KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — J.T. Realmuto hit a pair of three-run homers and Ranger Suárez pitched five effective innings in his return from the injured list to lead the Philadelphia Phillies past the Kansas City Royals 11-2 on Saturday night.

Realmuto, who had a career-high seven RBIs, had his first multi-homer game since Sep. 14, 2022.

After a pair of Royals’ defensive misadventures put runners at the corners to open the sixth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/j-t-realmuto-homers-9-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field-nick-castellanos-scores?t=t143-default-vtp">Realmuto hammered</a>&nbsp;Brady Singer’s 100th pitch above left-field bullpen for a 5-1 lead.

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/j-t-realmuto-homers-10-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field-nick-castellano?t=t143-default-vtp">Realmuto hit a 424-foot shot</a>&nbsp;into the fountains in left-center during a five-run eighth inning and added an RBI grounder in the ninth.

Activated from the 15-day injured list to make his first start since July 22, Suárez allowed a run on four hits and a walk with six strikeouts for his first win since June 8.

After allowing a first-inning double, Suárez faced the minimum until Michael Massey’s one-out double in the fifth. Freddy Fermin followed with an RBI hit to right before Suárez struck out two to end the threat.

Kyle Schwarber doubled in his first two at-bats and scored the game’s first run in the third inning when Trea Turner snapped a 17 at-bat hitless streak with a single to right.

Turner beat out a chopper to short and scored on Bryce Harper’s two-out double for a 2-0 Phillies lead in the fifth.

Bryson Stott matched a career high with four hits as the Phillies matched a season high with 18 hits, including a season-best nine for extra bases.

Singer (9-9) allowed five runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts in five innings.

After Massey’s second double, Fermin’s seventh-inning sacrifice fly capped Kansas City’s scoring.

Bobby Witt Jr.’s 11-game hitting streak ended as the Royals were limited to five hits.

Phillies: LHP Ranger Suárez activated from the 15-day injured list and LHP Tyler Gilbert optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724558878956.png" alt="Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto hits a three-run home run in the sixth inning of Saturday's win in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto hits a three-run home run in the sixth inning of Saturday's win in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — J.T. Realmuto hit a pair of three-run homers and Ranger Suárez pitched five effective innings in his return from the injured list to lead the Philadelphia Phillies past the Kansas City Royals 11-2 on Saturday night.Realmuto, who had a career-high seven RBIs, had his first multi-homer game since Sep. 14, 2022.After a pair of Royals’ defensive misadventures put runners at the corners to open the sixth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/j-t-realmuto-homers-9-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field-nick-castellanos-scores?t=t143-default-vtp">Realmuto hammered</a>&nbsp;Brady Singer’s 100th pitch above left-field bullpen for a 5-1 lead.<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/j-t-realmuto-homers-10-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field-nick-castellano?t=t143-default-vtp">Realmuto hit a 424-foot shot</a>&nbsp;into the fountains in left-center during a five-run eighth inning and added an RBI grounder in the ninth.Activated from the 15-day injured list to make his first start since July 22, Suárez allowed a run on four hits and a walk with six strikeouts for his first win since June 8.After allowing a first-inning double, Suárez faced the minimum until Michael Massey’s one-out double in the fifth. Freddy Fermin followed with an RBI hit to right before Suárez struck out two to end the threat.Kyle Schwarber doubled in his first two at-bats and scored the game’s first run in the third inning when Trea Turner snapped a 17 at-bat hitless streak with a single to right.Turner beat out a chopper to short and scored on Bryce Harper’s two-out double for a 2-0 Phillies lead in the fifth.Bryson Stott matched a career high with four hits as the Phillies matched a season high with 18 hits, including a season-best nine for extra bases.Singer (9-9) allowed five runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts in five innings.After Massey’s second double, Fermin’s seventh-inning sacrifice fly capped Kansas City’s scoring.Bobby Witt Jr.’s 11-game hitting streak ended as the Royals were limited to five hits.TRANSACTIONSPhillies: LHP Ranger Suárez activated from the 15-day injured list and LHP Tyler Gilbert optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.UP NEXT

⚾ Realmuto hits a pair of homers to lead Phillies over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe hit two-run homers during a five-run third inning Friday night, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-4 in the opener of an interleague series between playoff contenders.

Perez parlayed his success in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-salvador-perez-wiffle-ball-kids-6d55a6c8be6430a3e0a6db016d83f5ce">a Wiffle ball game against neighborhood kids</a>&nbsp;a day earlier into a three-RBI night. Paul DeJong and Vinnie Pasquantino also drove in runs, helping the Royals close within a game of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central.

“The Wiffle ball yesterday got me ready for today,” joked Perez, who also went over 900 RBIs for his career. “Pretty good night.”

Michael Wacha (11-6) ran his winning streak to seven straight decisions, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings while striking out five. He hasn't lost since June 22, and he hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in a start since June 4.

Lucas Erceg worked around a leadoff double in the ninth for his 10th save and fourth since his trade to Kansas City.

“It was hard work," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They're always going to make you work. That's a talented team.”

The troubles continued for the Phillies' Taijuan Walker (3-5), though. The veteran allowed six runs on eight hits and a walk in just three innings, and has now surrendered 30 runs on 43 hits and 18 walks over 38 innings in his eight starts.

“In the third, everything was in the middle of the plate. It was command,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who declined to say whether Walker would make his next scheduled start. “It's more attacking the hitters, but then you don't want to be in the middle of the plate all the time. It's one of those things. He gets behind and then he has to come to the middle.”

Kansas City certainly made it a rude return to the area for Thomson. He played his college ball down Interstate 70 at Kansas, where his .369 average from 1983-85 remains tied for the fifth-best in school history.

Nick Castellanos, Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh drove in the runs for Philadelphia.

The Royals began a stretch of 20 games against teams that currently hold playoff positions, including the Phillies, who began the day with a six-game cushion in the NL East. And they did it in style, racing to a 6-1 lead after their big third inning.

The Royals were still leading 7-2 in the eighth when Philadelphia tried to rally off Kris Bubic. Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm and Castellanos reached on one-out singles, and Harper scored on a wild pitch. But Bubic bounced back to get Stott to hit a sacrifice fly and got J.T. Realmuto on a groundout, preserving the Royals' three-run lead.

Erceg handled it from there as Kansas City won for the seventh time in its last eight games.

“It was nice to get the first game out of the series for sure,” Wacha said. “We're not looking ahead too far. Our mentality is to win today and worry about tomorrow when it gets here. We all feel we have a really good team to do something special.”

Phillies: OF Austin Hayes (left hamstring strain) was reinstated from the injured list and started in left field. OF Cal Stevenson was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for him on the roster.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) was planning to see doctors Friday after having two good days in the hopes of formulating a throwing plan. He received an injection Tuesday after experiencing a setback a day earlier.

Phillies: LHP Ranger Suárez is expected to return Saturday night from the injured list, where he's been since late July with lower back soreness.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (9-8, 3.18 ERA) will try to build off six shutout innings against the Reds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724475447378.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during Friday's win against Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during Friday's win against Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe hit two-run homers during a five-run third inning Friday night, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-4 in the opener of an interleague series between playoff contenders.Perez parlayed his success in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-salvador-perez-wiffle-ball-kids-6d55a6c8be6430a3e0a6db016d83f5ce">a Wiffle ball game against neighborhood kids</a>&nbsp;a day earlier into a three-RBI night. Paul DeJong and Vinnie Pasquantino also drove in runs, helping the Royals close within a game of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central.“The Wiffle ball yesterday got me ready for today,” joked Perez, who also went over 900 RBIs for his career. “Pretty good night.”Michael Wacha (11-6) ran his winning streak to seven straight decisions, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings while striking out five. He hasn't lost since June 22, and he hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in a start since June 4.Lucas Erceg worked around a leadoff double in the ninth for his 10th save and fourth since his trade to Kansas City.“It was hard work," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They're always going to make you work. That's a talented team.”The troubles continued for the Phillies' Taijuan Walker (3-5), though. The veteran allowed six runs on eight hits and a walk in just three innings, and has now surrendered 30 runs on 43 hits and 18 walks over 38 innings in his eight starts.“In the third, everything was in the middle of the plate. It was command,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who declined to say whether Walker would make his next scheduled start. “It's more attacking the hitters, but then you don't want to be in the middle of the plate all the time. It's one of those things. He gets behind and then he has to come to the middle.”Kansas City certainly made it a rude return to the area for Thomson. He played his college ball down Interstate 70 at Kansas, where his .369 average from 1983-85 remains tied for the fifth-best in school history.Nick Castellanos, Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh drove in the runs for Philadelphia.The Royals began a stretch of 20 games against teams that currently hold playoff positions, including the Phillies, who began the day with a six-game cushion in the NL East. And they did it in style, racing to a 6-1 lead after their big third inning.The Royals were still leading 7-2 in the eighth when Philadelphia tried to rally off Kris Bubic. Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm and Castellanos reached on one-out singles, and Harper scored on a wild pitch. But Bubic bounced back to get Stott to hit a sacrifice fly and got J.T. Realmuto on a groundout, preserving the Royals' three-run lead.Erceg handled it from there as Kansas City won for the seventh time in its last eight games.“It was nice to get the first game out of the series for sure,” Wacha said. “We're not looking ahead too far. Our mentality is to win today and worry about tomorrow when it gets here. We all feel we have a really good team to do something special.”TRAINER'S ROOMPhillies: OF Austin Hayes (left hamstring strain) was reinstated from the injured list and started in left field. OF Cal Stevenson was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for him on the roster.Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) was planning to see doctors Friday after having two good days in the hopes of formulating a throwing plan. He received an injection Tuesday after experiencing a setback a day earlier.UP NEXTPhillies: LHP Ranger Suárez is expected to return Saturday night from the injured list, where he's been since late July with lower back soreness.Royals: RHP Brady Singer (9-8, 3.18 ERA) will try to build off six shutout innings against the Reds.

⚾Perez, Renfroe hit 2-run shots as Royals beat Phillies 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent ran for a touchdown on the opening drive of the Bears' game against Kansas City on Thursday night, and Chicago went on to beat the Chiefs 34-21 in a preseason finale in which both teams sat nearly all their starters.

Bagent was 3 of 6 for 57 yards along with his TD run. The second-year pro has been competing with Brett Rypien, who took over late in the first quarter against Kansas City, for the job of backing up first overall draft pick Caleb Williams.

Reddy Steward picked off two passes for Chicago, bringing one back 48 yards for a touchdown, while Velus Jones had 13 carries for 111 yards and a score as the wide receiver-turned-running back made a case for the 53-man roster.

“The guys performed tonight. They performed not only in games but in practice,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “I've always said that, you see in the games what you see in practice every single day out there, and the guys are giving tremendous effort.”

The game was halted briefly after the first play of the second half, when Bears cornerback Douglas Coleman III made a tackle along the Kansas City sideline and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bears-chiefs-preseason-21d6f501235875a2cd24e55bd90b0718">was left motionless on the ground</a>. He was tended to by doctors as players from both teams took a knee, and eventually was immobilized on a stretcher and driven out of Arrowhead Stadium.

“When I was on the field, over there on the Chiefs sideline, he was moving his limbs and gave us a thumbs-up,” Eberflus said, “so that was good to see. I don't have anything more. He's at the hospital right now being evaluated.”

Carson Steele had the most impressive night for the Chiefs. The undrafted rookie from UCLA made a good case to back up Isiah Pacheco, running four times for 50 yards. That included a 31-yard, tackle-breaking run to set up his own TD plunge.

Shortly before kickoff,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-nfl-creed-humphrey-612f4e871de448543d2650550fc21373">the Chiefs agreed with Creed Humphrey</a>&nbsp;on a four-year, $72 million extension, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The contract includes $50 million guaranteed, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the paperwork for the richest contract for a center in NFL history had yet to be signed.

Humphrey watched from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-gift-patrick-mahomes-chiefs-8e20df08b6a8b4e061e0d8ad3af717ef">the sideline along with Patrick Mahomes</a>, with whom he built a fast rapport after he was chosen in the second round of the 2021 draft. They were joined by most of the Chiefs' starters on both sides of the ball.

“Heck of a football player. Real good football player,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He started off that way, and he’s kept it going that way. We appreciate all he does, and we appreciate having him here for this year.”

Jaylen Watson was among the few regulars who played for Kansas City. The cornerback, who is competing for a starting job, is coming off a torn labrum in his shoulder that had kept him out of the first two preseason games.

DeAndre Carter, who is trying to nail down punt return duties for Chicago, did not help his cause in the second quarter, when he let a punt bounce off his foot at his own 9. Carter was bailed out by Steward's pick a few plays later.

“Just trying to block the gunner, you know, and the ball had some great English,” Eberflus said. “Ended up getting knocked into it, and that's just a part of it. It's a muffed punt.”

Bears: LT Larry Borom was carted off the field with a right ankle injury in the first quarter. He was in line to make the 53-man roster as the swing tackle. ... WR Nsimba Webster left with a groin injury.

Chiefs: LT Wanya Morris hurt his knee in the first quarter. He was beaten in camp by rookie Kingsley Suamataia for the starting job but was likely to make the team as a backup. “He’s going to be OK,” Reid said. “Give him some time here to rest up.”

Bears: Open the regular season Sept. 8 at home against Tennessee.

Chiefs: Host Baltimore on Sept. 5 in a rematch of the AFC title game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724406768826.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent ran for a touchdown on the opening drive of the Bears' game against Kansas City on Thursday night, and Chicago went on to beat the Chiefs 34-21 in a preseason finale in which both teams sat nearly all their starters.Bagent was 3 of 6 for 57 yards along with his TD run. The second-year pro has been competing with Brett Rypien, who took over late in the first quarter against Kansas City, for the job of backing up first overall draft pick Caleb Williams.Reddy Steward picked off two passes for Chicago, bringing one back 48 yards for a touchdown, while Velus Jones had 13 carries for 111 yards and a score as the wide receiver-turned-running back made a case for the 53-man roster.“The guys performed tonight. They performed not only in games but in practice,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “I've always said that, you see in the games what you see in practice every single day out there, and the guys are giving tremendous effort.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724406489784.jpeg" alt="Chicago Bears safety Douglas Coleman III, bottom, is treated on the field after being injured during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Chicago Bears safety Douglas Coleman III, bottom, is treated on the field after being injured during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>The game was halted briefly after the first play of the second half, when Bears cornerback Douglas Coleman III made a tackle along the Kansas City sideline and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bears-chiefs-preseason-21d6f501235875a2cd24e55bd90b0718">was left motionless on the ground</a>. He was tended to by doctors as players from both teams took a knee, and eventually was immobilized on a stretcher and driven out of Arrowhead Stadium.“When I was on the field, over there on the Chiefs sideline, he was moving his limbs and gave us a thumbs-up,” Eberflus said, “so that was good to see. I don't have anything more. He's at the hospital right now being evaluated.”Carson Steele had the most impressive night for the Chiefs. The undrafted rookie from UCLA made a good case to back up Isiah Pacheco, running four times for 50 yards. That included a 31-yard, tackle-breaking run to set up his own TD plunge.Shortly before kickoff,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-nfl-creed-humphrey-612f4e871de448543d2650550fc21373">the Chiefs agreed with Creed Humphrey</a>&nbsp;on a four-year, $72 million extension, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The contract includes $50 million guaranteed, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the paperwork for the richest contract for a center in NFL history had yet to be signed.Humphrey watched from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-gift-patrick-mahomes-chiefs-8e20df08b6a8b4e061e0d8ad3af717ef">the sideline along with Patrick Mahomes</a>, with whom he built a fast rapport after he was chosen in the second round of the 2021 draft. They were joined by most of the Chiefs' starters on both sides of the ball.“Heck of a football player. Real good football player,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He started off that way, and he’s kept it going that way. We appreciate all he does, and we appreciate having him here for this year.”Jaylen Watson was among the few regulars who played for Kansas City. The cornerback, who is competing for a starting job, is coming off a torn labrum in his shoulder that had kept him out of the first two preseason games.DeAndre Carter, who is trying to nail down punt return duties for Chicago, did not help his cause in the second quarter, when he let a punt bounce off his foot at his own 9. Carter was bailed out by Steward's pick a few plays later.“Just trying to block the gunner, you know, and the ball had some great English,” Eberflus said. “Ended up getting knocked into it, and that's just a part of it. It's a muffed punt.”INJURIESBears: LT Larry Borom was carted off the field with a right ankle injury in the first quarter. He was in line to make the 53-man roster as the swing tackle. ... WR Nsimba Webster left with a groin injury.Chiefs: LT Wanya Morris hurt his knee in the first quarter. He was beaten in camp by rookie Kingsley Suamataia for the starting job but was likely to make the team as a backup. “He’s going to be OK,” Reid said. “Give him some time here to rest up.”UP NEXTBears: Open the regular season Sept. 8 at home against Tennessee.Chiefs: Host Baltimore on Sept. 5 in a rematch of the AFC title game.

🏈 Bagent leads Chicago to preseason win over Chiefs; Bears' Coleman taken away on a stretcher

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman claims that he doesn't pay attention to what prognosticators say about his program.

It's a hard sell given everyone else in the Wildcats' locker room seems to know.

Voters picked Kansas State to finish second in the new-look league, even though not a single player was chosen preseason all-conference.

How's that for equal parts flattery and disparagement?

“Everybody sees it, but it’s not something that we talk about an awful lot,” Klieman said. “I hope it shows people the overall depth and value of our roster and how important our role players are, and how important our players are as far as if you are a successful team, individual honors at the end of the season are going to come.”

In other words, it's not exactly bulletin-board material because the Wildcats need no such thing.

“I’m sure that our players, if you asked them, they probably saw both polls,” Klieman said, “and I don’t know if they’re excited, disappointed, but I know they were aware that there was nobody from K-State on one of those teams, but you still have to perform, and we’ve got a lot of work to do before we get to the end of August.”

That's when Kansas State begins a season of high expectations, ranked 18th in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">preseason AP Top 25.</a>

After winning nine games last season, and a bowl game for the second time in three years, the Wildcats not only return a bevy of talented players but supplemented them by landing marquee transfers and recruits at important positions. Dylan Edwards, who led Colorado in rushing last season, provides depth in the backfield, and Dante Cephus joined the program to help out at wide receiver. On defense, Ball State safety Jordan Riley could compete for starting snaps beginning with Week 1.

Whether the Wildcats can win the newly configured Big 12, and earn a spot in college football's expanded playoffs, will likely hinge on the quarterback. Avery Johnson dazzled in his opportunities last season, including a bowl win over North Carolina State, and the dual-threat talent has the ability to contend for conference player-of-the-year honors.

Even if many of the prognosticators think otherwise.

“Feel like the biggest thing is not getting too caught up on the preseason rankings, and looking too forward into the season,” Johnson said. “Right now our focus is on UT-Martin, and after that is going to be Tulane, and taking every week a week at a time.”

After offensive coordinator Collin Klein left for the same job at Texas A&amp;M, the Wildcats promoted offensive line coach Conor Riley to the job. But he won't have to orchestrate the offense alone. Kansas State also hired former Texas Tech and Utah State coach Matt Wells, who is particularly adept at working with quarterbacks, to help with that side of the ball.

Johnson showed he can move with 71 yards rushing and a touchdown in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and his ability to scramble will be a big part of the offense. But it's not just the QB who will chew up yards on the ground. DJ Gidden is back after running for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Edwards provides a lightning-quick alternative to his powerful running style.

Kansas State has to replace four multiyear starters along the offensive line along with Ben Sinnott, who had been among the Big 12's best tight ends. North Dakota transfer Easton Kilty should help to shore up the front, but each of the other expected starters— Andrew Leingang, Hadley Panzer, Taylor Poitier and Carver Willis — have plenty of experience.

The biggest question on defense lies in the secondary, where Kobe Savage's decision to transfer to Oregon opened up a big hole at safety. Jordan Riley, VJ Payne and Marques Sigle are the front-runners at safety while Keenan Garber and Jacob Parrish headed into fall camp as the presumptive starters at cornerback.

Kansas State may ease into the season against UT-Martin on Aug. 31, but the schedule heats up in a hurry. The Wildcats head to Tulane — which has won 23 games the past two seasons — the following week before facing Big 12 newcomer Arizona. The conference schedule includes a three-game stretch that could decide whether the Wildcats play for a title for the second time in three years: at BYU, against Oklahoma State and at Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697351783694.jpeg" alt="Avery Johnson (5) rushed for five touchdowns making him the first freshman in FBS history to do so during K State's 38-21 win Photo courtesy of K State Football on X.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Avery Johnson (5) rushed for five touchdowns making him the first freshman in FBS history to do so during K State's 38-21 win Photo courtesy of K State Football on X.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman claims that he doesn't pay attention to what prognosticators say about his program.It's a hard sell given everyone else in the Wildcats' locker room seems to know.Voters picked Kansas State to finish second in the new-look league, even though not a single player was chosen preseason all-conference.How's that for equal parts flattery and disparagement?“Everybody sees it, but it’s not something that we talk about an awful lot,” Klieman said. “I hope it shows people the overall depth and value of our roster and how important our role players are, and how important our players are as far as if you are a successful team, individual honors at the end of the season are going to come.”In other words, it's not exactly bulletin-board material because the Wildcats need no such thing.“I’m sure that our players, if you asked them, they probably saw both polls,” Klieman said, “and I don’t know if they’re excited, disappointed, but I know they were aware that there was nobody from K-State on one of those teams, but you still have to perform, and we’ve got a lot of work to do before we get to the end of August.”That's when Kansas State begins a season of high expectations, ranked 18th in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">preseason AP Top 25.</a>After winning nine games last season, and a bowl game for the second time in three years, the Wildcats not only return a bevy of talented players but supplemented them by landing marquee transfers and recruits at important positions. Dylan Edwards, who led Colorado in rushing last season, provides depth in the backfield, and Dante Cephus joined the program to help out at wide receiver. On defense, Ball State safety Jordan Riley could compete for starting snaps beginning with Week 1.Whether the Wildcats can win the newly configured Big 12, and earn a spot in college football's expanded playoffs, will likely hinge on the quarterback. Avery Johnson dazzled in his opportunities last season, including a bowl win over North Carolina State, and the dual-threat talent has the ability to contend for conference player-of-the-year honors.Even if many of the prognosticators think otherwise.“Feel like the biggest thing is not getting too caught up on the preseason rankings, and looking too forward into the season,” Johnson said. “Right now our focus is on UT-Martin, and after that is going to be Tulane, and taking every week a week at a time.”<h2>Coaching shakeup</h2>After offensive coordinator Collin Klein left for the same job at Texas A&amp;M, the Wildcats promoted offensive line coach Conor Riley to the job. But he won't have to orchestrate the offense alone. Kansas State also hired former Texas Tech and Utah State coach Matt Wells, who is particularly adept at working with quarterbacks, to help with that side of the ball.<h2>Run to daylight</h2>Johnson showed he can move with 71 yards rushing and a touchdown in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and his ability to scramble will be a big part of the offense. But it's not just the QB who will chew up yards on the ground. DJ Gidden is back after running for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Edwards provides a lightning-quick alternative to his powerful running style.<h2>Offensive holes</h2>Kansas State has to replace four multiyear starters along the offensive line along with Ben Sinnott, who had been among the Big 12's best tight ends. North Dakota transfer Easton Kilty should help to shore up the front, but each of the other expected starters— Andrew Leingang, Hadley Panzer, Taylor Poitier and Carver Willis — have plenty of experience.<h2>On defense</h2>The biggest question on defense lies in the secondary, where Kobe Savage's decision to transfer to Oregon opened up a big hole at safety. Jordan Riley, VJ Payne and Marques Sigle are the front-runners at safety while Keenan Garber and Jacob Parrish headed into fall camp as the presumptive starters at cornerback.<h2>The schedule</h2>Kansas State may ease into the season against UT-Martin on Aug. 31, but the schedule heats up in a hurry. The Wildcats head to Tulane — which has won 23 games the past two seasons — the following week before facing Big 12 newcomer Arizona. The conference schedule includes a three-game stretch that could decide whether the Wildcats play for a title for the second time in three years: at BYU, against Oklahoma State and at Colorado.

🏈 K-State is favored to play for the Big 12 title, even though some think think it lacks star power

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels contorted himself for the cameras, posing just about every way imaginable, and the back that has given the Kansas quarterback so much consternation the past couple of years seemed to effortlessly twist in myriad directions.

That's a good sign for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">the 22nd-ranked Jayhawks.</a>

The work Daniels was putting in for the various pregame hype videos and promos was a good sign that he might be able to remain healthy this season. And if that is the case, perhaps the Jayhawks can go from mediocrity — itself a big climb from where the program was not long ago — to one of the elites in the reconfigured Big 12.

“Shoot, all the stuff they do behind over here,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said, gesturing toward the photo and video crews at work, "I think we’ve got to have him stretch or something before they do all that stuff they video back there. I go, ‘If he can make it through everything they’re doing to video for pregame stuff, I think he’s going to be fine.'”

Daniels was a big reason Kansas jumped from two wins in Leipold's debut season to six the next year, capped by a trip to a bowl game. Last season lasted just three games for Daniels before back issues flared up, causing him to sit the rest of the way, while since-graduated Jason Bean led the Jayhawks to nine wins and a victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

“Football is one of those sports where injuries happen, and quite frankly, when injuries happen, it’s the next man up,” Daniels said. “I’ve been saying that since I was a third string. It’s the next-man-up mentality in a game of football.”

At his best, Daniels has proven to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country.

But to be at his best, he has to be on the field.

Same for the Jayhawks, for that matter. As good as Bean played at times last season, it is easy to wonder whether Kansas would have been even better had their starter been under center. And to be at their best this season, particularly in a league without a clear-cut favorite, the Jayhawks will need to have Daniels performing at a high level again.

“I try not to ask Jalon more than once a week how is he doing because I know everybody asks him,” Leipold said. “He’s excited. He wouldn’t be here today if we didn’t think he was going to be ready to go for this season. I can tell you that.”

Kansas will play its entire schedule away from Lawrence as construction crews work on a new stadium set to open next season. Home nonconference games against Lindenwood and UNLV will be played at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, the home of MLS team Sporting Kansas City. Home conference games will be played across the state line in Kansas City, Missouri, at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Super Bowl-champion Chiefs.

Longtime assistant Andy Kotelnicki was hired by Penn State as its offensive coordinator, creating a rare opening in a stable coaching staff. Jim Zebrowski was promoted to co-offensive coordinator to keep some continuity in the Kansas offense while Jeff Grimes, a former BYU and Baylor assistant, was brought in as co-offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

Devin Neal turned down the chance to leave school early for the NFL to continue his rise up the career rushing list at Kansas. He is coming off a second straight 1,000-yard season, going for 1,230 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and needs just 765 yards to pass June Henley, whose career mark has stood since the 1996 season.

Kansas has to replace some crucial pieces on the defensive front, but the linebacker corps led by Jayson Gilliom and Taiwan Berryhill Jr. coupled with an experienced secondary should help. Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson would have been middle-round draft picks but both decided to return, giving the Jayhawks perhaps the best cornerback duo in the Big 12.

After opening with Lindenwood on Aug. 29, the Jayhawks head to Illinois before facing UNLV, which it beat in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in December. Kansas avoids Big 12 favorite Utah but has a tough stretch late in the year beginning with Kansas State, picked to finish second in the league, on Oct. 26 and continuing against Iowa State, BYU and Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694931207846.jpeg" alt="Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels throw a pass against Nevada during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Reno Nev. (AP Photo/Andy Barron)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels throw a pass against Nevada during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Reno Nev. (AP Photo/Andy Barron)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels contorted himself for the cameras, posing just about every way imaginable, and the back that has given the Kansas quarterback so much consternation the past couple of years seemed to effortlessly twist in myriad directions.That's a good sign for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">the 22nd-ranked Jayhawks.</a>The work Daniels was putting in for the various pregame hype videos and promos was a good sign that he might be able to remain healthy this season. And if that is the case, perhaps the Jayhawks can go from mediocrity — itself a big climb from where the program was not long ago — to one of the elites in the reconfigured Big 12.“Shoot, all the stuff they do behind over here,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said, gesturing toward the photo and video crews at work, "I think we’ve got to have him stretch or something before they do all that stuff they video back there. I go, ‘If he can make it through everything they’re doing to video for pregame stuff, I think he’s going to be fine.'”Daniels was a big reason Kansas jumped from two wins in Leipold's debut season to six the next year, capped by a trip to a bowl game. Last season lasted just three games for Daniels before back issues flared up, causing him to sit the rest of the way, while since-graduated Jason Bean led the Jayhawks to nine wins and a victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.“Football is one of those sports where injuries happen, and quite frankly, when injuries happen, it’s the next man up,” Daniels said. “I’ve been saying that since I was a third string. It’s the next-man-up mentality in a game of football.”At his best, Daniels has proven to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country.But to be at his best, he has to be on the field.Same for the Jayhawks, for that matter. As good as Bean played at times last season, it is easy to wonder whether Kansas would have been even better had their starter been under center. And to be at their best this season, particularly in a league without a clear-cut favorite, the Jayhawks will need to have Daniels performing at a high level again.“I try not to ask Jalon more than once a week how is he doing because I know everybody asks him,” Leipold said. “He’s excited. He wouldn’t be here today if we didn’t think he was going to be ready to go for this season. I can tell you that.”<h2>Hitting the road</h2>Kansas will play its entire schedule away from Lawrence as construction crews work on a new stadium set to open next season. Home nonconference games against Lindenwood and UNLV will be played at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, the home of MLS team Sporting Kansas City. Home conference games will be played across the state line in Kansas City, Missouri, at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Super Bowl-champion Chiefs.<h2>Calling the shots</h2>Longtime assistant Andy Kotelnicki was hired by Penn State as its offensive coordinator, creating a rare opening in a stable coaching staff. Jim Zebrowski was promoted to co-offensive coordinator to keep some continuity in the Kansas offense while Jeff Grimes, a former BYU and Baylor assistant, was brought in as co-offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.<h2>Rising up the charts</h2>Devin Neal turned down the chance to leave school early for the NFL to continue his rise up the career rushing list at Kansas. He is coming off a second straight 1,000-yard season, going for 1,230 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and needs just 765 yards to pass June Henley, whose career mark has stood since the 1996 season.<h2>Roster continuity</h2>Kansas has to replace some crucial pieces on the defensive front, but the linebacker corps led by Jayson Gilliom and Taiwan Berryhill Jr. coupled with an experienced secondary should help. Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson would have been middle-round draft picks but both decided to return, giving the Jayhawks perhaps the best cornerback duo in the Big 12.<h2>The schedule</h2>After opening with Lindenwood on Aug. 29, the Jayhawks head to Illinois before facing UNLV, which it beat in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in December. Kansas avoids Big 12 favorite Utah but has a tough stretch late in the year beginning with Kansas State, picked to finish second in the league, on Oct. 26 and continuing against Iowa State, BYU and Colorado.

🏈 Kansas hopes a healthy Jalon Daniels under center can take the Jayhawks from good to great in Big 12

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen pitched seven shutout innings, MJ Melendez homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Wednesday for their sixth win in seven games.

The Royals spoiled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-cueto-returns-angels-1cfdd852875a8b0a8b3063e8cdd3e5cf">the season debut of Johnny Cueto</a>&nbsp;(0-1), a 17-year veteran who helped Kansas City win the 2015 World Series.

Cueto hadn’t pitched in the majors since Sept. 27 last year with the Marlins. He signed a minor league contract with the Angels in July, and was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier Wednesday. He allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings and left the mound to an ovation from the Kansas City crowd.

Lorenzen (7-6) allowed four hits, two walks, a hit batter and struck out five. He only allowed two runners to reach scoring position.

John Schreiber pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Lucas Erceg worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his sixth save and fourth with the Royals.

The Royals (71-56) remained tied with the Minnesota Twins for the second wild-card spot and moved to within 2.5 games of AL Central-leading Cleveland with their first home series win in a month.

The Royals put together a two-out rally in the second to grab a 2-0 lead. Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier singled, Maikel Garcia walked and Kyle Isbel hit a two-run double to the right-center gap.

Melendez smacked a two-out solo home run off the right-field foul pole in the sixth for a 3-0 lead.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. That’s Witt’s fifth hitting streak of 10 or more games this season.

The Angels optioned RHP Hans Crouse to Triple-A Salt Lake City to make room for Cueto. They also released RHP Jose Cisneros to add Cueto to the 40-man roster.

The Angels have not announced a starter for the series opener at Toronto Thursday. ... Michael Wacha (10-6, 3.33 ERA) will start for the Royals at home against Philadelphia on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724320302968.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen pitched seven shutout innings, MJ Melendez homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Wednesday for their sixth win in seven games.The Royals spoiled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-cueto-returns-angels-1cfdd852875a8b0a8b3063e8cdd3e5cf">the season debut of Johnny Cueto</a>&nbsp;(0-1), a 17-year veteran who helped Kansas City win the 2015 World Series.Cueto hadn’t pitched in the majors since Sept. 27 last year with the Marlins. He signed a minor league contract with the Angels in July, and was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier Wednesday. He allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings and left the mound to an ovation from the Kansas City crowd.Lorenzen (7-6) allowed four hits, two walks, a hit batter and struck out five. He only allowed two runners to reach scoring position.John Schreiber pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Lucas Erceg worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his sixth save and fourth with the Royals.The Royals (71-56) remained tied with the Minnesota Twins for the second wild-card spot and moved to within 2.5 games of AL Central-leading Cleveland with their first home series win in a month.The Royals put together a two-out rally in the second to grab a 2-0 lead. Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier singled, Maikel Garcia walked and Kyle Isbel hit a two-run double to the right-center gap.Melendez smacked a two-out solo home run off the right-field foul pole in the sixth for a 3-0 lead.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. That’s Witt’s fifth hitting streak of 10 or more games this season.ROSTER MOVESThe Angels optioned RHP Hans Crouse to Triple-A Salt Lake City to make room for Cueto. They also released RHP Jose Cisneros to add Cueto to the 40-man roster.UP NEXTThe Angels have not announced a starter for the series opener at Toronto Thursday. ... Michael Wacha (10-6, 3.33 ERA) will start for the Royals at home against Philadelphia on Friday.

⚾ Michael Lorenzen's strong start leads Royals over Angels

USD 475 has announced that the Junction City High School football program will host Future Blue Jay Night on Friday, Aug. 30 at Blue Jay Stadium.&nbsp;The event, which will run from 5:30 to 6 p.m., is open to all USD 475 pre-k through fifth grade students and feature drills led by JCHS football student-athletes and coaching staff members.&nbsp;

The Blue Jays will open their 2024 season at Haysville Campus in Wichita on Friday, Sept. 6.&nbsp; &nbsp;

USD 475 has announced that the Junction City High School football program will host Future Blue Jay Night on Friday, Aug. 30 at Blue Jay Stadium.&nbsp;The event, which will run from 5:30 to 6 p.m., is open to all USD 475 pre-k through fifth grade students and feature drills led by JCHS football student-athletes and coaching staff members.&nbsp;The Blue Jays will open their 2024 season at Haysville Campus in Wichita on Friday, Sept. 6.&nbsp; &nbsp;

JCHS to host Future Blue Jay Night

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of All-Star pitchers, Zach Neto hit a go-ahead homer for Los Angeles, and the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 on Tuesday night to end the Royals' five-game winning streak.

Anthony Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O'Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of seven overall. Nolan Schanuel walked three times, and Jo Adell and Jack Lopez each drove in a run.

“That team has been playing really good baseball,” Anderson said. "You just want to battle and give your guys a chance."

Anderson (10-11) allowed five runs on 12 hits and two walks while pitching into the seventh, when Kansas City trimmed a five-run deficit to two. It was good enough to make Anderson the first Angels lefty since Hector Santiago in 2016 to reach 10 wins.

It also was better than Ragans (10-8), who was pulled after Neto homered and two more batters reached base in the sixth. The left-hander allowed five runs — four earned — on three hits, three walks and a hit batter while striking out nine.

“It's always nice when you score runs and we've been having trouble doing it,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “Today we got a chance to score them and tomorrow I hope we can continue. ... I just want us to be consistent and able to sustain it. Tonight we were able to do that. But I would like to see us come back tomorrow and put those types of at-bats together.”

Vinnie Pasquantino had three RBIs for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. had three hits and drove in a run.

The Royals had not trailed during their five-game win streak, but the Angels were able to strike first Tuesday night. Schanuel and Pillar led off the fourth with doubles, and Rendon's sacrifice fly later in the inning gave them a 2-0 lead.

Kansas City answered in the bottom half on doubles by Witt and Pasquantino and Hunter Renfroe's tying single.

Neto homered for the second straight game leading off the sixth, and Ragans walked Schanuel and plunked Pillar before departing for the night. O'Hoppe and Rendon greeted James McArthur with run-scoring singles to give Los Angeles a 5-2 lead.

In the seventh, Pillar added a sacrifice fly after a 14-pitch at-bat and O'Hoppe hit an RBI single to extend the lead to five.

The support came in handy when Kansas City scored three times in the bottom of the inning. But Hunter Strickland came in for Anderson and limited the damage, and Los Angeles added two more runs in the ninth to put the game away.

“They fought like they always do,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a chance to come back there in the seventh and just couldn’t get there.”

Crew chief Vic Carapazza's umpires had a tough night, getting three calls overturned by review. Two involved first base umpire Mike Estabrook and the third came when plate umpire Tom Hanahan incorrectly called Rendon out trying to score in the ninth.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) had a setback while throwing before Monday night's game. He received an injection Tuesday, Quatraro said, and the hope is Harvey can try throwing again later in the week.

Angels: RHP Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday night when the Angels wrap up the series. The 38-year-old Cueto, who helped the Royals win the World Series in 2015, had been pitching at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (6-6, 3.68 ERA) gets the start in the series finale against the Angels before Kansas City takes Thursday off. Lorenzen tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball his last time out in his return to Cincinnati.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of All-Star pitchers, Zach Neto hit a go-ahead homer for Los Angeles, and the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 on Tuesday night to end the Royals' five-game winning streak.Anthony Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O'Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of seven overall. Nolan Schanuel walked three times, and Jo Adell and Jack Lopez each drove in a run.“That team has been playing really good baseball,” Anderson said. "You just want to battle and give your guys a chance."Anderson (10-11) allowed five runs on 12 hits and two walks while pitching into the seventh, when Kansas City trimmed a five-run deficit to two. It was good enough to make Anderson the first Angels lefty since Hector Santiago in 2016 to reach 10 wins.It also was better than Ragans (10-8), who was pulled after Neto homered and two more batters reached base in the sixth. The left-hander allowed five runs — four earned — on three hits, three walks and a hit batter while striking out nine.“It's always nice when you score runs and we've been having trouble doing it,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “Today we got a chance to score them and tomorrow I hope we can continue. ... I just want us to be consistent and able to sustain it. Tonight we were able to do that. But I would like to see us come back tomorrow and put those types of at-bats together.”Vinnie Pasquantino had three RBIs for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. had three hits and drove in a run.The Royals had not trailed during their five-game win streak, but the Angels were able to strike first Tuesday night. Schanuel and Pillar led off the fourth with doubles, and Rendon's sacrifice fly later in the inning gave them a 2-0 lead.Kansas City answered in the bottom half on doubles by Witt and Pasquantino and Hunter Renfroe's tying single.Neto homered for the second straight game leading off the sixth, and Ragans walked Schanuel and plunked Pillar before departing for the night. O'Hoppe and Rendon greeted James McArthur with run-scoring singles to give Los Angeles a 5-2 lead.In the seventh, Pillar added a sacrifice fly after a 14-pitch at-bat and O'Hoppe hit an RBI single to extend the lead to five.The support came in handy when Kansas City scored three times in the bottom of the inning. But Hunter Strickland came in for Anderson and limited the damage, and Los Angeles added two more runs in the ninth to put the game away.“They fought like they always do,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a chance to come back there in the seventh and just couldn’t get there.”CUE THE VIDEOCrew chief Vic Carapazza's umpires had a tough night, getting three calls overturned by review. Two involved first base umpire Mike Estabrook and the third came when plate umpire Tom Hanahan incorrectly called Rendon out trying to score in the ninth.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) had a setback while throwing before Monday night's game. He received an injection Tuesday, Quatraro said, and the hope is Harvey can try throwing again later in the week.UP NEXTAngels: RHP Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday night when the Angels wrap up the series. The 38-year-old Cueto, who helped the Royals win the World Series in 2015, had been pitching at Triple-A Salt Lake.Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (6-6, 3.68 ERA) gets the start in the series finale against the Angels before Kansas City takes Thursday off. Lorenzen tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball his last time out in his return to Cincinnati.___

⚾ Neto homers as the Angels end Royals' 5-game win streak

UPDATE:&nbsp; Afternoon slots are sold out.&nbsp;Slots are still available for the morning golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 20. The start time for the morning slot is 7:30 a.m. at Rolling Meadows Golf Course. The cost is $110 per player or $440 per team of four.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Geary Community Healthcare Foundation is hosting its 24th annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament. The GCHF golf tournament will be on Friday, September 20, at Rolling Meadows Golf Course.

To participate, each player must be over 21 years of age. For a single player, registration is $110. For a team of four, the registration fee is $440. The Geary Community Healthcare Foundation Golf Tournament will raise funds for the Reviving a Life Project in Geary County.

With registration,  a gift bag, snacks, soft drinks, water, and beer are provided. Lunch will be assisted by the Junction City Fire Department, and a steak dinner will be sponsored by Hi Tech Interiors. There will also be a raffle, cash, and hole prizes for winners.

For more information or to be a hole sponsor, contact Executive Director Tracy Geisler at geislert@gchcf.org or (785) 770-2685.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721938980971.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE:&nbsp; Afternoon slots are sold out.&nbsp;Slots are still available for the morning golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 20. The start time for the morning slot is 7:30 a.m. at Rolling Meadows Golf Course. The cost is $110 per player or $440 per team of four.&nbsp;&nbsp;--By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Geary Community Healthcare Foundation is hosting its 24th annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament. The GCHF golf tournament will be on Friday, September 20, at Rolling Meadows Golf Course.To participate, each player must be over 21 years of age. For a single player, registration is $110. For a team of four, the registration fee is $440. The Geary Community Healthcare Foundation Golf Tournament will raise funds for the Reviving a Life Project in Geary County.With registration, a gift bag, snacks, soft drinks, water, and beer are provided. Lunch will be assisted by the Junction City Fire Department, and a steak dinner will be sponsored by Hi Tech Interiors. There will also be a raffle, cash, and hole prizes for winners.For more information or to be a hole sponsor, contact Executive Director Tracy Geisler at geislert@gchcf.org or (785) 770-2685.

Morning slots still available for GCHF Fall Classic Golf Tournament

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Camden Beebe had a bittersweet announcement on X.

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Camden Beebe had a bittersweet announcement on X.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you for everything K-State family, forever and always a wildcat 💜 <a href="https://t.co/FeaS68n4Ki">pic.twitter.com/FeaS68n4Ki</a>&mdash; 𝓒𝓪𝓶𝓭𝓮𝓷 𝓑𝓮𝓮𝓫𝓮 (@Cbeebe_56) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cbeebe_56/status/1825658961221112186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🏈 Wildcat lineman medically retires

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo once again looked like the pitcher whose brilliant first half made him an All-Star, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on Monday night to extend their winning streak to five games.

Lugo (14-7), who had been just 2-3 with 5.23 ERA since the All-Star break, allowed four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out eight. That tied him with the Braves’ Chris Sale and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal for the big league lead in wins.

Salvador Perez added two hits and three RBIs for the Royals, who have outscored their opponents 37-7 during their winning streak. Kansas City never trailed in any of those games against the AL Central-rival Twins, Reds and Angels.

“It's something we all feel together,” Lugo said simply. “It's a team sport and we're all doing it together.”

Lugo only allowed two hits until the seventh, when Brandon Drury drew a walk and Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell followed with doubles to draw the Angels to 3-2. Lugo bounced back by getting Taylor Ward to pop out and end the inning.

Kris Bubic gave up Zach Neto's homer in the eighth before John Schreiber worked the ninth for his second save.

“We battled him, battled him, battled him,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Lugo. "At the end, we got some runs on him, but we just couldn’t put him away. If you can stay with a good pitcher like that, usually toward the end, hopefully you get an opportunity. We started getting to him in the seventh, but by that time he’d already did his damage.”

Washington confirmed that hitting coach Johnny Washington was ejected during the game for arguing balls and strikes.

"He thought he had to do what he had to do to protect his hitters,” the manager said.

Carson Fulmer (0-4) allowed three runs — two earned — and five hits with three walks over four innings for Los Angeles.

He was in trouble right from the start, when Michael Massey led off with a single and Fulmer walked two batters in the first inning. And while he was able to wiggle out of that jam, it drove Fulmer's pitch count up and led to a short night.

Massey walked leading off the third and scored on Perez's single. But the first big blow for Kansas City came in the fourth, when DeJong hit his two-run shot into the left-field bullpen. It came one pitch after he had yanked a would-be homer just foul.

Perez added a two-run double off Angels reliever Victor Mederos in the seventh to restore the Royals' cushion.

“I mean, that was the base hit of the night right there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It separated us again a little bit with two innings to go.”

Angels: 3B Anthony Rendon was back in the lineup after getting hit by a pitch on the elbow in Atlanta and missing the next two games. “The last three days he's been taking care of it, and he said he's ready to go,” Ron Washington said.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) hopes to throw a bullpen session later in the week. He has been out since Aug. 5. If that goes well, the club will decide whether Harvey needs a rehab assignment, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said,

Royals: Schreiber (right patellar tendon) was reinstated from the injured list before the game. The reliever had been out since July 28. RHP Carlos Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding roster move.

Angels LHP Tyler Anderson (9-11, 3.30 ERA) starts the second game of the series on Tuesday night. LHP Cole Ragans (10-7, 3.18) goes for his sixth win in his last seven starts for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724146694498.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo once again looked like the pitcher whose brilliant first half made him an All-Star, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on Monday night to extend their winning streak to five games.Lugo (14-7), who had been just 2-3 with 5.23 ERA since the All-Star break, allowed four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out eight. That tied him with the Braves’ Chris Sale and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal for the big league lead in wins.Salvador Perez added two hits and three RBIs for the Royals, who have outscored their opponents 37-7 during their winning streak. Kansas City never trailed in any of those games against the AL Central-rival Twins, Reds and Angels.“It's something we all feel together,” Lugo said simply. “It's a team sport and we're all doing it together.”Lugo only allowed two hits until the seventh, when Brandon Drury drew a walk and Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell followed with doubles to draw the Angels to 3-2. Lugo bounced back by getting Taylor Ward to pop out and end the inning.Kris Bubic gave up Zach Neto's homer in the eighth before John Schreiber worked the ninth for his second save.“We battled him, battled him, battled him,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Lugo. "At the end, we got some runs on him, but we just couldn’t put him away. If you can stay with a good pitcher like that, usually toward the end, hopefully you get an opportunity. We started getting to him in the seventh, but by that time he’d already did his damage.”Washington confirmed that hitting coach Johnny Washington was ejected during the game for arguing balls and strikes."He thought he had to do what he had to do to protect his hitters,” the manager said.Carson Fulmer (0-4) allowed three runs — two earned — and five hits with three walks over four innings for Los Angeles.He was in trouble right from the start, when Michael Massey led off with a single and Fulmer walked two batters in the first inning. And while he was able to wiggle out of that jam, it drove Fulmer's pitch count up and led to a short night.Massey walked leading off the third and scored on Perez's single. But the first big blow for Kansas City came in the fourth, when DeJong hit his two-run shot into the left-field bullpen. It came one pitch after he had yanked a would-be homer just foul.Perez added a two-run double off Angels reliever Victor Mederos in the seventh to restore the Royals' cushion.“I mean, that was the base hit of the night right there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It separated us again a little bit with two innings to go.”TRAINER'S ROOMAngels: 3B Anthony Rendon was back in the lineup after getting hit by a pitch on the elbow in Atlanta and missing the next two games. “The last three days he's been taking care of it, and he said he's ready to go,” Ron Washington said.Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) hopes to throw a bullpen session later in the week. He has been out since Aug. 5. If that goes well, the club will decide whether Harvey needs a rehab assignment, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said,ROSTER MOVESRoyals: Schreiber (right patellar tendon) was reinstated from the injured list before the game. The reliever had been out since July 28. RHP Carlos Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding roster move.UP NEXTAngels LHP Tyler Anderson (9-11, 3.30 ERA) starts the second game of the series on Tuesday night. LHP Cole Ragans (10-7, 3.18) goes for his sixth win in his last seven starts for Kansas City.___

⚾ DeJong hits 2-run shot as Royals beat Angels for 5th straight win

Fall sports practices for the Junction City Lady Jays and Blue Jays began Monday.

Fall sports at JCHS include football, boys and girls cross country, volleyball, girls tennis and boys soccer.

Fall sports practices for the Junction City Lady Jays and Blue Jays began Monday.<figure>
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 </figure>Fall sports at JCHS include football, boys and girls cross country, volleyball, girls tennis and boys soccer.

High School practices begin

CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep.

Blanco, an outfielder, had just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3.

The 31-year old from Cuba drove in seven runs on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott with a bunt single. Blanco stole second and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's single. Salvatore Perez added a sacrifice fly.

Blanco hit his fourth home run of the season off Abbott (10-10). It was the 25th home run allowed by Abbott.

Pasquantino drove in three runs to take the team lead over Bobby Witt Jr. with 92.

Brady Singer (9-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 45-minute rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven.

Abbott allowed four runs in five innings on six hits and an intentional walk. He struck out four.

Sam Long took over for Singer, pitching the seventh inning in a light rain. He allowed Santiago Espinal's third single, then walked three straight Reds with one out. Lucas Erceg entered to face Elly De La Cruz with the bases loaded. Erceg struck out De La Cruz and Spencer Steer to end the threat.

TJ Friedl robbed Witt of his 26th home run, with a leaping catch in the seventh inning.

The Royals scored four in the ninth. Witt singled for his 91st RBI.

Reds: Hunter Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness retroactive to Aug. 14. He had an MRI exam and is seeking a second opinion.

The Royals will host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22) starts for the Angels. Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04) takes the ball for the Royals.

The Reds will visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The Reds have not announced the replacement for Greene. The Blue Jays will start Kevin Gausman (11-8, 4.20)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724018434636.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep.Blanco, an outfielder, had just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3.The 31-year old from Cuba drove in seven runs on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott with a bunt single. Blanco stole second and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's single. Salvatore Perez added a sacrifice fly.Blanco hit his fourth home run of the season off Abbott (10-10). It was the 25th home run allowed by Abbott.Pasquantino drove in three runs to take the team lead over Bobby Witt Jr. with 92.Brady Singer (9-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 45-minute rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven.Abbott allowed four runs in five innings on six hits and an intentional walk. He struck out four.Sam Long took over for Singer, pitching the seventh inning in a light rain. He allowed Santiago Espinal's third single, then walked three straight Reds with one out. Lucas Erceg entered to face Elly De La Cruz with the bases loaded. Erceg struck out De La Cruz and Spencer Steer to end the threat.TJ Friedl robbed Witt of his 26th home run, with a leaping catch in the seventh inning.The Royals scored four in the ninth. Witt singled for his 91st RBI.TRAINER'S ROOMReds: Hunter Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness retroactive to Aug. 14. He had an MRI exam and is seeking a second opinion.UP NEXTThe Royals will host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22) starts for the Angels. Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04) takes the ball for the Royals.The Reds will visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The Reds have not announced the replacement for Greene. The Blue Jays will start Kevin Gausman (11-8, 4.20)

⚾ Blanco homers again to help the Royals complete sweep of the Reds

CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1 on Saturday night.

The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night.

Blanco, who wielded a bat painted to look like a yellow crayon,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1824946497219158288">hit a two-run homer deep to center field</a>&nbsp;on the first pitch he saw from Reds starter Nick Lodolo in the second inning.

Then the 31-year-old Cuban&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1824957972276969981">cleared the loaded bases with a shot deep into the left-field seats</a>&nbsp;in the third, and drove in another run with a single in the fourth. He came into the game with just one homer and five RBIs this season.

It was a rough outing for Lodolo (9-5), who loaded the bases in the disastrous third and walked in a run before allowing an RBI single to Paul DeJong. Buck Farmer relieved, and promptly gave up the grand slam to Blanco.

The Royals scored seven in the third and led 10-0 before Cincinnati got through its batting order once.

Lodolo made it only 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs and eight hits.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to six games. He finished 1 for 4 with his major league-leading average slipping a point to .351.

Jeimer Candelario hit a solo homer, his 20th of the season, for the Reds in the seventh inning.

Reds&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reds-hunter-greene-injured-elbow-903e6f10a550c29859000a7d1b31b661">RHP Hunter Greene went on the 15-day injured list</a>&nbsp;with right elbow soreness. He's expected to have an MRI in the next few days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723945348114.jpeg" alt="Dairon Blanco hit two home runs in crushing 13-1 win for the Royals over the Reds/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Dairon Blanco hit two home runs in crushing 13-1 win for the Royals over the Reds/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1 on Saturday night.The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night.Blanco, who wielded a bat painted to look like a yellow crayon,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1824946497219158288">hit a two-run homer deep to center field</a>&nbsp;on the first pitch he saw from Reds starter Nick Lodolo in the second inning.Then the 31-year-old Cuban&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1824957972276969981">cleared the loaded bases with a shot deep into the left-field seats</a>&nbsp;in the third, and drove in another run with a single in the fourth. He came into the game with just one homer and five RBIs this season.It was a rough outing for Lodolo (9-5), who loaded the bases in the disastrous third and walked in a run before allowing an RBI single to Paul DeJong. Buck Farmer relieved, and promptly gave up the grand slam to Blanco.The Royals scored seven in the third and led 10-0 before Cincinnati got through its batting order once.Lodolo made it only 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs and eight hits.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to six games. He finished 1 for 4 with his major league-leading average slipping a point to .351.Jeimer Candelario hit a solo homer, his 20th of the season, for the Reds in the seventh inning.TRAINER'S ROOMReds&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reds-hunter-greene-injured-elbow-903e6f10a550c29859000a7d1b31b661">RHP Hunter Greene went on the 15-day injured list</a>&nbsp;with right elbow soreness. He's expected to have an MRI in the next few days.UP NEXT

⚾ Blanco hits 1st career grand slam as the Royals rout Reds

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVE SKRETTA&nbsp;</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was rolling to his right in the first half of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday when he realized that Travis Kelce had run the wrong route.

So, Mahomes threw to his trusty tight end out of spite anyway — by throwing it to him behind his back.

The audacious throw was the highlight of an otherwise forgettable preseason game in which Mahomes threw for 93 yards in two tidy series of work, but the Lions rallied to win 24-23 on Jake Bates' 43-yard field goal with no time remaining.

“I always told you it had to happen naturally,” said Mahomes, who has fooled around with behind-the-back passes in practice but had never tried it in a game. “I knew it was on target. It was just low. But like I said, it wasn't like — I didn't do it to look cool. I did it because I was like, pissed off (at Kelce), like why did you run that route like that? And it just worked out.”

Mahomes was 8 of 14 through the air while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions' backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars last week.

But none of that will be remembered like his behind-the-back pass to Kelce, when Detroit defensive lineman Josh Paschal was beginning to bear down on him.

Kelce reached down and snagged the pass, and the completion on third-and-3 at the Detroit 33 was good for a first down and helped to set up an eventual field goal.

“He does it in practice every day,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I'm alright with it as long as it's a completion.”

It didn’t take long for clips of the pass to go viral. Kelce’s brother and retired Eagles center Jason Kelce tweeted, “The son of a gun actually did it!” Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, added: “That was unnecessary, but beautiful!”

Carson Wentz took over for Mahomes and was 5 of 10 for 31 yards with a touchdown throw to Xavier Worthy. The speedy first-round pick out of Texas had three catches for 62 yards and the score while adding 11 yards on a rushing attempt.

Lions coach Dan Campbell opted to sit his starters for their second preseason game, just as he did last year against the Jaguars. Campbell had been noncommittal about his plan for the game earlier in the week, though he did cancel a planned scrimmage for Wednesday because of the number of injuries the team has sustained in training camp.

Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker, who returned after sustaining a concussion last week against the Giants, was 12 of 15 for 150 yards while running for a touchdown as he tried to make some headway in the competition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723928013525.png" alt="Image from video by the Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Image from video by the Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVE SKRETTA&nbsp;</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was rolling to his right in the first half of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday when he realized that Travis Kelce had run the wrong route.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FIRST BEHIND-THE-BACK IN GAME 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/DyfJs8mz5g">pic.twitter.com/DyfJs8mz5g</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1824907065145409794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>So, Mahomes threw to his trusty tight end out of spite anyway — by throwing it to him behind his back.The audacious throw was the highlight of an otherwise forgettable preseason game in which Mahomes threw for 93 yards in two tidy series of work, but the Lions rallied to win 24-23 on Jake Bates' 43-yard field goal with no time remaining.“I always told you it had to happen naturally,” said Mahomes, who has fooled around with behind-the-back passes in practice but had never tried it in a game. “I knew it was on target. It was just low. But like I said, it wasn't like — I didn't do it to look cool. I did it because I was like, pissed off (at Kelce), like why did you run that route like that? And it just worked out.”Mahomes was 8 of 14 through the air while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions' backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars last week.But none of that will be remembered like his behind-the-back pass to Kelce, when Detroit defensive lineman Josh Paschal was beginning to bear down on him.Kelce reached down and snagged the pass, and the completion on third-and-3 at the Detroit 33 was good for a first down and helped to set up an eventual field goal.“He does it in practice every day,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I'm alright with it as long as it's a completion.”It didn’t take long for clips of the pass to go viral. Kelce’s brother and retired Eagles center Jason Kelce tweeted, “The son of a gun actually did it!” Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, added: “That was unnecessary, but beautiful!”Carson Wentz took over for Mahomes and was 5 of 10 for 31 yards with a touchdown throw to Xavier Worthy. The speedy first-round pick out of Texas had three catches for 62 yards and the score while adding 11 yards on a rushing attempt.Lions coach Dan Campbell opted to sit his starters for their second preseason game, just as he did last year against the Jaguars. Campbell had been noncommittal about his plan for the game earlier in the week, though he did cancel a planned scrimmage for Wednesday because of the number of injuries the team has sustained in training camp.Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker, who returned after sustaining a concussion last week against the Giants, was 12 of 15 for 150 yards while running for a touchdown as he tried to make some headway in the competition.The Lions' special teams were in preseason form most of the game. They fumbled the ball away on a kickoff return — Wentz hit Worthy three plays later for their TD strike. They also fumbled a punt return and Bates missed an extra point.Then again, Bates made the kick that won the Lions the game.“That’s a big kick,” Campbell said. “That’s two weeks in a row. He hits a 53 (last week against the Giants) and a 55-yarder, and then hits a game-winner. Every time he does something like that, you gain a little more confidence in him.”INJURIESChiefs LS James Winchester left in the first half with a shoulder injury but returned after the break.UP NEXTLions: Play the Steelers next Saturday.Chiefs: Play the Bears on Thursday night.