MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered on a pitch outside the strike zone for the fourth time this season and Paul DeJong finished a triple short of the cycle, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1 Wednesday to avoid a series sweep.

Witt homered into the left-center bullpen on a shoulder-high, full-count fastball from Louie Varland (0-5) in the third inning, putting the Royals ahead 2-0 with his 24th home run this season. The pitch was 4.07 feet above the ground, the highest hit by a Kansas City player for a home run since pitch tracking started in 2008, according to MLB Statcast.

Witt leads the major leagues with a .349 average.

DeJong doubled in the second inning and scored on Kyle Isbel’s groundout, singled in the fourth and homered in the sixth. DeJong reached 20 homers for the first time since hitting a career-high 30 for St. Louis in 2019, when he was an All-Star.

Cole Ragans (10-7) struck out eight and walked none in seven innings, allowing one run and five hits. He has won three straight starts for the first time as a major leaguer.

Mixing 20 changeups, 12 knuckle-curves, 11 sliders and nine cutters with 54 fastballs that averaged 95.3 mph, the All-Star retired 13 of his first 15 batters and his final six. He gave up Carlos Santana’s fourth-inning homer on a changeup, then stranded the bases loaded in the fifth when Royce Lewis grounded out.

Lucas Erceg induced two groundouts and a popup in a 13-pitch outing for his fifth save in eight chances.

Kansas City (66-55) is in position for the third AL wild card berth while the Twins (67-53) are on track for the second wild card spot. The Royals are 3-7 against the Twins this season and 14-28 against Minnesota since 2022.

Varland gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings, remaining winless since Sept. 12. He was recalled from St. Paul by the Twins, who optioned right-hander Josh Winder to the Triple-A club.

Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI double in the seventh on a 100.3 mph pitch from Jhoan Duran.

Royals: INF Michael Massey (back tightness) didn’t play.

Twins: Manager Rocco Baldelli said OF Byron Buxton will likely remain out of the lineup “not a long while, but a little while.” Buxton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-buxton-injury-415d16c520152c86c0eebce042f9ed8a">exited</a>&nbsp;Monday’s game with right hip discomfort, but an MRI test did not show a significant issue.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-6, 3.79 ERA) is set to open Kansas City’s three-game series in Cincinnati against Reds RHP Nick Martinez (6-5, 3.16) on Friday.

Twins: RHP Bailey Ober (12-5, 3.52 ERA) is to be on the mound on Thursday night at Texas, which starts LHP Cody Bradford (4-0, 3.60).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723667063976.jpeg" alt="Bobby Witt Jr., right, celebrates his solo home run with Royals teammate Vinnie Pasquantino, left, during the third inning Wednesday at Target Field. (Matt Krohn/Associated Press)" />
 <figcaption>Bobby Witt Jr., right, celebrates his solo home run with Royals teammate Vinnie Pasquantino, left, during the third inning Wednesday at Target Field. (Matt Krohn/Associated Press)</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered on a pitch outside the strike zone for the fourth time this season and Paul DeJong finished a triple short of the cycle, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1 Wednesday to avoid a series sweep.Witt homered into the left-center bullpen on a shoulder-high, full-count fastball from Louie Varland (0-5) in the third inning, putting the Royals ahead 2-0 with his 24th home run this season. The pitch was 4.07 feet above the ground, the highest hit by a Kansas City player for a home run since pitch tracking started in 2008, according to MLB Statcast.Witt leads the major leagues with a .349 average.DeJong doubled in the second inning and scored on Kyle Isbel’s groundout, singled in the fourth and homered in the sixth. DeJong reached 20 homers for the first time since hitting a career-high 30 for St. Louis in 2019, when he was an All-Star.Cole Ragans (10-7) struck out eight and walked none in seven innings, allowing one run and five hits. He has won three straight starts for the first time as a major leaguer.Mixing 20 changeups, 12 knuckle-curves, 11 sliders and nine cutters with 54 fastballs that averaged 95.3 mph, the All-Star retired 13 of his first 15 batters and his final six. He gave up Carlos Santana’s fourth-inning homer on a changeup, then stranded the bases loaded in the fifth when Royce Lewis grounded out.Lucas Erceg induced two groundouts and a popup in a 13-pitch outing for his fifth save in eight chances.Kansas City (66-55) is in position for the third AL wild card berth while the Twins (67-53) are on track for the second wild card spot. The Royals are 3-7 against the Twins this season and 14-28 against Minnesota since 2022.Varland gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings, remaining winless since Sept. 12. He was recalled from St. Paul by the Twins, who optioned right-hander Josh Winder to the Triple-A club.Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI double in the seventh on a 100.3 mph pitch from Jhoan Duran.<h2>TRAINER’S ROOM</h2>Royals: INF Michael Massey (back tightness) didn’t play.Twins: Manager Rocco Baldelli said OF Byron Buxton will likely remain out of the lineup “not a long while, but a little while.” Buxton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-buxton-injury-415d16c520152c86c0eebce042f9ed8a">exited</a>&nbsp;Monday’s game with right hip discomfort, but an MRI test did not show a significant issue.<h2>UP NEXT</h2>Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-6, 3.79 ERA) is set to open Kansas City’s three-game series in Cincinnati against Reds RHP Nick Martinez (6-5, 3.16) on Friday.Twins: RHP Bailey Ober (12-5, 3.52 ERA) is to be on the mound on Thursday night at Texas, which starts LHP Cody Bradford (4-0, 3.60).

⚾ Royals beat Twins Wednesday afternoon to avoid sweep

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The first Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph for several Chiefs rookies is coming to an end.

Many of the young players have impressed during camp as they try to survive the roster cut to 53 players coming up on August 29th.

Assistant General Manager Mike Borgonzi says he's been impressed with the rookies that have been thrown right into the mix, like left tackle Kingsley Suamataia.

"Playing left tackle as a rookie in the NFL is not an easy job and he's going to go through his ups and downs, but he's coachable, the consistency with him, all the rookies really," Borgonzi tells reporters following practice.

Borgonzi says he was also impressed with safety Jaden Hicks during Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars.

It was a bit of a disappointing season last year for Chiefs first round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, though some of his biggest plays came in the Super Bowl.

But during this year's camp Anudike-Uzomah has shown he could be an impact player along the defensive line.

Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen says Anudike-Uzomah has entered this year's camp in better physical shape, and is more in tune with the defense.

"Just mentally, I mean he knows the playbook, he's playing faster, I was really pleased he did some really good things in the game against two of their better tackles in his pass rush and he's continuing to develop and get better," Cullen says.

Anudike-Uzomah also worked out this offseason with former Chiefs defensive end Tamba Hali, something that was a tremendous help to George Karlaftis following his rookie year.

Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars gave the Chiefs special teams unit their first look at the new kickoff rule in game action.

While Special Teams coordinator Dave Toub has his guys working every day during training camp in St. Joseph at learning the details of the new rule, Toub says there was really nothing from the game to learn that hadn't been done in practice.

"Just the game speed and the guy's barrel assing down at you to tackle you makes a difference, and then you've got to make smart decisions out there," Toub explains. "It was a great learning experience for everybody, and I think we made a great training tape for the whole league really to be honest with you."

The Chiefs did have one miscue on the new kickoff when Mecole Hardman took the ball back into the endzone, resulting in a safety, which Toub says has been addressed.

The Chiefs will wrap up their time in St. Joseph Thursday with practice at 8:15 a.m. It's Military Appreciation Day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723663248924.jpeg" alt="Chiefs logo painted on hill at Missouri Western/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs logo painted on hill at Missouri Western/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The first Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph for several Chiefs rookies is coming to an end.Many of the young players have impressed during camp as they try to survive the roster cut to 53 players coming up on August 29th.Assistant General Manager Mike Borgonzi says he's been impressed with the rookies that have been thrown right into the mix, like left tackle Kingsley Suamataia."Playing left tackle as a rookie in the NFL is not an easy job and he's going to go through his ups and downs, but he's coachable, the consistency with him, all the rookies really," Borgonzi tells reporters following practice.Borgonzi says he was also impressed with safety Jaden Hicks during Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722969461905.jpeg" alt="Chiefs rookie safety Jaden Hicks makes a play on Travis Kelce/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs rookie safety Jaden Hicks makes a play on Travis Kelce/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>It was a bit of a disappointing season last year for Chiefs first round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, though some of his biggest plays came in the Super Bowl.But during this year's camp Anudike-Uzomah has shown he could be an impact player along the defensive line.Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen says Anudike-Uzomah has entered this year's camp in better physical shape, and is more in tune with the defense."Just mentally, I mean he knows the playbook, he's playing faster, I was really pleased he did some really good things in the game against two of their better tackles in his pass rush and he's continuing to develop and get better," Cullen says.Anudike-Uzomah also worked out this offseason with former Chiefs defensive end Tamba Hali, something that was a tremendous help to George Karlaftis following his rookie year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721674165746.jpeg" alt="The Chiefs defense huddles up during the first training camp practice at Missouri Western State University/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>The Chiefs defense huddles up during the first training camp practice at Missouri Western State University/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars gave the Chiefs special teams unit their first look at the new kickoff rule in game action.While Special Teams coordinator Dave Toub has his guys working every day during training camp in St. Joseph at learning the details of the new rule, Toub says there was really nothing from the game to learn that hadn't been done in practice."Just the game speed and the guy's barrel assing down at you to tackle you makes a difference, and then you've got to make smart decisions out there," Toub explains. "It was a great learning experience for everybody, and I think we made a great training tape for the whole league really to be honest with you."The Chiefs did have one miscue on the new kickoff when Mecole Hardman took the ball back into the endzone, resulting in a safety, which Toub says has been addressed.The Chiefs will wrap up their time in St. Joseph Thursday with practice at 8:15 a.m. It's Military Appreciation Day.

🏈 Chiefs coaches, front office impressed by rookies

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The NJCAA announced Wednesday that the season opening football game between Hutchinson and New Mexico Military Institute will be streamed on ESPN+.&nbsp;

The game will be played on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Gowans Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.

The Blue Dragons and the Broncos are meeting for the fourth time on the gridiron, the Blue Dragons have won the previous three times.

HutchCC was picked to win the Jayhawk Conference at its Media Day in July, while NMMI was picked to finish fifth in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference.&nbsp;

ESPN+ is&nbsp;a paid subscription service available through ESPNplus.com and the ESPN app. With ESPN+, you can access thousands of live events like UFC PPV events*, on-demand content, and exclusive shows that aren't available through ESPN's traditional TV networks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723662231300.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA &amp; ESPN+" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA &amp; ESPN+</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The NJCAA announced Wednesday that the season opening football game between Hutchinson and New Mexico Military Institute will be streamed on ESPN+.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">𝑨 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑫𝒂𝒚, 𝑨 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑬𝒓𝒂, 𝑨 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏🏈<a href="https://twitter.com/nmmibroncos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmmibroncos</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/bluedragonsport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bluedragonsport</a> The first <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNPlus</a> NJCAA Game of the Week of the year starts on Thursday, August 29th at 6:00pm CT at Gowans Stadium‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreatheFire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreatheFire</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GRINDHOUSE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GRINDHOUSE</a> <a href="https://t.co/23k7hrneJW">pic.twitter.com/23k7hrneJW</a>&mdash; NJCAA Network (@NJCAANetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/NJCAANetwork/status/1823786898797785218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The game will be played on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Gowans Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.The Blue Dragons and the Broncos are meeting for the fourth time on the gridiron, the Blue Dragons have won the previous three times.HutchCC was picked to win the Jayhawk Conference at its Media Day in July, while NMMI was picked to finish fifth in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference.&nbsp;ESPN+ is&nbsp;a paid subscription service available through ESPNplus.com and the ESPN app. With ESPN+, you can access thousands of live events like UFC PPV events*, on-demand content, and exclusive shows that aren't available through ESPN's traditional TV networks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 HutchCC season opener to be streamed on ESPN+

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, August 14th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, August 14th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="August 14th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jvtve-169f6f4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals drop anther game to Twins; 

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge fell victim to an early scoring stretch in an 8-3 series-opening loss to the Arkansas Travelers at Riverfront Stadium. The Travelers put six of their eight tallies up through the opening three innings.

Ben Williamson connected on a two-RBI double to right to start the scoring in the top of the first for Arkansas. The following batter, Jared Oliva, doubled himself toward the other corner in left, and Williamson crossed the plate for a game-opening three-spot for the visiting Travelers.

Andrew Cossetti, who hit a pair of home runs in Sunday’s series finale at Corpus Christi, brought the Wind Surge within one on a two-run triple off the left field wall in the home half of the first.

Cole Young pushed Arkansas back up to a 5-2 cushion with a two-RBI double to right field, though he got thrown out trying to move over to third. The ball traveled from&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;to the cutoff man&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;and the third baseman&nbsp;Jake Rucker,&nbsp;who tagged out Young. Jake Anchia would later add on a sixth Travelers run with a base knock up the middle with two outs in the top of the third.

After the fourth and fifth innings had goose eggs appear, Cossetti totaled his third RBI of the night on a sacrifice fly to left field in the last of the sixth. He’s added six RBIs in his last two games, three apiece in each contest.

Taylor Floyd&nbsp;evens out at 3-3 with the loss, giving up five earned runs on five hits with three walks in one and one-third innings in his first professional start.&nbsp;Kyle Bischoff&nbsp;served as a beacon out of the bullpen with five strikeouts against two walks over the final two innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723635513909.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Wind SurgeWICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge fell victim to an early scoring stretch in an 8-3 series-opening loss to the Arkansas Travelers at Riverfront Stadium. The Travelers put six of their eight tallies up through the opening three innings.Ben Williamson connected on a two-RBI double to right to start the scoring in the top of the first for Arkansas. The following batter, Jared Oliva, doubled himself toward the other corner in left, and Williamson crossed the plate for a game-opening three-spot for the visiting Travelers.Andrew Cossetti, who hit a pair of home runs in Sunday’s series finale at Corpus Christi, brought the Wind Surge within one on a two-run triple off the left field wall in the home half of the first.Cole Young pushed Arkansas back up to a 5-2 cushion with a two-RBI double to right field, though he got thrown out trying to move over to third. The ball traveled from&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;to the cutoff man&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;and the third baseman&nbsp;Jake Rucker,&nbsp;who tagged out Young. Jake Anchia would later add on a sixth Travelers run with a base knock up the middle with two outs in the top of the third.After the fourth and fifth innings had goose eggs appear, Cossetti totaled his third RBI of the night on a sacrifice fly to left field in the last of the sixth. He’s added six RBIs in his last two games, three apiece in each contest.Taylor Floyd&nbsp;evens out at 3-3 with the loss, giving up five earned runs on five hits with three walks in one and one-third innings in his first professional start.&nbsp;Kyle Bischoff&nbsp;served as a beacon out of the bullpen with five strikeouts against two walks over the final two innings.

⚾ Wind Surge falls behind early in loss to Travelers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star right-hander his worst start this season and beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3. Matthews allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts in the latest and most meaningful feat for the 24-year-old righty who started the season in Class A. The Twins had three homers and eight extra-base hits among 15 hits. Jose Miranda had three hits and two RBIs and Matt Wallner had three runs plus two hits and a walk.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Hunter Greene allowed one run through seven innings, Jeimer Candelario hit a two-run homer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 to secure a win of the series between the NL Central rivals. The hard-throwing Greene (9-4) allowed four hits while striking out eight and walking one in notching his third straight win. Spencer Steer had a two-out, RBI single in the first inning. Ty France led off the second with a homer off the roof of the Cardinals bullpen in right, his 11th of the season. Candelario smashed his 19th homer with two outs in the sixth.

CHICAGO (AP) — Juan Soto has hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his career, connecting in three consecutive at-bats for the New York Yankees against the Chicago White Sox. The slugger started his outburst with a two-run shot to left field off starter Jonathan Cannon in the third inning. Soto tagged Cannon for a solo drive in the fifth, going the other way again. The four-time All-Star added his 33rd homer of the season in the seventh off left-handed reliever Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0. With a chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game, Soto walked in the ninth.

CHICAGO (AP) — New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. appears headed to the injured list with a left elbow injury, manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday. The 26-year-old Chisholm has a probable ulnar collateral ligament injury and Boone said he will “likely” end up on the IL. He said more physicians are evaluating the elbow and that the club should have enough information to make a decision by Wednesday. Chisholm was hurt on a headfirst dive scoring in the fifth. He left during the seventh inning of Monday’s 12-2 loss to the White Sox but downplayed the injury after the game.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been arrested and charged with domestic violence after a fight with his fiancee. Police in Avon, Ohio, say Hall was booked and arraigned at Avon Lake Municipal Court and was released after posting bond. The Browns say they are aware of the incident involving the second-round pick from Ohio State. According to an incident report, the woman told police that Hall struck her with a baby bottle, dragged her along a porch and driveway and held a gun to her temple. Police say they seized two handguns.

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France (AP) — Golf has been part of the Olympics for the last three Summer Games and continues to deliver big stars to the podium and memorable outcomes. Some of that is because of the small fields of 60 players, about half of whom don't get a regular diet on the big stage. The latest was Scottie Scheffler's remarkable comeback at Le Golf National to add Olympic gold to an already great year. And there was Lydia Ko, with an even greater storybook finish. The New Zealander now has medaled in all three Olympics and her gold got her into the LPGA Hall of Fame.

UNDATED (AP) — Tennessee has announced a long-term deal with travel-center giant Pilot that preserves the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field while giving the Knoxville-based company prominent signage throughout the stadium, including on the playing surface. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it will initially be for up to 20 years. Tennessee athletic director Danny White says the agreement could be described as a naming rights deal without a name change for the 101,915-seat stadium. The deal comes as big-time college sports schools search for new revenue to address rising costs, including more money going directly to athletes.

UNDATED (AP) — No. 10 Florida State got a taste of being back among the country's best programs in winning the ACC title last season. The Seminoles want even more this season. The undefeated program that won its first league crown since 2014 missed out on the College Football Playoff. Coach Mike Norvell and his players know a similar season would put them in the field for the expanded, 12-team playoff. Clemson was the league favorite last season before a 4-4 start ruined their championship dreams. But the Tigers were picked second behind Florida State this season.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan coach Sherrone Moore says he looks forward to the release of his text messages with Connor Stalions, the former low-level recruiting staffer who resigned amid a sign-stealing scandal. Moore spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time since the NCAA alleged he violated rules. The allegations were included in a confidential notice that the governing body sent to the school. Two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said Moore has been accused of deleting text message exchanges with Stalions. Moore has said he will continue to cooperate with the NCAA in its investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, August 14th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, August 14th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star right-hander his worst start this season and beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3. Matthews allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts in the latest and most meaningful feat for the 24-year-old righty who started the season in Class A. The Twins had three homers and eight extra-base hits among 15 hits. Jose Miranda had three hits and two RBIs and Matt Wallner had three runs plus two hits and a walk.CINCINNATI (AP) — Hunter Greene allowed one run through seven innings, Jeimer Candelario hit a two-run homer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 to secure a win of the series between the NL Central rivals. The hard-throwing Greene (9-4) allowed four hits while striking out eight and walking one in notching his third straight win. Spencer Steer had a two-out, RBI single in the first inning. Ty France led off the second with a homer off the roof of the Cardinals bullpen in right, his 11th of the season. Candelario smashed his 19th homer with two outs in the sixth.CHICAGO (AP) — Juan Soto has hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his career, connecting in three consecutive at-bats for the New York Yankees against the Chicago White Sox. The slugger started his outburst with a two-run shot to left field off starter Jonathan Cannon in the third inning. Soto tagged Cannon for a solo drive in the fifth, going the other way again. The four-time All-Star added his 33rd homer of the season in the seventh off left-handed reliever Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0. With a chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game, Soto walked in the ninth.CHICAGO (AP) — New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. appears headed to the injured list with a left elbow injury, manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday. The 26-year-old Chisholm has a probable ulnar collateral ligament injury and Boone said he will “likely” end up on the IL. He said more physicians are evaluating the elbow and that the club should have enough information to make a decision by Wednesday. Chisholm was hurt on a headfirst dive scoring in the fifth. He left during the seventh inning of Monday’s 12-2 loss to the White Sox but downplayed the injury after the game.CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been arrested and charged with domestic violence after a fight with his fiancee. Police in Avon, Ohio, say Hall was booked and arraigned at Avon Lake Municipal Court and was released after posting bond. The Browns say they are aware of the incident involving the second-round pick from Ohio State. According to an incident report, the woman told police that Hall struck her with a baby bottle, dragged her along a porch and driveway and held a gun to her temple. Police say they seized two handguns.SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France (AP) — Golf has been part of the Olympics for the last three Summer Games and continues to deliver big stars to the podium and memorable outcomes. Some of that is because of the small fields of 60 players, about half of whom don't get a regular diet on the big stage. The latest was Scottie Scheffler's remarkable comeback at Le Golf National to add Olympic gold to an already great year. And there was Lydia Ko, with an even greater storybook finish. The New Zealander now has medaled in all three Olympics and her gold got her into the LPGA Hall of Fame.UNDATED (AP) — Tennessee has announced a long-term deal with travel-center giant Pilot that preserves the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field while giving the Knoxville-based company prominent signage throughout the stadium, including on the playing surface. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it will initially be for up to 20 years. Tennessee athletic director Danny White says the agreement could be described as a naming rights deal without a name change for the 101,915-seat stadium. The deal comes as big-time college sports schools search for new revenue to address rising costs, including more money going directly to athletes.UNDATED (AP) — No. 10 Florida State got a taste of being back among the country's best programs in winning the ACC title last season. The Seminoles want even more this season. The undefeated program that won its first league crown since 2014 missed out on the College Football Playoff. Coach Mike Norvell and his players know a similar season would put them in the field for the expanded, 12-team playoff. Clemson was the league favorite last season before a 4-4 start ruined their championship dreams. But the Tigers were picked second behind Florida State this season.ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan coach Sherrone Moore says he looks forward to the release of his text messages with Connor Stalions, the former low-level recruiting staffer who resigned amid a sign-stealing scandal. Moore spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time since the NCAA alleged he violated rules. The allegations were included in a confidential notice that the governing body sent to the school. Two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said Moore has been accused of deleting text message exchanges with Stalions. Moore has said he will continue to cooperate with the NCAA in its investigation.TUESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Cleveland 2 Chicago Cubs 1Final Washington 9 Baltimore 3Final Oakland 9 N.Y. Mets 4AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Detroit 15 Seattle 1Final Houston 3 Tampa Bay 2Final Boston 9 Texas 4Final Minnesota 13 Kansas City 3Final N.Y. Yankees 4 Chicago White Sox 1Final Toronto 6 L.A. Angels 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Cincinnati 4 St. Louis 1Final Miami 5 Philadelphia 0Final L.A. Dodgers 7 Milwaukee 2Final San Diego 3 Pittsburgh 0

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

SALINA, Kan. — Kansas Wesleyan will launch its 26th intercollegiate sport in the fall of 2025, as the university announced Tuesday that women’s wrestling will begin competition that semester. A coach will be hired this fall, with assistant coaches to follow.

“It’s always exciting to add a new opportunity for our students,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. “This balances our athletic offerings by enabling a new, female-specific competition, and it’s a growing sport with a strong Midwest base. This decision, however, is about more than that. These types of additions give our students chances to compete and to learn the valuable life skills athletics can teach. Away from the mats, our university is investing in athletic facilities, we’re building new residence halls (and renovating existing ones), and this semester, we’ll have a new dining hall. All of this comes together to create an environment that puts the student first and helps them have a great experience as a Coyote.”

The program is the first KWU has added since Sept. 2020, when men’s volleyball joined the slate. Current offerings Esports, women’s flag football, and men’s and women’s bowling have also joined the Coyote Athletic Department in the past decade.

KWU’s team will practice in Muir Gym, using a suspension mat system. KWU will renovate a locker room for the team, as well.

There are 37 NAIA schools in the United States who offer women’s wrestling programs. More than one-third of them (14) are in Kansas, Missouri or Nebraska, and the Coyotes will become the sixth KCAC school to sponsor the sport. 2024 was the second year that the program held championship status in the NAIA.

“It’s always exciting to add a new sport,” said Athletic Director Miguel&nbsp;Paredes. “Women’s wrestling is on the rise nationally and is especially popular in the Midwest, but more than that, this is another addition to a fantastic Coyote experience. Our department has been at the forefront of adding emerging sports for years, and I’m pleased that this announcement continues that trend.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691416010742.jpeg" alt="Kwu logo" />
 <figcaption>Kwu logo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wesleyan UniversitySALINA, Kan. — Kansas Wesleyan will launch its 26th intercollegiate sport in the fall of 2025, as the university announced Tuesday that women’s wrestling will begin competition that semester. A coach will be hired this fall, with assistant coaches to follow.“It’s always exciting to add a new opportunity for our students,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. “This balances our athletic offerings by enabling a new, female-specific competition, and it’s a growing sport with a strong Midwest base. This decision, however, is about more than that. These types of additions give our students chances to compete and to learn the valuable life skills athletics can teach. Away from the mats, our university is investing in athletic facilities, we’re building new residence halls (and renovating existing ones), and this semester, we’ll have a new dining hall. All of this comes together to create an environment that puts the student first and helps them have a great experience as a Coyote.”The program is the first KWU has added since Sept. 2020, when men’s volleyball joined the slate. Current offerings Esports, women’s flag football, and men’s and women’s bowling have also joined the Coyote Athletic Department in the past decade.KWU’s team will practice in Muir Gym, using a suspension mat system. KWU will renovate a locker room for the team, as well.There are 37 NAIA schools in the United States who offer women’s wrestling programs. More than one-third of them (14) are in Kansas, Missouri or Nebraska, and the Coyotes will become the sixth KCAC school to sponsor the sport. 2024 was the second year that the program held championship status in the NAIA.“It’s always exciting to add a new sport,” said Athletic Director Miguel&nbsp;Paredes. “Women’s wrestling is on the rise nationally and is especially popular in the Midwest, but more than that, this is another addition to a fantastic Coyote experience. Our department has been at the forefront of adding emerging sports for years, and I’m pleased that this announcement continues that trend.”

KWU to add wrestling

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star right-hander his worst start of the season and beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3 on Tuesday night.

Matthews (1-0) allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts, the latest and most meaningful feat for the 24-year-old right-hander who started the season in Class A. His first strikeout? None other than All-Star Bobby Witt Jr.

“The first strikeout definitely helped calm the nerves,” Matthews said.

Matt Wallner (three runs, two hits) and Jose Miranda (three hits, two RBI) led the barrage against Lugo (13-7), and Max Kepler (three-run) and Kyle Farmer (two-run) hit homers off the bullpen. Christian Vázquez also homered for the Twins, who had eight of their 15 hits for extra bases in a rousing show of support for the rookie.

“You can go out there and you can attack the zone, just throw your best stuff, try to get guys out,” Matthews said. "It definitely helps a lot.”

Minnesota kept pace with AL Central leader Cleveland, still trailing by 3½ games. Kansas City fell six games back. The Twins (67-52) and Royals (65-55) control the second and third wild-card spots.

The first four batters reached against Lugo, the major league wins leader who endured by far the shortest of his 25 starts this year. Already trailing 5-2, he gave up three hits and a walk to start the fifth before being pulled. Lugo had logged at least six innings in all but four of his turns until this.

Lugo was charged with nine hits, a career-high-tying eight runs, two walks with four strikeouts. One run was unearned due to a throwing error on third baseman Maikel Garcia that put Miranda on and gave the Twins a fourth consecutive batter to reach base to start their first inning.

“This is a great lineup we have. Everybody puts in a great at-bat,” Vázquez said.

Wallner started the game with a leaping catch against the left field wall to steal a home run from Michael Massey, and Matthews didn't need much help after that.

The eighth-round 2022 draft pick out of Western Carolina induced a steady stream of routine groundballs and showed off his stellar control, dodging a solo home run by M.J. Melendez in the second and an RBI double by Massey in the fifth. In 102 combined innings over four levels this season, Matthews has just seven walks and 119 strikeouts.

“He’s got pretty good stuff. I think he’s going to be a pretty good pitcher in the big leagues,” said Royals catcher Salvador Perez, who hit his 22nd homer in the sixth.

The Twins just might wind up keeping Matthews in their rookie-laden rotation, with Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack sidelined.

“It’s definitely special, but you don’t quit working just because you made it here,” Matthews said. "There’s a lot of stuff to keep doing, keep improving on, so get back to work.”

The Twins have won 18 of their last 20 games against the Royals at Target Field, a stretch of dominance during which they’ve outscored them 123-56. The Twins are 7-2 against the Royals overall this year.

“They’re good,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They have a deep team. They have guys who can do a lot of different things.”

Twins CF Byron Buxton was held out of the lineup with a discomfort in his right hip that prompted his early removal from the game on Monday, but an MRI test came back clean.

Royals: LHP Cole Ragans (9-7, 3.27 ERA) will pitch on Wednesday afternoon. The opening day starter is sixth in MLB in strikeouts.

Twins: RHP Louie Varland (0-4, 6.46 ERA) was on track to start the final game of the series. He pitched 4 2/3 innings on Friday in the second half of a doubleheader sweep of Cleveland as the 27th player.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723628633213.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star right-hander his worst start of the season and beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3 on Tuesday night.Matthews (1-0) allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts, the latest and most meaningful feat for the 24-year-old right-hander who started the season in Class A. His first strikeout? None other than All-Star Bobby Witt Jr.“The first strikeout definitely helped calm the nerves,” Matthews said.Matt Wallner (three runs, two hits) and Jose Miranda (three hits, two RBI) led the barrage against Lugo (13-7), and Max Kepler (three-run) and Kyle Farmer (two-run) hit homers off the bullpen. Christian Vázquez also homered for the Twins, who had eight of their 15 hits for extra bases in a rousing show of support for the rookie.“You can go out there and you can attack the zone, just throw your best stuff, try to get guys out,” Matthews said. "It definitely helps a lot.”Minnesota kept pace with AL Central leader Cleveland, still trailing by 3½ games. Kansas City fell six games back. The Twins (67-52) and Royals (65-55) control the second and third wild-card spots.The first four batters reached against Lugo, the major league wins leader who endured by far the shortest of his 25 starts this year. Already trailing 5-2, he gave up three hits and a walk to start the fifth before being pulled. Lugo had logged at least six innings in all but four of his turns until this.Lugo was charged with nine hits, a career-high-tying eight runs, two walks with four strikeouts. One run was unearned due to a throwing error on third baseman Maikel Garcia that put Miranda on and gave the Twins a fourth consecutive batter to reach base to start their first inning.“This is a great lineup we have. Everybody puts in a great at-bat,” Vázquez said.Wallner started the game with a leaping catch against the left field wall to steal a home run from Michael Massey, and Matthews didn't need much help after that.The eighth-round 2022 draft pick out of Western Carolina induced a steady stream of routine groundballs and showed off his stellar control, dodging a solo home run by M.J. Melendez in the second and an RBI double by Massey in the fifth. In 102 combined innings over four levels this season, Matthews has just seven walks and 119 strikeouts.“He’s got pretty good stuff. I think he’s going to be a pretty good pitcher in the big leagues,” said Royals catcher Salvador Perez, who hit his 22nd homer in the sixth.The Twins just might wind up keeping Matthews in their rookie-laden rotation, with Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack sidelined.“It’s definitely special, but you don’t quit working just because you made it here,” Matthews said. "There’s a lot of stuff to keep doing, keep improving on, so get back to work.”The Twins have won 18 of their last 20 games against the Royals at Target Field, a stretch of dominance during which they’ve outscored them 123-56. The Twins are 7-2 against the Royals overall this year.“They’re good,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They have a deep team. They have guys who can do a lot of different things.”TRAINER'S ROOMTwins CF Byron Buxton was held out of the lineup with a discomfort in his right hip that prompted his early removal from the game on Monday, but an MRI test came back clean.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Cole Ragans (9-7, 3.27 ERA) will pitch on Wednesday afternoon. The opening day starter is sixth in MLB in strikeouts.Twins: RHP Louie Varland (0-4, 6.46 ERA) was on track to start the final game of the series. He pitched 4 2/3 innings on Friday in the second half of a doubleheader sweep of Cleveland as the 27th player.

⚾ Royals lose to Twins Tuesday

After spending most of Training Camp in St. Joseph recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson returned to practice last week.

Watson played through most of last season with a shoulder injury, choosing not to sit out.

Since returning from the physically unable to perform list near the end of camp, his first practice coming at the start of last week, Watson says it's been a challenge

"You know the coach is pushing me to get my conditioning back, get my legs back, so it's been going good as of late," Watson tells reporters following practice.

Watson is competing with players like Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson to earn the number two cornerback spot behind Trent McDuffie.

Watson says the competition has been fun, but it's nothing new.

"We've been doing this for three years, it's always been healthy competition, we always root for each other's success, and whoever is going to take the spot is going to be willing of it," Watson says.

On top of a battle for the second cornerback spot, another battle has caught the eyes of fans during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.

The battle for the starting left tackle between second year pro Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia has been one of the biggest camp battles.

Suamataia got his first bit of game action on Saturday against the Jaguars and says he feels good about his performance

"I went against one of the pass rushers in the league Josh Allen, he's a dog I've watched him since I was in college and high school, so it was a great experience," Suamataia says. "It's funny, I went against this guy, and I was like 'Ok I belong here, I can play with these guys', but I just can't wait for Detroit now."

With Morris currently injured, Suamataia has been getting most of the reps with the first team offense and does look poised to earn the starting job.

The Chiefs were on the practice fields for just over two hours today. They practice again Wednesday at 9:15 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723574554305.jpeg" alt="Chiefs fans have been treated to several players competing to win a spot at their position during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs fans have been treated to several players competing to win a spot at their position during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostAfter spending most of Training Camp in St. Joseph recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson returned to practice last week.Watson played through most of last season with a shoulder injury, choosing not to sit out.Since returning from the physically unable to perform list near the end of camp, his first practice coming at the start of last week, Watson says it's been a challenge"You know the coach is pushing me to get my conditioning back, get my legs back, so it's been going good as of late," Watson tells reporters following practice.Watson is competing with players like Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson to earn the number two cornerback spot behind Trent McDuffie.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723574620919.jpeg" alt="Joshua Wiliams, one player competing for the second cornerback spot, walks down the hill to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Wiliams, one player competing for the second cornerback spot, walks down the hill to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Watson says the competition has been fun, but it's nothing new."We've been doing this for three years, it's always been healthy competition, we always root for each other's success, and whoever is going to take the spot is going to be willing of it," Watson says.On top of a battle for the second cornerback spot, another battle has caught the eyes of fans during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721759260951.jpeg" alt="Kingsley Suamataia signs autographs for fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Kingsley Suamataia signs autographs for fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>The battle for the starting left tackle between second year pro Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia has been one of the biggest camp battles.Suamataia got his first bit of game action on Saturday against the Jaguars and says he feels good about his performance"I went against one of the pass rushers in the league Josh Allen, he's a dog I've watched him since I was in college and high school, so it was a great experience," Suamataia says. "It's funny, I went against this guy, and I was like 'Ok I belong here, I can play with these guys', but I just can't wait for Detroit now."With Morris currently injured, Suamataia has been getting most of the reps with the first team offense and does look poised to earn the starting job.The Chiefs were on the practice fields for just over two hours today. They practice again Wednesday at 9:15 a.m.

🏈 Chiefs fans see position battles play out during Training Camp in St. Joseph

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Tuesday, August 13th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Tuesday, August 13th, 2024</figcaption>
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🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals drop game to Twins; 🏐 Barton picked to repeat

USA Gymnastics officials say an arbitration panel won't reconsider a decision asking gymnast Jordan Chiles to return the bronze medal she was awarded in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics.

USA Gymnastics says it will continue efforts to let Chiles keep the medal.

“USA Gymnastics was notified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday that their rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered even when conclusive new evidence is presented,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement. “We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan.”

CAS voided an on-floor appeal from Chiles’ coach that vaulted her to third, saying the appeal came 4 seconds beyond the one-minute time limit for scoring inquiries.

USA Gymnastics disputed the timing, saying Sunday that the agency submitted video evidence to CAS that showed Team USA coach Cecile Landi first appealed 13 seconds before the deadline.

The dispute over such minute details sets up what could be a months- or years-long legal battle over the gymnastics scores.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said Saturday night it would respect the court’s decision and elevate Ana Barbosu of Romania to third. The International Olympic Committee confirmed the ruling Sunday, announcing that it was reallocating the medal.

CAS ruled Saturday that Landi’s inquiry to have 0.1 added to Chiles’ score came outside the one-minute window. The CAS ad hoc committee wrote that Landi’s inquiry came 1 minute, 4 seconds after Chiles’ initial score was posted.

The IOC said it will be in touch with the USOPC regarding the return of Chiles’ bronze and will work with the Romanian Olympic Committee to discuss a reallocation ceremony honoring Barbosu. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil won gold and Simone Biles of the U.S. was the silver medalist.

Any appeal could go to Switzerland’s highest court, the Swiss Tribunal, or the European Court of Human Rights.

Late Monday, rapper Flavor Flav — who has been a prominent celebrity supporter of 2024 Olympians, including discus thrower Veronica Fraley — posted on the social media platform X that he had made a bedazzled bronze medal for Chiles as a potential replacement while the U.S. fights “the Powers that be.” The replacement is in the manner of a clock, which the rapper has worn for decades, since his days with the group Public Enemy.

“Thank you. Means the world," according to a reply posted on the X account of Gina Charles, the gymnast's mother. “She’s not on socials right now as you can imagine. I’ll share it with her.”

By The Associated PressUSA Gymnastics officials say an arbitration panel won't reconsider a decision asking gymnast Jordan Chiles to return the bronze medal she was awarded in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics.USA Gymnastics says it will continue efforts to let Chiles keep the medal.“USA Gymnastics was notified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday that their rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered even when conclusive new evidence is presented,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement. “We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan.”CAS voided an on-floor appeal from Chiles’ coach that vaulted her to third, saying the appeal came 4 seconds beyond the one-minute time limit for scoring inquiries.USA Gymnastics disputed the timing, saying Sunday that the agency submitted video evidence to CAS that showed Team USA coach Cecile Landi first appealed 13 seconds before the deadline.The dispute over such minute details sets up what could be a months- or years-long legal battle over the gymnastics scores.The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said Saturday night it would respect the court’s decision and elevate Ana Barbosu of Romania to third. The International Olympic Committee confirmed the ruling Sunday, announcing that it was reallocating the medal.CAS ruled Saturday that Landi’s inquiry to have 0.1 added to Chiles’ score came outside the one-minute window. The CAS ad hoc committee wrote that Landi’s inquiry came 1 minute, 4 seconds after Chiles’ initial score was posted.The IOC said it will be in touch with the USOPC regarding the return of Chiles’ bronze and will work with the Romanian Olympic Committee to discuss a reallocation ceremony honoring Barbosu. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil won gold and Simone Biles of the U.S. was the silver medalist.Any appeal could go to Switzerland’s highest court, the Swiss Tribunal, or the European Court of Human Rights.Late Monday, rapper Flavor Flav — who has been a prominent celebrity supporter of 2024 Olympians, including discus thrower Veronica Fraley — posted on the social media platform X that he had made a bedazzled bronze medal for Chiles as a potential replacement while the U.S. fights “the Powers that be.” The replacement is in the manner of a clock, which the rapper has worn for decades, since his days with the group Public Enemy.“Thank you. Means the world," according to a reply posted on the X account of Gina Charles, the gymnast's mother. “She’s not on socials right now as you can imagine. I’ll share it with her.”

Jordan Chiles medal inquiry: USA Gymnastics says arbitration panel won't reconsider decision

UNDATED (AP) — Georgia is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football poll for the second straight year. The Bulldogs received 46 first-place votes to finish comfortably ahead of No. 2 Ohio State, which got 15 top votes. Oregon is No. 3 while Texas is fourth and Alabama is fifth. Conference realignment created an unprecedented preseason poll with just four conferences represented: The SEC has nine ranked teams. The Big Ten has six, the Big 12 has five and the ACC has four. Notre Dame, an independent, is ranked seventh.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown did not need surgery for the shoulder injury he suffered in the team’s preseason opener in Jacksonville. Brown spent Saturday night in a Jacksonville hospital before being released Sunday morning and was not present for Monday’s practice. “They were able to get the joint back in place without surgery, which is a positive,” Reid said. “We’ll just see on the recovery. He’s back in Kansas City now. He stayed over in Jacksonville until they got that thing situated.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Willi Castro had a three-run home run and Royce Lewis hit a two-run shot in a six-run second inning for the Minnesota Twins on the way to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Twins improved to 6-2 against the Royals this season in opening a key series between the division rivals and close wild card competitors. The Twins are 6-2 against the Royals this season. They remained 3½ games behind American League Central leader Cleveland after splitting a four-game series with the Guardians over the weekend. The third-place Royals dropped to five games back.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Mookie Betts welcomes a return to right field even though he believes he has shown he also can do a fine job at shortstop. The eight-time All-Star came off the injured list Monday at Milwaukee, playing right field and batting second for the Los Angeles Dodgers after missing nearly two months with a broken left hand. The former leadoff hitter belted a two-run homer off Freddy Peralta with two outs in the third inning.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Spencer Steer homered in consecutive at-bats and drove in five runs, and Elly De La Cruz hit his team-leading 21st homer as the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1. Andrew Abbott allowed one run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings to snap his three-game losing streak. The left-hander was tagged for 12 earned runs over his previous 13 1/3 innings. Cardinals starter Sonny Gray struck out nine in five innings, but is winless in three career starts against his former club. He gave up six runs and five hits, including three homers. Abbott escaped bases-loaded jams in the second and third. He finished with six strikeouts and retired 11 straight batters during one stretch.

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have suspended Jarren Duran for two games without pay after he shouted a homophobic slur to a fan behind home plate who heckled him in a loss to the Houston Astros. The exchange, caught on a live mic Sunday during the broadcast of the game, occurred when Duran was at the plate in the sixth inning. Duran issued an apology through the team Sunday night and again in the clubhouse Monday. The Red Sox said in a statement that Duran’s salary during the suspension will be donated to the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — As the Olympics close in Paris, Los Angeles has now taken the torch. The city will become the third to host the games three times. The last was in 1984, when Los Angeles was as much a star as Olympians Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton. Olympic organizers will take advantage of a recent building boom in the city. The nearly new SoFi stadium will host an opening ceremony that will also incorporate the century-old Memorial Coliseum. The region has much more public transportation than it did in '84, but is looking to build much more by 2028.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Austin Dillon won for the first time in nearly two years in the NASCAR Cup Series. The race seemed out of reach before he spun Joey Logano out of the way and then sent Denny Hamlin into the wall as well. That all happened in the final few seconds at Richmond on Sunday night. Once the initial celebration ended, Dillon had quite a bit to answer for. But becoming a NASCAR villain for a few days may be a small price to pay for such a desperately needed victory.

UNDATED (AP) — Jason Kelce was destined for a career in the media long before he partnered with his brother, Travis, to co-host a popular podcast. It was evident early on after Andy Reid selected Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 draft that his dynamic personality would play well on the other side of the microphone. Kelce became a go-to source for reporters throughout his 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s insightful, eloquent and funny. Kelce has the skills to succeed in television and he brings credibility to the studio where he’ll be part of ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” broadcast team.

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Rodgers says in a soon-to-be published book that he should have handled discussing his COVID-19 immunization status differently. The New York Jets quarterback was still with the Green Bay Packers in 2021 when he told reporters he was “immunized” against the virus and then tested positive for COVID-19 three months later and had to be sidelined for 10 days. Rodgers unsuccessfully appealed to the league that his homeopathic treatment regimen should qualify him as vaccinated. ESPN reported the four-time NFL MVP says in the book “Out Of The Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers” that it's one thing he wishes could have gone differently.

Final Chicago White Sox 12 N.Y. Yankees 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, August 13th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, August 13th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8555270/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>UNDATED (AP) — Georgia is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football poll for the second straight year. The Bulldogs received 46 first-place votes to finish comfortably ahead of No. 2 Ohio State, which got 15 top votes. Oregon is No. 3 while Texas is fourth and Alabama is fifth. Conference realignment created an unprecedented preseason poll with just four conferences represented: The SEC has nine ranked teams. The Big Ten has six, the Big 12 has five and the ACC has four. Notre Dame, an independent, is ranked seventh.ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown did not need surgery for the shoulder injury he suffered in the team’s preseason opener in Jacksonville. Brown spent Saturday night in a Jacksonville hospital before being released Sunday morning and was not present for Monday’s practice. “They were able to get the joint back in place without surgery, which is a positive,” Reid said. “We’ll just see on the recovery. He’s back in Kansas City now. He stayed over in Jacksonville until they got that thing situated.”MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Willi Castro had a three-run home run and Royce Lewis hit a two-run shot in a six-run second inning for the Minnesota Twins on the way to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Twins improved to 6-2 against the Royals this season in opening a key series between the division rivals and close wild card competitors. The Twins are 6-2 against the Royals this season. They remained 3½ games behind American League Central leader Cleveland after splitting a four-game series with the Guardians over the weekend. The third-place Royals dropped to five games back.MILWAUKEE (AP) — Mookie Betts welcomes a return to right field even though he believes he has shown he also can do a fine job at shortstop. The eight-time All-Star came off the injured list Monday at Milwaukee, playing right field and batting second for the Los Angeles Dodgers after missing nearly two months with a broken left hand. The former leadoff hitter belted a two-run homer off Freddy Peralta with two outs in the third inning.CINCINNATI (AP) — Spencer Steer homered in consecutive at-bats and drove in five runs, and Elly De La Cruz hit his team-leading 21st homer as the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1. Andrew Abbott allowed one run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings to snap his three-game losing streak. The left-hander was tagged for 12 earned runs over his previous 13 1/3 innings. Cardinals starter Sonny Gray struck out nine in five innings, but is winless in three career starts against his former club. He gave up six runs and five hits, including three homers. Abbott escaped bases-loaded jams in the second and third. He finished with six strikeouts and retired 11 straight batters during one stretch.BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have suspended Jarren Duran for two games without pay after he shouted a homophobic slur to a fan behind home plate who heckled him in a loss to the Houston Astros. The exchange, caught on a live mic Sunday during the broadcast of the game, occurred when Duran was at the plate in the sixth inning. Duran issued an apology through the team Sunday night and again in the clubhouse Monday. The Red Sox said in a statement that Duran’s salary during the suspension will be donated to the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.LOS ANGELES (AP) — As the Olympics close in Paris, Los Angeles has now taken the torch. The city will become the third to host the games three times. The last was in 1984, when Los Angeles was as much a star as Olympians Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton. Olympic organizers will take advantage of a recent building boom in the city. The nearly new SoFi stadium will host an opening ceremony that will also incorporate the century-old Memorial Coliseum. The region has much more public transportation than it did in '84, but is looking to build much more by 2028.RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Austin Dillon won for the first time in nearly two years in the NASCAR Cup Series. The race seemed out of reach before he spun Joey Logano out of the way and then sent Denny Hamlin into the wall as well. That all happened in the final few seconds at Richmond on Sunday night. Once the initial celebration ended, Dillon had quite a bit to answer for. But becoming a NASCAR villain for a few days may be a small price to pay for such a desperately needed victory.UNDATED (AP) — Jason Kelce was destined for a career in the media long before he partnered with his brother, Travis, to co-host a popular podcast. It was evident early on after Andy Reid selected Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 draft that his dynamic personality would play well on the other side of the microphone. Kelce became a go-to source for reporters throughout his 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s insightful, eloquent and funny. Kelce has the skills to succeed in television and he brings credibility to the studio where he’ll be part of ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” broadcast team.NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Rodgers says in a soon-to-be published book that he should have handled discussing his COVID-19 immunization status differently. The New York Jets quarterback was still with the Green Bay Packers in 2021 when he told reporters he was “immunized” against the virus and then tested positive for COVID-19 three months later and had to be sidelined for 10 days. Rodgers unsuccessfully appealed to the league that his homeopathic treatment regimen should qualify him as vaccinated. ESPN reported the four-time NFL MVP says in the book “Out Of The Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers” that it's one thing he wishes could have gone differently.MONDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUEINTERLEAGUEFinal Cleveland 9 Chicago Cubs 8AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Houston 6 Tampa Bay 1Final Minnesota 8 Kansas City 3Final Boston 5 Texas 4Final Chicago White Sox 12 N.Y. Yankees 2Final Toronto 4 L.A. Angels 2NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Cincinnati 6 St. Louis 1Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Milwaukee 2Final Arizona 5 Colorado 4Final San Diego 2 Pittsburgh 1

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

Hutchinson Community College was #20 in the NJCAA Division I preseason women's soccer poll released Monday. Iowa Western was #1. Cowley County was the highest ranked Kansas team at #10, with Butler at #12, and Barton at #17 ahead of the Dragons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723546088398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Community College was #20 in the NJCAA Division I preseason women's soccer poll released Monday. Iowa Western was #1. Cowley County was the highest ranked Kansas team at #10, with Butler at #12, and Barton at #17 ahead of the Dragons.

⚽ Hutch in women's soccer preseason poll

<a href="https://www.kjccc.org/sports/wvball/2024-25/releases/2024_D1_Volleyball_POF">Via KJCCC</a>

COLBY, Kan. — Reigning Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference division one volleyball regular season champion Barton Community College has been picked to repeat as conference champions in the 2024 KJCCC Division 1 Volleyball preseason order of finish as voted on by the nine league head coaches.

Receiving a perfect score of 81 points with all nine first-place votes, Barton is coming off a 25-6 campaign and a 13-3 mark in the KJCCC after winning the regular-season title by two games last season before falling in the KJCCC Tournament semifinals to Butler Community College. Heading into the season under second-year head coach Megan Besecker, the Cougars return nine players from last year’s roster including KJCCC Freshman of the Year and NJCAA Second-Team All-American Phoebe Reyes as well as four other returning all-conference selections.

Picked to finish second behind Barton is last year’s NJCAA Region VI Tournament Champion Colby Community College who claimed their third NJCAA Region VI Championship in program history to compete in the NJCAA Volleyball National Tournament for the first time since 1978. The Trojans earned 64 points after receiving five of the nine second-place votes and will look to follow up last year’s 23-11 overall record under head coach Carey Jones.

Following Colby and picked to finish third was Dodge City with second-year head coach Erin Mellinger set to lead the Conquistadors again after taking DC3 to the KJCCC Tournament semifinal round last season where they saw their season come to an end at the hands of Colby. Dodge City was one of three conference schools to defeat Barton in the regular season last year by sweeping the Cougars at home on September 6th. The Conquistadors picked up 58 points in the poll to edge out fourth-place Butler who earned 55 points as the Grizzlies will look to bounce back from last year’s fourth-place finish in the KJCCC regular season after earning at least a share of both the 2021 and 2022 KJCCC regular season titles.&nbsp;

Rounding out the 2024 preseason order of finish are Hutchinson (53 points), Garden City (33 points), Cloud County 32 points, Seward County (19 points), and Pratt (10 points) as all nine teams will play a 16-match conference schedule that is set to get underway on Tuesday, August 27th. Hutchinson and Butler will kick off the conference schedule with a 6 PM tilt inside the Power Plant in El Dorado while the 2024 regular season will get underway on Thursday, August 22nd. Garden City will kick off the regular season for all nine schools when they play host to Eastern Wyoming College to kick off the Scooter’s Invitational with the remaining eight KJCCC schools all beginning their season the following day on Friday, August 23rd at various locations and tournaments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723545909792.jpeg" alt="2024 Volleyball" />
 <figcaption>2024 Volleyball</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kjccc.org/sports/wvball/2024-25/releases/2024_D1_Volleyball_POF">Via KJCCC</a>COLBY, Kan. — Reigning Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference division one volleyball regular season champion Barton Community College has been picked to repeat as conference champions in the 2024 KJCCC Division 1 Volleyball preseason order of finish as voted on by the nine league head coaches.Receiving a perfect score of 81 points with all nine first-place votes, Barton is coming off a 25-6 campaign and a 13-3 mark in the KJCCC after winning the regular-season title by two games last season before falling in the KJCCC Tournament semifinals to Butler Community College. Heading into the season under second-year head coach Megan Besecker, the Cougars return nine players from last year’s roster including KJCCC Freshman of the Year and NJCAA Second-Team All-American Phoebe Reyes as well as four other returning all-conference selections.Picked to finish second behind Barton is last year’s NJCAA Region VI Tournament Champion Colby Community College who claimed their third NJCAA Region VI Championship in program history to compete in the NJCAA Volleyball National Tournament for the first time since 1978. The Trojans earned 64 points after receiving five of the nine second-place votes and will look to follow up last year’s 23-11 overall record under head coach Carey Jones.Following Colby and picked to finish third was Dodge City with second-year head coach Erin Mellinger set to lead the Conquistadors again after taking DC3 to the KJCCC Tournament semifinal round last season where they saw their season come to an end at the hands of Colby. Dodge City was one of three conference schools to defeat Barton in the regular season last year by sweeping the Cougars at home on September 6th. The Conquistadors picked up 58 points in the poll to edge out fourth-place Butler who earned 55 points as the Grizzlies will look to bounce back from last year’s fourth-place finish in the KJCCC regular season after earning at least a share of both the 2021 and 2022 KJCCC regular season titles.&nbsp;Rounding out the 2024 preseason order of finish are Hutchinson (53 points), Garden City (33 points), Cloud County 32 points, Seward County (19 points), and Pratt (10 points) as all nine teams will play a 16-match conference schedule that is set to get underway on Tuesday, August 27th. Hutchinson and Butler will kick off the conference schedule with a 6 PM tilt inside the Power Plant in El Dorado while the 2024 regular season will get underway on Thursday, August 22nd. Garden City will kick off the regular season for all nine schools when they play host to Eastern Wyoming College to kick off the Scooter’s Invitational with the remaining eight KJCCC schools all beginning their season the following day on Friday, August 23rd at various locations and tournaments.

🏐 Barton unanimously picked to win 2024 Jayhawk volleyball

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Willi Castro had a three-run home run and Royce Lewis hit a two-run shot in a six-run second inning for the Minnesota Twins on the way to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals to open a key series between the division rivals and close wild card competitors on Monday night.

“If we keep playing like this, a game like today, we’re going to be a good spot at the end of the year,” Castro said.

Pablo López (11-8) finished six innings with two earned runs allowed for his third win in four starts for the Twins. He fell behind on a first-inning home run by Bobby Witt Jr. and an RBI single in the second by Kyle Isbel, who had three hits, but the Twins overwhelmed Royals starter Brady Singer (8-8) after that.

The Twins, who improved to 6-2 against the Royals this season, remained 3 1/2 games behind American League Central leader Cleveland after splitting a four-game series with the Guardians during the weekend. The third-place Royals dropped to five games back.

“We pay enough attention to it because it’s everywhere: it’s on social media, it’s in the MLB app, it’s on the scoreboard, it’s in every ballpark when you walk in and the scoreboard has standings,” López said. “So you’re aware of it, but we like to be in the mindset that we control our own destiny.”

The Twins (66-52) occupy the second AL wild card spot. The Royals (65-54) control the third spot, with a two-game cushion above the cut in their refreshing push to return to the playoffs for the first time since they won the 2015 World Series.

Six consecutive batters reached with two outs against Singer, whose first three starts out of the All-Star break were superb before some vulnerability for the fifth-year right-hander in his last two turns.

After Austin Martin started the onslaught with an RBI single, Castro hit his ninth homer to set a career high as his helmet tumbled off on the exuberant turn around second base. Lewis then unloaded to finish an eight-pitch at-bat for his 15th home run — in just 40 games — this season.

“That’s the inning that messed up the whole night," said Singer, who hadn't given up a homer since July 14. "Obviously I would like to have that back.”

Witt was hit by a 95 mph fastball on the forearm by López, but the major league batting leader — who also has the most games, hits and runs in baseball — was able to stay in.

Royals: 2B Michael Massey batted leadoff after being scratched from the lineup with tightness in his back two days ago. The team had a rare Sunday off after a two-game series against interleague rival St. Louis. Massey had two different stints on the injured list this season with back trouble.

Twins: CF Byron Buxton departed after the fifth inning with discomfort in his right hip.

Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (13-6, 2.72 ERA) will pitch on Tuesday night. Lugo, who leads MLB in wins and is second in innings, is 8-2 with a 2.37 ERA in 12 starts on the road this season.

Twins: RHP Zebby Matthews, who began the year in Class A, is scheduled to make his major league debut in the middle game of the series as the rotation gets reshuffled following the injury to Joe Ryan.

Matthews had yet to be added to the roster but was in the clubhouse on Monday afternoon after being summoned from Triple-A St. Paul. The native of North Carolina, an eighth-round draft pick in 2022, was expecting family and friends in a group of at least 20 people to be at Target Field on Tuesday.

“Most of them were kind of in shock. They couldn’t believe this was actually happening because of where I started, but they’re really excited for me,” Matthews said. "They’ve all played a big piece in my journey along the way, so being able to tell them and then having them up here tomorrow will be special.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Willi Castro had a three-run home run and Royce Lewis hit a two-run shot in a six-run second inning for the Minnesota Twins on the way to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals to open a key series between the division rivals and close wild card competitors on Monday night.“If we keep playing like this, a game like today, we’re going to be a good spot at the end of the year,” Castro said.Pablo López (11-8) finished six innings with two earned runs allowed for his third win in four starts for the Twins. He fell behind on a first-inning home run by Bobby Witt Jr. and an RBI single in the second by Kyle Isbel, who had three hits, but the Twins overwhelmed Royals starter Brady Singer (8-8) after that.The Twins, who improved to 6-2 against the Royals this season, remained 3 1/2 games behind American League Central leader Cleveland after splitting a four-game series with the Guardians during the weekend. The third-place Royals dropped to five games back.“We pay enough attention to it because it’s everywhere: it’s on social media, it’s in the MLB app, it’s on the scoreboard, it’s in every ballpark when you walk in and the scoreboard has standings,” López said. “So you’re aware of it, but we like to be in the mindset that we control our own destiny.”The Twins (66-52) occupy the second AL wild card spot. The Royals (65-54) control the third spot, with a two-game cushion above the cut in their refreshing push to return to the playoffs for the first time since they won the 2015 World Series.Six consecutive batters reached with two outs against Singer, whose first three starts out of the All-Star break were superb before some vulnerability for the fifth-year right-hander in his last two turns.After Austin Martin started the onslaught with an RBI single, Castro hit his ninth homer to set a career high as his helmet tumbled off on the exuberant turn around second base. Lewis then unloaded to finish an eight-pitch at-bat for his 15th home run — in just 40 games — this season.“That’s the inning that messed up the whole night," said Singer, who hadn't given up a homer since July 14. "Obviously I would like to have that back.”Witt was hit by a 95 mph fastball on the forearm by López, but the major league batting leader — who also has the most games, hits and runs in baseball — was able to stay in.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: 2B Michael Massey batted leadoff after being scratched from the lineup with tightness in his back two days ago. The team had a rare Sunday off after a two-game series against interleague rival St. Louis. Massey had two different stints on the injured list this season with back trouble.Twins: CF Byron Buxton departed after the fifth inning with discomfort in his right hip.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Seth Lugo (13-6, 2.72 ERA) will pitch on Tuesday night. Lugo, who leads MLB in wins and is second in innings, is 8-2 with a 2.37 ERA in 12 starts on the road this season.Twins: RHP Zebby Matthews, who began the year in Class A, is scheduled to make his major league debut in the middle game of the series as the rotation gets reshuffled following the injury to Joe Ryan.Matthews had yet to be added to the roster but was in the clubhouse on Monday afternoon after being summoned from Triple-A St. Paul. The native of North Carolina, an eighth-round draft pick in 2022, was expecting family and friends in a group of at least 20 people to be at Target Field on Tuesday.“Most of them were kind of in shock. They couldn’t believe this was actually happening because of where I started, but they’re really excited for me,” Matthews said. "They’ve all played a big piece in my journey along the way, so being able to tell them and then having them up here tomorrow will be special.”

⚾ Royals lose to Twins Monday

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas senior cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/cobee-bryant/1350">Cobee Bryant</a>&nbsp;has earned a spot on the watch list for the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.

This is the second consecutive year that Bryant has been honored by the Bednarik Award in the preseason and it becomes the third watch list for him this season. He has previously received watch list selections from the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.

The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named in honor of Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and was the last NFL player to be a full-time player on both offense and defense.

From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection this season after earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in each of the past two years. He has become the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team all-conference honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07.

Bryant is tied for the school record with two career interceptions returned for a touchdown and he is eighth in school history with nine career interceptions. He has scored four touchdowns in his career, adding a fumble return and blocked field goal return to his two interception returns. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, four interceptions and 9 pass breakups.

The Maxwell Football Club has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele's College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.

Semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced November 12, 2024, while the three finalists for the Maxwell Award will be unveiled November 26, 2024. The winners of the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on December 12, 2024. The formal presentations of the Chuck Bednarik Award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Friday March 14, 2025 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723487962339.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas senior cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/cobee-bryant/1350">Cobee Bryant</a>&nbsp;has earned a spot on the watch list for the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.This is the second consecutive year that Bryant has been honored by the Bednarik Award in the preseason and it becomes the third watch list for him this season. He has previously received watch list selections from the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named in honor of Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and was the last NFL player to be a full-time player on both offense and defense.From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection this season after earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in each of the past two years. He has become the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team all-conference honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07.Bryant is tied for the school record with two career interceptions returned for a touchdown and he is eighth in school history with nine career interceptions. He has scored four touchdowns in his career, adding a fumble return and blocked field goal return to his two interception returns. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, four interceptions and 9 pass breakups.The Maxwell Football Club has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele's College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.Semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced November 12, 2024, while the three finalists for the Maxwell Award will be unveiled November 26, 2024. The winners of the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on December 12, 2024. The formal presentations of the Chuck Bednarik Award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Friday March 14, 2025 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.

🏈 KU's Bryant on Bednarik watch list

RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

Georgia is No. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press Top 25</a>&nbsp;preseason college football poll for the second straight year as the superconference era begins with the SEC and Big Ten dominating the top 10 of the rankings.

The Bulldogs received 46 first-place votes and 1,532 points in the Top 25 released Monday and the SEC powerhouse finished comfortably ahead of No. 2 Ohio State (15 first-place votes and 1,490 points) of the Big Ten.

New Big Ten member Oregon is No. 3, receiving one first-place vote from the panel of 62 media members who cover college football. Texas, which joins Georgia in the Southeastern Conference this season, is fourth.

The Big Ten and SEC each have four teams in the top 10.

Conference realignment has reduced the Power Five to the Power Four, with the Pac-12 whittled to just two schools. The Big Ten now has 18 schools. The Atlantic Coast Conference has 17 football teams, and the SEC and Big 12 each have 16.

All the movement created an unprecedented preseason poll with just four conferences represented: The SEC leads with nine ranked teams. The Big Ten has six, the Big 12 has five and the ACC has four.

Alabama, in its first season without coach Nick Saban since 2006, starts No. 5. No. 6 Mississippi gives the SEC half the top preseason top six.

Independent Notre Dame is the highest ranked team from outside the SEC and Big Ten at No. 7.

No. 8 Penn State and No. 9 Michigan give the Big Ten four top-10 teams. Florida State from the ACC is No. 10.

The defending national champion Wolverines said goodbye to coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and 12 other players who were selected in April’s NFL draft. All that attrition led to Michigan receiving the lowest preseason ranking for a defending national champion since 2011, when Auburn was No. 23 after the departure of Cam Newton.

Before that, the last time a defending national champion was ranked worse than No. 7 in the following preseason poll was Colorado at No. 13 in 1991.

Washington, which lost to Michigan in the College Football Playoff championship game, took an even bigger fall after losing its head coach (Kalen DeBoer replaced Saban at Alabama), star quarterback and a mountain of talent to the draft and transfer portal. The Huskies are the first team to reach the CFP and be unranked the following season.

Georgia started last season at No. 1 in pursuit of a record third straight national championship. Coach Kirby Smart's Bulldogs stayed there the whole regular season, and then missed the four-team playoff by losing the SEC title game to Alabama.

“We’re dealing with new challenges this year,” Smart said at SEC media days. "We don’t have a chip on our shoulder in terms of people trying to use that as motivation. I’ve never used a failure from the previous year as motivation and never used the success of a previous year as motivation; we won’t do that this year. That’s not who we are. We want to recreate ourselves to stay in the best light we can.”

There will be more room for error this season with the playoff expanding from four to 12 teams.

The Bulldogs are 42-2 over the last three seasons and loaded again. Quarterback Carson Beck leads the offense and edge rusher Mykel Williams is in line to be the next defensive star at Georgia.

Beck is a rarity in college football these days, a star quarterback in his fifth season with the same school who waited three years to become starter. Beck completed 72% of his passes last year, with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.

“He is a great elder for us and great example of resiliency in college football,” Smart said.

Repeating as preseason No. 1 is a recent trend. Going back eight seasons, Alabama had separate streaks of three (2016-18) and two (2021-22) years as preseason No. 1. Clemson was top-ranked in the 2019 and '20 preseason rankings.

Georgia will try to become the 12th team since the AP preseason poll started in 1950 to start No. 1 and finish No. 1. The last was Alabama in 2017.

RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football WriterGeorgia is No. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press Top 25</a>&nbsp;preseason college football poll for the second straight year as the superconference era begins with the SEC and Big Ten dominating the top 10 of the rankings.The Bulldogs received 46 first-place votes and 1,532 points in the Top 25 released Monday and the SEC powerhouse finished comfortably ahead of No. 2 Ohio State (15 first-place votes and 1,490 points) of the Big Ten.New Big Ten member Oregon is No. 3, receiving one first-place vote from the panel of 62 media members who cover college football. Texas, which joins Georgia in the Southeastern Conference this season, is fourth.The Big Ten and SEC each have four teams in the top 10.Conference realignment has reduced the Power Five to the Power Four, with the Pac-12 whittled to just two schools. The Big Ten now has 18 schools. The Atlantic Coast Conference has 17 football teams, and the SEC and Big 12 each have 16.All the movement created an unprecedented preseason poll with just four conferences represented: The SEC leads with nine ranked teams. The Big Ten has six, the Big 12 has five and the ACC has four.Alabama, in its first season without coach Nick Saban since 2006, starts No. 5. No. 6 Mississippi gives the SEC half the top preseason top six.Independent Notre Dame is the highest ranked team from outside the SEC and Big Ten at No. 7.No. 8 Penn State and No. 9 Michigan give the Big Ten four top-10 teams. Florida State from the ACC is No. 10.<h2>Title game finalists</h2>The defending national champion Wolverines said goodbye to coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and 12 other players who were selected in April’s NFL draft. All that attrition led to Michigan receiving the lowest preseason ranking for a defending national champion since 2011, when Auburn was No. 23 after the departure of Cam Newton.Before that, the last time a defending national champion was ranked worse than No. 7 in the following preseason poll was Colorado at No. 13 in 1991.Washington, which lost to Michigan in the College Football Playoff championship game, took an even bigger fall after losing its head coach (Kalen DeBoer replaced Saban at Alabama), star quarterback and a mountain of talent to the draft and transfer portal. The Huskies are the first team to reach the CFP and be unranked the following season.<h2>Top-ranked 'Dawgs</h2>Georgia started last season at No. 1 in pursuit of a record third straight national championship. Coach Kirby Smart's Bulldogs stayed there the whole regular season, and then missed the four-team playoff by losing the SEC title game to Alabama.“We’re dealing with new challenges this year,” Smart said at SEC media days. "We don’t have a chip on our shoulder in terms of people trying to use that as motivation. I’ve never used a failure from the previous year as motivation and never used the success of a previous year as motivation; we won’t do that this year. That’s not who we are. We want to recreate ourselves to stay in the best light we can.”There will be more room for error this season with the playoff expanding from four to 12 teams.The Bulldogs are 42-2 over the last three seasons and loaded again. Quarterback Carson Beck leads the offense and edge rusher Mykel Williams is in line to be the next defensive star at Georgia.Beck is a rarity in college football these days, a star quarterback in his fifth season with the same school who waited three years to become starter. Beck completed 72% of his passes last year, with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.“He is a great elder for us and great example of resiliency in college football,” Smart said.Repeating as preseason No. 1 is a recent trend. Going back eight seasons, Alabama had separate streaks of three (2016-18) and two (2021-22) years as preseason No. 1. Clemson was top-ranked in the 2019 and '20 preseason rankings.Georgia will try to become the 12th team since the AP preseason poll started in 1950 to start No. 1 and finish No. 1. The last was Alabama in 2017.

🏈 Georgia tops preseason poll, K-State No. 18, KU No. 22

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge nabbed a series win after a 10-1 victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field. Wichita put up runs in six different innings while six pitchers combined to give up just four hits all game long in the series finale.

Carson McCusker&nbsp;rolled an RBI unassisted putout down the first base line to allow&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;to score from third in the top of the first. Schobel scored in five of the six games in Corpus Christi this week.

Andrew Cossetti&nbsp;began the top of the fourth with a solo shot, his sixth of the season, onto the berm in left field.&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;timed up a breaking ball for a two-run homer to that same pull-side mount for a 4-0 Wind Surge advantage. The long ball from Ross ties him for the team lead with 10 alongside McCusker, who brought in his second RBI in the series finale on a sharp single to left-center in the opening half of the fifth.

While&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;worked four innings of two-hit baseball in his first start since his activation off the injured list ahead of the game, Logan Cerny blooped an RBI single to right field in the bottom of the fifth to give the Hooks their first run.

Schobel nubbed a run-scoring single to left in the top of the sixth to bring home Ross and repair a five-run cushion for Wichita that became 6-1. After McCusker tallied his third RBI on another single through the left side, Cossetti crushed a two-run souvenir, his second round-tripper of the game, that stayed fair down the line in left for another three-spot heading into the stretch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723464824589.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge nabbed a series win after a 10-1 victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field. Wichita put up runs in six different innings while six pitchers combined to give up just four hits all game long in the series finale.Carson McCusker&nbsp;rolled an RBI unassisted putout down the first base line to allow&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;to score from third in the top of the first. Schobel scored in five of the six games in Corpus Christi this week.Andrew Cossetti&nbsp;began the top of the fourth with a solo shot, his sixth of the season, onto the berm in left field.&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;timed up a breaking ball for a two-run homer to that same pull-side mount for a 4-0 Wind Surge advantage. The long ball from Ross ties him for the team lead with 10 alongside McCusker, who brought in his second RBI in the series finale on a sharp single to left-center in the opening half of the fifth.While&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin&nbsp;worked four innings of two-hit baseball in his first start since his activation off the injured list ahead of the game, Logan Cerny blooped an RBI single to right field in the bottom of the fifth to give the Hooks their first run.Schobel nubbed a run-scoring single to left in the top of the sixth to bring home Ross and repair a five-run cushion for Wichita that became 6-1. After McCusker tallied his third RBI on another single through the left side, Cossetti crushed a two-run souvenir, his second round-tripper of the game, that stayed fair down the line in left for another three-spot heading into the stretch.Ross crossed the Wind Surge score into double digits on a run-scoring base hit up the middle in the ninth.&nbsp;Miguel Rodriguez&nbsp;worked a 1-2-3 home half of the ninth to finish the game, bookending a streak where four Wichita relievers (Mason Fox,&nbsp;Regi Grace,&nbsp;Ricardo Velez, and Rodriguez) combined to retire the final 12 Corpus Christi batters.Cody Laweryson, the first pitcher Ramon Borrego sent for in relief, improved to 2-2 after earning the win. In the fifth inning, he gave up an earned run on two hits with one walk and a strikeout.