HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High Salthawks will be the No. 3 seed in the KSHSAA Class 5A volleyball tournament this Saturday. They will play host to one of the eight 5A sub-states across the state. Below is the upcoming schedule.

Semi-Finals 2:00PM - Hutchinson (27-7) vs Maize (17-19) 20-Min after Match 1 - Great Bend (19-14) vs Goddard Eisenhower (26-10)

2 PM start, Salthawk Activity CenterAdmission: Adults- $8, K-12 Students- $6. Link for digital tickets: <a href="https://gofan.co/app/events/741046?schoolId=KS25152&amp;fbclid=IwAR1BWOM4gbYNKunoKmWOS9yqSPIURK6rvdCRKVhtctfHBQu6YbtDb0PYIf4" target="_blank">https://gofan.co/app/events/741046?schoolId=KS25152</a>If purchasing digital tickets there will be $1 + 5% of the ticket cost surcharge to the buyer.USD 9-12 grade students- the booster club will pay your admission. Enter through the pass gate!Here is the link to all 5A brackets.<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Volleyball/5ASub-State.cfm?Activity=5&amp;Class=2&amp;WeekID=5282&amp;fbclid=IwAR2KPcK1bzA9Nc4uuF867IDTauLQw3Hn0T-qZkxRX4rhEiut0hNUBTWuQ4A" target="_blank">https://www.kshsaa.org/.../Volleyball/5ASub-State.cfm...</a>

Championship - 20 Minutes after Match #2 Hutch/Maize Winner vs Great Bend/Goddard Eisenhower Winner

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666103535766.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High Salthawks will be the No. 3 seed in the KSHSAA Class 5A volleyball tournament this Saturday. They will play host to one of the eight 5A sub-states across the state. Below is the upcoming schedule.Saturday @ HutchinsonSemi-Finals 2:00PM - Hutchinson (27-7) vs Maize (17-19) 20-Min after Match 1 - Great Bend (19-14) vs Goddard Eisenhower (26-10)2 PM start, Salthawk Activity CenterAdmission: Adults- $8, K-12 Students- $6. Link for digital tickets: <a href="https://gofan.co/app/events/741046?schoolId=KS25152&amp;fbclid=IwAR1BWOM4gbYNKunoKmWOS9yqSPIURK6rvdCRKVhtctfHBQu6YbtDb0PYIf4" target="_blank">https://gofan.co/app/events/741046?schoolId=KS25152</a>If purchasing digital tickets there will be $1 + 5% of the ticket cost surcharge to the buyer.USD 9-12 grade students- the booster club will pay your admission. Enter through the pass gate!Here is the link to all 5A brackets.<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Volleyball/5ASub-State.cfm?Activity=5&amp;Class=2&amp;WeekID=5282&amp;fbclid=IwAR2KPcK1bzA9Nc4uuF867IDTauLQw3Hn0T-qZkxRX4rhEiut0hNUBTWuQ4A" target="_blank">https://www.kshsaa.org/.../Volleyball/5ASub-State.cfm...</a>Championship - 20 Minutes after Match #2 Hutch/Maize Winner vs Great Bend/Goddard Eisenhower Winner<div><iframe src="https://player.nfhsnetwork.com/#/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/game355ac4481" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>
</div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 🎥 Sub-state volleyball in Hutchinson Saturday

by Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The final regular-season match of the 2022 women's soccer team as the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons within one win of a Jayhawk Conference championship.

The No. 17-ranked Blue Dragons (13-2, 10-2 Jayhawk West) travel to meet No. 18 Barton (13-3, 9-2) in a 1 p.m. kickoff from the Cougar Soccer Field on the campus of Barton Community College. The game will be streamed live by the Cougar Sports Network.

Hutchinson takes a three-point lead into Saturday's second matchup with the Cougars. Hutchinson is 10-2 (30 points) in league play. Barton is 9-2 (27 points) in the Jayhawk West. Barton has Hutchinson and Johnson County remaining on its league schedule.

The Blue Dragons defeated Barton 2-0 in the first meeting of the season on October 5 at the Salthawk Sports Complex. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/lowe_hadlie_mqp8">Hadlie Lowe</a>&nbsp;scored a pair of goals and sophomore goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/quarles_madison_h89v">Madison Quarles</a>&nbsp;shut out the second-highest scoring team in the nation on nine saves.

Barton out-shot the Blue Dragons 28-3 in the first meeting of the season.

The Blue Dragons have reeled off four-straight wins, including a 3-1 victory over Cowley on Wednesday in Hutchinson. Lowe had her sixth-career hat trick in the victory.

The Cougars are 2-1 since the first Hutchinson matchup with wins over Dodge City and Cowley. Barton lost 1-0 to No. 5 Butler last Saturday in El Dorado.

The Blue Dragons are 5-2 in true road games last season. Barton is 6-0 at home this season.

Hutchinson is in search of its sixth Jayhawk Conference championship and first since 2016.

No. 17 Hutchinson (13-2, 10-2) at No. 8 Barton (13-3, 9-2)

When: Saturday, October 22, 2022 Where: Cougar Field, Great Bend, KS Time: 1 p.m. Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=446488" target="_blank">Cougar Sports Network, 1 p.m.</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666417671249.jpeg" alt="Adriana Delgado and the No. 17 Blue Dragons play at No. 18 Barton at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Great Bend. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Adriana Delgado and the No. 17 Blue Dragons play at No. 18 Barton at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Great Bend. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>by Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe final regular-season match of the 2022 women's soccer team as the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons within one win of a Jayhawk Conference championship.The No. 17-ranked Blue Dragons (13-2, 10-2 Jayhawk West) travel to meet No. 18 Barton (13-3, 9-2) in a 1 p.m. kickoff from the Cougar Soccer Field on the campus of Barton Community College. The game will be streamed live by the Cougar Sports Network.Hutchinson takes a three-point lead into Saturday's second matchup with the Cougars. Hutchinson is 10-2 (30 points) in league play. Barton is 9-2 (27 points) in the Jayhawk West. Barton has Hutchinson and Johnson County remaining on its league schedule.The Blue Dragons defeated Barton 2-0 in the first meeting of the season on October 5 at the Salthawk Sports Complex. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/lowe_hadlie_mqp8">Hadlie Lowe</a>&nbsp;scored a pair of goals and sophomore goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/quarles_madison_h89v">Madison Quarles</a>&nbsp;shut out the second-highest scoring team in the nation on nine saves.Barton out-shot the Blue Dragons 28-3 in the first meeting of the season.The Blue Dragons have reeled off four-straight wins, including a 3-1 victory over Cowley on Wednesday in Hutchinson. Lowe had her sixth-career hat trick in the victory.The Cougars are 2-1 since the first Hutchinson matchup with wins over Dodge City and Cowley. Barton lost 1-0 to No. 5 Butler last Saturday in El Dorado.The Blue Dragons are 5-2 in true road games last season. Barton is 6-0 at home this season.Hutchinson is in search of its sixth Jayhawk Conference championship and first since 2016.<h2>BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S SOCCER</h2><h2>No. 17 Hutchinson (13-2, 10-2) at No. 8 Barton (13-3, 9-2)</h2>When: Saturday, October 22, 2022 Where: Cougar Field, Great Bend, KS Time: 1 p.m. Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=446488" target="_blank">Cougar Sports Network, 1 p.m.</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport

⚽️ Dragons look to clinch West Crown at Barton on Saturday

The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team will host 11 other teams in the Papa John's Blue Dragon Jamboree on Sunday.

Action starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 8 a.m. All fans will enter through the South Arena Entrance.

Games will be played at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon and 1:30 p.m. Games will be played in each time slot on the main Arena court, Court 1 and Court 3. Those courts are located in the north Sports Arena addition.

Each of the 12 teams will play two games in the Jamboree.

The Blue Dragons will play Northern Oklahoma-Enid at 9 a.m. on the main court and Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa on Court 3 at 1:30 p.m.

Barton, Coffeyville, Garden City, Cowley, Pratt and Labette are Jayhawk Conference teams participating. NOC-Enid, NOC-Tonkawa and NEO, Western Nebraska and Sunrise Christian are the other schools that make up the 12-team field.

Complete Papa John's Blue Dragon Jamboree Schedule

9 a.m. Main Court – Hutchinson vs. NOC-Enid Court 1 – Cowley vs. Western Nebraska Court 3 – Barton vs. Sunrise

10:30 a.m. Main Court – Garden City vs. NOC-Tonkawa Court 1 – Coffeyville vs. NEO Court 3 – Pratt vs. Labette

Noon Main Court – Western Nebraska vs. Coffeyville Court 1 – NOC-Enid vs. Barton Court 3 – Sunrise vs. Cowley

1:30 p.m. Main Court – NEO vs. Pratt Court 1 – Labette vs. Garden City Court 3 – Hutchinson vs. NOC-Tonkawa

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666417440701.jpeg" alt="Papa Johns Pizza Jamboree.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Papa Johns Pizza Jamboree.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>by Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team will host 11 other teams in the Papa John's Blue Dragon Jamboree on Sunday.Action starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 8 a.m. All fans will enter through the South Arena Entrance.Games will be played at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon and 1:30 p.m. Games will be played in each time slot on the main Arena court, Court 1 and Court 3. Those courts are located in the north Sports Arena addition.Each of the 12 teams will play two games in the Jamboree.The Blue Dragons will play Northern Oklahoma-Enid at 9 a.m. on the main court and Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa on Court 3 at 1:30 p.m.Barton, Coffeyville, Garden City, Cowley, Pratt and Labette are Jayhawk Conference teams participating. NOC-Enid, NOC-Tonkawa and NEO, Western Nebraska and Sunrise Christian are the other schools that make up the 12-team field.Complete Papa John's Blue Dragon Jamboree Schedule9 a.m. Main Court – Hutchinson vs. NOC-Enid Court 1 – Cowley vs. Western Nebraska Court 3 – Barton vs. Sunrise10:30 a.m. Main Court – Garden City vs. NOC-Tonkawa Court 1 – Coffeyville vs. NEO Court 3 – Pratt vs. LabetteNoon Main Court – Western Nebraska vs. Coffeyville Court 1 – NOC-Enid vs. Barton Court 3 – Sunrise vs. Cowley1:30 p.m. Main Court – NEO vs. Pratt Court 1 – Labette vs. Garden City Court 3 – Hutchinson vs. NOC-Tonkawa

🏀 Papa John's Blue Dragon Jamboree set for Sunday

The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College Football team returns to action Saturday from its second bye week of the season and travels to meet the Garden City Broncbusters in a big Jayhawk Conference matchup.

The Blue Dragons (6-0) and the Broncbusters (3-4) kick off at 1 p.m. at Broncbuster Stadium in Garden City.

The last four meetings between Hutchinson and Garden City have had conference and national implications. Two seasons ago, the Blue Dragons won 23-7 on the way to the 2020-21 national championship.

Last season, the Blue Dragons defeated the Busters 24-16 in the regular season and 49-19 in the KJCCC Playoff Championship game last season in Wichita.

Hutchinson is the lone-remaining unbeaten team in the Jayhawk Conference with a 3-0 record, but Garden City and Butler are right on the Blue Dragons' tail at 3-1.

Two weeks ago, the Blue Dragons went on the road and defeated Dodge City 49-14 at Memorial Stadium. Sophomore quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/laible_dylan_elo2">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;threw for 217 yards and became the Blue Dragons' career passing leader with 4,921 yards. Sophomore receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/benson_malik_obrm">Malik Benson</a>&nbsp;- who had seven catches for 136 yards - moved into No. 2 on the career receiving yards list with 1,756 yards. Kicker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/segraves_cole_2w5s">Cole Segraves</a>&nbsp;went 4 of 4 on field goals and booted a career-long 46 yards to lead the Blue Dragon special teams.

The victory over Dodge City was Hutchinson's 12th-straight win, the third-longest winning streak in program history.

Garden City got off to an 0-3 start this season with losses to Butler, Iowa Central and Iowa Western, but has won 3 of 4 games since. Last week, the Busters played at No. 6 Snow College and dropped a 23-20 decision. Garden City quarterback Ty Perry threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite the loss, the Busters have moved back into the receiving votes section of the NJCAA Division I National Rankings for the first time in five polls. Garden City started the season ranked No. 7 in the preseason rankings, but fell out of the poll after the 0-3 start.

After Saturday's road contest, the Blue Dragons will have two-straight games at Gowans Stadium with Highland next Saturday and Independence on November 5.

No. 1 Hutchinson (6-0, 3-0) at (RV) Garden City (3-4, 3-1)

When: Saturday, October 22, 2022 Where: Broncbuster Stadium, Garden City, KS Kickoff: 1 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 12:30 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Glen Grunwald (PBP); Daren Dunn (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=448018">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 12:30 p.m.</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666417137995.jpeg" alt="Dylan Laible and the Blue Dragon Football Team travels to Garden City for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Broncbuster Stadium on Saturday in Garden City. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Laible and the Blue Dragon Football Team travels to Garden City for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Broncbuster Stadium on Saturday in Garden City. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>by Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College Football team returns to action Saturday from its second bye week of the season and travels to meet the Garden City Broncbusters in a big Jayhawk Conference matchup.The Blue Dragons (6-0) and the Broncbusters (3-4) kick off at 1 p.m. at Broncbuster Stadium in Garden City.The last four meetings between Hutchinson and Garden City have had conference and national implications. Two seasons ago, the Blue Dragons won 23-7 on the way to the 2020-21 national championship.Last season, the Blue Dragons defeated the Busters 24-16 in the regular season and 49-19 in the KJCCC Playoff Championship game last season in Wichita.Hutchinson is the lone-remaining unbeaten team in the Jayhawk Conference with a 3-0 record, but Garden City and Butler are right on the Blue Dragons' tail at 3-1.Two weeks ago, the Blue Dragons went on the road and defeated Dodge City 49-14 at Memorial Stadium. Sophomore quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/laible_dylan_elo2">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;threw for 217 yards and became the Blue Dragons' career passing leader with 4,921 yards. Sophomore receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/benson_malik_obrm">Malik Benson</a>&nbsp;- who had seven catches for 136 yards - moved into No. 2 on the career receiving yards list with 1,756 yards. Kicker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/segraves_cole_2w5s">Cole Segraves</a>&nbsp;went 4 of 4 on field goals and booted a career-long 46 yards to lead the Blue Dragon special teams.The victory over Dodge City was Hutchinson's 12th-straight win, the third-longest winning streak in program history.Garden City got off to an 0-3 start this season with losses to Butler, Iowa Central and Iowa Western, but has won 3 of 4 games since. Last week, the Busters played at No. 6 Snow College and dropped a 23-20 decision. Garden City quarterback Ty Perry threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns.Despite the loss, the Busters have moved back into the receiving votes section of the NJCAA Division I National Rankings for the first time in five polls. Garden City started the season ranked No. 7 in the preseason rankings, but fell out of the poll after the 0-3 start.After Saturday's road contest, the Blue Dragons will have two-straight games at Gowans Stadium with Highland next Saturday and Independence on November 5.<h2>BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL</h2><h2>No. 1 Hutchinson (6-0, 3-0) at (RV) Garden City (3-4, 3-1)</h2>When: Saturday, October 22, 2022 Where: Broncbuster Stadium, Garden City, KS Kickoff: 1 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 12:30 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Glen Grunwald (PBP); Daren Dunn (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=448018">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 12:30 p.m.</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)

🏈 🎥 Blue Dragons travel to Garden City with plenty on the line

Schwarber HR, Segura, Phillies top Padres 4-2, lead NLCS 2-1

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber homered and Jean Segura hit a two-run single to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres for a 2-1 lead in the National League Championship Series. Segura had made an error earlier in the game that cost the Phillies a run and also got picked off first base. Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins committed a two-base error that led to an unearned run for the Padres. But starter Ranger Suarez survived shoddy fielding to pitch five sharp inning and pick up the win.

Profar loses his cool, Padres lose to Phils in NLCS Game 3

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jurickson Profar lost his cool just before the San Diego Padres lost the game. With a runner on first and no outs in the ninth inning in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series, Profar thought he checked his swing on a 3-2 pitch from Phillies reliever Seranthony Domínguez. But Profar was ruled to have swung by third-base umpire Todd Tichenor. Profar slammed his helmet, yelled an expletive at Tichenor and then kicked his helmet before being ejected by plate umpire Ted Barrett. Instead of a walk that would have put runners on first and second with no outs, it was an important first out for Domínguez, who retired the next two batters to complete a 4-2 win and give Philadelphia a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven matchup.

Brady not thinking about retirement, so time to speculate

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady says retirement isn't in his future, so let the 2023 speculation begin. Brady's comment Thursday doesn't mean he's coming back for a 24th season but anything is possible for the 45-year-old, seven-time Super Bowl champion. Right now, Brady is focused on trying to get the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the winning track after three losses in the last four games. Brady and the Bucs haven't found a rhythm yet and he's getting more attention for tossing tablets, chewing out teammates and attending a wedding. If Brady decides to keep playing, he'll be a free agent after the season and presumably would have his pick of several teams.

MLB Playoffs: Cole, Yanks 0-2 vs Astros, Phils lead Pads 2-1

Once again, Gerrit Cole will try to save the season for the New York Yankees. New York's $324 million man will start at Yankee Stadium on Saturday with his team trailing Houston 2-0 in the AL Championship Series. Cristian Javier pitches for the Astros. In the NL Championship Series, the Philadelphia Phillies lead the San Diego Padres 2-1 going into Game 4. Cole, who helped lead the Astros into the 2019 World Series, topped the majors with 257 strikeouts this season while going 13-8 with a 3.50 ERA. The right-handed ace beat the Guardians in the Division Series opener and, with the Yankees trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series, won Game 4 at Cleveland to force the series back to the Bronx.

Nikola Jokic notches triple-double as Nuggets top Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Nikola Jokic had a triple-double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists playing with a sore right wrist he had taped, and the Denver Nuggets beat Golden State 128-123 in a rematch of the teams' first-round playoff series won by the Warriors in five games on their way to the title.Jordan Poole made a backcourt steal from Bones Hyland and scored 14.7 seconds left to get Golden State within 124-123 then Bruce Brown dunked immediately. The Warriors had another chance and Klay Thompson missed a potential tying 3 from the top with 9.3 seconds left.

Lillard has 41 points, Trail Blazers beat Suns 113-111 in OT

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Damian Lillard scored 41 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Phoenix Suns 113-111 in overtime Friday night for their second straight victory to open the season. Anfernee Simons made a layup with 7.2 seconds left in overtime and finished with 16 points. Jusuf Nurkic had 20 points and 17 rebounds. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 33 points. Lillard's free throws with 33.9 seconds left tied it at 111. Booker missed a short jumper before Simons' layup put Portland in front. Nurkic fouled Deandre Ayton on the other end, but Ayton missed the first, then missed the second on purpose for a failed try at a tying basket.

Ja Morant scores 49 points, Grizzlies beat Rockets 129-122

HOUSTON (AP) — Ja Morant scored 49 points and hit five 3-pointers to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 129-122 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Morant carried the team on a night Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones struggled. Bane made just 3 of 16 shots for 14 points and Jones was 4 for 13 with 11 points. The Rockets led by 16 in the first half before the Grizzlies used a big run to start the third quarter and take the lead. Jalen Green, the second pick in the 2021 draft, led the Rockets with 33 points. But he struggled after halftime and scored just 13 points in the second half. Alperen Sengun added 23 points.

Tatum and Brown combine for 57, Celtics top Heat 111-104

MIAMI (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown added 28 and the Boston Celtics topped the Miami Heat 111-104 on Friday night in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals. The Celtics — whose most recent trip to Miami was a Game 7 win in that playoff series — outscored Miami 42-24 from 3-point range, and improved to 2-0 under interim coach Joe Mazzulla. Tyler Herro scored 25 for Miami, which got 19 from Bam Adebayo, 18 from Jimmy Butler and 17 from Kyle Lowry.

Astros McCullers OK after being cut by bottle in celebration

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. sustained a small cut to his throwing elbow after being hit with a champagne bottle during the team's celebration after winning the AL Division Series. He's OK but had some swelling after the incident so the team chose to give him an extra day to rest and will start Cristian Javier in Game 3 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees Saturday where the Astros are up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. McCullers will start Game 4 Sunday night.

49ers hope trade for McCaffrey boosts talented roster

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — General manager John Lynch still views his San Francisco 49ers as a Super Bowl contender despite a string of injuries, lackluster performances and a 3-3 start to the season. That belief gave Lynch the confidence to take a gamble. He traded four draft picks to Carolina for star running back Christian McCaffrey in hopes of providing a similar spark to the last time he made a big in-season trade in 2019, when he added receiver Emmanuel Sanders.

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 1:30 a.m. EDT<h2>Schwarber HR, Segura, Phillies top Padres 4-2, lead NLCS 2-1</h2>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber homered and Jean Segura hit a two-run single to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres for a 2-1 lead in the National League Championship Series. Segura had made an error earlier in the game that cost the Phillies a run and also got picked off first base. Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins committed a two-base error that led to an unearned run for the Padres. But starter Ranger Suarez survived shoddy fielding to pitch five sharp inning and pick up the win.<h2>Profar loses his cool, Padres lose to Phils in NLCS Game 3</h2>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jurickson Profar lost his cool just before the San Diego Padres lost the game. With a runner on first and no outs in the ninth inning in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series, Profar thought he checked his swing on a 3-2 pitch from Phillies reliever Seranthony Domínguez. But Profar was ruled to have swung by third-base umpire Todd Tichenor. Profar slammed his helmet, yelled an expletive at Tichenor and then kicked his helmet before being ejected by plate umpire Ted Barrett. Instead of a walk that would have put runners on first and second with no outs, it was an important first out for Domínguez, who retired the next two batters to complete a 4-2 win and give Philadelphia a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven matchup.<h2>Brady not thinking about retirement, so time to speculate</h2>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady says retirement isn't in his future, so let the 2023 speculation begin. Brady's comment Thursday doesn't mean he's coming back for a 24th season but anything is possible for the 45-year-old, seven-time Super Bowl champion. Right now, Brady is focused on trying to get the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the winning track after three losses in the last four games. Brady and the Bucs haven't found a rhythm yet and he's getting more attention for tossing tablets, chewing out teammates and attending a wedding. If Brady decides to keep playing, he'll be a free agent after the season and presumably would have his pick of several teams.<h2>MLB Playoffs: Cole, Yanks 0-2 vs Astros, Phils lead Pads 2-1</h2>Once again, Gerrit Cole will try to save the season for the New York Yankees. New York's $324 million man will start at Yankee Stadium on Saturday with his team trailing Houston 2-0 in the AL Championship Series. Cristian Javier pitches for the Astros. In the NL Championship Series, the Philadelphia Phillies lead the San Diego Padres 2-1 going into Game 4. Cole, who helped lead the Astros into the 2019 World Series, topped the majors with 257 strikeouts this season while going 13-8 with a 3.50 ERA. The right-handed ace beat the Guardians in the Division Series opener and, with the Yankees trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series, won Game 4 at Cleveland to force the series back to the Bronx.<h2>Nikola Jokic notches triple-double as Nuggets top Warriors</h2>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Nikola Jokic had a triple-double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists playing with a sore right wrist he had taped, and the Denver Nuggets beat Golden State 128-123 in a rematch of the teams' first-round playoff series won by the Warriors in five games on their way to the title.Jordan Poole made a backcourt steal from Bones Hyland and scored 14.7 seconds left to get Golden State within 124-123 then Bruce Brown dunked immediately. The Warriors had another chance and Klay Thompson missed a potential tying 3 from the top with 9.3 seconds left.<h2>Lillard has 41 points, Trail Blazers beat Suns 113-111 in OT</h2>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Damian Lillard scored 41 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Phoenix Suns 113-111 in overtime Friday night for their second straight victory to open the season. Anfernee Simons made a layup with 7.2 seconds left in overtime and finished with 16 points. Jusuf Nurkic had 20 points and 17 rebounds. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 33 points. Lillard's free throws with 33.9 seconds left tied it at 111. Booker missed a short jumper before Simons' layup put Portland in front. Nurkic fouled Deandre Ayton on the other end, but Ayton missed the first, then missed the second on purpose for a failed try at a tying basket.<h2>Ja Morant scores 49 points, Grizzlies beat Rockets 129-122</h2>HOUSTON (AP) — Ja Morant scored 49 points and hit five 3-pointers to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 129-122 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Morant carried the team on a night Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones struggled. Bane made just 3 of 16 shots for 14 points and Jones was 4 for 13 with 11 points. The Rockets led by 16 in the first half before the Grizzlies used a big run to start the third quarter and take the lead. Jalen Green, the second pick in the 2021 draft, led the Rockets with 33 points. But he struggled after halftime and scored just 13 points in the second half. Alperen Sengun added 23 points.<h2>Tatum and Brown combine for 57, Celtics top Heat 111-104</h2>MIAMI (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown added 28 and the Boston Celtics topped the Miami Heat 111-104 on Friday night in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals. The Celtics — whose most recent trip to Miami was a Game 7 win in that playoff series — outscored Miami 42-24 from 3-point range, and improved to 2-0 under interim coach Joe Mazzulla. Tyler Herro scored 25 for Miami, which got 19 from Bam Adebayo, 18 from Jimmy Butler and 17 from Kyle Lowry.<h2>Astros McCullers OK after being cut by bottle in celebration</h2>HOUSTON (AP) — Houston right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. sustained a small cut to his throwing elbow after being hit with a champagne bottle during the team's celebration after winning the AL Division Series. He's OK but had some swelling after the incident so the team chose to give him an extra day to rest and will start Cristian Javier in Game 3 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees Saturday where the Astros are up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. McCullers will start Game 4 Sunday night.<h2>49ers hope trade for McCaffrey boosts talented roster</h2>SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — General manager John Lynch still views his San Francisco 49ers as a Super Bowl contender despite a string of injuries, lackluster performances and a 3-3 start to the season. That belief gave Lynch the confidence to take a gamble. He traded four draft picks to Carolina for star running back Christian McCaffrey in hopes of providing a similar spark to the last time he made a big in-season trade in 2019, when he added receiver Emmanuel Sanders.

Sports Headlines for Saturday

Conway Springs 42, Hutchinson Trinity 7

Hutchinson Central Christian 60, Norwich 22

KC East Christian 80, Northland Christian, Mo. 6

Kapaun Mount Carmel 56, Wichita Heights 27

Friday's ScoresThe Associated PressPREP FOOTBALL=Andale 42, Pratt 14Anderson County 35, Prairie View 20Andover Central 21, Valley Center 7Atchison 59, KC Wyandotte 18Attica/Argonia 60, Oxford 40Augusta 21, Winfield 20Axtell 68, Doniphan West 0BV North 25, St. James Academy 20BV Northwest 28, Bishop Miege 21Beloit 22, Hays-TMP-Marian 0Blue Valley 25, BV West 22Bonner Springs 33, KC Schlagle 30, OTBucklin 68, Satanta 32Burrton 41, Altoona-Midway 40Cair Paravel 62, Maranatha Academy 12Caney Valley 36, Riverton 0Canton-Galva 62, Rural Vista 0Central Plains 46, Wilson 12Centralia 59, Pleasant Ridge 16Chanute 50, Labette County 20Chaparral 35, Haven 0Chapman 40, Clearwater 37Chase County 64, Madison/Hamilton 0Cheney 41, Halstead 0Cherryvale 38, Neodesha 0Cheylin 52, Golden Plains 0Circle 40, Mulvane 14Clay Center 24, Marysville 14Clifton-Clyde 60, Bennington 14Columbus 30, Parsons 6Conway Springs 42, Hutchinson Trinity 7Cunningham 1, Southern Cloud 0DeSoto, Mo. 31, Basehor-Linwood 21Derby 49, Newton 20Dighton 46, Minneola 0Dodge City 42, Wichita Southeast 23Douglass 47, Bluestem 16El Dorado 38, Independence 33, 2OTEll-Saline 50, Lincoln 18Ellis 50, Syracuse 0Eudora 35, Paola 0Fort Scott 50, Coffeyville 44, 2OTFredonia 14, Eureka 8Galena 14, Frontenac 13Girard 41, Burlington 18Goddard-Eisenhower 21, Goddard 14Great Bend 35, Garden City 28Greeley County 53, Triplains-Brewster 6Hanover 36, Frankfort 33Hartford 50, Marais des Cygnes Valley 0Hays 56, Topeka 6Highland Park 62, KC Washington 48Hill City 48, Oberlin-Decatur 0Hillsboro 55, Lyons 14Hodgeman County 40, South Barber 30Hoisington 35, Cimarron 0Holcomb 58, Southwest 7Holton 53, Jefferson West 7Hugoton 45, Goodland 16Humboldt 48, West Franklin 6Hutchinson 28, Andover 6Hutchinson Central Christian 60, Norwich 22Ingalls 100, Deerfield 87Inman 58, Medicine Lodge 6Iola 32, Santa Fe Trail 14Jackson Heights 27, Onaga 0Jayhawk Linn 40, Erie 0Jefferson North 38, Mission Valley 14Junction City 53, Emporia 36KC Bishop Ward 41, Osawatomie 8KC East Christian 80, Northland Christian, Mo. 6KC Piper 31, Topeka Seaman 13KC Sumner 38, East (Kansas City), Mo. 0KC Sumner 52, Burden Central 20Kapaun Mount Carmel 56, Wichita Heights 27Kingman 40, Garden Plain 7Lakeside 44, Pike Valley 14Lakin 44, Larned 38Lansing 54, KC Turner 0Lawrence 56, SM West 20Lawrence Free State 31, Olathe North 19Leavenworth 24, Shawnee Heights 19Lebo 64, Crest 28Liberal 42, Ulysses 19Linn 68, BV Randolph 58Little River 60, Goessel 14Louisburg 20, Spring Hill 17Lyndon 60, Burlingame 59Macksville 62, Kiowa County 0Maize 59, Wichita Campus 14Maize South 56, Salina South 27Manhattan 56, Wichita Northwest 28Marmaton Valley 58, St. Paul 56McPherson 49, Buhler 6Meade 59, Elkhart 7Minneapolis 26, Riley County 0Moscow 52, Rolla 0Moundridge 52, Herington 12Nemaha Central 24, Sabetha 7Ness City 58, La Crosse 24Northeast-Arma 14, Southeast 6Northern Valley 76, Western Plains-Healy 31Oakley 1, Stanton County 0Olathe East 34, SM Northwest 33Olathe Northwest 24, SM North 7Olathe West 43, SM South 14Olpe 50, Central Heights 13Osborne 72, Fairfield 6Oskaloosa 40, Valley Falls 20Oswego 46, Cedar Vale/Dexter Co-op 0Pawnee Heights 52, Natoma 32Peabody-Burns 76, Centre 31Perry-Lecompton 46, Royal Valley 8Phillipsburg 28, Plainville 21Pittsburg 38, Wichita North 7Pretty Prairie 52, Solomon 36Rawlins County 46, Hoxie 18Remington 49, Belle Plaine 7Rock Creek 46, Concordia 20Rockhurst, Mo. 41, KC Harmon 0Rossville 50, Maur Hill - Mount Academy 6Russell 42, Norton 19Salina Central 49, Arkansas City 8Salina Sacred Heart 7, Republic County 6Scott City 48, Colby 0Sedgwick 35, Marion 32Silver Lake 41, Atchison County 30Smith Center 56, Valley Heights 12Smoky Valley 42, Nickerson 0South Central 94, St. John 46Southeast Saline 46, Ellsworth 7St. Francis 28, Wheatland-Grinnell 6St. John's Beloit-Tipton 42, Wakefield 8St. Mary's 58, McLouth 6St. Thomas Aquinas 62, BV Southwest 23Stafford 38, Kinsley 34Sterling 38, Ellinwood 14Sublette 54, Spearville 34Sylvan-Lucas 52, Logan/Palco 0Tescott 52, Chase 6Thunder Ridge 42, Wallace County 6Tonganoxie 55, Ottawa 13Trego 52, Pratt Skyline 6Troy 65, Riverside 0Victoria 52, Otis-Bison 0Wabaunsee 56, Horton 14Wamego 49, Abilene 0Washburn Rural 81, Topeka West 12Washington County 64, Rock Hills 22Waverly 46, Southern Coffey 0Wellington 29, Rose Hill 7Wellsville 42, Baldwin 0West Elk 54, Yates Center 6Wetmore 66, Chetopa 0Wichita Bishop Carroll 34, Wichita East 30Wichita Collegiate 28, Hesston 21Wichita County 57, South Gray 0Wichita Independent 58, Udall 8Wichita South 37, Wichita West 12Wichita Trinity 41, Baxter Springs 36Wilson 52, Otis-Bison 0

🏈 Prep scores from Friday Night

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawks defense was outstanding holding Andover to only 141 total offensive yards on 48 plays and special teams used a kick return by Noah Khokhar as the senior running back returned the 2nd half kickoff 87 yards to bust the tight game open and give Hutch (6-2) a 21-6 lead to start the 3rd quarter of play.

Khokhar rushed for only 38 yards on 9 carries but caught 5 passes for 48 yards and a touchdown to lead Hutch in all purpose yards.

Andover's lone score came on a pass from sophomore Tanner Woolston to a wide open BJ Redic for 32 yards right before half time to tighten the game to only a 1 touchdown lead at the half with Hutch on top 14-6.

Junior Jax Heneha had two interceptions with one returned from the end zone to the Hutchinson 37 yard line. That set up a nine play 63 yard scoring drive with junior Devon Spiller taking it in from 2 yards out to give the Salthawks the lead 28-6 for the final scoring play of the game.

It was senior night as seniors were honored and escorted on the field by their respective parent or parents prior to the game.

Hutch High goes to 6-2 on the year and is ranked #4 in the west and will host west #13 Liberal, who is 3-5 in the first round of the playoffs in Class 5A at Gowans Stadium on Friday, October 29th.

<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Football/5A.cfm?Activity=1">KSHSAA CLASS 5A BRACKET</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawks defense was outstanding holding Andover to only 141 total offensive yards on 48 plays and special teams used a kick return by Noah Khokhar as the senior running back returned the 2nd half kickoff 87 yards to bust the tight game open and give Hutch (6-2) a 21-6 lead to start the 3rd quarter of play.<div><iframe width="660" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gvQ1xOqpg54" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Khokhar rushed for only 38 yards on 9 carries but caught 5 passes for 48 yards and a touchdown to lead Hutch in all purpose yards.Andover's lone score came on a pass from sophomore Tanner Woolston to a wide open BJ Redic for 32 yards right before half time to tighten the game to only a 1 touchdown lead at the half with Hutch on top 14-6.Junior Jax Heneha had two interceptions with one returned from the end zone to the Hutchinson 37 yard line. That set up a nine play 63 yard scoring drive with junior Devon Spiller taking it in from 2 yards out to give the Salthawks the lead 28-6 for the final scoring play of the game.It was senior night as seniors were honored and escorted on the field by their respective parent or parents prior to the game.Hutch High goes to 6-2 on the year and is ranked #4 in the west and will host west #13 Liberal, who is 3-5 in the first round of the playoffs in Class 5A at Gowans Stadium on Friday, October 29th.<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Football/5A.cfm?Activity=1">KSHSAA CLASS 5A BRACKET</a>

🏈 🎥 Salthawks use big plays to surge past Andover

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🎙 Eagle Media Sports for Friday

WICHITA, Kan. —Wichita State University Baseball Head Coach Eric Wedge has stepped away from head coaching duties to focus on personal health related matters. Assistant Athletic Director for Baseball Operations and Player Development Loren Hibbs will assume head coaching responsibilities in Wedge’s absence.

Before joining the Shockers in 2019, Hibbs led the 49ers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for 27 seasons.

“I have absolute confidence in Coach Hibbs and our coaching staff to lead our amazing group of student-athletes who have worked hard through a successful fall, culminating in the final Fall World Series games this week. We have not made any decisions about the long-term leadership of our program at this time,” athletic director Kevin Saal said in a statement.

Saal said the thoughts of those in the athletic department were with Wedge as he takes time in the offseason to address health matters. Saal said they would have no further comment on Wedge’s leave at the time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666353691173.jpeg" alt="Eric Wedge.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Eric Wedge.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>per KWCH reportWICHITA, Kan. —Wichita State University Baseball Head Coach Eric Wedge has stepped away from head coaching duties to focus on personal health related matters. Assistant Athletic Director for Baseball Operations and Player Development Loren Hibbs will assume head coaching responsibilities in Wedge’s absence.Before joining the Shockers in 2019, Hibbs led the 49ers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for 27 seasons.“I have absolute confidence in Coach Hibbs and our coaching staff to lead our amazing group of student-athletes who have worked hard through a successful fall, culminating in the final Fall World Series games this week. We have not made any decisions about the long-term leadership of our program at this time,” athletic director Kevin Saal said in a statement.Saal said the thoughts of those in the athletic department were with Wedge as he takes time in the offseason to address health matters. Saal said they would have no further comment on Wedge’s leave at the time.

⚾️ Eric Wedge steps away as WSU baseball coach for health reasons for now

Thursday's ScoresThe Associated PressPREP FOOTBALL=Mill Valley 63, SM East 3Olathe South 37, Gardner-Edgerton 36

High School Thursday Scores

49ers acquire RB Christian McCaffrey from Panthers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have acquired star running back Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers for a haul of draft picks. The Panthers announced the deal that sends McCaffrey back to the Bay Area where he starred in college at Stanford in Thursday night. They said it will be finalized when McCaffrey passes a physical. A person familiar with the deal said on condition of anonymity that the Panthers will receive picks in the second, third and fourth rounds of the 2023 draft, as well as a fifth-rounder in 2024.

Bregman HR as Valdez, Astros edge Yankees 3-2, lead ALCS 2-0

HOUSTON (AP) — Alex Bregman hit an early three-run homer, Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and the Houston Astros edged the New York Yankees 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge just missed a two-run homer in the eighth when his drive was caught just in front of the short wall by right fielder Kyle Tucker. The ball would've landed in the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium, Statcast showed — with the roof open at Minute Maid Park, the wind might've knocked down Judge's bid. The Astros improved to 5-0 this postseason. A night after Justin Verlander fanned 11 to begin the best-of-seven series, Bregman's third-inning homer was all the offense Houston needed. The Astros improved to 5-0 this postseason.

Cardinals use two pick-6s in first half to down Saints 42-34

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Marco Wilson and Isaiah Simmons scored touchdowns on two pick-6s late in the first half and used that stunning change in momentum to lift the Arizona Cardinals over the New Orleans Saints 42-34. The Cardinals snapped an eight-game home losing streak that was the franchise's longest since 1958. The game was tied at 14 when Saints quarterback Andy Dalton threw the game-changing interceptions on consecutive drives that were barely a minute apart just before halftime.

Altuve engages with fan who rushed field for selfie in ALCS

HOUSTON (AP) — Astros star Jose Altuve was more than happy to oblige when a fan ran onto the field and asked the Houston second baseman to take a selfie with him during Game 2 of the AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees. Security at Minute Maid Park wrestled the man away from Altuve before he could click off the shot with his cell phone as the ninth inning was set to begin Thursday night.

NCAA on trial in concussion case of dead USC football player

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The widow of a former University of Southern California football player suing the NCAA for failing to protect her husband from repetitive head trauma is taking her case to a Los Angeles jury. Opening statements are scheduled Friday in what could be a landmark case. Matt Gee was on the 1990 Rose Bowl winning squad. Alana Gee says he took enough serious blows to the head to develop a degenerative brain disease that led to his death at 49. The NCAA says it had nothing to do with Gee's death and his mental decline was from years of hard drinking. The case could be the first of its kind to go to a jury.

MLB Playoffs: Astros seek 2-0 lead vs Yanks; NLCS tied, off

Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros got the jump on the New York Yankees. Now they'll try to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series when All-Star lefty Framber Valdez pitches against Yankees right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday night in Houston. It's a day off in the NLCS, with the Padres and Phillies tied 1-all as their best-of-seven series shifts from San Diego to Philadelphia for three games beginning Friday night. Verlander recovered from a rocky start and struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Astros to a 4-2 victory in the ALCS opener. Yuli Gurriel launched a tiebreaking homer in the sixth. Chas McCormick and rookie Jeremy Peña also went deep for Houston.

Cowboys QB Prescott says injury absence ending against Lions

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott says he will start Sunday at home against the Detroit Lions. Prescott's return would end a five-game absence after he fractured his right thumb in a season-opening loss to Tampa Bay. Dallas went 4-1 with backup Cooper Rush, starting with a four-game winning streak. Prescott says he had a full workload as the first-team QB in practice. Dallas players are crediting Rush for keeping the club in contention. They also see Prescott as the "life source" of the team's offense.

Yankees turn to Gerrit Cole as HR-heavy offense falters

HOUSTON (AP) — The Yankees' season keeps coming down to Gerrit Cole. New York's $324 million man will take the mound at Yankee Stadium on Saturday with New York trailing the Houston Astros 2-0 in the AL Championship Series. He beat the Guardians in the Division Series opener and, with the Yankees trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series, won Game 4 at Cleveland. New York scored 18 of 24 runs this postseason on 11 long balls. The Yankees are hitting .138 in the two games against the Astros and have struck out 30 times to Houston's eight.

Padres turn to October ace Musgrove vs. Phillies in Game 3

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies are tied 1-1 in the National League Championship Series. The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday. The Phillies also will host Game 4 on Saturday and Game 5 on Sunday, if necessary. The Padres send hometown boy Joe Musgrove to the mound for Game 3. The Phillies counter with lefty Ranger Suárez. The Phillies and Padres have not yet announced starting pitchers for Game 4. There is no scheduled off day for the rest of the series so bullpens could play a vital role in deciding the outcome.

Giannis scores 21, Matthews' 3 sends Bucks past 76ers 90-88

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Wesley Matthews hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 23.8 seconds left to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 90-88 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Brook Lopez scored 17 points for Milwaukee in its season opener. James Harden scored 31 points for the Sixers. The Sixers fell to 0-2. Joel Embiid had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Embiid did not score in the second half. Tyrese Maxey added 15 points for the Sixers.

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 1:51 a.m. EDT<h2>49ers acquire RB Christian McCaffrey from Panthers</h2>SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have acquired star running back Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers for a haul of draft picks. The Panthers announced the deal that sends McCaffrey back to the Bay Area where he starred in college at Stanford in Thursday night. They said it will be finalized when McCaffrey passes a physical. A person familiar with the deal said on condition of anonymity that the Panthers will receive picks in the second, third and fourth rounds of the 2023 draft, as well as a fifth-rounder in 2024.<h2>Bregman HR as Valdez, Astros edge Yankees 3-2, lead ALCS 2-0</h2>HOUSTON (AP) — Alex Bregman hit an early three-run homer, Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and the Houston Astros edged the New York Yankees 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge just missed a two-run homer in the eighth when his drive was caught just in front of the short wall by right fielder Kyle Tucker. The ball would've landed in the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium, Statcast showed — with the roof open at Minute Maid Park, the wind might've knocked down Judge's bid. The Astros improved to 5-0 this postseason. A night after Justin Verlander fanned 11 to begin the best-of-seven series, Bregman's third-inning homer was all the offense Houston needed. The Astros improved to 5-0 this postseason.<h2>Cardinals use two pick-6s in first half to down Saints 42-34</h2>GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Marco Wilson and Isaiah Simmons scored touchdowns on two pick-6s late in the first half and used that stunning change in momentum to lift the Arizona Cardinals over the New Orleans Saints 42-34. The Cardinals snapped an eight-game home losing streak that was the franchise's longest since 1958. The game was tied at 14 when Saints quarterback Andy Dalton threw the game-changing interceptions on consecutive drives that were barely a minute apart just before halftime.<h2>Altuve engages with fan who rushed field for selfie in ALCS</h2>HOUSTON (AP) — Astros star Jose Altuve was more than happy to oblige when a fan ran onto the field and asked the Houston second baseman to take a selfie with him during Game 2 of the AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees. Security at Minute Maid Park wrestled the man away from Altuve before he could click off the shot with his cell phone as the ninth inning was set to begin Thursday night.<h2>NCAA on trial in concussion case of dead USC football player</h2>LOS ANGELES (AP) — The widow of a former University of Southern California football player suing the NCAA for failing to protect her husband from repetitive head trauma is taking her case to a Los Angeles jury. Opening statements are scheduled Friday in what could be a landmark case. Matt Gee was on the 1990 Rose Bowl winning squad. Alana Gee says he took enough serious blows to the head to develop a degenerative brain disease that led to his death at 49. The NCAA says it had nothing to do with Gee's death and his mental decline was from years of hard drinking. The case could be the first of its kind to go to a jury.<h2>MLB Playoffs: Astros seek 2-0 lead vs Yanks; NLCS tied, off</h2>Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros got the jump on the New York Yankees. Now they'll try to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series when All-Star lefty Framber Valdez pitches against Yankees right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday night in Houston. It's a day off in the NLCS, with the Padres and Phillies tied 1-all as their best-of-seven series shifts from San Diego to Philadelphia for three games beginning Friday night. Verlander recovered from a rocky start and struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Astros to a 4-2 victory in the ALCS opener. Yuli Gurriel launched a tiebreaking homer in the sixth. Chas McCormick and rookie Jeremy Peña also went deep for Houston.<h2>Cowboys QB Prescott says injury absence ending against Lions</h2>FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott says he will start Sunday at home against the Detroit Lions. Prescott's return would end a five-game absence after he fractured his right thumb in a season-opening loss to Tampa Bay. Dallas went 4-1 with backup Cooper Rush, starting with a four-game winning streak. Prescott says he had a full workload as the first-team QB in practice. Dallas players are crediting Rush for keeping the club in contention. They also see Prescott as the "life source" of the team's offense.<h2>Yankees turn to Gerrit Cole as HR-heavy offense falters</h2>HOUSTON (AP) — The Yankees' season keeps coming down to Gerrit Cole. New York's $324 million man will take the mound at Yankee Stadium on Saturday with New York trailing the Houston Astros 2-0 in the AL Championship Series. He beat the Guardians in the Division Series opener and, with the Yankees trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series, won Game 4 at Cleveland. New York scored 18 of 24 runs this postseason on 11 long balls. The Yankees are hitting .138 in the two games against the Astros and have struck out 30 times to Houston's eight.<h2>Padres turn to October ace Musgrove vs. Phillies in Game 3</h2>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies are tied 1-1 in the National League Championship Series. The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday. The Phillies also will host Game 4 on Saturday and Game 5 on Sunday, if necessary. The Padres send hometown boy Joe Musgrove to the mound for Game 3. The Phillies counter with lefty Ranger Suárez. The Phillies and Padres have not yet announced starting pitchers for Game 4. There is no scheduled off day for the rest of the series so bullpens could play a vital role in deciding the outcome.<h2>Giannis scores 21, Matthews' 3 sends Bucks past 76ers 90-88</h2>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Wesley Matthews hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 23.8 seconds left to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 90-88 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Brook Lopez scored 17 points for Milwaukee in its season opener. James Harden scored 31 points for the Sixers. The Sixers fell to 0-2. Joel Embiid had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Embiid did not score in the second half. Tyrese Maxey added 15 points for the Sixers.AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Houston 3 N.Y. Yankees 2NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal Arizona 42 New Orleans 34NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Milwaukee 90 Philadelphia 88Final L.A. Clippers 103 L.A. Lakers 97NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Pittsburgh 6 Los Angeles 1Final OT San Jose 3 N-Y Rangers 2Final Montreal 6 Arizona 2Final Ottawa 5 Washington 2Final Columbus 5 Nashville 3Final SO Boston 2 Anaheim 1Final OT Toronto 3 Dallas 2Final New Jersey 4 N-Y Islanders 1Final OT Minnesota 4 Vancouver 3Final Edmonton 6 Carolina 4Final Buffalo 6 Calgary 3Final Vegas 5 Winnipeg 2

Sports Headlines for Friday

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Football is set to return to the Lone Star State on Saturday, October 22, for a Big 12 Conference matchup against Baylor. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. CT and be the Jayhawks sixth consecutive nationally-televised contest, airing on ESPN2.

The Jayhawks are 5-2 on the year and 2-2 in Big 12 play following a high-scoring, 52-42, defeat at Oklahoma on October 15. Kansas has now dropped consecutive games for the first time this season after starting the year 5-0 and hosting ESPN’s College GameDay for the October 8th matchup against TCU. Baylor has also suffered consecutive defeats, falling to Oklahoma State and West Virginia in their last two games to drop to 3-3 on the year and 1-2 in Big 12 play.

Saturday’s matchup will be the 22nd all-time meeting between Kansas and Baylor on the gridiron, in a series dating back to the 1971 season. Baylor leads the all-time series 17-4, which includes a 10-0 mark in games played in Waco. The Jayhawks are searching for their first win over Baylor since a 58-10 victory over the Bears in Lawrence in 2007.

Kansas (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) at Baylor (3-3, 1-2), Saturday, noon ET (ESPN2)

Line: Baylor by 9 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Kansas and Baylor have both gone from being ranked in the AP Top 25 to losing their last two games. The Jayhawks were ranked for the first time since 2009 after starting 5-0 to match their win total of the past three seasons combined. They scored 73 points in their losses, 38-31 to undefeated TCU and 52-42 at Oklahoma, and are still fifth in the country with 7.27 yards per offensive snap. Baylor had a season-high 590 total yards (421 passing) in its 43-40 loss at West Virginia after losing to Oklahoma State on Oct. 1 to end their nine-game home winning streak. Kansas gave up 701 yards to the Sooners.

Running back Devin Neal, dual-threat quarterback Jason Bean and the Kansas rushing game against the Baylor defense. The Jayhawks, who are still piling up yards without injured quarterback Jalon Daniels, are third in the Big 12 averaging 208 yards rushing per game and have 18 touchdowns on the ground. The Bears are third in the league allowing only 116.8 yards rushing per game, but also gave up 163 yards to West Virginia's Tony Mathis in their last game.

Kansas:&nbsp;Senior safety Kenny Logan had 14 tackles, an interception and a tackle for loss against Oklahoma, becoming the first player in the country this season with such a line. His 53 tackles (32 solo, 21 assists) overall put him seventh in the Big 12 with 7.6 per game.

Baylor:&nbsp;WR/kick return Gavin Holmes. The sixth-year Bear had career highs with seven catches for 210 yards against West Virginia, and had his third touchdown catch in the past four games.

Baylor has won its last 12 meetings over Kansas, and is 10-0 at home during the series. That includes 2002, when the Bears won 35-32 to end a 29-game conference losing streak that spanned five different seasons. ... Bean is the first Kansas QB since at least 2000 to throw for at least 250 yards and four touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. ... Bears linebacker Dillon Doyle has had consecutive 10-tackle games. ... Kansas leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth nationally by converting 53.8% (43 of 80) of its third downs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666340447666.png" alt="KU Football vs Baylor.png" />
 <figcaption>KU Football vs Baylor.png</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Football is set to return to the Lone Star State on Saturday, October 22, for a Big 12 Conference matchup against Baylor. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. CT and be the Jayhawks sixth consecutive nationally-televised contest, airing on ESPN2.The Jayhawks are 5-2 on the year and 2-2 in Big 12 play following a high-scoring, 52-42, defeat at Oklahoma on October 15. Kansas has now dropped consecutive games for the first time this season after starting the year 5-0 and hosting ESPN’s College GameDay for the October 8th matchup against TCU. Baylor has also suffered consecutive defeats, falling to Oklahoma State and West Virginia in their last two games to drop to 3-3 on the year and 1-2 in Big 12 play.Saturday’s matchup will be the 22nd all-time meeting between Kansas and Baylor on the gridiron, in a series dating back to the 1971 season. Baylor leads the all-time series 17-4, which includes a 10-0 mark in games played in Waco. The Jayhawks are searching for their first win over Baylor since a 58-10 victory over the Bears in Lawrence in 2007.Kansas (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) at Baylor (3-3, 1-2), Saturday, noon ET (ESPN2)Line: Baylor by 9 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.Series record: Baylor leads 17-4.WHAT'S AT STAKE?Kansas and Baylor have both gone from being ranked in the AP Top 25 to losing their last two games. The Jayhawks were ranked for the first time since 2009 after starting 5-0 to match their win total of the past three seasons combined. They scored 73 points in their losses, 38-31 to undefeated TCU and 52-42 at Oklahoma, and are still fifth in the country with 7.27 yards per offensive snap. Baylor had a season-high 590 total yards (421 passing) in its 43-40 loss at West Virginia after losing to Oklahoma State on Oct. 1 to end their nine-game home winning streak. Kansas gave up 701 yards to the Sooners.KEY MATCHUPRunning back Devin Neal, dual-threat quarterback Jason Bean and the Kansas rushing game against the Baylor defense. The Jayhawks, who are still piling up yards without injured quarterback Jalon Daniels, are third in the Big 12 averaging 208 yards rushing per game and have 18 touchdowns on the ground. The Bears are third in the league allowing only 116.8 yards rushing per game, but also gave up 163 yards to West Virginia's Tony Mathis in their last game.PLAYERS TO WATCHKansas:&nbsp;Senior safety Kenny Logan had 14 tackles, an interception and a tackle for loss against Oklahoma, becoming the first player in the country this season with such a line. His 53 tackles (32 solo, 21 assists) overall put him seventh in the Big 12 with 7.6 per game.Baylor:&nbsp;WR/kick return Gavin Holmes. The sixth-year Bear had career highs with seven catches for 210 yards against West Virginia, and had his third touchdown catch in the past four games.FACTS &amp; FIGURESBaylor has won its last 12 meetings over Kansas, and is 10-0 at home during the series. That includes 2002, when the Bears won 35-32 to end a 29-game conference losing streak that spanned five different seasons. ... Bean is the first Kansas QB since at least 2000 to throw for at least 250 yards and four touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. ... Bears linebacker Dillon Doyle has had consecutive 10-tackle games. ... Kansas leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth nationally by converting 53.8% (43 of 80) of its third downs.

🏈 KU returns to Texas to play Baylor

Kansas Volleyball Association Rankings 10/20/22

9. Hutchinson-Central Christian 23-10 (8)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574015954003.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Volleyball Association Rankings 10/20/22Class 6A1. Washburn Rural 38-1 (1)2. Olathe Northwest 25-7 (2)3. Blue Valley Northwest 23-10 (4)4. Blue Valley 26-9 (8)5. Blue Valley North 19-10 (7)6. Shawnee Mission Northwest 24-9 (6)7. Mill Valley 28-8 (5)8. Olathe West 24-6 (3)9. Wichita Northwest 31-4 (10)10. Blue Valley West 21-13 (9)Class 5A1. St. Thomas Aquinas 32-3 (1)2. St. James Academy 31-3 (2)3. Topeka-Seaman 28-8 (3)4. Lansing 24-8 (4)5. Bishop Carroll 26-9 (7)6. Andover Central 30-7 (8)7. Maize South 29-5 (6)8. Hutchinson 28-7 (5)9. Spring Hill 22-12 (NR)10. Goddard-Eisenhower 27-10 (10)Class 4A1. Andale 35-0 (1)2. Baldwin 29-3 (2)3. Circle 30-4 (3)4. Bishop Miege 14-21 (4)5. Clay Center 23-10 (7)6. Rock Creek 23-10 (6)7. Paola 23-11 (5)8. Tonganoxie 20-14 (9)9. Eudora 20-13 (8)10. Abilene 20-16 (NR)Class 3A1. Nemaha Central 37-1 (1)2. Heritage Christian 27-7 (3)3. Cheney 30-4 (2)4. Beloit 29-5 (4)5. Riverton 32-2 (5)6. Rossville 30-5 (7)7. Goodland 33-3 (6)8. Smoky Valley 27-8 (8)9. Silver Lake 24-9 (9)10. Phillipsburg 28-7 (10)Class 2A1. Hillsboro 34-1 (1)2. Sedgwick 34-0 (2)3. Smith Center 33-4 (3)4. Ellinwood 32-3 (4)5. Inman 29-5 (5)6. Garden Plain 25-9 (6)7. Berean Academy 27-6 (7)8. Ell-Saline 27-8 (9)9. Jefferson County North 25-8 (NR)10. Hoxie 26-9 (10)Class 1A – Division 11. Little River 32-4 (2)2. Spearville 25-4 (3)3. Pretty Prairie 32-4 (1)4. South Gray 29-5 (5)5. Doniphan West 31-5 (4)6. Flinthills 34-2 (6)7. Sylvan-Lucas 34-2 (7)8. Centralia 29-9 (8)9. Kiowa County 23-9 (10)10. St. Francis 26-9 (9)Class 1A – Division 21. Attica 33-3 (1)2. Hanover 30-5 (3)3. Lebo 35-1 (2)4. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton 28-7 (4)5. St. Paul 30-6 (5)6. Southern Coffey County 28-7 (7)7. Greeley County 25-10 (6)8. Coldwater-South Central 21-11 (10)9. Hutchinson-Central Christian 23-10 (8)10. Golden Plains 25-11 (9)

🏐 Final KVA Volleyball Rankings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks football team (5-2) will host Andover (3-4) on Friday night at Gowans&nbsp; Stadium at 7pm. It is Senior night for Hutch High in the last regular season football game.

Catch the KPREPS Football Show at 6pm followed by the Salthawk Football Pregame sponsored by the Medicine Shoppe at 6:30pm with the opening kick-off at 7pm on KWBW Radio 1450am/98.5fm.&nbsp; The <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">NFHS Video Stream</a> is free but you must register to watch. &nbsp;Pregame will begin at 6pm. Here is a "How to Video" to assist you in setting up you NFHS Network account. &nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/yzsjAoVP5Ts">CLICK HERE</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a> to download the Hutch Post mobile app.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea"> CLICK HERE</a> to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666337740414.png" alt="Game Day Hutch vs Andover 10-21-22. Photo Courtesy of Melissa Newton Loepp" />
 <figcaption>Game Day Hutch vs Andover 10-21-22. Photo Courtesy of Melissa Newton Loepp</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks football team (5-2) will host Andover (3-4) on Friday night at Gowans&nbsp; Stadium at 7pm. It is Senior night for Hutch High in the last regular season football game.Catch the KPREPS Football Show at 6pm followed by the Salthawk Football Pregame sponsored by the Medicine Shoppe at 6:30pm with the opening kick-off at 7pm on KWBW Radio 1450am/98.5fm.&nbsp; The <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">NFHS Video Stream</a> is free but you must register to watch. &nbsp;Pregame will begin at 6pm. Here is a "How to Video" to assist you in setting up you NFHS Network account. &nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/yzsjAoVP5Ts">CLICK HERE</a><div><iframe src="https://player.nfhsnetwork.com/#/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam041d3f282a" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>

</div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a> to download the Hutch Post mobile app.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea"> CLICK HERE</a> to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🏈 🎥 Hutch High Salthawks vs Andover Trojans on Senior night

Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Royals">Kansas City Royals Facebook page</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—&nbsp;Kansas City Royals center fielder&nbsp;Michael A. Taylor&nbsp;has been named a finalist for a 2022 American League&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award, Rawlings Sporting Goods, Inc. announced today.

Additionally, left fielder&nbsp;Andrew Benintendi&nbsp;has been named a finalist for an American League&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award, after playing in 93 games with the Royals before being traded to the Yankees on July 27.

The 2022 season marks the third in which Taylor has been named a finalist for a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove, following 2017 with the Washington Nationals and 2021, when he won his first Gold Glove Award as a member of the Royals. He appeared in 124 games in his second year with Kansas City and recorded a .990 fielding percentage as a center fielder, while his 19 defensive runs saved matched Arizona’s&nbsp;Daulton Varsho&nbsp;for the most among all outfielders this season, 2 more than Cleveland’s&nbsp;Myles Straw, who finished 2nd in the American League. Taylor collected 8 outfield assists, which ranked tied for 3rd among all Major League center fielders, largely due to his 92.0 mph average throw speed, courtesy of&nbsp;Baseball Savant, which ranked 3rd among all AL center fielders (min. 300 throws). Taylor was one of four American League center fielders to eclipse 1,000.0 innings played in 2022, while he, Straw and Baltimore’s&nbsp;Cedric Mullins&nbsp;are the only three AL center fielders to reach 1,000.0 innings in each of the last two campaigns.

Since 2011, Kansas City’s 20&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove winners are the most in the Major Leagues, and the Royals have had at least one winner in each of the last 11 seasons (2011-21), which is the longest active streak in baseball. Taylor, 31, was one of two Royals to win a Gold Glove in 2021 (also: left fielder&nbsp;Andrew Benintendi) and is looking to become to become just the sixth Royal in history to earn multiple Gold Glove Awards in their career, and would join&nbsp;Alex Gordon&nbsp;(8),&nbsp;Frank White&nbsp;(8),&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Eric Hosmer&nbsp;(4) and&nbsp;Amos Otis&nbsp;(3). He is also attempting to become the third Royals outfielder to win at least two consecutive Gold Glove Awards, joining&nbsp;Otis (1973-74) and Gordon (2011-14 &amp; 2017-20).

Winners will be revealed on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. CT during a special addition of “Baseball Tonight,” which will air on ESPN prior to Game 4 of the World Series.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Awards honor the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League and National League, as voted by Major League managers and coaches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666294304804.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Royals">Kansas City Royals Facebook page</a>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—&nbsp;Kansas City Royals center fielder&nbsp;Michael A. Taylor&nbsp;has been named a finalist for a 2022 American League&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award, Rawlings Sporting Goods, Inc. announced today.Additionally, left fielder&nbsp;Andrew Benintendi&nbsp;has been named a finalist for an American League&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award, after playing in 93 games with the Royals before being traded to the Yankees on July 27.The 2022 season marks the third in which Taylor has been named a finalist for a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove, following 2017 with the Washington Nationals and 2021, when he won his first Gold Glove Award as a member of the Royals. He appeared in 124 games in his second year with Kansas City and recorded a .990 fielding percentage as a center fielder, while his 19 defensive runs saved matched Arizona’s&nbsp;Daulton Varsho&nbsp;for the most among all outfielders this season, 2 more than Cleveland’s&nbsp;Myles Straw, who finished 2nd in the American League. Taylor collected 8 outfield assists, which ranked tied for 3rd among all Major League center fielders, largely due to his 92.0 mph average throw speed, courtesy of&nbsp;Baseball Savant, which ranked 3rd among all AL center fielders (min. 300 throws). Taylor was one of four American League center fielders to eclipse 1,000.0 innings played in 2022, while he, Straw and Baltimore’s&nbsp;Cedric Mullins&nbsp;are the only three AL center fielders to reach 1,000.0 innings in each of the last two campaigns.Since 2011, Kansas City’s 20&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove winners are the most in the Major Leagues, and the Royals have had at least one winner in each of the last 11 seasons (2011-21), which is the longest active streak in baseball. Taylor, 31, was one of two Royals to win a Gold Glove in 2021 (also: left fielder&nbsp;Andrew Benintendi) and is looking to become to become just the sixth Royal in history to earn multiple Gold Glove Awards in their career, and would join&nbsp;Alex Gordon&nbsp;(8),&nbsp;Frank White&nbsp;(8),&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Eric Hosmer&nbsp;(4) and&nbsp;Amos Otis&nbsp;(3). He is also attempting to become the third Royals outfielder to win at least two consecutive Gold Glove Awards, joining&nbsp;Otis (1973-74) and Gordon (2011-14 &amp; 2017-20).Winners will be revealed on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. CT during a special addition of “Baseball Tonight,” which will air on ESPN prior to Game 4 of the World Series.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Awards honor the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League and National League, as voted by Major League managers and coaches.

⚾️ Royals Taylor named Gold Glove finalist

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651156028140.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Eagle MEDIA Sports 2022</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for October 20th, 2022" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=afgak-12f2327-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Eagle Media Sports for Thursday

5A: Hutchinson hosts Maize Saturday at 2 p.m. 4A: Buhler vs. El Dorado at Towanda-Circle Saturday at 1 p.m. 3A: Nickerson vs. SE of Saline Saturday at 3 p.m. Haven vs. Cheney at Kingman

2A Inman vs. Hutchinson Trinity Saturday at 3 p.m. 1A-I Pretty Prairie has 1st round bye at Fairfield 1A-II Hutchinson Central Christian has 1st round bye at Tescott

5A: Hutchinson hosts Maize Saturday at 2 p.m. 4A: Buhler vs. El Dorado at Towanda-Circle Saturday at 1 p.m. 3A: Nickerson vs. SE of Saline Saturday at 3 p.m. Haven vs. Cheney at Kingman2A Inman vs. Hutchinson Trinity Saturday at 3 p.m. 1A-I Pretty Prairie has 1st round bye at Fairfield 1A-II Hutchinson Central Christian has 1st round bye at Tescott<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Sub-state volleyball area pairings

WICHITA, Kan.—Wichita State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1064">Isaac Brown</a>&nbsp;talked about the challenges of building culture on a brand-new roster, emerging leadership and some of the keys to a successful 2022-23 season at Tuesday's media day press conference. Read on for the transcript: HEAD COACH ISAAC BROWN ON… … Opening statement: "I'm excited for the start of the season. We're only 10 days away from our (closed door scrimmage), and the guys are getting better and better. It's a new basketball team, 12 new faces, but they're picking up everything. From a defensive standpoint, we talk about our culture and defense. Rebound and play with toughness on defense. That's the thing, we've got to do a better job of this year. We can't give up second-chance shots. Offensively, we want to play faster. We want to get the ball up the floor, take good shots and not turn it over. We have a point guard in&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7213">Craig Porter Jr.</a>&nbsp;who is the leader of our team and he can get everybody in the right spots. We've got some veteran guys inside with Kenny Poto,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7210">James Rojas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7220">Quincy Ballard</a>. I feel like we've got the shooting that we really needed in&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7211">Colby Rogers</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7219">Xavier Bell</a>, Jarron Pierre and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7212">Jalen Ricks</a>. We've got size. That's the number one thing we wanted to get out of the recruiting process. We wanted to become more athletic, so we went out and got bigger, faster, more athletic guys and I'm excited for the season." … Remaking the roster through transfers instead of true freshmen: "The teams that win in college basketball are the teams that have the most experience. We've had success here because we're always older than other teams. The only difference this year is we have 12 new faces. These guys have never played in our program." … What he's learned about this team in the last few weeks of full practice: "We're getting better defensively. You talk to the guys again about our identity, our culture. The teams that win in this league… are at the top of all the defensive stats. So that's what we talked about. We've made it our identity, our culture. We've got to defend, we've got to rebound, we've got to play with toughness. On top of all that, we've just got to be a smarter basketball team. We can't turn it over. We've got to take good shots." … How the American Athletic Conference looks: "The conference is getting better and better. Houston has been in the top-10 the last couple of years. Memphis is always going to have one of the top recruiting classes. Cincinnati's got a lot of guys coming back. Tulane has one of the best guards in our conference, and they made a tremendous run. Temple, who we didn't play last year, watching those guys on tape, they've got a lot of size. I think all those teams have a chance to get into the postseason. Everybody else has a new team. I think everybody did a good job in the transfer portal, going out to get good players." … Being picked eighth in the conference's preseason poll: "These guys are playing with a chip on their shoulder, kind of like they did two years ago when we were picked seventh. But you can't worry about preseason rankings. You've got to go out and play the basketball game. We feel like we have enough in our locker room in order to win games this year. We've just got to continue to do the little things and get better on the court every day in practice. These guys have been given 110% everyday practice. … Emerging leadership on the team (beyond Porter): "It's been multiple guys every day stepping up, I would say our two graduate transfers,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7210">James Rojas</a>, who played in back-to-back NCAA tournaments at Alabama. James came in after having an ACL surgery last year, and now he's 100 percent. I think he gives us scoring in the front court. He gives us a leader in the locker room, and he's good defensively.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7216">Gus Okafor</a>, who transferred from Southeastern Louisiana was first team all-league in the Southland Conference. He's another experienced guy. Those two have been our vocal leaders. They're the older guys on the team, and that's what we expect from the veteran guys on our team. … Keys to successful year: "I just want these guys to get better and better every day in practice. Just take it one game at a time, to learn from their mistakes and to always play hard. We've got to defend at a high level again.&nbsp; I just keep telling the players that we've got to defend, we've got to rebound, and we've got to play with toughness. On offense, we've got to be a smarter basketball team. We've got to take good shots. We've got to play fast and we've got to do the little things and not turn the ball over." … Outside shooting: "We're a better shooting team than we were last year. I think we've got multiple guys that can shoot the basketball. As a coaching staff, we worked on a lot of different drills this summer: transition shooting, making contested jump shots, and shooting after being fatigued. We do a lot of drills where the players have to make a certain score in practice. If they don't get that score, they have to continue to do it until they make it." … Establishing rotations early in the year with so many newcomers: "That's the biggest thing as a head coach is giving out the playing time. Right now all of the guys are excited. All the guys feel like they're going to play 30 minutes a game. But at some point, I've got to be able to pick out 10 or 11 guys that are going to be playing in games. I told them that in order to get on the floor, all you have to do is defend, rebound and play with toughness. You're not going to get on the floor because of your offense. On offense, just don't turn it over and be a good teammate. &nbsp;But you've got to defend to get on the floor. I'm locking in their heads right now that the 8 to 10 guys that are going to be on the floor are the guys who are going to defend."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666264647928.jpeg" alt="WSU Media Day.jpg" />
 <figcaption>WSU Media Day.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—Wichita State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1064">Isaac Brown</a>&nbsp;talked about the challenges of building culture on a brand-new roster, emerging leadership and some of the keys to a successful 2022-23 season at Tuesday's media day press conference. Read on for the transcript: HEAD COACH ISAAC BROWN ON… … Opening statement: "I'm excited for the start of the season. We're only 10 days away from our (closed door scrimmage), and the guys are getting better and better. It's a new basketball team, 12 new faces, but they're picking up everything. From a defensive standpoint, we talk about our culture and defense. Rebound and play with toughness on defense. That's the thing, we've got to do a better job of this year. We can't give up second-chance shots. Offensively, we want to play faster. We want to get the ball up the floor, take good shots and not turn it over. We have a point guard in&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7213">Craig Porter Jr.</a>&nbsp;who is the leader of our team and he can get everybody in the right spots. We've got some veteran guys inside with Kenny Poto,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7210">James Rojas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7220">Quincy Ballard</a>. I feel like we've got the shooting that we really needed in&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7211">Colby Rogers</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7219">Xavier Bell</a>, Jarron Pierre and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7212">Jalen Ricks</a>. We've got size. That's the number one thing we wanted to get out of the recruiting process. We wanted to become more athletic, so we went out and got bigger, faster, more athletic guys and I'm excited for the season." … Remaking the roster through transfers instead of true freshmen: "The teams that win in college basketball are the teams that have the most experience. We've had success here because we're always older than other teams. The only difference this year is we have 12 new faces. These guys have never played in our program." … What he's learned about this team in the last few weeks of full practice: "We're getting better defensively. You talk to the guys again about our identity, our culture. The teams that win in this league… are at the top of all the defensive stats. So that's what we talked about. We've made it our identity, our culture. We've got to defend, we've got to rebound, we've got to play with toughness. On top of all that, we've just got to be a smarter basketball team. We can't turn it over. We've got to take good shots." … How the American Athletic Conference looks: "The conference is getting better and better. Houston has been in the top-10 the last couple of years. Memphis is always going to have one of the top recruiting classes. Cincinnati's got a lot of guys coming back. Tulane has one of the best guards in our conference, and they made a tremendous run. Temple, who we didn't play last year, watching those guys on tape, they've got a lot of size. I think all those teams have a chance to get into the postseason. Everybody else has a new team. I think everybody did a good job in the transfer portal, going out to get good players." … Being picked eighth in the conference's preseason poll: "These guys are playing with a chip on their shoulder, kind of like they did two years ago when we were picked seventh. But you can't worry about preseason rankings. You've got to go out and play the basketball game. We feel like we have enough in our locker room in order to win games this year. We've just got to continue to do the little things and get better on the court every day in practice. These guys have been given 110% everyday practice. … Emerging leadership on the team (beyond Porter): "It's been multiple guys every day stepping up, I would say our two graduate transfers,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7210">James Rojas</a>, who played in back-to-back NCAA tournaments at Alabama. James came in after having an ACL surgery last year, and now he's 100 percent. I think he gives us scoring in the front court. He gives us a leader in the locker room, and he's good defensively.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7216">Gus Okafor</a>, who transferred from Southeastern Louisiana was first team all-league in the Southland Conference. He's another experienced guy. Those two have been our vocal leaders. They're the older guys on the team, and that's what we expect from the veteran guys on our team. … Keys to successful year: "I just want these guys to get better and better every day in practice. Just take it one game at a time, to learn from their mistakes and to always play hard. We've got to defend at a high level again.&nbsp; I just keep telling the players that we've got to defend, we've got to rebound, and we've got to play with toughness. On offense, we've got to be a smarter basketball team. We've got to take good shots. We've got to play fast and we've got to do the little things and not turn the ball over." … Outside shooting: "We're a better shooting team than we were last year. I think we've got multiple guys that can shoot the basketball. As a coaching staff, we worked on a lot of different drills this summer: transition shooting, making contested jump shots, and shooting after being fatigued. We do a lot of drills where the players have to make a certain score in practice. If they don't get that score, they have to continue to do it until they make it." … Establishing rotations early in the year with so many newcomers: "That's the biggest thing as a head coach is giving out the playing time. Right now all of the guys are excited. All the guys feel like they're going to play 30 minutes a game. But at some point, I've got to be able to pick out 10 or 11 guys that are going to be playing in games. I told them that in order to get on the floor, all you have to do is defend, rebound and play with toughness. You're not going to get on the floor because of your offense. On offense, just don't turn it over and be a good teammate. &nbsp;But you've got to defend to get on the floor. I'm locking in their heads right now that the 8 to 10 guys that are going to be on the floor are the guys who are going to defend."&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WSU: Quotes from media day

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The banged-up San Francisco 49ers got some key pieces back on the practice field before their Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, star edge rusher Nick Bosa and safety Jimmie Ward all returned to practice and could play Sunday against the Chiefs. Williams missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain, and Bosa sat out last week with an injured groin. Ward has played only one defensive snap all season after being sidelined by a hamstring injury and then breaking his hand in his return two weeks ago.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Perhaps no other team in the NFL sees a greater variety of defenses, and vast departures from an opponent’s norm, than the Kansas City Chiefs. And while part of it has to do with Patrick Mahomes running the plays, and part of it Andy Reid calling them from the sideline, the biggest factor may be the fact that they’ve been working so seamlessly for so long. So defenses have learned they have no choice but to do things out of their own comfort zone, in effect throwing Reid and the Chiefs a curveball in their game prep. And that leads to interesting in-game chess matches.

HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out 11 in six strong innings and Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña all homered to power the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in their AL Championship Series opener. The Astros are in their sixth consecutive ALCS, looking to reach the World Series for the fourth time in that span, against a New York team in the LCS for the first time since being eliminated by Houston in 2019. The game was tied 1-all in the sixth when Gurriel connected off reliever Clarke Schmidt for a solo shot that put Houston on top. Two batters later, McCormick sent a sinker from Schmidt into right field to make it 3-1.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a five-run rally in the fifth inning and the San Diego Padres stunned Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies 8-5 to tie their all-wild card NL Championship Series at one game apiece. The outburst started with Padres catcher Austin Nola hitting an RBI single off his younger brother that brought the sellout, towel-twirling crowd of 44,607 at Petco Park to life. Three innings earlier, the Phillies took a 4-0 lead with a rally that included bloop hits, a sun-aided double on a gorgeous, 92-degree afternoon and some shoddy Padres defense.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball views expanded playoffs as the more the merrier. Not for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals. The National League’s four winningest teams failed to reach the League Championship Series, six months of accomplishment undone in just a few days. Philadelphia is vying to become the first third-place team to reach the World Series. Years of expansion have turned the Fall Classic into a monthlong tournament and the season into a prologue. Some players have complained about the expanded postseason format, saying it doesn't benefit the top teams.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Just about every game in the Big 12 this men’s basketball season will feel like a reunion. Mark Adams is entering his second season at Texas Tech after Chris Beard left for Texas. And now longtime Baylor assistant Jerome Tang is leading Kansas State. When it comes to players, more than a handful left one Big 12 school for another this past offseason. That movement came after the league lifted restrictions on transferring within the Big 12. Among those that moved were Kevin McCullar from Texas Tech to Kansas and Oklahoma State guard Rondel Walker to TCU.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iowa State returns basically its entire lineup that won 28 games, finished a game behind Baylor in the league race and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament. That includes Ashley Joens, the school’s career scoring leader. She would have been one of the top picks in the WNBA draft but chose to use her COVID-19 waiver for a fifth college season. The expectations in Ames are soaring, and longtime Cyclones coach Bill Fennelly seems similarities to two decades ago, when he led them to a share of the conference regular-season championship.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The banged-up San Francisco 49ers got some key pieces back on the practice field before their Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, star edge rusher Nick Bosa and safety Jimmie Ward all returned to practice and could play Sunday against the Chiefs. Williams missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain, and Bosa sat out last week with an injured groin. Ward has played only one defensive snap all season after being sidelined by a hamstring injury and then breaking his hand in his return two weeks ago.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Perhaps no other team in the NFL sees a greater variety of defenses, and vast departures from an opponent’s norm, than the Kansas City Chiefs. And while part of it has to do with Patrick Mahomes running the plays, and part of it Andy Reid calling them from the sideline, the biggest factor may be the fact that they’ve been working so seamlessly for so long. So defenses have learned they have no choice but to do things out of their own comfort zone, in effect throwing Reid and the Chiefs a curveball in their game prep. And that leads to interesting in-game chess matches.HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out 11 in six strong innings and Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña all homered to power the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in their AL Championship Series opener. The Astros are in their sixth consecutive ALCS, looking to reach the World Series for the fourth time in that span, against a New York team in the LCS for the first time since being eliminated by Houston in 2019. The game was tied 1-all in the sixth when Gurriel connected off reliever Clarke Schmidt for a solo shot that put Houston on top. Two batters later, McCormick sent a sinker from Schmidt into right field to make it 3-1.SAN DIEGO (AP) — Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a five-run rally in the fifth inning and the San Diego Padres stunned Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies 8-5 to tie their all-wild card NL Championship Series at one game apiece. The outburst started with Padres catcher Austin Nola hitting an RBI single off his younger brother that brought the sellout, towel-twirling crowd of 44,607 at Petco Park to life. Three innings earlier, the Phillies took a 4-0 lead with a rally that included bloop hits, a sun-aided double on a gorgeous, 92-degree afternoon and some shoddy Padres defense.NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball views expanded playoffs as the more the merrier. Not for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals. The National League’s four winningest teams failed to reach the League Championship Series, six months of accomplishment undone in just a few days. Philadelphia is vying to become the first third-place team to reach the World Series. Years of expansion have turned the Fall Classic into a monthlong tournament and the season into a prologue. Some players have complained about the expanded postseason format, saying it doesn't benefit the top teams.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Just about every game in the Big 12 this men’s basketball season will feel like a reunion. Mark Adams is entering his second season at Texas Tech after Chris Beard left for Texas. And now longtime Baylor assistant Jerome Tang is leading Kansas State. When it comes to players, more than a handful left one Big 12 school for another this past offseason. That movement came after the league lifted restrictions on transferring within the Big 12. Among those that moved were Kevin McCullar from Texas Tech to Kansas and Oklahoma State guard Rondel Walker to TCU.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iowa State returns basically its entire lineup that won 28 games, finished a game behind Baylor in the league race and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament. That includes Ashley Joens, the school’s career scoring leader. She would have been one of the top picks in the WNBA draft but chose to use her COVID-19 waiver for a fifth college season. The expectations in Ames are soaring, and longtime Cyclones coach Bill Fennelly seems similarities to two decades ago, when he led them to a share of the conference regular-season championship.WEDNESDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Houston 4 N.Y. Yankees 2NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal San Diego 8 Philadelphia 5NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Detroit 113 Orlando 109Final Washington 114 Indiana 107Final Atlanta 117 Houston 107Final New Orleans 130 Brooklyn 108Final Toronto 108 Cleveland 105Final Chicago 116 Miami 108Final OT Memphis 115 New York 112Final Charlotte 129 San Antonio 102Final Minnesota 115 Oklahoma City 108Final Utah 123 Denver 102Final Portland 115 Sacramento 108Final Phoenix 107 Dallas 105NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Florida 4 Philadelphia 3Final OT Winnipeg 4 Colorado 3Final OT St. Louis 4 Seattle 3

Sports Headlines for Thursday

Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros got the jump on the New York Yankees again.

Now they'll try to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series when All-Star lefty Framber Valdez pitches against Yankees right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday night in Houston.

It's a day off in the NLCS, with the Padres and Phillies tied 1-all as their best-of-seven series shifts from San Diego to Philadelphia for three games beginning Friday night.

Verlander recovered from a rocky start and struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Astros past the Yankees 4-2 on Wednesday night.

Yuli Gurriel launched a tiebreaking homer in the sixth. Chas McCormick and rookie Jeremy Peña also went deep as the AL West champions improved to 4-0 in the playoffs after going 106-56 during the regular season.

It was a familiar result in the power struggle between the teams over the past few years.

Houston knocked New York out of the playoffs in 2015, 2017 and 2019 before going 5-2 against the Yankees during the 2022 regular season.

This is the sixth straight ALCS appearance for the Astros, their third meeting with the Yankees during that span.

Houston is trying to reach the World Series for the second consecutive season and fourth time in six years. New York hasn't made it since beating the Phillies in 2009 for the most recent of its 27 championships.

Verlander set a major league record with his eighth double-digit strikeout game in the postseason. He passed Clayton Kershaw (213) to become the career leader in postseason strikeouts with 219.

New York whiffed 17 times in all to only two for the Astros — the largest difference ever in a postseason game.

"They're obviously really dynamic," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Outstanding starting pitching, but can shorten the game with the best of 'em. So we've got to find a way to break through against them."

Valdez went 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA during the regular season. He led the American League with 201 1/3 innings pitched and three complete games. In Game 2 of the Division Series against Seattle, he allowed four hits and two runs over 5 2/3 innings.

Severino was 7-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts this season. He yielded eight hits and three runs over 5 2/3 innings in Game 3 of the ALDS versus Cleveland.

Here's what else to know about the MLB playoffs Thursday:

ALCS Game 2: New York Yankees at Houston, 7:37 p.m., TBS

In danger of heading to Philadelphia down 0-2 in the NLCS, the Padres produced another huge rally in front of their rowdy fans to put some punch into the all-wild card matchup.

Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning and San Diego stunned Aaron Nola and the Phillies 8-5 on Wednesday to tie the NLCS at one game apiece.

The fifth-inning surge started with Padres catcher Austin Nola hitting an RBI single off his younger brother that brought the sellout, towel-twirling crowd of 44,607 to life after San Diego trailed 4-0 early.

Drury and Josh Bell hit back-to-back homers. Manny Machado went deep late.

The rally was similar to the one the Padres pulled off Saturday night, when they scored five runs in the seventh inning of a 5-3 victory that eliminated the 111-win Los Angeles Dodgers.

Joe Musgrove is scheduled to start Game 3 for his hometown Padres against Ranger Suarez.

Astros star Jose Altuve, a three-time batting champion, went 0 for 3 with a walk in Game 1 against the Yankees and is 0 for 19 this postseason.

The 2017 AL MVP hit .300 with 28 homers during the regular season.

"Jose, he's due to break out and have some remarkable games," Houston manager Dusty Baker said. "This guy has been good for so long, and sometimes the rest of your lineup's got to carry a guy like that until he gets going."

José Ramírez didn't let a torn thumb ligament stop him from leading the Guardians during a surprising season.

Cleveland's All-Star third baseman played the second half — as well as the team's playoff run that ended Tuesday in the AL Division Series — with a torn right thumb ligament that will require surgery.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners will head into the offseason with four key players needing downtime or surgery to heal injuries, including AL Rookie of the Year favorite Julio Rodríguez. The star center fielder broke his left pinkie during the Game 3 loss to Houston that ended their AL Division Series.

The Guardians said Ramírez injured the ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb during a June game in Los Angeles. The 30-year-old could have opted for surgery, which would have sidelined him for two months, but decided to keep playing.

He'll have an operation in the next few weeks. Renowned hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham will perform the surgery in Dayton, Ohio.

The Guardians said the rehab will not significantly impact Ramírez's offseason training or availability for next season.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said an exit exam this week revealed the injury to the 21-year-old Rodríguez, but he's not expected to need surgery. He got hurt sliding headfirst into second base on a double in the eighth inning of what became an 18-inning marathon defeat.

Also needing downtime to recover from injuries are Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh (left thumb) and standout reliever Andrés Muñoz (foot), while outfielder Jesse Winker has already undergone one of two operations needed to repair injuries to his left knee and neck that he dealt with during the season.

By The Associated PressJustin Verlander and the Houston Astros got the jump on the New York Yankees. Now they'll try to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series when All-Star lefty Framber Valdez pitches against Yankees right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday night in Houston. It's a day off in the NLCS, with the Padres and Phillies tied 1-all as their best-of-seven series shifts from San Diego to Philadelphia for three games beginning Friday night. Verlander recovered from a rocky start and struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Astros to a 4-2 victory in the ALCS opener. Yuli Gurriel launched a tiebreaking homer in the sixth. Chas McCormick and rookie Jeremy Peña also went deep for Houston.Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros got the jump on the New York Yankees again.Now they'll try to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series when All-Star lefty Framber Valdez pitches against Yankees right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday night in Houston.It's a day off in the NLCS, with the Padres and Phillies tied 1-all as their best-of-seven series shifts from San Diego to Philadelphia for three games beginning Friday night.Verlander recovered from a rocky start and struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Astros past the Yankees 4-2 on Wednesday night.Yuli Gurriel launched a tiebreaking homer in the sixth. Chas McCormick and rookie Jeremy Peña also went deep as the AL West champions improved to 4-0 in the playoffs after going 106-56 during the regular season.It was a familiar result in the power struggle between the teams over the past few years.Houston knocked New York out of the playoffs in 2015, 2017 and 2019 before going 5-2 against the Yankees during the 2022 regular season.This is the sixth straight ALCS appearance for the Astros, their third meeting with the Yankees during that span.Houston is trying to reach the World Series for the second consecutive season and fourth time in six years. New York hasn't made it since beating the Phillies in 2009 for the most recent of its 27 championships.Verlander set a major league record with his eighth double-digit strikeout game in the postseason. He passed Clayton Kershaw (213) to become the career leader in postseason strikeouts with 219.New York whiffed 17 times in all to only two for the Astros — the largest difference ever in a postseason game."They're obviously really dynamic," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Outstanding starting pitching, but can shorten the game with the best of 'em. So we've got to find a way to break through against them."Valdez went 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA during the regular season. He led the American League with 201 1/3 innings pitched and three complete games. In Game 2 of the Division Series against Seattle, he allowed four hits and two runs over 5 2/3 innings.Severino was 7-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts this season. He yielded eight hits and three runs over 5 2/3 innings in Game 3 of the ALDS versus Cleveland.Here's what else to know about the MLB playoffs Thursday:THURSDAY'S SCHEDULE (All times ET)ALCS Game 2: New York Yankees at Houston, 7:37 p.m., TBSOH, BROTHER!In danger of heading to Philadelphia down 0-2 in the NLCS, the Padres produced another huge rally in front of their rowdy fans to put some punch into the all-wild card matchup.Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning and San Diego stunned Aaron Nola and the Phillies 8-5 on Wednesday to tie the NLCS at one game apiece.The fifth-inning surge started with Padres catcher Austin Nola hitting an RBI single off his younger brother that brought the sellout, towel-twirling crowd of 44,607 to life after San Diego trailed 4-0 early.Drury and Josh Bell hit back-to-back homers. Manny Machado went deep late.The rally was similar to the one the Padres pulled off Saturday night, when they scored five runs in the seventh inning of a 5-3 victory that eliminated the 111-win Los Angeles Dodgers.Joe Musgrove is scheduled to start Game 3 for his hometown Padres against Ranger Suarez.STILL SLUMPINGAstros star Jose Altuve, a three-time batting champion, went 0 for 3 with a walk in Game 1 against the Yankees and is 0 for 19 this postseason.The 2017 AL MVP hit .300 with 28 homers during the regular season."Jose, he's due to break out and have some remarkable games," Houston manager Dusty Baker said. "This guy has been good for so long, and sometimes the rest of your lineup's got to carry a guy like that until he gets going."OFFSEASON INJURY UPDATESJosé Ramírez didn't let a torn thumb ligament stop him from leading the Guardians during a surprising season.Cleveland's All-Star third baseman played the second half — as well as the team's playoff run that ended Tuesday in the AL Division Series — with a torn right thumb ligament that will require surgery.Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners will head into the offseason with four key players needing downtime or surgery to heal injuries, including AL Rookie of the Year favorite Julio Rodríguez. The star center fielder broke his left pinkie during the Game 3 loss to Houston that ended their AL Division Series.The Guardians said Ramírez injured the ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb during a June game in Los Angeles. The 30-year-old could have opted for surgery, which would have sidelined him for two months, but decided to keep playing.He'll have an operation in the next few weeks. Renowned hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham will perform the surgery in Dayton, Ohio.The Guardians said the rehab will not significantly impact Ramírez's offseason training or availability for next season.Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said an exit exam this week revealed the injury to the 21-year-old Rodríguez, but he's not expected to need surgery. He got hurt sliding headfirst into second base on a double in the eighth inning of what became an 18-inning marathon defeat.Also needing downtime to recover from injuries are Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh (left thumb) and standout reliever Andrés Muñoz (foot), while outfielder Jesse Winker has already undergone one of two operations needed to repair injuries to his left knee and neck that he dealt with during the season.___

⚾️ MLB Playoffs: Astros seek 2-0 lead vs Yanks; NLCS tied

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Just about every game in the Big 12 this men's basketball season will feel like a reunion.On the coaching front, there already was Mark Adams entering his second year at Texas Tech, where he replaced Chris Beard, who headed off to Texas, his alma mater. And there's Jerome Tang, who spent most of the past two decades alongside Scott Drew at Baylor and now is wearing purple and white for Kansas State.Then there's the familiarity among certain players.The Big 12 followed the lead of other conferences last year when it scrapped rules making it almost impossible to transfer to another conference school. And now, more than a handful of players that called one Big 12 school home seven months ago will be doing their best to beat that school when this season tips off."The transfer within the league, it's not ideal," TCU coach Jamie Dixon acknowledged Wednesday, "but there was no way they were going to make a rule that guys can transfer and play right away everywhere but your conference."Kids pick the conference they want to play in as much as the school they want to go to," he added. "It's a little strange but it's not the end of the world. We'll survive."Easy to say when you're the beneficiary. Dixon landed Oklahoma State guard Rondel Walker, who appeared in 59 games for the Cowboys the past two seasons, and who gives the No. 14 Horned Frogs some much-needed backcourt help.West Virginia lost Jalen Bridges, who played in 61 games during two seasons in Morgantown, to fifth-ranked Baylor, only to land Texas transfer Tre Mitchell, who started 17 of 24 games for the Longhorns last season.The No. 12 Longhorns also added where they subtracted, landing perhaps the top Division I transfer available in Tyrese Hunter, who averaged 11 points and nearly five assists while starting every game as a freshman at Iowa State.Then there is Texas Tech, which lost third-leading scorer Kevin McCullar to defending national champion Kansas, only to land Jaylon Tyson, who appeared in eight games as a freshman at Texas. And for good measure, the Red Raiders also landed De'Vion Harmon, who played two seasons at Oklahoma before spending last season at Oregon."It was just time for me, you know? Time for me to grow," explained McCullar, who played 44 of a possible 50 minutes in a double-overtime loss to the Jayhawks last season, along with 33 of 40 minutes in a loss in the Big 12 Tournament."Coach Self, he has a good reputation, as you know, for getting guys to the next level," he said. "And you know, his plan for me, and for playing in the biggest stage and the biggest games you can, that's going to be great for me."The transfer portal has spawned a new era in college basketball, where teams are not built over time so much as pieced together each year. But the movement within a conference is a relatively new phenomenon, and the fact that so many big names moved to traditional rivals in one offseason within the Big 12 is nearly unprecedented.Along with some potentially awkward reunions, the transfers create a whole new layer of complexity when it comes to scouting and preparation; those players will no doubt have an intimate understanding of their old systems."Transferring in conference, that's just a reality. It's happening," Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. "I don't have many thoughts against it or for it. If a young man doesn't want to be at a program, he doesn't want to be at a program, whether it's interconference or not. It's just a reality we have to accept."Besides, coaches clearly have no problem moving within the conference.Fifteen years ago, Bob Huggins bounced after one season at Kansas State for West Virginia, his alma mater. Beard also headed home when, coming off a five-year run at Texas Tech that included an appearance in the national title game, the Longhorns came calling. Now Tang will have to face his old employer when the Wildcats visit Baylor."He's been more than ready for a long time. He just didn't feel the calling to go," Bears coach Scott Drew said. "He's great with the community. Great for the school. He's a great teammate — he cheers so hard and loud for other sports. He's done a remarkable job everywhere he's been, and Baylor wouldn't have had the success it had without him.Then, in what will no doubt be a common feeling among players and coaches across the Big 12 this season, Drew added: "I know know one is going to cheer louder for him than I will, except when we play."