LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant earned his fourth watch list selection Monday as he was named to the watch list for the 29th Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.

For Bryant, he adds the Bednarik Award to a growing list of preseason accolades, which includes watch lists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lott IMPACT Award.

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

From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection after finishing his sophomore season with three interceptions, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He had the game-clinching interception and returned it for a touchdown in overtime at West Virginia and added a blocked field goal return for a touchdown in the season-opening victory against Tennessee Tech.

Bryant earned All-Big 12 First Team honors in 2022 from the coaches and Second Team from the Associated Press. He totaled 38 tackles on the year, with 32 solo and six assisted stops, and ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 12 passes defended.

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

The Chuck Bednarik Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients since 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.

The Jayhawks open the 2023 season on Friday, September 1, taking on Missouri State at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Season tickets, mini plans and non-conference single game tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Kansas football season. Mini plans are designed to allow fans to pick the games that work the best for them. During the purchasing process, fans have the option to add a premium seatback to their order for less than $8 per game. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>.

Furthermore, Sports Combo Passes for KU Students are also available for just $175. The pass includes access to both football and basketball tickets and can be purchased online through Enroll and Pay. For more information on student tickets, or to purchase today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/students/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662863077634.jpeg" alt="KU cornerback Cobee Bryant (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten)" />
 <figcaption>KU cornerback Cobee Bryant (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant earned his fourth watch list selection Monday as he was named to the watch list for the 29th Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.For Bryant, he adds the Bednarik Award to a growing list of preseason accolades, which includes watch lists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lott IMPACT Award.The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named in honor of Chuck “Concrete Charlie” Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and was the last NFL player to be a full-time player on both offense and defense.From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection after finishing his sophomore season with three interceptions, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He had the game-clinching interception and returned it for a touchdown in overtime at West Virginia and added a blocked field goal return for a touchdown in the season-opening victory against Tennessee Tech.Bryant earned All-Big 12 First Team honors in 2022 from the coaches and Second Team from the Associated Press. He totaled 38 tackles on the year, with 32 solo and six assisted stops, and ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 12 passes defended.The Chuck Bednarik Award has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele’s College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.The Chuck Bednarik Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients since 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.The Jayhawks open the 2023 season on Friday, September 1, taking on Missouri State at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Season tickets, mini plans and non-conference single game tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Kansas football season. Mini plans are designed to allow fans to pick the games that work the best for them. During the purchasing process, fans have the option to add a premium seatback to their order for less than $8 per game. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>.Furthermore, Sports Combo Passes for KU Students are also available for just $175. The pass includes access to both football and basketball tickets and can be purchased online through Enroll and Pay. For more information on student tickets, or to purchase today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/students/">here</a>.

🏈 KU’s Cobee Bryant named to Chuck Bednarik Award watch list

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For the third time this preseason, Kansas State senior safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kobe-savage/11150">Kobe Savage</a>&nbsp;was named to the watch list for a major college football honor as he is a candidate for the 29th&nbsp;Chuck Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.&nbsp;

Savage, who was also named to the initial watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award, is the 10th&nbsp;Wildcat all time to be a candidate for the Bednarik Award, which goes to the college defensive player of the year. Last season, defensive end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/felix-anudike-uzomah/8503">Felix Anudike-Uzomah</a>&nbsp;was a semifinalist for the award, while linebacker Arthur Brown was also a semifinalist in 2012 and cornerback Chris Canty was a finalist in 1996. A native of Paris, Texas, Savage finished fourth on the team last year with 58 tackles despite missing the final four games due to an injury. An All-Big 12 Second Team selection, Savage also earned votes from the league's coaches for the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year award as he tallied three interceptions to tie for sixth in the conference and 43rd&nbsp;in the nation. Kansas State ended the preseason with 12 watch list designations as the Chuck Bednarik Award was the final list prior to the beginning of the 2023 season. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/will-howard/11107">Will Howard</a>&nbsp;was named a candidate for the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award and Wuerffel Trophy, offensive linemen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kt-leveston/11120">KT Leveston</a>&nbsp;were on the Outland Trophy watch list, wide receiver/returner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/phillip-brooks/11087">Phillip Brooks</a>&nbsp;is up for the Hornung Award, tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ben-sinnott/11156">Ben Sinnott</a>&nbsp;is on the John Mackey Award watch list, running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/treshaun-ward/11185">Treshaun Ward</a>&nbsp;is a candidate for the Doak Walker Award, and long snapper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/randen-plattner/11143">Randen Plattner</a>&nbsp;is on the watch list for the Patrick Mannelly Long Snapper of the Year Award. The Wildcats are in their final week of preseason camp prior to fall semester classes beginning next Monday. K-State will continue preparations for its 2023 season opener, which is on September 2, as the Wildcats host SEMO in a 6 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Tickets to the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692029601322.jpeg" alt="Kobe Savage (Courtesy of K-State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Kobe Savage (Courtesy of K-State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For the third time this preseason, Kansas State senior safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kobe-savage/11150">Kobe Savage</a>&nbsp;was named to the watch list for a major college football honor as he is a candidate for the 29th&nbsp;Chuck Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.&nbsp; Savage, who was also named to the initial watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award, is the 10th&nbsp;Wildcat all time to be a candidate for the Bednarik Award, which goes to the college defensive player of the year. Last season, defensive end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/felix-anudike-uzomah/8503">Felix Anudike-Uzomah</a>&nbsp;was a semifinalist for the award, while linebacker Arthur Brown was also a semifinalist in 2012 and cornerback Chris Canty was a finalist in 1996. A native of Paris, Texas, Savage finished fourth on the team last year with 58 tackles despite missing the final four games due to an injury. An All-Big 12 Second Team selection, Savage also earned votes from the league's coaches for the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year award as he tallied three interceptions to tie for sixth in the conference and 43rd&nbsp;in the nation. Kansas State ended the preseason with 12 watch list designations as the Chuck Bednarik Award was the final list prior to the beginning of the 2023 season. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/will-howard/11107">Will Howard</a>&nbsp;was named a candidate for the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award and Wuerffel Trophy, offensive linemen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kt-leveston/11120">KT Leveston</a>&nbsp;were on the Outland Trophy watch list, wide receiver/returner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/phillip-brooks/11087">Phillip Brooks</a>&nbsp;is up for the Hornung Award, tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ben-sinnott/11156">Ben Sinnott</a>&nbsp;is on the John Mackey Award watch list, running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/treshaun-ward/11185">Treshaun Ward</a>&nbsp;is a candidate for the Doak Walker Award, and long snapper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/randen-plattner/11143">Randen Plattner</a>&nbsp;is on the watch list for the Patrick Mannelly Long Snapper of the Year Award. The Wildcats are in their final week of preseason camp prior to fall semester classes beginning next Monday. K-State will continue preparations for its 2023 season opener, which is on September 2, as the Wildcats host SEMO in a 6 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Tickets to the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Kobe Savage named to Bednarik Award watch list

TEL AVIV, Israel – Members of the Kansas State men's basketball team and their traveling party continued their historic 10-day trip to Israel and Abu Dhabi with visits to Bethlehem on Saturday (August 12) and the Dead Sea on Sunday (August 13) before finally arriving back in Tel Aviv.

Saturday, August 12: Visit to Bethlehem The group got up early on Saturday morning (August 12) and made the near 30-minute trip to another historic and religious site – the city of Bethlehem and the Basilica of the Nativity. Although a short trip in time, Bethlehem is located within the disputed West Bank between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The traveling party made the short walk to the center of town, where they visited the Basilica of the Nativity that was built by Roman Emperor Constantine in 326 A.D. to mark the birthplace of Jesus. It is the oldest surviving church in the Holy Land with ornate Byzantine art and continues to have mass daily. The group made their way down a narrow doorway below the church floor, where they were each given the opportunity to touch the spot of Jesus' birth before moving down and visiting the spot where the manger was placed (now marked by five lanterns). They concluded the visit to Bethlehem with an authentic Palestinian lunch at the home of their host Kamal, where they again feasted on many local dishes, including hummus (there is much debate on who has the best between Israel and Palestine) as well as saffron rice, chicken and many others. After returning to Jerusalem and enjoying some free time, the team ended their day with dinner at the Mamilla Hotel. The restaurant has a rooftop view of all of Jerusalem. Sunday, August 13: Visit to the Dead Sea, Arrive Back in Tel Aviv The party departed Jerusalem for the final time on Sunday morning (August 13) and made the near 2-hour journey to the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on Earth at more than 1,400 feet below sea level. The Dead Sea (named so because of the lack of aquatic life due to the lake's extreme salinity) is in the interior of Israel bordering the country of Jordan. With temperatures near 106 degrees, the group was able to enjoy some time in the crystal blue water, which is so dense with salt and minerals that you float to the surface. They also covered themselves with the mud from the sea which is said to be cleansing and healing for the skin and scalp. After enjoying nearly 2-hours at the Dead Sea and the pool at the Milos Hotel, the group jumped on the buses for another 2-hour trip to their next stop – Tel Aviv – which is on the Mediterranean coast. The city of nearly 500,000 people (second largest in Israel) is the home to much of the country's international business and technology while also known for its nightlife (much like the New York City, it is also referred to as the city that never sleeps). It also has the highest cost of living of any city in the world. The traveling party was able to enjoy a relaxing night out at one of the hottest spots in all of Tel Aviv at Qumran, where they were joined by their host&nbsp;Daniel Posner, the Founder and Chairman of Athletes for Israel, and&nbsp;Lea Miller-Tooley&nbsp;and her team at Complete Sports Management. For more information on Athletes for Israel organization and its mission, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athletesforisrael.org/">athletesforisrael.org</a>. The team took part in their third practice of the trip on Monday morning (August 14) before listening to a presentation from Start-Up Nation Central, Innovation: Africa and Colosseum about the present and future of Israel as a hub of innovation and technology. After a lunch at Old Man and The Sea, they spent time on a tour of Old Jaffa before enjoying time at the beach and shopping. The team's first game is tomorrow (Tuesday, August 15) against the Israeli Select Team. How to follow the 'Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State men's basketball, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team's social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kstatembb">X (formerly Twitter)</a>, Threads,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatembb/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatembb/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692029437510.jpeg" alt="Jerome Tang (Courtesy of K-State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Jerome Tang (Courtesy of K-State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsTEL AVIV, Israel – Members of the Kansas State men's basketball team and their traveling party continued their historic 10-day trip to Israel and Abu Dhabi with visits to Bethlehem on Saturday (August 12) and the Dead Sea on Sunday (August 13) before finally arriving back in Tel Aviv. Saturday, August 12: Visit to Bethlehem The group got up early on Saturday morning (August 12) and made the near 30-minute trip to another historic and religious site – the city of Bethlehem and the Basilica of the Nativity. Although a short trip in time, Bethlehem is located within the disputed West Bank between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The traveling party made the short walk to the center of town, where they visited the Basilica of the Nativity that was built by Roman Emperor Constantine in 326 A.D. to mark the birthplace of Jesus. It is the oldest surviving church in the Holy Land with ornate Byzantine art and continues to have mass daily. The group made their way down a narrow doorway below the church floor, where they were each given the opportunity to touch the spot of Jesus' birth before moving down and visiting the spot where the manger was placed (now marked by five lanterns). They concluded the visit to Bethlehem with an authentic Palestinian lunch at the home of their host Kamal, where they again feasted on many local dishes, including hummus (there is much debate on who has the best between Israel and Palestine) as well as saffron rice, chicken and many others. After returning to Jerusalem and enjoying some free time, the team ended their day with dinner at the Mamilla Hotel. The restaurant has a rooftop view of all of Jerusalem. Sunday, August 13: Visit to the Dead Sea, Arrive Back in Tel Aviv The party departed Jerusalem for the final time on Sunday morning (August 13) and made the near 2-hour journey to the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on Earth at more than 1,400 feet below sea level. The Dead Sea (named so because of the lack of aquatic life due to the lake's extreme salinity) is in the interior of Israel bordering the country of Jordan. With temperatures near 106 degrees, the group was able to enjoy some time in the crystal blue water, which is so dense with salt and minerals that you float to the surface. They also covered themselves with the mud from the sea which is said to be cleansing and healing for the skin and scalp. After enjoying nearly 2-hours at the Dead Sea and the pool at the Milos Hotel, the group jumped on the buses for another 2-hour trip to their next stop – Tel Aviv – which is on the Mediterranean coast. The city of nearly 500,000 people (second largest in Israel) is the home to much of the country's international business and technology while also known for its nightlife (much like the New York City, it is also referred to as the city that never sleeps). It also has the highest cost of living of any city in the world. The traveling party was able to enjoy a relaxing night out at one of the hottest spots in all of Tel Aviv at Qumran, where they were joined by their host&nbsp;Daniel Posner, the Founder and Chairman of Athletes for Israel, and&nbsp;Lea Miller-Tooley&nbsp;and her team at Complete Sports Management. For more information on Athletes for Israel organization and its mission, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athletesforisrael.org/">athletesforisrael.org</a>. The team took part in their third practice of the trip on Monday morning (August 14) before listening to a presentation from Start-Up Nation Central, Innovation: Africa and Colosseum about the present and future of Israel as a hub of innovation and technology. After a lunch at Old Man and The Sea, they spent time on a tour of Old Jaffa before enjoying time at the beach and shopping. The team's first game is tomorrow (Tuesday, August 15) against the Israeli Select Team. How to follow the 'Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State men's basketball, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team's social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kstatembb">X (formerly Twitter)</a>, Threads,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatembb/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatembb/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: K-State continues Israel trip

(AP)&nbsp;Georgia will begin its drive for an unprecedented college football championship three-peat as the No. 1 team in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press preseason Top 25.</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Bulldogs received 60 of 63 first-place votes</a>&nbsp;in the poll released Monday to easily outpoint&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-harbaugh-ncaa-michigan-suspension-1084e5e8125de114b928b6659ebf308b">No. 2 Michigan, which received two first-place votes</a>&nbsp;and has its best preseason rankings since being No. 2 in 1991. The Wolverines' Big Ten rival,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-day-mccord-brown-03617a3e4ac97fcc8277ec4ab12ce349">Ohio State, is No. 3 with one first-place vote.</a>

Two more Southeastern Conference teams join Georgia in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">the top five.</a>&nbsp;Alabama is No. 4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sec-media-days-alabama-saban-young-reloading-57d0e3acea9201efc2d9933a42a9d598">the Crimson Tide's lowest preseason ranking in more than a decade,</a>&nbsp;and LSU starts at No. 5, its best preseason ranking since 2016.

The Bulldogs have won the last two national titles while going 29-2, but this will be only the second time in program history they have been preseason No. 1. The first was in 2008.

Georgia started the 2021 season No. 5, before going on to win its first national title since 1980. The Bulldogs followed up with a perfect season in 2022 after being preseason No. 3.

The Bulldogs have had 25 players drafted by NFL teams the last two years, including quarterback Stetson Bennett and All-America defensive tackle Jalen Carter this past April. Coach Kirby Smart has built a program to rival Nick Saban's Alabama dynasty so voters are now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top25-ballot-process-voters-7ca67ed5b99003c484f96ac737bb780d">giving Georgia the Crimson Tide treatment.</a>

Alabama had been preseason No. 1 each of the last two seasons, and five of the previous seven. Clemson was preseason No. 1 in the other two seasons, making Georgia the first team other than the Tide or Tigers to be preseason No. 1 since Ohio State in 2015.

Alabama is also the last team to win back-to-back major college football national championships, doing so in 2011 and '12.

No team has won three straight national titles during the AP poll era, which dates to 1936. For the record, Minnesota, the first official AP champion, was&nbsp;<a href="https://gophersports.com/news/2023/1/11/football-minnesota-crowned-national-champions-in-1934-1935-and-1936">retroactively crowned champion for the 1934 and ’35 seasons</a>&nbsp;by a couple of organizations.

Coach Bernie Bierman’s Gophers from long ago are the closest thing major college football has to a three-peater.

“We have not addressed that with them,” Smart said during SEC media days of chasing college football history. “We’ve certainly looked at some three-peat scenarios of teams like the Bulls and different sports teams that they might actually know about. No offense to the Minnesota 1935 team, but I don’t know if it’s going to resonate with my audience.”

The Bulldogs are reloading on the defensive front and at quarterback, but do not lack for stars. Tight end Brock Bowers is one of the nation's best players; linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson was a second-team All-American; and center Sedrick Van Pran anchors one of the country's most talented offensive lines.

Rounding out the top 10 is Southern California at No. 6, which is the Trojans' best preseason ranking since 2017, followed by Penn State, Florida State, Clemson and Washington.

The Seminoles are back in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2018, and in the top 10 for the first time since 2017.

Since the AP preseason poll started in 1950, 11 teams that started No. 1 also finished No. 1. Only two of those have occurred since 2000: Southern California in 2004 and Alabama in 2017.

“The threat for us is complacency,” Smart said. “The first thing you have to do is acknowledge that it’s a threat. Like if you acknowledge the complacency is a threat, it’s the first step towards stomping it out.”

For most schools, a preseason No. 4 ranking would feel pretty good.

For Alabama,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sec-media-days-alabama-saban-young-reloading-57d0e3acea9201efc2d9933a42a9d598">it feels like a sign of decline.</a>&nbsp;The last time the Crimson Tide had a lower preseason ranking was 2009. That was Year 3 for Saban in Tuscaloosa, and Alabama went on to win the first of six national championships during his unprecedented run.

This preseason poll is the first since 2015 in which the Tide did not receive at least one first-place vote.

The Tide did run its record streak of top-five preseason rankings to 15. Next best in poll history is 11 for Florida State in 1990-2000. Ohio State has had 11 top-five preseason rankings since 2009.

Over the last three years, schools have been redrawing the conference maps.

This year, the Big 12 has four new members, the American Athletic Conference has six and Conference USA has four.

The really flashy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conference-realignment-big-12-pac-12-big-ten-3ac8f5e5f5f00cbcac2d5c842958abf8">moves come in 2024.</a>

This season will be the last with Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12 (&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sec-schedule-spring-meetings-sankey-texas-oklahoma-7295d4b831cc34debb5abcf0a2cc51b8">before moving to the SEC</a>&nbsp;) and maybe the last with a Pac-12 at all. USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington will play in the Big Ten next year while Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah move to the Big 12 as major college football moves toward sprawling super conferences.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626103513101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>(AP)&nbsp;Georgia will begin its drive for an unprecedented college football championship three-peat as the No. 1 team in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press preseason Top 25.</a><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Bulldogs received 60 of 63 first-place votes</a>&nbsp;in the poll released Monday to easily outpoint&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-harbaugh-ncaa-michigan-suspension-1084e5e8125de114b928b6659ebf308b">No. 2 Michigan, which received two first-place votes</a>&nbsp;and has its best preseason rankings since being No. 2 in 1991. The Wolverines' Big Ten rival,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-day-mccord-brown-03617a3e4ac97fcc8277ec4ab12ce349">Ohio State, is No. 3 with one first-place vote.</a>Two more Southeastern Conference teams join Georgia in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">the top five.</a>&nbsp;Alabama is No. 4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sec-media-days-alabama-saban-young-reloading-57d0e3acea9201efc2d9933a42a9d598">the Crimson Tide's lowest preseason ranking in more than a decade,</a>&nbsp;and LSU starts at No. 5, its best preseason ranking since 2016.The Bulldogs have won the last two national titles while going 29-2, but this will be only the second time in program history they have been preseason No. 1. The first was in 2008.Georgia started the 2021 season No. 5, before going on to win its first national title since 1980. The Bulldogs followed up with a perfect season in 2022 after being preseason No. 3.The Bulldogs have had 25 players drafted by NFL teams the last two years, including quarterback Stetson Bennett and All-America defensive tackle Jalen Carter this past April. Coach Kirby Smart has built a program to rival Nick Saban's Alabama dynasty so voters are now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top25-ballot-process-voters-7ca67ed5b99003c484f96ac737bb780d">giving Georgia the Crimson Tide treatment.</a>Alabama had been preseason No. 1 each of the last two seasons, and five of the previous seven. Clemson was preseason No. 1 in the other two seasons, making Georgia the first team other than the Tide or Tigers to be preseason No. 1 since Ohio State in 2015.Alabama is also the last team to win back-to-back major college football national championships, doing so in 2011 and '12.No team has won three straight national titles during the AP poll era, which dates to 1936. For the record, Minnesota, the first official AP champion, was&nbsp;<a href="https://gophersports.com/news/2023/1/11/football-minnesota-crowned-national-champions-in-1934-1935-and-1936">retroactively crowned champion for the 1934 and ’35 seasons</a>&nbsp;by a couple of organizations.Coach Bernie Bierman’s Gophers from long ago are the closest thing major college football has to a three-peater.“We have not addressed that with them,” Smart said during SEC media days of chasing college football history. “We’ve certainly looked at some three-peat scenarios of teams like the Bulls and different sports teams that they might actually know about. No offense to the Minnesota 1935 team, but I don’t know if it’s going to resonate with my audience.”The Bulldogs are reloading on the defensive front and at quarterback, but do not lack for stars. Tight end Brock Bowers is one of the nation's best players; linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson was a second-team All-American; and center Sedrick Van Pran anchors one of the country's most talented offensive lines.Rounding out the top 10 is Southern California at No. 6, which is the Trojans' best preseason ranking since 2017, followed by Penn State, Florida State, Clemson and Washington.The Seminoles are back in the preseason rankings for the first time since 2018, and in the top 10 for the first time since 2017.STARTING ON TOP, STAYING ON TOPBeware, 'Dawgs.Since the AP preseason poll started in 1950, 11 teams that started No. 1 also finished No. 1. Only two of those have occurred since 2000: Southern California in 2004 and Alabama in 2017.“The threat for us is complacency,” Smart said. “The first thing you have to do is acknowledge that it’s a threat. Like if you acknowledge the complacency is a threat, it’s the first step towards stomping it out.”TIDE'S OUT ... OF THE TOP THREEFor most schools, a preseason No. 4 ranking would feel pretty good.For Alabama,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sec-media-days-alabama-saban-young-reloading-57d0e3acea9201efc2d9933a42a9d598">it feels like a sign of decline.</a>&nbsp;The last time the Crimson Tide had a lower preseason ranking was 2009. That was Year 3 for Saban in Tuscaloosa, and Alabama went on to win the first of six national championships during his unprecedented run.This preseason poll is the first since 2015 in which the Tide did not receive at least one first-place vote.The Tide did run its record streak of top-five preseason rankings to 15. Next best in poll history is 11 for Florida State in 1990-2000. Ohio State has had 11 top-five preseason rankings since 2009.CONFERENCE CALLOver the last three years, schools have been redrawing the conference maps.This year, the Big 12 has four new members, the American Athletic Conference has six and Conference USA has four.The really flashy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conference-realignment-big-12-pac-12-big-ten-3ac8f5e5f5f00cbcac2d5c842958abf8">moves come in 2024.</a>This season will be the last with Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12 (&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sec-schedule-spring-meetings-sankey-texas-oklahoma-7295d4b831cc34debb5abcf0a2cc51b8">before moving to the SEC</a>&nbsp;) and maybe the last with a Pac-12 at all. USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington will play in the Big Ten next year while Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah move to the Big 12 as major college football moves toward sprawling super conferences.

🏈 K-State will open season No. 16; KU receives votes in AP preseason poll

ATHENS, Greece –&nbsp;Six players scored in double figures as the Kansas Women’s Basketball team closed out its European exhibition trip with a 108-52 victory over the Greek Select Team on Sunday at the EuroHoops Dome in Athens.

Freshman S’Mya Nichols led the Jayhawks with 20 points, while super-senior Holly Kersgieter and junior Danai Papadopoulou – a Greece native – added 14 points apiece. Freshman Laia Conesa (13 points, 12 rebounds) and senior Nadira Eltayeb (10 points, 11 rebounds) each recorded double-doubles, and super-senior Zakiyah Franklin chipped in 12 points for the Jayhawks.

After facing an early 12-10 deficit, Kansas went on an 8-0 run and never looked back, outscoring Greek 32-18 in the first quarter behind eight points from Nichols. The Jayhawks attacked the boards hard throughout and outrebounded Greece by 21 rebounds in the first half. Nichols led the way with 10 points in the first half as Kansas led 53-31 at the break.

In the third quarter, Kansas got hot from behind the arc making four threes in the quarter, including two from Conesa. The. Jayhawks scored 26 points in the third quarter and 29 in the fourth, outscoring Greece 55-21 in the second half for the runaway victory.

All 10 players who appeared in the game scored at least three points and nine players had at least six points for the Jayhawks. Super-seniors Taiyanna Jackson and Ryan Cobbins had eight points apiece in limited minutes, while senior Wyvette Mayberry had six points, four rebounds and four assists. Sophomore Zsofia Telegdy rounded out the scoring with three points.

Kansas shot 61% (35-of-57) from the field and hit 8-of-26 three-point attempts in the win. The Jayhawks also connected on 73% (14-of-19) of its attempts from the free throw line, while outrebounding Greece 59-to-22 for the game.

Sunday’s exhibition contest was the final game for Kansas during its European trip. Once the Jayhawks return to Lawrence later this week, attention turns to the upcoming 2023-24 season. The unofficial tipoff to the season is Late Night in the Phog, which is set for Friday, October 6, at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas is expected to announce its non-conference schedule for the upcoming season in the coming weeks. Season tickets for the 2023-24 Kansas Women’s Basketball campaign are now on sale. For as low as $90, fans can reserve their seat at historic Allen Fieldhouse for the entire season. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=WBN&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">KUAthletics.com</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-34-HAWKS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692020042082.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsATHENS, Greece –&nbsp;Six players scored in double figures as the Kansas Women’s Basketball team closed out its European exhibition trip with a 108-52 victory over the Greek Select Team on Sunday at the EuroHoops Dome in Athens.Freshman S’Mya Nichols led the Jayhawks with 20 points, while super-senior Holly Kersgieter and junior Danai Papadopoulou – a Greece native – added 14 points apiece. Freshman Laia Conesa (13 points, 12 rebounds) and senior Nadira Eltayeb (10 points, 11 rebounds) each recorded double-doubles, and super-senior Zakiyah Franklin chipped in 12 points for the Jayhawks.After facing an early 12-10 deficit, Kansas went on an 8-0 run and never looked back, outscoring Greek 32-18 in the first quarter behind eight points from Nichols. The Jayhawks attacked the boards hard throughout and outrebounded Greece by 21 rebounds in the first half. Nichols led the way with 10 points in the first half as Kansas led 53-31 at the break.In the third quarter, Kansas got hot from behind the arc making four threes in the quarter, including two from Conesa. The. Jayhawks scored 26 points in the third quarter and 29 in the fourth, outscoring Greece 55-21 in the second half for the runaway victory.All 10 players who appeared in the game scored at least three points and nine players had at least six points for the Jayhawks. Super-seniors Taiyanna Jackson and Ryan Cobbins had eight points apiece in limited minutes, while senior Wyvette Mayberry had six points, four rebounds and four assists. Sophomore Zsofia Telegdy rounded out the scoring with three points.Kansas shot 61% (35-of-57) from the field and hit 8-of-26 three-point attempts in the win. The Jayhawks also connected on 73% (14-of-19) of its attempts from the free throw line, while outrebounding Greece 59-to-22 for the game.Sunday’s exhibition contest was the final game for Kansas during its European trip. Once the Jayhawks return to Lawrence later this week, attention turns to the upcoming 2023-24 season. The unofficial tipoff to the season is Late Night in the Phog, which is set for Friday, October 6, at Allen Fieldhouse.Kansas is expected to announce its non-conference schedule for the upcoming season in the coming weeks. Season tickets for the 2023-24 Kansas Women’s Basketball campaign are now on sale. For as low as $90, fans can reserve their seat at historic Allen Fieldhouse for the entire season. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=WBN&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">KUAthletics.com</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-34-HAWKS.

🏀 WBB: Jayhawks cruise to second win in Greece

SPRINGDALE, Arkansas - Alex Isola had a career day at the plate for the Wind Surge in today’s ball game. He hit a two-run home run, a grand slam and had six RBIs in the Wind Surge 9-8 victory over the Naturals that went into extra innings. Wichita won the series four games to two and have now won back-to-back series for the first time this season.

Alex Isola started his excellent outing when he hit his 13th home run of the season in the top of the third inning. The two-run homer gave the Wind Surge an early lead.

The Surge increased their lead to three in the top of the fourth off an unearned run. Dalton Shuffield grounded into a double play at second and first, and then Patrick Winkel took advantage of the situation to reach home from third.

The Naturals got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning. Javier Vaz hit an RBI single on a sharp line drive to right field.

Wichita made some mistakes on defense in the bottom of the sixth that allowed the Naturals to take the lead. Jeison Guzman hit a two RBI single on a soft line drive to right field. Aaron Sabato made a missed catch error when the Surge infield were attempting to complete a run down of the runner from first to second, and another run was able to reach home for the Naturals. The final two runs of the inning were scored when Vaz hit a two RBI triple to put the Naturals up by one.

Isola came to the plate for the Wind Surge with two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh. He launched a ball 417 feet for a grand slam that soared over the left field wall. The Surge now had a one run lead which was increased to two runs when Winkel hit an RBI double on a fly ball to left field.

The Naturals cut the Surge lead down to just one run in the bottom of the eighth. Vaz grounded into a force out that allowed Luca Tresh to reach home.

NW Arkansas forced extra innings when they tied the ballgame up in the bottom of the ninth. Jorge Bonifacio hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field that scored the runner from third.

The Wind Surge took a one run lead in the top of the tenth off an RBI double for Winkle that bounced off the centerfield wall.

David Festa made his 18th start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched five innings where he gave up only one run off three hits. Festa struck out four batters and walked three more. Isaac Mattson earned the win, and his record improves to (3-1).

The starting pitcher for NW Arkansas was Noah Cameron. He pitched five innings also and gave up three runs off four hits. He struck out five batters and walked one. John McMillon was credited with the loss and his record falls to (3-2).

The Wichita Wind Surge improve to (19-20, 47-60) and the NW Arkansas Naturals fall to (19-19, 48-59).

NOTES: Alex Isola hit his first grand slam of the season and it was also his first multi home run game of the season. Wichita earned back-to-back series wins for the first time this season with today’s win.

BROADCAST: ESPN 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return to Riverfront Stadium Tuesday, August 15th to host a six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM and it is $1 Hot Dog Night.

<div><iframe src="https://streamable.com/milb/alex-isola-s-two-homer-game" width="560" height="315"></iframe></div>SPRINGDALE, Arkansas - Alex Isola had a career day at the plate for the Wind Surge in today’s ball game. He hit a two-run home run, a grand slam and had six RBIs in the Wind Surge 9-8 victory over the Naturals that went into extra innings. Wichita won the series four games to two and have now won back-to-back series for the first time this season.Alex Isola started his excellent outing when he hit his 13th home run of the season in the top of the third inning. The two-run homer gave the Wind Surge an early lead.The Surge increased their lead to three in the top of the fourth off an unearned run. Dalton Shuffield grounded into a double play at second and first, and then Patrick Winkel took advantage of the situation to reach home from third.The Naturals got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning. Javier Vaz hit an RBI single on a sharp line drive to right field.Wichita made some mistakes on defense in the bottom of the sixth that allowed the Naturals to take the lead. Jeison Guzman hit a two RBI single on a soft line drive to right field. Aaron Sabato made a missed catch error when the Surge infield were attempting to complete a run down of the runner from first to second, and another run was able to reach home for the Naturals. The final two runs of the inning were scored when Vaz hit a two RBI triple to put the Naturals up by one.Isola came to the plate for the Wind Surge with two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh. He launched a ball 417 feet for a grand slam that soared over the left field wall. The Surge now had a one run lead which was increased to two runs when Winkel hit an RBI double on a fly ball to left field.The Naturals cut the Surge lead down to just one run in the bottom of the eighth. Vaz grounded into a force out that allowed Luca Tresh to reach home.NW Arkansas forced extra innings when they tied the ballgame up in the bottom of the ninth. Jorge Bonifacio hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field that scored the runner from third.The Wind Surge took a one run lead in the top of the tenth off an RBI double for Winkle that bounced off the centerfield wall.David Festa made his 18th start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched five innings where he gave up only one run off three hits. Festa struck out four batters and walked three more. Isaac Mattson earned the win, and his record improves to (3-1).The starting pitcher for NW Arkansas was Noah Cameron. He pitched five innings also and gave up three runs off four hits. He struck out five batters and walked one. John McMillon was credited with the loss and his record falls to (3-2).The Wichita Wind Surge improve to (19-20, 47-60) and the NW Arkansas Naturals fall to (19-19, 48-59).NOTES: Alex Isola hit his first grand slam of the season and it was also his first multi home run game of the season. Wichita earned back-to-back series wins for the first time this season with today’s win.BROADCAST: ESPN 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return to Riverfront Stadium Tuesday, August 15th to host a six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM and it is $1 Hot Dog Night.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge secure series win in extras

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Derek Carr threw a touchdown pass in his New Orleans preseason debut and rookie Blake Grupe kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Saints to a 26-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes started but took just five snaps before Kansas City’s first drive ended with a failed fourth-and-1 play on a direct snap to reserve tight end Blake Bell. Carr looked comfortable taking his first live snaps in his new offense, completing six of eight passes for 70 yards on the game’s opening drive. Carr connected with Keith Kirkwood for a 4-yard touchdown.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell completed 15 of 18 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown and Las Vegas beat the San Francisco 49ers 34-7 on Sunday in the preseason opener for both teams. O’Connell is third on the depth chart behind starter Jimmy Garoppolo and veteran Brian Hoyer. The Raiders drafted O’Connell in the fourth round this year out of Purdue. He outplayed 49ers counterparts Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. They are competing to back up starter Brock Purdy.

UNDATED (AP) — It's not easy picking a preseason Top 25. Take it from voters in The Associated Press poll. The 62 writers and broadcasters judge teams' bodies of work in the regular season. Preseason voting is a guessing game. Voters interviewed said some of the biggest factors they consider are whether a team has a returning quarterback, how many other starters are back, transfer portal additions and subtractions and the way a team finished the previous season. This year's preseason poll will be released Monday at noon Eastern.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Julio Urías matched his career high with 12 strikeouts over seven innings of four-hit ball, and Miguel Rojas homered and drove in four runs in the Dodgers’ season-high eighth consecutive victory, 8-3 over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. Mookie Betts broke it open with a two-run double in the sixth for the Dodgers, who have won 12 of 13 to surge 8 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco in the race for their 10th division title in 11 seasons.

HOUSTON (AP) — Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani will skip his next scheduled pitching start Wednesday at Texas after telling manager Phil Nevin he was feeling some arm fatigue. Nevin says Ohtani isn't injured and will return to the rotation during a series at home against the Reds that begins Aug. 21. The right-hander is 10-5 with a 3.17 ERA in 22 starts this season. He is hitting .305 with an American League-leading 40 homers and 83 RBIs.

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — The U.S. World Cup basketball team got its first big test of the summer Sunday, and a perfect shooting night from Jalen Brunson helped ensure the Americans passed. Brunson was 9 for 9 from the field on the way to a team-best 21 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 14 and the U.S. pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Spain 98-88 in a pre-World Cup exhibition between tournament favorites. Spain is the No. 1-ranked team in the world according to FIBA; the U.S. is No. 2. The U.S. improved to 3-0 in its pre-World Cup tour with two games left before arriving in Manila for the tournament.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Lucas Glover is on a roll. One week after a clutch win just to get into the FedEx Cup playoffs, Glover beat Patrick Cantlay in a playoff at the St. Jude Championship. He was looking at an early end to his season two weeks ago. Now Glover is up to No. 4 in the FedEx Cup and assured a spot in the Tour Championship. He made one clutch putt after another to stay in the game and shot 69. Cantlay shot a 64. But in the playoff, Cantlay's tee shot found the water. Glover won it with a par.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Michael McDowell raced to his second NASCAR crown jewel victory Sunday, dominating the Brickyard 200 — and putting himself in the playoffs for the second time in three years. The 38-year-old Arizona driver who has made more than 450 career starts beat Chase Elliott across the yard of bricks by 0.937 seconds in the road-course race that had only one yellow flag. Pole winner Daniel Suarez was third as the regular season winds down. McDowell, also the 2021 Daytona 500 winner, gave Front Row Motorsports its fourth victory. McDowell a career-best 54 laps in the 82-lap race.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Children are heading back to classes and fall sports practices, and four more states are expecting their K-12 schools to keep transgender girls off their girls sports teams. Kansas, North Dakota and Wyoming had new laws restricting transgender athletes in place before classes resumed, and a Missouri law takes effect at the end of this month. That brings the number of states with restrictions to 23. The restrictions have been imposed since 2020, and most are aimed at transgender girls. Almost all say other students and their parents can sue schools that don’t enforce the restrictions. Principals and schools are expected to be the enforcers.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Monday, August 14th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Monday, August 14th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Derek Carr threw a touchdown pass in his New Orleans preseason debut and rookie Blake Grupe kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Saints to a 26-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes started but took just five snaps before Kansas City’s first drive ended with a failed fourth-and-1 play on a direct snap to reserve tight end Blake Bell. Carr looked comfortable taking his first live snaps in his new offense, completing six of eight passes for 70 yards on the game’s opening drive. Carr connected with Keith Kirkwood for a 4-yard touchdown.LAS VEGAS (AP) — Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell completed 15 of 18 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown and Las Vegas beat the San Francisco 49ers 34-7 on Sunday in the preseason opener for both teams. O’Connell is third on the depth chart behind starter Jimmy Garoppolo and veteran Brian Hoyer. The Raiders drafted O’Connell in the fourth round this year out of Purdue. He outplayed 49ers counterparts Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. They are competing to back up starter Brock Purdy.UNDATED (AP) — It's not easy picking a preseason Top 25. Take it from voters in The Associated Press poll. The 62 writers and broadcasters judge teams' bodies of work in the regular season. Preseason voting is a guessing game. Voters interviewed said some of the biggest factors they consider are whether a team has a returning quarterback, how many other starters are back, transfer portal additions and subtractions and the way a team finished the previous season. This year's preseason poll will be released Monday at noon Eastern.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Julio Urías matched his career high with 12 strikeouts over seven innings of four-hit ball, and Miguel Rojas homered and drove in four runs in the Dodgers’ season-high eighth consecutive victory, 8-3 over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. Mookie Betts broke it open with a two-run double in the sixth for the Dodgers, who have won 12 of 13 to surge 8 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco in the race for their 10th division title in 11 seasons.HOUSTON (AP) — Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani will skip his next scheduled pitching start Wednesday at Texas after telling manager Phil Nevin he was feeling some arm fatigue. Nevin says Ohtani isn't injured and will return to the rotation during a series at home against the Reds that begins Aug. 21. The right-hander is 10-5 with a 3.17 ERA in 22 starts this season. He is hitting .305 with an American League-leading 40 homers and 83 RBIs.MALAGA, Spain (AP) — The U.S. World Cup basketball team got its first big test of the summer Sunday, and a perfect shooting night from Jalen Brunson helped ensure the Americans passed. Brunson was 9 for 9 from the field on the way to a team-best 21 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 14 and the U.S. pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Spain 98-88 in a pre-World Cup exhibition between tournament favorites. Spain is the No. 1-ranked team in the world according to FIBA; the U.S. is No. 2. The U.S. improved to 3-0 in its pre-World Cup tour with two games left before arriving in Manila for the tournament.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Lucas Glover is on a roll. One week after a clutch win just to get into the FedEx Cup playoffs, Glover beat Patrick Cantlay in a playoff at the St. Jude Championship. He was looking at an early end to his season two weeks ago. Now Glover is up to No. 4 in the FedEx Cup and assured a spot in the Tour Championship. He made one clutch putt after another to stay in the game and shot 69. Cantlay shot a 64. But in the playoff, Cantlay's tee shot found the water. Glover won it with a par.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Michael McDowell raced to his second NASCAR crown jewel victory Sunday, dominating the Brickyard 200 — and putting himself in the playoffs for the second time in three years. The 38-year-old Arizona driver who has made more than 450 career starts beat Chase Elliott across the yard of bricks by 0.937 seconds in the road-course race that had only one yellow flag. Pole winner Daniel Suarez was third as the regular season winds down. McDowell, also the 2021 Daytona 500 winner, gave Front Row Motorsports its fourth victory. McDowell a career-best 54 laps in the 82-lap race.TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Children are heading back to classes and fall sports practices, and four more states are expecting their K-12 schools to keep transgender girls off their girls sports teams. Kansas, North Dakota and Wyoming had new laws restricting transgender athletes in place before classes resumed, and a Missouri law takes effect at the end of this month. That brings the number of states with restrictions to 23. The restrictions have been imposed since 2020, and most are aimed at transgender girls. Almost all say other students and their parents can sue schools that don’t enforce the restrictions. Principals and schools are expected to be the enforcers.SUNDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal Minnesota 3 Philadelphia 0Final Toronto 11 Chicago Cubs 4Final Washington 8 Oakland 7Final Miami 8 N.Y. Yankees 7Final Milwaukee 7 Chicago White Sox 3Final San Francisco 3 Texas 2AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Boston 6 Detroit 3Final Cleveland 9 Tampa Bay 2Final L.A. Angels 2 Houston 1Final Baltimore 5 Seattle 3NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Pittsburgh 4 Cincinnati 2Final L.A. Dodgers 8 Colorado 3Final Arizona 5 San Diego 4Final Cincinnati 6 Pittsburgh 5Final N.Y. Mets 7 Atlanta 6NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal New Orleans 26 Kansas City 24Final Las Vegas 34 San Francisco 7

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Monday

By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Derek Carr threw a touchdown pass in his New Orleans preseason debut and rookie Blake Grupe kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Saints to a 26-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in the opening exhibition game for both clubs.

Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes started but took just five snaps before Kansas City’s first drive ended with a failed fourth-and-1 play on a direct snap to reserve tight end Blake Bell.

Carr looked comfortable taking his first live snaps in his new offense, completing six of eight passes for 70 yards on the game’s opening drive.

Aftrer twice rolling away from pressure on first-down completions to tight end Juwan Johnson and running back Alvin Kamara, Carr closed out the 12-play, 80-yard drive with a 4-yard pass to Keith Kirkwood as the receiver crossed the back of the end zone.

With backups in the game for both teams, the Saints rallied late.

After rookie Jake Haener’s 2-yard scoring pass to running back Ellis Merriweather pulled the Saints within 24-23 with 1:20 to go, New Orleans' 2-point conversion attempt for the lead went awry on a botched shotgun snap.

But Saints defensive end Kyle Phillips tipped Chris Oladokun’s third-down pass and caught the deflection on the Kansas City 22 to set up the winning kick.

Jameis Winston relieved Carr and drove New Orleans 48 yards in just four plays for 14-0 lead on a 29-yard pass over the top of the Chiefs' secondary to rookie receiver A.T. Perry. A sixth-round draft pick out of Wake Forest, Perry was New Orleans' leading receiver with six catches for 70 yards.

Blaine Gabbert played most of the first half for Kansas City and pulled the Chiefs within 17-7 on a 1-yard fade to Richie James in the corner of the end zone. Saints defensive backs Alontae Taylor and Bradley Roby appeared to have a miscommunication on the play, leaving James uncovered.

James' TD came a few plays after he'd beaten Taylor on a 43-yard catch deep into Saints territory.

Kansas City third-stringer Shane Buechele threw for 155 yards and a pair of scores, the first on a 15-yard pass over the middle to Justyn Ross.

Buechele put the Chiefs in front 21-17 when he escaped two near sacks, stepped forward and found Kekoa Crawford in the middle of the end zone.

Chiefs receiver Nikko Remigio, a rookie out of Fresno State, caught four passes for 71 yards.

The Chiefs had three sacks, with Drue Tranquill, Chamarri Conner and Danny Shelton each getting one. Linebacker Zach Baun and Ty Summers each had sacks for the Saints.

Kahlef Hailassie, a rookie out of Western Kentucky, made a leaping grab to intercept Saints rookie Jake Haener along the sideline. Saints backup safety Ugo Amadi intercepted Buechele on a ball tipped by Taylor.

Saints: Rookie RB Kendre Miller limped off the field in the third quarter and walked to the locker room after being examined on the sideline. Miller was a third-round draft choice out of TCU who, if healthy, is expected to be in the mix for snaps during Kamara's three-game suspension to start the season.

Saints: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Aug. 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691966455313.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Richie James (17) scores a touchdown in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Richie James (17) scores a touchdown in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports WriterNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Derek Carr threw a touchdown pass in his New Orleans preseason debut and rookie Blake Grupe kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Saints to a 26-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in the opening exhibition game for both clubs.Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes started but took just five snaps before Kansas City’s first drive ended with a failed fourth-and-1 play on a direct snap to reserve tight end Blake Bell.Carr looked comfortable taking his first live snaps in his new offense, completing six of eight passes for 70 yards on the game’s opening drive.Aftrer twice rolling away from pressure on first-down completions to tight end Juwan Johnson and running back Alvin Kamara, Carr closed out the 12-play, 80-yard drive with a 4-yard pass to Keith Kirkwood as the receiver crossed the back of the end zone.With backups in the game for both teams, the Saints rallied late.After rookie Jake Haener’s 2-yard scoring pass to running back Ellis Merriweather pulled the Saints within 24-23 with 1:20 to go, New Orleans' 2-point conversion attempt for the lead went awry on a botched shotgun snap.But Saints defensive end Kyle Phillips tipped Chris Oladokun’s third-down pass and caught the deflection on the Kansas City 22 to set up the winning kick.Jameis Winston relieved Carr and drove New Orleans 48 yards in just four plays for 14-0 lead on a 29-yard pass over the top of the Chiefs' secondary to rookie receiver A.T. Perry. A sixth-round draft pick out of Wake Forest, Perry was New Orleans' leading receiver with six catches for 70 yards.Blaine Gabbert played most of the first half for Kansas City and pulled the Chiefs within 17-7 on a 1-yard fade to Richie James in the corner of the end zone. Saints defensive backs Alontae Taylor and Bradley Roby appeared to have a miscommunication on the play, leaving James uncovered.James' TD came a few plays after he'd beaten Taylor on a 43-yard catch deep into Saints territory.Kansas City third-stringer Shane Buechele threw for 155 yards and a pair of scores, the first on a 15-yard pass over the middle to Justyn Ross.Buechele put the Chiefs in front 21-17 when he escaped two near sacks, stepped forward and found Kekoa Crawford in the middle of the end zone.Chiefs receiver Nikko Remigio, a rookie out of Fresno State, caught four passes for 71 yards.DEFENSIVE STANDOUTSThe Chiefs had three sacks, with Drue Tranquill, Chamarri Conner and Danny Shelton each getting one. Linebacker Zach Baun and Ty Summers each had sacks for the Saints.Kahlef Hailassie, a rookie out of Western Kentucky, made a leaping grab to intercept Saints rookie Jake Haener along the sideline. Saints backup safety Ugo Amadi intercepted Buechele on a ball tipped by Taylor.INJURIESSaints: Rookie RB Kendre Miller limped off the field in the third quarter and walked to the locker room after being examined on the sideline. Miller was a third-round draft choice out of TCU who, if healthy, is expected to be in the mix for snaps during Kamara's three-game suspension to start the season.UP NEXTChiefs: At Arizona on Saturday.Saints: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Aug. 20.

🏈 Derek Carr throws TD pass in Saints preseason win over the Chiefs

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs made history on Saturday evening at Eck Stadium, winning the National Baseball Congress World Series championship for the first time in program history. The Monarchs defeated the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Foresters, 6-3 to claim the title.

The win snapped the Foresters' 20-game winning streak in the world series, which dated back to 2019, and spanned three consecutive NBCWS titles.

Monarchs starting pitcher Cole Toureau (HutchCC) set the tone early on and kept the Foresters in check throughout the night, going 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs, six hits, six strikeouts and no walks. 

Will Edmunson (HutchCC) broke a scoreless game with a two-run double in the fifth inning, scoring Jarrett Flaggert (Wichita State) and Caleb Cotton (Sam Houston State). Flaggert reached to lead off the inning on an error, while Cotton reached on a one-out single to right.&nbsp;

The Monarchs plated two more in the sixth inning on a pair of two timely hits. Cooper Harris (Wichita State) drove in Jaden Gustafson (Wichita State) on an RBI double. Flaggert then doubled home Harris to extend the lead to four.&nbsp;

The Foresters scored their lone run in the seventh inning, and it looked like it could have been more damage done. Toureau worked around runners at first and third with one out with a pop out and a strikeout to end the inning, which left Toureau leaving the mound with a fist pump and a 4-1 lead.

After Max Buettenback (Nebraska signee) doubled with two outs in the seventh inning, Gustafson homered to center field to ignite the crowd and push the lead to five, 6-1.

Santa Barbara scored two in the top of the eighth inning on a couple of hits to cut the Monarchs lead to three, 6-3.

Alec Stanfield (New Mexico) followed up Toureau in the eighth inning and allowed three baserunners, forcing the Monarchs to go to the bullpen once again. Derick Johnson (HutchCC) struck out the lone batter he faced in the eighth, stranding two Foresters.

Reed Scott closed the door in the ninth, retiring the Foresters in order to earn the save.

The Foresters were led offensively by Max Belyeu (Texas), who went 2-for-4 with an RBI.&nbsp;

Flaggert was the lone Monarch hitter with multiple hits, going 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI.&nbsp;

The Monarchs end the season with a 26-17 record. Hutchinson had a rough start to the season, going 7-11 in the month of June. Since the all-star break in the first week of July, the Monarchs have been scorching hot. The Monarchs finished 6-0 in the NBC World Series, and won seven straight games to end the season. The Monarchs also won 12 of its last 14 games.&nbsp;

Santa Barbara end their season with a 35-11 record, and saw their 10-game winning streak come to a close with the loss.&nbsp;

Congratulations to Monarchs owner/general manager Marc Blackim and his wife, Kim, as well as first-year manager Casey Lippoldt.&nbsp;

Santa Barbara - 000 000 120 - 3 7 2 Hutchinson - 000 022 20x - 6 8 0 W: Toureau (1-0). L: Turnquist (0-1). S: Scott (2).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691915627818.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch Post<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uyMcVn9HJM4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs made history on Saturday evening at Eck Stadium, winning the National Baseball Congress World Series championship for the first time in program history. The Monarchs defeated the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Foresters, 6-3 to claim the title.The win snapped the Foresters' 20-game winning streak in the world series, which dated back to 2019, and spanned three consecutive NBCWS titles.Monarchs starting pitcher Cole Toureau (HutchCC) set the tone early on and kept the Foresters in check throughout the night, going 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs, six hits, six strikeouts and no walks. Will Edmunson (HutchCC) broke a scoreless game with a two-run double in the fifth inning, scoring Jarrett Flaggert (Wichita State) and Caleb Cotton (Sam Houston State). Flaggert reached to lead off the inning on an error, while Cotton reached on a one-out single to right.&nbsp;The Monarchs plated two more in the sixth inning on a pair of two timely hits. Cooper Harris (Wichita State) drove in Jaden Gustafson (Wichita State) on an RBI double. Flaggert then doubled home Harris to extend the lead to four.&nbsp;The Foresters scored their lone run in the seventh inning, and it looked like it could have been more damage done. Toureau worked around runners at first and third with one out with a pop out and a strikeout to end the inning, which left Toureau leaving the mound with a fist pump and a 4-1 lead.After Max Buettenback (Nebraska signee) doubled with two outs in the seventh inning, Gustafson homered to center field to ignite the crowd and push the lead to five, 6-1.Santa Barbara scored two in the top of the eighth inning on a couple of hits to cut the Monarchs lead to three, 6-3.Alec Stanfield (New Mexico) followed up Toureau in the eighth inning and allowed three baserunners, forcing the Monarchs to go to the bullpen once again. Derick Johnson (HutchCC) struck out the lone batter he faced in the eighth, stranding two Foresters.Reed Scott closed the door in the ninth, retiring the Foresters in order to earn the save.The Foresters were led offensively by Max Belyeu (Texas), who went 2-for-4 with an RBI.&nbsp;Flaggert was the lone Monarch hitter with multiple hits, going 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI.&nbsp;The Monarchs end the season with a 26-17 record. Hutchinson had a rough start to the season, going 7-11 in the month of June. Since the all-star break in the first week of July, the Monarchs have been scorching hot. The Monarchs finished 6-0 in the NBC World Series, and won seven straight games to end the season. The Monarchs also won 12 of its last 14 games.&nbsp;Santa Barbara end their season with a 35-11 record, and saw their 10-game winning streak come to a close with the loss.&nbsp;Congratulations to Monarchs owner/general manager Marc Blackim and his wife, Kim, as well as first-year manager Casey Lippoldt.&nbsp;Santa Barbara - 000 000 120 - 3 7 2 Hutchinson - 000 022 20x - 6 8 0 W: Toureau (1-0). L: Turnquist (0-1). S: Scott (2).&nbsp;

⚾ CHAMPIONS! Monarchs claim first NBC World Series title in program history

Nowitzki, Gasol, Parker give international flavor to Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Fans waved a German flag and chanted Dirk Nowitzki's name when he walked the red carpet into Symphony Hall for the Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony. It was all part of the international flavor at the proceedings. France's Tony Parker and Spain's Pau Gasol were also members of the Class of 2023. The San Antonio Spurs were well represented. They were led by longtime coach and five-time NBA champion Gregg Popovich. Parker was the point guard on four of those title-winning teams. And Becky Hammon joined the Spurs after a career in the WNBA as the first woman to serve as a full-time NBA assistant coach.

Damar Hamlin makes an early impact in returning to field in Bills' preseason game against Colts

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Damar Hamlin reached another major milestone in his return to football by suiting up for the Buffalo Bills preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. And it didn't take long for the Bills safety to make an impact in his first appearance in a competitive setting since going into cardiac arrest and needing to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati on Jan. 2. On his fourth defensive snap, Hamlin crashed the line and brought down running back Evan Hull for no gain in preventing the Colts from converting a fourth-and-1 at the Buffalo 40. He appeared in two-plus defensive series overlapping the first and second quarters, and credited with making three tackles.

Final Four: Australia makes it through to Women's World Cup semifinals seeking history for Matildas

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — There will be a first-time winner of the Women's World Cup this year. Maybe, just maybe, it will be host country Australia. The Matildas are co-hosting this tournament with New Zealand. They became the first home team since the United States in 1999 to win a quarterfinal in nine Women's World Cups. Australia has reached its first semifinal in team history and faces England on Wednesday for a chance to play for the title. Spain plays Sweden on Tuesday in the first semifinal. Spain has never before reached this stage of the tournament, while Sweden has been to the finals four times.

Lucas Glover posts another low round and leads FedEx Cup opener by a stroke

Lucas Glover is playing so well that he felt frustrated after a 66 in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. That gives him a one-shot lead over Taylor Moore going into the final round of the PGA Tour postseason opener. Glover now has rounds of 66 or lower in six of his last seven rounds on tour. He was down about missing a few short chances coming in. Tommy Fleetwood is two shots behind. Jordan Spieth and Max Homa are three back. The top 50 in FedEx Cup advance to next week and secure spots in $20 million events next year.

NCAA committee fails to approve deal with Michigan, leaving coach Harbaugh's status uncertain

It is unclear if a four-game suspension Michigan proposed to settle a case involving recruiting violations by football coach Jim Harbaugh will be accepted by the NCAA Committee on Infractions. Michigan received notice earlier this year that the NCAA was investigating impermissible texts and calls — including some by Harbaugh — to high school prospects during part of a pandemic-related dead period for contact with potential recruits. The committee could have approved a suspension for Harbaugh to start the upcoming season. Now, the case could go to a full hearing, which could lengthen the process.

Guardians' star Ramírez has MLB suspension for fighting reduced, 3B will serve 2 games in Tampa

Cleveland Guardians All-Star third baseman José Ramírez had his MLB suspension for fighting with Chicago's Tim Anderson reduced from three games to two. Ramírez, who knocked Anderson to the ground with a wild, well-placed punch, will serve the suspension this weekend during Cleveland's series in Tampa Bay. Anderson was suspended six games for fighting with Ramirez near second base and triggering a benches-clearing melee on Aug. 5 between the Guardians and White Sox that went on for several minutes and included several other flareups.

Vu and Hull take advantage of Ewing's collapse to share 3rd-round lead at Women's British Open

WALTON-ON-THE-HILL, England (AP) — Lilia Vu moved into position to become the first American this century to win multiple women's majors in the same year. She's got company atop the leaderboard in home favorite Charley Hull at the Women's British Open. The final major of the year has come to life at Walton Heath thanks to a third-round collapse from overnight leader Ally Ewing. Her five-shot advantage lasted nine holes before being swallowed up by a slew of chasers. Vu (67) and Hull (68) share the lead on 9 under. One shot back is Yin (67) and Hyo Joo Kim (68). Ewing shot 75 and will start the final round two strokes off the pace.

Cam Smith pulls away from Phil Mickelson for a 4-shot lead at LIV Golf

BEDMINSTER, N.J. (AP) — Phil Mickelson was in the hunt at LIV Golf. That was before Cameron Smith ran off three birdies to pull away in LIV Golf-Bedminster. Smith had a 67 and those late birdies have allowed him to build a four-shot lead over Mickelson and Dean Burmester at Trump National. Smith is going for his second LIV title. Mickelson has yet to win on the Saudi-backed league. This is best chance all year and it comes right after gambler Billy Walters claims Mickelson has wagered more than $1 billion the last 30 years. Mickelson also shot a 67 on Saturday.

Scott Dixon holds off hard-charging Rahal to win Indianapolis GP on record-breaking day

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Iceman became the Ironman of IndyCar. Capped it off with a win, too. Scott Dixon overcame a first-lap spin and then held off hard-charging Graham Rahal over the final 10 laps to win Saturday's Indianapolis Grand Prix by 0.4779 seconds. Dixon extended his record to 19 consecutive seasons with a win. The victory on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the first of the season for Dixon, who passed Tony Kanaan when he started the race for most consecutive starts. His 319 consecutive races streak began in 2004 and have all been done with team owner Chip Ganassi.

Saka sparkles as Arsenal opens EPL season with win. Newcastle sends statement by dismantling Villa

LONDON (AP) — Arsenal wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have lit up the opening Saturday of the Premier League season with an audacious assist and a curling long-range strike that helped the team start the campaign with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Newcastle then sent the biggest statement of the day with Alexander Isak scoring twice in a 5-1 dismantling of Aston Villa. Jarrod Bowen provided another highlight goal in opening the scoring for Bournemouth in a 1-1 draw with West Ham. Brighton won 4-1 over newcomer Luton while Everton missed a slew of chances and lost 1-0 against visiting Fulham. Crystal Palace beat Sheffield United 1-0 after also scoring in the second half of a game it largely dominated.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Cincinnati	at	Pittsburgh	6:05 p.m.	(Postponed)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, August 13th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, August 13th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for August 13th.Nowitzki, Gasol, Parker give international flavor to Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinementSPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Fans waved a German flag and chanted Dirk Nowitzki's name when he walked the red carpet into Symphony Hall for the Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony. It was all part of the international flavor at the proceedings. France's Tony Parker and Spain's Pau Gasol were also members of the Class of 2023. The San Antonio Spurs were well represented. They were led by longtime coach and five-time NBA champion Gregg Popovich. Parker was the point guard on four of those title-winning teams. And Becky Hammon joined the Spurs after a career in the WNBA as the first woman to serve as a full-time NBA assistant coach.Damar Hamlin makes an early impact in returning to field in Bills' preseason game against ColtsORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Damar Hamlin reached another major milestone in his return to football by suiting up for the Buffalo Bills preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. And it didn't take long for the Bills safety to make an impact in his first appearance in a competitive setting since going into cardiac arrest and needing to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati on Jan. 2. On his fourth defensive snap, Hamlin crashed the line and brought down running back Evan Hull for no gain in preventing the Colts from converting a fourth-and-1 at the Buffalo 40. He appeared in two-plus defensive series overlapping the first and second quarters, and credited with making three tackles.Final Four: Australia makes it through to Women's World Cup semifinals seeking history for MatildasAUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — There will be a first-time winner of the Women's World Cup this year. Maybe, just maybe, it will be host country Australia. The Matildas are co-hosting this tournament with New Zealand. They became the first home team since the United States in 1999 to win a quarterfinal in nine Women's World Cups. Australia has reached its first semifinal in team history and faces England on Wednesday for a chance to play for the title. Spain plays Sweden on Tuesday in the first semifinal. Spain has never before reached this stage of the tournament, while Sweden has been to the finals four times.Lucas Glover posts another low round and leads FedEx Cup opener by a strokeLucas Glover is playing so well that he felt frustrated after a 66 in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. That gives him a one-shot lead over Taylor Moore going into the final round of the PGA Tour postseason opener. Glover now has rounds of 66 or lower in six of his last seven rounds on tour. He was down about missing a few short chances coming in. Tommy Fleetwood is two shots behind. Jordan Spieth and Max Homa are three back. The top 50 in FedEx Cup advance to next week and secure spots in $20 million events next year.NCAA committee fails to approve deal with Michigan, leaving coach Harbaugh's status uncertainIt is unclear if a four-game suspension Michigan proposed to settle a case involving recruiting violations by football coach Jim Harbaugh will be accepted by the NCAA Committee on Infractions. Michigan received notice earlier this year that the NCAA was investigating impermissible texts and calls — including some by Harbaugh — to high school prospects during part of a pandemic-related dead period for contact with potential recruits. The committee could have approved a suspension for Harbaugh to start the upcoming season. Now, the case could go to a full hearing, which could lengthen the process.Guardians' star Ramírez has MLB suspension for fighting reduced, 3B will serve 2 games in TampaCleveland Guardians All-Star third baseman José Ramírez had his MLB suspension for fighting with Chicago's Tim Anderson reduced from three games to two. Ramírez, who knocked Anderson to the ground with a wild, well-placed punch, will serve the suspension this weekend during Cleveland's series in Tampa Bay. Anderson was suspended six games for fighting with Ramirez near second base and triggering a benches-clearing melee on Aug. 5 between the Guardians and White Sox that went on for several minutes and included several other flareups.Vu and Hull take advantage of Ewing's collapse to share 3rd-round lead at Women's British OpenWALTON-ON-THE-HILL, England (AP) — Lilia Vu moved into position to become the first American this century to win multiple women's majors in the same year. She's got company atop the leaderboard in home favorite Charley Hull at the Women's British Open. The final major of the year has come to life at Walton Heath thanks to a third-round collapse from overnight leader Ally Ewing. Her five-shot advantage lasted nine holes before being swallowed up by a slew of chasers. Vu (67) and Hull (68) share the lead on 9 under. One shot back is Yin (67) and Hyo Joo Kim (68). Ewing shot 75 and will start the final round two strokes off the pace.Cam Smith pulls away from Phil Mickelson for a 4-shot lead at LIV GolfBEDMINSTER, N.J. (AP) — Phil Mickelson was in the hunt at LIV Golf. That was before Cameron Smith ran off three birdies to pull away in LIV Golf-Bedminster. Smith had a 67 and those late birdies have allowed him to build a four-shot lead over Mickelson and Dean Burmester at Trump National. Smith is going for his second LIV title. Mickelson has yet to win on the Saudi-backed league. This is best chance all year and it comes right after gambler Billy Walters claims Mickelson has wagered more than $1 billion the last 30 years. Mickelson also shot a 67 on Saturday.Scott Dixon holds off hard-charging Rahal to win Indianapolis GP on record-breaking dayINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Iceman became the Ironman of IndyCar. Capped it off with a win, too. Scott Dixon overcame a first-lap spin and then held off hard-charging Graham Rahal over the final 10 laps to win Saturday's Indianapolis Grand Prix by 0.4779 seconds. Dixon extended his record to 19 consecutive seasons with a win. The victory on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the first of the season for Dixon, who passed Tony Kanaan when he started the race for most consecutive starts. His 319 consecutive races streak began in 2004 and have all been done with team owner Chip Ganassi.Saka sparkles as Arsenal opens EPL season with win. Newcastle sends statement by dismantling VillaLONDON (AP) — Arsenal wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have lit up the opening Saturday of the Premier League season with an audacious assist and a curling long-range strike that helped the team start the campaign with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Newcastle then sent the biggest statement of the day with Alexander Isak scoring twice in a 5-1 dismantling of Aston Villa. Jarrod Bowen provided another highlight goal in opening the scoring for Bournemouth in a 1-1 draw with West Ham. Brighton won 4-1 over newcomer Luton while Everton missed a slew of chances and lost 1-0 against visiting Fulham. Crystal Palace beat Sheffield United 1-0 after also scoring in the second half of a game it largely dominated.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUE Final	Chicago Cubs	5	Toronto	4	Final	Miami	3	N.Y. Yankees	1	Final	Minnesota	8	Philadelphia	1	Final	Milwaukee	3	Chicago White Sox	2	Final	Washington	3	Oakland	2	Final	St. Louis	5	Kansas City	4	Final	Texas	9	San Francisco	3	___AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Tampa Bay	6	Cleveland	5	Final	Detroit	6	Boston	2	Final	Houston	11	L.A. Angels	3	Final	Baltimore	1	Seattle	0	___NATIONAL LEAGUE Cincinnati	at	Pittsburgh	6:05 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Atlanta	21	N.Y. Mets	3	Final	Atlanta	6	N.Y. Mets	0	Final	Arizona	3	San Diego	0	Final	L.A. Dodgers	4	Colorado	1	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON Final	Buffalo	23	Indianapolis	19	Final	Chicago	23	Tennessee	17	Final	N-Y Jets	27	Carolina	0	Final	Jacksonville	28	Dallas	23	Final	Baltimore	20	Philadelphia	19	Final	L.A. Chargers	34	L.A. Rams	17	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Final	Los Angeles	85	Atlanta	74	Final	Dallas	91	Connecticut	81	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE Minnesota	at	Philadelphia	1:35 p.m.	Oakland	at	Washington	1:35 p.m.	Chi Cubs	at	Toronto	1:37 p.m.	N-Y Yankees	at	Miami	1:40 p.m.	Milwaukee	at	Chi White Sox	2:10 p.m.	Texas	at	San Francisco	4:05 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE Detroit	at	Boston	12:05 p.m.	Cleveland	at	Tampa Bay	1:40 p.m.	L-A Angels	at	Houston	2:10 p.m.	Baltimore	at	Seattle	4:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE Cincinnati	at	Pittsburgh	1:35 p.m.	Colorado	at	L-A Dodgers	4:10 p.m.	San Diego	at	Arizona	4:10 p.m.	Atlanta	at	N-Y Mets	7:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON Kansas City	at	New Orleans	1 p.m.	San Francisco	at	Las Vegas	4 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Chicago	at	Washington	3 p.m.	New York	at	Indiana	3 p.m.	Phoenix	at	Seattle	6 p.m.	Atlanta	at	Las Vegas	9 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

SPRINGDALE, Arkansas - Six different Wind Surge batters combined to hit eight clutch two-out RBIs that fueled Wichita in tonight’s ball game. The Wind Surge defeated the Naturals 13-3 and now lead the series three games to two.

The Wind Surge got off to a hot start in tonight’s ballgame. In the first inning they batted around and scored four runs. First, Patrick Winkel hit an RBI double on a line drive to left field and then Seth Gray hit an RBI single for the first two runs. The last two runs of the inning were scored off both Alerick Soularie and Ernie Yake when they were walked with the bases loaded.

The Naturals got their first run of the ball game in the bottom of the first inning. Jorge Bonifacio grounded out to second base and was able to bring a run across the plate.

In the top of the second the Wind Surge scored a run off an Alex Isola sacrifice fly to center field.

Tyler Cropley hit a solo home run for the Naturals in the bottom of the second. Then, a throwing error to first base, committed by Surge starting pitcher Jaylen Nowlin, allowed Tyler Tolbert to reach home. The Surge lead had been cut to two.

Wichita batted around again and got their second multi-run inning in the top of the fifth. Jake Rucker, who came into the ball game to replace Soularie in the third, hit a long fly ball to right field for a two RBI triple. Yake then hit an RBI double on a fly ball to left field and Yoyner Fajardo hit an RBI single. Tanner Schobel got his second hit of the day on sharply hit ground ball to left field for an RBI double. Winkel earned his second RBI of the day on a line drive to right field for a single.

The Surge extended their lead to ten in the top of the sixth. Willie Joe Garry Jr. hit a sacrifice fly out to left field that scored a run and then Rucker hit an RBI double on a line drive to left field.

Jaylin Nowlin made his third start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched five and a third innings where he gave up three runs off five hits. He struck out four batters and walked one. He earned his first-class AA win, and his record improves to (1-0).

The starting pitcher for NW Arkansas was Noah Murdock. He was pulled just two thirds of the way through the first inning after giving up four runs off four hits. He walked one batter and struck out another. He was credited with the loss. His record falls to (3-1).

The Wichita Wind Surge improve to (18-20, 46-60) and the NW Arkansas Naturals fall to (19-18, 48-58).

NOTES: The Wind Surge promoted Carlos Luna to Class AAA St. Paul. Patrick Winkel has now reached base in 15 straight games.

UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge are on the road in Northwest Arkansas for a six-game series against the Naturals. The series finale will be played at 2:05 PM on Sunday, August 13th. RH David Festa will take the mound for the Wind Surge and LH Noah Cameron will take the mound for the Naturals.

<div><iframe src="https://streamable.com/milb/aaron-rozek-s-five-k-s" width="560" height="315"></iframe></div>SPRINGDALE, Arkansas - Six different Wind Surge batters combined to hit eight clutch two-out RBIs that fueled Wichita in tonight’s ball game. The Wind Surge defeated the Naturals 13-3 and now lead the series three games to two.The Wind Surge got off to a hot start in tonight’s ballgame. In the first inning they batted around and scored four runs. First, Patrick Winkel hit an RBI double on a line drive to left field and then Seth Gray hit an RBI single for the first two runs. The last two runs of the inning were scored off both Alerick Soularie and Ernie Yake when they were walked with the bases loaded.The Naturals got their first run of the ball game in the bottom of the first inning. Jorge Bonifacio grounded out to second base and was able to bring a run across the plate.In the top of the second the Wind Surge scored a run off an Alex Isola sacrifice fly to center field.Tyler Cropley hit a solo home run for the Naturals in the bottom of the second. Then, a throwing error to first base, committed by Surge starting pitcher Jaylen Nowlin, allowed Tyler Tolbert to reach home. The Surge lead had been cut to two.Wichita batted around again and got their second multi-run inning in the top of the fifth. Jake Rucker, who came into the ball game to replace Soularie in the third, hit a long fly ball to right field for a two RBI triple. Yake then hit an RBI double on a fly ball to left field and Yoyner Fajardo hit an RBI single. Tanner Schobel got his second hit of the day on sharply hit ground ball to left field for an RBI double. Winkel earned his second RBI of the day on a line drive to right field for a single.The Surge extended their lead to ten in the top of the sixth. Willie Joe Garry Jr. hit a sacrifice fly out to left field that scored a run and then Rucker hit an RBI double on a line drive to left field.Jaylin Nowlin made his third start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched five and a third innings where he gave up three runs off five hits. He struck out four batters and walked one. He earned his first-class AA win, and his record improves to (1-0).The starting pitcher for NW Arkansas was Noah Murdock. He was pulled just two thirds of the way through the first inning after giving up four runs off four hits. He walked one batter and struck out another. He was credited with the loss. His record falls to (3-1).The Wichita Wind Surge improve to (18-20, 46-60) and the NW Arkansas Naturals fall to (19-18, 48-58).NOTES: The Wind Surge promoted Carlos Luna to Class AAA St. Paul. Patrick Winkel has now reached base in 15 straight games.BROADCAST: ESPN 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge are on the road in Northwest Arkansas for a six-game series against the Naturals. The series finale will be played at 2:05 PM on Sunday, August 13th. RH David Festa will take the mound for the Wind Surge and LH Noah Cameron will take the mound for the Naturals.NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return to Riverfront Stadium Tuesday, August 15th to host a six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM and it is $1 Hot Dog Night.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge pile on runs in blowout win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tommy Edman hit two home runs to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night in front of the second-largest crowd of the season at Kauffman Stadium. Edman's third career two-homer game came in front of 37,016 fans, the Royals' largest draw since opening day. Nolan Arenado added three hits for St. Louis, which ended Kansas City's seven-game home winning streak. Steven Matz (4-7) pitched six solid innings for the win, while Jo Jo Romero earned his second save. Cole Ragans (3-4) took the loss.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tommy Edman hit two home runs to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night in front of the second-largest crowd of the season at Kauffman Stadium.

Edman's third career two-homer game came in front of 37,016 fans, the Royals' largest draw since opening day.

Edman had pretty good motivation to produce.

"A big part of it was that it's my wife's birthday," Edman said. "She asked me to hit a homer today. I think that's what it was."

So, he has next year taken care of already, too.

"She wasn't expecting two," he said. "But I made a little adjustment at the plate and it paid off."

Nolan Arenado added three hits for St. Louis, which ended Kansas City's seven-game home winning streak.

Steven Matz (4-7) pitched six solid innings for the win. The 32-year-old left-hander allowed two runs on four hits, striking out five and walking none.

"It boils down to executing pitches, mixing them up and getting guys on my fastball," Matz said. "(Andrew) Knizner called a great game and the guys made some really good plays in the field."

It was Matz' fourth straight quality start and fifth straight solid outing. He's 4-0 with a 1.24 ERA in his last five starts.

"This is definitely a good baseline," Matz said. "(I'm) definitely trying to build off that. I just want to continue to improve."

Cole Ragans (3-4) took the loss. He allowed four runs on seven hits in five innings. He struck out five but walked a season-high four. In his first three starts with the Royals since being acquired in a trade June 30, he had allowed two runs in 17 2/3 innings.

"Too many pitches over the middle," Ragans said of his struggles. "I didn't command everything very well. Just left pitches over the plate and they did damage."

The Cardinals got on the board in the second inning on a two-out, two-run home run by Edman. They added another run in the third when Arenado pulled a double down the left-field line, scoring Andrew Knizner, who had walked and gone to second on a single by Paul Goldschmidt.

The Royals responded in the third with a two-run home run by Nelson Velazquez that splashed into the fountains 441 feet from home plate. It was Velazquez' second home run in as many games. Friday night, he became the fifth Royals player to homer in his first plate appearance with the club.

The Cardinals added to the lead in the fifth on a single by Willson Contreras, but they could have had more. They loaded the bases with one out, but Ragans got Tyler O'Neill to ground into a double play.

The Cardinals got a run in the top of the eighth on Edman's second homer, but the Royals answered with an RBI single by Kyle Isbel. The Royals added a run in the ninth on an infield hit by Matt Duffy before Isbel hit into a game-ending double play.

Cardinals: The Cardinals placed OF Dylan Carlson on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain retroactive to Thursday. Manager Oliver Marmol said that Carlson hurt the oblique on a swing in Tampa Bay on Wednesday. He was replaced on the roster by 1B Luken Baker, who was recalled from Triple-A Memphis.

Royals: Kansas City optioned RHP Jonathan Heasley to Triple-A Omaha. Heasley gave up two hits and two runs in an inning of relief in KC's 12-8 victory Friday night. In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled RHP Max Castillo for his fourth stint with Kansas City this season.

Royals: 3B Maikel Garcia was out of the lineup Saturday. He left Friday's game after experiencing left upper-body discomfort. Manager Matt Quatraro said Garcia still has some soreness, but no additional testing is expected. He should be available by Monday's game against Seattle.

Cardinals: After a rare off day Sunday, the Cardinals return home for the start of a three-game series against Oakland on Monday. The Cards will send RHP Miles Mikolas (6-8, 4.20 ERA) to the mound to face the A's, who have yet to name a starter.

Royals: After the first scheduled off day on a Sunday in club history, the Royals will begin a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners. RHP Brady Singer (8-8, 5.05 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City against RHP Logan Gilbert (10-5, 3.66 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691896204026.jpeg" alt="St. Louis Cardinals' Tommy Edman (19) celebrates with Jordan Walker (18) after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>St. Louis Cardinals' Tommy Edman (19) celebrates with Jordan Walker (18) after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tommy Edman hit two home runs to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night in front of the second-largest crowd of the season at Kauffman Stadium. Edman's third career two-homer game came in front of 37,016 fans, the Royals' largest draw since opening day. Nolan Arenado added three hits for St. Louis, which ended Kansas City's seven-game home winning streak. Steven Matz (4-7) pitched six solid innings for the win, while Jo Jo Romero earned his second save. Cole Ragans (3-4) took the loss.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tommy Edman hit two home runs to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night in front of the second-largest crowd of the season at Kauffman Stadium.Edman's third career two-homer game came in front of 37,016 fans, the Royals' largest draw since opening day.Edman had pretty good motivation to produce."A big part of it was that it's my wife's birthday," Edman said. "She asked me to hit a homer today. I think that's what it was."So, he has next year taken care of already, too."She wasn't expecting two," he said. "But I made a little adjustment at the plate and it paid off."Nolan Arenado added three hits for St. Louis, which ended Kansas City's seven-game home winning streak.Steven Matz (4-7) pitched six solid innings for the win. The 32-year-old left-hander allowed two runs on four hits, striking out five and walking none."It boils down to executing pitches, mixing them up and getting guys on my fastball," Matz said. "(Andrew) Knizner called a great game and the guys made some really good plays in the field."It was Matz' fourth straight quality start and fifth straight solid outing. He's 4-0 with a 1.24 ERA in his last five starts."This is definitely a good baseline," Matz said. "(I'm) definitely trying to build off that. I just want to continue to improve."Jo Jo Romero earned his second save.Cole Ragans (3-4) took the loss. He allowed four runs on seven hits in five innings. He struck out five but walked a season-high four. In his first three starts with the Royals since being acquired in a trade June 30, he had allowed two runs in 17 2/3 innings."Too many pitches over the middle," Ragans said of his struggles. "I didn't command everything very well. Just left pitches over the plate and they did damage."The Cardinals got on the board in the second inning on a two-out, two-run home run by Edman. They added another run in the third when Arenado pulled a double down the left-field line, scoring Andrew Knizner, who had walked and gone to second on a single by Paul Goldschmidt.The Royals responded in the third with a two-run home run by Nelson Velazquez that splashed into the fountains 441 feet from home plate. It was Velazquez' second home run in as many games. Friday night, he became the fifth Royals player to homer in his first plate appearance with the club.The Cardinals added to the lead in the fifth on a single by Willson Contreras, but they could have had more. They loaded the bases with one out, but Ragans got Tyler O'Neill to ground into a double play.The Cardinals got a run in the top of the eighth on Edman's second homer, but the Royals answered with an RBI single by Kyle Isbel. The Royals added a run in the ninth on an infield hit by Matt Duffy before Isbel hit into a game-ending double play.TRANSACTIONS:Cardinals: The Cardinals placed OF Dylan Carlson on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain retroactive to Thursday. Manager Oliver Marmol said that Carlson hurt the oblique on a swing in Tampa Bay on Wednesday. He was replaced on the roster by 1B Luken Baker, who was recalled from Triple-A Memphis.Royals: Kansas City optioned RHP Jonathan Heasley to Triple-A Omaha. Heasley gave up two hits and two runs in an inning of relief in KC's 12-8 victory Friday night. In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled RHP Max Castillo for his fourth stint with Kansas City this season.TRAINING ROOM:Royals: 3B Maikel Garcia was out of the lineup Saturday. He left Friday's game after experiencing left upper-body discomfort. Manager Matt Quatraro said Garcia still has some soreness, but no additional testing is expected. He should be available by Monday's game against Seattle.UP NEXT:Cardinals: After a rare off day Sunday, the Cardinals return home for the start of a three-game series against Oakland on Monday. The Cards will send RHP Miles Mikolas (6-8, 4.20 ERA) to the mound to face the A's, who have yet to name a starter.Royals: After the first scheduled off day on a Sunday in club history, the Royals will begin a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners. RHP Brady Singer (8-8, 5.05 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City against RHP Logan Gilbert (10-5, 3.66 ERA).

⚾ Tommy Edman's 2 homers power the Cardinals to a 5-4 win over the Royals

WICHITA, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs will take on the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Foresters in the NBC World Series championship game at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

This is the first-ever championship game appearance for the Monarchs, while the Foresters make their 13th title game appearance. The Foresters have won three consecutive NBC World Series titles, and have won 20 straight games at the tournament over the past four years. The Foresters are averaging over nine runs a game during that span, while allowing just over one and a half. The last loss for the Foresters at the NBC World Series was in 2019, when they fell 5-0 to the Seattle Studs.&nbsp;

Find a complete preview of tonight's game <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/7856beb7-ef9e-4b18-aef2-b5266535b369">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590175262343.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostWICHITA, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs will take on the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Foresters in the NBC World Series championship game at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.This is the first-ever championship game appearance for the Monarchs, while the Foresters make their 13th title game appearance. The Foresters have won three consecutive NBC World Series titles, and have won 20 straight games at the tournament over the past four years. The Foresters are averaging over nine runs a game during that span, while allowing just over one and a half. The last loss for the Foresters at the NBC World Series was in 2019, when they fell 5-0 to the Seattle Studs.&nbsp;Find a complete preview of tonight's game <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/7856beb7-ef9e-4b18-aef2-b5266535b369">here</a>.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fpPD-7VeDMg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

⚾🎥: NBC World Series championship: Hutch Monarchs vs. Santa Barbara Foresters at 7 p.m.

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs will take on the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Foresters in the NBC World Series championship game at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.&nbsp;

The Monarchs and Foresters are the only two teams that are undefeated in the tournament to this point.&nbsp;

Hutchinson will be playing in its first-ever NBC World Series championship game, while Santa Barbara is making its 13th appearance all-time in the title game. The Foresters have won 10 NBC World Series championships to date, including three straight and eight of the last 13.

The Monarchs path to the championship game has been pretty smooth sailing. Hutchinson beat the Hays Larks (6-4), Seattle Blackfins (12-1) and GPS Legends (12-11) in pool play, and then have beaten Lonestar Baseball Club (11-1) and Five Tool Kraken (17-0) in bracket play.&nbsp;

The Foresters have also had a pretty clear path to the title game. Santa Barbara beat Five Tool Kraken (10-0), Great Bend Bat Cats (5-4) and Sandlot Baseball (11-4) in pool play, and then Denver Cougars (3-0) and the Seattle Studs (5-0) in bracket play.

Hutchinson has been hard to stop at the plate in the tournament, hitting a tournament-high .381 with a tournament-high 58 runs scored in the five games. Max Buettenback is third in the tournament with a .556 batting average (10-for-18, 3 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, tournament-high 10 RBI). Sam Wiese who the Monarchs picked up for the tournament has a tournament-high two home runs, while hitting .474 (9-for-19, 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI). Six of the regulars in the Monarchs' batting lineup are hitting at least .400 at the plate in the world series.&nbsp;

Santa Barbara has done their damage on the mound with a world series-low 1.67 earned run average. The Foresters also have a tournament-high three shutouts and a tournament-high 56 strikeouts, while only issuing a tournament-low 14 walks. The Foresters pitching staff is anchored by Zane Petty, who plays at Texas Tech University. Petty is 2-0 in the world series, and in 13 innings pitched, he's allowed just five hits and no runs, while striking out 14 and walking only two. Will Rogers, an Arizona State product leads the offensive attack for the Foresters, hitting .353 (6-for-17) with a double, home run and four RBI.

Stay tuned to Hutch Post later this afternoon for the live video stream.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691863677916.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostWICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs will take on the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Foresters in the NBC World Series championship game at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.&nbsp;The Monarchs and Foresters are the only two teams that are undefeated in the tournament to this point.&nbsp;Hutchinson will be playing in its first-ever NBC World Series championship game, while Santa Barbara is making its 13th appearance all-time in the title game. The Foresters have won 10 NBC World Series championships to date, including three straight and eight of the last 13.The Monarchs path to the championship game has been pretty smooth sailing. Hutchinson beat the Hays Larks (6-4), Seattle Blackfins (12-1) and GPS Legends (12-11) in pool play, and then have beaten Lonestar Baseball Club (11-1) and Five Tool Kraken (17-0) in bracket play.&nbsp;The Foresters have also had a pretty clear path to the title game. Santa Barbara beat Five Tool Kraken (10-0), Great Bend Bat Cats (5-4) and Sandlot Baseball (11-4) in pool play, and then Denver Cougars (3-0) and the Seattle Studs (5-0) in bracket play.Hutchinson has been hard to stop at the plate in the tournament, hitting a tournament-high .381 with a tournament-high 58 runs scored in the five games. Max Buettenback is third in the tournament with a .556 batting average (10-for-18, 3 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, tournament-high 10 RBI). Sam Wiese who the Monarchs picked up for the tournament has a tournament-high two home runs, while hitting .474 (9-for-19, 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI). Six of the regulars in the Monarchs' batting lineup are hitting at least .400 at the plate in the world series.&nbsp;Santa Barbara has done their damage on the mound with a world series-low 1.67 earned run average. The Foresters also have a tournament-high three shutouts and a tournament-high 56 strikeouts, while only issuing a tournament-low 14 walks. The Foresters pitching staff is anchored by Zane Petty, who plays at Texas Tech University. Petty is 2-0 in the world series, and in 13 innings pitched, he's allowed just five hits and no runs, while striking out 14 and walking only two. Will Rogers, an Arizona State product leads the offensive attack for the Foresters, hitting .353 (6-for-17) with a double, home run and four RBI.Stay tuned to Hutch Post later this afternoon for the live video stream.