FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – The No. 17-ranked Hutchinson Community College men’s cross country team was the top Region VI team on Friday at the University of Arkansas’ Chili Pepper Festival.

The Blue Dragons placed 22nd in the 38-men’s Men’s 8K Open Division with two runners placing in the Top 100 of the 349-runner race. The Dragons scored 540 team points.

Freshman Douwe Bentsink ran his career-best 8,000-meter time of 27 minutes, 18.5 seconds, which was 73rd overall. That time was 16 seconds better than Bentsink’s 8K time at the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational two weeks ago in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Freshman Hayden Keller placed 76th with a time of 27:22.5

Freshman Martin Marquez ran a career-best 28:03.6 to finish 110th. That time was 35 seconds better than Marquez posted two weeks ago.

Sophomore Caryn Turpin placed 145th with a time of 28:30.4. Freshman Evan Avitia was 195th in a time of 29:14.4. Christian Darrah was 224th with a time of 29:54.6.

The Blue Dragons posted an average time of 28:05.88.

Drury University won the team title with 81 points. Texas A&amp;M-Texarkana’s Vincent Nchogu, a former Northwest Tech runner, won the individual title in a time of 24:53.3.

The Blue Dragons next compete at the Ollie Isom Classic on Friday, October 14 in El Dorado.

HutchCC Sports InformationFAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – The No. 17-ranked Hutchinson Community College men’s cross country team was the top Region VI team on Friday at the University of Arkansas’ Chili Pepper Festival.The Blue Dragons placed 22nd in the 38-men’s Men’s 8K Open Division with two runners placing in the Top 100 of the 349-runner race. The Dragons scored 540 team points.Freshman Douwe Bentsink ran his career-best 8,000-meter time of 27 minutes, 18.5 seconds, which was 73rd overall. That time was 16 seconds better than Bentsink’s 8K time at the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational two weeks ago in Lincoln, Nebraska.Freshman Hayden Keller placed 76th with a time of 27:22.5Freshman Martin Marquez ran a career-best 28:03.6 to finish 110th. That time was 35 seconds better than Marquez posted two weeks ago.Sophomore Caryn Turpin placed 145th with a time of 28:30.4. Freshman Evan Avitia was 195th in a time of 29:14.4. Christian Darrah was 224th with a time of 29:54.6.The Blue Dragons posted an average time of 28:05.88.Drury University won the team title with 81 points. Texas A&amp;M-Texarkana’s Vincent Nchogu, a former Northwest Tech runner, won the individual title in a time of 24:53.3.The Blue Dragons next compete at the Ollie Isom Classic on Friday, October 14 in El Dorado.

HutchCC XCMEN: Bentsink paces Dragons at Chili Pepper

Each sport in the Jayhawk Conference has its ultimate rivalry.

On Saturday at Gowans Stadium, KJCCC Football’s top rivalry will renew itself for the 99th time.

The No. 2-ranked Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons meet the No. 9-ranked Butler Grizzlies in a showdown of the only remaining unbeaten teams in KJCCC play at 7 p.m.

The latest showdown will be the 19th time the Blue Dragons and Grizzlies have played each other since the 2008 Region VI Championship game, and it will be the 16th time over that span that both teams enter the yearly matchup both ranked in the NJCAA national poll.

The Blue Dragons have a slim 49-48-1 all-time series lead over Butler, including 24-18-1 in games played in Hutchinson.

Hutchinson (3-0, 1-0 KJCCC) opened Jayhawk Conference play last week with a come-from-behind victory at Coffeyville. Sophomore running back Dylan Kedzior scored a 2-yard touchdown with 1:17 to play in the fourth quarter to give the Blue Dragons a 14-9 victory at Coffeyville.

Defensively, the Blue Dragons held Coffeyville to 221 total yards (78 passing 143 rushing). The Dragons also forced two turnovers and had four quarterback sacks.

The Grizzlies (3-1, 3-0) had an unexpected week off when their non-conference game against McDougle Technical Institute was postponed. Two weeks ago, the Grizzlies defeated Independence 27-11. Butler’s only loss this season is a 50-49 overtime loss to Snow College on September 10.

Saturday’s nationally ranked matchup is the third-such game at Gowans Stadium in as many games this season. The Blue Dragons have played No. 13 Navarro (won 42-0) on August 27 and No. 7 Iowa Central (won 31-28 in overtime) on September 10.

Hutchinson’s No. 10-nationally ranked defense goes up against the nation’s No. 2-leading passer in Butler’s Jake Wolff, who is averaging 257.8 yards per game with nine touchdowns and three interceptions.

Defensively, the Blue Dragons are allowing 152.0 yards per game through the air and are tied for third in the NJCAA with eight interceptions and are tied for fifth in quarterback sacks with 17.

HutchCC Sports InformationEach sport in the Jayhawk Conference has its ultimate rivalry.On Saturday at Gowans Stadium, KJCCC Football’s top rivalry will renew itself for the 99th time.The No. 2-ranked Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons meet the No. 9-ranked Butler Grizzlies in a showdown of the only remaining unbeaten teams in KJCCC play at 7 p.m.The latest showdown will be the 19th time the Blue Dragons and Grizzlies have played each other since the 2008 Region VI Championship game, and it will be the 16th time over that span that both teams enter the yearly matchup both ranked in the NJCAA national poll.The Blue Dragons have a slim 49-48-1 all-time series lead over Butler, including 24-18-1 in games played in Hutchinson.Hutchinson (3-0, 1-0 KJCCC) opened Jayhawk Conference play last week with a come-from-behind victory at Coffeyville. Sophomore running back Dylan Kedzior scored a 2-yard touchdown with 1:17 to play in the fourth quarter to give the Blue Dragons a 14-9 victory at Coffeyville.Defensively, the Blue Dragons held Coffeyville to 221 total yards (78 passing 143 rushing). The Dragons also forced two turnovers and had four quarterback sacks.The Grizzlies (3-1, 3-0) had an unexpected week off when their non-conference game against McDougle Technical Institute was postponed. Two weeks ago, the Grizzlies defeated Independence 27-11. Butler’s only loss this season is a 50-49 overtime loss to Snow College on September 10.Saturday’s nationally ranked matchup is the third-such game at Gowans Stadium in as many games this season. The Blue Dragons have played No. 13 Navarro (won 42-0) on August 27 and No. 7 Iowa Central (won 31-28 in overtime) on September 10.Hutchinson’s No. 10-nationally ranked defense goes up against the nation’s No. 2-leading passer in Butler’s Jake Wolff, who is averaging 257.8 yards per game with nine touchdowns and three interceptions.Defensively, the Blue Dragons are allowing 152.0 yards per game through the air and are tied for third in the NJCAA with eight interceptions and are tied for fifth in quarterback sacks with 17.

🏈 FB: Dragons and Butler to meet Saturday

Coming off an intense Jayhawk West home victory over Dodge City on Wednesday, the Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team welcomes the No. 12-ranked Seward County Saints into the Sports Arena on Saturday.

First serve is at 2 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. The match will be streamed live on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.

The Blue Dragons (20-8) are tied for second in the Jayhawk West with Butler at 7-1. The Dragons trail Seward County (18-4) by one-half game in the Jayhawk West standings.

Seward County won the first meeting with the Blue Dragons this season. The Saints captured a four-set win (22-25, 25-22, 27-25, 25-20) over the Dragons on August 31 in Liberal.

The Blue Dragons hit .207 in that match. Freshman Taniya Golden had a team-high 20 kills on .368 hitting. Freshman Alejandra Briseno had 12 kills.

Seward County hit .222 against the Dragons and out-blocked Hutchinson 12-5.

Golden had 19 kills on .400 hitting on Wednesday against Dodge City in a match that featured 17 lead changes and 37 ties. Anna Dean had 14 kills and eight blocks against the Conquistadors.

Seward County has won seven games in a row and are 6-1 in road games this season. The Saints are averaging 11.86 kills on .203 hitting as a team. Seward also averages 2.00 blocks, 16.11 digs and 1.90 service aces per set.

The Blue Dragons are averaging 10.54 kills on .231 hitting. Hutchinson averages 1.63 blocks, 11.95 digs and 1.63 blocks per set.

HutchCC Sports InformationComing off an intense Jayhawk West home victory over Dodge City on Wednesday, the Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team welcomes the No. 12-ranked Seward County Saints into the Sports Arena on Saturday.First serve is at 2 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. The match will be streamed live on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.The Blue Dragons (20-8) are tied for second in the Jayhawk West with Butler at 7-1. The Dragons trail Seward County (18-4) by one-half game in the Jayhawk West standings.Seward County won the first meeting with the Blue Dragons this season. The Saints captured a four-set win (22-25, 25-22, 27-25, 25-20) over the Dragons on August 31 in Liberal.The Blue Dragons hit .207 in that match. Freshman Taniya Golden had a team-high 20 kills on .368 hitting. Freshman Alejandra Briseno had 12 kills.Seward County hit .222 against the Dragons and out-blocked Hutchinson 12-5.Golden had 19 kills on .400 hitting on Wednesday against Dodge City in a match that featured 17 lead changes and 37 ties. Anna Dean had 14 kills and eight blocks against the Conquistadors.Seward County has won seven games in a row and are 6-1 in road games this season. The Saints are averaging 11.86 kills on .203 hitting as a team. Seward also averages 2.00 blocks, 16.11 digs and 1.90 service aces per set.The Blue Dragons are averaging 10.54 kills on .231 hitting. Hutchinson averages 1.63 blocks, 11.95 digs and 1.63 blocks per set.

HutchCC to host Seward Saturday

So far during its run of four-straight nationally ranked opponents, the Hutchinson Community College Women’s Soccer team is 2-0.

Game 3 of that gauntlet of opponents comes Saturday at the home of the Blue Dragons’ biggest rival.

Hutchinson (9-1, 6-1 Jayhawk West) travels to Jayhawk East first-place and sixth-ranked Butler at 6 p.m. Saturday at BG Products/Veterans Memorial Stadium in El Dorado.

So far during this stretch of ranked opponents, the Blue Dragons defeated No. 17 Cowley on the road 2-1, and then upset No. 15 Coffeyville 2-1 in overtime last Saturday. The Dragons complete this run of nationally ranked opponents at home on Wednesday when No. 12 Barton comes to the Salthawk Sports Complex for a 6 p.m. kickoff.

The Blue Dragons are off to their best start to a season since started 9-0-1 in 2017. Hutchinson’s only loss this season is a 3-1 setback at Johnson County two weeks ago.

Hutchinson is averaging 2.90 goals per game this season and allowing 1.03 goals.

Sophomore Hadlie Lowe is fourth in the Jayhawk Conference in scoring with 25 points. She is fifth in the league with nine goals and fourth in assists with a career-high seven helpers.

Sophomore Aimee Maher is second in scoring with 13 points (five goals, three assists) and sophomore Julia De Souza is third with 12 points (two goals, a team-high eight assists).

Both Hutchinson goalkeepers have earned KJCCC Keeper of the Week honors. Olivia Felix-Cardona with 3-1 with two shutouts. She has a 1.27 goals-against average and a .759 save percentage. Sophomore Madison Quarles is 4-0 with two shutouts. She has a 0.72 goals-against average and a .769 save percentage.

The Blue Dragons are 10-12 all-time against Butler and are looking to snap a two-game losing streak. The last Hutchinson win in El Dorado was a 2-1 overtime win in 2014.

HutchCC Sports InformationSo far during its run of four-straight nationally ranked opponents, the Hutchinson Community College Women’s Soccer team is 2-0.Game 3 of that gauntlet of opponents comes Saturday at the home of the Blue Dragons’ biggest rival.Hutchinson (9-1, 6-1 Jayhawk West) travels to Jayhawk East first-place and sixth-ranked Butler at 6 p.m. Saturday at BG Products/Veterans Memorial Stadium in El Dorado.So far during this stretch of ranked opponents, the Blue Dragons defeated No. 17 Cowley on the road 2-1, and then upset No. 15 Coffeyville 2-1 in overtime last Saturday. The Dragons complete this run of nationally ranked opponents at home on Wednesday when No. 12 Barton comes to the Salthawk Sports Complex for a 6 p.m. kickoff.The Blue Dragons are off to their best start to a season since started 9-0-1 in 2017. Hutchinson’s only loss this season is a 3-1 setback at Johnson County two weeks ago.Hutchinson is averaging 2.90 goals per game this season and allowing 1.03 goals.Sophomore Hadlie Lowe is fourth in the Jayhawk Conference in scoring with 25 points. She is fifth in the league with nine goals and fourth in assists with a career-high seven helpers.Sophomore Aimee Maher is second in scoring with 13 points (five goals, three assists) and sophomore Julia De Souza is third with 12 points (two goals, a team-high eight assists).Both Hutchinson goalkeepers have earned KJCCC Keeper of the Week honors. Olivia Felix-Cardona with 3-1 with two shutouts. She has a 1.27 goals-against average and a .759 save percentage. Sophomore Madison Quarles is 4-0 with two shutouts. She has a 0.72 goals-against average and a .769 save percentage.The Blue Dragons are 10-12 all-time against Butler and are looking to snap a two-game losing streak. The last Hutchinson win in El Dorado was a 2-1 overtime win in 2014.

WSCR: Dragons travel to Butler Saturday

The Hutchinson Community College Men’s Golf team maintained its No. 1 ranking in the Bushnell/Golfweek NJCAA Division I Poll.

The Blue Dragons edged No. 2 New Mexico Junior College by four points in the latest ranking released pm Friday. The Thunderbirds had 5 of the 7 first-place votes in the poll, but the Blue Dragons maintained its No. 1 ranking. Hutchinson had two first-place votes.

This past week at the NJCAA National Preview at Sand Creek Station in Newton, New Mexico Military edged the Blue Dragons by three strokes to win the team title. Hutchinson’s Dominic Clemons won the individual title.

The Blue Dragons have two runner-up team finishes in the fall season, placing second at both the National Preview and the Samuel Proal Invitational in Pueblo, Colorado.

Hutchinson’s third fall tournament will be Monday and Tuesday at the Big “O” Classic in Elkhorn, Nebraska. The field has mostly NCAA Division I and Division II teams competing in the tournament co-hosted by Creighton University and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

The Top 5 this week has Hutchinson, New Mexico Junior College, Eastern Florida State, Odessa College and Dodge City.

BUSHNELL/GOLFWEEK NJCAA DIVISION I RANKINGS

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Points&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last Poll

1. Hutchinson (2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;74&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

2. New Mexico JC (5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2

3. Eastern Florida State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;51&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

4. Odessa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3

5. Dodge City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;38&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6

6. McLennan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7

T7. Western Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T8

T7. Midland (1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4

9. Central Alabama&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;RV

10. Indian Hills&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T8

Others Receiving Votes: Wallace State (10); Ranger (2); Garden City (2); Blinn (1).

HutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College Men’s Golf team maintained its No. 1 ranking in the Bushnell/Golfweek NJCAA Division I Poll.The Blue Dragons edged No. 2 New Mexico Junior College by four points in the latest ranking released pm Friday. The Thunderbirds had 5 of the 7 first-place votes in the poll, but the Blue Dragons maintained its No. 1 ranking. Hutchinson had two first-place votes.This past week at the NJCAA National Preview at Sand Creek Station in Newton, New Mexico Military edged the Blue Dragons by three strokes to win the team title. Hutchinson’s Dominic Clemons won the individual title.The Blue Dragons have two runner-up team finishes in the fall season, placing second at both the National Preview and the Samuel Proal Invitational in Pueblo, Colorado.Hutchinson’s third fall tournament will be Monday and Tuesday at the Big “O” Classic in Elkhorn, Nebraska. The field has mostly NCAA Division I and Division II teams competing in the tournament co-hosted by Creighton University and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.The Top 5 this week has Hutchinson, New Mexico Junior College, Eastern Florida State, Odessa College and Dodge City.BUSHNELL/GOLFWEEK NJCAA DIVISION I RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Points&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last Poll1. Hutchinson (2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;74&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. New Mexico JC (5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23. Eastern Florida State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;51&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;54. Odessa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35. Dodge City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;38&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;66. McLennan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7T7. Western Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T8T7. Midland (1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49. Central Alabama&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;RV10. Indian Hills&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T8Others Receiving Votes: Wallace State (10); Ranger (2); Garden City (2); Blinn (1).

Dragons maintain No. 1 ranking in Golfweek Rankings

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🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Friday Morning

Wichita Bishop Carroll 55, Wichita North 0

Some high school football scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

Thursday's ScoresThe Associated PressPREP FOOTBALL=Deerfield 49, Moscow 33Olathe West 53, SM Northwest 49Wichita Bishop Carroll 55, Wichita North 0___Some high school football scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

Thursday Night Prep Scores

Here is the latest Big 12 Conference sports news from The Associated Press

UNDATED (AP) — The days of postseason bans and crippling scholarship reductions being used to punish schools for breaking NCAA rules appear to be winding down. Last month, the Division I Board of Directors adopted three proposals to modernize the infractions process. It also is looking for penalties that do not include postseason bans. There are limited options for that.

UNDATED (AP) — The first full weekend of conference games in the Big 12 includes a rematch of last year's championship game as ninth-ranked Oklahoma State plays at 16th-ranked Baylor. The Bears won the title game last December. Oklahoma State is the league's highest-scoring team at nearly 52 points a game. Baylor opened Big 12 play with a win at Iowa State. Undefeated Kansas with standout quarterback Jalon Daniels is home this week against the Cyclones. No. 18 Oklahoma plays at TCU; No. 25 Kansas State hosts Texas Tech; and West Virginia is at Texas.

WACO, Texas (AP) — Ninth-ranked Oklahoma State is being fueled by the few inches it came up short of a Big 12 championship in its last meeting against Baylor. The Cowboys open conference play Saturday against the No. 16 Bears. Baylor won last year's title game with a fourth-down stop just short of the end zone in the final seconds. Cowboys running back Dominic Richardson says they are using that to fuel them. Baylor won its Big 12 opener at Iowa State. The Bears have won their last nine home games since Oklahoma State won the COVID-delayed 2020 regular-season finale there.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — The 18th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners are playing after a loss for the first time with new coach Brent Venables when they go to TCU. The 3-1 Sooners have lost consecutive regular-season games only once since 1999. The 3-0 Horned Frogs are playing their Big 12 opener with new coach Sonny Dykes. They average a Big 12-best 8.1 yards per offensive play. Oklahoma fell behind 14-0 early and never got ahead in its league opener at home against then-unranked Kansas State. The Sooners tumbled 12 spots in the AP poll after starting conference play with a loss for only the second time in 10 seasons.

UNDATED (AP) — Kansas will try to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 2009 on Saturday when Iowa State visits Memorial Stadium. The Jayhawks are the first team outside the Top 25 this week after knocking Duke from the ranks of the unbeaten. The Cyclones will be trying to bounce back from a loss to Baylor in their Big 12 opener. The Jayhawks are led by quarterback Jalon Daniels. Iowa State will lean on a defense that leads the Big 12 in scoring and total defense.

UNDATED (AP) — Texas and West Virginia meet Saturday with both teams desperate to avoid an 0-2 start in the Big 12. West Virginia has recovered from a slow start to win its last two games behind a maturing run game led by freshman CJ Donaldson. Texas is still waiting to see if freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers can finally return after injuring his clavicle against Alabama. Texas running back Bijan Robinson has been carrying a football to class this week after his overtime fumble against Texas Tech set up the winning field goal.

UNDATED (AP) — In a cheeky opening week of conference play in the Big 12, Texas Tech and Kansas State dealt soon-to-be SEC defectors a loss. The Red Raiders rallied past then-No. 22 Texas in overtime during the afternoon slate of games, then the Wildcats sent a shock through college football when they walked into then-No. 6 Oklahoma and pranced out with a 41-34 victory. Now, the Red Raiders are headed to No. 25 Kansas State on Saturday with the winner moving to 2-0 in league play and getting a nice boost in the race for a spot in the conference championship game.

UNDATED (AP) — The national spotlight shines on the Atlantic Coast Conference this week. No. 10 North Carolina State visits No. 5 Clemson in what's being called the biggest game in Wolfpack history. No. 23 Florida State plays its first game in four years as a ranked team against No. 22 Wake Forest. Other Top 25 matchups have No. 2 Alabama at No. 20 Arkansas, No. 7 Kentucky at No. 14 Mississippi and No. 9 Oklahoma State at No. 16 Baylor.

Here is the latest Big 12 Conference sports news from The Associated PressUNDATED (AP) — The days of postseason bans and crippling scholarship reductions being used to punish schools for breaking NCAA rules appear to be winding down. Last month, the Division I Board of Directors adopted three proposals to modernize the infractions process. It also is looking for penalties that do not include postseason bans. There are limited options for that.UNDATED (AP) — The first full weekend of conference games in the Big 12 includes a rematch of last year's championship game as ninth-ranked Oklahoma State plays at 16th-ranked Baylor. The Bears won the title game last December. Oklahoma State is the league's highest-scoring team at nearly 52 points a game. Baylor opened Big 12 play with a win at Iowa State. Undefeated Kansas with standout quarterback Jalon Daniels is home this week against the Cyclones. No. 18 Oklahoma plays at TCU; No. 25 Kansas State hosts Texas Tech; and West Virginia is at Texas.WACO, Texas (AP) — Ninth-ranked Oklahoma State is being fueled by the few inches it came up short of a Big 12 championship in its last meeting against Baylor. The Cowboys open conference play Saturday against the No. 16 Bears. Baylor won last year's title game with a fourth-down stop just short of the end zone in the final seconds. Cowboys running back Dominic Richardson says they are using that to fuel them. Baylor won its Big 12 opener at Iowa State. The Bears have won their last nine home games since Oklahoma State won the COVID-delayed 2020 regular-season finale there.FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — The 18th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners are playing after a loss for the first time with new coach Brent Venables when they go to TCU. The 3-1 Sooners have lost consecutive regular-season games only once since 1999. The 3-0 Horned Frogs are playing their Big 12 opener with new coach Sonny Dykes. They average a Big 12-best 8.1 yards per offensive play. Oklahoma fell behind 14-0 early and never got ahead in its league opener at home against then-unranked Kansas State. The Sooners tumbled 12 spots in the AP poll after starting conference play with a loss for only the second time in 10 seasons.UNDATED (AP) — Kansas will try to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 2009 on Saturday when Iowa State visits Memorial Stadium. The Jayhawks are the first team outside the Top 25 this week after knocking Duke from the ranks of the unbeaten. The Cyclones will be trying to bounce back from a loss to Baylor in their Big 12 opener. The Jayhawks are led by quarterback Jalon Daniels. Iowa State will lean on a defense that leads the Big 12 in scoring and total defense.UNDATED (AP) — Texas and West Virginia meet Saturday with both teams desperate to avoid an 0-2 start in the Big 12. West Virginia has recovered from a slow start to win its last two games behind a maturing run game led by freshman CJ Donaldson. Texas is still waiting to see if freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers can finally return after injuring his clavicle against Alabama. Texas running back Bijan Robinson has been carrying a football to class this week after his overtime fumble against Texas Tech set up the winning field goal.UNDATED (AP) — In a cheeky opening week of conference play in the Big 12, Texas Tech and Kansas State dealt soon-to-be SEC defectors a loss. The Red Raiders rallied past then-No. 22 Texas in overtime during the afternoon slate of games, then the Wildcats sent a shock through college football when they walked into then-No. 6 Oklahoma and pranced out with a 41-34 victory. Now, the Red Raiders are headed to No. 25 Kansas State on Saturday with the winner moving to 2-0 in league play and getting a nice boost in the race for a spot in the conference championship game.UNDATED (AP) — The national spotlight shines on the Atlantic Coast Conference this week. No. 10 North Carolina State visits No. 5 Clemson in what's being called the biggest game in Wolfpack history. No. 23 Florida State plays its first game in four years as a ranked team against No. 22 Wake Forest. Other Top 25 matchups have No. 2 Alabama at No. 20 Arkansas, No. 7 Kentucky at No. 14 Mississippi and No. 9 Oklahoma State at No. 16 Baylor.

Big 12 Conference News

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) return to Big 12 Conference play this weekend, hosting the Iowa State Cyclones (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) for the 110th&nbsp;Homecoming game in program history on Saturday, October 1 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN2 with Brian Custer (Play-by-Play), Dustin Fox (Analyst) and Lauren Sisler (Sideline) on the call.

Kansas has started the season 4-0 for the first time since 2009, as the Jayhawks enter the second of a three-game homestand. The Jayhawks moved to 4-0 with a 35-27 win over Duke in front of a sold-out crowd of 47,233 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, while the Cyclones fell in their first conference game of the season, 31-24, against Baylor.

Kansas gained 528 yards of total offense in the win against Duke, marking the second-straight year the Jayhawks topped the 500-yard mark against the Blue Devils, and the second time this season the Jayhawks have gone over the 500-yard plateau.

Quarterback Jalon Daniels, who has 10 touchdowns to zero interceptions over his last three games, led the Kansas offensive attack Saturday with 324 passing yards, 83 rushing yards and five total touchdowns—four by air and one by ground.

With the 4-0 start, Head Coach Lance Leipold has now led his teams to three 4-0 starts over the last five years, including twice at Buffalo in 2018 and 2020. The 2009 season also marks the last time Kansas started 5-0 with the Jayhawks picking up their fifth win against Iowa State with a 41-36 victory.

­­Entering Saturday’s Homecoming matchup, the Jayhawks rank in the top-10 nationally in numerous statistical categories, including, third down conversion percentage (2nd, 66.7%), points per game (4th, 48.5), yards per play (3rd, 7.8) rushing offense (8th, 246.0), sacks allowed (2nd, 1) and passing efficiency (5th, 188.73).

The series between Kansas an Iowa State enters its 102nd&nbsp;matchup, dating back to 1898. Kansas holds the all-time series advantage at 50-45-6 including a 28-19-3 mark in games played in Lawrence.

Fans looking to attend the Kansas vs. Iowa State game can purchase single-game tickets in advance to avoid lines on game day. In addition, mini packs and season tickets are available with season tickets starting as low as $185.&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">Tickets can be purchased here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664538590462.png" alt="ku crowd.png" />
 <figcaption>ku crowd.png</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) return to Big 12 Conference play this weekend, hosting the Iowa State Cyclones (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) for the 110th&nbsp;Homecoming game in program history on Saturday, October 1 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN2 with Brian Custer (Play-by-Play), Dustin Fox (Analyst) and Lauren Sisler (Sideline) on the call.Kansas has started the season 4-0 for the first time since 2009, as the Jayhawks enter the second of a three-game homestand. The Jayhawks moved to 4-0 with a 35-27 win over Duke in front of a sold-out crowd of 47,233 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, while the Cyclones fell in their first conference game of the season, 31-24, against Baylor.Kansas gained 528 yards of total offense in the win against Duke, marking the second-straight year the Jayhawks topped the 500-yard mark against the Blue Devils, and the second time this season the Jayhawks have gone over the 500-yard plateau.Quarterback Jalon Daniels, who has 10 touchdowns to zero interceptions over his last three games, led the Kansas offensive attack Saturday with 324 passing yards, 83 rushing yards and five total touchdowns—four by air and one by ground.With the 4-0 start, Head Coach Lance Leipold has now led his teams to three 4-0 starts over the last five years, including twice at Buffalo in 2018 and 2020. The 2009 season also marks the last time Kansas started 5-0 with the Jayhawks picking up their fifth win against Iowa State with a 41-36 victory.­­Entering Saturday’s Homecoming matchup, the Jayhawks rank in the top-10 nationally in numerous statistical categories, including, third down conversion percentage (2nd, 66.7%), points per game (4th, 48.5), yards per play (3rd, 7.8) rushing offense (8th, 246.0), sacks allowed (2nd, 1) and passing efficiency (5th, 188.73).The series between Kansas an Iowa State enters its 102nd&nbsp;matchup, dating back to 1898. Kansas holds the all-time series advantage at 50-45-6 including a 28-19-3 mark in games played in Lawrence.Fans looking to attend the Kansas vs. Iowa State game can purchase single-game tickets in advance to avoid lines on game day. In addition, mini packs and season tickets are available with season tickets starting as low as $185.&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">Tickets can be purchased here</a>.

🏈 Kansas Set to Host Iowa State for 110th Homecoming on Saturday

MANHATTAN, Kan.—It didn't take long for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8597">Adrian Martinez</a>&nbsp;to get feedback following his signature performance in helping Kansas State beat No. 6 Oklahoma 41-34 last Saturday in Norman, Oklahoma. After the Wildcats' locker room celebration at Memorial Stadium, Martinez checked his cellphone. "My phone had blown up," he said. "It's always cool to get that kind of support. I was definitely appreciative of all the people who reached out to me." Martinez and the 25th-ranked Wildcats, 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12 Conference —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/9/26/football-k-state-named-fwaa-national-team-of-the-week.aspx">the National Team of the Week</a>&nbsp;— hope to have everyone across the nation talking again, as they return home to face Texas Tech, 3-1 and 1-0, in Saturday's 11 a.m. kickoff at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff.aspx?staff=154">Bill Snyder</a>&nbsp;Family Stadium. K-State has won 10 of the last 11 meetings over Texas Tech — a stretch that touched the careers of three previous Texas Tech head coaches in Tommy Tuberville, Kliff Kingsbury and Matt Wells. The Wildcats are nationally ranked for the first time since they were also ranked No. 25 entering their Big 12 opener at Oklahoma State last season. "(The ranking) is very cool, but it doesn't mean a whole lot," said Martinez, who was named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/9/26/football-martinez-savage-earn-big-12-weekly-honors.aspx">Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week</a>&nbsp;after accounting for 382 total yards and five touchdowns. "You have to prove it. (The ranking) is a cool thing for this team, but it's not what we're after. "There's still a lot on the horizon and we have an incredible opponent coming in here who's knocked off ranked teams." At about the time K-State prepared to kickoff at Oklahoma, Red Raiders fans stormed the field in Lubbock after a thrilling 37-34 overtime victory against nemesis No. 22 Texas.

On Saturday, and for the first time in history, Texas Tech will face a ranked opponent for the fourth time in its first five games. Already it has scored two victories against ranked foes in the same season for the first time since 2012. The Red Raiders beat No. 25 Houston 33-30 in double-overtime in Game 2 prior to taking down the Longhorns two weeks later. The Red Raiders seek their first 2-0 start to a conference season since 2013. "They're a really good team," K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1637">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp;said. "They're excited, they're hot, they're confident. This is going to be a heck of a game. That's such a huge thing to get a ranked win or a signature win for a momentum standpoint." First-year Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire, a former Baylor assistant coach, calls Bill&nbsp;Snyder Family Stadium "my favorite place to play on the road," and "a true college atmosphere." As of late Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AKSU%3AFB22%3AF04%3A&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;pc=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;groupCode=FBSG&amp;cgc=&amp;dataAccId=187&amp;locale=en_US&amp;siteId=ev_kansuse">fewer than 200 tickets remained for Saturday's contest</a>. K-State first-year offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1641">Collin Klein</a>, who beat Texas Tech 55-24 in Manhattan in front of a sellout crowd in 2012, knows all-too well the importance of the Wildcats' home-field advantage. "There's no place like it," he said. "Our fans are so passionate, so into the ballgame, and truly care not just about the outcome but about our players and the type of culture and young men we've had here. It's a special place for sure."

K-State hasn't lost to the Red Raiders in Manhattan since 2008. McGuire and the Red Raiders are looking to change that. "We met and the first thing we talked about was what's next and I told all of them one of the hardest things for people — all of these quotes are about failure, not success and how to come back from failure," McGuire said. "We really talked about what we want to be remembered as, not just beating Texas." Big 12 road teams are 9-4 so far this season. "Playing in the Big 12 and playing against a really good opponent this week, you have to reset and focus on the next team," Martinez said. "Look, if we're not prepared, they're going to beat us. Anybody can beat anybody. "We'll be ready." This could perhaps be another offensive showdown for K-State. The Wildcats ran 83 total plays against Oklahoma, their most since running 90 plays against No. 3 Oklahoma State in 2011, while Texas Tech has already run 100-plus plays in two different games this season. Martinez showed off his arm and his legs against the Sooners in his best performance yet as a Wildcat. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown, and rushed 21 times for 148 yards and four touchdowns. The offense was in rhythm, racked up 509 total yards, went 8 for 17 on third downs, and reached the end zone five times. "We just have to focus on executing and staying on the field," Klein said. "That was as big a difference from our standpoint offensively was staying on the field in those third- and fourth-down situations and giving us more chances and the ability to find some rhythm and do some different things operationally. "Ultimately, we finished with touchdowns. Every offense in this league is explosive and they go fast. We have the capability to be not any different than that. We have to finish with touchdowns inside the red zone and be good on third down." Meanwhile, Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith went 38 of 56 passing for 331 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 15 carries for 42 yards and a score against Texas. His 79 total offensive attempts against Houston marked the second-most total offense plays by a Red Raider dating to 2000, trailing only the 100 attempts by Patrick Mahomes II against Oklahoma in 2016. Texas Tech wideout Myles Price had a career game against Texas with 13 receptions for 98 yards (off 17 targets), marking the most catches by a Red Raider since 2018. Price is Texas Tech's leading receiver with 25 catches for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Overall, Texas Tech has utilized multiple pass-catchers as 16 different players have caught a pass, including eight — four wideouts, two running backs and two tight ends — who have caught a touchdown. Asked about Texas Tech's "pesky" offense, K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1640">Joe Klanderman</a>&nbsp;replied, "Pesky? Explosive is probably a better word. "They do a really good job pushing the ball down the field and they have a good run game complement with it," Klanderman continued. "They have playmakers all over the place. They do a great job creatively with the things that they do. They're a really good offense."

One of the other key offensive matchups will feature K-State's rushing attack against the Texas Tech rushing defense. The Wildcats rank seventh in averaging 248.2 rushing yards per game. K-State put 275 rushing yards on an Oklahoma defense that entered allowing just 118.0 rushing yards per contest. Texas Tech is allowing just 99.8 rushing yards per contest. The Red Raiders have allowed just 399 rushing yards in four games, their second-lowest total through four games since 2000. Returning Consensus All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7993">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;rushed for 116 yards on 25 carries against the Sooners. He ranks eighth nationally and tops in the Big 12 in averaging 117.0 rushing yards per game. Coupled with Martinez's abilities in running the football — his 55-yard jaunt on a key third-and-16 play in the fourth quarter at Oklahoma might be talked about for a while — the Wildcats could possess a one-two punch that could be difficult to stop. "There's no doubt about it and it's something we've got to keep building on," Klein said. "There are next levels of things and sequences of things and different types of schemes and formations and all that kind of stuff. It was a great stepping stone and building block for us seeing some of that stuff come together." It's still early, but already there's talk that this could be the most parity-filled Big 12 in years.

K-State, Texas Tech, Baylor and Kansas are off to a good start while Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa State and West Virginia find themselves at the bottom. Oklahoma State and TCU begin their Big 12 slates on Saturday. Everything can change over this weekend. "I feel like we're really eager," Texas Tech defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings said. "We're off to a good start, but we've got to keep the ball rolling. We're not satisfied and just need to keep going." The fact that the Wildcats have won six straight over the Red Raiders? K-State players suggest it's better than the alternative, but they aren't focused on history this week. They're focused on Saturday. "We've definitely had their number, but we're a new team and they're a new team," K-State tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7981">Ben Sinnott</a>&nbsp;said. "We have to stack good days. In college football, it's a new season every week, and you have to prepare as hard as you can. "Especially in this league, anybody can beat anybody."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664538185733.jpeg" alt="k-state crowd.jpg" />
 <figcaption>k-state crowd.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.—It didn't take long for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8597">Adrian Martinez</a>&nbsp;to get feedback following his signature performance in helping Kansas State beat No. 6 Oklahoma 41-34 last Saturday in Norman, Oklahoma. After the Wildcats' locker room celebration at Memorial Stadium, Martinez checked his cellphone. "My phone had blown up," he said. "It's always cool to get that kind of support. I was definitely appreciative of all the people who reached out to me." Martinez and the 25th-ranked Wildcats, 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12 Conference —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/9/26/football-k-state-named-fwaa-national-team-of-the-week.aspx">the National Team of the Week</a>&nbsp;— hope to have everyone across the nation talking again, as they return home to face Texas Tech, 3-1 and 1-0, in Saturday's 11 a.m. kickoff at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff.aspx?staff=154">Bill Snyder</a>&nbsp;Family Stadium. K-State has won 10 of the last 11 meetings over Texas Tech — a stretch that touched the careers of three previous Texas Tech head coaches in Tommy Tuberville, Kliff Kingsbury and Matt Wells. The Wildcats are nationally ranked for the first time since they were also ranked No. 25 entering their Big 12 opener at Oklahoma State last season. "(The ranking) is very cool, but it doesn't mean a whole lot," said Martinez, who was named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/9/26/football-martinez-savage-earn-big-12-weekly-honors.aspx">Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week</a>&nbsp;after accounting for 382 total yards and five touchdowns. "You have to prove it. (The ranking) is a cool thing for this team, but it's not what we're after. "There's still a lot on the horizon and we have an incredible opponent coming in here who's knocked off ranked teams." At about the time K-State prepared to kickoff at Oklahoma, Red Raiders fans stormed the field in Lubbock after a thrilling 37-34 overtime victory against nemesis No. 22 Texas. <figure>
 <img src="https://www.kstatesports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=0&amp;image_path=/images/2022/9/29/E29I9437_web_fafmp.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday, and for the first time in history, Texas Tech will face a ranked opponent for the fourth time in its first five games. Already it has scored two victories against ranked foes in the same season for the first time since 2012. The Red Raiders beat No. 25 Houston 33-30 in double-overtime in Game 2 prior to taking down the Longhorns two weeks later. The Red Raiders seek their first 2-0 start to a conference season since 2013. "They're a really good team," K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1637">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp;said. "They're excited, they're hot, they're confident. This is going to be a heck of a game. That's such a huge thing to get a ranked win or a signature win for a momentum standpoint." First-year Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire, a former Baylor assistant coach, calls Bill&nbsp;Snyder Family Stadium "my favorite place to play on the road," and "a true college atmosphere." As of late Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AKSU%3AFB22%3AF04%3A&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;pc=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;groupCode=FBSG&amp;cgc=&amp;dataAccId=187&amp;locale=en_US&amp;siteId=ev_kansuse">fewer than 200 tickets remained for Saturday's contest</a>. K-State first-year offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1641">Collin Klein</a>, who beat Texas Tech 55-24 in Manhattan in front of a sellout crowd in 2012, knows all-too well the importance of the Wildcats' home-field advantage. "There's no place like it," he said. "Our fans are so passionate, so into the ballgame, and truly care not just about the outcome but about our players and the type of culture and young men we've had here. It's a special place for sure." <figure>
 <img src="https://www.kstatesports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=0&amp;image_path=/images/2022/9/29/AG9I1265_web_HbmTM.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State hasn't lost to the Red Raiders in Manhattan since 2008. McGuire and the Red Raiders are looking to change that. "We met and the first thing we talked about was what's next and I told all of them one of the hardest things for people — all of these quotes are about failure, not success and how to come back from failure," McGuire said. "We really talked about what we want to be remembered as, not just beating Texas." Big 12 road teams are 9-4 so far this season. "Playing in the Big 12 and playing against a really good opponent this week, you have to reset and focus on the next team," Martinez said. "Look, if we're not prepared, they're going to beat us. Anybody can beat anybody. "We'll be ready." This could perhaps be another offensive showdown for K-State. The Wildcats ran 83 total plays against Oklahoma, their most since running 90 plays against No. 3 Oklahoma State in 2011, while Texas Tech has already run 100-plus plays in two different games this season. Martinez showed off his arm and his legs against the Sooners in his best performance yet as a Wildcat. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown, and rushed 21 times for 148 yards and four touchdowns. The offense was in rhythm, racked up 509 total yards, went 8 for 17 on third downs, and reached the end zone five times. "We just have to focus on executing and staying on the field," Klein said. "That was as big a difference from our standpoint offensively was staying on the field in those third- and fourth-down situations and giving us more chances and the ability to find some rhythm and do some different things operationally. "Ultimately, we finished with touchdowns. Every offense in this league is explosive and they go fast. We have the capability to be not any different than that. We have to finish with touchdowns inside the red zone and be good on third down." Meanwhile, Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith went 38 of 56 passing for 331 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 15 carries for 42 yards and a score against Texas. His 79 total offensive attempts against Houston marked the second-most total offense plays by a Red Raider dating to 2000, trailing only the 100 attempts by Patrick Mahomes II against Oklahoma in 2016. Texas Tech wideout Myles Price had a career game against Texas with 13 receptions for 98 yards (off 17 targets), marking the most catches by a Red Raider since 2018. Price is Texas Tech's leading receiver with 25 catches for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Overall, Texas Tech has utilized multiple pass-catchers as 16 different players have caught a pass, including eight — four wideouts, two running backs and two tight ends — who have caught a touchdown. Asked about Texas Tech's "pesky" offense, K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1640">Joe Klanderman</a>&nbsp;replied, "Pesky? Explosive is probably a better word. "They do a really good job pushing the ball down the field and they have a good run game complement with it," Klanderman continued. "They have playmakers all over the place. They do a great job creatively with the things that they do. They're a really good offense." <figure>
 <img src="https://www.kstatesports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=0&amp;image_path=/images/2022/9/29/20220924_FB_Oklahoma_LC_066_web_CA3pG.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>One of the other key offensive matchups will feature K-State's rushing attack against the Texas Tech rushing defense. The Wildcats rank seventh in averaging 248.2 rushing yards per game. K-State put 275 rushing yards on an Oklahoma defense that entered allowing just 118.0 rushing yards per contest. Texas Tech is allowing just 99.8 rushing yards per contest. The Red Raiders have allowed just 399 rushing yards in four games, their second-lowest total through four games since 2000. Returning Consensus All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7993">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;rushed for 116 yards on 25 carries against the Sooners. He ranks eighth nationally and tops in the Big 12 in averaging 117.0 rushing yards per game. Coupled with Martinez's abilities in running the football — his 55-yard jaunt on a key third-and-16 play in the fourth quarter at Oklahoma might be talked about for a while — the Wildcats could possess a one-two punch that could be difficult to stop. "There's no doubt about it and it's something we've got to keep building on," Klein said. "There are next levels of things and sequences of things and different types of schemes and formations and all that kind of stuff. It was a great stepping stone and building block for us seeing some of that stuff come together." It's still early, but already there's talk that this could be the most parity-filled Big 12 in years. <figure>
 <img src="https://www.kstatesports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=0&amp;image_path=/images/2022/9/29/E29I9720_web_tFIwL.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State, Texas Tech, Baylor and Kansas are off to a good start while Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa State and West Virginia find themselves at the bottom. Oklahoma State and TCU begin their Big 12 slates on Saturday. Everything can change over this weekend. "I feel like we're really eager," Texas Tech defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings said. "We're off to a good start, but we've got to keep the ball rolling. We're not satisfied and just need to keep going." The fact that the Wildcats have won six straight over the Red Raiders? K-State players suggest it's better than the alternative, but they aren't focused on history this week. They're focused on Saturday. "We've definitely had their number, but we're a new team and they're a new team," K-State tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7981">Ben Sinnott</a>&nbsp;said. "We have to stack good days. In college football, it's a new season every week, and you have to prepare as hard as you can. "Especially in this league, anybody can beat anybody."

🏈 K-State FB: Back at Home and Ready to Build on Momentum

DETROIT (AP) — Willi Castro and Javy Báez homered to lead Detroit over the Kansas City Royals 10-3 on Thursday for a three-game sweep that moved the Tigers out of last place in the AL Central.

Detroit (63-92) has won six straight, matching its season high and ensuring the Tigers will not lose 100 games. Detroit went 10-9 this year against the Royals (63-93), who dropped into the division cellar.

“We're at 92 losses, so we're not going to celebrate anything, but we're happy to sweep again,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We're playing better across the board, but as a manager, I know there are a lot of things we can do better. Still, winning is nice.”

The Tigers have gone 8-2 since falling to 55-91 on Sept. 18.

“We've known all year that we can play this well,” Báez said. “The important thing is coming back next season and playing like this right from the start.”

Kansas City stranded 11 runners, raising its two-day total to 24, and went 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

“We needed that big hit and it eluded us for most of the last two days,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It was good to see a couple of guys put a charge into the ball late in the game, but we were dealing with a pretty big gap by that point.”

Eduardo Rodriguez (5-5) allowed five hits and four walks in 6 2/3 shutout innings, but struggled after Detroit's four-run fifth.

“I feel like everything was working just the way I wanted in the first five innings,” he said. “In my last two innings, I was feeling cold coming off the bench - my body was cold.”

Jonathan Heasley (4-9) gave up five runs — four earned — and six hits in 4 2/3 innings.

“I thought he had good stuff and had control of the game,” Matheny said. “The leadoff walk in the fifth seemed to kind of send him into a spiral. We also had a misplay that turned a tough inning into a really tough one. It's hard to recover from that.”

Before a crowd of just 13,137, Castro put the Tigers ahead with a solo homer in the second but left after straining his left hamstring while running out a fourth-inning double. Castro will miss Detroit's final six games.

Detroit boosted the lead to 5-0 with a four-run fifth. Tucker Barnhart walked, advanced on a wild pitch and scored when first baseman Vinnie Pasquatino couldn't handle Akil Baddoo's hard grounder for an error. Riley Greene followed with an RBI double, and Báez homered over the Tigers bullpen in left.

Barnhart added an RBI single off Scott Barlow in the sixth, and the Tigers scored four more in the seventh. After Max Castillo allowed a single and two walks to starting the innnig, Luke Weaver hit Victor Reyes with his first pitch, Jeimer Candelario followed with a sacrifice fly and Barnhart doubled for a 9-0 lead.

“We get paid for this, so I expect full effort every game,” Hinch said. “I tell these guys all the time to never take one day for granted at this level. These games might be a little calm because of where the two teams are in the standings, but they are playing resolve."

Kansas City's Ryan O'Hearn hit a two-run double in a three-run eighth.

Harold Castro started the day with three straight games with at least three or more hits, -the longest streak by a Tiger since Magglio Ordonez in 2008. Castro went 0 for 4 with a walk.

Hunter Dozier's sixth-inning triple was his fourth at Comerica Park - his most at any road ballpark - while his 10 homers are four more than he has hit at any other opposing stadium. His career batting average in Detroit is only .195, but 17 of his 25 hits have gone for extra bases, giving him a .503 slugging percentage.

He's been a completely different hitter when facing the Tigers at home, batting .261 with one homer and a .413 slugging percentage.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (10-4, 2.99) is scheduled to start Friday's opener of a season-ending six-game series at Cleveland against RHP Zach Plesac (3-11, 4.39).

Tigers: LHP Scott Alexander (4-10, 4.68) starts Friday's opener of a three-game series against Minnesota ad RHP Joe Ryan (12-8, 3.70).

DETROIT (AP) — Willi Castro and Javy Báez homered to lead Detroit over the Kansas City Royals 10-3 on Thursday for a three-game sweep that moved the Tigers out of last place in the AL Central.Detroit (63-92) has won six straight, matching its season high and ensuring the Tigers will not lose 100 games. Detroit went 10-9 this year against the Royals (63-93), who dropped into the division cellar.“We're at 92 losses, so we're not going to celebrate anything, but we're happy to sweep again,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We're playing better across the board, but as a manager, I know there are a lot of things we can do better. Still, winning is nice.”The Tigers have gone 8-2 since falling to 55-91 on Sept. 18.“We've known all year that we can play this well,” Báez said. “The important thing is coming back next season and playing like this right from the start.”Kansas City stranded 11 runners, raising its two-day total to 24, and went 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.“We needed that big hit and it eluded us for most of the last two days,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It was good to see a couple of guys put a charge into the ball late in the game, but we were dealing with a pretty big gap by that point.”Eduardo Rodriguez (5-5) allowed five hits and four walks in 6 2/3 shutout innings, but struggled after Detroit's four-run fifth.“I feel like everything was working just the way I wanted in the first five innings,” he said. “In my last two innings, I was feeling cold coming off the bench - my body was cold.”Jonathan Heasley (4-9) gave up five runs — four earned — and six hits in 4 2/3 innings.“I thought he had good stuff and had control of the game,” Matheny said. “The leadoff walk in the fifth seemed to kind of send him into a spiral. We also had a misplay that turned a tough inning into a really tough one. It's hard to recover from that.”Before a crowd of just 13,137, Castro put the Tigers ahead with a solo homer in the second but left after straining his left hamstring while running out a fourth-inning double. Castro will miss Detroit's final six games.Detroit boosted the lead to 5-0 with a four-run fifth. Tucker Barnhart walked, advanced on a wild pitch and scored when first baseman Vinnie Pasquatino couldn't handle Akil Baddoo's hard grounder for an error. Riley Greene followed with an RBI double, and Báez homered over the Tigers bullpen in left.Barnhart added an RBI single off Scott Barlow in the sixth, and the Tigers scored four more in the seventh. After Max Castillo allowed a single and two walks to starting the innnig, Luke Weaver hit Victor Reyes with his first pitch, Jeimer Candelario followed with a sacrifice fly and Barnhart doubled for a 9-0 lead.“We get paid for this, so I expect full effort every game,” Hinch said. “I tell these guys all the time to never take one day for granted at this level. These games might be a little calm because of where the two teams are in the standings, but they are playing resolve."Kansas City's Ryan O'Hearn hit a two-run double in a three-run eighth.STREAK ENDEDHarold Castro started the day with three straight games with at least three or more hits, -the longest streak by a Tiger since Magglio Ordonez in 2008. Castro went 0 for 4 with a walk.DOZIER'S HOME AWAY FROM HOMEHunter Dozier's sixth-inning triple was his fourth at Comerica Park - his most at any road ballpark - while his 10 homers are four more than he has hit at any other opposing stadium. His career batting average in Detroit is only .195, but 17 of his 25 hits have gone for extra bases, giving him a .503 slugging percentage.He's been a completely different hitter when facing the Tigers at home, batting .261 with one homer and a .413 slugging percentage.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (10-4, 2.99) is scheduled to start Friday's opener of a season-ending six-game series at Cleveland against RHP Zach Plesac (3-11, 4.39).Tigers: LHP Scott Alexander (4-10, 4.68) starts Friday's opener of a three-game series against Minnesota ad RHP Joe Ryan (12-8, 3.70).

⚾ Castro, Báez homer, Tigers sweep Royals 10-3, escape cellar

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Sunday night’s game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as scheduled. The Bucs spent most of this week in the Miami area preparing for the highly-anticipated prime time matchup featuring quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes to avoid direct contact with Hurricane Ian. The team practiced at the Miami Dolphins' training facility Wednesday and Thursday. On Thursday, the team said its stadium could host the game after assessing damage caused by the storm. The NFL had said the game would be played in Minneapolis if it couldn't be played in Tampa.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained neck and head injuries after being slammed to the ground Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, and was stretchered from the field. The Dolphins said Tagovailoa was conscious and had movement in all his extremities after being taken by stretcher from the field and to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The Dolphins said after their 27-15 loss to the Bengals that Tagovailoa was expected to be released from the hospital and fly home with the team. Miami coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa sustained a concussion when was chased down and sacked by Josh Tupou with about six minutes left in the first half. He remained down for more than seven minutes before being loaded on a backboard and removed via stretcher.

UNDATED (AP) — The first full weekend of conference games in the Big 12 includes a rematch of last year's championship game as ninth-ranked Oklahoma State plays at 16th-ranked Baylor. The Bears won the title game last December. Oklahoma State is the league’s highest-scoring team at nearly 52 points a game. Baylor opened Big 12 play with a win at Iowa State. Undefeated Kansas with standout quarterback Jalon Daniels is home this week against the Cyclones. No. 18 Oklahoma plays at TCU; No. 25 Kansas State hosts Texas Tech; and West Virginia is at Texas.

ATLANTA (AP) — Two months into the season, it looked like the New York Mets were headed for an NL East runaway. Not so fast was the reply from the reigning World Series champions. Sparked by two budding stars, the Atlanta Braves suddenly found their mojo. Now, they’re a mere game behind the Mets heading into the biggest series of the year, a three-game set in Atlanta on the final weekend of the regular season. While both teams have locked up playoff berths, the East champion earns a first-round bye. Just an enticing, this is the only division race that hasn't been settled.

Nashville at Tampa Bay 8 p.m. (Postponed)

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Sunday night’s game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as scheduled. The Bucs spent most of this week in the Miami area preparing for the highly-anticipated prime time matchup featuring quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes to avoid direct contact with Hurricane Ian. The team practiced at the Miami Dolphins' training facility Wednesday and Thursday. On Thursday, the team said its stadium could host the game after assessing damage caused by the storm. The NFL had said the game would be played in Minneapolis if it couldn't be played in Tampa.CINCINNATI (AP) — Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained neck and head injuries after being slammed to the ground Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, and was stretchered from the field. The Dolphins said Tagovailoa was conscious and had movement in all his extremities after being taken by stretcher from the field and to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The Dolphins said after their 27-15 loss to the Bengals that Tagovailoa was expected to be released from the hospital and fly home with the team. Miami coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa sustained a concussion when was chased down and sacked by Josh Tupou with about six minutes left in the first half. He remained down for more than seven minutes before being loaded on a backboard and removed via stretcher.UNDATED (AP) — Kansas will try to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 2009 on Saturday when Iowa State visits Memorial Stadium. The Jayhawks are the first team outside the Top 25 this week after knocking Duke from the ranks of the unbeaten. The Cyclones will be trying to bounce back from a loss to Baylor in their Big 12 opener. The Jayhawks are led by quarterback Jalon Daniels. Iowa State will lean on a defense that leads the Big 12 in scoring and total defense.UNDATED (AP) — In a cheeky opening week of conference play in the Big 12, Texas Tech and Kansas State dealt soon-to-be SEC defectors a loss. The Red Raiders rallied past then-No. 22 Texas in overtime during the afternoon slate of games, then the Wildcats sent a shock through college football when they walked into then-No. 6 Oklahoma and pranced out with a 41-34 victory. Now, the Red Raiders are headed to No. 25 Kansas State on Saturday with the winner moving to 2-0 in league play and getting a nice boost in the race for a spot in the conference championship game.UNDATED (AP) — The first full weekend of conference games in the Big 12 includes a rematch of last year's championship game as ninth-ranked Oklahoma State plays at 16th-ranked Baylor. The Bears won the title game last December. Oklahoma State is the league’s highest-scoring team at nearly 52 points a game. Baylor opened Big 12 play with a win at Iowa State. Undefeated Kansas with standout quarterback Jalon Daniels is home this week against the Cyclones. No. 18 Oklahoma plays at TCU; No. 25 Kansas State hosts Texas Tech; and West Virginia is at Texas.WACO, Texas (AP) — Ninth-ranked Oklahoma State is being fueled by the few inches it came up short of a Big 12 championship in its last meeting against Baylor. The Cowboys open conference play Saturday against the No. 16 Bears. Baylor won last year's title game with a fourth-down stop just short of the end zone in the final seconds. Cowboys running back Dominic Richardson says they are using that to fuel them. Baylor won its Big 12 opener at Iowa State. The Bears have won their last nine home games since Oklahoma State won the COVID-delayed 2020 regular-season finale there.FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — The 18th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners are playing after a loss for the first time with new coach Brent Venables when they go to TCU. The 3-1 Sooners have lost consecutive regular-season games only once since 1999. The 3-0 Horned Frogs are playing their Big 12 opener with new coach Sonny Dykes. They average a Big 12-best 8.1 yards per offensive play. Oklahoma fell behind 14-0 early and never got ahead in its league opener at home against then-unranked Kansas State. The Sooners tumbled 12 spots in the AP poll after starting conference play with a loss for only the second time in 10 seasons.UNDATED (AP) — Texas and West Virginia meet Saturday with both teams desperate to avoid an 0-2 start in the Big 12. West Virginia has recovered from a slow start to win its last two games behind a maturing run game led by freshman CJ Donaldson. Texas is still waiting to see if freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers can finally return after injuring his clavicle against Alabama. Texas running back Bijan Robinson has been carrying a football to class this week after his overtime fumble against Texas Tech set up the winning field goal.ATLANTA (AP) — Two months into the season, it looked like the New York Mets were headed for an NL East runaway. Not so fast was the reply from the reigning World Series champions. Sparked by two budding stars, the Atlanta Braves suddenly found their mojo. Now, they’re a mere game behind the Mets heading into the biggest series of the year, a three-game set in Atlanta on the final weekend of the regular season. While both teams have locked up playoff berths, the East champion earns a first-round bye. Just an enticing, this is the only division race that hasn't been settled.THURSDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Detroit 10 Kansas City 3Final Chicago White Sox 4 Minnesota 3Final Boston 5 Baltimore 3Final Cleveland 2 Tampa Bay 1Final L.A. Angels 4 Oakland 2Final Seattle 10 Texas 9NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Chicago Cubs 2 Philadelphia 0Final Miami 4 Milwaukee 2Final San Francisco 6 Colorado 4Final L.A. Dodgers 5 San Diego 2NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASONNashville at Tampa Bay 8 p.m. (Postponed)Final New Jersey 5 N-Y Rangers 2Final Carolina 5 Florida 2Final Winnipeg 4 Montreal 3Final Nashville 2 Tampa Bay 0Final St. Louis 4 Columbus 2Final Minnesota 5 Dallas 2Final OT Seattle 4 Vancouver 3NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal Cincinnati 27 Miami 15TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal (19)BYU 38 Utah St. 26

Sports Headlines for Friday

SALINA, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks football team (3-1) travel to Salina South (0-4) to meet the Cougars Friday night at Salina Stadium at 7pm.

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>

SALINA, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks football team (3-1) travel to Salina South (0-4) to meet the Cougars Friday night at Salina Stadium at 7pm.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/game7e527b960" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>

</div>HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app. CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🏈 🎥 Hutch High vs Salina South in Salina

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Sunday night’s game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as scheduled.

The Bucs spent most of this week in the Miami area preparing for the highly-anticipated prime-time matchup featuring quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes to avoid direct contact with Hurricane Ian.

Tampa Bay practiced at the Miami Dolphins' training facility Wednesday and Thursday, when the teams announced the game will be played in its home stadium after assessing damage caused by the storm.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the many thousands in the Southwest Florida region who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Ian,” the team said in a statement.

“We are also very thankful that the Tampa Bay area was spared the most damaging consequences of this powerful storm,” the statement added. “We have informed the NFL, after consulting with local and state agencies, that we are ready to play Sunday night’s game ... at Raymond James Stadium as originally scheduled.”

If the Bucs and Chiefs had not been able to play in Tampa, the NFL had said the game would have been switched the Minnesota Vikings’ stadium in Minneapolis.

“We would like to thank all of the local government agencies and the thousands of emergency personnel who worked tirelessly over the past few days to ensure that our area would be ready to respond if needed,” the Bucs said. “We would also like to acknowledge the Miami Dolphins organization for their assistance and hospitality in allowing us to use their practice facilities.”

The Glazer family, owners of the Buccaneers, are donating $1 million to assist in relief efforts to organizations that are providing support to those who have been most impacted by the storm in Southwest Florida and throughout the state.

“The destruction suffered in Southwest Florida and the damage inflicted throughout our state will be felt for some time," Buccaneers co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz said in a statement. "It will take entire communities resiliently working together for an extended period and our family is committed to aiding in the recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless people affected, the heroic first responders and all of those helping to keep others safe.”

Brady announced on Twitter he's donating to the Florida Disaster Fund and encouraged others to contribute.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Sunday night’s game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as scheduled.The Bucs spent most of this week in the Miami area preparing for the highly-anticipated prime-time matchup featuring quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes to avoid direct contact with Hurricane Ian.Tampa Bay practiced at the Miami Dolphins' training facility Wednesday and Thursday, when the teams announced the game will be played in its home stadium after assessing damage caused by the storm.“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the many thousands in the Southwest Florida region who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Ian,” the team said in a statement.“We are also very thankful that the Tampa Bay area was spared the most damaging consequences of this powerful storm,” the statement added. “We have informed the NFL, after consulting with local and state agencies, that we are ready to play Sunday night’s game ... at Raymond James Stadium as originally scheduled.”If the Bucs and Chiefs had not been able to play in Tampa, the NFL had said the game would have been switched the Minnesota Vikings’ stadium in Minneapolis.“We would like to thank all of the local government agencies and the thousands of emergency personnel who worked tirelessly over the past few days to ensure that our area would be ready to respond if needed,” the Bucs said. “We would also like to acknowledge the Miami Dolphins organization for their assistance and hospitality in allowing us to use their practice facilities.”The Glazer family, owners of the Buccaneers, are donating $1 million to assist in relief efforts to organizations that are providing support to those who have been most impacted by the storm in Southwest Florida and throughout the state.“The destruction suffered in Southwest Florida and the damage inflicted throughout our state will be felt for some time," Buccaneers co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz said in a statement. "It will take entire communities resiliently working together for an extended period and our family is committed to aiding in the recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless people affected, the heroic first responders and all of those helping to keep others safe.”Brady announced on Twitter he's donating to the Florida Disaster Fund and encouraged others to contribute.

🏈 Buccaneers, Chiefs will play in Tampa as scheduled

TORONTO (AP) — Aaron Judge tied Roger Maris' American League record of 61 home runs in a season, hitting a tiebreaking, two-run drive for the New York Yankees in the seventh inning that led them over Toronto Blue Jays 8-3. The 30-year-old slugger drove a 94.5 mph belt-high sinker with a full-count from Tim Mayza over the left-field fence at Rogers Centre. The 117.4 mph drive took just 3.8 seconds to land 394 feet from the plate. and it put the Yankees ahead 5-3. Judge watched the ball clank off the stands, just below two fans who reached over a railing.

TORONTO (AP) — Aaron Judge had gone seven games since his last home run, 34 plate appearances of fans quieting to a hush and snapping photos with every pitch.

Then with the score tied in the seventh inning on Wednesday night, he drove a 94.5 mph belt-high sinker to left, a no doubt rocket. He had tied Roger Maris' American League record of 61 home runs in a season, what many fans consider baseball's "clean" standard for the sport.

Judge's two-run homer lifted the Yankees to an 8-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and brought relief to the 6-foot-7 slugger, who admitted having to try to block out distraction.

"Getting a chance to sit at 60 for a while there with the Babe was nice," he said, "but getting a chance to now sit at 61 with another Yankee right fielder that hit 61 home runs and MVPs, world champions, this is pretty cool."

Judge has seven games to break the record, starting with a series opener against Baltimore at Yankee Stadium on Friday night.

His 117.4 mph drive off left-hander Tim Mayza (8-1) snapped a 3-3 tie and took just 3.8 seconds to land 394 feet from the plate. Judge watched the ball clank off the front of the stands, just below two fans who reached over a railing and tried for a catch. He pumped an arm just before reaching first and exchanged a slap with coach Travis Chapman.

"Definitely some relief getting to 61. You try not to think about it, but it creeps into your head," Judge said. "I was hoping it would get over the fence. I didn't know at first. I didn't want to be standing at home plate when it hits the wall."

The ball dropped into Toronto's bullpen and was picked up by Blue Jays bullpen coach Matt Buschmann. He and Toronto closer Jordan Romano held onto the ball before turning it over to Yankees reliever Zack Britton, who made sure it got to Judge.

"We just wanted to get it in the right hands," Romano said, prompting Judge to call it "a classy move."

Judge's mother Patty and Roger Maris Jr. rose and hugged from front-row seats. Judge appeared to point toward them after rounding second base.

"She's been with me through it all, that's for sure," Judge said. "From the Little League days, from getting me ready for school, taking me to my first couple of practices and games, being there for my first professional game, being there for my debut, and then now getting the chance to be here for this, this is so special. We're not done yet."

Judge was congratulated by the entire Yankees team, who gave him hugs after he crossed the plate.

"He's as beloved as they come," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I think everyone is just so excited for him."

Judge moved past the 60 home runs Babe Ruth hit in 1927, which had stood as the major league mark until Maris broke it in 1961. All three stars reached those huge numbers playing for the Yankees.

Maris hit No. 61 for the Yankees on Oct. 1, 1961, against Boston pitcher Tracy Stallard. Maris' mark has been exceeded six times, but all have been tainted by the stench of steroids. Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs in 1998 and 65 the following year, and Bonds topped him with 73 in 2001. Sammy Sosa had 66, 65 and 63 during a four-season span starting in 1998.

McGwire admitted using banned steroids, while Bonds and Sosa denied knowingly using performing-enhancing drugs. Major League Baseball started testing with penalties for PEDs in 2004.

"He should be revered for being the actual single-season home run champ. That's really who he is if hits 62," Maris Jr. said. "I think baseball needs to look at the records. And I think baseball should do something."

Judge is hitting .313 with 130 RBIs, also the top totals in the AL. He has a chance to become the first AL Triple Crown winner since Detroit's Miguel Cabrera in 2012.

Fans fixated on him in the Bronx during the last homestand.

"It's tough at times at Yankee Stadium, for sure, when you got 45,000 standing on their feet for every pitch," Judge said. "You hear the noise. You hear the buzz. But when I step out on that field, when I step in the box, all the hype, all the noise, it goes aside and you got to focus on competing."

He became just the fifth player to hold a share of the AL season record. Nap Lajoie hit 14 in the AL's first season as a major league in 1901, and Philadelphia Athletics teammate Socks Seabold had 16 the next year, a mark that stood until Babe Ruth hit 29 in 1919. Ruth set the record four times in all, with 54 in 1920, 59 in 1921 and 60 in 1927, a mark that stood until Maris' 61 in 1961.

Maris was at 35 in July 1961 during the first season each team's schedule increased from 154 games to 162, and baseball Commissioner Ford Frick ruled if anyone topped Ruth in more than 154 games "there would have to be some distinctive mark in the record books to show that Babe Ruth's record was set under a 154-game schedule."

That "distinctive mark" became known as an "asterisk" and it remained until Sept. 4, 1991, when a committee on statistical accuracy chaired by Commissioner Fay Vincent voted unanimously to recognize Maris as the record holder.

After the game, plate umpire Brian O'Nora presented Judge with the lineup card. Judge isn't sure what he will give the Hall of Fame.

"They took my home run bat from my first game and I went in a massive slump after that," he said, "so I don't know if I'll be giving them anything just yet."

Judge and Maris Jr. met for the first time outside the Yankees clubhouse following the game. Maris Jr. has attended every game since Judge hit No. 60 on Sept. 20.

"It's the ninth day I've been here," Maris Jr. said. "He wears 99. Dad wears 9. It's just kind of weird the way it all kind of went together. So now I'm thinking, OK, we're going to go to Yankee Stadium and he'll probably hit 62 on Oct. 1, when dad hit his 61st."

AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.

By IAN HARRISON Associated PressTORONTO (AP) — Aaron Judge tied Roger Maris' American League record of 61 home runs in a season, hitting a tiebreaking, two-run drive for the New York Yankees in the seventh inning that led them over Toronto Blue Jays 8-3. The 30-year-old slugger drove a 94.5 mph belt-high sinker with a full-count from Tim Mayza over the left-field fence at Rogers Centre. The 117.4 mph drive took just 3.8 seconds to land 394 feet from the plate. and it put the Yankees ahead 5-3. Judge watched the ball clank off the stands, just below two fans who reached over a railing.TORONTO (AP) — Aaron Judge had gone seven games since his last home run, 34 plate appearances of fans quieting to a hush and snapping photos with every pitch.Then with the score tied in the seventh inning on Wednesday night, he drove a 94.5 mph belt-high sinker to left, a no doubt rocket. He had tied Roger Maris' American League record of 61 home runs in a season, what many fans consider baseball's "clean" standard for the sport.Judge's two-run homer lifted the Yankees to an 8-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and brought relief to the 6-foot-7 slugger, who admitted having to try to block out distraction."Getting a chance to sit at 60 for a while there with the Babe was nice," he said, "but getting a chance to now sit at 61 with another Yankee right fielder that hit 61 home runs and MVPs, world champions, this is pretty cool."Judge has seven games to break the record, starting with a series opener against Baltimore at Yankee Stadium on Friday night.His 117.4 mph drive off left-hander Tim Mayza (8-1) snapped a 3-3 tie and took just 3.8 seconds to land 394 feet from the plate. Judge watched the ball clank off the front of the stands, just below two fans who reached over a railing and tried for a catch. He pumped an arm just before reaching first and exchanged a slap with coach Travis Chapman."Definitely some relief getting to 61. You try not to think about it, but it creeps into your head," Judge said. "I was hoping it would get over the fence. I didn't know at first. I didn't want to be standing at home plate when it hits the wall."The ball dropped into Toronto's bullpen and was picked up by Blue Jays bullpen coach Matt Buschmann. He and Toronto closer Jordan Romano held onto the ball before turning it over to Yankees reliever Zack Britton, who made sure it got to Judge."We just wanted to get it in the right hands," Romano said, prompting Judge to call it "a classy move."Judge's mother Patty and Roger Maris Jr. rose and hugged from front-row seats. Judge appeared to point toward them after rounding second base."She's been with me through it all, that's for sure," Judge said. "From the Little League days, from getting me ready for school, taking me to my first couple of practices and games, being there for my first professional game, being there for my debut, and then now getting the chance to be here for this, this is so special. We're not done yet."Judge was congratulated by the entire Yankees team, who gave him hugs after he crossed the plate."He's as beloved as they come," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I think everyone is just so excited for him."Judge moved past the 60 home runs Babe Ruth hit in 1927, which had stood as the major league mark until Maris broke it in 1961. All three stars reached those huge numbers playing for the Yankees.Maris hit No. 61 for the Yankees on Oct. 1, 1961, against Boston pitcher Tracy Stallard. Maris' mark has been exceeded six times, but all have been tainted by the stench of steroids. Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs in 1998 and 65 the following year, and Bonds topped him with 73 in 2001. Sammy Sosa had 66, 65 and 63 during a four-season span starting in 1998.McGwire admitted using banned steroids, while Bonds and Sosa denied knowingly using performing-enhancing drugs. Major League Baseball started testing with penalties for PEDs in 2004."He should be revered for being the actual single-season home run champ. That's really who he is if hits 62," Maris Jr. said. "I think baseball needs to look at the records. And I think baseball should do something."Judge is hitting .313 with 130 RBIs, also the top totals in the AL. He has a chance to become the first AL Triple Crown winner since Detroit's Miguel Cabrera in 2012.Fans fixated on him in the Bronx during the last homestand."It's tough at times at Yankee Stadium, for sure, when you got 45,000 standing on their feet for every pitch," Judge said. "You hear the noise. You hear the buzz. But when I step out on that field, when I step in the box, all the hype, all the noise, it goes aside and you got to focus on competing."He became just the fifth player to hold a share of the AL season record. Nap Lajoie hit 14 in the AL's first season as a major league in 1901, and Philadelphia Athletics teammate Socks Seabold had 16 the next year, a mark that stood until Babe Ruth hit 29 in 1919. Ruth set the record four times in all, with 54 in 1920, 59 in 1921 and 60 in 1927, a mark that stood until Maris' 61 in 1961.Maris was at 35 in July 1961 during the first season each team's schedule increased from 154 games to 162, and baseball Commissioner Ford Frick ruled if anyone topped Ruth in more than 154 games "there would have to be some distinctive mark in the record books to show that Babe Ruth's record was set under a 154-game schedule."That "distinctive mark" became known as an "asterisk" and it remained until Sept. 4, 1991, when a committee on statistical accuracy chaired by Commissioner Fay Vincent voted unanimously to recognize Maris as the record holder.After the game, plate umpire Brian O'Nora presented Judge with the lineup card. Judge isn't sure what he will give the Hall of Fame."They took my home run bat from my first game and I went in a massive slump after that," he said, "so I don't know if I'll be giving them anything just yet."Judge and Maris Jr. met for the first time outside the Yankees clubhouse following the game. Maris Jr. has attended every game since Judge hit No. 60 on Sept. 20."It's the ninth day I've been here," Maris Jr. said. "He wears 99. Dad wears 9. It's just kind of weird the way it all kind of went together. So now I'm thinking, OK, we're going to go to Yankee Stadium and he'll probably hit 62 on Oct. 1, when dad hit his 61st."___AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.

⚾ Yankees star Judge hits 61st home run, ties Maris' AL record

DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera hit his 507th home run, Detroit got nine innings from its bullpen and the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory.

MJ Melendez led off the game with a home run for Kansas City, and Cabrera hit a two-run shot in the bottom of the inning. He has 1,845 RBIs, moving him past Carl Yastrzemski for 12th place on the career list.

“It was a good pitch to a really good hitter,” Royals starter Daniel Lynch said. “I don't get as upset about those, because I executed my pitch. One of the best to ever do this just got me.”

Scheduled Tigers starter Matt Manning was scratched just before game time because of arm fatigue. He doesn't expect to pitch again this season.

“I wanted to be precautionary,” Manning said. “With the position we're in, I was just looking more toward 2023 and not wanting to risk anything.”

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said preliminary tests didn't show any significant issues.

“They came back exactly as we expected,” he said. “A little bit of fatigue and a little bit of inflammation. He's going to get further evaluations, but the good news is we feel he'll be fine.”

Will Vest pitched the first inning, allowing Melendez's homer, and the next six relievers combined for eight shutout innings. Gregory Soto pitched the ninth for his 29th save.

Daniel Norris (1-0) was credited with the win after pitching two scoreless innings.

“It's tricky, because you expect to see one pitcher two or three times and then maybe a reliever or two,” Melendez said. “Instead, we were facing a different pitcher with different stuff almost every inning.”

The Tigers need one win in their last eight games to avoid 100 losses.

“It has been a frustrating season, because we have known all year that we were better than we were playing,” said Eric Haase, who scored on Cabrera's homer and caught all seven pitchers. “This is what we should have been doing all year.”

Kansas City had 10 hits and six walks, but Kyle Isbel was thrown out stealing twice and the Royals left 13 batters on base.

“When you face seven relievers, you figure you will run into one who doesn't have his best stuff,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “That didn't happen tonight. We had plenty of guys on base - I think we had a runner in every inning other than (the third and) the ninth - we just couldn't get the big hit we needed.

"We definitely left some money on the table.”

Lynch (4-12) allowed two runs on five hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out four.

“I thought his changeup really stood out tonight - he was able to use it in big situations - but his slider was good and he had a good fastball,” Matheny said.

The Tigers loaded the bases with one out in the third, but Cabrera bounced into a 6-4-3 double play.

Kansas City loaded the bases in the sixth and seventh innings, but Andrew Chafin came out of the bullpen to retire Melendez in the sixth, then got out of his own jam in the seventh by striking out Hunter Dozier and getting Drew Waters to ground out.

Because Manning was listed as the starting pitcher on A.J. Hinch's lineup card, he will be listed in the box score and credited with an appearance. However, because he didn't pitch to the first batter of the game, Vest gets credit for the first start of his 88-game major-league career.

In fact, Vest said he doesn't remember ever starting a game in his life, dating back to Little League.

DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera hit his 507th home run, Detroit got nine innings from its bullpen and the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory.MJ Melendez led off the game with a home run for Kansas City, and Cabrera hit a two-run shot in the bottom of the inning. He has 1,845 RBIs, moving him past Carl Yastrzemski for 12th place on the career list.“It was a good pitch to a really good hitter,” Royals starter Daniel Lynch said. “I don't get as upset about those, because I executed my pitch. One of the best to ever do this just got me.”Scheduled Tigers starter Matt Manning was scratched just before game time because of arm fatigue. He doesn't expect to pitch again this season.“I wanted to be precautionary,” Manning said. “With the position we're in, I was just looking more toward 2023 and not wanting to risk anything.”Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said preliminary tests didn't show any significant issues.“They came back exactly as we expected,” he said. “A little bit of fatigue and a little bit of inflammation. He's going to get further evaluations, but the good news is we feel he'll be fine.”Will Vest pitched the first inning, allowing Melendez's homer, and the next six relievers combined for eight shutout innings. Gregory Soto pitched the ninth for his 29th save.Daniel Norris (1-0) was credited with the win after pitching two scoreless innings.“It's tricky, because you expect to see one pitcher two or three times and then maybe a reliever or two,” Melendez said. “Instead, we were facing a different pitcher with different stuff almost every inning.”The Tigers need one win in their last eight games to avoid 100 losses.“It has been a frustrating season, because we have known all year that we were better than we were playing,” said Eric Haase, who scored on Cabrera's homer and caught all seven pitchers. “This is what we should have been doing all year.”Kansas City had 10 hits and six walks, but Kyle Isbel was thrown out stealing twice and the Royals left 13 batters on base.“When you face seven relievers, you figure you will run into one who doesn't have his best stuff,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “That didn't happen tonight. We had plenty of guys on base - I think we had a runner in every inning other than (the third and) the ninth - we just couldn't get the big hit we needed."We definitely left some money on the table.”Lynch (4-12) allowed two runs on five hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out four.“I thought his changeup really stood out tonight - he was able to use it in big situations - but his slider was good and he had a good fastball,” Matheny said.The Tigers loaded the bases with one out in the third, but Cabrera bounced into a 6-4-3 double play.Kansas City loaded the bases in the sixth and seventh innings, but Andrew Chafin came out of the bullpen to retire Melendez in the sixth, then got out of his own jam in the seventh by striking out Hunter Dozier and getting Drew Waters to ground out.STATISTICAL ANOMALYBecause Manning was listed as the starting pitcher on A.J. Hinch's lineup card, he will be listed in the box score and credited with an appearance. However, because he didn't pitch to the first batter of the game, Vest gets credit for the first start of his 88-game major-league career.In fact, Vest said he doesn't remember ever starting a game in his life, dating back to Little League.MOVING UP THE LISTMelendez's 18th homer moves him into sole possession of seventh place for a Royals rookie. He needs one more to tie Eric Hosmer (2011) for sixth and two to move into a tie for fourth with Mark Quinn (2000) and Bobby Witt Jr., who has 20 this season.STREAK STILL ALIVEHarold Castro entered the game with three or more hits in his last three games, one short of the longest streak by a Tiger in the last 85 years. Castro entered the game in the ninth inning as a pinch runner, replacing Cabrera, but the game does not count against his streak since he didn't bat. Willie Horton had a four-game streak in 1965, as did Magglio Ordonez in 2008. Ty Cobb (1907) and Gee Walker (1936) hold the franchise record at five games.UP NEXTThe teams will decide their 19-game season series on Thursday. Eduardo Rodriguez (4-5, 4.37) is scheduled to start for the Tigers against Jonathan Heasley (4-8, 4.87).