CLEVELAND (AP) — After four months and a lengthy rain delay, there's a second team sitting atop the AL Central.

Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer and Kansas City moved into a tie for first with Cleveland by beating the Guardians 6-1 on Tuesday night in a game delayed more than two hours by rain.

The Royals, who lost 106 games last season, improved to a league-best 23-13 since the All-Star break, when they trailed the Guardians by seven games.

“That’s our goal, to win the division," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Clearly nothing is decided. We got a month-plus to go, but we like the way we’re playing. Our guys are super competitive. They don’t back down from anything and this is what a pennant race should be.”

Cleveland had led the division since April 14 — 154 days — before dropping the first three games in this series, which concludes with a matinee Wednesday. The Guardians have lost nine of 12 and are just 17-21 since the break.

Cleveland had a nine-game lead on June 26. It's gone now.

“For me, it’s about the end of the season,” first-year manager Stephen Vogt said. "It doesn’t matter how you get there. What matters is that we do get there. Yeah, if you want to look back at the standings, you have a big lead that’s early in the season, that’s why you play 162 games.

“There’s nothing that says in this final stretch that we don’t go on a run. There’s nothing that says we don’t do it again. So you can’t look at the standings and worry about where you are on any given day. You’ve got to wait one day at a time, look where you are at the end of the season and then see where it lands.”

DeJong connected in the second inning off Gavin Williams (2-7), and the Royals tacked on three runs in the seventh off Scott Barlow on RBI singles by Maikel Garcia and Michael Massey, to go along with a wild pitch.

James McArthur (5-5) struck out four in two innings, and the Royals' solid bullpen closed with five perfect innings following the rain delay. The Guardians were held to just three hits.

Kansas City's win came with a minor scare.

All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got hit on the right hand by a pitch from Pedro Avila in the seventh inning. Witt grabbed his right hand in pain, but the majors' leader in average, hits and runs stayed in the game and ripped a double in the ninth.

Quatraro said Witt got hit on the right middle finger. In the clubhouse, Witt indicated to reporters he was OK.

Cleveland was coming to bat in the bottom of the fifth — and three outs from making the game official — when the ballpark's grounds crew rolled out the tarp at 8:06 p.m. to cover the infield before the rain hit.

When it finally came and lightning raced across the sky above Progressive Field, fans retreated for protection in the concourses. The game was delayed for 2 hours, 14 minutes before resuming at 10:20 p.m. with few thousand die-hards on hand.

DeJong, who came over in a trade with the last-place White Sox in July, said the Royals killed time during the delay by playing video games in the clubhouse. He said All-Star catcher Salvado Perez even tried to learn to play chess.

DeJong said he quickly recognized the Royals have a special group.

“Watching them from the outside in, you saw they got their core pieces," he said. "They got starting pitching. They got Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt, so it’s a great combo right there to build a team around.

“It’s nice to have those guys, but we have depth and guys who can play all over. A lot of guys are contributing from a lot of different angles and a lot of things are going our way.”

Royals starter Michael Lorenzen left in the second after straining his left hamstring while covering first base. Quatraro said Lorenzen will return to Kansas City on Wednesday to undergo imaging tests.

“We think it’s mild, but doubtful he’ll be able to pitch in five days,” Quatraro said. “We’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

Royals: OF Hunter Renfroe (strained right hamstring) continues to undergo treatment and Quatraro said the hope is “to get him back out there as quickly as we can.” Renfroe was placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday after his leg tightened against Philadelphia.

Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb (broken fingernail) threw three simulated innings in a live batting practice against minor leaguers before the game. Cobb is eligible to come off the injured list on Sunday. Vogt said the team is still determining whether to have him go on a minor league rehab assignment.

Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (10-6, 3.46 ERA) starts the series finale against Royals RHP Michael Wacha (11-6, 3.23 ERA), who is 7-0 with a 2.40 ERA in 10 starts since June 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724838207128.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong watches his home run in the second inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong watches his home run in the second inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — After four months and a lengthy rain delay, there's a second team sitting atop the AL Central.The Royals have run down the Guardians.Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer and Kansas City moved into a tie for first with Cleveland by beating the Guardians 6-1 on Tuesday night in a game delayed more than two hours by rain.The Royals, who lost 106 games last season, improved to a league-best 23-13 since the All-Star break, when they trailed the Guardians by seven games.“That’s our goal, to win the division," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Clearly nothing is decided. We got a month-plus to go, but we like the way we’re playing. Our guys are super competitive. They don’t back down from anything and this is what a pennant race should be.”Cleveland had led the division since April 14 — 154 days — before dropping the first three games in this series, which concludes with a matinee Wednesday. The Guardians have lost nine of 12 and are just 17-21 since the break.Cleveland had a nine-game lead on June 26. It's gone now.“For me, it’s about the end of the season,” first-year manager Stephen Vogt said. "It doesn’t matter how you get there. What matters is that we do get there. Yeah, if you want to look back at the standings, you have a big lead that’s early in the season, that’s why you play 162 games.“There’s nothing that says in this final stretch that we don’t go on a run. There’s nothing that says we don’t do it again. So you can’t look at the standings and worry about where you are on any given day. You’ve got to wait one day at a time, look where you are at the end of the season and then see where it lands.”DeJong connected in the second inning off Gavin Williams (2-7), and the Royals tacked on three runs in the seventh off Scott Barlow on RBI singles by Maikel Garcia and Michael Massey, to go along with a wild pitch.James McArthur (5-5) struck out four in two innings, and the Royals' solid bullpen closed with five perfect innings following the rain delay. The Guardians were held to just three hits.Kansas City's win came with a minor scare.All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got hit on the right hand by a pitch from Pedro Avila in the seventh inning. Witt grabbed his right hand in pain, but the majors' leader in average, hits and runs stayed in the game and ripped a double in the ninth.Quatraro said Witt got hit on the right middle finger. In the clubhouse, Witt indicated to reporters he was OK.Cleveland was coming to bat in the bottom of the fifth — and three outs from making the game official — when the ballpark's grounds crew rolled out the tarp at 8:06 p.m. to cover the infield before the rain hit.When it finally came and lightning raced across the sky above Progressive Field, fans retreated for protection in the concourses. The game was delayed for 2 hours, 14 minutes before resuming at 10:20 p.m. with few thousand die-hards on hand.DeJong, who came over in a trade with the last-place White Sox in July, said the Royals killed time during the delay by playing video games in the clubhouse. He said All-Star catcher Salvado Perez even tried to learn to play chess.DeJong said he quickly recognized the Royals have a special group.“Watching them from the outside in, you saw they got their core pieces," he said. "They got starting pitching. They got Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt, so it’s a great combo right there to build a team around.“It’s nice to have those guys, but we have depth and guys who can play all over. A lot of guys are contributing from a lot of different angles and a lot of things are going our way.”Royals starter Michael Lorenzen left in the second after straining his left hamstring while covering first base. Quatraro said Lorenzen will return to Kansas City on Wednesday to undergo imaging tests.“We think it’s mild, but doubtful he’ll be able to pitch in five days,” Quatraro said. “We’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: OF Hunter Renfroe (strained right hamstring) continues to undergo treatment and Quatraro said the hope is “to get him back out there as quickly as we can.” Renfroe was placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday after his leg tightened against Philadelphia.Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb (broken fingernail) threw three simulated innings in a live batting practice against minor leaguers before the game. Cobb is eligible to come off the injured list on Sunday. Vogt said the team is still determining whether to have him go on a minor league rehab assignment.UP NEXTGuardians RHP Tanner Bibee (10-6, 3.46 ERA) starts the series finale against Royals RHP Michael Wacha (11-6, 3.23 ERA), who is 7-0 with a 2.40 ERA in 10 starts since June 22.

⚾ Royals catch Guardians atop AL Central after win in rain delayed game

The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the selection of Dominick Dingle, Wichita Heights High School, and Garrett Michael, Sabetha High School, as the Head Coaches for the 52nd&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth. The head coaches are selected from the group of assistant coaches from the previous year’s game. Their selection is determined by a vote from the previous year’s coaching staff, camp directors and support staff. The 52nd&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be played on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City, Kansas.

The West team will be led by Wichita Heights Head Coach Dominick Dingle. Coach Dingle is entering his 7th season at Wichita Heights High School, where he has compiled an overall record of 26-27. Prior to being named the Head Coach at Wichita Heights in 2018, Dingle spent ten seasons as the Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator at Garden City High School and one season as an assistant coach at Leavenworth High School.

The 2025 East squad will be led by Garrett Michael of Sabetha High School. Coach Michael led the Sabetha program for 15 years as the Head Coach, compiling an overall record of 104-59. During his leadership, the Bluejays won back-to-back 3A state championships in 2017 and 2018, while also making back-to-back runs to the state semifinals in 2022 and 2023. Along with this past summer, Coach Michael previously coached in the Kansas Shrine Bowl in 2018 as an assistant coach.

The West holds the all-time series advantage with a 31-18-2 record after the East team ended a six-year drought with a 35-26 win during the 51st&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth. The East will be looking to win consecutive games for the first time since 2015 and 2016.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the selection of Dominick Dingle, Wichita Heights High School, and Garrett Michael, Sabetha High School, as the Head Coaches for the 52nd&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth. The head coaches are selected from the group of assistant coaches from the previous year’s game. Their selection is determined by a vote from the previous year’s coaching staff, camp directors and support staff. The 52nd&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be played on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724773565422.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The West team will be led by Wichita Heights Head Coach Dominick Dingle. Coach Dingle is entering his 7th season at Wichita Heights High School, where he has compiled an overall record of 26-27. Prior to being named the Head Coach at Wichita Heights in 2018, Dingle spent ten seasons as the Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator at Garden City High School and one season as an assistant coach at Leavenworth High School.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724773598438.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 2025 East squad will be led by Garrett Michael of Sabetha High School. Coach Michael led the Sabetha program for 15 years as the Head Coach, compiling an overall record of 104-59. During his leadership, the Bluejays won back-to-back 3A state championships in 2017 and 2018, while also making back-to-back runs to the state semifinals in 2022 and 2023. Along with this past summer, Coach Michael previously coached in the Kansas Shrine Bowl in 2018 as an assistant coach.The West holds the all-time series advantage with a 31-18-2 record after the East team ended a six-year drought with a 35-26 win during the 51st&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth. The East will be looking to win consecutive games for the first time since 2015 and 2016.

Shrine Bowl head coaches are named

CLEVELAND (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a grand slam and drove in a career-high six runs as the Kansas City Royals completed a doubleheader sweep of Cleveland, beating the Guardians 9-4 on Monday night to pull within one game of first in the AL Central.

The Royals won the day game 4-3 as Bobby Witt Jr.’s 27th homer — and 11th since July 19 — snapped a tie in the eighth inning.

In Game 2, Perez hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning — after nearly striking out — and then connected for his sixth career slam in the sixth off Pedro Avila.

The nine-time All-Star catcher has 17 career multi-homer games, tying him with Hall of Famer George Brett for the most in Kansas City history.

Kansas City was nine games back in early July, but the Royals have chipped away at Cleveland's lead by posting an AL-best 22-13 record since the break.

The Guardians, who have led the division since April 14, dropped to 0-8 in doubleheaders this season.

Leading 5-4 in the sixth, the Royals loaded the bases and had a runner forced at the plate before Perez drove his 25th homer 457 feet into the bleachers. Perez's shot tied him with Frank White for the most slams in Royals history.

José Ramírez had three doubles, giving Cleveland's star third baseman two or more extra-base hits in 109 games to tie him with Tris Speaker for second in club history behind Earl Averill (135). Ramírez has also reached 30 homers, 30 doubles and 30 steals in a season for the second time.

Perez's homer in the fifth came one pitch after he caught a break.

He fouled back a 3-2 pitch that catcher Bo Naylor appeared to snare before it hit the ground. But plate umpire John Tumpane looked into Naylor's glove and noticed dirt on the ball, giving Perez new life.

With another chance, he pulled his 24th homer into the bleachers to give Kansas City a 5-4 lead.

Tumpane made the same call in the sixth, and this time Guardians pitching coach Carl Willis was ejected for arguing on behalf of reliever Pedro Avila.

Rookie Daniel Schneemann homered in the second game for Cleveland.

In the opener, Witt connected on a 0-1 pitch from rookie Hunter Gaddis (4-3), driving it 413 feet into the left-field bleachers.

The All-Star shortstop came in batting .417 since the break, the fourth-highest average (with at least 125 at-bats) in the second half since World War II. Only Ted Williams (.454 in 1957), Ichiro Suzuki (.429, 2004) and George Brett (.421, 1980) have hit higher.

It was just another noteworthy moment of many in 2024 for Witt.

“He's always present,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “He doesn't care what he's done prior or what he's going to do tomorrow. He's going to be in that box and trying to beat you right there. Bobby's a special player.”

MJ Melendez belted a three-run homer and made a sensational catch in left field for the Royals in Game 1.

John Schreiber (4-3) worked 1 2/3 innings and Lucas Erceg put the tying run on with a walk in the ninth before getting his fifth save since coming to Kansas City in a July 30 trade from Oakland.

Reliever Nick Sandlin made his first major league start for Cleveland in the opener. The right-hander hadn't started a game since his junior year at Southern Miss in 2018.

Royals: LHP Will Smith (back spasms) was placed on the 15-day injured list, one day after he allowed five runs in one inning against Philadelphia. Quatraro said Smith's back issue has “been lingering for a while.”

Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb (broken fingernail) didn't have any problems while throwing a bullpen session Sunday. He's scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday. Cobb was acquired at the trade deadline from San Francisco.

Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (2-6, 5.13 ERA) starts Tuesday against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (7-6, 3.47), who threw seven scoreless innings in his most recent outing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724722422214.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a grand slam and drove in a career-high six runs as the Kansas City Royals completed a doubleheader sweep of Cleveland, beating the Guardians 9-4 on Monday night to pull within one game of first in the AL Central.The Royals won the day game 4-3 as Bobby Witt Jr.’s 27th homer — and 11th since July 19 — snapped a tie in the eighth inning.In Game 2, Perez hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning — after nearly striking out — and then connected for his sixth career slam in the sixth off Pedro Avila.The nine-time All-Star catcher has 17 career multi-homer games, tying him with Hall of Famer George Brett for the most in Kansas City history.Kansas City was nine games back in early July, but the Royals have chipped away at Cleveland's lead by posting an AL-best 22-13 record since the break.The Guardians, who have led the division since April 14, dropped to 0-8 in doubleheaders this season.Leading 5-4 in the sixth, the Royals loaded the bases and had a runner forced at the plate before Perez drove his 25th homer 457 feet into the bleachers. Perez's shot tied him with Frank White for the most slams in Royals history.José Ramírez had three doubles, giving Cleveland's star third baseman two or more extra-base hits in 109 games to tie him with Tris Speaker for second in club history behind Earl Averill (135). Ramírez has also reached 30 homers, 30 doubles and 30 steals in a season for the second time.Perez's homer in the fifth came one pitch after he caught a break.He fouled back a 3-2 pitch that catcher Bo Naylor appeared to snare before it hit the ground. But plate umpire John Tumpane looked into Naylor's glove and noticed dirt on the ball, giving Perez new life.With another chance, he pulled his 24th homer into the bleachers to give Kansas City a 5-4 lead.Tumpane made the same call in the sixth, and this time Guardians pitching coach Carl Willis was ejected for arguing on behalf of reliever Pedro Avila.Rookie Daniel Schneemann homered in the second game for Cleveland.In the opener, Witt connected on a 0-1 pitch from rookie Hunter Gaddis (4-3), driving it 413 feet into the left-field bleachers.The All-Star shortstop came in batting .417 since the break, the fourth-highest average (with at least 125 at-bats) in the second half since World War II. Only Ted Williams (.454 in 1957), Ichiro Suzuki (.429, 2004) and George Brett (.421, 1980) have hit higher.It was just another noteworthy moment of many in 2024 for Witt.“He's always present,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “He doesn't care what he's done prior or what he's going to do tomorrow. He's going to be in that box and trying to beat you right there. Bobby's a special player.”MJ Melendez belted a three-run homer and made a sensational catch in left field for the Royals in Game 1.John Schreiber (4-3) worked 1 2/3 innings and Lucas Erceg put the tying run on with a walk in the ninth before getting his fifth save since coming to Kansas City in a July 30 trade from Oakland.Reliever Nick Sandlin made his first major league start for Cleveland in the opener. The right-hander hadn't started a game since his junior year at Southern Miss in 2018.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: LHP Will Smith (back spasms) was placed on the 15-day injured list, one day after he allowed five runs in one inning against Philadelphia. Quatraro said Smith's back issue has “been lingering for a while.”Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb (broken fingernail) didn't have any problems while throwing a bullpen session Sunday. He's scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday. Cobb was acquired at the trade deadline from San Francisco.UP NEXTGuardians RHP Gavin Williams (2-6, 5.13 ERA) starts Tuesday against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (7-6, 3.47), who threw seven scoreless innings in his most recent outing.

⚾ Salvador Perez hits grand slam as Royals sweep Guardians

CLEVELAND (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered leading off the eighth inning to break a tie as the Kansas City Royals pulled closer to Cleveland in the AL Central with a 4-3 victory over the Guardians in the opener of a day-night doubleheader Monday.

Witt connected on a 0-1 pitch from rookie Hunter Gaddis (4-3), driving it 413 feet into the left-field bleachers for his 27th homer of the season — and his 11th in 34 games since the All-Star break.

He came in batting .417 since the break, the fourth-highest average (with at least 125 at-bats) in the second half since World War II. Only Ted Williams (.454 in 1957), Ichiro Suzuki (.429, 2004) and George Brett (.421, 1980) have hit higher.

It was just another noteworthy moment of many in 2024 for Witt, who leads the majors in average (.347), hits (181) and runs (112).

Witt's homer was just the third run Gaddis has given up at home this season.

“He impacts the game as good as anybody in this game,” Cleveland catcher Austin Hedges said of Witt. “So you got to be real smart with him. You've got to make pitches. You've got to execute pitches. And if you make a mistake, he always takes his ‘A’ swing. There’s a reason he’s hitting (nearly) .350.”

MJ Melendez belted a three-run homer and made a sensational catch in left field for the Royals, who pulled within two games of the first-place Guardians. Cleveland has led the division since April 14.

It was the first of seven games over the next 10 days between the Guardians and Royals.

Logan Allen was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start Game 2 for Cleveland against Royals right-hander Alec Marsh.

Erceg extended his scoreless streak to 15 1/3 innings.

“I'm glad we got him,” Quatraro said. “That's why we got him.”

Kansas City starter Cole Ragans was lifted while leading 3-2 in the fifth inning because of cramping in his left calf and hamstring.

Ragans issued a leadoff walk and then was replaced by closer James McArthur, who got two outs before intentionally walking Josh Naylor.

Rookie Jhonkensy Noel followed with a shot toward the corner in left. Melendez raced across the grass and was able to snag it with a headfirst catch before sliding across the warning track to save at least two runs.

“As an outfielder, you have to feel like you can get to anything,” Melendez said. “That's what goes through my head any time a ball is in the air towards me. I'm glad it was able to hang up in the air a little longer.”

Melendez's 17th homer gave the Royals a 3-2 lead in the fourth.

Vinnie Pasquantino reached when Cleveland shortstop Tyler Freeman couldn't corral his pop to shallow left and Salvador Perez singled. Melendez then lined an 0-1 pitch off the railing just above the right-field wall.

Reliever Nick Sandlin made his first major league start for Cleveland and pitched one inning. The right-hander hadn't started a game since his junior year at Southern Miss in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724708308796.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered leading off the eighth inning to break a tie as the Kansas City Royals pulled closer to Cleveland in the AL Central with a 4-3 victory over the Guardians in the opener of a day-night doubleheader Monday.Witt connected on a 0-1 pitch from rookie Hunter Gaddis (4-3), driving it 413 feet into the left-field bleachers for his 27th homer of the season — and his 11th in 34 games since the All-Star break.He came in batting .417 since the break, the fourth-highest average (with at least 125 at-bats) in the second half since World War II. Only Ted Williams (.454 in 1957), Ichiro Suzuki (.429, 2004) and George Brett (.421, 1980) have hit higher.It was just another noteworthy moment of many in 2024 for Witt, who leads the majors in average (.347), hits (181) and runs (112).“He's always present,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “He doesn't care what he's done prior or what he's going to do tomorrow. He's going to be in that box and trying to beat you right there. Bobby's a special player.”Witt's homer was just the third run Gaddis has given up at home this season.“He impacts the game as good as anybody in this game,” Cleveland catcher Austin Hedges said of Witt. “So you got to be real smart with him. You've got to make pitches. You've got to execute pitches. And if you make a mistake, he always takes his ‘A’ swing. There’s a reason he’s hitting (nearly) .350.”MJ Melendez belted a three-run homer and made a sensational catch in left field for the Royals, who pulled within two games of the first-place Guardians. Cleveland has led the division since April 14.It was the first of seven games over the next 10 days between the Guardians and Royals.Logan Allen was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start Game 2 for Cleveland against Royals right-hander Alec Marsh.John Schreiber (4-3) worked 1 2/3 innings and Lucas Erceg put the tying run on with a walk in the ninth before getting his fifth save since coming to Kansas City in a July 30 trade from Oakland.Erceg extended his scoreless streak to 15 1/3 innings.“I'm glad we got him,” Quatraro said. “That's why we got him.”Kansas City starter Cole Ragans was lifted while leading 3-2 in the fifth inning because of cramping in his left calf and hamstring.Ragans issued a leadoff walk and then was replaced by closer James McArthur, who got two outs before intentionally walking Josh Naylor.Rookie Jhonkensy Noel followed with a shot toward the corner in left. Melendez raced across the grass and was able to snag it with a headfirst catch before sliding across the warning track to save at least two runs.“As an outfielder, you have to feel like you can get to anything,” Melendez said. “That's what goes through my head any time a ball is in the air towards me. I'm glad it was able to hang up in the air a little longer.”Melendez's 17th homer gave the Royals a 3-2 lead in the fourth.Vinnie Pasquantino reached when Cleveland shortstop Tyler Freeman couldn't corral his pop to shallow left and Salvador Perez singled. Melendez then lined an 0-1 pitch off the railing just above the right-field wall.Reliever Nick Sandlin made his first major league start for Cleveland and pitched one inning. The right-hander hadn't started a game since his junior year at Southern Miss in 2018.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: LHP Will Smith (back spasms) was placed on the 15-day injured list, one day after he allowed five runs in one inning against Philadelphia. Quatraro said Smith's back issue has “been lingering for a while.”Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb (broken fingernail) didn't have any problems while throwing a bullpen session Sunday. He's scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday. Cobb was acquired at the trade deadline from San Francisco.UP NEXTGuardians RHP Gavin Williams (2-6, 5.13 ERA) starts Tuesday against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (7-6, 3.47), who threw seven scoreless innings in his most recent outing.

⚾ Royals edge Guardians in 1st game of Monday doubleheader

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23484&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-august-26-2024/4877">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-august-26-2024/4878">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Monday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex to preview Saturday’s season opener against UT Martin. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Good afternoon, everyone. It's great to be starting a new season. We’re finally in game week. I talked to the guys on Saturday – we had practice Saturday morning, and then we gave them Sunday off. We get back into our routine today. I know it's a change this year that we're doing this (press conference) on Monday rather than Tuesday. It helps us, for sure, as coaches doing this way. I don't know if it affects you guys (media)&nbsp; a whole lot, but it does help us. So, we'll have a normal Monday practice and have a normal week. 

We’ve got some guys banged up a little bit. Nobody's actually been ruled out, but we have a couple of guys that we'll have to watch throughout the week and see if they progress well enough to play, which we hope that they do. 

We're excited about the opportunity of getting a really good UT Martin team here. Coach (Jason) Simpson has done a great job. He's been there a long time. They have a great system, and he does a really good job of getting those guys to play within their schemes, offensively and defensively. They've won their league three straight years. As you guys know, that's my background. I know how good the football is. Our guys are going to know how good the football is as well. So, we'll continue our prep work the next few days, and then be ready to roll on Saturday.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23484&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-august-26-2024/4877">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-august-26-2024/4878">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Monday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex to preview Saturday’s season opener against UT Martin. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Good afternoon, everyone. It's great to be starting a new season. We’re finally in game week. I talked to the guys on Saturday – we had practice Saturday morning, and then we gave them Sunday off. We get back into our routine today. I know it's a change this year that we're doing this (press conference) on Monday rather than Tuesday. It helps us, for sure, as coaches doing this way. I don't know if it affects you guys (media)&nbsp; a whole lot, but it does help us. So, we'll have a normal Monday practice and have a normal week. We’ve got some guys banged up a little bit. Nobody's actually been ruled out, but we have a couple of guys that we'll have to watch throughout the week and see if they progress well enough to play, which we hope that they do. We're excited about the opportunity of getting a really good UT Martin team here. Coach (Jason) Simpson has done a great job. He's been there a long time. They have a great system, and he does a really good job of getting those guys to play within their schemes, offensively and defensively. They've won their league three straight years. As you guys know, that's my background. I know how good the football is. Our guys are going to know how good the football is as well. So, we'll continue our prep work the next few days, and then be ready to roll on Saturday.”

K-State previews season opener at weekly press conference

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Schwarber had two hits and three RBIs and Garrett Stubbs had a career-best four hits to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to an 11-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

After Garrett Stubbs opened the third inning with a triple into the right-field corner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/seth-lugo-in-play-run-s-to-kyle-schwarber?t=t143-default-vtp">Schwarber hit a double to right-center</a>. Alec Bohm's two-out hit scored Schwarber, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead. Schwarber added RBIs on a bases-loaded grounder in the fourth and a single that capped a three-run sixth inning.

Philadelphia scored five in the eighth, highlighted by Bohm’s two-run single and Nick Castellanos’ two-run homer, his 17th of the season.

Needing a home run to complete the cycle, Stubbs singled in the eighth and was hit by a pitch in the ninth.

“I’ve never been mad to get a single, but sure as (heck) was trying to hit a homer,” Stubbs said. “(Today) was about as good as you can ever feel. Obviously, it helped us get to 11 runs and kind of cruise toward the last few innings.”

Kolby Allard (2-0) worked five innings, allowing two runs on eight hits with five strikeouts.

“The changeup was really good today,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “The first two guys get on in the first inning and he works himself out of it. That tells me something about him.”

Kansas City’s Seth Lugo (14-8) allowed six runs and 11 hits.

“A lot of contact today, so give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But it was a very unfortunate run for Seth because a lot of that contact wasn’t hard.”

Lugo has surrendered at least four runs in five of his last seven starts.

“It’s been a tough run of luck,” Quatraro said. “But he’s throwing the ball fine.”

The Phillies went 7 for 14 with runners-in-scoring position.

“It was pretty frustrating,” Lugo said. “I felt like I was making pitches. I wanted a little bit more swing-and-miss, but that’s a good lineup.”

After matching a season high with 18 hits in Saturday's 11-2 win, the Phillies banged out 16 hits on Sunday and 45 hits while outscoring the Royals 26-12 to take two games of the three-game series.

“We got our approaches back,” Thomson said. “Our at-bats the entire series were really good.”

Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia and MJ Melendez hit solo homers for the Royals.

Tyler Gentry made his major league debut for the Royals, flying out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.

Position player Garrett Hampson pitched a hitless ninth for Kansas City.

Phillies recalled Allard from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioned RHP Max Lazar to Lehigh Valley.

Royals OF Hunter Renfroe placed on 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. OF Tyler Gentry recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

Phillies: RHP Zack Wheeler (12-6, 2.73 ERA) gets the start for their home series opener against Houston's Justin Verlander (3-3, 3.92) on Monday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Schwarber had two hits and three RBIs and Garrett Stubbs had a career-best four hits to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to an 11-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.After Garrett Stubbs opened the third inning with a triple into the right-field corner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/seth-lugo-in-play-run-s-to-kyle-schwarber?t=t143-default-vtp">Schwarber hit a double to right-center</a>. Alec Bohm's two-out hit scored Schwarber, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead. Schwarber added RBIs on a bases-loaded grounder in the fourth and a single that capped a three-run sixth inning.Philadelphia scored five in the eighth, highlighted by Bohm’s two-run single and Nick Castellanos’ two-run homer, his 17th of the season.Needing a home run to complete the cycle, Stubbs singled in the eighth and was hit by a pitch in the ninth.“I’ve never been mad to get a single, but sure as (heck) was trying to hit a homer,” Stubbs said. “(Today) was about as good as you can ever feel. Obviously, it helped us get to 11 runs and kind of cruise toward the last few innings.”Kolby Allard (2-0) worked five innings, allowing two runs on eight hits with five strikeouts.“The changeup was really good today,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “The first two guys get on in the first inning and he works himself out of it. That tells me something about him.”Kansas City’s Seth Lugo (14-8) allowed six runs and 11 hits.“A lot of contact today, so give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But it was a very unfortunate run for Seth because a lot of that contact wasn’t hard.”Lugo has surrendered at least four runs in five of his last seven starts.“It’s been a tough run of luck,” Quatraro said. “But he’s throwing the ball fine.”The Phillies went 7 for 14 with runners-in-scoring position.“It was pretty frustrating,” Lugo said. “I felt like I was making pitches. I wanted a little bit more swing-and-miss, but that’s a good lineup.”After matching a season high with 18 hits in Saturday's 11-2 win, the Phillies banged out 16 hits on Sunday and 45 hits while outscoring the Royals 26-12 to take two games of the three-game series.“We got our approaches back,” Thomson said. “Our at-bats the entire series were really good.”Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia and MJ Melendez hit solo homers for the Royals.Tyler Gentry made his major league debut for the Royals, flying out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.Position player Garrett Hampson pitched a hitless ninth for Kansas City.TRANSACTIONSPhillies recalled Allard from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioned RHP Max Lazar to Lehigh Valley.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals OF Hunter Renfroe placed on 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. OF Tyler Gentry recalled from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTPhillies: RHP Zack Wheeler (12-6, 2.73 ERA) gets the start for their home series opener against Houston's Justin Verlander (3-3, 3.92) on Monday.

Schwarber and Stubbs power Phillies to Sunday win over Royals

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.

<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.