<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686627047967.jpeg" alt="Eagle Media Sports for Thursday Morning, September 21st." />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media Sports for Thursday Morning, September 21st.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="September 21st, 2023 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8ahj7-14af4e6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=654771&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: Morning sports for Thursday, Sept. 21

By Hutchinson CC Sports Information

Coming off a tie-breaking win in the Missouri Southern Stampede last Friday, the Hutchinson Community College women's cross country team fell one spot to No. 6 in the latest USTFCCCA NJCAA Division I national rankings on Wednesday.

The Blue Dragon women have been ranked in the Top 10 for seven-consecutive polls, which is the second-longest run in the Top 10 since 2002.

Last Friday, Hutchinson and Butler tied for the Missouri Southern Stampede college division team title. The Blue Dragons were declared the team winner based on new team tie-breaking rules for 2023 where each teams' Top 5 runners are compared in terms of their finish. Hutchinson had its Nos. 3, 4 and 5 runners finish ahead of Butler's, which gave the Dragons the team title.

The Missouri Southern Stampede was Hutchinson's first 5,000-meter race of the season. Next up for the Blue Dragons is the Chili Pepper Festival on Sept. 29 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The Jayhawk Conference continues to be well represented in the national rankings with five teams in the Top 10.

Colby is No. 2 this week, up nine spots from the last poll. The Blue Dragons are No. 6, Butler No. 7, Dodge City No. 8 and Cloud County is No. 10. Highland is 21st this week and Barton is No. 22.

The next women's rankings come up in two weeks on Oct. 4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695297154930.jpeg" alt="Women's Cross Country Rankings" />
 <figcaption>Women's Cross Country Rankings</figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationComing off a tie-breaking win in the Missouri Southern Stampede last Friday, the Hutchinson Community College women's cross country team fell one spot to No. 6 in the latest USTFCCCA NJCAA Division I national rankings on Wednesday.The Blue Dragon women have been ranked in the Top 10 for seven-consecutive polls, which is the second-longest run in the Top 10 since 2002.Last Friday, Hutchinson and Butler tied for the Missouri Southern Stampede college division team title. The Blue Dragons were declared the team winner based on new team tie-breaking rules for 2023 where each teams' Top 5 runners are compared in terms of their finish. Hutchinson had its Nos. 3, 4 and 5 runners finish ahead of Butler's, which gave the Dragons the team title.The Missouri Southern Stampede was Hutchinson's first 5,000-meter race of the season. Next up for the Blue Dragons is the Chili Pepper Festival on Sept. 29 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.The Jayhawk Conference continues to be well represented in the national rankings with five teams in the Top 10.Colby is No. 2 this week, up nine spots from the last poll. The Blue Dragons are No. 6, Butler No. 7, Dodge City No. 8 and Cloud County is No. 10. Highland is 21st this week and Barton is No. 22.The next women's rankings come up in two weeks on Oct. 4.

👟 WXC: Blue Dragon women and No. 8 in latest NJCAA rankings

AP Sports Summary for September 21st, 2023.

Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigns, says he has to take care of his health and family

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams has resigned, saying he needs to tend to his health and his family. Williams' resignation comes just two games into his second season. In a statement, Williams thanked the Bears and their front office and ownership, and vowed to coach again. He missed last week's loss at Tampa Bay for what the team said were personal reasons after working the opener against Green Bay. Coach Matt Eberflus called the defense in Williams' absence and figures to do so again when the Bears visit Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Vikings get RB Cam Akers in trade with Rams, after run-deficient start

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The run-deficient Minnesota Vikings have acquired running back Cam Akers in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. The fourth-year player had fallen out of favor with the Rams' coaching staff. The deal was pending Akers passing a physical exam. The Vikings will send a 2026 conditional sixth-round draft pick to the Rams for Akers and a 2026 conditional seventh-round draft pick. Akers was the 52nd overall pick in the 2020 draft out of Florida State. He fell behind Kyren Williams on the depth chart this year. The Vikings are last in the NFL in rushing.

Lionel Messi will miss another game for Inter Miami after leaving Toronto match early

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's lineup on Wednesday night. It was a short-lived comeback and he will now miss at least one more match. Messi was subbed off in the 37th minute of Inter Miami's match against Toronto, after spending a few minutes laboring with what appeared to be a leg issue. He was stretching during play, then eventually took off his captain's armband and simply waited for play to stop so he could depart. Inter Miami went on to win 4-0 and got all four of those goals after Messi departed. Inter Miami Gerardo "Tata" Martino says Messi will miss Sunday's game at Orlando.

$100M men Kane and Bellingham give good value to Bayern and Madrid in Champions League debut wins

GENEVA (AP) — Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham made $100 million moves in the offseason and the England stars proved their worth on Champions League debuts for their new clubs. Kane's precisely taken penalty quickly restored Bayern Munich's two-goal lead against Manchester United early in the second half of a 4-3 win. Bellingham's 94th-minute goal in a 1-0 win over newcomer Union Berlin made it six for him in six straight wins for Madrid this season. Back home in England Arsenal thrashed PSV Eindhoven 4-0 in its first Champions League appearance after a six-year absence.

Did missing ex-NFL player Sergio Brown post videos about mother's death? Police are investigating

MAYWOOD, Ill. (AP) — Police in suburban Chicago are checking on the authenticity of Instagram videos that appear to show missing former NFL player Sergio Brown discussing the recent death of his mother. Maywood police said Tuesday they are investigating and did not provide an update Wednesday. Brown is still considered a missing person. Authorities began searching for Brown after 73-year-old Myrtle Brown's body was found Saturday behind her home in Maywood. A medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide and says she was injured during an assault. Police have asked anyone with information about Sergio Brown's whereabouts to contact them.

Body camera footage shows Cavs exec Altman being told he nearly caused accident before OVI arrest

CLEVELAND (AP) — Body camera footage of Cavaliers executive Koby Altman undergoing field sobriety tests shows him being told he nearly caused an accident before being arrested and charged with driving while impaired. Altman was arrested Friday near downtown Cleveland. He was first stopped by Ohio State Highway Patrol officers for a traffic violation before refusing a breath test and being taken into custody. The Cavaliers released an brief initial statement a day after Altman's arrest. They followed up with more comment Wednesday, a day after the bodycam video emerged and Altman pleaded not guilty through his attorney in court. The 41-year-old Altman has been with the team since 2012.

The Rays are finalizing plans for a new stadium, which means MLB expansion could be on deck

The Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing plans for a new ballpark in downtown St. Petersburg, which is a positive development for baseball fans in Florida. Indirectly, it could also mean great things for baseball fans in a couple of other cities. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has made it clear several times over the past few years that he's interested in expanding to 32 teams. But he's said that wouldn't happen until all current 30 big league teams had stable stadium situations. Now that the Rays are settled, expansion could be on the horizon for the first time since 1998.

Pro Picks: Big week ahead for 49ers, other favorites

Fourteen NFL teams are 1-1 and Pro Picks also has an even record through two weeks. It takes a couple of games for most teams to find their way and to figure it out. The San Francisco 49ers didn't need much time picking up where they left off. The Niners opened with a pair of road wins and now have won 12 straight regular-season games. Their only loss in the past 15 games was in the NFC championship when they lost both quarterbacks to injuries. Brock Purdy has looked sharp in his return from elbow surgery, Christian McCaffrey has been dynamic and San Francisco is clicking heading into Thursday night's home opener against the New York Giants.

College Football Picks: 6 games matching ranked teams in rare Statement Saturday in September

Week 4 of the college football season will be the most consequential yet. Six games matching team ranked in the AP Top 25 will be played Saturday. That's one short of a record for one weekend and an opportunity to identify serious playoff contenders, maybe expose pretenders, and set the tone for conference races. The headliners include: No. 6 Ohio State at No. 9 Notre Dame; No. 19 Colorado and Deion Sanders visiting No. 10 Oregon and No. 13 Alabama looking to right itself against No. 15 Mississippi.

LSU safety Brooks recovering from emergency surgery to have brain tumor removed, family says

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The family of LSU safety Greg Brooks says the Tigers defensive back has undergone surgery to remove "a large brain tumor." The family says in a social media post that "doctors successfully performed the procedure" and that biopsy results are pending. Brooks left the team last week just days before the 12th-ranked Tigers' 41-14 victory at Mississippi State. Coach Brian Kelly said Monday that he could not estimate when Brooks might return to football. Kelly declined to go into specifics about his condition earlier this week because the family was not yet ready to have that information made public. Brooks transferred to LSU from Arkansas before last season. LSU hosts the Razorbacks this Saturday.

WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

Final	Nashville	3	Sporting Kansas City	0	

Final tie	Los Angeles FC	0	Saint Louis City SC	0	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Thursday Morning, September 21st, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Thursday Morning, September 21st, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="September 21st, 2023 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8ahj7-14af4e6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=654771&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for September 21st, 2023.Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigns, says he has to take care of his health and familyLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams has resigned, saying he needs to tend to his health and his family. Williams' resignation comes just two games into his second season. In a statement, Williams thanked the Bears and their front office and ownership, and vowed to coach again. He missed last week's loss at Tampa Bay for what the team said were personal reasons after working the opener against Green Bay. Coach Matt Eberflus called the defense in Williams' absence and figures to do so again when the Bears visit Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.Vikings get RB Cam Akers in trade with Rams, after run-deficient startEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The run-deficient Minnesota Vikings have acquired running back Cam Akers in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. The fourth-year player had fallen out of favor with the Rams' coaching staff. The deal was pending Akers passing a physical exam. The Vikings will send a 2026 conditional sixth-round draft pick to the Rams for Akers and a 2026 conditional seventh-round draft pick. Akers was the 52nd overall pick in the 2020 draft out of Florida State. He fell behind Kyren Williams on the depth chart this year. The Vikings are last in the NFL in rushing.Lionel Messi will miss another game for Inter Miami after leaving Toronto match earlyFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's lineup on Wednesday night. It was a short-lived comeback and he will now miss at least one more match. Messi was subbed off in the 37th minute of Inter Miami's match against Toronto, after spending a few minutes laboring with what appeared to be a leg issue. He was stretching during play, then eventually took off his captain's armband and simply waited for play to stop so he could depart. Inter Miami went on to win 4-0 and got all four of those goals after Messi departed. Inter Miami Gerardo "Tata" Martino says Messi will miss Sunday's game at Orlando.$100M men Kane and Bellingham give good value to Bayern and Madrid in Champions League debut winsGENEVA (AP) — Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham made $100 million moves in the offseason and the England stars proved their worth on Champions League debuts for their new clubs. Kane's precisely taken penalty quickly restored Bayern Munich's two-goal lead against Manchester United early in the second half of a 4-3 win. Bellingham's 94th-minute goal in a 1-0 win over newcomer Union Berlin made it six for him in six straight wins for Madrid this season. Back home in England Arsenal thrashed PSV Eindhoven 4-0 in its first Champions League appearance after a six-year absence.Did missing ex-NFL player Sergio Brown post videos about mother's death? Police are investigatingMAYWOOD, Ill. (AP) — Police in suburban Chicago are checking on the authenticity of Instagram videos that appear to show missing former NFL player Sergio Brown discussing the recent death of his mother. Maywood police said Tuesday they are investigating and did not provide an update Wednesday. Brown is still considered a missing person. Authorities began searching for Brown after 73-year-old Myrtle Brown's body was found Saturday behind her home in Maywood. A medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide and says she was injured during an assault. Police have asked anyone with information about Sergio Brown's whereabouts to contact them.Body camera footage shows Cavs exec Altman being told he nearly caused accident before OVI arrestCLEVELAND (AP) — Body camera footage of Cavaliers executive Koby Altman undergoing field sobriety tests shows him being told he nearly caused an accident before being arrested and charged with driving while impaired. Altman was arrested Friday near downtown Cleveland. He was first stopped by Ohio State Highway Patrol officers for a traffic violation before refusing a breath test and being taken into custody. The Cavaliers released an brief initial statement a day after Altman's arrest. They followed up with more comment Wednesday, a day after the bodycam video emerged and Altman pleaded not guilty through his attorney in court. The 41-year-old Altman has been with the team since 2012.The Rays are finalizing plans for a new stadium, which means MLB expansion could be on deckThe Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing plans for a new ballpark in downtown St. Petersburg, which is a positive development for baseball fans in Florida. Indirectly, it could also mean great things for baseball fans in a couple of other cities. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has made it clear several times over the past few years that he's interested in expanding to 32 teams. But he's said that wouldn't happen until all current 30 big league teams had stable stadium situations. Now that the Rays are settled, expansion could be on the horizon for the first time since 1998.Pro Picks: Big week ahead for 49ers, other favoritesFourteen NFL teams are 1-1 and Pro Picks also has an even record through two weeks. It takes a couple of games for most teams to find their way and to figure it out. The San Francisco 49ers didn't need much time picking up where they left off. The Niners opened with a pair of road wins and now have won 12 straight regular-season games. Their only loss in the past 15 games was in the NFC championship when they lost both quarterbacks to injuries. Brock Purdy has looked sharp in his return from elbow surgery, Christian McCaffrey has been dynamic and San Francisco is clicking heading into Thursday night's home opener against the New York Giants.College Football Picks: 6 games matching ranked teams in rare Statement Saturday in SeptemberWeek 4 of the college football season will be the most consequential yet. Six games matching team ranked in the AP Top 25 will be played Saturday. That's one short of a record for one weekend and an opportunity to identify serious playoff contenders, maybe expose pretenders, and set the tone for conference races. The headliners include: No. 6 Ohio State at No. 9 Notre Dame; No. 19 Colorado and Deion Sanders visiting No. 10 Oregon and No. 13 Alabama looking to right itself against No. 15 Mississippi.LSU safety Brooks recovering from emergency surgery to have brain tumor removed, family saysBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The family of LSU safety Greg Brooks says the Tigers defensive back has undergone surgery to remove "a large brain tumor." The family says in a social media post that "doctors successfully performed the procedure" and that biopsy results are pending. Brooks left the team last week just days before the 12th-ranked Tigers' 41-14 victory at Mississippi State. Coach Brian Kelly said Monday that he could not estimate when Brooks might return to football. Kelly declined to go into specifics about his condition earlier this week because the family was not yet ready to have that information made public. Brooks transferred to LSU from Arkansas before last season. LSU hosts the Razorbacks this Saturday.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	5	Cincinnati	3	Final	Washington	13	Chicago White Sox	3	Final	Detroit	4	L.A. Dodgers	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Texas	15	Boston	5	Final	Kansas City	6	Cleveland	2	Final	Houston	2	Baltimore	1	Final	Seattle	6	Oakland	3	Final	L.A. Angels	8	Tampa Bay	3	Final	Toronto	6	N.Y. Yankees	1	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	6	Atlanta	5	Final	Arizona	7	San Francisco	1	Final	San Diego	3	Colorado	2	Final	N.Y. Mets	8	Miami	3	Final	Milwaukee	8	St. Louis	2	Final	Pittsburgh	13	Chicago Cubs	7	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Connecticut	90	Minnesota	75	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal tie	Philadelphia	2	Charlotte FC	2	Final	Columbus	3	Chicago	0	Final tie	Atlanta	1	D.C. United	1	Final	Miami	4	Toronto FC	0	Final tie	Cincinnati	1	CF Montréal	1	Final tie	Austin FC	1	New York	1	Final	New York City FC	2	Orlando City	0	Final	Houston	4	Vancouver	1	Final	Nashville	3	Sporting Kansas City	0	Final tie	Los Angeles FC	0	Saint Louis City SC	0	Final	Seattle	2	Colorado	1	Final	FC Dallas	3	Real Salt Lake	1	Final	LA Galaxy	4	Minnesota	3	Final	Portland	2	San Jose	1

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Thursday

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke walked off the mound at Kauffman Stadium in the fourth inning Wednesday, acknowledging the ovation from a sparse late-September crowd, and then watched Royals reliever Angel Zerpa completely befuddle the Guardians the rest of the way in a 6-2 victory that wrapped up a three-game series sweep.

If it was Greinke's last start for Kansas City, it certainly was memorable.

The 39-year-old former Cy Young winner allowed two runs on five hits while striking out five. And while he departed with two outs in the fourth, which meant Greinke didn't qualify for his first win since May, he did earn his 1,094th strikeout over his two stints in Kansas City, moving him past Bret Saberhagen for fourth in franchise history.

“It's been great to see him to what he's been doing,” the Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. said. “What he's done has been awesome.”

The Royals have talked about honoring Greinke during their final homestand, perhaps with a start in the season-finale against the New York Yankees. That could depend on whether Greinke's elbow feels OK after he had trouble getting loose between innings Wednesday; the feeling he could only describe as “not normal” eventually resolved itself.

Asked about the departing ovation, Greinke replied: “It was cool." But he refused to bite on any questions about his future beyond this season, including whether the six-time All-Star could be contemplating retirement.

Meanwhile, Zerpa (3-3) allowed three hits the rest of the way, striking out four without a walk. It was just the latest impressive performance by Kansas City's bullpen, which has been responsible for their last eight wins.

Nelson Velázquez provided half of the Royals offense with his three-run shot in the first. He has 12 homers in 33 games since arriving in Kansas City, and 11 of those have been in Kauffman Stadium, where deep alleys and a 410-foot center field wall make it one of the most difficult ballparks in baseball to go yard.

Witt and Edward Olivares also drove in runs to help send the Royals on their final road trip having won six of their past seven games. That includes their first sweep of the Guardians since April 12-14, 2009.

“Certainly it's way better than the alternative,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Like we've talked about all year, I've been impressed with these guys and the way they've approached it. You know, by no means is anyone in there satisfied with what the total body of work is, but you can only play the games that are scheduled that day.”

Lucas Giolito (8-14) allowed four runs, three of them earned, on seven hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings for Cleveland. The rough outing came after the right-hander tossed seven innings of two-hit ball against Texas last weekend.

“Didn’t really have much of anything," Giolito said. “Just like a grinder.”

Velázquez's three-run shot, which came after Cleveland made errors on its first two defensive plays, made it 3-0 in the first. The Guardians got their only two runs across in the fourth, when Zerpa came in and shut them down to the finish

“We were set up for Greinke and then that kid Zerpa came in and really pitched well,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. "We knew he was tough on lefties, but he got everybody out. He did a really good job.”

The Royals are expected to hire longtime Braves scout Brian Bridges as their new scouting director, though they have yet to make an official announcement. The move comes after new White Sox general manager Chris Getz hired Royals senior advisor Gene Watson and could be the start of several changes to Royals GM J.J. Picollo's front office.

The Royals are pushing back a self-imposed deadline of the end of September for deciding on a location for their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-stadium-d8dd9d6224174bebe085518019814d64">new ballpark.</a>&nbsp;The club is deciding between a new location in Jackson County, where Kauffman Stadium currently sits, and a competing effort from neighboring Clay County. The stadium will be a part of a $2 billion development.

Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie (elbow) could return to the rotation Sunday against Baltimore. He allowed two homers while throwing 62 pitches in his second rehab start with Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695261753625.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke walked off the mound at Kauffman Stadium in the fourth inning Wednesday, acknowledging the ovation from a sparse late-September crowd, and then watched Royals reliever Angel Zerpa completely befuddle the Guardians the rest of the way in a 6-2 victory that wrapped up a three-game series sweep.If it was Greinke's last start for Kansas City, it certainly was memorable.The 39-year-old former Cy Young winner allowed two runs on five hits while striking out five. And while he departed with two outs in the fourth, which meant Greinke didn't qualify for his first win since May, he did earn his 1,094th strikeout over his two stints in Kansas City, moving him past Bret Saberhagen for fourth in franchise history.“It's been great to see him to what he's been doing,” the Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. said. “What he's done has been awesome.”It might not be done, either.The Royals have talked about honoring Greinke during their final homestand, perhaps with a start in the season-finale against the New York Yankees. That could depend on whether Greinke's elbow feels OK after he had trouble getting loose between innings Wednesday; the feeling he could only describe as “not normal” eventually resolved itself.Asked about the departing ovation, Greinke replied: “It was cool." But he refused to bite on any questions about his future beyond this season, including whether the six-time All-Star could be contemplating retirement.Meanwhile, Zerpa (3-3) allowed three hits the rest of the way, striking out four without a walk. It was just the latest impressive performance by Kansas City's bullpen, which has been responsible for their last eight wins.Nelson Velázquez provided half of the Royals offense with his three-run shot in the first. He has 12 homers in 33 games since arriving in Kansas City, and 11 of those have been in Kauffman Stadium, where deep alleys and a 410-foot center field wall make it one of the most difficult ballparks in baseball to go yard.Witt and Edward Olivares also drove in runs to help send the Royals on their final road trip having won six of their past seven games. That includes their first sweep of the Guardians since April 12-14, 2009.“Certainly it's way better than the alternative,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Like we've talked about all year, I've been impressed with these guys and the way they've approached it. You know, by no means is anyone in there satisfied with what the total body of work is, but you can only play the games that are scheduled that day.”Lucas Giolito (8-14) allowed four runs, three of them earned, on seven hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings for Cleveland. The rough outing came after the right-hander tossed seven innings of two-hit ball against Texas last weekend.“Didn’t really have much of anything," Giolito said. “Just like a grinder.”Velázquez's three-run shot, which came after Cleveland made errors on its first two defensive plays, made it 3-0 in the first. The Guardians got their only two runs across in the fourth, when Zerpa came in and shut them down to the finish“We were set up for Greinke and then that kid Zerpa came in and really pitched well,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. "We knew he was tough on lefties, but he got everybody out. He did a really good job.”CHANGES AFOOTThe Royals are expected to hire longtime Braves scout Brian Bridges as their new scouting director, though they have yet to make an official announcement. The move comes after new White Sox general manager Chris Getz hired Royals senior advisor Gene Watson and could be the start of several changes to Royals GM J.J. Picollo's front office.STADIUM SITUATIONThe Royals are pushing back a self-imposed deadline of the end of September for deciding on a location for their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-stadium-d8dd9d6224174bebe085518019814d64">new ballpark.</a>&nbsp;The club is deciding between a new location in Jackson County, where Kauffman Stadium currently sits, and a competing effort from neighboring Clay County. The stadium will be a part of a $2 billion development.TRAINER'S ROOMGuardians RHP Triston McKenzie (elbow) could return to the rotation Sunday against Baltimore. He allowed two homers while throwing 62 pitches in his second rehab start with Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday night.UP NEXT

⚾ Velázquez homers, Zerpa shuts down Guardians as KC finishes sweep with win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was trying to walk a tightrope taking him three different directions while negotiating his revised contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, which effectively makes him the league's highest-paid player over the next four years.

Mahomes wanted to maximize his income. He wanted to leave salary cap space so the Chiefs could continue to surround him with championship talent. And he wanted to keep pushing the bar higher for other players seeking contracts around the league.

“You have to watch and see what's going on around the league and find that right spot,” Mahomes said Wednesday in his first comments since reworking his deal. “I think we found a good one in this negotiation we did to keep cap space to get other guys signed, but obviously I've got more money up front and we'll renegotiate when we get to the right time.”

Mahomes still has nine years left on his 10-year, $450 million contract, which set the standard for overall value when it was signed in 2020.

The revision essentially pushes some of the money from the last five seasons to the first four, giving him $210.6 million over that span — the most over any four seasons in NFL history.

Mahomes is due to make $56.85 million this season, $44.5 million next season, $50 million in 2025 and $56.76 million for the 2026 season, at which point the Chiefs and his representatives have agreed to meet again and discuss the future.

“You have a lot of great players that I want to be here so we can win a lot of Super Bowls,” Mahomes said. “I want to make a lot of money but I also want to win. You look back at players, and you look back at how they won and the perception of how they did things, and that's what I want to try to manage.”

The Chiefs are approaching an important point in the future of their burgeoning dynasty.

All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones is not under contract after this season, agreeing only to a reworked one-year deal to end his holdout last week. Left tackle Donovan Smith, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed are also staring ahead at the possibility of free agency, which means the Chiefs could have plenty of holes to fill before next season.

Then there are Pro Bowl center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith and standout linebacker Nick Bolton, all of whom are eligible for contract extensions after the season — and all of whom will command a hefty price.

That is why the two-time league MVP placed so much importance on finding the right contract, not necessarily the richest one.

“I've always kind of liked it,” Mahomes said of the negotiating process. “If I didn't become an NFL player, I wanted to be a sports agent or work in sports marketing. I've always wanted to help players. I know I'm doing it a different way than some people, but I feel like it's the right way for me. ... Hopefully I'm giving us a chance to go out there and win football games as well.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who dealt with personnel decisions in Philadelphia but relinquished control of them in Kansas City, has marveled at the way Mahomes has kept an even keel even as the value of his contract has soared.

“He's not big on all of that. He just kind of moves through it like most things and wants to keep getting better,” Reid said, “and that is what he's doing. That's what makes him unique. You don't sit there and say, ‘Oh, he’s going to have a letdown.' You just say, ‘Hey, congrats,’ and keep moving. That's how he rolls. But I'm happy for him.”

In other news Wednesday, the Chiefs were missing several key players to injuries as they began practicing for Sunday's game against the Bears. Bolton is dealing with an ankle sprain and Gay has a bruised quadriceps, and while both of them went through an early walkthrough, neither of them were planning to practice.

Running back Isiah Pacheco is dealing with a bruised hamstring, Kadarius Toney with a sprained toe and fellow wide receiver and return specialist Richie James has an injured knee ligament that Reid acknowledged could keep him out for a while.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695261614994.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes speaks at a news conference after an an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes speaks at a news conference after an an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack).</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was trying to walk a tightrope taking him three different directions while negotiating his revised contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, which effectively makes him the league's highest-paid player over the next four years.Mahomes wanted to maximize his income. He wanted to leave salary cap space so the Chiefs could continue to surround him with championship talent. And he wanted to keep pushing the bar higher for other players seeking contracts around the league.“You have to watch and see what's going on around the league and find that right spot,” Mahomes said Wednesday in his first comments since reworking his deal. “I think we found a good one in this negotiation we did to keep cap space to get other guys signed, but obviously I've got more money up front and we'll renegotiate when we get to the right time.”Mahomes still has nine years left on his 10-year, $450 million contract, which set the standard for overall value when it was signed in 2020.The revision essentially pushes some of the money from the last five seasons to the first four, giving him $210.6 million over that span — the most over any four seasons in NFL history.Mahomes is due to make $56.85 million this season, $44.5 million next season, $50 million in 2025 and $56.76 million for the 2026 season, at which point the Chiefs and his representatives have agreed to meet again and discuss the future.“You have a lot of great players that I want to be here so we can win a lot of Super Bowls,” Mahomes said. “I want to make a lot of money but I also want to win. You look back at players, and you look back at how they won and the perception of how they did things, and that's what I want to try to manage.”The Chiefs are approaching an important point in the future of their burgeoning dynasty.All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones is not under contract after this season, agreeing only to a reworked one-year deal to end his holdout last week. Left tackle Donovan Smith, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed are also staring ahead at the possibility of free agency, which means the Chiefs could have plenty of holes to fill before next season.Then there are Pro Bowl center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith and standout linebacker Nick Bolton, all of whom are eligible for contract extensions after the season — and all of whom will command a hefty price.That is why the two-time league MVP placed so much importance on finding the right contract, not necessarily the richest one.“I've always kind of liked it,” Mahomes said of the negotiating process. “If I didn't become an NFL player, I wanted to be a sports agent or work in sports marketing. I've always wanted to help players. I know I'm doing it a different way than some people, but I feel like it's the right way for me. ... Hopefully I'm giving us a chance to go out there and win football games as well.”Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who dealt with personnel decisions in Philadelphia but relinquished control of them in Kansas City, has marveled at the way Mahomes has kept an even keel even as the value of his contract has soared.“He's not big on all of that. He just kind of moves through it like most things and wants to keep getting better,” Reid said, “and that is what he's doing. That's what makes him unique. You don't sit there and say, ‘Oh, he’s going to have a letdown.' You just say, ‘Hey, congrats,’ and keep moving. That's how he rolls. But I'm happy for him.”In other news Wednesday, the Chiefs were missing several key players to injuries as they began practicing for Sunday's game against the Bears. Bolton is dealing with an ankle sprain and Gay has a bruised quadriceps, and while both of them went through an early walkthrough, neither of them were planning to practice.Running back Isiah Pacheco is dealing with a bruised hamstring, Kadarius Toney with a sprained toe and fellow wide receiver and return specialist Richie James has an injured knee ligament that Reid acknowledged could keep him out for a while.

🏈 Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes happy for reworked deal, chance to keep winning Super Bowls in KC

🎧 LISTEN: Morning sports for Wednesday, Sept. 20

By Hutchinson CC Sports Information

For the second-straight week, the Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team swept Jayhawk Conference Division I Women's Soccer Player and Goalkeeper of the Week honors.

Sophomore midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Division I Player of the Week for the first time in her career. Freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;was named the league's Goalkeeper of the Week for the second-consecutive week.

JAYDA WYATT – Player of the WeekWyatt, a 5-foot-3 sophomore midfielder from Wichita, figured into all the scoring in a 1-0-1 week against a pair of nationally ranked opponents for the No. 11 Blue Dragons.

Wyatt had an assist on the Blue Dragons' go-ahead goal with 5:02 to play in the second half in a 1-0 victory over No. 8 Barton at the Salthawk Sports Complex.

Wyatt then scored on a free kick from 35 yards out in a 1-1 road draw at No. 18 Kansas City. That was Wyatt's second long-range goal of 35 or more yards this season.

KARSYN SLOTHOWER – Goalkeeper of the WeekSlothower, a 5-2 freshman from Maize, had another exceptional week for the No. 11 Blue Dragons in a 1-0-1 week against a pair of nationally ranked opponents.

For the week, Slothower made saves on 20 of 21 shot attempts. Slothower.

Against No. 8 Barton, Slothower had a career-best 14 shots and earned her sixth shutout of the season in a 1-0 Blue Dragon victory at the Salthawk Sports Complex. The Blue Dragons battled to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at No. 18 KCK.

The No. 8 Blue Dragon women's soccer team has earned six league player or keeper of the week honors this season. Hutchinson plays host to No. 10 Cowley at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Salthawk Sports Complex.

August 29 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/edwards_kaitlyn_56gt">Kaitlyn Edwards</a>&nbsp;(Player of the Week)

September 5 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/delgado_adriana_03x3">Adriana Delgado</a>&nbsp;(Player of the Week)

September 12 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/delgado_adriana_03x3">Adriana Delgado</a>&nbsp;(Player of the Week)

September 12 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;(Goalkeeper of the Week)

September 19 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;(Player of the Week)

September 19 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;(Goalkeeper of the Week)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695206685407.jpeg" alt="HutchCC Soccer KJCCC Player/Goalkeeper of the week" />
 <figcaption>HutchCC Soccer KJCCC Player/Goalkeeper of the week</figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationFor the second-straight week, the Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team swept Jayhawk Conference Division I Women's Soccer Player and Goalkeeper of the Week honors.Sophomore midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Division I Player of the Week for the first time in her career. Freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;was named the league's Goalkeeper of the Week for the second-consecutive week.JAYDA WYATT – Player of the WeekWyatt, a 5-foot-3 sophomore midfielder from Wichita, figured into all the scoring in a 1-0-1 week against a pair of nationally ranked opponents for the No. 11 Blue Dragons.Wyatt had an assist on the Blue Dragons' go-ahead goal with 5:02 to play in the second half in a 1-0 victory over No. 8 Barton at the Salthawk Sports Complex.Wyatt then scored on a free kick from 35 yards out in a 1-1 road draw at No. 18 Kansas City. That was Wyatt's second long-range goal of 35 or more yards this season.KARSYN SLOTHOWER – Goalkeeper of the WeekSlothower, a 5-2 freshman from Maize, had another exceptional week for the No. 11 Blue Dragons in a 1-0-1 week against a pair of nationally ranked opponents.For the week, Slothower made saves on 20 of 21 shot attempts. Slothower.Against No. 8 Barton, Slothower had a career-best 14 shots and earned her sixth shutout of the season in a 1-0 Blue Dragon victory at the Salthawk Sports Complex. The Blue Dragons battled to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at No. 18 KCK.The No. 8 Blue Dragon women's soccer team has earned six league player or keeper of the week honors this season. Hutchinson plays host to No. 10 Cowley at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Salthawk Sports Complex.BLUE DRAGON KJCCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEKAugust 29 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/edwards_kaitlyn_56gt">Kaitlyn Edwards</a>&nbsp;(Player of the Week)September 5 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/delgado_adriana_03x3">Adriana Delgado</a>&nbsp;(Player of the Week)September 12 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/delgado_adriana_03x3">Adriana Delgado</a>&nbsp;(Player of the Week)September 12 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;(Goalkeeper of the Week)September 19 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;(Player of the Week)September 19 –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;(Goalkeeper of the Week)

⚽ Blue Dragons Wyatt, Slothower earn KJCCC honors

PUEBLO, Colorado – The No. 5-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's golf team had a strong rebound to a rough opening day of the 2023 fall season, shooting a combined 5-under 283 on Tuesday in the final round of the Sam Proal Insurance Invitational on Tuesday at Walking Stick Country Club.

The Blue Dragons finished the 54-hole, 10-team tournament fourth with an 874 team score. Hutchinson finished 12 strokes ahead of Dodge City. The Dragons and Conquistadors entered the day tied for fourth place.

Hutchinson put together 23 birdies against 11 bogeys and five double bogeys on Tuesday.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/blowers_micah_7u95">Micah Blowers</a>&nbsp;was the only Blue Dragon to finish in the individual Top 10. Blowers carded his second round of the tournament under par at 2-under 70. Blowers carded five birdies, one bogey and one double bogey in his final round, finishing at 1-under 215.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/malin_harry_xtfj">Harry Malin</a>&nbsp;delivered the low individual round for the Blue Dragons, closing with a 3-under 69 on Tuesday after back-to-back 74s on Monday. Malin tied for 11th at 1-over 217.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/box_charlie_jgcb">Charlie Box</a>&nbsp;shot a 2-under 70 on Tuesday to finished at 4-over 220. He tied for 21st individually.

Redshirt freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/ross_louis_dfpl">Louis Ross</a>&nbsp;was 26th overall shooting 7-over 223. Ross closed with a 75 on Tuesday.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/razinskas_david_7wz3">David Razinskas</a>&nbsp;tied for 31st after shooting 226 for the tournament. Razinskas shot 75 on Tuesday.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/galvin_louis_4f6t">Louis Galvin</a>, playing as an individual, tied for 14th at 2-over 218. Galvin closed with a 75 on Tuesday.

Tournament host Colorado State-Pueblo dominated the team title chase, winning by 31 strokes with a 35-under 829. Colorado School of Mines was second at 860. Fort Lewis was third at 861.

CSU-Pueblo Colt Tenpenny won the individual championship with a 14-under 202. Tenpenny finished the tournament with a 66.

Hutchinson travels to the Big O Classic on October 2 and 3 in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695206501569.jpeg" alt="Sam Proal Insurance Invitational" />
 <figcaption>Sam Proal Insurance Invitational</figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationPUEBLO, Colorado – The No. 5-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's golf team had a strong rebound to a rough opening day of the 2023 fall season, shooting a combined 5-under 283 on Tuesday in the final round of the Sam Proal Insurance Invitational on Tuesday at Walking Stick Country Club.The Blue Dragons finished the 54-hole, 10-team tournament fourth with an 874 team score. Hutchinson finished 12 strokes ahead of Dodge City. The Dragons and Conquistadors entered the day tied for fourth place.Hutchinson put together 23 birdies against 11 bogeys and five double bogeys on Tuesday.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/blowers_micah_7u95">Micah Blowers</a>&nbsp;was the only Blue Dragon to finish in the individual Top 10. Blowers carded his second round of the tournament under par at 2-under 70. Blowers carded five birdies, one bogey and one double bogey in his final round, finishing at 1-under 215.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/malin_harry_xtfj">Harry Malin</a>&nbsp;delivered the low individual round for the Blue Dragons, closing with a 3-under 69 on Tuesday after back-to-back 74s on Monday. Malin tied for 11th at 1-over 217.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/box_charlie_jgcb">Charlie Box</a>&nbsp;shot a 2-under 70 on Tuesday to finished at 4-over 220. He tied for 21st individually.Redshirt freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/ross_louis_dfpl">Louis Ross</a>&nbsp;was 26th overall shooting 7-over 223. Ross closed with a 75 on Tuesday.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/razinskas_david_7wz3">David Razinskas</a>&nbsp;tied for 31st after shooting 226 for the tournament. Razinskas shot 75 on Tuesday.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2023-24/bios/galvin_louis_4f6t">Louis Galvin</a>, playing as an individual, tied for 14th at 2-over 218. Galvin closed with a 75 on Tuesday.Tournament host Colorado State-Pueblo dominated the team title chase, winning by 31 strokes with a 35-under 829. Colorado School of Mines was second at 860. Fort Lewis was third at 861.CSU-Pueblo Colt Tenpenny won the individual championship with a 14-under 202. Tenpenny finished the tournament with a 66.Hutchinson travels to the Big O Classic on October 2 and 3 in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

⛳ HutchCC Blue Dragons close out Proal Invitational strong

SALINA – Sophomore middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;posted the second-highest single-match attack percentage in team history and sophomore outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;had her 11th double-double of the season to power the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team to a 3-0 sweep of the Kansas Wesleyan University Junior Varsity on Tuesday at Mabee Gym.

The Blue Dragons battled through 26 combined service and attack errors for a 25-17, 25-23, 25-22 victory over the Coyotes, the second win of the season over Kansas Wesleyan.

Hutchinson improved to 12-5 overall heading into the Blue Dragon Volleyball Classic this weekend at the Sports Arena. Hutchinson plays Spartanburg Methodist College (2 p.m.) and No. 17 Indian Hills (6 p.m.) on Friday and Iowa Western (10 a.m.) and Mineral Area (2 p.m.) on Saturday.

Dean had 10 kills on 11 attacks and no errors to finish with a .909 attack percentage. That mark tied All-American Thais Franca for the second-best single-match attack percentage in program history. Franca hit .909 against North Platte on October 24, 2004.

Dean also had four total blocks and two service aces to pace the Blue Dragons.

Golden had a match-high 14 kills and 11 digs for her 11th double-double of the season. Golden also had one solo block.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/muff_callie_ayau">Callie Muff</a>&nbsp;hit a season-high .700 with seven kills on 10 attacks with no errors. Muff also had two block assists. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;had five kills.

Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;finished with 23 assists and one ace serve. Freshman setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/wilson_shelbi_kgd0">Shelbi Wilson</a>&nbsp;had 10 assists and two ace serves. Freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;had a match-high 15 digs with one ace.

The Blue Dragons had 40 total kills on .336 hitting with eight total blocks and six ace serves. Kansas Wesleyan hit .137 with 29 kills, three blocks and two aces.

Set 1&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons opened the match with a 6-2 deficit. A Briseno kill and KWU net violation tied the set at 6-all. Trailing 11-6, a Golden kill started a 5-0 Dragon run that was aided by a pair of Dean aces for a 15-11 lead. The Dragons and Coyotes sided out on the next 10 rallies to give the Dragons a 21-17 lead. The Dragons closed the set with a Dean kill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;kill and two Golden kills for a set-clinching 4-0 run. The Dragons committed seven service errors in the opening set.

Set 2&nbsp;– Dean led the Blue Dragons with four kills and three total blocks in the second set. Dean's solo block gave the Dragons a 6-3 lead and a kill upped the Dragon lead to 8-5. A Muff/<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/letcher_cameron_pqkf">Cameron Letcher</a>&nbsp;double block pushed the lead to 12-9, but the Coyotes scored three straight to knot the set at 12-all. A Rollandini ace capped a 4-0 Dragon run for a 16-12 lead. A Dean/<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/long_ashlyn_ig40">Ashlyn Long</a>&nbsp;double block gave the Dragons a 20-17 lead. KWU pulled within 23-22 and 24-23 and Dean's kill closed out the set for a 25-23 victory.

Set 3&nbsp;– A pair of blocks and three early Golden kills helped the Blue Dragons to a 10-3 lead, but Kansas Wesleyan rebounded with a 6-1 run to pull within 11-9 after a kill.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stubbs_emma_t7cd">Emma Stubbs</a>, Dean and Muff had consecutive kills up push the lead back to 14-9, but Coyotes ultimately tied the set at 16-16 after a 5-1 run. The set was tied at 18, 20, 21 and 22-all. A Dean kill gave the Dragons the lead for good. KWU was then whistled for a ball-handling error and had an attack error to close the match with a 25-22 Hutchinson victory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695206240341.jpeg" alt="Anna Dean posts the second-highest single-match attack percentage (.909) with 10 kills on 11 attacks and no errors in the Blue Dragons' 3-0 win at the Kansas Wesleyan JV on Tuesday in Salina. (McKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Anna Dean posts the second-highest single-match attack percentage (.909) with 10 kills on 11 attacks and no errors in the Blue Dragons' 3-0 win at the Kansas Wesleyan JV on Tuesday in Salina. (McKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationSALINA – Sophomore middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;posted the second-highest single-match attack percentage in team history and sophomore outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;had her 11th double-double of the season to power the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team to a 3-0 sweep of the Kansas Wesleyan University Junior Varsity on Tuesday at Mabee Gym.The Blue Dragons battled through 26 combined service and attack errors for a 25-17, 25-23, 25-22 victory over the Coyotes, the second win of the season over Kansas Wesleyan.Hutchinson improved to 12-5 overall heading into the Blue Dragon Volleyball Classic this weekend at the Sports Arena. Hutchinson plays Spartanburg Methodist College (2 p.m.) and No. 17 Indian Hills (6 p.m.) on Friday and Iowa Western (10 a.m.) and Mineral Area (2 p.m.) on Saturday.Dean had 10 kills on 11 attacks and no errors to finish with a .909 attack percentage. That mark tied All-American Thais Franca for the second-best single-match attack percentage in program history. Franca hit .909 against North Platte on October 24, 2004.Dean also had four total blocks and two service aces to pace the Blue Dragons.Golden had a match-high 14 kills and 11 digs for her 11th double-double of the season. Golden also had one solo block.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/muff_callie_ayau">Callie Muff</a>&nbsp;hit a season-high .700 with seven kills on 10 attacks with no errors. Muff also had two block assists. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;had five kills.Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;finished with 23 assists and one ace serve. Freshman setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/wilson_shelbi_kgd0">Shelbi Wilson</a>&nbsp;had 10 assists and two ace serves. Freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;had a match-high 15 digs with one ace.The Blue Dragons had 40 total kills on .336 hitting with eight total blocks and six ace serves. Kansas Wesleyan hit .137 with 29 kills, three blocks and two aces.Set 1&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons opened the match with a 6-2 deficit. A Briseno kill and KWU net violation tied the set at 6-all. Trailing 11-6, a Golden kill started a 5-0 Dragon run that was aided by a pair of Dean aces for a 15-11 lead. The Dragons and Coyotes sided out on the next 10 rallies to give the Dragons a 21-17 lead. The Dragons closed the set with a Dean kill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;kill and two Golden kills for a set-clinching 4-0 run. The Dragons committed seven service errors in the opening set.Set 2&nbsp;– Dean led the Blue Dragons with four kills and three total blocks in the second set. Dean's solo block gave the Dragons a 6-3 lead and a kill upped the Dragon lead to 8-5. A Muff/<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/letcher_cameron_pqkf">Cameron Letcher</a>&nbsp;double block pushed the lead to 12-9, but the Coyotes scored three straight to knot the set at 12-all. A Rollandini ace capped a 4-0 Dragon run for a 16-12 lead. A Dean/<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/long_ashlyn_ig40">Ashlyn Long</a>&nbsp;double block gave the Dragons a 20-17 lead. KWU pulled within 23-22 and 24-23 and Dean's kill closed out the set for a 25-23 victory.Set 3&nbsp;– A pair of blocks and three early Golden kills helped the Blue Dragons to a 10-3 lead, but Kansas Wesleyan rebounded with a 6-1 run to pull within 11-9 after a kill.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stubbs_emma_t7cd">Emma Stubbs</a>, Dean and Muff had consecutive kills up push the lead back to 14-9, but Coyotes ultimately tied the set at 16-16 after a 5-1 run. The set was tied at 18, 20, 21 and 22-all. A Dean kill gave the Dragons the lead for good. KWU was then whistled for a ball-handling error and had an attack error to close the match with a 25-22 Hutchinson victory.

🏐 VB: HutchCC's Dean, Golden Pace Blue Dragons to sweep of Coyotes

AP Sports Summary for September 20th, 2023.

Browns star Nick Chubb to undergo surgery on season-ending knee injury; Kareem Hunt in for visit

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb will undergo surgery on his left knee after suffering a gruesome season-ending injury Monday night in Pittsburgh. A four-time Pro Bowler, Chubb got hurt when Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick tackled him low on a carry in the second quarter. The impact buckled the same knee that Chubb injured in 2015 at Georgia and had reconstructed. Coach Kevin Stefanski did not have any specifics on Chubb's injury or when he'll have the operation. The 27-year-old Chubb has rushed for 6,511 yards and scored 48 touchdowns since being drafted in 2018. As Cleveland regroups, the team brought in former Brown Kareem Hunt for a tryout.

Spain players arrive at camp after Hermoso accuses federation of threatening World Cup winners

MADRID (AP) — Some of Spain's World Cup-winning players have started reporting to training camp despite not wanting to be called up for the national team while fighting for changes in the soccer federation. Local media showed some of the players arriving at the hotel where they gathered before heading to Valencia to meet other teammates. They arrived a day after new coach Montse Tomé ignored their decision not to play until their demands for reform at the federation were met. Players who don't show up risk breaking a Spanish sports law that requires athletes to answer the call of national teams unless there are circumstances that impede them from playing.

Ohtani has elbow surgery. His doctor expects hitting return by opening day '24 and pitching by '25

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani had elbow surgery Tuesday, and his doctor said he expects the two-way star will be available as a hitter on opening day next season and will return to the mound as a pitcher in 2025. Ohtani tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Aug. 23, ending his pitching season. He continued as a batter through Sept. 3 until an oblique strain. Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache operated Tuesday at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles. He said in a statement that the sides decided to "reinforce the healthy ligament in place," suggesting the UCL wasn't reconstructed via Tommy John surgery. ElAttrache performed Tommy John surgery on Ohtani on Oct. 1, 2018.

Column: Duane Bock thought he would have the summer off. Now the caddie is going to the Ryder Cup

Duane Bock finally gets to caddie in a Ryder Cup and it's not anything like he expected. For one thing, he'll be working for Sepp Straka, not Kevin Kisner. And he'll be part of Team Europe, not Team USA. Bock is still trying to get his head around how this all came about in three months. Kisner needed a break from poor play and wanting to be home with his young children. Straka had changed caddies and was looking for a fill-in. Straka won the John Deere Classic and was runner-up at the British Open, and the Austrian was picked for the Ryder Cup.

Deion Sanders condemns death threats against player whose late hit left Hunter with lacerated liver

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders has condemned the death threats sent to Colorado State safety Henry Blackburn after his late hit that sent Buffaloes star Travis Hunter to the hospital with a lacerated liver. Sanders says he has forgiven Blackburn. So has the rest of the team, including Hunter. The police are involved in the case given the nature of the threats toward Blackburn and his family. Blackburn's hit came early in the game, which Colorado won in double overtime. Hunter doesn't have a definitive timeline for a return. No. 19 Colorado plays at No. 10 Oregon on Saturday.

Transfers are fueling some of college football's biggest success stories as teams embrace the portal

From Florida State's re-emergence as a national power to Colorado's extreme makeover under Deion Sanders and the Pac-12's resurgence fueled by transfer quarterbacks, reasons to embrace college football free agency are everywhere this season. No. 4 Florida State faces a Clemson team that has mostly ignored the emerging transfer market. The production being done by transfers has increased compared to last season in every category from games started to yards gained passing, rushing and receiving to tackles, sacks and interceptions.

Dallas, Florida and New York to host matches in men's T20 World Cup next year

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Dallas, Florida and New York will host matches at the men's T20 World Cup next year. The United States will be staging a global cricket event for the first time as the sport looks to expand into a new territory. It is co-hosting with the West Indies. The International Cricket Council says an agreement has been reached for the construction of a 34,000-seat stadium in Eisenhower Park. That is a purpose-built sports and events park in Nassau County, New York. Venues in Grand Prairie in Dallas and Broward County in Florida will be increased in size to expand seating, media and premium hospitality areas to enable them to host matches in the 20-team tournament.

Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson expected to miss remainder of season with broken right leg

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson has a broken right leg and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, according to coach Frank Reich. Thompson underwent surgery on Tuesday to fix a fractured fibula he sustained in the first quarter of Carolina's 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. The news is a crushing blow for the Panthers defense, which lost starting cornerback Jaycee Horn to a hamstring injury last week. Horn is expected to miss at least six weeks. Reich would not say who'll start in Thompson's spot Sunday against Seattle. Thompson has been placed on injured reserve.

Victor Wembanyama will be aiming for the gold medal with France at Paris Olympics

PARIS (AP) — Victor Wembanyama will be aiming for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The San Antonio Spurs rookie has reaffirmed his commitment to the national squad for the Summer Games next year in his home country. He spoke in the wake of France's poor showing at the World Cup last month. He says: "I'll be present at the Olympics, and there's no other goal than gold." The No. 1 draft pick had decided not to play at the World Cup in order to prepare for his rookie season. France came to the World Cup as the reigning Olympic silver medalists but failed to qualify for the second round.

Caitlin Clark of Iowa wins Sullivan Award as the nation's top collegiate athlete

NEW YORK (AP) — Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark has won the 93rd AAU James E. Sullivan Award as the nation's top collegiate or Olympic athlete. Clark was honored at the New York Athletic Club. She was the consensus national player of the year in women's basketball. She led the Hawkeyes to their first national title game appearance, where they lost to LSU. Voting by the public as well as the AAU Sullivan Award committee, AAU board of directors, sports media and past winners determined the winner. The award also recognizes leadership, citizenship, character and sportsmanship on and off the playing field.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Philadelphia	at	Charlotte FC	7:30 p.m.	

		Orlando City	at	New York City FC	7:30 p.m.	

		Nashville	at	Sporting Kansas City	8:30 p.m.	

		Los Angeles FC	at	Saint Louis City SC	8:30 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683366121627.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Wednesday Morning, September 20th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Wednesday Morning, September 20th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="September 20th, 2023 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=awde4-14adcf0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=654771&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for September 20th, 2023.Browns star Nick Chubb to undergo surgery on season-ending knee injury; Kareem Hunt in for visitCLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb will undergo surgery on his left knee after suffering a gruesome season-ending injury Monday night in Pittsburgh. A four-time Pro Bowler, Chubb got hurt when Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick tackled him low on a carry in the second quarter. The impact buckled the same knee that Chubb injured in 2015 at Georgia and had reconstructed. Coach Kevin Stefanski did not have any specifics on Chubb's injury or when he'll have the operation. The 27-year-old Chubb has rushed for 6,511 yards and scored 48 touchdowns since being drafted in 2018. As Cleveland regroups, the team brought in former Brown Kareem Hunt for a tryout.Spain players arrive at camp after Hermoso accuses federation of threatening World Cup winnersMADRID (AP) — Some of Spain's World Cup-winning players have started reporting to training camp despite not wanting to be called up for the national team while fighting for changes in the soccer federation. Local media showed some of the players arriving at the hotel where they gathered before heading to Valencia to meet other teammates. They arrived a day after new coach Montse Tomé ignored their decision not to play until their demands for reform at the federation were met. Players who don't show up risk breaking a Spanish sports law that requires athletes to answer the call of national teams unless there are circumstances that impede them from playing.Ohtani has elbow surgery. His doctor expects hitting return by opening day '24 and pitching by '25ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani had elbow surgery Tuesday, and his doctor said he expects the two-way star will be available as a hitter on opening day next season and will return to the mound as a pitcher in 2025. Ohtani tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Aug. 23, ending his pitching season. He continued as a batter through Sept. 3 until an oblique strain. Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache operated Tuesday at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles. He said in a statement that the sides decided to "reinforce the healthy ligament in place," suggesting the UCL wasn't reconstructed via Tommy John surgery. ElAttrache performed Tommy John surgery on Ohtani on Oct. 1, 2018.Column: Duane Bock thought he would have the summer off. Now the caddie is going to the Ryder CupDuane Bock finally gets to caddie in a Ryder Cup and it's not anything like he expected. For one thing, he'll be working for Sepp Straka, not Kevin Kisner. And he'll be part of Team Europe, not Team USA. Bock is still trying to get his head around how this all came about in three months. Kisner needed a break from poor play and wanting to be home with his young children. Straka had changed caddies and was looking for a fill-in. Straka won the John Deere Classic and was runner-up at the British Open, and the Austrian was picked for the Ryder Cup.Deion Sanders condemns death threats against player whose late hit left Hunter with lacerated liverBOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders has condemned the death threats sent to Colorado State safety Henry Blackburn after his late hit that sent Buffaloes star Travis Hunter to the hospital with a lacerated liver. Sanders says he has forgiven Blackburn. So has the rest of the team, including Hunter. The police are involved in the case given the nature of the threats toward Blackburn and his family. Blackburn's hit came early in the game, which Colorado won in double overtime. Hunter doesn't have a definitive timeline for a return. No. 19 Colorado plays at No. 10 Oregon on Saturday.Transfers are fueling some of college football's biggest success stories as teams embrace the portalFrom Florida State's re-emergence as a national power to Colorado's extreme makeover under Deion Sanders and the Pac-12's resurgence fueled by transfer quarterbacks, reasons to embrace college football free agency are everywhere this season. No. 4 Florida State faces a Clemson team that has mostly ignored the emerging transfer market. The production being done by transfers has increased compared to last season in every category from games started to yards gained passing, rushing and receiving to tackles, sacks and interceptions.Dallas, Florida and New York to host matches in men's T20 World Cup next yearDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Dallas, Florida and New York will host matches at the men's T20 World Cup next year. The United States will be staging a global cricket event for the first time as the sport looks to expand into a new territory. It is co-hosting with the West Indies. The International Cricket Council says an agreement has been reached for the construction of a 34,000-seat stadium in Eisenhower Park. That is a purpose-built sports and events park in Nassau County, New York. Venues in Grand Prairie in Dallas and Broward County in Florida will be increased in size to expand seating, media and premium hospitality areas to enable them to host matches in the 20-team tournament.Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson expected to miss remainder of season with broken right legCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson has a broken right leg and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, according to coach Frank Reich. Thompson underwent surgery on Tuesday to fix a fractured fibula he sustained in the first quarter of Carolina's 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. The news is a crushing blow for the Panthers defense, which lost starting cornerback Jaycee Horn to a hamstring injury last week. Horn is expected to miss at least six weeks. Reich would not say who'll start in Thompson's spot Sunday against Seattle. Thompson has been placed on injured reserve.Victor Wembanyama will be aiming for the gold medal with France at Paris OlympicsPARIS (AP) — Victor Wembanyama will be aiming for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The San Antonio Spurs rookie has reaffirmed his commitment to the national squad for the Summer Games next year in his home country. He spoke in the wake of France's poor showing at the World Cup last month. He says: "I'll be present at the Olympics, and there's no other goal than gold." The No. 1 draft pick had decided not to play at the World Cup in order to prepare for his rookie season. France came to the World Cup as the reigning Olympic silver medalists but failed to qualify for the second round.Caitlin Clark of Iowa wins Sullivan Award as the nation's top collegiate athleteNEW YORK (AP) — Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark has won the 93rd AAU James E. Sullivan Award as the nation's top collegiate or Olympic athlete. Clark was honored at the New York Athletic Club. She was the consensus national player of the year in women's basketball. She led the Hawkeyes to their first national title game appearance, where they lost to LSU. Voting by the public as well as the AAU Sullivan Award committee, AAU board of directors, sports media and past winners determined the winner. The award also recognizes leadership, citizenship, character and sportsmanship on and off the playing field.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Washington	4	Chicago White Sox	3	Final	Minnesota	7	Cincinnati	0	Final	L.A. Dodgers	3	Detroit	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Tampa Bay	6	L.A. Angels	2	Final	Toronto	7	N.Y. Yankees	1	Final	Kansas City	7	Cleveland	6	Final	Texas	6	Boston	4	Final	Baltimore	9	Houston	5	Final	Seattle	7	Oakland	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Miami	4	N.Y. Mets	3	Final	Atlanta	9	Philadelphia	3	Final	Chicago Cubs	14	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Milwaukee	7	St. Louis	3	Final	Arizona	8	San Francisco	4	Final	San Diego	2	Colorado	0	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal OT	New York	90	Washington	85	Final	Dallas	101	Atlanta	74	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Minnesota	at	Cincinnati	12:35 p.m.			Chi White Sox	at	Washington	1:05 p.m.			Detroit	at	L-A Dodgers	10:10 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Boston	at	Texas	2:05 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Houston	2:10 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Kansas City	2:10 p.m.			Seattle	at	Oakland	3:37 p.m.			L-A Angels	at	Tampa Bay	6:40 p.m.			Toronto	at	N-Y Yankees	7:05 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Philadelphia	at	Atlanta	12:20 p.m.			San Francisco	at	Arizona	3:40 p.m.			Colorado	at	San Diego	4:10 p.m.			N-Y Mets	at	Miami	6:40 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	Chi Cubs	7:40 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	St. Louis	7:45 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS		Connecticut	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Philadelphia	at	Charlotte FC	7:30 p.m.			Chicago	at	Columbus	7:30 p.m.			Atlanta	at	D.C. United	7:30 p.m.			Toronto FC	at	Miami	7:30 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	CF Montréal	7:30 p.m.			Austin FC	at	New York	7:30 p.m.			Orlando City	at	New York City FC	7:30 p.m.			Vancouver	at	Houston	8:30 p.m.			Nashville	at	Sporting Kansas City	8:30 p.m.			Los Angeles FC	at	Saint Louis City SC	8:30 p.m.			Seattle	at	Colorado	9:30 p.m.			FC Dallas	at	Real Salt Lake	9:30 p.m.			Minnesota	at	LA Galaxy	10:30 p.m.			San Jose	at	Portland	10:30 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals reliever James McArthur earned his first big league win and first career save in a span of three days this week.

He didn't get his first anything Tuesday night even though it may have been his best performance yet.

Inheriting a two-on, no-out mess in the eighth inning of a one-run game against Cleveland, the big right-hander proceeded to strike out the next three batters he faced, allowing Kansas City to eventually close out a 7-6 win over the Guardians.

“I can't say enough about him,” said Royals manager Matt Quatraro, who watched McArthur allow seven runs in a single inning in his big league debut against the same bunch of Guardians in late June. “I mean, the way he's developed here lately, the big outs he's been getting, he's been tremendous.”

MJ Melendez homered and drove in three runs to pace the Kansas City offense, while Makail Garcia had three hits and Nick Loftin added two RBIs. The Royals finished with 13 hits while winning for the fifth time in their last six games.

They also ended a five-series losing streak to the Guardians and will go for the sweep of their AL Central rivals Wednesday.

Alec Marsh (2-8) earned the win despite a shaky showing after opener Steven Cruz, but it was McArthur who stole the show. His three punch-outs left two in scoring position in the eighth, setting up Collin Snider to handle the ninth for his first career save.

“Just trying to keep my best stuff down in the zone," said McArthur, who has retired 22 straight batters and 31 of the past 32, the only blemish a double by the White Sox's Andrew Vaughn. “Pretty special moment.”

Logan Allen (7-8) allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks for Cleveland in just three innings.

“We had chances early on, when they were kind of battling command. We couldn't make them pay for it,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “That's happened to us more than we'd want.”

Melendez gave the Royals a 2-0 lead in the first with his 15th homer of the season, and they added two more runs in the third when the small-ball aficionados strung together a double, four singles and a walk.

Cleveland finally scored in the fifth when Josh Naylor followed an error by right fielder Nelson Velázquez with a two-run single, but Kansas City answered back in the bottom half. Velázquez and Loftin drove in runs before Tyler Cropley, making his big league debut, added a sacrifice fly to give the Royals a 7-2 lead.

The Guardians began a comeback in the sixth with Stevan Kwan's two-out, two-run triple. It continued with a run-scoring triple by Andrés Giménez in the seventh and Bo Naylor's leadoff homer in the eighth, pulling Cleveland within a run.

That's when McArthur inherited a two-on, no-out mess and struck out the next three batters to end the inning.

“It was awesome watching that,” Snider said. “That's a big stage and a big moment in the game for us.”

The Royals ended RHP Brady Singer's season after he complained of back pain following a shaky outing in the series opener against Cleveland. Singer was just 8-11 with a career-worst 5.52 ERA and did not win after beating Boston on Aug. 8.

Guardians RHP Shane Bieber, who has been out with elbow inflammation, had no problems during his bullpen session Tuesday and will start Friday night's game against Baltimore. He has not started a game since July 9.

Royals: RHP Brad Keller (thoracic outlet syndrome) returned to the injured list after symptoms returned. He is expected to see a shoulder specialist Wednesday. ... RHP Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and LHP Anthony Veneziano was selected from the same club. ... INF Matt Beaty was designated for assignment.

Guardians: RHP Michael Kelly (back strain) was activated from the injured list. He took the roster spot of LHP Matt Moore, who was claimed by the Marlins after appearing in five games for Cleveland.

Guardians LHP Lucas Giolito (8-13, 4.59 ERA) tries to snap a four-game losing streak in the series finale Wednesday. Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.39) will try once more to add a second win to the one he earned on May 3 against Baltimore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695179662933.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Kyle Isbel, right, beats the tag by Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias after hitting a double during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Kyle Isbel, right, beats the tag by Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias after hitting a double during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals reliever James McArthur earned his first big league win and first career save in a span of three days this week.He didn't get his first anything Tuesday night even though it may have been his best performance yet.Inheriting a two-on, no-out mess in the eighth inning of a one-run game against Cleveland, the big right-hander proceeded to strike out the next three batters he faced, allowing Kansas City to eventually close out a 7-6 win over the Guardians.“I can't say enough about him,” said Royals manager Matt Quatraro, who watched McArthur allow seven runs in a single inning in his big league debut against the same bunch of Guardians in late June. “I mean, the way he's developed here lately, the big outs he's been getting, he's been tremendous.”MJ Melendez homered and drove in three runs to pace the Kansas City offense, while Makail Garcia had three hits and Nick Loftin added two RBIs. The Royals finished with 13 hits while winning for the fifth time in their last six games.They also ended a five-series losing streak to the Guardians and will go for the sweep of their AL Central rivals Wednesday.Alec Marsh (2-8) earned the win despite a shaky showing after opener Steven Cruz, but it was McArthur who stole the show. His three punch-outs left two in scoring position in the eighth, setting up Collin Snider to handle the ninth for his first career save.“Just trying to keep my best stuff down in the zone," said McArthur, who has retired 22 straight batters and 31 of the past 32, the only blemish a double by the White Sox's Andrew Vaughn. “Pretty special moment.”Logan Allen (7-8) allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks for Cleveland in just three innings.“We had chances early on, when they were kind of battling command. We couldn't make them pay for it,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “That's happened to us more than we'd want.”Melendez gave the Royals a 2-0 lead in the first with his 15th homer of the season, and they added two more runs in the third when the small-ball aficionados strung together a double, four singles and a walk.Cleveland finally scored in the fifth when Josh Naylor followed an error by right fielder Nelson Velázquez with a two-run single, but Kansas City answered back in the bottom half. Velázquez and Loftin drove in runs before Tyler Cropley, making his big league debut, added a sacrifice fly to give the Royals a 7-2 lead.The Guardians began a comeback in the sixth with Stevan Kwan's two-out, two-run triple. It continued with a run-scoring triple by Andrés Giménez in the seventh and Bo Naylor's leadoff homer in the eighth, pulling Cleveland within a run.That's when McArthur inherited a two-on, no-out mess and struck out the next three batters to end the inning.“It was awesome watching that,” Snider said. “That's a big stage and a big moment in the game for us.”SINGER SHUT DOWNThe Royals ended RHP Brady Singer's season after he complained of back pain following a shaky outing in the series opener against Cleveland. Singer was just 8-11 with a career-worst 5.52 ERA and did not win after beating Boston on Aug. 8.BIEBER ON THE BUMPGuardians RHP Shane Bieber, who has been out with elbow inflammation, had no problems during his bullpen session Tuesday and will start Friday night's game against Baltimore. He has not started a game since July 9.TRANSACTIONSRoyals: RHP Brad Keller (thoracic outlet syndrome) returned to the injured list after symptoms returned. He is expected to see a shoulder specialist Wednesday. ... RHP Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and LHP Anthony Veneziano was selected from the same club. ... INF Matt Beaty was designated for assignment.Guardians: RHP Michael Kelly (back strain) was activated from the injured list. He took the roster spot of LHP Matt Moore, who was claimed by the Marlins after appearing in five games for Cleveland.UP NEXTGuardians LHP Lucas Giolito (8-13, 4.59 ERA) tries to snap a four-game losing streak in the series finale Wednesday. Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.39) will try once more to add a second win to the one he earned on May 3 against Baltimore.

⚾ Melendez homers, McArthur stars in relief as Royals hold off Guardians

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics

Wichita State Athletics has announced&nbsp;Tech N9ne will headline this year's Shocker Madness event&nbsp;set for Saturday, Oct. 7, at 6:00 p.m., inside Charles Koch Arena.

Tech N9ne is the co-founder of Strange Music Inc., the number-one independent hip-hop label in the world. His signature rapid-fire "chopper" style has solidified him as one of the leading pioneers of the underground hip-hop industry.&nbsp;In less than two decades, Tech himself has earned three gold records, sold over two million albums, and made multiple appearances on Forbes's "Hip-Hop Cash Kings" list.&nbsp;

In addition to an incredible performance from Tech N9ne, Wichita State Men's &amp; Women's Basketball teams will take the floor in a scrimmage format giving fans a first-look at the teams' new styles of play under new head coaches&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/paul-mills/1128">Paul Mills</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/terry-nooner/1136">Terry Nooner</a>.

This year's Shocker Madness event serves as the culmination of Wichita State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wichita.edu/student_life/seal/shocktoberfest/">Shocktoberfest</a>&nbsp;homecoming week.

Doors open at 5 pm for the free event and parking is free on a first-come, first-serve basis.

No tickets are required. General admission seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis as arena occupancy allows. Select seating sections within the arena will be reserved for Wichita State University students (sections 117 &amp; 118), Shocker student-athletes and university personnel.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/2020/10/26/clear-bag-policy.aspx#:~:text=One%2Dgallon%20clear%20plastic%20storage,have%20been%20tagged%20by%20security.">clear-bag policy</a>&nbsp;and new opengate, walk-through metal detectors will be enforced for those entering Charles Koch Arena.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 5:00pm - WuShock's Birthday Party on the concourse 6:00pm - On court festivities begin with a performance&nbsp;by the Shocker Sound Machine Performances by Wichita State Cheer &amp; Dance Introduction of all Shocker Athletic Teams Announcement of Shocktoberfest Week Winners Extended Men's &amp; Women's Basketball Scrimmages $10,000 Halfcourt Shot Giveaway presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Live Set by DJ 4 The Win Tech N9ne Performance

Season tickets are available now. To purchase, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695169720502.png" alt="(Courtesy Wichita State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Wichita State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State AthleticsWichita State Athletics has announced&nbsp;Tech N9ne will headline this year's Shocker Madness event&nbsp;set for Saturday, Oct. 7, at 6:00 p.m., inside Charles Koch Arena.Tech N9ne is the co-founder of Strange Music Inc., the number-one independent hip-hop label in the world. His signature rapid-fire "chopper" style has solidified him as one of the leading pioneers of the underground hip-hop industry.&nbsp;In less than two decades, Tech himself has earned three gold records, sold over two million albums, and made multiple appearances on Forbes's "Hip-Hop Cash Kings" list.&nbsp;In addition to an incredible performance from Tech N9ne, Wichita State Men's &amp; Women's Basketball teams will take the floor in a scrimmage format giving fans a first-look at the teams' new styles of play under new head coaches&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/paul-mills/1128">Paul Mills</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/terry-nooner/1136">Terry Nooner</a>.This year's Shocker Madness event serves as the culmination of Wichita State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wichita.edu/student_life/seal/shocktoberfest/">Shocktoberfest</a>&nbsp;homecoming week.Doors open at 5 pm for the free event and parking is free on a first-come, first-serve basis.No tickets are required. General admission seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis as arena occupancy allows. Select seating sections within the arena will be reserved for Wichita State University students (sections 117 &amp; 118), Shocker student-athletes and university personnel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/2020/10/26/clear-bag-policy.aspx#:~:text=One%2Dgallon%20clear%20plastic%20storage,have%20been%20tagged%20by%20security.">clear-bag policy</a>&nbsp;and new opengate, walk-through metal detectors will be enforced for those entering Charles Koch Arena.SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 5:00pm - WuShock's Birthday Party on the concourse 6:00pm - On court festivities begin with a performance&nbsp;by the Shocker Sound Machine Performances by Wichita State Cheer &amp; Dance Introduction of all Shocker Athletic Teams Announcement of Shocktoberfest Week Winners Extended Men's &amp; Women's Basketball Scrimmages $10,000 Halfcourt Shot Giveaway presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Live Set by DJ 4 The Win Tech N9ne Performance Season tickets are available now. To purchase, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

🏀 Details announced for Shocker Madness on Oct. 7, Tech N9ne to headline event

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are shutting down Brady Singer for the remainder of the season after the young right-hander complained of back pain following his shaky outing against the Cleveland Guardians.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said before Tuesday night's game against Cleveland that Singer had been dealing with his back off and on during what has been a difficult season. Singer was expected to be one of the Royals' front-line starters, but he went 8-11 with a career-worst 5.52 ERA and did not win another start after facing Boston on August 8.

The Royals also put right-hander Brad Keller, also expected to be a big part of the rotation, back on the injured list after symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome returned. Keller only made nine starts and appeared in 11 games this season.

Keller is expected to see a specialist on Wednesday to get a clearer picture of his shoulder problem.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are shutting down Brady Singer for the remainder of the season after the young right-hander complained of back pain following his shaky outing against the Cleveland Guardians.Royals manager Matt Quatraro said before Tuesday night's game against Cleveland that Singer had been dealing with his back off and on during what has been a difficult season. Singer was expected to be one of the Royals' front-line starters, but he went 8-11 with a career-worst 5.52 ERA and did not win another start after facing Boston on August 8.The Royals also put right-hander Brad Keller, also expected to be a big part of the rotation, back on the injured list after symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome returned. Keller only made nine starts and appeared in 11 games this season.Keller is expected to see a specialist on Wednesday to get a clearer picture of his shoulder problem.

⚾Royals shut down right-hander Brady Singer because of lingering back pain

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 </figure><div><iframe title="Evening sports for Tuesday, Sept. 19" 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=z36dc-14ace1a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=654771&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><div><div class="scorestream-widget-container" data-ss_widget_type="vertScoreboard" style="height:600px;" data-user-widget-id="57228"></div><script async="async" type="text/javascript" src="https://scorestream.com/apiJsCdn/widgets/embed.js"></script></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 LISTEN: Evening sports for Tuesday, Sept. 19

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the fourth time under head coach Lance Leipold, the Kansas Jayhawks will play in front of a sold-out crowd as Kansas Athletics has officially announced a sellout for Saturday’s matchup against BYU at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

The sellout comes after Kansas’ 3-0 start of the season, which is the second consecutive 3-0 start. Kansas’ last sellout came on October 8, 2022, when Kansas hosted&nbsp;ESPN’s College Gameday&nbsp;before taking on TCU. Additionally, Kansas’ sellout against BYU will be the earliest in a season since 2009 (vs. Duke, Sept. 19, 2009).

Kickoff between Kansas and BYU is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT and the game will air on ESPN.

Fans who purchased tickets for Saturday’s game are encouraged to download their mobile tickets prior to arriving to the stadium. Fans still looking to attend are encouraged to visit SeatGeek, the official secondary ticket partner of Kansas Athletics.

KU fans can still purchase individual game tickets for the Jayhawks’ remaining four home games by&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">clicking here</a>.

Saturday’s matchup with BYU will be the conference opener for both programs and the first-ever Big 12 Conference game for BYU, who joined the league on July 1 after competing as an FBS Independent program since 2011. It will also be the second all-time meeting between the Jayhawks and the Cougars, who previously faced off in the Aloha Bowl on Christmas Day 1992.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695155865579.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the fourth time under head coach Lance Leipold, the Kansas Jayhawks will play in front of a sold-out crowd as Kansas Athletics has officially announced a sellout for Saturday’s matchup against BYU at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.The sellout comes after Kansas’ 3-0 start of the season, which is the second consecutive 3-0 start. Kansas’ last sellout came on October 8, 2022, when Kansas hosted&nbsp;ESPN’s College Gameday&nbsp;before taking on TCU. Additionally, Kansas’ sellout against BYU will be the earliest in a season since 2009 (vs. Duke, Sept. 19, 2009).Kickoff between Kansas and BYU is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT and the game will air on ESPN.Fans who purchased tickets for Saturday’s game are encouraged to download their mobile tickets prior to arriving to the stadium. Fans still looking to attend are encouraged to visit SeatGeek, the official secondary ticket partner of Kansas Athletics.KU fans can still purchase individual game tickets for the Jayhawks’ remaining four home games by&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">clicking here</a>.Saturday’s matchup with BYU will be the conference opener for both programs and the first-ever Big 12 Conference game for BYU, who joined the league on July 1 after competing as an FBS Independent program since 2011. It will also be the second all-time meeting between the Jayhawks and the Cougars, who previously faced off in the Aloha Bowl on Christmas Day 1992.Following Saturday’s matchup, Kansas will travel to Austin, Texas to take on the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, Sept. 30. The Jayhawks will then return home to host UCF on Saturday, Oct. 7.<div><div class="scorestream-widget-container" data-ss_widget_type="vertScoreboard" style="height:600px;" data-user-widget-id="57228"></div><script async="async" type="text/javascript" src="https://scorestream.com/apiJsCdn/widgets/embed.js"></script></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;