STERLING, Kan. — The Sterling High School football team has one of the more difficult schedules in class 1A, but the Black Bears have used that to their advantage and have found themselves sitting at 2-2, following back-to-back wins.&nbsp;

"We have just a buzzsaw of a schedule, and we knew that going into the year," Sterling head coach Brent Schneider said. "The thing that we kind of say is we play Conway and they won state last year and they're great, and we play Medicine Lodge and in my opinion they're probably the second best team in the state. We play good football teams, and the way we spin it is there is nobody we're going to face in districts or playoffs that play football that we haven't seen before. That's kind of what we take pride in, that we play a tough schedule, and that we fight and grind."

The Black Bears graduated a strong senior class that helped the team go 6-4 last fall. Sterling opened this season with a pair of losses to Sedgwick, 42-13, and Moundridge, 28-7.

"We have about seven starters on both sides of the ball that haven't played a lot of varsity football," Schneider said. "We opened the season with a really good Sedgwick team that I think has 16 seniors, and then a really good Moundridge team who's coming up from 8-man, but has a really good senior and junior class. They were definitely challenging opening games to start the season, but I was very proud of how our kids just kept getting better every day."

Schneider knew it was going to take a little bit of time for his team to get up to speed at the varsity level. The Black Bears picked up its first win of the year in Week 3 over Inman, 21-20, handing the Teutons its first loss.

"We put it together in a game against Inman where there was a lot of adversity," Schneider said. "We had a late start with some thunderstorm stuff, so we spent an hour and a half in a hot gym. They had their homecoming week, so we were kind of fighting that stuff, and then we had a kid get stretchered off in the third quarter with some muscle spasms in his neck that they were pretty concerned about about, so I was just proud of how our team responded there."

The Black Bears added another win in Week 4, downing then-undefeated Ellinwood, 41-35.

"We kind of got punched in the mouth a little bit by Ellinwood," Schneider said. "We responded very well, and told our kids that's kind of the benefit of having difficult games early in the season, because we've been challenged and I thought that was the biggest reason we were able to come back in the second half against Ellinwood."

The Black Bears run the flexbone offense and are led by junior Zane Farney at tailback, the two-time all-state selection is off to another strong campaign. As a sophomore Farney rushed for 1,500 yards, and so far this year is up to 577 yards for a 144-yard average per game. Junior Wyatt Newberry has 277 yards rushing for three touchdowns and a nine-yard average per attempt. Sterling as a team has rushed for nearly 300 yards per game to go along with 10 touchdowns.&nbsp;

Junior Boston Ekart has caught all five passes thrown by junior Logan Isaac for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Isaac has also been a threat on the ground with 135 yards.

One of the big reasons for the Black Bear success has been the offensive line, a brand new unit at the varsity level this year.

"Everybody on our offensive line is new to varsity football," Schneider said. "That unit is led by Waylon Schmidt, he's a senior, and he has done a really nice job with his leadership on that front."

The Sterling defense has made some changes early in the season.

"We have kind of been trying to find our identity on defense," Schneider said. "We changed some things around in Week 2, and really have been figuring things out. We played well against Inman, and then we turned around and Ellinwood did some things we weren't prepared for. Kevin Ploutz and Teyton Savage have been anchoring us up front. We're really young at the linebacker position, but we've got some really good athletes there."

Schneider says to knock off Medicine Lodge (3-1) on the road this week all comes down to execution.

"We've got to execute," Schneider said. "Medicine Lodge had a really good game plan for our run game last year, and we did some nice things against it, but it's just kind of those things you have to stick with it. Sometimes it's tough to watch from the stands because it's a little bit slow going, but you just stick with it and then the run game starts popping. We need to possess the ball and keep it out of their quarterbacks hands, he's a great kid and an all-state athlete, probably one of the better quarterbacks in all of 3-2-1A."

The Black Bears are hoping for a different outcome than last year, a game in which Sterling lost at home to Medicine Lodge, 21-20. The Black Bears went for the 2-point conversion and the win, but failed and suffered the loss.

"It was a dogfight and a lot of good stuff," Schneider said. "I do know they're going to fast and physical."

Schneider is happy with where the program is in his sixth year as the Black Bears head coach.

"When we really struggling and our numbers were really low, one thing as a coaching staff and administration we talked about is that we wanted to really make the culture something we should be proud of," Schneider said. "I really do think that we're there. I hear compliments about how are kids act and behave in the community. I just had a compliment the other day about how a group of our kids were at the local cafe, and how they interacted with the community members and how they cleaned up after themselves. It's really great to hear things like that and see how our kids act in the hallways and I couldn't be more proud. We always say that we want to raise young men of character, and you can't guarantee the wins and the losses, but I got into coaching because I had great role models growing up and I kind of want to return the favor on that.&nbsp;

The Black Bears only have three seniors, but Schneider is happy with their leadership.

"I've been really proud of our seniors," Schneider said. "They're not necessarily the focal point of our team, but they definitely have made sure things are rolling in the right direction. They're a big part in what we do. I think our community does know that we have good leadership, but we have good leadership and we have kids that are very coachable, and I couldn't be more proud of how our parents in the community have raised our young men and how they're buying into our culture."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727884098856.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Sterling Bulletin - Rene Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Sterling Bulletin - Rene Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostSTERLING, Kan. — The Sterling High School football team has one of the more difficult schedules in class 1A, but the Black Bears have used that to their advantage and have found themselves sitting at 2-2, following back-to-back wins.&nbsp;"We have just a buzzsaw of a schedule, and we knew that going into the year," Sterling head coach Brent Schneider said. "The thing that we kind of say is we play Conway and they won state last year and they're great, and we play Medicine Lodge and in my opinion they're probably the second best team in the state. We play good football teams, and the way we spin it is there is nobody we're going to face in districts or playoffs that play football that we haven't seen before. That's kind of what we take pride in, that we play a tough schedule, and that we fight and grind."The Black Bears graduated a strong senior class that helped the team go 6-4 last fall. Sterling opened this season with a pair of losses to Sedgwick, 42-13, and Moundridge, 28-7."We have about seven starters on both sides of the ball that haven't played a lot of varsity football," Schneider said. "We opened the season with a really good Sedgwick team that I think has 16 seniors, and then a really good Moundridge team who's coming up from 8-man, but has a really good senior and junior class. They were definitely challenging opening games to start the season, but I was very proud of how our kids just kept getting better every day."Schneider knew it was going to take a little bit of time for his team to get up to speed at the varsity level. The Black Bears picked up its first win of the year in Week 3 over Inman, 21-20, handing the Teutons its first loss."We put it together in a game against Inman where there was a lot of adversity," Schneider said. "We had a late start with some thunderstorm stuff, so we spent an hour and a half in a hot gym. They had their homecoming week, so we were kind of fighting that stuff, and then we had a kid get stretchered off in the third quarter with some muscle spasms in his neck that they were pretty concerned about about, so I was just proud of how our team responded there."The Black Bears added another win in Week 4, downing then-undefeated Ellinwood, 41-35."We kind of got punched in the mouth a little bit by Ellinwood," Schneider said. "We responded very well, and told our kids that's kind of the benefit of having difficult games early in the season, because we've been challenged and I thought that was the biggest reason we were able to come back in the second half against Ellinwood."The Black Bears run the flexbone offense and are led by junior Zane Farney at tailback, the two-time all-state selection is off to another strong campaign. As a sophomore Farney rushed for 1,500 yards, and so far this year is up to 577 yards for a 144-yard average per game. Junior Wyatt Newberry has 277 yards rushing for three touchdowns and a nine-yard average per attempt. Sterling as a team has rushed for nearly 300 yards per game to go along with 10 touchdowns.&nbsp;Junior Boston Ekart has caught all five passes thrown by junior Logan Isaac for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Isaac has also been a threat on the ground with 135 yards.One of the big reasons for the Black Bear success has been the offensive line, a brand new unit at the varsity level this year."Everybody on our offensive line is new to varsity football," Schneider said. "That unit is led by Waylon Schmidt, he's a senior, and he has done a really nice job with his leadership on that front."The Sterling defense has made some changes early in the season."We have kind of been trying to find our identity on defense," Schneider said. "We changed some things around in Week 2, and really have been figuring things out. We played well against Inman, and then we turned around and Ellinwood did some things we weren't prepared for. Kevin Ploutz and Teyton Savage have been anchoring us up front. We're really young at the linebacker position, but we've got some really good athletes there."Schneider says to knock off Medicine Lodge (3-1) on the road this week all comes down to execution."We've got to execute," Schneider said. "Medicine Lodge had a really good game plan for our run game last year, and we did some nice things against it, but it's just kind of those things you have to stick with it. Sometimes it's tough to watch from the stands because it's a little bit slow going, but you just stick with it and then the run game starts popping. We need to possess the ball and keep it out of their quarterbacks hands, he's a great kid and an all-state athlete, probably one of the better quarterbacks in all of 3-2-1A."The Black Bears are hoping for a different outcome than last year, a game in which Sterling lost at home to Medicine Lodge, 21-20. The Black Bears went for the 2-point conversion and the win, but failed and suffered the loss."It was a dogfight and a lot of good stuff," Schneider said. "I do know they're going to fast and physical."Schneider is happy with where the program is in his sixth year as the Black Bears head coach."When we really struggling and our numbers were really low, one thing as a coaching staff and administration we talked about is that we wanted to really make the culture something we should be proud of," Schneider said. "I really do think that we're there. I hear compliments about how are kids act and behave in the community. I just had a compliment the other day about how a group of our kids were at the local cafe, and how they interacted with the community members and how they cleaned up after themselves. It's really great to hear things like that and see how our kids act in the hallways and I couldn't be more proud. We always say that we want to raise young men of character, and you can't guarantee the wins and the losses, but I got into coaching because I had great role models growing up and I kind of want to return the favor on that.&nbsp;The Black Bears only have three seniors, but Schneider is happy with their leadership."I've been really proud of our seniors," Schneider said. "They're not necessarily the focal point of our team, but they definitely have made sure things are rolling in the right direction. They're a big part in what we do. I think our community does know that we have good leadership, but we have good leadership and we have kids that are very coachable, and I couldn't be more proud of how our parents in the community have raised our young men and how they're buying into our culture."

🏈 Sterling gaining momentum with challenging schedule

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team fell in three sets to No. 8 Colby on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.

The Trojans defeated Hutchinson 25-16, 25-20, 25-19.

The Dragons are now 12-12 overall and 3-5 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Trojans are 17-2 overall and 7-1 in the KJCCC.

Sophomore middle blocker Precious Johnson tied for team-high honors with seven kills on .375 hitting to pace the Blue Dragons.

Freshman outside hitter Atlyn Proctor also had seven kills on .043 hitting. Brooke Galey had six kills on .043 hitting.

Sophomore setter Shelbi Wilson finished with 17 assists and 11 digs. Freshman libero Addy Foster had 21 digs.

Colby was led by Karlotta Kaitai with 12 kills. Viola Giangreco had 10 kills.

The Blue Dragons were out-blocked 6-5, but out-dug the Trojans 55-52. Colby had 15 service aces to the Dragons’ three.

Set 1: The Dragons trailed early 6-2, but scored four in a row, tying the set at 6-6 on a Galey kill. Colby, which hit .325 in the opening set, answered with a 4-0 run, which was extended to 10-3 on an Amanda Caputi kill for a 16-9 Trojan lead. The Dragons got back within four on a Foster ace serve at 18-14. Colby finished off the second with three straight kills for a 25-17 win.

Set 2: The Dragons trailed 9-4, but reeled of a 7-0 run Galey’s serve. Her ace gave the Dragons an 11-9 lead. Colby again answered with a seven run, which included three-straight Celia Mbaya ace serves. The Dragons were out-hit .146-.117. The Dragons pulled within 23-20 on a Galey/McKenzie Murphy double block, but the Trojans closed out the set with two-straight points for a 25-20 win.

Set 3: The third set had eight ties and four lead changes. A Johnson kill tied the set at 5-all. Wilson and Murphy had a double block gave the Dragons an 8-7 lead. Tied at 12, Colby opened up a 16-14 lead. Johnson’s kill pulled the Dragons within one, but Colby took control with a 7-2 run.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727958379878.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team fell in three sets to No. 8 Colby on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.The Trojans defeated Hutchinson 25-16, 25-20, 25-19.The Dragons are now 12-12 overall and 3-5 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Trojans are 17-2 overall and 7-1 in the KJCCC.Sophomore middle blocker Precious Johnson tied for team-high honors with seven kills on .375 hitting to pace the Blue Dragons.Freshman outside hitter Atlyn Proctor also had seven kills on .043 hitting. Brooke Galey had six kills on .043 hitting.The Blue Dragons hit .128 overall.Sophomore setter Shelbi Wilson finished with 17 assists and 11 digs. Freshman libero Addy Foster had 21 digs.Colby was led by Karlotta Kaitai with 12 kills. Viola Giangreco had 10 kills.The Blue Dragons were out-blocked 6-5, but out-dug the Trojans 55-52. Colby had 15 service aces to the Dragons’ three.Set 1: The Dragons trailed early 6-2, but scored four in a row, tying the set at 6-6 on a Galey kill. Colby, which hit .325 in the opening set, answered with a 4-0 run, which was extended to 10-3 on an Amanda Caputi kill for a 16-9 Trojan lead. The Dragons got back within four on a Foster ace serve at 18-14. Colby finished off the second with three straight kills for a 25-17 win.Set 2: The Dragons trailed 9-4, but reeled of a 7-0 run Galey’s serve. Her ace gave the Dragons an 11-9 lead. Colby again answered with a seven run, which included three-straight Celia Mbaya ace serves. The Dragons were out-hit .146-.117. The Dragons pulled within 23-20 on a Galey/McKenzie Murphy double block, but the Trojans closed out the set with two-straight points for a 25-20 win.Set 3: The third set had eight ties and four lead changes. A Johnson kill tied the set at 5-all. Wilson and Murphy had a double block gave the Dragons an 8-7 lead. Tied at 12, Colby opened up a 16-14 lead. Johnson’s kill pulled the Dragons within one, but Colby took control with a 7-2 run.

🏐 Dragons fall to No. 8 Colby

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, October 3rd, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, October 3rd, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for October 3rd, 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cqrty-16f2097-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals edge Orioles, advance to ALDS

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sophomore forward Katharina Marx tied a career high with two goals to provided a needed spark for the No. 18 ranked Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team on Wednesday against the Seward County Saints.

The Blue Dragons snapped a four-game streak with only one or less goals to win their second-straight game, defeating Seward County 3-1.

Hutchinson improved to 6-2-3 overall and 5-2-3 (18 points) in the Jayhawk Conference. The Dragons travel to Dodge City at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Seward County is now 2-8-3 overall and 1-7-2 (five points) in the KJCCC.

Marx had a five-point game to lead the Blue Dragons against the Saints. She had her fourth career two-goal game and her second-highest single-game point total this season. Marx figured into all three goals scored by the Dragons.

Marx scored the fastest goal of the season on Wednesday, scoring just 1:11 into the game. She hammered in a shot from a Kira Artmann shot and save to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead. Later in the first half, a Blue Dragon corner was tipped twice in the box, but Marx headed home the ball into the upper-left corner of the goal for a 2-0 lead with 8:50 to play in the half.

The Blue Dragons took a 3-0 lead when Marx made a strong counter run up the right side and slid a perfect pass left to Haley Rogers, who scored into an open net with 40:33 remaining in the second half.

Marx how has seven goals and seven assists

Seward County scored its only goal when Nicole Calderon lofted a free kick from 30 yards out with 20:10 left in the half.

The Blue Dragon out-shot the Saints 18-15, including 9-3 in the opening half.

Blue Dragon freshman goalkeeper Marina Lopez (3-0-1) had a season-high seven saves and one goal allowed. She made a pair of key saves in the second half to keep the game at a two-goal deficit.

Seward County’s Miu Kamei had eight saves and allowed three goals.

The Blue Dragons are now 3-0-1 all-time against Seward County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727958234727.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sophomore forward Katharina Marx tied a career high with two goals to provided a needed spark for the No. 18 ranked Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team on Wednesday against the Seward County Saints.The Blue Dragons snapped a four-game streak with only one or less goals to win their second-straight game, defeating Seward County 3-1.Hutchinson improved to 6-2-3 overall and 5-2-3 (18 points) in the Jayhawk Conference. The Dragons travel to Dodge City at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Seward County is now 2-8-3 overall and 1-7-2 (five points) in the KJCCC.Marx had a five-point game to lead the Blue Dragons against the Saints. She had her fourth career two-goal game and her second-highest single-game point total this season. Marx figured into all three goals scored by the Dragons.Marx scored the fastest goal of the season on Wednesday, scoring just 1:11 into the game. She hammered in a shot from a Kira Artmann shot and save to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead. Later in the first half, a Blue Dragon corner was tipped twice in the box, but Marx headed home the ball into the upper-left corner of the goal for a 2-0 lead with 8:50 to play in the half.The Blue Dragons took a 3-0 lead when Marx made a strong counter run up the right side and slid a perfect pass left to Haley Rogers, who scored into an open net with 40:33 remaining in the second half.Marx how has seven goals and seven assistsSeward County scored its only goal when Nicole Calderon lofted a free kick from 30 yards out with 20:10 left in the half.The Blue Dragon out-shot the Saints 18-15, including 9-3 in the opening half.Blue Dragon freshman goalkeeper Marina Lopez (3-0-1) had a season-high seven saves and one goal allowed. She made a pair of key saves in the second half to keep the game at a two-goal deficit.Seward County’s Miu Kamei had eight saves and allowed three goals.The Blue Dragons are now 3-0-1 all-time against Seward County.

⚽ Marx leads Dragons to Wednesday win

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami win MLS Supporters Shield with 3-2 win at Crew. It's Messi's 46th trophy

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have another trophy, along with home-field advantage throughout the Major League Soccer playoffs. Messi scored twice in the final minutes of the first half, goalie Drake Callender stopped a penalty kick in the 84th minute and Inter Miami beat the defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew 3-2 on Wednesday night, wrapping up the Supporters Shield — given annually to the team with the best regular-season record. It was Messi's 46th major trophy won for club or country, extending his record for the most by any men's soccer player in history.

Higashioka's homer starts rally as Padres beat Braves 5-4 to sweep NL Wild Card Series

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Kyle Higashioka's solo homer started a five-run rally against Max Fried with two outs in the second inning, and the San Diego Padres held on to sweep the Atlanta Braves with a 5-4 win in Game 2 of their NL Wild Card Series. Manny Machado added a two-run double with the bases loaded and Jackson Merrill, a top contender for NL Rookie of the Year, followed with a two-run triple as the sellout crowd of 47,705 — the largest in Petco Park history — roared. The Padres advance to face Shohei Ohtani and the NL West rival and top-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers in a National League Division Series beginning Saturday evening at Dodger Stadium.

Mitchell hits tiebreaking HR in the 8th, Chourio goes deep twice and Brewers rally past Mets 5-3

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jackson Chourio tied the game in the eighth with his second homer of the night and Garrett Mitchell delivered a two-run shot later in the inning to give the Milwaukee Brewers a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets that evened their NL Wild Card Series. The teams will play a decisive Game 3 on Thursday night. The Brewers will attempt to become the first team to rally win a best-of-three Wild Card Series after losing the opener since MLB went to this expanded playoff format in 2022.

Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals go from 2 late 7-game losing streaks to the AL Division Series

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Kansas City Royals endured two seven-game losing streaks in the final month of the season. The second of those ended with a well-timed joke from a three-time World Series winner. Now they're in the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees after opening the playoffs with a two-game sweep of Baltimore. Kansas City's approach allowed a team that lost 106 games last year to turn things around in a hurry. It will be a bigger challenge for AL batting champion Bobby Witt Jr. and Co. to keep it going.

Gritty Tigers close out playoff sweep of Astros with 5-2 victory in Game 2 of Wild Card Series

HOUSTON (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking three-run double in Detroit's four-run eighth inning, and the Tigers swept the Houston Astros with a 5-2 victory in Game 2 of their AL Wild Card Series. Parker Meadows homered as Detroit ended Houston's run of seven consecutive appearances in the AL Championship Series. It was a sweet moment for Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who led Houston to a championship in 2017 and was fired in the aftermath of the Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Next up for the wild-card Tigers is a trip to Cleveland to take on the AL Central champions in a best-of-five AL Division Series. Game 1 is on Saturday.

Brewers' 20-year-old rookie Jackson Chourio stepping up his game in postseason

MILWAUKEE (AP) — That $82 million contract Jackson Chourio signed before ever playing a major league game looks like more and more of a bargain with every swing the Milwaukee Brewers rookie takes this postseason. Chourio homered twice Wednesday night to help the Brewers save their season with a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets in Game 2 of their NL Wild Card Series. That included a leadoff homer and then a tying drive to start Milwaukee's three-run rally in the eighth inning. The Brewers handed Chourio an eight-year, $82 million contract in December when he had played only six games beyond the Double-A level.

Pete Rose still not going into Hall of Fame. His MLB ban was permanent not 'lifetime'

Pete Rose still isn't going into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The career hits leader's banishment from baseball 35 years ago was often referred to as a lifetime ban, and his death this week led some to believe that would end. But Rose was actually declared permanently ineligible by Major League Baseball rules for betting on the game. As in forever unless there is a formal reinstatement. Since players or officials on MLB's ineligible list can't be considered for election into the Hall of Fame, Rose's status didn't change when he died Monday at age 83.

Dream fire Tanisha Wright in WNBA's 3rd coach firing since playoffs began

The Atlanta Dream have fired coach Tanisha Wright. The franchise announced the move on Wednesday. Wright took over the team in 2021 and helped them reach the playoffs the last two seasons. The Dream lost both years in the opening round of the postseason, including to New York last month. Atlanta went 15-25 this year and had to win its last few games to qualify for the playoffs. There's a strong young nucleus with Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray leading the way along with veteran center Tina Charles.

Second fan files lawsuit claiming ownership of Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 baseball

MIAMI (AP) — The claim to Shohei Ohtani's potentially lucrative 50th home run ball grew more complicated this week, with a second fan filing a lawsuit asserting he had possession of the historic baseball. According to online records, the latest suit was filed by Joseph Davidov in Florida's 11th Judicial Circuit Court. The defendants are Chris Belanski, Kelvin Ramirez, Max Matus and Goldin Auctions. Belanski is the man who left the stadium with the baseball. Matus — who filed the first lawsuit last week — and Ramirez have also claimed ownership of the ball. Ohtani became the first player in baseball history to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases, reaching the mark on Sept. 19 with his homer in Miami against the Marlins. The bidding for the baseball through Goldin Auctions is currently at $1.464 million.

Bills place emphasis on defensive backups in wake of NFL's 4-game suspension of Von Miller

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills have grown accustomed to spending the first month of the season leaning on backups stepping up on a depleted defense. Their depth will be further tested in traveling to play the Houston Texans on Sunday minus Von Miller. The Bills' top pass-rusher is out after he was suspended for four games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Miller was accused in November of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend at their home outside Dallas during the Bills' bye week. Coach Sean McDermott placed the focus forward in calling it an unfortunate situation, while respecting the league's decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, October 3rd, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, October 3rd, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for October 3rd, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8581635/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Lionel Messi, Inter Miami win MLS Supporters Shield with 3-2 win at Crew. It's Messi's 46th trophyCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have another trophy, along with home-field advantage throughout the Major League Soccer playoffs. Messi scored twice in the final minutes of the first half, goalie Drake Callender stopped a penalty kick in the 84th minute and Inter Miami beat the defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew 3-2 on Wednesday night, wrapping up the Supporters Shield — given annually to the team with the best regular-season record. It was Messi's 46th major trophy won for club or country, extending his record for the most by any men's soccer player in history.Higashioka's homer starts rally as Padres beat Braves 5-4 to sweep NL Wild Card SeriesSAN DIEGO (AP) — Kyle Higashioka's solo homer started a five-run rally against Max Fried with two outs in the second inning, and the San Diego Padres held on to sweep the Atlanta Braves with a 5-4 win in Game 2 of their NL Wild Card Series. Manny Machado added a two-run double with the bases loaded and Jackson Merrill, a top contender for NL Rookie of the Year, followed with a two-run triple as the sellout crowd of 47,705 — the largest in Petco Park history — roared. The Padres advance to face Shohei Ohtani and the NL West rival and top-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers in a National League Division Series beginning Saturday evening at Dodger Stadium.Mitchell hits tiebreaking HR in the 8th, Chourio goes deep twice and Brewers rally past Mets 5-3MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jackson Chourio tied the game in the eighth with his second homer of the night and Garrett Mitchell delivered a two-run shot later in the inning to give the Milwaukee Brewers a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets that evened their NL Wild Card Series. The teams will play a decisive Game 3 on Thursday night. The Brewers will attempt to become the first team to rally win a best-of-three Wild Card Series after losing the opener since MLB went to this expanded playoff format in 2022.Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals go from 2 late 7-game losing streaks to the AL Division SeriesBALTIMORE (AP) — The Kansas City Royals endured two seven-game losing streaks in the final month of the season. The second of those ended with a well-timed joke from a three-time World Series winner. Now they're in the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees after opening the playoffs with a two-game sweep of Baltimore. Kansas City's approach allowed a team that lost 106 games last year to turn things around in a hurry. It will be a bigger challenge for AL batting champion Bobby Witt Jr. and Co. to keep it going.Gritty Tigers close out playoff sweep of Astros with 5-2 victory in Game 2 of Wild Card SeriesHOUSTON (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking three-run double in Detroit's four-run eighth inning, and the Tigers swept the Houston Astros with a 5-2 victory in Game 2 of their AL Wild Card Series. Parker Meadows homered as Detroit ended Houston's run of seven consecutive appearances in the AL Championship Series. It was a sweet moment for Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who led Houston to a championship in 2017 and was fired in the aftermath of the Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Next up for the wild-card Tigers is a trip to Cleveland to take on the AL Central champions in a best-of-five AL Division Series. Game 1 is on Saturday.Brewers' 20-year-old rookie Jackson Chourio stepping up his game in postseasonMILWAUKEE (AP) — That $82 million contract Jackson Chourio signed before ever playing a major league game looks like more and more of a bargain with every swing the Milwaukee Brewers rookie takes this postseason. Chourio homered twice Wednesday night to help the Brewers save their season with a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets in Game 2 of their NL Wild Card Series. That included a leadoff homer and then a tying drive to start Milwaukee's three-run rally in the eighth inning. The Brewers handed Chourio an eight-year, $82 million contract in December when he had played only six games beyond the Double-A level.Pete Rose still not going into Hall of Fame. His MLB ban was permanent not 'lifetime'Pete Rose still isn't going into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The career hits leader's banishment from baseball 35 years ago was often referred to as a lifetime ban, and his death this week led some to believe that would end. But Rose was actually declared permanently ineligible by Major League Baseball rules for betting on the game. As in forever unless there is a formal reinstatement. Since players or officials on MLB's ineligible list can't be considered for election into the Hall of Fame, Rose's status didn't change when he died Monday at age 83.Dream fire Tanisha Wright in WNBA's 3rd coach firing since playoffs beganThe Atlanta Dream have fired coach Tanisha Wright. The franchise announced the move on Wednesday. Wright took over the team in 2021 and helped them reach the playoffs the last two seasons. The Dream lost both years in the opening round of the postseason, including to New York last month. Atlanta went 15-25 this year and had to win its last few games to qualify for the playoffs. There's a strong young nucleus with Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray leading the way along with veteran center Tina Charles.Second fan files lawsuit claiming ownership of Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 baseballMIAMI (AP) — The claim to Shohei Ohtani's potentially lucrative 50th home run ball grew more complicated this week, with a second fan filing a lawsuit asserting he had possession of the historic baseball. According to online records, the latest suit was filed by Joseph Davidov in Florida's 11th Judicial Circuit Court. The defendants are Chris Belanski, Kelvin Ramirez, Max Matus and Goldin Auctions. Belanski is the man who left the stadium with the baseball. Matus — who filed the first lawsuit last week — and Ramirez have also claimed ownership of the ball. Ohtani became the first player in baseball history to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases, reaching the mark on Sept. 19 with his homer in Miami against the Marlins. The bidding for the baseball through Goldin Auctions is currently at $1.464 million.Bills place emphasis on defensive backups in wake of NFL's 4-game suspension of Von MillerORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills have grown accustomed to spending the first month of the season leaning on backups stepping up on a depleted defense. Their depth will be further tested in traveling to play the Houston Texans on Sunday minus Von Miller. The Bills' top pass-rusher is out after he was suspended for four games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Miller was accused in November of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend at their home outside Dallas during the Bills' bye week. Coach Sean McDermott placed the focus forward in calling it an unfortunate situation, while respecting the league's decision.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Detroit	5	Houston	2	Final	Kansas City	2	Baltimore	1	___NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Milwaukee	5	N.Y. Mets	3	Final	San Diego	5	Atlanta	4	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal OT	Florida	2	Tampa Bay	1	Final	Nashville	6	Carolina	4	Final	Winnipeg	5	Calgary	2	Final	Seattle	6	Edmonton	2	Final	Anaheim	5	Utah	2	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal	CF Montréal	2	Atlanta	1	Final	Charlotte FC	4	Chicago	3	Final	New York City FC	3	Cincinnati	2	Final	Orlando City	2	Philadelphia	1	Final	New York	4	Toronto FC	1	Final	Miami	3	Columbus	2	Final	Houston	2	New England	1	Final	D.C. United	4	Nashville	3	Final	LA Galaxy	3	Colorado	1	Final tie	Minnesota	0	Real Salt Lake	0	Final	Los Angeles FC	1	St Louis City	0	Final	Austin FC	1	Portland	0	Final	San Jose	3	FC Dallas	2	Final	Seattle	3	Vancouver	0	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to drive in the go-ahead run and send the Kansas City Royals into an AL Division Series with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday for a two-game sweep of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">their Wild Card Series</a>.

With two outs and runners at the corners in sixth inning, Witt hit a grounder to the edge of the dirt behind second base, where Jordan Westburg made a diving stop and throw to first. Witt was already there after zooming 90 feet in 4.14 seconds, allowing Kyle Isbel to score from third.

It was the second consecutive game in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bobby-witt-jr">AL batting champion</a>&nbsp;provided the decisive hit. Witt’s RBI single Tuesday in Game 1 plated the only run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">in a 1-0 victory</a>.

Kansas City, which endured two seven-game losing streaks over the final month of the season, advances to face the AL East champion New York Yankees. Game 1 is Saturday in the Bronx.

Second baseman Michael Massey, who led off the game with a double and scored on a hit by Vinnie Pasquantino, said the front office bringing in experienced veterans with previous playoff experience like Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Wacha and Will Smith made this possible.

“They’ve been there before, they’ve done it, so I think it’s helped a lot of guys,” Massey said. “It’s helped us, for sure me, to be around those guys and just watch them, more than anything, and see how they go about their business, has been — I think that’s helped us stay even keel.”

The Royals left 12 runners on base and got through another close game with a razor-thin margin for error thanks to some masterful managing by Matt Quatraro, himself a postseason rookie like Witt, Game 1 winner Cole Ragans and so many others.

Quatraro let starter Seth Lugo get an out after loading the bases in the fifth before spinning up bullpen roulette, starting with winning pitcher Angel Zerpa, who got KC out of that jam and got the first out of the sixth. John Schreiber got three more outs, Sam Long two, Kris Bubic three and Lucas Erceg the final three to close it out for his second save of the series.

The Orioles were swept in their only playoff series for a second consecutive year, going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position this time and 5 for 32 combined. They face numerous offseason questions, from the future of manager Brandon Hyde to the possibility of losing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2c5a9a7c148b2c2d84994ab3fcc705fd">pending free-agent starter Corbin Burnes</a>.

Orioles: Left fielder Colton Cowser struck out despite a pitch hitting him in the left hand in the fifth. He stayed in through the sixth before leaving with pain in his hand.

The Royals face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-rodon-yankees-alds-ed2934c198986eff681314996cc63641">Yankees ace Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;in the opener of the ALDS, with any starter but Ragans or Lugo rested and ready to go. Wacha had been in line to start Game 3 against Baltimore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727914133285.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits a single as home plate umpire Ben May, left, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman look on during the third inning in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits a single as home plate umpire Ben May, left, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman look on during the third inning in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to drive in the go-ahead run and send the Kansas City Royals into an AL Division Series with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday for a two-game sweep of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">their Wild Card Series</a>.With two outs and runners at the corners in sixth inning, Witt hit a grounder to the edge of the dirt behind second base, where Jordan Westburg made a diving stop and throw to first. Witt was already there after zooming 90 feet in 4.14 seconds, allowing Kyle Isbel to score from third.It was the second consecutive game in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bobby-witt-jr">AL batting champion</a>&nbsp;provided the decisive hit. Witt’s RBI single Tuesday in Game 1 plated the only run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">in a 1-0 victory</a>.Kansas City, which endured two seven-game losing streaks over the final month of the season, advances to face the AL East champion New York Yankees. Game 1 is Saturday in the Bronx.Second baseman Michael Massey, who led off the game with a double and scored on a hit by Vinnie Pasquantino, said the front office bringing in experienced veterans with previous playoff experience like Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Wacha and Will Smith made this possible.“They’ve been there before, they’ve done it, so I think it’s helped a lot of guys,” Massey said. “It’s helped us, for sure me, to be around those guys and just watch them, more than anything, and see how they go about their business, has been — I think that’s helped us stay even keel.”The Royals left 12 runners on base and got through another close game with a razor-thin margin for error thanks to some masterful managing by Matt Quatraro, himself a postseason rookie like Witt, Game 1 winner Cole Ragans and so many others.Quatraro let starter Seth Lugo get an out after loading the bases in the fifth before spinning up bullpen roulette, starting with winning pitcher Angel Zerpa, who got KC out of that jam and got the first out of the sixth. John Schreiber got three more outs, Sam Long two, Kris Bubic three and Lucas Erceg the final three to close it out for his second save of the series.The Orioles were swept in their only playoff series for a second consecutive year, going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position this time and 5 for 32 combined. They face numerous offseason questions, from the future of manager Brandon Hyde to the possibility of losing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2c5a9a7c148b2c2d84994ab3fcc705fd">pending free-agent starter Corbin Burnes</a>.<h2>TRAINER’S ROOM</h2>Orioles: Left fielder Colton Cowser struck out despite a pitch hitting him in the left hand in the fifth. He stayed in through the sixth before leaving with pain in his hand.<h2>UP NEXT</h2>The Royals face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-rodon-yankees-alds-ed2934c198986eff681314996cc63641">Yankees ace Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;in the opener of the ALDS, with any starter but Ragans or Lugo rested and ready to go. Wacha had been in line to start Game 3 against Baltimore.

⚾ Witt Jr. gets another big hit to send the Royals into the ALDS

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City Royals Triple-A manager&nbsp;Mike Jirschele&nbsp;was named International League Manager of the Year and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Evan Sisk&nbsp;was named an International League All-Star as a relief pitcher in an announcement made by Minor League Baseball. Votes were cast by International League Managers.

Jirschele led the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers to a franchise record 89 wins this season and an appearance in the Triple-A Championship Game after clinching Omaha’s first International League title in franchise history. He led the Chasers to an 89-59 record, which was the 2nd-best mark in club history, behind only the 1969 Omaha Royals (86-50). He guided the Storm Chasers to a minor league-best 49-24 (.671) record in the 1st half, clinching their first postseason berth since 2014. Omaha finished with a 21-win improvement from its 68-77 (.469) record in 2023, which was tied for the 2nd-best jump in Minor League Baseball. In addition to setting the franchise record with 89 wins, the Chasers set single-season records this year in opponents’ average (.242) and doubles (287).

Jirschele finished his 16th season as Triple-A Omaha’s Manager and his 33rd season in the Royals organization overall in 2024. He is the winningest manager in Storm Chasers history (1,152-1,154) and previously managed the club from 1995-97 and 2003-13, leading the team to four division titles, two Pacific Coast League titles (2011, 2013) and a Triple-A Championship in 2013.

Sisk, 27, went 6-2 with a 1.57 ERA (10 ER in 57.1 IP) with 15 saves in 58 games for Triple-A Omaha this season. He paced in the International League in games and ranked 4th in saves, while holding opponents to a .166 average (33-for-199) this season. He converted 15 of his final 16 save opportunities from May 26 through the end of the regular season and stranded 28 of his 32 inherited runners (87.5%), which was the highest rate in among Triple-A relievers (min. 25 inherited runners).

In 3 relief appearances in the postseason, Sisk tossed 3.2 scoreless innings, including a 1-2-3 8th in the Triple-A Championship Game on Sept. 28 vs. the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in Las Vegas, Nev.Sisk was acquired by the Royals with right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Steven Cruz&nbsp;on January 24, 2023 from the Minnesota Twins for outfielder&nbsp;Michael A. Taylor. &nbsp;

Additionally, left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Walter Pennington&nbsp;was also named an International League All-Star as a relief pitcher after spending the majority of his season with Triple-A Omaha. He went 6-3 with a 2.26 ERA (15 ER in 59.2 IP) in 37 games (2 starts) with the Storm Chasers before being traded to the Texas Rangers on July 29 for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695315090950.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City Royals Triple-A manager&nbsp;Mike Jirschele&nbsp;was named International League Manager of the Year and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Evan Sisk&nbsp;was named an International League All-Star as a relief pitcher in an announcement made by Minor League Baseball. Votes were cast by International League Managers.Jirschele led the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers to a franchise record 89 wins this season and an appearance in the Triple-A Championship Game after clinching Omaha’s first International League title in franchise history. He led the Chasers to an 89-59 record, which was the 2nd-best mark in club history, behind only the 1969 Omaha Royals (86-50). He guided the Storm Chasers to a minor league-best 49-24 (.671) record in the 1st half, clinching their first postseason berth since 2014. Omaha finished with a 21-win improvement from its 68-77 (.469) record in 2023, which was tied for the 2nd-best jump in Minor League Baseball. In addition to setting the franchise record with 89 wins, the Chasers set single-season records this year in opponents’ average (.242) and doubles (287).Jirschele finished his 16th season as Triple-A Omaha’s Manager and his 33rd season in the Royals organization overall in 2024. He is the winningest manager in Storm Chasers history (1,152-1,154) and previously managed the club from 1995-97 and 2003-13, leading the team to four division titles, two Pacific Coast League titles (2011, 2013) and a Triple-A Championship in 2013.Sisk, 27, went 6-2 with a 1.57 ERA (10 ER in 57.1 IP) with 15 saves in 58 games for Triple-A Omaha this season. He paced in the International League in games and ranked 4th in saves, while holding opponents to a .166 average (33-for-199) this season. He converted 15 of his final 16 save opportunities from May 26 through the end of the regular season and stranded 28 of his 32 inherited runners (87.5%), which was the highest rate in among Triple-A relievers (min. 25 inherited runners).In 3 relief appearances in the postseason, Sisk tossed 3.2 scoreless innings, including a 1-2-3 8th in the Triple-A Championship Game on Sept. 28 vs. the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in Las Vegas, Nev.Sisk was acquired by the Royals with right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Steven Cruz&nbsp;on January 24, 2023 from the Minnesota Twins for outfielder&nbsp;Michael A. Taylor. &nbsp;Additionally, left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Walter Pennington&nbsp;was also named an International League All-Star as a relief pitcher after spending the majority of his season with Triple-A Omaha. He went 6-3 with a 2.26 ERA (15 ER in 59.2 IP) in 37 games (2 starts) with the Storm Chasers before being traded to the Texas Rangers on July 29 for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen.

⚾ Royals Triple-A skipper named International League Manager of the Year

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727889129561.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure><div>The Big 12 will join forces with the Kansas City Sports Commission to host the Division I Men&rsquo;s Basketball Midwest Regional during the 2027 NCAA Tournament at the T-Mobile Center. &nbsp; With the 2027 selection, the Big 12 has had 18 opportunities to host Men&rsquo;s March Madness since the Conference began competition in 1997. It was previously announced that the Conference would host NCAA First and Second Rounds at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City in 2026 plus the 2030 NCAA Men&rsquo;s Final Four at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. &nbsp; Most recently, the Conference hosted the 2024 NCAA South Regional at the American Airlines Center. The Big 12 last hosted the Big Dance in Kansas City during the 2023 Midwest Regional, also playing at the longtime host site of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship. &nbsp; Big 12 NCAA Men&rsquo;s Basketball Championship Host History 2001&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City, Mo (Kemper Arena), First/Second Rounds 2002&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center), First/Second Rounds 2003&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Oklahoma City, Okla. (Ford Center), First/Second Rounds 2004&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City, Mo. (Kemper Arena), First/Second Rounds 2005&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Oklahoma City, Okla. (Ford Center), First/Second Rounds 2006&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center), First/Second Rounds 2009&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City, Mo. (Sprint Center), First/Second Rounds 2010&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Oklahoma City, Okla. (Ford Center), First/Second Rounds 2013&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Arlington, Texas (AT&amp;T Stadium), South Regional 2014&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Arlington, Texas (AT&amp;T Stadium), Men&rsquo;s Final Four 2016&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Oklahoma City, Okla. (Chesapeake Energy Arena), First/Second Rounds 2017&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City, Mo. (Sprint Center), Midwest Regional 2018&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center), First/Second Rounds 2023&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City, Mo. (T-Mobile Center), Midwest Regional 2024&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center), South Regional 2026&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Oklahoma City, Okla. (Paycom Center), First/Second Rounds 2027&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City, Mo. (T-Mobile Center), Midwest Regional 2030&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Arlington, Texas (AT&amp;T Stadium), Men&rsquo;s Final Four</div>

Big 12 selected to host 2027 NCAA Men's Basketball Regional in KC

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State All-American&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;has signed a contract to play with the Houston Rockets, the organization announced late Tuesday night (Oct. 1).

Nowell signs with the Rockets after spending part of the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors, which signed him to a two-way contract following the 2023 NBA Draft. He spent most of his first professional season with the Raptors’ G-League team, the Raptors 905, playing in just 13 games before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2023-24 season. He averaged 13.8 points on 40.7 percent shooting with 7.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 31.9 minutes per game.

The 5-foot-7, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., won the 2023 Bob Cousy Point Guard Award and was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press,&nbsp;The Sporting News, NABC and USBWA. He averaged a team-best 17.6 points, 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals in 36.9 minutes per game en route to helping K-State to a 26-win season in 2022-23.

The school’s single-season leader in assists and steals, Nowell finished second nationally in assists/game (8.3 apg.), total assists (297) and total steals (92), while he ranked among the top 15 in 4 other categories. He finished his college career with a magical run through the NCAA Tournament in helping K-State advance to its 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight. He averaged 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals during his 4-game NCAA Tournament run en route to earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA East Regional.

Nowell and the Rockets open the season on Monday, Oct. 7 with a preseason game at the Utah Jazz. The regular season tips off with a home game against former teammate Keyontae Johnson and the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, Oct. 23.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679505528403.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell celebrates after scoring against Kentucky during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell celebrates after scoring against Kentucky during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State All-American&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;has signed a contract to play with the Houston Rockets, the organization announced late Tuesday night (Oct. 1).Nowell signs with the Rockets after spending part of the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors, which signed him to a two-way contract following the 2023 NBA Draft. He spent most of his first professional season with the Raptors’ G-League team, the Raptors 905, playing in just 13 games before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2023-24 season. He averaged 13.8 points on 40.7 percent shooting with 7.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 31.9 minutes per game.The 5-foot-7, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., won the 2023 Bob Cousy Point Guard Award and was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press,&nbsp;The Sporting News, NABC and USBWA. He averaged a team-best 17.6 points, 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals in 36.9 minutes per game en route to helping K-State to a 26-win season in 2022-23.The school’s single-season leader in assists and steals, Nowell finished second nationally in assists/game (8.3 apg.), total assists (297) and total steals (92), while he ranked among the top 15 in 4 other categories. He finished his college career with a magical run through the NCAA Tournament in helping K-State advance to its 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight. He averaged 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals during his 4-game NCAA Tournament run en route to earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA East Regional.Nowell and the Rockets open the season on Monday, Oct. 7 with a preseason game at the Utah Jazz. The regular season tips off with a home game against former teammate Keyontae Johnson and the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, Oct. 23.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Former K-State All-American signs with Houston Rockets

Wednesday, Oct. 2: Detroit (Holton 7-2) at Houston (Brown 11-9), 2:32 p.m. (ABC)

x-Thursday, Oct. 3: Detroit at Houston, 2:32 p.m. (ABC)

Tuesday, Oct. 1: Kansas City 1, Baltimore 0

Wednesday, Oct. 2: Kansas City (Lugo 16-9) at Baltimore (Eflin 10-9), 4:38 p.m. (ESPN)

x-Thursday, Oct. 3: Kansas City (Wacha 13-8) at Baltimore, 4:08 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday, Oct. 2: New York (Manaea 12-6) at Milwaukee (Montas 7-11), 7:38 p.m. (ESPN)

x-Thursday, Oct. 3: New York at Milwaukee, 8:38 p.m. (ESPN2)

Wednesday, Oct. 2: Atlanta (Fried 11-10) at San Diego (Musgrove 6-5), 8:38 p.m. (ESPN2)

x-Thursday, Oct. 3: Atlanta at San Diego (Cease 14-11), 7:08 p.m. (ESPN2)

Saturday, Oct. 5: Baltimore-Kansas City winner at New York (Cole 8-5), 6:38 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 7: Baltimore-Kansas City winner at New York (Carlos Rodón 16-9), 7:38 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 9: New York at Baltimore-Kansas City winner, TBD

x-Thursday, Oct. 10: New York at Baltimore-Kansas City winner, TBD

x-Saturday, Oct. 12: Baltimore-Kansas City winner at New York, TBD

Saturday, Oct. 5: Houston-Detroit winner at Cleveland, 1:08 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 7: Houston-Detroit winner at Cleveland, 4:08 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 9: Cleveland at Houston-Detroit winner, TBD

x-Thursday, Oct. 10: Cleveland at Houston-Detroit winner, TBD

x-Saturday, Oct. 12: Houston-Detroit winner at Cleveland, TBD

Saturday, Oct. 5: San Diego-Atlanta winner at Los Angeles, 8:38 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6: San Diego-Atlanta winner at Los Angeles, 8:03 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 8: Los Angeles at San Diego-Atlanta winner, TBD

x-Wednesday, Oct. 9: Los Angeles at San Diego-Atlanta winner, TBD

x-Friday, Oct. 11: San Diego-Atlanta winner at Los Angeles, TBD

Saturday, Oct. 5: Milwaukee-New York winner at Philadelphia, 4:08 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6: Milwaukee-New York winner at Philadelphia, 4:08 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 8: Philadelphia at Milwaukee-New York winner, TBD

x-Wednesday, Oct. 9: Philadelphia at Milwaukee-New York winner, TBD

x-Friday, Oct. 11: Milwaukee-New York winner at Philadelphia, TBD

(World Series would start Oct. 22 if both LCS end by Oct. 19)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727886179096.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy MLB" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy MLB</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated Press<h2>All Times EDT</h2><h2>x-if necessary</h2><h2>WILD CARD SERIES</h2><h2>(Best-of-3)</h2><h2>American League</h2><h2>Detroit 1, Houston 0</h2>Tuesday, Oct. 1: Detroit 3, Houston 1Wednesday, Oct. 2: Detroit (Holton 7-2) at Houston (Brown 11-9), 2:32 p.m. (ABC)x-Thursday, Oct. 3: Detroit at Houston, 2:32 p.m. (ABC)<h2>Kansas City 1, Baltimore 0</h2>Tuesday, Oct. 1: Kansas City 1, Baltimore 0Wednesday, Oct. 2: Kansas City (Lugo 16-9) at Baltimore (Eflin 10-9), 4:38 p.m. (ESPN)x-Thursday, Oct. 3: Kansas City (Wacha 13-8) at Baltimore, 4:08 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>National League</h2><h2>New York 1, Milwaukee 0</h2>Tuesday, Oct. 1: New York 8, Milwaukee 4Wednesday, Oct. 2: New York (Manaea 12-6) at Milwaukee (Montas 7-11), 7:38 p.m. (ESPN)x-Thursday, Oct. 3: New York at Milwaukee, 8:38 p.m. (ESPN2)<h2>San Diego 1, Atlanta 0</h2>Tuesday, Oct. 1: San Diego 4, Atlanta 0Wednesday, Oct. 2: Atlanta (Fried 11-10) at San Diego (Musgrove 6-5), 8:38 p.m. (ESPN2)x-Thursday, Oct. 3: Atlanta at San Diego (Cease 14-11), 7:08 p.m. (ESPN2)<h2>DIVISION SERIES</h2>(Best-of-5)American League(TBS, truTV, Max)New York vs. Baltimore or Kansas CitySaturday, Oct. 5: Baltimore-Kansas City winner at New York (Cole 8-5), 6:38 p.m.Monday, Oct. 7: Baltimore-Kansas City winner at New York (Carlos Rodón 16-9), 7:38 p.m.Wednesday, Oct. 9: New York at Baltimore-Kansas City winner, TBDx-Thursday, Oct. 10: New York at Baltimore-Kansas City winner, TBDx-Saturday, Oct. 12: Baltimore-Kansas City winner at New York, TBDCleveland vs. Houston or DetroitSaturday, Oct. 5: Houston-Detroit winner at Cleveland, 1:08 p.m.Monday, Oct. 7: Houston-Detroit winner at Cleveland, 4:08 p.m.Wednesday, Oct. 9: Cleveland at Houston-Detroit winner, TBDx-Thursday, Oct. 10: Cleveland at Houston-Detroit winner, TBDx-Saturday, Oct. 12: Houston-Detroit winner at Cleveland, TBDNational League(Fox, FS1)Los Angeles vs. San Diego or AtlantaSaturday, Oct. 5: San Diego-Atlanta winner at Los Angeles, 8:38 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 6: San Diego-Atlanta winner at Los Angeles, 8:03 p.m.Tuesday, Oct. 8: Los Angeles at San Diego-Atlanta winner, TBDx-Wednesday, Oct. 9: Los Angeles at San Diego-Atlanta winner, TBDx-Friday, Oct. 11: San Diego-Atlanta winner at Los Angeles, TBDPhiladelphia vs. Milwaukee or New YorkSaturday, Oct. 5: Milwaukee-New York winner at Philadelphia, 4:08 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 6: Milwaukee-New York winner at Philadelphia, 4:08 p.m.Tuesday, Oct. 8: Philadelphia at Milwaukee-New York winner, TBDx-Wednesday, Oct. 9: Philadelphia at Milwaukee-New York winner, TBDx-Friday, Oct. 11: Milwaukee-New York winner at Philadelphia, TBD<h2>LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES</h2>(Best-of-7)American League(TBS, truTV, Max)Monday, Oct. 14:Tuesday, Oct. 15:Thursday, Oct. 17:Friday, Oct. 18:x-Saturday, Oct. 19:x-Monday, Oct. 21:x-Tuesday, Oct. 22:National League(Fox, FS1)Sunday, Oct. 13:Monday, Oct. 14:Wednesday, Oct. 16:Thursday, Oct.17:x-Friday, Oct. 18:x-Sunday, Oct. 20:x-Monday, Oct. 21:<h2>WORLD SERIES</h2>(Best-of-7)(Fox)(World Series would start Oct. 22 if both LCS end by Oct. 19)Friday, Oct. 25:Saturday, Oct. 26:Monday, Oct. 28:Tuesday, Oct. 29:x-Wednesday, Oct. 30:x-Friday, Nov. 1:x-Saturday, Nov. 2:

⚾ Updated MLB Postseason schedule

Week 6 of the college football season is upon us in the Sunflower State. See below for the schedule involving state teams.

KJCCC Noon - Hutchinson vs. Dodge City 1 p.m. - Coffeyville vs. Highland 1 p.m. - Independence vs. Garden City

KCAC 1 p.m. - Evangel vs. Avila 1 p.m. - Bethany vs. Ottawa 1 p.m. - McPherson vs. Kansas Wesleyan 1:30 p.m. - Southwestern vs. Saint Mary 6 p.m. - Friends vs. Sterling 6 p.m. - Bethel vs. Tabor

MIAA 1 p.m. - Southwest Minnesota St. vs. Nebraska Kearney 2 p.m. - Missouri Southern vs. Central Oklahoma 2 p.m. - Emporia St. vs. Northeastern St. 2 p.m. - Pittsburg St. vs. Missouri Western 3 p.m. - Washburn vs. Northwest Missouri 7 p.m. - Fort Hays St. vs. Central Missouri

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719520416153.png" alt="EAGLE Media College Football Scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media College Football Scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure>Week 6 of the college football season is upon us in the Sunflower State. See below for the schedule involving state teams.KJCCC Noon - Hutchinson vs. Dodge City 1 p.m. - Coffeyville vs. Highland 1 p.m. - Independence vs. Garden CityKCAC 1 p.m. - Evangel vs. Avila 1 p.m. - Bethany vs. Ottawa 1 p.m. - McPherson vs. Kansas Wesleyan 1:30 p.m. - Southwestern vs. Saint Mary 6 p.m. - Friends vs. Sterling 6 p.m. - Bethel vs. TaborMIAA 1 p.m. - Southwest Minnesota St. vs. Nebraska Kearney 2 p.m. - Missouri Southern vs. Central Oklahoma 2 p.m. - Emporia St. vs. Northeastern St. 2 p.m. - Pittsburg St. vs. Missouri Western 3 p.m. - Washburn vs. Northwest Missouri 7 p.m. - Fort Hays St. vs. Central Missouri

🏈 Week 6 KJCCC, KCAC, MIAA schedule

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for October 2nd, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for October 2nd, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for October 2nd, 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wnp8n-16f01ee-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals shut-out Baltimore,  🏈 Dragon named for weekly NJCAA honors

Tatis hits 2-run homer, King strikes out 12 as the Padres beat the Braves 4-0 in playoff opener

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a towering two-run homer on his first playoff swing in four years and Michael King struck out 12 in his first postseason start as the San Diego Padres beat rookie AJ Smith-Shawver and the Atlanta Braves 4-0 in Game 1 of their NL Wild Card Series. Tatis' 415-foot shot landed in the second deck in left field at Petco Park and sent the towel-waving, sellout crowd of 47,647 into a frenzy. The 25-year-old star missed just more than 2 1/2 months this season with a stress reaction in his right thighbone.

Mets continue wild ride with 8-4 win over Brewers in playoff opener

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Mark Vientos hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning as the indefatigable New York Mets continued their thrilling week by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in an NL Wild Card Series opener. The Mets didn't earn a playoff berth until they rallied late from a three-run deficit to win the opening game of a makeup doubleheader Monday in Atlanta, one day after the regular season was supposed to end. Now they're one win from heading to Philadelphia for an NL Division Series. Milwaukee has lost 10 of its last 11 playoff games, a stretch that began with its Game 7 home defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2018 NL Championship Series.

Bobby Witt Jr. and Cole Ragans lead the Royals over the Orioles 1-0 to open an AL Wild Card Series

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single in his playoff debut to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series. Witt is a 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season. He singled to left field Tuesday off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second and moving to third on a groundout. Ragans left after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf. Lucas Erceg earned the save.

Skubal shines in playoff debut to help Detroit Tigers to first playoff win in more than a decade

HOUSTON (AP) — Tarik Skubal added perhaps his most important accomplishment to date to an already sparkling resume Tuesday. The AL pitching Triple Crown winner gave the Detroit Tigers their first postseason victory in more than a decade with a sensational playoff debut in a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros. Skubal, who had had 228 strikeouts to go with 18 wins and 2.39 ERA, allowed just four singles and walked one in six innings.

Liberty top Aces 88-84 to take a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals and put the champs on the brink

NEW YORK (AP) — Sabrina Ionescu scored 24 points and the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 88-84 to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series Tuesday night. Game 3 is Friday night in Las Vegas with the two-time defending champion Aces trying to avoid being knocked out by the team they beat in the Finals last year. No team has rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win a best-of-five playoff series in WNBA postseason history. Only Phoenix was able to force a Game 5 in 2018 against Seattle. A'ja Wilson scored 24 points and Jackie Young added 17 for the Aces, who now must have a historical rally to reach the WNBA Finals for a fourth consecutive year.

Gonzaga set to join rebuilt Pac-12, while UTEP goes to Mountain West

Basketball powerhouse Gonzaga will become the latest member of the rebuilt Pac-12 Conference. The school announced the move on Tuesday. Gonzaga will move from the West Coast Conference, where it has dominated for most of the last quarter century into a conference that was being rebuilt around football, but should be pretty stout on the basketball court. Adding Gonzaga still leaves the Pac-12 in need of another football-playing member for College Football Playoff purposes. Meanwhile, UTEP has agreed to join the Mountain West.

Dortmund scores 7 while Barcelona, Man City and Arsenal all win in Champions League

Karim Adeyemi starred as Borussia Dortmund has run riot against Celtic while Barcelona and Manchester City claimed their first wins in the restructured Champions League. Adeyemi scored a first-half hat trick as Dortmund routed Celtic 7-1 at home. Robert Lewandowski got Barcelona off the mark as the Spanish giant eased to a 5-0 home win over Swiss team Young Boys. İlkay Gündoğan got City off to a 4-0 win at Slovan Bratislava. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal outclassed his former team Paris Saint-Germain in a 2-0 win. Debutant Stade Brest routed Salzburg 4-0 away for its second win in as many games in Europe's premier competition.

Japanese sponsors Toyota, Bridgestone and Panasonic end Olympic contracts

TOKYO (AP) — The International Olympic Committee's three major Japanese sponsors — Toyota, Panasonic and Bridgestone — are terminating their contracts. TThis leaves the IOC without a Japanese sponsor with the focus now expected to shift to the Middle East and India for new sponsorship income. Japanese sponsors have turned away from the Olympics, likely related to the one-year delay in holding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The delay reduced sponsors' visibility with fans not allowed to attend competition venues, ran up costs, and unearthed a myriad corruption scandals around the Games.

Bills' Von Miller suspended by NFL for 4 games for violating personal conduct policy

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller was suspended four games by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The NFL did not reveal the reason for the suspension, which comes as Buffalo prepares to play at the Houston Texans on Sunday. Miller is the NFL's active leader in sacks. He's eligible to rejoin the Bills ahead of their home game against Miami on Nov. 3. Miller was accused last November of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend at their home outside Dallas during the Bills' bye week. No charges have been filed, and Miller said in July he considered the case closed.

Adams says no word from Pierce since Raiders coach appeared to like trade talk on social media

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Davante Adams said on his weekly spot on the "Up and Adams Show" that he hadn't heard from Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce since a screenshot appeared of Pierce appearing to like a social media post about possibly trading the Raiders star wide receiver. Sports Illustrated writer Michael Fabiano posted on Instagram: "Don't be surprised if Davante Adams has already played his last snap with the Raiders." Adams' name regularly comes up in trade rumors because his salary cap hit rises dramatically next year. There also is a question of whether the Raiders might want to acquire assets for a potential rebuild.

WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for October 2nd, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8580840/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Tatis hits 2-run homer, King strikes out 12 as the Padres beat the Braves 4-0 in playoff openerSAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a towering two-run homer on his first playoff swing in four years and Michael King struck out 12 in his first postseason start as the San Diego Padres beat rookie AJ Smith-Shawver and the Atlanta Braves 4-0 in Game 1 of their NL Wild Card Series. Tatis' 415-foot shot landed in the second deck in left field at Petco Park and sent the towel-waving, sellout crowd of 47,647 into a frenzy. The 25-year-old star missed just more than 2 1/2 months this season with a stress reaction in his right thighbone.Mets continue wild ride with 8-4 win over Brewers in playoff openerMILWAUKEE (AP) — Mark Vientos hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning as the indefatigable New York Mets continued their thrilling week by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in an NL Wild Card Series opener. The Mets didn't earn a playoff berth until they rallied late from a three-run deficit to win the opening game of a makeup doubleheader Monday in Atlanta, one day after the regular season was supposed to end. Now they're one win from heading to Philadelphia for an NL Division Series. Milwaukee has lost 10 of its last 11 playoff games, a stretch that began with its Game 7 home defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2018 NL Championship Series.Bobby Witt Jr. and Cole Ragans lead the Royals over the Orioles 1-0 to open an AL Wild Card SeriesBALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single in his playoff debut to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series. Witt is a 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season. He singled to left field Tuesday off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second and moving to third on a groundout. Ragans left after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf. Lucas Erceg earned the save.Skubal shines in playoff debut to help Detroit Tigers to first playoff win in more than a decadeHOUSTON (AP) — Tarik Skubal added perhaps his most important accomplishment to date to an already sparkling resume Tuesday. The AL pitching Triple Crown winner gave the Detroit Tigers their first postseason victory in more than a decade with a sensational playoff debut in a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros. Skubal, who had had 228 strikeouts to go with 18 wins and 2.39 ERA, allowed just four singles and walked one in six innings.Liberty top Aces 88-84 to take a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals and put the champs on the brinkNEW YORK (AP) — Sabrina Ionescu scored 24 points and the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 88-84 to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series Tuesday night. Game 3 is Friday night in Las Vegas with the two-time defending champion Aces trying to avoid being knocked out by the team they beat in the Finals last year. No team has rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win a best-of-five playoff series in WNBA postseason history. Only Phoenix was able to force a Game 5 in 2018 against Seattle. A'ja Wilson scored 24 points and Jackie Young added 17 for the Aces, who now must have a historical rally to reach the WNBA Finals for a fourth consecutive year.Gonzaga set to join rebuilt Pac-12, while UTEP goes to Mountain WestBasketball powerhouse Gonzaga will become the latest member of the rebuilt Pac-12 Conference. The school announced the move on Tuesday. Gonzaga will move from the West Coast Conference, where it has dominated for most of the last quarter century into a conference that was being rebuilt around football, but should be pretty stout on the basketball court. Adding Gonzaga still leaves the Pac-12 in need of another football-playing member for College Football Playoff purposes. Meanwhile, UTEP has agreed to join the Mountain West.Dortmund scores 7 while Barcelona, Man City and Arsenal all win in Champions LeagueKarim Adeyemi starred as Borussia Dortmund has run riot against Celtic while Barcelona and Manchester City claimed their first wins in the restructured Champions League. Adeyemi scored a first-half hat trick as Dortmund routed Celtic 7-1 at home. Robert Lewandowski got Barcelona off the mark as the Spanish giant eased to a 5-0 home win over Swiss team Young Boys. İlkay Gündoğan got City off to a 4-0 win at Slovan Bratislava. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal outclassed his former team Paris Saint-Germain in a 2-0 win. Debutant Stade Brest routed Salzburg 4-0 away for its second win in as many games in Europe's premier competition.Japanese sponsors Toyota, Bridgestone and Panasonic end Olympic contractsTOKYO (AP) — The International Olympic Committee's three major Japanese sponsors — Toyota, Panasonic and Bridgestone — are terminating their contracts. TThis leaves the IOC without a Japanese sponsor with the focus now expected to shift to the Middle East and India for new sponsorship income. Japanese sponsors have turned away from the Olympics, likely related to the one-year delay in holding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The delay reduced sponsors' visibility with fans not allowed to attend competition venues, ran up costs, and unearthed a myriad corruption scandals around the Games.Bills' Von Miller suspended by NFL for 4 games for violating personal conduct policyORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller was suspended four games by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The NFL did not reveal the reason for the suspension, which comes as Buffalo prepares to play at the Houston Texans on Sunday. Miller is the NFL's active leader in sacks. He's eligible to rejoin the Bills ahead of their home game against Miami on Nov. 3. Miller was accused last November of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend at their home outside Dallas during the Bills' bye week. No charges have been filed, and Miller said in July he considered the case closed.Adams says no word from Pierce since Raiders coach appeared to like trade talk on social mediaHENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Davante Adams said on his weekly spot on the "Up and Adams Show" that he hadn't heard from Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce since a screenshot appeared of Pierce appearing to like a social media post about possibly trading the Raiders star wide receiver. Sports Illustrated writer Michael Fabiano posted on Instagram: "Don't be surprised if Davante Adams has already played his last snap with the Raiders." Adams' name regularly comes up in trade rumors because his salary cap hit rises dramatically next year. There also is a question of whether the Raiders might want to acquire assets for a potential rebuild.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Detroit	3	Houston	1	Final	Kansas City	1	Baltimore	0	___NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	N.Y. Mets	8	Milwaukee	4	Final	San Diego	4	Atlanta	0	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal	Detroit	2	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Boston	4	Philadelphia	1	Final	N-Y Rangers	5	New Jersey	4	Final	Ottawa	4	Montreal	3	Final	Columbus	3	St. Louis	1	Final	Minnesota	7	Chicago	2	Final	Vegas	6	Colorado	1	Final	Utah	3	San Jose	1	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	New York	88	Las Vegas	84	Final	Minnesota	77	Connecticut	70	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.

Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.

Just after Witt delivered, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1841227979432870173">posted on social media</a>: “Let’s go!! Keep it going!!! @Royals”

They couldn't keep adding to their lead, but that didn't matter, thanks to Ragans, who was every bit as good, if not better, than Burnes before leaving after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf, plus a bullpen that was KC's weakness during the regular season but was more than fine Tuesday.

Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.

The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.

Baltimore has lost its last nine postseason games, a skid that dates to 2014.

Ragans, a lefty All-Star picked up in a trade with the Texas Rangers last season, was terrific, mixing a 98 mph fastball with a variety of off-speed offerings while allowing just four hits and striking out eight.

Burnes looked every bit the ace Baltimore hoped it was getting when it acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in February. The AL's All-Star starter this season exited to a standing ovation from the orange-clad fans at Camden Yards after giving up a leadoff single in the ninth. He allowed one run, five hits and that one key walk.

The right-hander became the first starter to throw a pitch in the ninth inning of a postseason game since Washington ace Stephen Strasburg in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series against Houston.

But Baltimore's sluggers — the team's 232 homers trailed only the Yankees in 2024 — could not come through in the clutch.

The Orioles got a runner to third in the third, but Jordan Westburg flied out to the warning track in left. The hosts then put men at the corners with one out in the fifth, but Ragans struck out James McCann and 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson to end that threat.

And in the eighth, with a pair on and two out, Erceg replaced Bubic and got Anthony Santander to ground into a fielder's choice.

Royals: 1B&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;came off the injured list for this series after being out since Aug. 29 with a broken right thumb, and he was in his usual No. 3 spot in the starting lineup as the DH. He wouldn't be able to play the field for another two to three weeks — if KC remains in the postseason. Pasquantino went 0 for 3 on Tuesday.

Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) will be making the first postseason start of his career. "Something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time," he said.

Eflin went 10-9 with a 3.59 ERA combined for Tampa Bay and Baltimore in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727822807888.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.Just after Witt delivered, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1841227979432870173">posted on social media</a>: “Let’s go!! Keep it going!!! @Royals”They couldn't keep adding to their lead, but that didn't matter, thanks to Ragans, who was every bit as good, if not better, than Burnes before leaving after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf, plus a bullpen that was KC's weakness during the regular season but was more than fine Tuesday.Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.Baltimore has lost its last nine postseason games, a skid that dates to 2014.Ragans, a lefty All-Star picked up in a trade with the Texas Rangers last season, was terrific, mixing a 98 mph fastball with a variety of off-speed offerings while allowing just four hits and striking out eight.Burnes looked every bit the ace Baltimore hoped it was getting when it acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in February. The AL's All-Star starter this season exited to a standing ovation from the orange-clad fans at Camden Yards after giving up a leadoff single in the ninth. He allowed one run, five hits and that one key walk.The right-hander became the first starter to throw a pitch in the ninth inning of a postseason game since Washington ace Stephen Strasburg in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series against Houston.But Baltimore's sluggers — the team's 232 homers trailed only the Yankees in 2024 — could not come through in the clutch.The Orioles got a runner to third in the third, but Jordan Westburg flied out to the warning track in left. The hosts then put men at the corners with one out in the fifth, but Ragans struck out James McCann and 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson to end that threat.And in the eighth, with a pair on and two out, Erceg replaced Bubic and got Anthony Santander to ground into a fielder's choice.<h2>Trainer's Room</h2>Royals: 1B&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;came off the injured list for this series after being out since Aug. 29 with a broken right thumb, and he was in his usual No. 3 spot in the starting lineup as the DH. He wouldn't be able to play the field for another two to three weeks — if KC remains in the postseason. Pasquantino went 0 for 3 on Tuesday.<h2>Up Next</h2>Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) will be making the first postseason start of his career. "Something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time," he said.Eflin went 10-9 with a 3.59 ERA combined for Tampa Bay and Baltimore in 2024.

⚾ Witt Jr. and Ragans lead the Royals over the Orioles to open AL Wild Card Series

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After 40 years of no sub-18 minute times in Hutchinson Community College women’s cross country history, Blue Dragon freshman Faith Jepchirchir was the first of three to break that barrier on Saturday in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Jepchirchir broke Hutchinson’s 5,000-meter women’s cross country record and placed in the Top 25 in a power-packed field at the Arkansas Chili Pepper Festival. The Blue Dragon freshman from Kenya earned KJCCC Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week honors for the second time this season.

Jepchirchir was the top Blue Dragon runner on Saturday running against the top runners in the nation, including runners at the NCAA Division I level. Jepchirchir posted a 5,000-meter time of 17:08.1. Jepchirchir placed 21st in the Chili Pepper and shattered the old Blue Dragon 5,K record by 1 minute and 4 seconds.

She was one of three Blue Dragon runners to run sub-18 minutes on Saturday. Jepchirchir has one event win this season. Lilian Mateo Torrez ran a 17:31.9 and sophomore Jordyn Picolet posted a time of 17:53.1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727821887612.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — After 40 years of no sub-18 minute times in Hutchinson Community College women’s cross country history, Blue Dragon freshman Faith Jepchirchir was the first of three to break that barrier on Saturday in Fayetteville, Arkansas.Jepchirchir broke Hutchinson’s 5,000-meter women’s cross country record and placed in the Top 25 in a power-packed field at the Arkansas Chili Pepper Festival. The Blue Dragon freshman from Kenya earned KJCCC Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week honors for the second time this season.Jepchirchir was the top Blue Dragon runner on Saturday running against the top runners in the nation, including runners at the NCAA Division I level. Jepchirchir posted a 5,000-meter time of 17:08.1. Jepchirchir placed 21st in the Chili Pepper and shattered the old Blue Dragon 5,K record by 1 minute and 4 seconds.She was one of three Blue Dragon runners to run sub-18 minutes on Saturday. Jepchirchir has one event win this season. Lilian Mateo Torrez ran a 17:31.9 and sophomore Jordyn Picolet posted a time of 17:53.1.

👟 Jepchirchir named KJCCC Runner of the Week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College freshman goalkeeper Marina Lopez was named the KJCCC Division I Women’s Soccer Goalkeeper of the Week on Tuesday.

Lopez is the first Blue Dragon goalkeeper and the third overall player to earn Jayhawk Conference weekly honors this season. Both Haley Rogers and Kira Artmann were named Players of the Week on Sept. 3 and Sept. 10, respectively.

In her lone action last week, the freshman from Belo Horizonte, Brazil earned a shutout victory in a 1-0 win for No. 17 Hutchinson over Garden City on Saturday in Garden City.

Lopez had four saves in her second shutout of the season, making diving save without allowing a rebound to keep the Dragons in the lead with 12 minutes to play in the second half.

So far this season, Lopez is 2-0-1 with two shutouts.

BLUE DRAGON WOMEN’S SOCCER PLAYER OF THE WEEK WINNERS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727821671862.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College freshman goalkeeper Marina Lopez was named the KJCCC Division I Women’s Soccer Goalkeeper of the Week on Tuesday.Lopez is the first Blue Dragon goalkeeper and the third overall player to earn Jayhawk Conference weekly honors this season. Both Haley Rogers and Kira Artmann were named Players of the Week on Sept. 3 and Sept. 10, respectively.In her lone action last week, the freshman from Belo Horizonte, Brazil earned a shutout victory in a 1-0 win for No. 17 Hutchinson over Garden City on Saturday in Garden City.Lopez had four saves in her second shutout of the season, making diving save without allowing a rebound to keep the Dragons in the lead with 12 minutes to play in the second half.So far this season, Lopez is 2-0-1 with two shutouts.BLUE DRAGON WOMEN’S SOCCER PLAYER OF THE WEEK WINNERSWeek 2 – Haley Rogers, PlayerWeek 3 – Kira Artmann, PlayerWeek 6 – Marina Lopez, Goalkeeper