 6 to the Kansas 25, using a 43-yard field goal by Rusnak for a 20-13 halftime lead.

Cincinnati returns home to take on Iowa State, while Kansas travels to UCF next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759004170827.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tawee Walker scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 29 seconds left to lift Cincinnati to a 37-34 victory over Kansas on Saturday.The Bearcats (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) drove 75 yards in 1:16 for the game-winning score.Jalon Daniels put Kansas (3-2, 1-1) ahead 34-30 with 1:45 left when he found Levi Wentz for a 6-yard touchdown. But there was too much time for Brendan Sorsby and the Bearcats.Sorsby was 29 of 43 for 388 yards and two touchdowns for Cincinnati.Daniels threw for four touchdowns and 445 yards.Kansas took the opening drive of the second half and marched 75 yards for the tying score. Daniels found Boden Groen on a 24-yard, wide-open touchdown pass. But Cincinnati answered with a 14-yard Sorsby to Cyrus Allen touchdown to retake the lead.Daniels found Emmanuel Henderson for a 75-yard touchdown to tie the game at 27-all. Cincinnati had first-and-goal inside the 1-yard line but had to settle for a 24-yard Stephen Rusnak field goal.Kansas struck quickly on a 93-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Henderson on the Jayhawks' first play from scrimmage. Cincinnati responded with a methodical 13-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Walker. The Bearcats attempted and succeeded on two fourth-down conversions on the drive.Cincinnati appeared to score on an 88-yard punt return just before halftime, but it was nullified by an illegal-block penalty. The Bearcats still drove from their own 6 to the Kansas 25, using a 43-yard field goal by Rusnak for a 20-13 halftime lead.<h2>Up next</h2>Cincinnati returns home to take on Iowa State, while Kansas travels to UCF next Saturday.

🏈 Tawee Walker scores with 29 seconds left and Cincinnati defeats KU

After four years of handing the Silver Trophy to Manhattan, the Junction City Blue Jays stun number one Manhattan and take back the Silver Trophy, winning 28-14.

Junction City went three-and-out to begin the game, and the Manhattan Indians scored on their first drive to take a 7-0 lead. Similar to last week, the Blue Jays responded and drove down the field to tie the game at 7-7 on a three-yard touchdown run by senior Lance Norris.

The game then turned into a defensive battle. Manhattan was driving when senior Marshall Karmann made his first of two interceptions. JC stalled out on their drive, and then Karmann intercepted his second pass toward the sideline late in the second quarter.

After a targeting penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, the Blue Jays were on the move at the end of the first half. On a crucial third down, senior quarterback Conrad Gomez hit senior Jamarcus Tyson over the middle and took the ball down to the 18-yard line, six (0:06) seconds remaining in the half. After timeouts by both teams, Junction City Head Coach Randall Zimmerman left his offense on the field. Gomez dropped back to pass and hit senior Lovell Autry in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown connection with one (0:01) second left in the half.

Junction City led 14-7 at halftime.

To open the second half, Manhattan took nearly five minutes off the clock and scored a touchdown on a 14-yard touchdown run by EJ Massenberg. The score was all knotted up at 14-14.

The Blue Jays responded just two plays later. Senior quarterback Conrad Gomez hit senior receiver Lovell Autry for a 77-yard touchdown connection on a deep pass down the sideline. Autry stayed on his feet, tightroped the sideline, and put JC back up in front 21-14 with 6:54 to go in the third quarter.

Then, the Blue Jay defense came up big once again. Senior linebacker Jamarcus Tyson intercepted a pass and returned it all the way down to the Manhattan one-yard line. Gomez scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak, and Junction City led 28-14 late in the third quarter.

Both teams lost a fumble on the next two drives of the game, but neither team capitalized. At the end of three quarters of play, Junction City led 28-14.

In the fourth quarter, the Blue Jay defense was again up for the challenge. JC turned away Manhattan on fourth and goal from the nine-yard line, senior Lovell Autry intercepted a pass in the endzone by Manhattan quarterback Finn Watson on the next drive, and then a late interception by junior linebacker Khaliel Walker sealed the deal for the Blue Jays.

Junction City knocked off the Manhattan Indians by a final score of 28-14. Manhattan was ranked number one in all of Class 6A. The Blue Jays snapped a four-game losing streak to Manhattan and regained the Silver Trophy for the first time since the fall of 2020.

“I just love these kids, man,” Junction City High School Head Football Coach Randall Zimmerman said. “Everything we’ve talked about from the beginning of the summer came to fruition here tonight. These kids came together and responded very, very well.”

The Blue Jay defense, led by defensive coordinator Ty Zimmerman, forced six turnovers on the night and also forced three turnover on downs during the game as well. “Ty and our whole staff just work so hard,” Zimmerman said. “Our kids have really bought in, and man, that’s a really good Manhattan football team. We came away with a huge win!”

“I am very, very proud of that defense, and very, very proud of our team and all our kids.”

With the win, Junction City improves to 3-1 on the season and plays at Hays next Friday. (As always, you can hear all Junction City games on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio).

Manhattan falls to 3-1 and plays at Emporia next Friday.

Two player of the game cards were awarded on our KJCK Radio broadcast. Defensively, Marshall Karmann was named Player of the Game, and offensively, Lance Norris received the award. (Our player of the game sponsor is Blu Restaurant in Junction City).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758950774875.jpeg" alt="The Blue Jays celebrate and raise the Silver Trophy after knocking off 6A #1 Manhattan." />
 <figcaption>The Blue Jays celebrate and raise the Silver Trophy after knocking off 6A #1 Manhattan.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostAfter four years of handing the Silver Trophy to Manhattan, the Junction City Blue Jays stun number one Manhattan and take back the Silver Trophy, winning 28-14.Junction City went three-and-out to begin the game, and the Manhattan Indians scored on their first drive to take a 7-0 lead. Similar to last week, the Blue Jays responded and drove down the field to tie the game at 7-7 on a three-yard touchdown run by senior Lance Norris.The game then turned into a defensive battle. Manhattan was driving when senior Marshall Karmann made his first of two interceptions. JC stalled out on their drive, and then Karmann intercepted his second pass toward the sideline late in the second quarter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758951099997.jpeg" alt="Marshall Karmann #6 in white, was named Defensive Player of the Game." />
 <figcaption>Marshall Karmann #6 in white, was named Defensive Player of the Game.</figcaption>
 </figure>After a targeting penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, the Blue Jays were on the move at the end of the first half. On a crucial third down, senior quarterback Conrad Gomez hit senior Jamarcus Tyson over the middle and took the ball down to the 18-yard line, six (0:06) seconds remaining in the half. After timeouts by both teams, Junction City Head Coach Randall Zimmerman left his offense on the field. Gomez dropped back to pass and hit senior Lovell Autry in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown connection with one (0:01) second left in the half.Junction City led 14-7 at halftime.To open the second half, Manhattan took nearly five minutes off the clock and scored a touchdown on a 14-yard touchdown run by EJ Massenberg. The score was all knotted up at 14-14.The Blue Jays responded just two plays later. Senior quarterback Conrad Gomez hit senior receiver Lovell Autry for a 77-yard touchdown connection on a deep pass down the sideline. Autry stayed on his feet, tightroped the sideline, and put JC back up in front 21-14 with 6:54 to go in the third quarter.Then, the Blue Jay defense came up big once again. Senior linebacker Jamarcus Tyson intercepted a pass and returned it all the way down to the Manhattan one-yard line. Gomez scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak, and Junction City led 28-14 late in the third quarter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758951156828.jpeg" alt="The Blue Jay defense forced a total of six turnovers on the night." />
 <figcaption>The Blue Jay defense forced a total of six turnovers on the night.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both teams lost a fumble on the next two drives of the game, but neither team capitalized. At the end of three quarters of play, Junction City led 28-14.In the fourth quarter, the Blue Jay defense was again up for the challenge. JC turned away Manhattan on fourth and goal from the nine-yard line, senior Lovell Autry intercepted a pass in the endzone by Manhattan quarterback Finn Watson on the next drive, and then a late interception by junior linebacker Khaliel Walker sealed the deal for the Blue Jays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758951199421.jpeg" alt="#8 Khaliel Walker celebrates as the Blue Jay defense stops Manhattan forcing a Turnover on Downs." />
 <figcaption>#8 Khaliel Walker celebrates as the Blue Jay defense stops Manhattan forcing a Turnover on Downs.</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City knocked off the Manhattan Indians by a final score of 28-14. Manhattan was ranked number one in all of Class 6A. The Blue Jays snapped a four-game losing streak to Manhattan and regained the Silver Trophy for the first time since the fall of 2020.“I just love these kids, man,” Junction City High School Head Football Coach Randall Zimmerman said. “Everything we’ve talked about from the beginning of the summer came to fruition here tonight. These kids came together and responded very, very well.”The Blue Jay defense, led by defensive coordinator Ty Zimmerman, forced six turnovers on the night and also forced three turnover on downs during the game as well. “Ty and our whole staff just work so hard,” Zimmerman said. “Our kids have really bought in, and man, that’s a really good Manhattan football team. We came away with a huge win!”“I am very, very proud of that defense, and very, very proud of our team and all our kids.”With the win, Junction City improves to 3-1 on the season and plays at Hays next Friday. (As always, you can hear all Junction City games on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio).Manhattan falls to 3-1 and plays at Emporia next Friday.Two player of the game cards were awarded on our KJCK Radio broadcast. Defensively, Marshall Karmann was named Player of the Game, and offensively, Lance Norris received the award. (Our player of the game sponsor is Blu Restaurant in Junction City).&nbsp;** Photos courtesy of Callie Jones.

Blue Jay Defense Forces Six Turnovers, Beats #1 Manhattan

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Shea Langeliers hit a walk-off RBI double in the ninth inning, Jacob Wilson drove in three runs and the Athletics beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Friday night.

Langeliers singled and Brent Rooker and Tyler Soderstrom walked before Taylor Clarke replaced Royals starter Noah Cameron (9-7) with two out in the fifth. Five pitches later, Wilson hit a bases-clearing double to left field that made it 3-3.

Maikel Garcia and Carter Jensen singled before Jonathan India's three-run homer for Kansas City opened the scoring in the fourth.

Soderstrom hit his 34th double of the season and walked twice.

Justin Sterner (4-3) got the final four outs to earn the win. Athletics starter Mason Barnett allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings and Hogan Harris pitched two scoreless inning.

Luinder Avila (1-1) gave up a run and two hits in a third of an inning.

Wilson finished 1 for 4 and the rookie is hitting .313 this season, second in MLB behind Aaron Judge (.330) of the New York Yankees.

Angel Zerpa struck out Lawrence Butler swinging to lead off the ninth and was replaced by Avila. Darell Hernaiz singled before Brett Harris reached on force out and was replaced by pinch-runner Max Schuemann, who scored when Langeliers doubled.

Cameron has a 2.99 ERA this season, the lowest by a first-year pitcher in the American League (minimum of 20 games started) since 1995 behind Masahiro Tanaka (2.77 in 2014) and Tanner Bibee (2.98 in 2023).

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Shea Langeliers hit a walk-off RBI double in the ninth inning, Jacob Wilson drove in three runs and the Athletics beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Friday night.Langeliers singled and Brent Rooker and Tyler Soderstrom walked before Taylor Clarke replaced Royals starter Noah Cameron (9-7) with two out in the fifth. Five pitches later, Wilson hit a bases-clearing double to left field that made it 3-3.Maikel Garcia and Carter Jensen singled before Jonathan India's three-run homer for Kansas City opened the scoring in the fourth.Soderstrom hit his 34th double of the season and walked twice.Justin Sterner (4-3) got the final four outs to earn the win. Athletics starter Mason Barnett allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings and Hogan Harris pitched two scoreless inning.Luinder Avila (1-1) gave up a run and two hits in a third of an inning.Wilson finished 1 for 4 and the rookie is hitting .313 this season, second in MLB behind Aaron Judge (.330) of the New York Yankees.<h2>Key moment</h2>Angel Zerpa struck out Lawrence Butler swinging to lead off the ninth and was replaced by Avila. Darell Hernaiz singled before Brett Harris reached on force out and was replaced by pinch-runner Max Schuemann, who scored when Langeliers doubled.<h2>Key stats</h2>Cameron has a 2.99 ERA this season, the lowest by a first-year pitcher in the American League (minimum of 20 games started) since 1995 behind Masahiro Tanaka (2.77 in 2014) and Tanner Bibee (2.98 in 2023).<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾Langeliers hits walk-off double as Athletics beat the Royals 

Week 4 of the High School Football Season has arrived!&nbsp;

The Junction City Blue Jays are on the road playing at Manhattan tonight at Bishop Stadium. The Blue Jays are 2-1, Manhattan is 3-0. This is the 110th meeting between the two teams.&nbsp;

LISTEN LIVE: You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. - <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">You can also listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;The pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m., and Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.

Manhattan has won four straight over Junction City.&nbsp;

Week 4 of the High School Football Season has arrived!&nbsp;The Junction City Blue Jays are on the road playing at Manhattan tonight at Bishop Stadium. The Blue Jays are 2-1, Manhattan is 3-0. This is the 110th meeting between the two teams.&nbsp;LISTEN LIVE: You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. - <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">You can also listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;The pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m., and Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.Manhattan has won four straight over Junction City.&nbsp;

WEEK 4 - LISTEN LIVE: Junction City Blue Jays at Manhattan Indians

The Lady Jay tennis team delivered an outstanding performance on Thursday at the Salina South Varsity Tennis Invite.&nbsp; The Lady Jays came home with three championships at the eight team event featuring Salina South, Salina Central, Maize, Great Bend, Buhler, Newton, Abilene and Junction City.&nbsp; 

JCHS won the team title, the singles championship and the doubles championship.&nbsp; Competitors all played in open draws, so there were no flights. In the singles draw, Hannah Micheel, went 4-0 on her way to winning her singles championship. In the championship match, she defeated her Great Bend opponent 8-3.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the same draw, Zoey Micheel, won her first two rounds upsetting the #3 seed from Buhler 8-5 to reach the semifinals before dropping her next two matches.&nbsp; She earned the 4th place medal.

In the doubles draw, Emma Young and Maddi Sederlin teamed up to go 4-0, defeating their Salina South opponent for the championship 8-5.&nbsp; The other doubles team of Jocelyn Portugal and Kara Houck went 2-2 on the day, finishing 10th&nbsp;on the day. Overall, the Lady Jays strong performances from all four entries, helped them capture the team title.&nbsp;

 The Lady Jays next compete in the Topeka West Tennis Invite on Tuesday, September 30.&nbsp; Matches start at 9 am and will be held at the Kossover Tennis Center.

By Matt MicheelJCHS tennis coachThe Lady Jay tennis team delivered an outstanding performance on Thursday at the Salina South Varsity Tennis Invite.&nbsp; The Lady Jays came home with three championships at the eight team event featuring Salina South, Salina Central, Maize, Great Bend, Buhler, Newton, Abilene and Junction City.&nbsp; JCHS won the team title, the singles championship and the doubles championship.&nbsp; Competitors all played in open draws, so there were no flights. In the singles draw, Hannah Micheel, went 4-0 on her way to winning her singles championship. In the championship match, she defeated her Great Bend opponent 8-3.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the same draw, Zoey Micheel, won her first two rounds upsetting the #3 seed from Buhler 8-5 to reach the semifinals before dropping her next two matches.&nbsp; She earned the 4th place medal.In the doubles draw, Emma Young and Maddi Sederlin teamed up to go 4-0, defeating their Salina South opponent for the championship 8-5.&nbsp; The other doubles team of Jocelyn Portugal and Kara Houck went 2-2 on the day, finishing 10th&nbsp;on the day. Overall, the Lady Jays strong performances from all four entries, helped them capture the team title.&nbsp; The Lady Jays next compete in the Topeka West Tennis Invite on Tuesday, September 30.&nbsp; Matches start at 9 am and will be held at the Kossover Tennis Center.

Lady Jays win the Salina South Invitational

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered and drove in three runs, Bobby Witt Jr. had four hits and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 9-4 on Thursday night.

Michael Lorenzen (7-11) gave up two earned runs and five hits with a season-high nine strikeouts and no walks in 5 2/3 innings for the Royals.

Jo Adell, Nolan Schanuel and Mike Trout each homered for the Angels. Trout’s two-run shot — his 23rd of the season and 401st of his career — cut Kansas City's lead to 5-4 in eighth.

However, the Royals scored four in the top of the ninth, a rally highlighted by Salvador Perez’s two-out, three-run double off Angels reliever Sam Bachman, to pull away.

Mitch Farris (1-3) gave up four earned runs and five hits in five innings, striking out five and walking two, for the Angels, who have lost 11 of 13 games.

Pasquantino’s team-leading 32nd homer, a two-run shot to right field in the first, gave him a team-high 110 RBIs on the season. Adell pulled the Angels to 2-1 in the second with his team-high 37th homer.

Pasquantino had a run-scoring fielder’s choice in the third and Witt had an RBI double in the fifth to push the lead to 5-1.

Schanuel’s solo shot in the sixth brought the Angels back within two, but Adam Frazier’s pinch-hit RBI single in the eight made it 5-2.

Bachman was one strike away from escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth, but Perez hit a drive off the base of the center-field wall for his game-breaking hit.

The Angels struck out 13 times, bringing their major league-leading total to 1,603 — tied for fourth-most in major league history. With three games left, the Angels are 51 shy of Minnesota’s single-season record of 1,654 strikeouts, set in 2023.

Angels RHP Kyle Hendricks (8-10, 4.79 ERA) will start against Astros RHP Jason Alexander (4-2, 4.83 ERA) at home on Friday.

Royals LHP Noah Cameron (9-7, 2.90 ERA) will start against Athletics RHP Luis Morales (4-2, 3.07) on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758868468549.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered and drove in three runs, Bobby Witt Jr. had four hits and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 9-4 on Thursday night.Michael Lorenzen (7-11) gave up two earned runs and five hits with a season-high nine strikeouts and no walks in 5 2/3 innings for the Royals.Jo Adell, Nolan Schanuel and Mike Trout each homered for the Angels. Trout’s two-run shot — his 23rd of the season and 401st of his career — cut Kansas City's lead to 5-4 in eighth.However, the Royals scored four in the top of the ninth, a rally highlighted by Salvador Perez’s two-out, three-run double off Angels reliever Sam Bachman, to pull away.Mitch Farris (1-3) gave up four earned runs and five hits in five innings, striking out five and walking two, for the Angels, who have lost 11 of 13 games.Pasquantino’s team-leading 32nd homer, a two-run shot to right field in the first, gave him a team-high 110 RBIs on the season. Adell pulled the Angels to 2-1 in the second with his team-high 37th homer.Pasquantino had a run-scoring fielder’s choice in the third and Witt had an RBI double in the fifth to push the lead to 5-1.Schanuel’s solo shot in the sixth brought the Angels back within two, but Adam Frazier’s pinch-hit RBI single in the eight made it 5-2.<h2>Key moment</h2>Bachman was one strike away from escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth, but Perez hit a drive off the base of the center-field wall for his game-breaking hit.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Angels struck out 13 times, bringing their major league-leading total to 1,603 — tied for fourth-most in major league history. With three games left, the Angels are 51 shy of Minnesota’s single-season record of 1,654 strikeouts, set in 2023.<h2>Up next</h2>Angels RHP Kyle Hendricks (8-10, 4.79 ERA) will start against Astros RHP Jason Alexander (4-2, 4.83 ERA) at home on Friday.Royals LHP Noah Cameron (9-7, 2.90 ERA) will start against Athletics RHP Luis Morales (4-2, 3.07) on Friday.

⚾ Pasquantino homers, Witt gets 4 hits as Royals beat Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Taylor Ward homered, Kenley Jansen earned his 475th career save and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night to avoid a series sweep.

Yusei Kikuchi (7-11) gave up just one hit while striking out six over five innings. He was removed with a left forearm cramp before the sixth. Jansen struck out two in the ninth for his 28th save of the season.

Luis Rengifo doubled and scored on Oswald Peraza's groundout in the second inning for a 1-0 lead. Ward added a 320-foot solo home run in the third to became one of just three MLB players this season with at least 35 homers, 100 RBIs and 30 doubles.

Royals' starter Stephen Kolek (5-7) went six innings, giving up three runs on five hits while striking out two. In the fourth, Kolek tried to cut down Peraza at second, but his throw sailed wide of second baseman Jonathan India, allowing Peraza to score for a 3-0 lead.

Randal Grichuk's homer in the fifth was the only hit given up Kikuchi.

Carter Jensen scored to bring the Royals within a run of Los Angeles in the seventh inning.

The Angels entered the night with the worst save percentage (51%) in the majors and the highest bullpen ERA in the AL at 4.87. Los Angeles won for just the second time in its last 12 games.

Second baseman Christian Moore laid out for a diving stop, then fired to first for the third out of the seventh, preserving the Angels’ 3–2 lead.

The Royals came into the night averaging the third-fewest team errors per game in the majors (0.37), but gave up three against Los Angeles.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Taylor Ward homered, Kenley Jansen earned his 475th career save and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night to avoid a series sweep.Yusei Kikuchi (7-11) gave up just one hit while striking out six over five innings. He was removed with a left forearm cramp before the sixth. Jansen struck out two in the ninth for his 28th save of the season.Luis Rengifo doubled and scored on Oswald Peraza's groundout in the second inning for a 1-0 lead. Ward added a 320-foot solo home run in the third to became one of just three MLB players this season with at least 35 homers, 100 RBIs and 30 doubles.Royals' starter Stephen Kolek (5-7) went six innings, giving up three runs on five hits while striking out two. In the fourth, Kolek tried to cut down Peraza at second, but his throw sailed wide of second baseman Jonathan India, allowing Peraza to score for a 3-0 lead.Randal Grichuk's homer in the fifth was the only hit given up Kikuchi.Carter Jensen scored to bring the Royals within a run of Los Angeles in the seventh inning.The Angels entered the night with the worst save percentage (51%) in the majors and the highest bullpen ERA in the AL at 4.87. Los Angeles won for just the second time in its last 12 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Second baseman Christian Moore laid out for a diving stop, then fired to first for the third out of the seventh, preserving the Angels’ 3–2 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals came into the night averaging the third-fewest team errors per game in the majors (0.37), but gave up three against Los Angeles.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Ward homers, Jansen earns 475th save as Angels  beat the Royals

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Adam Frazier each drove in two runs, Salvador Perez moved into second place on Kansas City's career RBI list and the Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 8-4 on Tuesday night, shortly after being eliminated from postseason contention.

The Royals (79-78) were knocked out of the race for an AL wild card with five games remaining in their regular season. Kansas City, which reached the playoffs last season, has failed to qualify for the postseason in nine of the last 10 seasons.

Perez singled to center in the first inning to score Witt. It was the 35-year-old catcher's 97th RBI of the season and 1,013th of his career, moving him past Hal McRae. The Royals' all-time RBI leader is George Brett with 1,596.

Maikel Garcia went 3 for 4 with two doubles. It was Garcia's second career game with three hits and three runs scored, and his 11th three-hit game of the season.

Royals starter Cole Ragans (3-3) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out 10 over five innings in his second start since returning from the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain.

Bryce Teodosio hit his first career homer for the Angels in the fifth inning, in his 45th MLB game this season. Taylor Ward added his 35th homer, a career high, in the ninth inning for Los Angeles, which has lost 10 of its last 11 games.

Mike Trout was honored before his first at-bat for hitting his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trout-angels-home-run-821f396e4f35f7cdb9352779b4437f0c">400th career home run</a>&nbsp;against the Rockies in Colorado on Saturday.

The Royals’ batters recorded 15 hits, and the pitchers recorded 13 strikeouts.

The Royals Stephen Kolek (5-6, 3.54 ERA) faces the Angels Yusei Kikuchi (6-11, 4.05) on Wednesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758707372628.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Adam Frazier each drove in two runs, Salvador Perez moved into second place on Kansas City's career RBI list and the Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 8-4 on Tuesday night, shortly after being eliminated from postseason contention.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Career RBI No. 1,013! <a href="https://t.co/Ih2RmcE1vc">https://t.co/Ih2RmcE1vc</a> <a href="https://t.co/ORPz0FLhMy">pic.twitter.com/ORPz0FLhMy</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1970670072944611738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Royals (79-78) were knocked out of the race for an AL wild card with five games remaining in their regular season. Kansas City, which reached the playoffs last season, has failed to qualify for the postseason in nine of the last 10 seasons.Perez singled to center in the first inning to score Witt. It was the 35-year-old catcher's 97th RBI of the season and 1,013th of his career, moving him past Hal McRae. The Royals' all-time RBI leader is George Brett with 1,596.Maikel Garcia went 3 for 4 with two doubles. It was Garcia's second career game with three hits and three runs scored, and his 11th three-hit game of the season.Royals starter Cole Ragans (3-3) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out 10 over five innings in his second start since returning from the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain.Bryce Teodosio hit his first career homer for the Angels in the fifth inning, in his 45th MLB game this season. Taylor Ward added his 35th homer, a career high, in the ninth inning for Los Angeles, which has lost 10 of its last 11 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Mike Trout was honored before his first at-bat for hitting his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trout-angels-home-run-821f396e4f35f7cdb9352779b4437f0c">400th career home run</a>&nbsp;against the Rockies in Colorado on Saturday.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals’ batters recorded 15 hits, and the pitchers recorded 13 strikeouts.<h2>Up next</h2>The Royals Stephen Kolek (5-6, 3.54 ERA) faces the Angels Yusei Kikuchi (6-11, 4.05) on Wednesday night.___

⚾ Witt, Frazier and Perez power Royals to win over the Angels

STILLWATER –&nbsp;Oklahoma State and&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/mike-gundy/3562">Mike Gundy</a>&nbsp;have parted ways, effective immediately, according to a media release from OSU Athletics.

Including his time as a player and coach, Gundy spent more than 30 years at Oklahoma State."Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy's leadership," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff-directory/chad-weiberg/369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said.

"I believe I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football."From 1986-89, Gundy quarterbacked some of OSU's most explosive offenses. 

He finished his playing career as the Big Eight Conference career passing leader. As head coach, he led the Cowboys to the best era of sustained success in program history, highlighted by a Big 12 championship in 2011, five New Year's Six bowl appearances and eight 10-win seasons. His 170 career coaching victories are 108 more than any other coach in school history."College football has changed drastically in the last few years, and the investment needed to compete at the highest level has never been more important," Weiberg said. 

"As we search for the next head coach of Cowboy Football, we are looking for someone who can lead our program in this new era. It is also important that we continue to support our student-athletes, our staff and our university through the season, and I hope that our fans continue to show that support in Boone Pickens Stadium this fall.

"Moving forward, it is critical for our fans, alumni and donors to align behind Cowboy Football," Weiberg said. "This is a pivotal moment, the stakes have never been higher and we need everyone on board."

"This is a decision about what's best for our football program, our student-athletes and Oklahoma State University and it reflects our unwavering commitment to championship-level football and competing for national success," said OSU President Jim Hess. 

"Coach Gundy dedicated decades of his life to OSU, achieving significant success and positively impacting hundreds of young men who wore the OSU uniform. His contributions to our university, both as a player and coach, deserve our profound respect and will not be forgotten. We are grateful for his service and wish him and his family the very best."

STILLWATER –&nbsp;Oklahoma State and&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/mike-gundy/3562">Mike Gundy</a>&nbsp;have parted ways, effective immediately, according to a media release from OSU Athletics.Including his time as a player and coach, Gundy spent more than 30 years at Oklahoma State."Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy's leadership," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff-directory/chad-weiberg/369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Oklahoma State, Gundy part ways <a href="https://t.co/T2hVZdxEJX">https://t.co/T2hVZdxEJX</a> <a href="https://t.co/1mIPb6RHZN">pic.twitter.com/1mIPb6RHZN</a>&mdash; OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/CowboyFB/status/1970543676490158546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"I believe I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football."From 1986-89, Gundy quarterbacked some of OSU's most explosive offenses. He finished his playing career as the Big Eight Conference career passing leader. As head coach, he led the Cowboys to the best era of sustained success in program history, highlighted by a Big 12 championship in 2011, five New Year's Six bowl appearances and eight 10-win seasons. His 170 career coaching victories are 108 more than any other coach in school history."College football has changed drastically in the last few years, and the investment needed to compete at the highest level has never been more important," Weiberg said. "As we search for the next head coach of Cowboy Football, we are looking for someone who can lead our program in this new era. It is also important that we continue to support our student-athletes, our staff and our university through the season, and I hope that our fans continue to show that support in Boone Pickens Stadium this fall."Moving forward, it is critical for our fans, alumni and donors to align behind Cowboy Football," Weiberg said. "This is a pivotal moment, the stakes have never been higher and we need everyone on board.""This is a decision about what's best for our football program, our student-athletes and Oklahoma State University and it reflects our unwavering commitment to championship-level football and competing for national success," said OSU President Jim Hess. "Coach Gundy dedicated decades of his life to OSU, achieving significant success and positively impacting hundreds of young men who wore the OSU uniform. His contributions to our university, both as a player and coach, deserve our profound respect and will not be forgotten. We are grateful for his service and wish him and his family the very best."

🏈 Oklahoma State fires coach Mike Gundy after 21 seasons

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State will open the month of October with a second-straight morning kickoff as the Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced on Monday that the Wildcats’ October 4 game at Baylor will begin at 11 a.m. and be shown on ESPN+.

Kansas State holds a slim 11-10 edge in the series, while Baylor leads, 6-5, in games play in Waco. The Wildcats have won each of the last two meetings, earning a 31-3 victory in Waco in 2022 and a 59-25 triumph in Manhattan in 2023. The teams did not meet last season.

Kansas State opens its Big 12 home schedule by hosting UCF on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium in an 11 a.m., contest that will be shown on FS1. Tickets for the game are down to standing-room only and can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

KSU Athletics<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State will open the month of October with a second-straight morning kickoff as the Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced on Monday that the Wildcats’ October 4 game at Baylor will begin at 11 a.m. and be shown on ESPN+.Kansas State holds a slim 11-10 edge in the series, while Baylor leads, 6-5, in games play in Waco. The Wildcats have won each of the last two meetings, earning a 31-3 victory in Waco in 2022 and a 59-25 triumph in Manhattan in 2023. The teams did not meet last season.Kansas State opens its Big 12 home schedule by hosting UCF on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium in an 11 a.m., contest that will be shown on FS1. Tickets for the game are down to standing-room only and can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

K-State’s Game at Baylor to Kick at 11 a.m.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Mistakes and penalties threatened to derail the Kansas City Chiefs again early in a season that had not been going their way. Patrick Mahomes made a couple himself.

“I kept throwing the ball backwards,” Mahomes said. “That's not good.”

Mahomes recovered his backward pass, had plenty of good throws going forward and helped the&nbsp;<a href="https://obviously%20we%20didn't%20have%20the%20start%20we%20wanted,%20but%20it's%20a%20long%20season.%20just%20every%20week,%20just%20kind%20of%20go%20back%20to%20work,%20go%20back%20to%20square%20one%20trying%20to%20figure%20out%20things%20we%20can%20get%20better%20at.%20we%20had%20some%20success,%20found%20a%20way%20to%20win%20a%20football%20game,%20but%20there's%20obviously%20some%20stuff%20to%20clean%20up.%20it's%20huge.%20we've%20been%20searching%20for%20one%20win%20and%20try%20to%20figure%20out%20how%20we%20can%20get%20this%20thing%20going.%20the%20main%20thing%20now%20is%20just%20keep%20working,%20keep%20stacking%20and%20try%20to%20get%20another,%20then%20get%20another%20win./">Chiefs pick up their first win</a>&nbsp;of the season by beating the New York Giants 22-9 on Sunday night. Coach Andy Reid called it “a good win to get, in particular when you haven’t have one.”

“Obviously we didn’t have the start we wanted, but it’s a long season,” said linebacker Nick Bolton, who had a game-high 14 tackles. “We’ve been searching for one win and try to figure out how we can get this thing going. The main thing now is just keep working, keep stacking and try to get another, then get another win.”

Mahomes completed 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton to go along with a momentum-altering recovery by snatching the ball out of defender Bobby Okereke's hands. His on-the-run 33-yard throw to Thornton midway through the fourth quarter set up Kareem Hunt's 1-yard TD run that put the game away and sent many fans to the exits.

The Chiefs (1-2) avoided what would have been their first 0-3 start since 2011, two years before Reid took over and started an era that has included a trio of Super Bowl titles and two additional appearances — including trips the past three seasons.

The Giants fell to 0-3, with Russell Wilson throwing two interceptions and finishing 18 of 32 for 160 yards. Chants of “We want Dart!” followed Wilson's second pick, and while Jaxson Dart got in for a handful of snaps, all were handoffs.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giants-quarterbacks-jaxson-dart-41e26ea01a45929be47ef810161753cd">The first-round pick</a>&nbsp;and prospective quarterback of the future has yet to attempt a pass in his rookie season.

“When you don’t convert on third down, it’s hard to sustain anything,” coach Brian Daboll said of his team, which converted just once on 10 tries. "On offense, nothing was good enough. I would be booing too.”

Mahomes, who turned 30 this week, ran far less than the first two games, when he was Kansas City's leading rusher each time. Isiah Pacheco had that distinction at New York, recording 45 yards on 10 carries.

Giants rookie Cam Skattebo ran for a touchdown for a second consecutive game and finished with 121 yards from scrimmage. Skattebo shouldered the load in the backfield, sharing time with Devin Singletary after Tyrone Tracy injured his right shoulder late in the first quarter.

Thrown at seven times, Malik Nabers had just two catches for 13 yards. The Chiefs locked down Nabers a week after holding Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to nine receptions for 80 yards.

“That No. 1 is the real deal,” Reid said, referring to Nabers. “For us to be able to put the clamps on him a little bit, that’s not an easy chore. He’s a heck of a football player.”

Chiefs: Safety Bryan Cook injured his neck defending Nabers on a long pass attempt by Wilson early in the fourth quarter. Reid said Cook was fine. ... Receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) missed a second consecutive game.

Giants: A groin injury to kicker Graham Gano was announced just before the game started. He did not take the field until the fourth quarter, when he made a 25-yard field goal. ... Left tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-giants-andrew-thomas-167576472baa689c1b58eb83602fc39c">Andrew Thomas played</a>&nbsp;for the first time in 11 months since undergoing foot surgery. He was in for the first 26 offensive snaps before rookie Marcus Mbow replaced Thomas late in the first half. Daboll said that was the plan for Thomas' return.

Giants: Host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758537113496.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure from New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure from New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)</figcaption>
 </figure>EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Mistakes and penalties threatened to derail the Kansas City Chiefs again early in a season that had not been going their way. Patrick Mahomes made a couple himself.“I kept throwing the ball backwards,” Mahomes said. “That's not good.”Mahomes recovered his backward pass, had plenty of good throws going forward and helped the&nbsp;<a href="https://obviously%20we%20didn't%20have%20the%20start%20we%20wanted,%20but%20it's%20a%20long%20season.%20just%20every%20week,%20just%20kind%20of%20go%20back%20to%20work,%20go%20back%20to%20square%20one%20trying%20to%20figure%20out%20things%20we%20can%20get%20better%20at.%20we%20had%20some%20success,%20found%20a%20way%20to%20win%20a%20football%20game,%20but%20there's%20obviously%20some%20stuff%20to%20clean%20up.%20it's%20huge.%20we've%20been%20searching%20for%20one%20win%20and%20try%20to%20figure%20out%20how%20we%20can%20get%20this%20thing%20going.%20the%20main%20thing%20now%20is%20just%20keep%20working,%20keep%20stacking%20and%20try%20to%20get%20another,%20then%20get%20another%20win./">Chiefs pick up their first win</a>&nbsp;of the season by beating the New York Giants 22-9 on Sunday night. Coach Andy Reid called it “a good win to get, in particular when you haven’t have one.”“Obviously we didn’t have the start we wanted, but it’s a long season,” said linebacker Nick Bolton, who had a game-high 14 tackles. “We’ve been searching for one win and try to figure out how we can get this thing going. The main thing now is just keep working, keep stacking and try to get another, then get another win.”Mahomes completed 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton to go along with a momentum-altering recovery by snatching the ball out of defender Bobby Okereke's hands. His on-the-run 33-yard throw to Thornton midway through the fourth quarter set up Kareem Hunt's 1-yard TD run that put the game away and sent many fans to the exits.The Chiefs (1-2) avoided what would have been their first 0-3 start since 2011, two years before Reid took over and started an era that has included a trio of Super Bowl titles and two additional appearances — including trips the past three seasons.The Giants fell to 0-3, with Russell Wilson throwing two interceptions and finishing 18 of 32 for 160 yards. Chants of “We want Dart!” followed Wilson's second pick, and while Jaxson Dart got in for a handful of snaps, all were handoffs.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giants-quarterbacks-jaxson-dart-41e26ea01a45929be47ef810161753cd">The first-round pick</a>&nbsp;and prospective quarterback of the future has yet to attempt a pass in his rookie season.“When you don’t convert on third down, it’s hard to sustain anything,” coach Brian Daboll said of his team, which converted just once on 10 tries. "On offense, nothing was good enough. I would be booing too.”Mahomes, who turned 30 this week, ran far less than the first two games, when he was Kansas City's leading rusher each time. Isiah Pacheco had that distinction at New York, recording 45 yards on 10 carries.Giants rookie Cam Skattebo ran for a touchdown for a second consecutive game and finished with 121 yards from scrimmage. Skattebo shouldered the load in the backfield, sharing time with Devin Singletary after Tyrone Tracy injured his right shoulder late in the first quarter.Thrown at seven times, Malik Nabers had just two catches for 13 yards. The Chiefs locked down Nabers a week after holding Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to nine receptions for 80 yards.“That No. 1 is the real deal,” Reid said, referring to Nabers. “For us to be able to put the clamps on him a little bit, that’s not an easy chore. He’s a heck of a football player.”<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: Safety Bryan Cook injured his neck defending Nabers on a long pass attempt by Wilson early in the fourth quarter. Reid said Cook was fine. ... Receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) missed a second consecutive game.Giants: A groin injury to kicker Graham Gano was announced just before the game started. He did not take the field until the fourth quarter, when he made a 25-yard field goal. ... Left tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-giants-andrew-thomas-167576472baa689c1b58eb83602fc39c">Andrew Thomas played</a>&nbsp;for the first time in 11 months since undergoing foot surgery. He was in for the first 26 offensive snaps before rookie Marcus Mbow replaced Thomas late in the first half. Daboll said that was the plan for Thomas' return.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: Host Baltimore next Sunday.Giants: Host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.

🏈 Mahomes and the Chiefs beat the Giants for first win this season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez drove in two runs apiece as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 Sunday and clinched a playoff berth.

Toronto is the first team in the American League to secure a spot in the playoffs, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2023, and improved its AL-best and AL East-leading record to 90-66.

The Blue Jays scored three runs in the second inning on run-scoring hits by Gimenez, Tyler Heineman and George Springer. Guerrero hit a two-run double in the fifth and Addison Barger followed with an RBI double to give Toronto a 6-2 lead.

After the Royals cut their deficit to 6-5, Ernie Clement and Gimenez had RBI hits in the eighth to extend Toronto's lead to 8-5.

Toronto starter Trey Yesavage worked four innings, allowing four runs on five hits while walking three and striking out two. Seranthony Dominguez (4-4) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Jeff Hoffman recorded his 32nd save of the season.

Carter Jensen had a two-run double in the fourth inning, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez hit consecutive run-scoring singles in the fifth and Randal Grichuk picked up an RBI in the sixth to complete Kansas City's scoring.

Michael Wacha (9-13) gave up six earned runs on eight hits in five innings with one walk and four strikeouts.

Gimenez's triple in the eighth all but sealed the win, giving the Blue Jays a three-run lead.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez drove in two runs apiece as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 Sunday and clinched a playoff berth.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBlueJays%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0qLBiXc8r7T53HggXCXebJKxgYsQXF7CqxW45E8MRWoALvT5gRLCxCnAhcixgEv8bl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="609" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Toronto is the first team in the American League to secure a spot in the playoffs, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2023, and improved its AL-best and AL East-leading record to 90-66.The Blue Jays scored three runs in the second inning on run-scoring hits by Gimenez, Tyler Heineman and George Springer. Guerrero hit a two-run double in the fifth and Addison Barger followed with an RBI double to give Toronto a 6-2 lead.After the Royals cut their deficit to 6-5, Ernie Clement and Gimenez had RBI hits in the eighth to extend Toronto's lead to 8-5.Toronto starter Trey Yesavage worked four innings, allowing four runs on five hits while walking three and striking out two. Seranthony Dominguez (4-4) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Jeff Hoffman recorded his 32nd save of the season.Carter Jensen had a two-run double in the fourth inning, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez hit consecutive run-scoring singles in the fifth and Randal Grichuk picked up an RBI in the sixth to complete Kansas City's scoring.Michael Wacha (9-13) gave up six earned runs on eight hits in five innings with one walk and four strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>Gimenez's triple in the eighth all but sealed the win, giving the Blue Jays a three-run lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Toronto snapped a four-game skid. The Blue Jays still control their own destiny as far as their finish in the AL.<h2>Up next</h2>The Blue Jays send RHP Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.38 ERA) against Boston on Tuesday.The Royals head to Los Angeles to face the Angels. Neither team has named a starter.