AP Sports Summary for September 28th, 2024:

Timberwolves agree to trade Towns to Knicks for Randle, DiVincenzo, 1st-rounder, AP source says

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round draft pick in a franchise-altering deal. That's according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been finalized. Towns is a four-time All-Star entering his 10th season. He never hinted at discontent with the team that drafted him first overall in 2015. The upside for Towns is a return to his roots. He grew up in New Jersey.

Locked in at the plate, Shohei Ohtani chases Triple Crown entering final weekend of regular season

DENVER (AP) — Shohei Ohtani's locked in at the plate, on the bases, for the NL MVP and now on the Triple Crown. It's been that kind of late-season surge for the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter who's already invented the 50-50 club. Ohtani went 4 for 5 in a 11-4 win over the Colorado Rockies to keep in the running for the Triple Crown. It also ensure he's in the lineup the final two games. Heading into the weekend, Ohtani's leading the NL in homers (54) and RBIs (130). He raised his average to .309 on Friday, trailing only Luis Arráez (.314) in the batting-title race.

White Sox lose post-1900s, majors-record 121st game, falling 4-1 to Tigers

DETROIT (AP) — The Chicago White Sox lost their post-1900s, major league-record 121st game Friday night, falling 4-1 to the Detroit Tigers. The White Sox broke the mark of 120 set by the New York Mets in 1962 in their first season. The Cleveland Spiders hold the overall record, going 20-134 in 1899. The closest any team had come to New York's record was the 2003 Tigers, who won their final two games to finish with 119 losses. That remained the AL record until Chicago hit 120 on Sunday in San Diego. After avoiding the record by sweeping the Los Angeles Angels at home, the White Sox lost to a Tigers team that wrapped up a postseason spot in front of 44,435 raucous fans.

Top-ranked Jannik Sinner has steroid case appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency

ROME (AP) — The steroid case involving top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner has been appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The Montreal-based body announced it is seeking a ban of one to two years. Sinner tested positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March but was not banned in a decision by an independent tribunal announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency on Aug. 20 because the ITIA determined he was not to blame. The appeal will be heard before the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sinner's case was announced a week before the U.S. Open which he went on to win.

No. 7 Miami survives Virginia Tech 38-34 to remain unbeaten after Hail Mary TD overturned

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Cam Ward found Isaiah Horton with a 1-yard touchdown pass with 1:57 left for what became the winning score, and No. 7 Miami rallied to beat Virginia Tech 38-34 in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams on Friday night. The ending was controversial: Officials deemed that Da'Quan Felton caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Kyron Drones amid a crowd of players from both teams as time expired, which would have given Virginia Tech the win. The call was overturned after a long review. The Hurricanes trailed by double digits on three separate occasions, the last of those when the Hokies went up 34-24 with 12:05 left.

Royals complete remarkable turnaround, making playoffs coming off 106-loss season

ATLANTA (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history, clinching an American League wild card despite a 3-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves. The Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses last season. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series. The celebration was delayed by a masterful performance from Atlanta pitcher Max Fried, who came within one out of a shutout. But the Royals finally popped the corks in the visitors' clubhouse at Truist Park when the Minnesota Twins were eliminated with a 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

Tigers clinch AL wild card with 4-1 win over White Sox, ending decade-long postseason drought

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers earned an AL wild card berth on Friday night, ending a decade-long postseason drought. Detroit clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 4-1 win over the Chicago White Sox, who set a modern major league record with their 121st loss. The Tigers have been on a tear, winning six straight and 10 of 11 to surge into the playoffs. Detroit was 55-63 on Aug. 10, 10 games out of the last wild card, and then went 31-11. During that stretch, the Tigers have the lowest ERA in baseball and the largest run differential.

Internationals return the favor with a sweep of their own in the Presidents Cup

MONTREAL (AP) — So much for that American blowout in the Presidents Cup. The International team returned the favor on a loud and raucous Friday at Royal Montreal by sweeping the foursomes matches and tied the Presidents Cup at 5-all. The Americans swept the opening session. This shutout by the Internationals was even more dominant. Three of the matches ended at the 14th hole or sooner. Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im tied a Presidents Cup record for biggest margin with a 7-and-6 win over Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. They ended that match with seven straight birdies, unusual for alternate shot.

Attorney for 18-year-old trying to halt auction of Ohtani's 50/50 ball confident he has strong case

MIAMI (AP) — The attorney for an 18-year-old man trying to stop Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball from being sold at auction until a lawsuit is resolved believes he has a strong case. Online bidding on the ball began Friday, less than 24 hours after a Miami-Dade County judge said the process could begin. However, a sale can't be finalized before the judge rules on a motion for a temporary injunction next month. The lawsuit claims that Max Matus gained possession of the ball Ohtani hit for his 50th home run on Sept. 19 before another man, Chris Belanski, took it away. Matus was celebrating his 18th birthday at LoanDepot Park.

Cowboys could be without injured Parsons, Lawrence for multiple games, AP sources say

DALLAS (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the injuries say two-time All-Pro Micah Parsons and fellow pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence could miss multiple games for the Dallas Cowboys after getting hurt in a victory over the New York Giants. Parsons has a high ankle sprain and Lawrence a foot sprain. Parsons is considered week to week while Lawrence could be out longer but is still being evaluated. Parsons and Lawrence are the club's two most accomplished pass rushers.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		(15)Louisville	at	(16)Notre Dame	3:30 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, September 28th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, September 28th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for September 28th, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8578825/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>Timberwolves agree to trade Towns to Knicks for Randle, DiVincenzo, 1st-rounder, AP source saysMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round draft pick in a franchise-altering deal. That's according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been finalized. Towns is a four-time All-Star entering his 10th season. He never hinted at discontent with the team that drafted him first overall in 2015. The upside for Towns is a return to his roots. He grew up in New Jersey.Locked in at the plate, Shohei Ohtani chases Triple Crown entering final weekend of regular seasonDENVER (AP) — Shohei Ohtani's locked in at the plate, on the bases, for the NL MVP and now on the Triple Crown. It's been that kind of late-season surge for the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter who's already invented the 50-50 club. Ohtani went 4 for 5 in a 11-4 win over the Colorado Rockies to keep in the running for the Triple Crown. It also ensure he's in the lineup the final two games. Heading into the weekend, Ohtani's leading the NL in homers (54) and RBIs (130). He raised his average to .309 on Friday, trailing only Luis Arráez (.314) in the batting-title race.White Sox lose post-1900s, majors-record 121st game, falling 4-1 to TigersDETROIT (AP) — The Chicago White Sox lost their post-1900s, major league-record 121st game Friday night, falling 4-1 to the Detroit Tigers. The White Sox broke the mark of 120 set by the New York Mets in 1962 in their first season. The Cleveland Spiders hold the overall record, going 20-134 in 1899. The closest any team had come to New York's record was the 2003 Tigers, who won their final two games to finish with 119 losses. That remained the AL record until Chicago hit 120 on Sunday in San Diego. After avoiding the record by sweeping the Los Angeles Angels at home, the White Sox lost to a Tigers team that wrapped up a postseason spot in front of 44,435 raucous fans.Top-ranked Jannik Sinner has steroid case appealed by the World Anti-Doping AgencyROME (AP) — The steroid case involving top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner has been appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The Montreal-based body announced it is seeking a ban of one to two years. Sinner tested positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March but was not banned in a decision by an independent tribunal announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency on Aug. 20 because the ITIA determined he was not to blame. The appeal will be heard before the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sinner's case was announced a week before the U.S. Open which he went on to win.No. 7 Miami survives Virginia Tech 38-34 to remain unbeaten after Hail Mary TD overturnedMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Cam Ward found Isaiah Horton with a 1-yard touchdown pass with 1:57 left for what became the winning score, and No. 7 Miami rallied to beat Virginia Tech 38-34 in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams on Friday night. The ending was controversial: Officials deemed that Da'Quan Felton caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Kyron Drones amid a crowd of players from both teams as time expired, which would have given Virginia Tech the win. The call was overturned after a long review. The Hurricanes trailed by double digits on three separate occasions, the last of those when the Hokies went up 34-24 with 12:05 left.Royals complete remarkable turnaround, making playoffs coming off 106-loss seasonATLANTA (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history, clinching an American League wild card despite a 3-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves. The Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses last season. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series. The celebration was delayed by a masterful performance from Atlanta pitcher Max Fried, who came within one out of a shutout. But the Royals finally popped the corks in the visitors' clubhouse at Truist Park when the Minnesota Twins were eliminated with a 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.Tigers clinch AL wild card with 4-1 win over White Sox, ending decade-long postseason droughtDETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers earned an AL wild card berth on Friday night, ending a decade-long postseason drought. Detroit clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 4-1 win over the Chicago White Sox, who set a modern major league record with their 121st loss. The Tigers have been on a tear, winning six straight and 10 of 11 to surge into the playoffs. Detroit was 55-63 on Aug. 10, 10 games out of the last wild card, and then went 31-11. During that stretch, the Tigers have the lowest ERA in baseball and the largest run differential.Internationals return the favor with a sweep of their own in the Presidents CupMONTREAL (AP) — So much for that American blowout in the Presidents Cup. The International team returned the favor on a loud and raucous Friday at Royal Montreal by sweeping the foursomes matches and tied the Presidents Cup at 5-all. The Americans swept the opening session. This shutout by the Internationals was even more dominant. Three of the matches ended at the 14th hole or sooner. Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im tied a Presidents Cup record for biggest margin with a 7-and-6 win over Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. They ended that match with seven straight birdies, unusual for alternate shot.Attorney for 18-year-old trying to halt auction of Ohtani's 50/50 ball confident he has strong caseMIAMI (AP) — The attorney for an 18-year-old man trying to stop Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball from being sold at auction until a lawsuit is resolved believes he has a strong case. Online bidding on the ball began Friday, less than 24 hours after a Miami-Dade County judge said the process could begin. However, a sale can't be finalized before the judge rules on a motion for a temporary injunction next month. The lawsuit claims that Max Matus gained possession of the ball Ohtani hit for his 50th home run on Sept. 19 before another man, Chris Belanski, took it away. Matus was celebrating his 18th birthday at LoanDepot Park.Cowboys could be without injured Parsons, Lawrence for multiple games, AP sources sayDALLAS (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the injuries say two-time All-Pro Micah Parsons and fellow pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence could miss multiple games for the Dallas Cowboys after getting hurt in a victory over the New York Giants. Parsons has a high ankle sprain and Lawrence a foot sprain. Parsons is considered week to week while Lawrence could be out longer but is still being evaluated. Parsons and Lawrence are the club's two most accomplished pass rushers.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	3	Kansas City	0	Final	Pittsburgh	4	N.Y. Yankees	2	Final	Miami	15	Toronto	5	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	4	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	Tampa Bay	2	Boston	1	Final	Houston	5	Cleveland	2	Final	Baltimore	7	Minnesota	2	Final	Texas	5	L.A. Angels	2	Final	Seattle	2	Oakland	0	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Chicago Cubs	1	Cincinnati	0	Final	Washington	9	Philadelphia	1	Final	L.A. Dodgers	11	Colorado	4	Final	Milwaukee	8	N.Y. Mets	4	Final	San Diego	5	Arizona	3	Final	St. Louis	6	San Francisco	3	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal	Buffalo	5	EHC Red Bull Munchen	0	Final	Carolina	8	Florida	2	Final	Detroit	2	Chicago	0	Final	N-Y Islanders	5	New Jersey	1	Final	Dallas	4	Colorado	2	Final	Minnesota	8	Winnipeg	5	Final	Columbus	8	Washington	4	Final	Seattle	3	Vancouver	1	Final	Vegas	5	Utah	2	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(7)Miami	38	Virginia Tech	34	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Pittsburgh	at	N-Y Yankees	1:05 p.m.			Miami	at	Toronto	3:07 p.m.			Kansas City	at	Atlanta	7:20 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Chi White Sox	at	Detroit	1:10 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Boston	4:10 p.m.			Houston	at	Cleveland	6:10 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Minnesota	7:15 p.m.			Texas	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.			Oakland	at	Seattle	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Cincinnati	at	Chi Cubs	2:20 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Washington	4:05 p.m.			St. Louis	at	San Francisco	4:05 p.m.			N-Y Mets	at	Milwaukee	7:15 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	Colorado	8:10 p.m.			San Diego	at	Arizona	8:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASON		Anaheim	at	Los Angeles	6 p.m.			Carolina	at	Florida	6 p.m.			Boston	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Buffalo	at	Columbus	7 p.m.			Chicago	at	St. Louis	7 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Toronto	at	Montreal	7 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Nashville	8 p.m.			Seattle	at	Edmonton	9 p.m.			Vancouver	at	Calgary	9 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		(2)Georgia	at	(4)Alabama	7:30 p.m.			(15)Louisville	at	(16)Notre Dame	3:30 p.m.			(19)Illinois	at	(9)Penn St.	7:30 p.m.			(20)Oklahoma St.	at	(23)Kansas St.	12 p.m.			Kentucky	at	(6)Mississippi	12 p.m.			(22)BYU	at	Baylor	12 p.m.			Minnesota	at	(12)Michigan	12 p.m.			Wisconsin	at	(13)Southern Cal	3:30 p.m.			Arkansas	at	(24)Texas A&amp;M	3:30 p.m.			(21)Oklahoma	at	Auburn	3:30 p.m.			Mississippi St.	at	(1)Texas	4:15 p.m.			(18)Iowa St.	at	Houston	7 p.m.			Stanford	at	(17)Clemson	7 p.m.			(3)Ohio St.	at	Michigan St.	7:30 p.m.			South Alabama	at	(14)LSU	7:45 p.m.			Washington St.	at	(25)Boise St.	10 p.m.			Arizona	at	(10)Utah	10:15 p.m.			(8)Oregon	at	UCLA	11 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Los Angeles FC	at	Cincinnati	7:30 p.m.			Columbus	at	D.C. United	7:30 p.m.			Charlotte FC	at	Miami	7:30 p.m.			San Jose	at	CF Montréal	7:30 p.m.			Nashville	at	New England	7:30 p.m.			New York City FC	at	New York	7:30 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.			Real Salt Lake	at	Austin FC	8:30 p.m.			Toronto FC	at	Chicago	8:30 p.m.			Orlando City	at	FC Dallas	8:30 p.m.			Colorado	at	Minnesota	8:30 p.m.			Sporting Kansas City	at	St Louis City	8:30 p.m.			Portland	at	Vancouver	10:30 p.m.			Houston	at	Seattle	10:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Saturday

ATLANTA (AP) — The Kansas City Royals completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history Friday night, clinching an American League wild card despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-score-fried-02583b042ef05aa1317b0eed23af86e9">a 3-0 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves.

A year ago, the Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

“We’re just so proud of everyone,” said shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., the face of the revitalized franchise. “This is just the beginning of something special.”

The celebration was delayed by a masterful performance from Atlanta pitcher Max Fried. But the Royals finally popped the champagne corks in the visitors' clubhouse at Truist Park when the Minnesota Twins were eliminated with a 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

“This isn’t how we ideally wanted it,” Witt said. “But we’re here. We did it. We’re so proud of each other. We can’t let one game control our season.”

Led by second-year manager Matt Quatraro, Kansas City is the first team in baseball history to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-major-league-baseball-playoffs-faf7e1aee9a4322eb969f93e503be055">make the playoffs after posting such a dismal mark</a>&nbsp;the previous season.

In fact, since the start of the expansion era in 1961, the Royals are just the third team to advance to the postseason after losing at least 100 games the previous year.

The Twins earned a wild card in 2017 after going 59-103 a year earlier, and the 2020 Florida Marlins qualified for a wild card during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign coming off a 57-105 debacle.

The Royals quickly fell on hard times after claiming back-to-back AL pennants in 2014 and ’15 and their first World Series title in 30 years. They had not recorded a winning season since their championship run, losing at least 100 games in three of the past six, and were a total laughingstock just a year ago.

That all changed this season with a team led by Witt, who became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-jr-steals-homers-2f244fb981427ad0622cbc0d73c200df">first shortstop in major league history</a>&nbsp;with multiple seasons of at least 30 homers and 30 steals.

“You can’t help but be proud,” general manager J.J. Picollo said. “It was a battle all year long. We overcame a lot of odds.”

The Royals have struggled down the stretch, enduring a pair of seven-game losing streaks.

“We had some adversity here the last month of the season,” Picollo said. “But this is a tough, resilient group and we got through and here we are celebrating this moment.”

Witt tops the majors with 210 hits and a .332 batting average, to go along with 32 homers, 109 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.

Veteran catcher Salvador Perez also is having a huge offensive season with 27 homers and 104 RBIs. The Royals made the playoffs even after losing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who had 97 RBIs before breaking his right thumb and undergoing surgery.

There is a chance Pasquantino could return during the playoffs if the Royals make an extended run.

Amazingly, Picollo didn’t have to break the bank to build a small-market winner.

The players that have led Kansas City to heights not seen in nearly a decade were either on the team last year and just needed a little more time to grow, or were free-agent signings and trade acquisitions that underscored Picollo’s baseball savvy.

Seth Lugo, who is 16-9 with a 3.03 ERA, signed a modest three-year, $45 million free-agent deal. Michael Wacha signed a similar two-year, $32 million deal and is 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA.

Cole Ragans has contributed 11 wins with 223 strikeouts after being acquired from the Texas Rangers in a trade last season. Brady Singer bounced back from a disappointing 2023, and Michael Lorenzen is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in six starts since his arrival just before the trade deadline.

The bullpen has been entirely rebuilt, too, with Lucas Erceg earning 11 saves since the Royals landed him in a trade with Milwaukee.

Owner John Sherman said he was thrilled the fans of Kansas City have a winning team to cheer for again.

“I remember we talked about this a lot, maybe in spring training, that all we want to do is play meaningful baseball in August and September and have a chance to play in October,” Sherman said. “Here we are.”

Nobody seems to be having more fun than Witt, who has put together a historic season after signing an 11-year deal worth $288.7 million to serve as the cornerstone of the franchise.

The son of longtime big league pitcher Bobby Witt is the first player in major league history with multiple 30-30 seasons in his first three years in the majors. Advanced metrics grade him as not only one of baseball’s best defenders but also one of its fastest players.

“He’s the best player in baseball,” Ragans said recently. “A special talent, a special human being."

While fans in Kansas City have seen Witt’s stardom blossoming for several seasons, his coming-out party may have come this summer during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-run-derby-261037bfe182674c9cd7352725d8b62a">Home Run Derby</a>&nbsp;at Globe Life Field in Arlington, not far from where he grew up in Colleyville, Texas.

Witt reached the finals before losing 14-13 to Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers in a dramatic showdown that came down to the final swings.

Now, Witt can look forward to an even bigger stage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727514560942.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., center has champagne poured on him by teammates during the celebration in the locker room after a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., center has champagne poured on him by teammates during the celebration in the locker room after a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)</figcaption>
 </figure>PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports WriterATLANTA (AP) — The Kansas City Royals completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history Friday night, clinching an American League wild card despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-score-fried-02583b042ef05aa1317b0eed23af86e9">a 3-0 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves.A year ago, the Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.“We’re just so proud of everyone,” said shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., the face of the revitalized franchise. “This is just the beginning of something special.”The celebration was delayed by a masterful performance from Atlanta pitcher Max Fried. But the Royals finally popped the champagne corks in the visitors' clubhouse at Truist Park when the Minnesota Twins were eliminated with a 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.“This isn’t how we ideally wanted it,” Witt said. “But we’re here. We did it. We’re so proud of each other. We can’t let one game control our season.”Led by second-year manager Matt Quatraro, Kansas City is the first team in baseball history to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-major-league-baseball-playoffs-faf7e1aee9a4322eb969f93e503be055">make the playoffs after posting such a dismal mark</a>&nbsp;the previous season.In fact, since the start of the expansion era in 1961, the Royals are just the third team to advance to the postseason after losing at least 100 games the previous year.The Twins earned a wild card in 2017 after going 59-103 a year earlier, and the 2020 Florida Marlins qualified for a wild card during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign coming off a 57-105 debacle.The Royals quickly fell on hard times after claiming back-to-back AL pennants in 2014 and ’15 and their first World Series title in 30 years. They had not recorded a winning season since their championship run, losing at least 100 games in three of the past six, and were a total laughingstock just a year ago.That all changed this season with a team led by Witt, who became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-jr-steals-homers-2f244fb981427ad0622cbc0d73c200df">first shortstop in major league history</a>&nbsp;with multiple seasons of at least 30 homers and 30 steals.“You can’t help but be proud,” general manager J.J. Picollo said. “It was a battle all year long. We overcame a lot of odds.”The Royals have struggled down the stretch, enduring a pair of seven-game losing streaks.It didn't stop them in the end.“We had some adversity here the last month of the season,” Picollo said. “But this is a tough, resilient group and we got through and here we are celebrating this moment.”Witt tops the majors with 210 hits and a .332 batting average, to go along with 32 homers, 109 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.Veteran catcher Salvador Perez also is having a huge offensive season with 27 homers and 104 RBIs. The Royals made the playoffs even after losing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who had 97 RBIs before breaking his right thumb and undergoing surgery.There is a chance Pasquantino could return during the playoffs if the Royals make an extended run.Amazingly, Picollo didn’t have to break the bank to build a small-market winner.The players that have led Kansas City to heights not seen in nearly a decade were either on the team last year and just needed a little more time to grow, or were free-agent signings and trade acquisitions that underscored Picollo’s baseball savvy.Just check out the rotation.Seth Lugo, who is 16-9 with a 3.03 ERA, signed a modest three-year, $45 million free-agent deal. Michael Wacha signed a similar two-year, $32 million deal and is 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA.Cole Ragans has contributed 11 wins with 223 strikeouts after being acquired from the Texas Rangers in a trade last season. Brady Singer bounced back from a disappointing 2023, and Michael Lorenzen is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in six starts since his arrival just before the trade deadline.The bullpen has been entirely rebuilt, too, with Lucas Erceg earning 11 saves since the Royals landed him in a trade with Milwaukee.Owner John Sherman said he was thrilled the fans of Kansas City have a winning team to cheer for again.“I remember we talked about this a lot, maybe in spring training, that all we want to do is play meaningful baseball in August and September and have a chance to play in October,” Sherman said. “Here we are.”Nobody seems to be having more fun than Witt, who has put together a historic season after signing an 11-year deal worth $288.7 million to serve as the cornerstone of the franchise.The son of longtime big league pitcher Bobby Witt is the first player in major league history with multiple 30-30 seasons in his first three years in the majors. Advanced metrics grade him as not only one of baseball’s best defenders but also one of its fastest players.“He’s the best player in baseball,” Ragans said recently. “A special talent, a special human being."While fans in Kansas City have seen Witt’s stardom blossoming for several seasons, his coming-out party may have come this summer during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-run-derby-261037bfe182674c9cd7352725d8b62a">Home Run Derby</a>&nbsp;at Globe Life Field in Arlington, not far from where he grew up in Colleyville, Texas.Witt reached the finals before losing 14-13 to Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers in a dramatic showdown that came down to the final swings.Now, Witt can look forward to an even bigger stage.The postseason.

⚾ Royals lose, still clinch playoff spot

Week 4 Hutch High 47, Salina South 0 (Thursday night)

Hutchinson Central Christian 46, Fairfield 6

KC Washington 60, Kansas City Central, Mo. 0

Lawrence Free State 42, Olathe Northwest 14

Mission Valley 46, Topeka Cair Paravel 22

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719520482079.png" alt="EAGLE Media High School Football Scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media High School Football Scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure>Week 4 Hutch High 47, Salina South 0 (Thursday night) Andale 47, Wichita Collegiate 6Andover 35, Arkansas City 7Andover Central 24, Valley Center 0Atchison 49, KC Schlagle 8Atchison County 60, Oskaloosa 0Attica/Argonia 48, Norwich 28Axtell 64, Blue Valley Randolph 8BV Northwest 49, Washburn Rural 23BV West 34, BV North 28Basehor-Linwood 21, De Soto 7Beloit 27, Phillipsburg 6Blue Valley 20, St. James Academy 10Blue Valley 34, BV North 28Bucklin 60, Deerfield 14Buhler 55, Circle 14Burlingame 68, Centre 0Central Heights 14, Bluestem 6Central Plains 52, Solomon 6Centralia 58, Doniphan West 14Chase County 40, Lyndon 36Chase def. Burrton, forfeitCheney 50, Clearwater 22Chetopa 60, Southern Coffey County 0Clay Center 42, Chapman 26Clifton-Clyde 56, Lakeside 6Coffeyville 42, Independence 0Colby 21, Hugoton 17Columbus 49, Neodesha 16Council Grove 34, Riley County 13Crest 54, St Paul 8Derby 59, Maize 7Dighton 60, Wallace County 14Dodge City 33, Liberal 14Ell-Saline 46, Canton-Galva 0Ellis 53, La Crosse 8Ellsworth 48, Lyons 7Eudora 24, Ottawa 21Frontenac 15, Girard 8Galena 36, Fredonia 22Garden Plain 56, Belle Plaine 0Gardner-Edgerton 35, Lawrence 21Goddard 41, Newton 7Goddard-Eisenhower 51, Salina Central 28Golden Plains 68, Triplains-Brewster 6Great Bend 61, Wichita North 7Hanover 28, Frankfort 22Haven 37, Douglass 0Hays 41, Garden City 8Hays-TMP-Marian 50, Stanton County 7Hesston 53, Nickerson 6Hiawatha 21, Jefferson West 0Highland Park 48, KC Harmon 0Hillsboro 27, Halstead 0Hodgeman County 48, St John 0Hoisington 53, Southwestern Hts. 6Holcomb 35, Goodland 21Holton 33, Perry-Lecompton 14Howard West Elk 54, Oswego 44Hoxie 53, Stockton 0Humboldt 56, Eureka 12Hutchinson Central Christian 46, Fairfield 6Hutchinson Trinity 30, Caldwell 28, OTHutchinson Trinity 30, South Sumner 28Ingalls 58, Rolla 0Inman 30, Remington 26Iola 25, Anderson County 18Jackson Heights 57, McLouth 0KC Washington 60, Kansas City Central, Mo. 0Kinsley 42, Elkhart 6Lakin 38, Cimarron 20Lansing 63, Topeka West 0Lawrence Free State 42, Olathe Northwest 14Leavenworth 34, Shawnee Heights 27Lebo 56, Hartford 6Lincoln 50, Washington County 0Linn 39, Thunder Ridge 16Little River 58, Goessel 0Logan 20, Wheatland-Grinnell 6Louisburg 57, Bonner Springs 8Maize South 51, Wichita Campus 13Manhattan 50, Northland Christian, Mo. 8Manhattan 52, Junction City 0Marysville 24, Concordia 0McPherson 29, Winfield 23Mill Valley 49, SM South 0Minneola 56, Ashland 6Mission Valley 46, Topeka Cair Paravel 22Moscow 53, South Barber 8Moundridge 76, Herington 6Mulvane 19, Augusta 0Nemaha Central 13, Chanute 7Ness City 44, Quinter 42Northern Heights 48, Flinthills 14Norton 35, Minneapolis 14Oakley 35, Syracuse 0Olathe East 23, SM North 7Olpe 14, Wabaunsee 7Onaga 38, Valley Falls 6Osage City 74, West Franklin 0Osborne 54, St John's Beloit 0Oxford 84, Wichita Independent 12Parsons 38, Baxter Springs 7Peabody-Burns 58, Pawnee Heights 20Pittsburg 23, Fort Scott 14Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 66, Pleasanton 8Plainville 14, Smith Center 8Prairie View 50, Burlington 34Pratt 49, Chaparral 10Pratt Skyline 46, Udall 0Rawlins County 48, Hill City 28Reno County 84, Marmaton Valley 78Republic County 18, Bennington 14Riverside 21, Maur Hill - Mount Academy 14Riverton 43, Cherryvale 6Rock Creek 42, Abilene 6Rockhurst, Mo. 20, Bishop Miege 3Rose Hill 32, El Dorado 12Rossville 13, Maranatha 0Rural Vista 52, Wakefield 6Russell 48, Larned 28SM East 39, Olathe North 34SM Northwest 56, SM West 6Sabetha 7, Royal Valley 6Santa Fe Trail 48, SMA 8Scott City 57, Ulysses 8Sedgwick 35, Marion 8Silver Lake 26, SMA 20Silver Lake 26, St Marys 20South Central 54, Kiowa County 8South Gray 58, Spearville 38Southeast of Saline 40, Kingman 6Spring Hill 20, KC Piper 13St. Thomas Aquinas 59, BV Southwest 10Sterling 41, Ellinwood 35Sublette 44, Meade 6Sylvan-Lucas 60, Rock Hills 12Tonganoxie 42, Paola 28Topeka 47, Emporia 14Topeka Hayden 28, Wamego 3Topeka Seaman 49, KC Turner 0Troy 44, Horton 16Valley Heights 32, Salina Sacred Heart 16Victoria 56, Pretty Prairie 0Waverly 50, Pike Valley 30Wellington 43, Labette County 6Wellsville 49, Baldwin 0Wichita County 58, Trego 8Wichita East 48, Wichita West 0Wichita Northwest 48, Kapaun Mount Carmel 24Wichita South 32, Wichita Bishop Carroll 7Wichita Trinity 55, Smoky Valley 44You can find all of the Hutch Post area football schedules for the entire season&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8e247860-8dc7-4f3a-86de-3a909aec11d2">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 EAGLE Media scoreboard from Sept. 27

TCU (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) at Kansas (1-3, 0-1), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

BetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.ky.betmgm.com/en/sports" target="_blank">College Football Odds</a>: Kansas by 1 1/2.

Two teams with big expectations this season instead are meeting with desperation setting in. TCU lost a one-point nailbiter to UCF before getting blown out 66-42 by SMU last weekend, while Kansas dropped three straight to Illinois, UNLV and West Virginia by a combined 13 points. The Jayhawks played their first two home games at Children’s Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City, while their own stadium is being renovated. But their Big 12 games shift across the state line to Arrowhead Stadium beginning with TCU.

Kansas RB Devin Neal against the TCU run defense, which allowed Brashard Smith to run for 127 yards and three touchdowns and SMU pile up 238 yards on the ground in all last week. Neal has been a bright spot for an otherwise struggling Kansas offense, running for 443 yards with a 6.2 average and three touchdowns this season.

TCU: WR Jack Bech shredded SMU’s secondary last week, hauling in eight passes for 166 yards and two scores. He was able to get open thanks in part to a similarly stellar game from WR Eric McAlister, who had six catches for 114 yards and a touchdown.

Kansas: QB Jalon Daniels has struggled mightily this season, especially when it comes to decision-making and turnovers. He’s thrown for 626 yards and four touchdowns, but he also has been sacked five times and thrown seven interceptions.

TCU has won five straight and 10 of the last 11 in the series against Kansas. The lone win by the Jayhawks over that span was a 27-26 victory on Oct. 27, 2018, in Lawrence. ... TCU and Kansas have played four previous games in Kansas City, Missouri. The Horned Frogs won games in 1944 and ‘45 and the teams played to scoreless draws in 1946 and ’47. ... TCU QB Josh Hoover has eight 300-yard passing games in 10 career starts. ... Horned Frogs WR Jack Bech has three 100-yard receiving games this season. He also has four catches of 43 yards or more. ... Jayhawks WRs Lawrence Arnold (2,036 yards) and Luke Grimm (2,014) each surpassed the 2,000-yard mark for receiving in their career last week. ... Jayhawks RB Devin Neal has run for at least 100 yards in seven of his past eight games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727368485767.jpeg" alt="West Virginia's Garrett Greene (6) rushes downfield with the ball against Kansas during an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Morgantown, W.Va. (Benjamin Powell/The DOminion-Post via AP)" />
 <figcaption>West Virginia's Garrett Greene (6) rushes downfield with the ball against Kansas during an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Morgantown, W.Va. (Benjamin Powell/The DOminion-Post via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressTCU (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) at Kansas (1-3, 0-1), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)BetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.ky.betmgm.com/en/sports" target="_blank">College Football Odds</a>: Kansas by 1 1/2.Series record: TCU 26-9-4.<h2>WHAT’S AT STAKE?</h2>Two teams with big expectations this season instead are meeting with desperation setting in. TCU lost a one-point nailbiter to UCF before getting blown out 66-42 by SMU last weekend, while Kansas dropped three straight to Illinois, UNLV and West Virginia by a combined 13 points. The Jayhawks played their first two home games at Children’s Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City, while their own stadium is being renovated. But their Big 12 games shift across the state line to Arrowhead Stadium beginning with TCU.<h2>KEY MATCHUP</h2>Kansas RB Devin Neal against the TCU run defense, which allowed Brashard Smith to run for 127 yards and three touchdowns and SMU pile up 238 yards on the ground in all last week. Neal has been a bright spot for an otherwise struggling Kansas offense, running for 443 yards with a 6.2 average and three touchdowns this season.<h2>PLAYERS TO WATCH</h2>TCU: WR Jack Bech shredded SMU’s secondary last week, hauling in eight passes for 166 yards and two scores. He was able to get open thanks in part to a similarly stellar game from WR Eric McAlister, who had six catches for 114 yards and a touchdown.Kansas: QB Jalon Daniels has struggled mightily this season, especially when it comes to decision-making and turnovers. He’s thrown for 626 yards and four touchdowns, but he also has been sacked five times and thrown seven interceptions.<h2>FACTS &amp; FIGURES</h2>TCU has won five straight and 10 of the last 11 in the series against Kansas. The lone win by the Jayhawks over that span was a 27-26 victory on Oct. 27, 2018, in Lawrence. ... TCU and Kansas have played four previous games in Kansas City, Missouri. The Horned Frogs won games in 1944 and ‘45 and the teams played to scoreless draws in 1946 and ’47. ... TCU QB Josh Hoover has eight 300-yard passing games in 10 career starts. ... Horned Frogs WR Jack Bech has three 100-yard receiving games this season. He also has four catches of 43 yards or more. ... Jayhawks WRs Lawrence Arnold (2,036 yards) and Luke Grimm (2,014) each surpassed the 2,000-yard mark for receiving in their career last week. ... Jayhawks RB Devin Neal has run for at least 100 yards in seven of his past eight games.

🏈 KU plays TCU in a Big 12 matchup of teams trying to get their seasons on track

No. 20 Oklahoma State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) at No. 23 Kansas State (3-1, 0-1), Saturday, 12 p.m. ET. (ESPN)

BetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.ky.betmgm.com/en/sports" target="_blank">College Football Odds</a>: Kansas State by 6.

Series record: Oklahoma State leads 43-27.

Oklahoma State and Kansas State meet Saturday in a game that is crucial to remain in the hunt for the Big 12 title game. The Cowboys are coming off a tough loss to Utah, one of the favorites to win the league, while the Wildcats were embarrassed last week at BYU. Oklahoma State won a close game in Stillwater last season while the Wildcats blew out the Cowboys two years ago in Manhattan.

Kansas State QB Avery Johnson against the Oklahoma State defense, which gave up 456 yards to the Utes last week. Johnson had his worst game as a college quarterback against BYU, throwing for just 130 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. One of the picks deep in his own territory led to the Cougars scoring a touchdown at the end of the first half.

Oklahoma State: RB Ollie Gordon II returned this season with Heisman Trophy aspirations. But he was shut down by the Utes last week, carrying 11 times for 42 yards in the Cowboys’ 22-19 loss. He has been held to 50 yards or less rushing each of the past three games.

Kansas State: RBs D.J. Giddens and Dylan Edwards have been tough to stop most of the season. Giddens has 93 yards rushing against BYU, though he also had a fumble that was returned for a score. Edwards only carried six times but had 41 yards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727368730317.jpeg" alt="Brigham Young safety Tommy Prassas, center top, cornerback Jakob Robinson, right, and linebacker Harrison Taggart, left, stop Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson, center bottom, short of the goal line during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)" />
 <figcaption>Brigham Young safety Tommy Prassas, center top, cornerback Jakob Robinson, right, and linebacker Harrison Taggart, left, stop Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson, center bottom, short of the goal line during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressNo. 20 Oklahoma State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) at No. 23 Kansas State (3-1, 0-1), Saturday, 12 p.m. ET. (ESPN)BetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.ky.betmgm.com/en/sports" target="_blank">College Football Odds</a>: Kansas State by 6.Series record: Oklahoma State leads 43-27.<h2>WHAT’S AT STAKE?</h2>Oklahoma State and Kansas State meet Saturday in a game that is crucial to remain in the hunt for the Big 12 title game. The Cowboys are coming off a tough loss to Utah, one of the favorites to win the league, while the Wildcats were embarrassed last week at BYU. Oklahoma State won a close game in Stillwater last season while the Wildcats blew out the Cowboys two years ago in Manhattan.<h2>KEY MATCHUP</h2>Kansas State QB Avery Johnson against the Oklahoma State defense, which gave up 456 yards to the Utes last week. Johnson had his worst game as a college quarterback against BYU, throwing for just 130 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. One of the picks deep in his own territory led to the Cougars scoring a touchdown at the end of the first half.<h2>PLAYERS TO WATCH</h2>Oklahoma State: RB Ollie Gordon II returned this season with Heisman Trophy aspirations. But he was shut down by the Utes last week, carrying 11 times for 42 yards in the Cowboys’ 22-19 loss. He has been held to 50 yards or less rushing each of the past three games.Kansas State: RBs D.J. Giddens and Dylan Edwards have been tough to stop most of the season. Giddens has 93 yards rushing against BYU, though he also had a fumble that was returned for a score. Edwards only carried six times but had 41 yards.<h2>FACTS &amp; FIGURES</h2>

🏈 No. 23 K-State hosts No. 20 Oklahoma State with both teams coming off a tough loss

After two-straight nail-biting victories and a bye week, the No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team returns to work Saturday to face the Ellsworth Panthers in the final non-conference game of the season.

The Blue Dragons (3-0) and Panthers (0-4) will kick off at Noon at Gowans Stadium. Saturday's game is "Celebrate Dragon Champions Day." All 2023-24 Blue Dragon champions will be honored at halftime.

Saturday's game is the middle game of three-straight home games for the Blue Dragons.

BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL No. 1 Hutchinson (3-0) vs. Ellsworth (0-4) When: Saturday, September 28, 2024 Where: Gowans Stadium Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 11:30 a.m. - Sean Boston (PBP), Rob Dreher (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1253302">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 11:30 a.m. - Sean Boston (PBP), Rob Dreher (Color)</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/files/Game_4_-_Ellsworth.pdf"></a>

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/files/Game_4_-_Ellsworth.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

The homestand opened with a 33-30 overtime victory over No. 12 Iowa Central on September 14. The Blue Dragons trailed 30-16 with 6:19 remaining in the first quarter. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/collier_samari_f7ro">Samari Collier</a>&nbsp;threw touchdown passes of 15 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/brown_tre_1kab">Tre Brown</a>&nbsp;with 4:26 left in the fourth quarter and 15 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/salley_jr._derrick_hofp">Derrick Salley Jr.</a>&nbsp;with 1:19 to play in regulation to tie the game at 30.

After Iowa Central missed a field-goal attempts in their overtime possession,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/burger_nestus_ljhj">Nestus Burger</a>&nbsp;nailed a 36-yard game-winner to complete the first Hutchinson comeback of a 10-point or more deficit in the fourth quarter since October 19, 2013 against Fort Scott.

Collier had his first career 300-yard passing, completing 23 of 40 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 89 yards.

The Blue Dragons are now 2-0 against ranked opponents this season.

Ellsworth will play its second No. 1-ranked team this season. The Panthers opened with Division III No. 1 College of DuPage and suffered a 48-13 loss. Since then, Ellsworth has gone 0-3 against Jayhawk Conference opponents, falling to Butler (66-0), Highland (21-0) and Garden City (69-3).

The Blue Dragons have won five-straight games over Ellsworth, including decisive wins of 70-7 in 2020 at Iowa Falls and 72-7 last year at Gowans.

Entering play on Saturday, the Blue Dragons rank third in the Jayhawk Conference in scoring at 37.7 points per game and leads the KJCCC in total offense at 463.7 yards per game. The Blue Dragons rank No. 2 in the league in rushing at 251.0 yards per game.

Running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_h58l">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the KJCCC in individual rushing 132.7 yards per game on the ground. Coming off his big game against Iowa Central, Collier is now second in the league at 184.0 yards per game. Receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/prosper_benson_2z8u">Benson Prosper</a>&nbsp;is third in the KJCCC in receiving yards at 55.7 yards per game. Safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/spencer_la-modrick_9es9">La'Modrick Spencer</a>&nbsp;is second in average tackles at 8.0 per game.

The Blue Dragons will close out the three-game homestand by opening KJCCC play next Saturday against Dodge City at Gowans Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727459058305.jpeg" alt="Derrick Salley Jr. and the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons play host to the Ellsworth Panthers at noon Saturday in Gowans Stadium." />
 <figcaption>Derrick Salley Jr. and the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons play host to the Ellsworth Panthers at noon Saturday in Gowans Stadium.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationAfter two-straight nail-biting victories and a bye week, the No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team returns to work Saturday to face the Ellsworth Panthers in the final non-conference game of the season.The Blue Dragons (3-0) and Panthers (0-4) will kick off at Noon at Gowans Stadium. Saturday's game is "Celebrate Dragon Champions Day." All 2023-24 Blue Dragon champions will be honored at halftime.Saturday's game is the middle game of three-straight home games for the Blue Dragons.BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL No. 1 Hutchinson (3-0) vs. Ellsworth (0-4) When: Saturday, September 28, 2024 Where: Gowans Stadium Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 11:30 a.m. - Sean Boston (PBP), Rob Dreher (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1253302">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 11:30 a.m. - Sean Boston (PBP), Rob Dreher (Color)</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/files/Game_4_-_Ellsworth.pdf"></a><a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/files/Game_4_-_Ellsworth.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>The homestand opened with a 33-30 overtime victory over No. 12 Iowa Central on September 14. The Blue Dragons trailed 30-16 with 6:19 remaining in the first quarter. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/collier_samari_f7ro">Samari Collier</a>&nbsp;threw touchdown passes of 15 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/brown_tre_1kab">Tre Brown</a>&nbsp;with 4:26 left in the fourth quarter and 15 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/salley_jr._derrick_hofp">Derrick Salley Jr.</a>&nbsp;with 1:19 to play in regulation to tie the game at 30.After Iowa Central missed a field-goal attempts in their overtime possession,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/burger_nestus_ljhj">Nestus Burger</a>&nbsp;nailed a 36-yard game-winner to complete the first Hutchinson comeback of a 10-point or more deficit in the fourth quarter since October 19, 2013 against Fort Scott.Collier had his first career 300-yard passing, completing 23 of 40 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 89 yards.The Blue Dragons are now 2-0 against ranked opponents this season.Ellsworth will play its second No. 1-ranked team this season. The Panthers opened with Division III No. 1 College of DuPage and suffered a 48-13 loss. Since then, Ellsworth has gone 0-3 against Jayhawk Conference opponents, falling to Butler (66-0), Highland (21-0) and Garden City (69-3).The Blue Dragons have won five-straight games over Ellsworth, including decisive wins of 70-7 in 2020 at Iowa Falls and 72-7 last year at Gowans.Entering play on Saturday, the Blue Dragons rank third in the Jayhawk Conference in scoring at 37.7 points per game and leads the KJCCC in total offense at 463.7 yards per game. The Blue Dragons rank No. 2 in the league in rushing at 251.0 yards per game.Running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_h58l">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the KJCCC in individual rushing 132.7 yards per game on the ground. Coming off his big game against Iowa Central, Collier is now second in the league at 184.0 yards per game. Receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/prosper_benson_2z8u">Benson Prosper</a>&nbsp;is third in the KJCCC in receiving yards at 55.7 yards per game. Safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/spencer_la-modrick_9es9">La'Modrick Spencer</a>&nbsp;is second in average tackles at 8.0 per game.The Blue Dragons will close out the three-game homestand by opening KJCCC play next Saturday against Dodge City at Gowans Stadium.

🏈 Dragons back to work to face Ellsworth Saturday at home

Week 4 of the high school football season is upon us in the Sunflower State. See below for the schedule involving area teams.

Week 4 Hutch High 47, Salina South 0 (Thursday night) Central Christian at Fairfield Trinity Catholic at South Sumner Buhler vs. Circle Haven at Douglass Inman at Remington Little River vs. Goessel Lyons vs. Ellsworth Nickerson vs. Hesston McPherson vs. Winfield Pretty Prairie vs. Victoria Sterling vs. Ellinwood Pratt vs. Chaparral Pratt-Skyline at Udall Newton at Goddard

You can find all of the Hutch Post area football schedules for the entire season&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8e247860-8dc7-4f3a-86de-3a909aec11d2">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719520482079.png" alt="EAGLE Media High School Football Scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media High School Football Scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure>Week 4 of the high school football season is upon us in the Sunflower State. See below for the schedule involving area teams.Week 4 Hutch High 47, Salina South 0 (Thursday night) Central Christian at Fairfield Trinity Catholic at South Sumner Buhler vs. Circle Haven at Douglass Inman at Remington Little River vs. Goessel Lyons vs. Ellsworth Nickerson vs. Hesston McPherson vs. Winfield Pretty Prairie vs. Victoria Sterling vs. Ellinwood Pratt vs. Chaparral Pratt-Skyline at Udall Newton at Goddard You can find all of the Hutch Post area football schedules for the entire season&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8e247860-8dc7-4f3a-86de-3a909aec11d2">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Week 4 area high school schedule

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School volleyball team split a triangular with Goddard and Great Bend on Thursday at Great Bend High School.

The Salthawks defeated in two sets, 25-16, 25-17, before losing to Great Bend in two, 11-25, 19-25.

Hutchinson is now 9-8 overall and will travel to Derby on Tuesday for a tri with Valley Center and the host Panthers.

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">Click here to submit sports results or suggest a story idea.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727448435294.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Mike Courson/Great Bend Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Mike Courson/Great Bend Post</figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School volleyball team split a triangular with Goddard and Great Bend on Thursday at Great Bend High School.The Salthawks defeated in two sets, 25-16, 25-17, before losing to Great Bend in two, 11-25, 19-25.Hutchinson is now 9-8 overall and will travel to Derby on Tuesday for a tri with Valley Center and the host Panthers.<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">Click here to submit sports results or suggest a story idea.</a>

🏐 Salthawks split tri in Great Bend

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mason Thrush has learned a lot over a short period of time spent at Hutchinson Community College. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound starting center for the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragon football team spent last year utilizing his redshirt season.

"First learning the speed of college football, that was a big part of it," Thrush said. "Then kind of physically maturing in the weight room, conditioning and all of that definitely plays a factor in how much I've changed in a year."

Thrush played left tackle at Maize High School, but has adjusted to everyday life as the center in Hutchinson.

"First of all, I'm a little bit undersized to play college left tackle," Thrush said with a laugh. "Overall, I think my mind has helped me out a lot. When I was at Maize, I was always helping out and calling slides and stuff like that, so once I got here I just moved to the middle of the line and communicated back and forth."

There is a lot that goes on in the time between plays for Thrush.

"I've been lucky enough that in high school we did hand signals and stuff like that at Maize," Thrush said. "Basically in my mind I look, I get the play call, but then I've got to make my slide calls, call double teams and check all the linebackers to make sure I don't see any blitzes or stuff like that."

The transition from left tackle to center has definitely been an adjustment for Thrush.

"So at left tackle you have a lot more space to work with," Thrush said. "When you move to center, it's real close quarters and as soon as you snap the ball you've got to be ready, because they're in your face going."

Tony Koehling is the offensive coordinator, as well as the offensive line coach for the Blue Dragons.

"He's one of the most winning coaches in JUCO, so he's very knowledgeable," Thrush said. "He makes it real simple for us to get it and he is a real key figure to our success."

One thing fans may notice when watching the center to quarterback exchange is the fact that Thrush is left-handed.

"It's something I've dealt with my whole life," Thrush said. "I've always been left-handed, so it's different and people don't really see it that often, but when they notice it, they notice it."

Thrush was injured and required attention on the field twice in the win over Iowa Central on Sept. 14, but refused to miss any playing time.

"You've got to be tough, especially like mentally," Thrush said. "There is so much going on and you've got to remember all the plays and stuff like that, so getting banged up is part of the job, so especially for me, mentally, I always think I got to keep going. Especially in that last game when you're down 14 with less than six minutes left, you have no choice, you have to get up and keep going."

While the quarterback may be the focal point on every play, the ball doesn't get to the quarterback without the center.

"Basically he kind of controls the backfield, receivers and all of that," Thrush said. "I've got to handle the o-line and make sure they're doing what they need to be doing and if there is any confusion with any of that, the center is kind of the guy that has to figure it out and let everyone know what's going on."

The speed and athleticism of athletes at the junior college level is something Thrush has noticed thus far.

"Technique is almost everything when it comes to an offensive lineman," Thrush said. "Especially against the defensive linemen you're going up against at the college level, they're super athletes, they're going to be faster than you, they're going to be stronger than you and some of them will even weigh more than you. The thing is as long as you have good technique and you are using your mind, there is no reason they should beat you."

Like most position groups do, the offensive line has developed a special brotherhood.

"Especially the starters this year, we all redshirted together last year and kind of developed and grew together," Thrush said. "We're all like a family at this point, even though we've only known each other for like a year and a half now, we pretty much spend all day together and hang out together outside of football."

Thrush says he is closest to Carson Bradley, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound redshirt freshman from Quincy, Fla.

"You all know him as Carson Bradley, but I call him 'Dirt' because he's got the flowing mullet," Thrush said. "Me and Dirt are going to be best friends for awhile."&nbsp;

Thrush wears jersey number 66, something he has done since middle school.

"When my dad was in high school, he played at Wichita Northwest," Thrush said. "He always wore 66 growing up, playing center and defensive end, so I asked him when I got into middle school what number he wore and he told me he was 66, so I told him that's what I was going to wear."

He gives a lot of credit to his Maize High School coach, Gary Guzman.

"He is extremely knowledgeable and knows how to win football games," Thrush said. "We went to state my junior and senior year, so he knows what he's talking about and can be hard sometimes, but I've always had and always will have respect for him."

There is one thing Thrush says people should know about him.

"I'm a huge nerd, I'm not going to lie to you," Thrush said. "I like comic books, I like Star Wars, I like reading, all that kind of stuff. I take care of my grades and all of that, so mainly it's I'm a nerd."

Thrush is the featured player on "Under the Helmet" this week. You can hear the full interview with Thrush at halftime of Saturday's game against Ellsworth. Kickoff is at noon from Gowans Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on the flagship station for Blue Dragon athletics, <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> and <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a>, as well as on the <a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc">Blue Dragon Sports Network</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727439202153.png" alt="Mason Thrush (66) gets ready to snap the ball in a game at Iowa Western on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Photo Courtesy @thrush_mason on X)" />
 <figcaption>Mason Thrush (66) gets ready to snap the ball in a game at Iowa Western on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Photo Courtesy @thrush_mason on X)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mason Thrush has learned a lot over a short period of time spent at Hutchinson Community College. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound starting center for the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragon football team spent last year utilizing his redshirt season."First learning the speed of college football, that was a big part of it," Thrush said. "Then kind of physically maturing in the weight room, conditioning and all of that definitely plays a factor in how much I've changed in a year."Thrush played left tackle at Maize High School, but has adjusted to everyday life as the center in Hutchinson."First of all, I'm a little bit undersized to play college left tackle," Thrush said with a laugh. "Overall, I think my mind has helped me out a lot. When I was at Maize, I was always helping out and calling slides and stuff like that, so once I got here I just moved to the middle of the line and communicated back and forth."There is a lot that goes on in the time between plays for Thrush."I've been lucky enough that in high school we did hand signals and stuff like that at Maize," Thrush said. "Basically in my mind I look, I get the play call, but then I've got to make my slide calls, call double teams and check all the linebackers to make sure I don't see any blitzes or stuff like that."The transition from left tackle to center has definitely been an adjustment for Thrush."So at left tackle you have a lot more space to work with," Thrush said. "When you move to center, it's real close quarters and as soon as you snap the ball you've got to be ready, because they're in your face going."Tony Koehling is the offensive coordinator, as well as the offensive line coach for the Blue Dragons."He's one of the most winning coaches in JUCO, so he's very knowledgeable," Thrush said. "He makes it real simple for us to get it and he is a real key figure to our success."One thing fans may notice when watching the center to quarterback exchange is the fact that Thrush is left-handed."It's something I've dealt with my whole life," Thrush said. "I've always been left-handed, so it's different and people don't really see it that often, but when they notice it, they notice it."Thrush was injured and required attention on the field twice in the win over Iowa Central on Sept. 14, but refused to miss any playing time."You've got to be tough, especially like mentally," Thrush said. "There is so much going on and you've got to remember all the plays and stuff like that, so getting banged up is part of the job, so especially for me, mentally, I always think I got to keep going. Especially in that last game when you're down 14 with less than six minutes left, you have no choice, you have to get up and keep going."While the quarterback may be the focal point on every play, the ball doesn't get to the quarterback without the center."Basically he kind of controls the backfield, receivers and all of that," Thrush said. "I've got to handle the o-line and make sure they're doing what they need to be doing and if there is any confusion with any of that, the center is kind of the guy that has to figure it out and let everyone know what's going on."The speed and athleticism of athletes at the junior college level is something Thrush has noticed thus far."Technique is almost everything when it comes to an offensive lineman," Thrush said. "Especially against the defensive linemen you're going up against at the college level, they're super athletes, they're going to be faster than you, they're going to be stronger than you and some of them will even weigh more than you. The thing is as long as you have good technique and you are using your mind, there is no reason they should beat you."Like most position groups do, the offensive line has developed a special brotherhood."Especially the starters this year, we all redshirted together last year and kind of developed and grew together," Thrush said. "We're all like a family at this point, even though we've only known each other for like a year and a half now, we pretty much spend all day together and hang out together outside of football."Thrush says he is closest to Carson Bradley, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound redshirt freshman from Quincy, Fla."You all know him as Carson Bradley, but I call him 'Dirt' because he's got the flowing mullet," Thrush said. "Me and Dirt are going to be best friends for awhile."&nbsp;Thrush wears jersey number 66, something he has done since middle school."When my dad was in high school, he played at Wichita Northwest," Thrush said. "He always wore 66 growing up, playing center and defensive end, so I asked him when I got into middle school what number he wore and he told me he was 66, so I told him that's what I was going to wear."He gives a lot of credit to his Maize High School coach, Gary Guzman."He is extremely knowledgeable and knows how to win football games," Thrush said. "We went to state my junior and senior year, so he knows what he's talking about and can be hard sometimes, but I've always had and always will have respect for him."There is one thing Thrush says people should know about him."I'm a huge nerd, I'm not going to lie to you," Thrush said. "I like comic books, I like Star Wars, I like reading, all that kind of stuff. I take care of my grades and all of that, so mainly it's I'm a nerd."Thrush is the featured player on "Under the Helmet" this week. You can hear the full interview with Thrush at halftime of Saturday's game against Ellsworth. Kickoff is at noon from Gowans Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on the flagship station for Blue Dragon athletics, <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> and <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a>, as well as on the <a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc">Blue Dragon Sports Network</a>.<div><iframe title="HutchCC &quot;Under the Helmet&quot; - 9/21/24 - Mason Thrush" 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=th85i-16e66ee-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🏈 Maize native Thrush adjusting to starting center role at HutchCC

Reno County Coaches Show airs Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) and on KWBWradio.com. Sean Boston, Glen Grunwald and Rob Dreher visit with area coaches and student-athletes throughout the school year for this weekly 30-minute show.

Glen Grunwald w/ Charlie Pierce (Hutch High School girls golf coach)

Sean Boston w/ Thomas Cooprider &amp; Drew Thalmann (Hutchinson High School co-head football coaches

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726138917283.jpeg" alt="Reno County Coaches Corner and More Show LOGO" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Coaches Corner and More Show LOGO</figcaption>
 </figure>Reno County Coaches Show airs Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) and on KWBWradio.com. Sean Boston, Glen Grunwald and Rob Dreher visit with area coaches and student-athletes throughout the school year for this weekly 30-minute show.Glen Grunwald w/ Charlie Pierce (Hutch High School girls golf coach)Sean Boston w/ Thomas Cooprider &amp; Drew Thalmann (Hutchinson High School co-head football coaches<div><iframe title="Reno County Coaches Show (Sept. 26, 2024)" 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=d7d6x-16e7f91-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: Reno County Coaches Show

Kansas City (3-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-1)

BetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports" target="_blank">NFL odds</a>: Chiefs by 7 1/2.

Against the spread: Chiefs 2-1; Chargers 2-1.

Last meeting: Chiefs beat Chargers 13-12 in Inglewood, Calif. on Jan. 7.

Last week: Chiefs beat Atlanta 22-17; Chargers lost to Pittsburgh 20-10.

Chiefs offense: overall (14), rush (15), pass (12), scoring (T-7).

Chiefs defense: overall (25), rush (T-13), pass (28), scoring (T-15).

Chargers offense: overall (25), rush (7), pass (31), scoring (T-17).

Chargers defense: overall (6), rush (6), pass (10), scoring (3).

Turnover differential: Chiefs minus-2; Chargers plus-3.

Travis Kelce has been blanketed by opposing defenses so far this season, catching just eight passes for 69 yards. Some believe the soon-to-be 35-year-old Chiefs tight end has lost a step, but Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes insist that defenses are simply paying more attention to him. That’s a big reason why wide receiver Rashee Rice has been so productive.

WR Quentin Johnston caught a 27-yard touchdown pass in Pittsburgh, his third in two games this season after managing just two scores during his disappointing rookie season. If the Chiefs focus their attention elsewhere, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Johnston will have to make plays when the opportunity presents itself, especially off play action.

Chargers TE Will Dissly vs. Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton. Kansas City is struggling to cover tight ends through the first three weeks of the season. Baltimore’s Isaiah Likely had nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown, Mike Gesicki led the way with seven grabs and 91 yards for Cincinnati, and Kyle Pitts ripped off a 50-yard catch for Atlanta. Dissly isn’t a flashy pass catcher on par with those others, but this might be the perfect time for coach Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Greg Roman to feature him given the uncertainty elsewhere on offense.

The Chiefs had no injuries after their win last Sunday night in Atlanta. … Chargers QB Justin Herbert looks to be on track to play despite spraining his ankle against the Steelers. … The offensive line might be in trouble as RT Joe Alt (knee), LT Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and RG Trey Pipkins III (foot) are all hurt. … Edge rusher Joey Bosa (hip) is another major question mark.

Kansas City has won five in a row over Los Angeles. … The Chiefs have won all four games against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium, but each of those have been one-possession games, with two decided in overtime. … Harbaugh is 2-0 as a head coach against Reid. Both results came when Harbaugh was with the San Francisco 49ers, getting a 24-23 win over Reid’s Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 and a 22-17 victory in 2014 when Reid was in his second season leading the Chiefs.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will be making his 100th start. He already has a record 77 wins, one more than Tom Brady and Roger Staubach had through their first 100 starts. ... Chiefs coach Andy Reid picked up his 131st win last week in Atlanta. That gave him one more win than he had during his 14-year career with Philadelphia. ... Kansas City is 30-9 in September since Reid took over as coach for the 2013 season. ... Chiefs WR Rashee Rice had a career-best 12 catches for 110 yards with a TD last week against the Falcons. ... TE Travis Kelce has 74 TD receptions and needs three more to pass Tony Gonzalez for the Chiefs record. Kelce also has 77 total TDs and needs seven more to pass Priest Holmes for that franchise record. ... Kelce has 915 catches and needs two to pass Gonzalez for the Chiefs record. ... C Creed Humphrey has started 54 straight games for Kansas City. He needs to make 11 more starts for the second-longest streak in team history. ... Chiefs DT Chris Jones has 76 1/2 sacks. He needs 2 1/2 more to pass Justin Houston for the fourth most since sacks became an official stat in 1982. … Chiefs RB J.K. Dobbins is averaging 7.38 yards per carry, the best mark in the NFL through three weeks with at least 35 carries since 2017. … S Derwin James Jr. will serve a one-game suspension for repeated unnecessary roughness penalties after he was flagged for a hit on Pittsburgh TE Pat Freiermuth. … The Chargers have allowed one touchdown on five red zone possessions (20%), which is second best in the NFL behind the Steelers (1 for 6; 16.7%). … Edge rusher Khalil Mack has 104 sacks. He has brought Mahomes down twice in four games. … Los Angeles has outscored opponents 36-14 in the first half. … Field position was a factor in the Chargers loss to the Steelers. After getting the ball on their 35-yard line in wins against Las Vegas and Carolina, the average Los Angeles drive started at its 24 in Pittsburgh.

This game could be a low-scoring matchup, which makes both kickers especially appealing fantasy options. Harrison Butker of the Chiefs and Los Angeles’ Cameron Dicker are each 3 for 3 this season from 40 yards or longer, and SoFi Stadium lends itself to field goals from distance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726523368803.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) and cornerback Dax Hill (23) defend during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) and cornerback Dax Hill (23) defend during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressKansas City (3-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-1)Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, CBSBetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports" target="_blank">NFL odds</a>: Chiefs by 7 1/2.Against the spread: Chiefs 2-1; Chargers 2-1.Series record: Chiefs lead 69-57-1.Last meeting: Chiefs beat Chargers 13-12 in Inglewood, Calif. on Jan. 7.Last week: Chiefs beat Atlanta 22-17; Chargers lost to Pittsburgh 20-10.Chiefs offense: overall (14), rush (15), pass (12), scoring (T-7).Chiefs defense: overall (25), rush (T-13), pass (28), scoring (T-15).Chargers offense: overall (25), rush (7), pass (31), scoring (T-17).Chargers defense: overall (6), rush (6), pass (10), scoring (3).Turnover differential: Chiefs minus-2; Chargers plus-3.<h2>Chiefs player to watch</h2>Travis Kelce has been blanketed by opposing defenses so far this season, catching just eight passes for 69 yards. Some believe the soon-to-be 35-year-old Chiefs tight end has lost a step, but Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes insist that defenses are simply paying more attention to him. That’s a big reason why wide receiver Rashee Rice has been so productive.<h2>Chargers player to watch</h2>WR Quentin Johnston caught a 27-yard touchdown pass in Pittsburgh, his third in two games this season after managing just two scores during his disappointing rookie season. If the Chiefs focus their attention elsewhere, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Johnston will have to make plays when the opportunity presents itself, especially off play action.<h2>Key matchup</h2>Chargers TE Will Dissly vs. Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton. Kansas City is struggling to cover tight ends through the first three weeks of the season. Baltimore’s Isaiah Likely had nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown, Mike Gesicki led the way with seven grabs and 91 yards for Cincinnati, and Kyle Pitts ripped off a 50-yard catch for Atlanta. Dissly isn’t a flashy pass catcher on par with those others, but this might be the perfect time for coach Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Greg Roman to feature him given the uncertainty elsewhere on offense.<h2>Key injuries</h2>The Chiefs had no injuries after their win last Sunday night in Atlanta. … Chargers QB Justin Herbert looks to be on track to play despite spraining his ankle against the Steelers. … The offensive line might be in trouble as RT Joe Alt (knee), LT Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and RG Trey Pipkins III (foot) are all hurt. … Edge rusher Joey Bosa (hip) is another major question mark.<h2>Series notes</h2>Kansas City has won five in a row over Los Angeles. … The Chiefs have won all four games against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium, but each of those have been one-possession games, with two decided in overtime. … Harbaugh is 2-0 as a head coach against Reid. Both results came when Harbaugh was with the San Francisco 49ers, getting a 24-23 win over Reid’s Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 and a 22-17 victory in 2014 when Reid was in his second season leading the Chiefs.<h2>Stats and stuff</h2>Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will be making his 100th start. He already has a record 77 wins, one more than Tom Brady and Roger Staubach had through their first 100 starts. ... Chiefs coach Andy Reid picked up his 131st win last week in Atlanta. That gave him one more win than he had during his 14-year career with Philadelphia. ... Kansas City is 30-9 in September since Reid took over as coach for the 2013 season. ... Chiefs WR Rashee Rice had a career-best 12 catches for 110 yards with a TD last week against the Falcons. ... TE Travis Kelce has 74 TD receptions and needs three more to pass Tony Gonzalez for the Chiefs record. Kelce also has 77 total TDs and needs seven more to pass Priest Holmes for that franchise record. ... Kelce has 915 catches and needs two to pass Gonzalez for the Chiefs record. ... C Creed Humphrey has started 54 straight games for Kansas City. He needs to make 11 more starts for the second-longest streak in team history. ... Chiefs DT Chris Jones has 76 1/2 sacks. He needs 2 1/2 more to pass Justin Houston for the fourth most since sacks became an official stat in 1982. … Chiefs RB J.K. Dobbins is averaging 7.38 yards per carry, the best mark in the NFL through three weeks with at least 35 carries since 2017. … S Derwin James Jr. will serve a one-game suspension for repeated unnecessary roughness penalties after he was flagged for a hit on Pittsburgh TE Pat Freiermuth. … The Chargers have allowed one touchdown on five red zone possessions (20%), which is second best in the NFL behind the Steelers (1 for 6; 16.7%). … Edge rusher Khalil Mack has 104 sacks. He has brought Mahomes down twice in four games. … Los Angeles has outscored opponents 36-14 in the first half. … Field position was a factor in the Chargers loss to the Steelers. After getting the ball on their 35-yard line in wins against Las Vegas and Carolina, the average Los Angeles drive started at its 24 in Pittsburgh.<h2>Fantasy tip</h2>This game could be a low-scoring matchup, which makes both kickers especially appealing fantasy options. Harrison Butker of the Chiefs and Los Angeles’ Cameron Dicker are each 3 for 3 this season from 40 yards or longer, and SoFi Stadium lends itself to field goals from distance.

🏈 Chiefs seek to continue winning ways, road streak against Chargers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, September 27th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, September 27th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for September 27th, 2024" 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=wbn2z-16e7e03-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals magic number is 1, 🏈 Salthawks blitz Salina South, 🏈 Drieling and Warner top list of active coaching wins

Dak Prescott throws 2 TD passes and Cowboys win 7th straight over Giants, 20-15

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Dak Prescott threw one of his two touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys taunted the Giants yet again, winning 20-15 for their seventh straight victory over New York and 14th in 15 games. Prescott has won his last 13 starts against the Giants. He found Lamb for a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown on a play that ended with the receiver being called for taunting. There were some significant injuries in the fourth quarter with Dallas' Micah Parsons carted off the field with a leg injury and the Giants' Malik Nabers suffering a concussion.

Shohei Ohtani heads to 1st postseason after Dodgers clinch NL West title with a 7-2 win over Padres

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is headed to the postseason for the first time in his career after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the NL West by scoring five runs in the seventh inning in a 7-2 win over the second-place San Diego Padres. The Dodgers had not clinched at home since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, when cardboard cutouts replaced fans in the stands. The last time fans were on hand for a clincher at home was 2018. A sellout crowd of 52,433, including retired Dodgers star Manny Ramirez, packed Dodger Stadium for the finale of the crucial series between the top two teams in the NL West. All-Star slugger Freddie Freeman sprained his ankle and was on crutches after the game.

Yankees win AL East title with 10-1 victory over Orioles behind Judge, Stanton and Cole

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees won the AL East title for a first-round bye in the playoffs, dispatching the Baltimore Orioles with a 10-1 victory behind Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole. When Cedric Mullins hit a game-ending groundout to shortstop Anthony Volpe, the Yankees came out of the dugout and formed a brief jumping huddle between the mound and second base. New York improved to 93-66 and and will open its 59th postseason at home Oct. 5 in a best-of-five Division Series against a winner of next week's wild-card round. Judge hit his major league-leading 58th homer and increased his RBIs total to 144, the most in the big leagues since Ryan Howard's 146 in 2008.

American sweep! Team USA wins all 5 matches in the opening session of Presidents Cup

MONTREAL (AP) — The Americans have dominated the Presidents Cup and the opening session at Royal Montreal was no different. They swept the first day for the third time in Presidents Cup history. Scottie Scheffler had a few feisty moments with Tom Kim. Xander Schauffele delivered some big shots late in his match and Keegan Bradley put the finishing touches on the fourballs sweep. The last time the Americans swept the opening session, they went on to an 11-point victory. The Internationals are tying to avoid losing for the 10th straight time. They couldn't buy a putt on the back nine.

Athletics bid emotional farewell to Oakland Coliseum that they called home since 1968

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Manager and former Oakland outfielder Mark Kotsay fought tears as the Athletics bid an emotional farewell to their beloved Coliseum they've called home since 1968, complete with all its quirks like plumbing problems and rally possums. Also those stray cats who helped inspire Hall of Famer Tony La Russa's former Animal Rescue Foundation. Longtime supporters and kids alike stole away from work or school to be at the park for the matinee finale against the Texas Rangers. Kotsay says he will treasure this for the rest of his life.

Giants' Malik Nabers, Cowboys' Micah Parsons injured in Thursday night game

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Malik Nabers of the New York Giants sustained a concussion and Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys was carted off the field with an ankle injury during the Cowboys' 20-15 victory Thursday night. Nabers was hurt with 3:30 to play when he fell hard near the Giants' bench while attempting to tiptoe the sideline and catch a fourth-down pass from Daniel Jones. Nabers finished with 12 catches for 115 yards, his second straight game of 10-plus catches for at least 100 yards. Parsons also left in the fourth quarter.

Attorneys tweak $2.78B college settlement, remove the word 'booster' from NIL language

Three weeks after being asked to modify a $2.78 billion deal that would dramatically change college sports, attorneys redefined the word "booster" in the plan. They hope that will satisfy a judge's concerns about the landmark settlement designed to pay players some of the money they help produce. As expected, the changes did not amount to an overhaul but the hope is that it will clear the way for U.S District Judge Claudia Wilken to give the agreement preliminary approval. The replacing of the term "booster" is designed to better outline which sort of deals will come under scrutiny.

Chicago Sky fire coach Teresa Weatherspoon after 1 season, reports say

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Sky fired coach Teresa Weatherspoon after one season, reports said Thursday. The Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune cited unidentified sources in reporting that Weatherspoon had been let go. The Sky did not immediately return a message sent by The Associated Press seeking confirmation of the reports. Chicago finished this season 13-27 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018, despite drafting star rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. The next coach will be the team's fourth since the Sky won the WNBA championship in 2021.

7 Mountain West schools agree to stay, steadying the conference amid realignment

Seven Mountain West schools have agreed to remain in the league amid overtures by the Pac-12 and other conferences to lure away more of its teams. The move comes after the Pac-12, which was reduced to just two teams after last summer's realignment, announced two weeks ago that four Mountain West teams would join the league in 2026. Utah State then agreed to join earlier this week. The seven remaining Mountain West schools signed a memorandum of understanding to stay, including Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV and Wyoming.

WNBA semifinals feature marquee players, a finals rematch and teams looking for first titles

NEW YORK (AP) — Star power, a quest for a three-peat and two franchises looking for their first championships highlight the WNBA semifinals that begin Sunday. League MVP A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces will face Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty in a WNBA Finals rematch from last season while Alyssa Thomas and the Connecticut Sun take on Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx in the other series. The Aces are looking to become the first team since the Houston Comets to win three titles in a row. New York is looking for its first WNBA championship. Minnesota was the dominant team last decade winning four titles in a seven-year span from 2011-2017. They haven't reached the Finals since 2017. Connecticut has reached the championship round twice since the Lynx's run, but lost each time.

		N-Y Mets	at	Atlanta	1:10 p.m.	(Postponed)

		Buffalo	at	EHC Red Bull Munchen	2:30 p.m.	

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, September 27th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, September 27th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for September 27th:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8578265/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>Dak Prescott throws 2 TD passes and Cowboys win 7th straight over Giants, 20-15EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Dak Prescott threw one of his two touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys taunted the Giants yet again, winning 20-15 for their seventh straight victory over New York and 14th in 15 games. Prescott has won his last 13 starts against the Giants. He found Lamb for a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown on a play that ended with the receiver being called for taunting. There were some significant injuries in the fourth quarter with Dallas' Micah Parsons carted off the field with a leg injury and the Giants' Malik Nabers suffering a concussion.Shohei Ohtani heads to 1st postseason after Dodgers clinch NL West title with a 7-2 win over PadresLOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is headed to the postseason for the first time in his career after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the NL West by scoring five runs in the seventh inning in a 7-2 win over the second-place San Diego Padres. The Dodgers had not clinched at home since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, when cardboard cutouts replaced fans in the stands. The last time fans were on hand for a clincher at home was 2018. A sellout crowd of 52,433, including retired Dodgers star Manny Ramirez, packed Dodger Stadium for the finale of the crucial series between the top two teams in the NL West. All-Star slugger Freddie Freeman sprained his ankle and was on crutches after the game.Yankees win AL East title with 10-1 victory over Orioles behind Judge, Stanton and ColeNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees won the AL East title for a first-round bye in the playoffs, dispatching the Baltimore Orioles with a 10-1 victory behind Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole. When Cedric Mullins hit a game-ending groundout to shortstop Anthony Volpe, the Yankees came out of the dugout and formed a brief jumping huddle between the mound and second base. New York improved to 93-66 and and will open its 59th postseason at home Oct. 5 in a best-of-five Division Series against a winner of next week's wild-card round. Judge hit his major league-leading 58th homer and increased his RBIs total to 144, the most in the big leagues since Ryan Howard's 146 in 2008.American sweep! Team USA wins all 5 matches in the opening session of Presidents CupMONTREAL (AP) — The Americans have dominated the Presidents Cup and the opening session at Royal Montreal was no different. They swept the first day for the third time in Presidents Cup history. Scottie Scheffler had a few feisty moments with Tom Kim. Xander Schauffele delivered some big shots late in his match and Keegan Bradley put the finishing touches on the fourballs sweep. The last time the Americans swept the opening session, they went on to an 11-point victory. The Internationals are tying to avoid losing for the 10th straight time. They couldn't buy a putt on the back nine.Athletics bid emotional farewell to Oakland Coliseum that they called home since 1968OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Manager and former Oakland outfielder Mark Kotsay fought tears as the Athletics bid an emotional farewell to their beloved Coliseum they've called home since 1968, complete with all its quirks like plumbing problems and rally possums. Also those stray cats who helped inspire Hall of Famer Tony La Russa's former Animal Rescue Foundation. Longtime supporters and kids alike stole away from work or school to be at the park for the matinee finale against the Texas Rangers. Kotsay says he will treasure this for the rest of his life.Giants' Malik Nabers, Cowboys' Micah Parsons injured in Thursday night gameEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Malik Nabers of the New York Giants sustained a concussion and Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys was carted off the field with an ankle injury during the Cowboys' 20-15 victory Thursday night. Nabers was hurt with 3:30 to play when he fell hard near the Giants' bench while attempting to tiptoe the sideline and catch a fourth-down pass from Daniel Jones. Nabers finished with 12 catches for 115 yards, his second straight game of 10-plus catches for at least 100 yards. Parsons also left in the fourth quarter.Attorneys tweak $2.78B college settlement, remove the word 'booster' from NIL languageThree weeks after being asked to modify a $2.78 billion deal that would dramatically change college sports, attorneys redefined the word "booster" in the plan. They hope that will satisfy a judge's concerns about the landmark settlement designed to pay players some of the money they help produce. As expected, the changes did not amount to an overhaul but the hope is that it will clear the way for U.S District Judge Claudia Wilken to give the agreement preliminary approval. The replacing of the term "booster" is designed to better outline which sort of deals will come under scrutiny.Chicago Sky fire coach Teresa Weatherspoon after 1 season, reports sayCHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Sky fired coach Teresa Weatherspoon after one season, reports said Thursday. The Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune cited unidentified sources in reporting that Weatherspoon had been let go. The Sky did not immediately return a message sent by The Associated Press seeking confirmation of the reports. Chicago finished this season 13-27 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018, despite drafting star rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. The next coach will be the team's fourth since the Sky won the WNBA championship in 2021.7 Mountain West schools agree to stay, steadying the conference amid realignmentSeven Mountain West schools have agreed to remain in the league amid overtures by the Pac-12 and other conferences to lure away more of its teams. The move comes after the Pac-12, which was reduced to just two teams after last summer's realignment, announced two weeks ago that four Mountain West teams would join the league in 2026. Utah State then agreed to join earlier this week. The seven remaining Mountain West schools signed a memorandum of understanding to stay, including Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV and Wyoming.WNBA semifinals feature marquee players, a finals rematch and teams looking for first titlesNEW YORK (AP) — Star power, a quest for a three-peat and two franchises looking for their first championships highlight the WNBA semifinals that begin Sunday. League MVP A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces will face Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty in a WNBA Finals rematch from last season while Alyssa Thomas and the Connecticut Sun take on Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx in the other series. The Aces are looking to become the first team since the Houston Comets to win three titles in a row. New York is looking for its first WNBA championship. Minnesota was the dominant team last decade winning four titles in a seven-year span from 2011-2017. They haven't reached the Finals since 2017. Connecticut has reached the championship round twice since the Lynx's run, but lost each time.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Kansas City	7	Washington	4	Final	Miami	8	Minnesota	6	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	4	Tampa Bay	3	Final	Chicago White Sox	7	L.A. Angels	0	Final	Oakland	3	Texas	2	Final	N.Y. Yankees	10	Baltimore	1	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		N-Y Mets	at	Atlanta	1:10 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Milwaukee	5	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Colorado	10	St. Louis	8	Final	L.A. Dodgers	7	San Diego	2	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal	Philadelphia	2	N-Y Islanders	0	Final	N-Y Rangers	5	Boston	2	Final OT	Buffalo	3	Ottawa	2	Final	Toronto	2	Montreal	1	Final OT	San Jose	3	Anaheim	2	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Dallas	20	N-Y Giants	15	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Pittsburgh	at	N-Y Yankees	7:05 p.m.			Miami	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.			Kansas City	at	Atlanta	7:20 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Chi White Sox	at	Detroit	6:40 p.m.			Houston	at	Cleveland	7:10 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Boston	7:10 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Minnesota	8:10 p.m.			Texas	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.			Oakland	at	Seattle	10:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Cincinnati	at	Chi Cubs	2:20 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Washington	6:45 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	Colorado	8:10 p.m.			N-Y Mets	at	Milwaukee	8:10 p.m.			San Diego	at	Arizona	9:40 p.m.			St. Louis	at	San Francisco	10:15 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASON		Buffalo	at	EHC Red Bull Munchen	2:30 p.m.			Florida	at	Carolina	6 p.m.			Chicago	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Columbus	at	Washington	7 p.m.			Nashville	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			New Jersey	at	N-Y Islanders	7 p.m.			Colorado	at	Dallas	8 p.m.			Winnipeg	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Utah	at	Vegas	10 p.m.			Vancouver	at	Seattle	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		Virginia Tech	at	(7)Miami	7:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Kansas City Royals completed a series sweep with a 7-4 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday.

Pinch hitter Adam Frazier’s one-out, line drive hit to left field in the top of the ninth drove in two runs, breaking a 4-all tie and guiding the Royals to their third straight win following a seven-game losing streak.

“It doesn’t surprise me, to be honest," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "I like to brag on these guys because they’re so professional. They are so matter of fact, turn the page from good or bad. They don’t feel sorry for themselves when they’re getting beat and they don’t get too high when you’re winning. Hopefully they have more to celebrate, but it doesn’t surprise me.”

Salvador Perez’s second single of the game scored Frazier, chasing Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan (3-8).

“Get a ball to the outfield somehow," Frazier said of his approach. "When I hit it, I thought it might be foul and I heard everybody cheer so I figured it was good. That works for sure.”

Hunter Renfroe hit his 14th homer of the season to open the scoring, a 424-feet shot that left the park at 108.4 mph. The Royals (85-74) remained even with the Tigers for the second AL wild-card spot. Kansas City closes the season with a three-game series in Atlanta, while the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox for a three-game set.

Kris Bubic (1-1) earned the win with a scoreless eighth inning. Royals closer Lucas Erceg recorded his third consecutive save in the series — and 14th of the season.

“It’s my first time doing that," Erceg said. “Felt good when I was out there. A little tired now, but it’s just cool to have that experience.”

Erceg and teammate Angel Zerpa each tossed scoreless innings of relief in all three wins as the bullpen took center stage. Royals hurlers held the Nationals without a run in 26 of the 28 innings.

Starter Michael Wacha pitched five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) and five hits, striking out two and walking one on 83 pitches, 58 for strikes.

Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin made his final start for the team and the Royals went ahead with five consecutive singles in the third. Tommy Pham, Bobby Witt Jr. and Yuli Gurriel had RBI singles, giving the Royals a 4-1 lead.

Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. hit a three-run homer to tie the game at 4, his 17th of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Kansas City Royals completed a series sweep with a 7-4 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday.Pinch hitter Adam Frazier’s one-out, line drive hit to left field in the top of the ninth drove in two runs, breaking a 4-all tie and guiding the Royals to their third straight win following a seven-game losing streak.“It doesn’t surprise me, to be honest," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "I like to brag on these guys because they’re so professional. They are so matter of fact, turn the page from good or bad. They don’t feel sorry for themselves when they’re getting beat and they don’t get too high when you’re winning. Hopefully they have more to celebrate, but it doesn’t surprise me.”Salvador Perez’s second single of the game scored Frazier, chasing Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan (3-8).“Get a ball to the outfield somehow," Frazier said of his approach. "When I hit it, I thought it might be foul and I heard everybody cheer so I figured it was good. That works for sure.”Hunter Renfroe hit his 14th homer of the season to open the scoring, a 424-feet shot that left the park at 108.4 mph. The Royals (85-74) remained even with the Tigers for the second AL wild-card spot. Kansas City closes the season with a three-game series in Atlanta, while the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox for a three-game set.Kris Bubic (1-1) earned the win with a scoreless eighth inning. Royals closer Lucas Erceg recorded his third consecutive save in the series — and 14th of the season.“It’s my first time doing that," Erceg said. “Felt good when I was out there. A little tired now, but it’s just cool to have that experience.”Erceg and teammate Angel Zerpa each tossed scoreless innings of relief in all three wins as the bullpen took center stage. Royals hurlers held the Nationals without a run in 26 of the 28 innings.Starter Michael Wacha pitched five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) and five hits, striking out two and walking one on 83 pitches, 58 for strikes.Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin made his final start for the team and the Royals went ahead with five consecutive singles in the third. Tommy Pham, Bobby Witt Jr. and Yuli Gurriel had RBI singles, giving the Royals a 4-1 lead.Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. hit a three-run homer to tie the game at 4, his 17th of the season.The Nationals ended the second-longest scoring drought in franchise history at 31 consecutive innings with an unearned run in the first. Dylan Crews scored the first run since Sept. 21 at Wrigley Field after a dropped infield pop fly by second baseman Maikel Garcia.Corbin departed to a standing ovation and tipped his cap to the crowd before stepping into the home dugout and receiving high fives from the coaching staff. The 35-year-old pitcher worked 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits with one walk and three strikeouts on 73 pitches, 49 for strikes.Corbin becomes a free agent this winter. The two-time All-Star’ has struggled the last four seasons, compiling 63 losses — the worst in the National League.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Michael Lorenzen left his start Wednesday night after 2 1/3 innings with left leg fatigue, but appears on target to pitch out of the bullpen this weekend against the Braves.Quatraro said LHP Will Smith (15-day IL, back spasms) is scheduled to throw a live bullpen session Saturday.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (9-12, 3.73 ERA) takes on Braves LHP Max Fried (10-10, 3.42) Friday night at Truist Park.Nationals: RHP Trevor Williams (5-1, 2.19) faces the Phillies LHP Ranger Suárez (12-7, 3.15) Friday night at Nationals Park.------AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB