KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cal Raleigh&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mariners-cal-raleigh-home-run-record-4936581695c67296edc4e1048dbd5a99">hit a pair of homers</a>&nbsp;to match the Seattle season record set by Ken Griffey Jr., Dominic Canzone belted a career-best three homers of his own, and the AL West-leading Mariners routed the fading Kansas City Royals 12-5 on Tuesday night for their 10th consecutive win.

Raleigh's first homer, a 419-foot shot off Michael Wacha while batting left-handed, gave him 55 on the season, breaking the record for a switch-hitter set by Yankees great Mickey Mantle in 1961. Raleigh's second shot, a 425-footer off Daniel Lynch IV as he batted right-handed, tied the club mark that Griffey set during the 1997 season and matched the following year.

It was the 10th multihomer game this season for “The Big Dumper” and the 20th of Raleigh's career. The All-Star catcher also doubled in the first inning and finished 3 for 5 with three RBIs, giving him 118 on the year.

Canzone homered in the second inning, the fifth and the ninth on a hot, humid, late-summer night in which balls were sailing out of spacious Kauffman Stadium. The designated hitter also had a pair of singles to finish 5 for 5 with four RBIs.

Carter Jensen hit the first two homers of his big league career for Kansas City. It looked as if he had a third before his long fly ball in the eighth inning bounced off the right-field wall for a double.

Logan Gilbert (5-6) allowed two runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings while striking out five for Seattle. The 28-year-old righty, who also pitched well against the Royals in June, has allowed just seven earned runs total over his last five starts.

Wacha (9-12) returned after missing his last scheduled start because of a stint on the seven-day concussion list. He allowed a season-high seven runs on nine hits over 2 2/3 innings for Kansas City.

Just about every time Raleigh and Canzone stepped to the plate.

The Mariners are riding their longest winning streak since a 14-gamer from July 2-17, 2022.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cal Raleigh&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mariners-cal-raleigh-home-run-record-4936581695c67296edc4e1048dbd5a99">hit a pair of homers</a>&nbsp;to match the Seattle season record set by Ken Griffey Jr., Dominic Canzone belted a career-best three homers of his own, and the AL West-leading Mariners routed the fading Kansas City Royals 12-5 on Tuesday night for their 10th consecutive win.Raleigh's first homer, a 419-foot shot off Michael Wacha while batting left-handed, gave him 55 on the season, breaking the record for a switch-hitter set by Yankees great Mickey Mantle in 1961. Raleigh's second shot, a 425-footer off Daniel Lynch IV as he batted right-handed, tied the club mark that Griffey set during the 1997 season and matched the following year.It was the 10th multihomer game this season for “The Big Dumper” and the 20th of Raleigh's career. The All-Star catcher also doubled in the first inning and finished 3 for 5 with three RBIs, giving him 118 on the year.Canzone homered in the second inning, the fifth and the ninth on a hot, humid, late-summer night in which balls were sailing out of spacious Kauffman Stadium. The designated hitter also had a pair of singles to finish 5 for 5 with four RBIs.Carter Jensen hit the first two homers of his big league career for Kansas City. It looked as if he had a third before his long fly ball in the eighth inning bounced off the right-field wall for a double.Logan Gilbert (5-6) allowed two runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings while striking out five for Seattle. The 28-year-old righty, who also pitched well against the Royals in June, has allowed just seven earned runs total over his last five starts.Wacha (9-12) returned after missing his last scheduled start because of a stint on the seven-day concussion list. He allowed a season-high seven runs on nine hits over 2 2/3 innings for Kansas City.<h2>Key moment</h2>Just about every time Raleigh and Canzone stepped to the plate.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Mariners are riding their longest winning streak since a 14-gamer from July 2-17, 2022.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Canzone belts 3 homers as Seattle beats the Royals

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. Board of Directors is proud to announce a 2025 donation of $140,000 to benefit Shriners Children’s. The net proceeds generated by the success of the organization’s 2025 events, the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth and the 2nd KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals, are made possible by the generosity and efforts of many. The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. Board of Directors would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to all of the staff, participants, families, supporters, ambassadors, corporate partners, advertisers, volunteers, local hosts, and nobles across Kansas who have contributed in any fashion towards this remarkable contribution that will greatly impact the lives of the many Kansas children and families who receive care at Shriners Children’s.

The overall impact of these events extends far beyond the major financial contribution to Shriners Children’s. More than 500 high school student-athletes and musicians from across the state of Kansas were provided with an opportunity to learn first-hand the impact their participation has on the lives of these children served by Shriners Children’s through interactive activities and learning experiences with Shriners Children’s Patient Ambassadors during camp. These experiences will lead to many of these students and their families becoming extensions of these Ambassadors in their own communities to help spread awareness and understanding for the outstanding philanthropic work being done by Shriners and the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc.

To learn more about upcoming Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. events, please visit <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>. The 3rd KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas and the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. The 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl also includes the Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp and the All-Star Cheer Camp, along with many other game week events such as the parade, golf tournament, and more. Camp registration information and additional event information can be found at <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. Board of Directors is proud to announce a 2025 donation of $140,000 to benefit Shriners Children’s. The net proceeds generated by the success of the organization’s 2025 events, the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth and the 2nd KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals, are made possible by the generosity and efforts of many. The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. Board of Directors would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to all of the staff, participants, families, supporters, ambassadors, corporate partners, advertisers, volunteers, local hosts, and nobles across Kansas who have contributed in any fashion towards this remarkable contribution that will greatly impact the lives of the many Kansas children and families who receive care at Shriners Children’s.The overall impact of these events extends far beyond the major financial contribution to Shriners Children’s. More than 500 high school student-athletes and musicians from across the state of Kansas were provided with an opportunity to learn first-hand the impact their participation has on the lives of these children served by Shriners Children’s through interactive activities and learning experiences with Shriners Children’s Patient Ambassadors during camp. These experiences will lead to many of these students and their families becoming extensions of these Ambassadors in their own communities to help spread awareness and understanding for the outstanding philanthropic work being done by Shriners and the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc.To learn more about upcoming Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. events, please visit <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>. The 3rd KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas and the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. The 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl also includes the Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp and the All-Star Cheer Camp, along with many other game week events such as the parade, golf tournament, and more. Camp registration information and additional event information can be found at <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.

Kansas Shrine Bowl Announces $140,000 Donation to Shriners Children’s

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, I don’t have any injuries for you at this time. But the guys are trickling in now, so we’ll get that to you later. As far as the game goes, obviously disappointed that we didn’t come out on the right end of it. I thought the guys battled hard and aggressive. I thought in particular the defense played very well. Offensively, we (have) got to clean up some things there in the pass and the run game, and we’ll work on that. And then special teams, I thought for the most part, did a good job. (Harrison) Butker would like to have the one (field goal) back, but he came right back and had a nice kick there. But, obviously (we) have to improve, and that’s our focus. We’ve got to detail our work. It’s my responsibility, I take responsibility for that, and for this game with the aggressiveness as far as fourth downs go. I felt going into this game because they stay aggressive on fourth down, that you’ve got to match that to some extent, within reason. And a couple of those didn’t work out, and I’ve got full confidence that we’ll get that cleaned up, too, as far as the execution of it. So, anyways, with that, time’s yours.”

Q: Have you and Mike Frazier worked together to change to a more aggressive book, or is everything circumstantial?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we’ve always been one of the top teams in the league to go for it on fourth down. So, I’ve done that for years. So, anyways, I’d tell you no.”

Q: How do you make sure the room stays together as you approach Week 3?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I trust this group. I mean, this group’s a good group, (they have) got good leadership and they’ll stay together. And they’ll work hard on cleaning things up, there’s nobody more aware of it than the guys and we’ll make sure we get back to the drawing board. Like I said, this game here was more on the offensive side, and we’ve got to take care of that.”

Q: On Josh Simmons’ performance from Week 1 to Week 2, as well as his substitution against the Philadelphia Eagles.

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he (Josh Simmons) came off. He was dehydrated a little bit, kind of. So, they (athletic training staff) got him fixed up there with some liquids. And then as far as Josh’s performance goes, he’s getting better. He’s had a couple nice challenges here the last couple weeks. He’ll have another one coming this week, but I felt like he’s getting better. There’s some things he’s got to clean up in some of the detail stuff within the run game and the pass game protection stuff, but I thought he did a nice job of stepping up in this game.”

Q: Is there anything you want to see changed about the rule enforcement with the tush push?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think you know the answer to it Jesse (Newell). If guys are moving early, then you’ve got to call that. So, they’ll (the officials) go back and look at that and see what their evaluation is of it. It could be different than mine. Mine, I felt like the guys were moving (and) that’s why I was griping about it on the sideline there with the officials. Sometimes people see things different. We’ll see where it goes, they’ll have a chance to evaluate it, and I’ll be curious to see what the response is.”

Q: What did you think about Ashton Gillotte and Nohl Williams?

REID:&nbsp;“I would tell you I thought they (Ashton Gillotte and Nohl Willams) did a solid job in there. I liked the effort, I liked them hustling, getting themselves to the ball (and) getting off blocks up front. I thought Williams did a nice job on a couple of coverages down the field. I thought they were very respectable.”

Q: Moving forward how are you going to focus on execution versus changing things to put players in better positions?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so Matt (Derrick) there were things on there that I could’ve called (that) I was doing that in comparison to. There were some things that we could’ve executed better. There were some things that I could’ve put our players in a better position on, and there’s some calls that I could’ve used that I didn’t use. So I’ve got to make sure I take care of that part first. Then give the guys a better opportunity to do their job.”

Q:&nbsp;On some of the players wearing shirts that said “Free 4” for Rashee Rice.

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I’ve seen it since. I didn’t see it then, but I would tell you I know these guys love Rashee (Rice), and they feel for him sitting out here and I think it’s no more than that Sam (McDowell). I just think that those guys, they love the kid and want him to feel part of it in their own way. I really don’t think it’s anything more than that Sam.”

Q:&nbsp;Is it tougher to call and execute plays when you are dealing with suspensions and injuries?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah Todd (Leabo), we trust everybody that comes in there and that’s the way we approach it. There are no excuses at all for that – now you’re asking me this right after the Rashee (Rice) thing so I get it, but that’s not how we roll. I mean, that’s not something – the guys trust the guys that are in, (and) they play hard and are aggressive and so on.”

Q:&nbsp;How much did Josh Simmons’ effort on the interception stand out to you when you watched that film again?

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, I don’t have any injuries for you at this time. But the guys are trickling in now, so we’ll get that to you later. As far as the game goes, obviously disappointed that we didn’t come out on the right end of it. I thought the guys battled hard and aggressive. I thought in particular the defense played very well. Offensively, we (have) got to clean up some things there in the pass and the run game, and we’ll work on that. And then special teams, I thought for the most part, did a good job. (Harrison) Butker would like to have the one (field goal) back, but he came right back and had a nice kick there. But, obviously (we) have to improve, and that’s our focus. We’ve got to detail our work. It’s my responsibility, I take responsibility for that, and for this game with the aggressiveness as far as fourth downs go. I felt going into this game because they stay aggressive on fourth down, that you’ve got to match that to some extent, within reason. And a couple of those didn’t work out, and I’ve got full confidence that we’ll get that cleaned up, too, as far as the execution of it. So, anyways, with that, time’s yours.”Q: Have you and Mike Frazier worked together to change to a more aggressive book, or is everything circumstantial?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we’ve always been one of the top teams in the league to go for it on fourth down. So, I’ve done that for years. So, anyways, I’d tell you no.”Q: How do you make sure the room stays together as you approach Week 3?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I trust this group. I mean, this group’s a good group, (they have) got good leadership and they’ll stay together. And they’ll work hard on cleaning things up, there’s nobody more aware of it than the guys and we’ll make sure we get back to the drawing board. Like I said, this game here was more on the offensive side, and we’ve got to take care of that.”Q: On Josh Simmons’ performance from Week 1 to Week 2, as well as his substitution against the Philadelphia Eagles.REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he (Josh Simmons) came off. He was dehydrated a little bit, kind of. So, they (athletic training staff) got him fixed up there with some liquids. And then as far as Josh’s performance goes, he’s getting better. He’s had a couple nice challenges here the last couple weeks. He’ll have another one coming this week, but I felt like he’s getting better. There’s some things he’s got to clean up in some of the detail stuff within the run game and the pass game protection stuff, but I thought he did a nice job of stepping up in this game.”Q: Is there anything you want to see changed about the rule enforcement with the tush push?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think you know the answer to it Jesse (Newell). If guys are moving early, then you’ve got to call that. So, they’ll (the officials) go back and look at that and see what their evaluation is of it. It could be different than mine. Mine, I felt like the guys were moving (and) that’s why I was griping about it on the sideline there with the officials. Sometimes people see things different. We’ll see where it goes, they’ll have a chance to evaluate it, and I’ll be curious to see what the response is.”Q: What did you think about Ashton Gillotte and Nohl Williams?REID:&nbsp;“I would tell you I thought they (Ashton Gillotte and Nohl Willams) did a solid job in there. I liked the effort, I liked them hustling, getting themselves to the ball (and) getting off blocks up front. I thought Williams did a nice job on a couple of coverages down the field. I thought they were very respectable.”Q: Moving forward how are you going to focus on execution versus changing things to put players in better positions?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so Matt (Derrick) there were things on there that I could’ve called (that) I was doing that in comparison to. There were some things that we could’ve executed better. There were some things that I could’ve put our players in a better position on, and there’s some calls that I could’ve used that I didn’t use. So I’ve got to make sure I take care of that part first. Then give the guys a better opportunity to do their job.”Q:&nbsp;On some of the players wearing shirts that said “Free 4” for Rashee Rice.REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I’ve seen it since. I didn’t see it then, but I would tell you I know these guys love Rashee (Rice), and they feel for him sitting out here and I think it’s no more than that Sam (McDowell). I just think that those guys, they love the kid and want him to feel part of it in their own way. I really don’t think it’s anything more than that Sam.”Q:&nbsp;Is it tougher to call and execute plays when you are dealing with suspensions and injuries?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah Todd (Leabo), we trust everybody that comes in there and that’s the way we approach it. There are no excuses at all for that – now you’re asking me this right after the Rashee (Rice) thing so I get it, but that’s not how we roll. I mean, that’s not something – the guys trust the guys that are in, (and) they play hard and are aggressive and so on.”Q:&nbsp;How much did Josh Simmons’ effort on the interception stand out to you when you watched that film again?

Chiefs Quotes: 9-15-25

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced seven organization award winners for the 2025 season. The Royals will honor these seven individuals with organization awards for the 2025 season this Friday, Sept. 19, on Futures Night at Kauffman Stadium before first pitch vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. A group of the winners will make community visits on Friday morning and participate in an autograph-signing session for fans at Gate A at Kauffman Stadium from 5:00-5:45 p.m., prior to the on-field ceremony.

Carter Jensen, the Royals No. 2 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, earned the George Brett Award, given to the top hitter in the Royals organization. Jensen, 22, split the minor league season between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha and slashed .290/.377/.501 (124-for-427, .878 OPS) with 20 home runs, 76 RBI, 72 runs scored and nearly half as many walks (60) as strikeouts (122). The left-handed hitting catcher represented the Royals at the All-Star Futures Game, held in Atlanta in July, and made his MLB debut as a pinch hitter on Sept. 2. He recorded his 1st Major League hit on Sept. 6 vs. Minnesota—an RBI double—in an 11-2 victory at Kauffman Stadium. Jensen was selected by Kansas City in the 3rd round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft out of Park Hill HS (Mo.), and was signed by Royals scout Matt Price.

David Shields, the Royals No. 6 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, earned the Paul Splittorff Award, given to the top pitcher in the Royals organization. Shields, who turned 19 last Tuesday, made 1 start for the rookie-level ACL Royals before being promoted to Single-A Columbia in April, where he made 18 starts and posted a 2.01 ERA (16 ER in 71.2 IP) with 81 strikeouts (28.3 K%) to just 15 walks (5.2 BB%) in his first professional season. The southpaw was one of two 18-year-olds to throw at least 70.0 innings in full-season ball, joining Milwaukee’s right hander Melvin Hernandez, and he’s the first Royals farmhand to do so since Yefri Del Rosario (79.0 IP) in 2018, per FanGraphs. Shields was selected by the Royals out of the Mt. Lebanon HS (Pa.) in the 2nd round of the 2024 Draft, and was signed by Royals scout Tim Bittner.

For the second consecutive season, outfielder Carson Roccaforte (rah-cuh-fort), the Royals No. 20 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, was the recipient of the Frank White Award, which recognizes the organization’s top defensive player. Roccaforte, 23, played in 127 games for High-A Quad Cities (82) and Double-A Northwest Arkansas (45), and all but 13 of those games in center field. The left-handed throwing speedster covered 1,063.2 innings in the outfield, including 1,002.2 innings in center field, recording his second consecutive season with more than 1,000.0 innings in center. This season he converted 320 putouts (302 in center field) and 5 assists in 328 chances (309 in center field)—committing just 2 errors—logging a .994 fielding percentage, which included a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage over 362.0 innings at Double-A. There were only 13 minor league players to play 1,000.0 defensive innings at a single position this year, and the other 12 players combined for 107 errors, with Roccaforte being just one of two minor leaguers to record 2 errors or fewer. Roccaforte was selected by Kansas City out of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette in the Competitive Balance Round B of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, and was signed by Royals scout Cody Clark.

Asbel González (ahs-bell), the Royals No. 12 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, was the recipient of the 2025 Willie Wilson Award, which recognizes the top baserunner in the organization. González, 19, played in 115 regular season games for Single-A Columbia and swiped 78 bases, leading all Royals farmhands, while finishing tied for the 3rd-most stolen bases in Minor League Baseball, behind Kendall George (LAD, 100) and Jordan Sprinkle (CWS, 80). He got off to a fast start, stealing 30 bases in the month of April—leading all minor league players—which included a 4-stolen base game on Opening Day, April 4. The speedy outfielder was signed by Kansas City as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2023 by scouts Alberto Garcia, Jose Gualdron and Joelvis Gonzalez.

Luinder Avila (<a href="https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/video/upload/mlb/kfii2gfimivfic8jcevr.m4a">loo-ween-der AH-vee-luh</a>) the Royals No. 14 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, was the recipient of the Mike Sweeney Community Impact Award in 2025. Avila, 24, mentors younger minor league players in the Royals system, especially Latin players, helping them navigate the challenges of professional baseball. “Luinder is known for his generosity and quiet dedication to helping people from his hometown in Caracas, Venezuela,” said Royals Hall of Famer and Special Asst. to Baseball Operations/Player &amp; Staff Engagement, Mike Sweeney. “He never posts on social media about it, or seeks recognition. He simply gives from the heart.” Avila, 24, was signed by the Royals as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2018 by scouts José Figuera and Joelvis Gonzalez.

Sam Kulasingam (coo-luh-sing-um) was named the Alex Gordon Heart &amp; Hustle Award recipient. The award, which was created in 2023, recognizes a player who best exemplifies how Gordon played the game. Kulasingam, 24, spent his sophomore season with High-A Quad Cities, leading the River Bandits in batting average (.291), hits (136), runs (77) and extra-base hits (36), while finishing the season with a 27-game on-base streak, during which he slashed .323/.403/.455 (32-for-99). He started 119 games at second base, recording a .984 fielding percentage across 1,041.2 innings, making him just one of two minor leaguers to record more than 1,000.0 innings at second base in 2025. Kulasingam was selected by the Royals in the 13th round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft out of the United States Air Force Academy (Colo.), and was signed by scout Ken Munoz.

Mark Leavitt, a Royals Professional Scout, worked his ninth season with the Royals in 2025—his sixth as a pro scout—after spending two seasons as an Area Scout for North Florida from 2020-21. Prior to joining Kansas City in 2017, he served in various scouting roles with the Montreal Expos from 1997-2000 and with the Seattle Mariners from 2001-07. “Mark represents the Royals with unmatched professionalism in our industry,” said Jim Cuthbert, Kansas City’s Director of Pro Personnel &amp; Strategy. “He is an elite teammate who makes our group better each day, individually and collectively. He displays an incredible work ethic, loyalty, leadership and a selfless approach on a daily basis.”&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced seven organization award winners for the 2025 season. The Royals will honor these seven individuals with organization awards for the 2025 season this Friday, Sept. 19, on Futures Night at Kauffman Stadium before first pitch vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. A group of the winners will make community visits on Friday morning and participate in an autograph-signing session for fans at Gate A at Kauffman Stadium from 5:00-5:45 p.m., prior to the on-field ceremony.GEORGE BRETT HITTER OF THE YEARCARTER JENSEN, CCarter Jensen, the Royals No. 2 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, earned the George Brett Award, given to the top hitter in the Royals organization. Jensen, 22, split the minor league season between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha and slashed .290/.377/.501 (124-for-427, .878 OPS) with 20 home runs, 76 RBI, 72 runs scored and nearly half as many walks (60) as strikeouts (122). The left-handed hitting catcher represented the Royals at the All-Star Futures Game, held in Atlanta in July, and made his MLB debut as a pinch hitter on Sept. 2. He recorded his 1st Major League hit on Sept. 6 vs. Minnesota—an RBI double—in an 11-2 victory at Kauffman Stadium. Jensen was selected by Kansas City in the 3rd round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft out of Park Hill HS (Mo.), and was signed by Royals scout Matt Price.PAUL SPLITTORFF PITCHER OF THE YEARDAVID SHIELDS, LHPDavid Shields, the Royals No. 6 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, earned the Paul Splittorff Award, given to the top pitcher in the Royals organization. Shields, who turned 19 last Tuesday, made 1 start for the rookie-level ACL Royals before being promoted to Single-A Columbia in April, where he made 18 starts and posted a 2.01 ERA (16 ER in 71.2 IP) with 81 strikeouts (28.3 K%) to just 15 walks (5.2 BB%) in his first professional season. The southpaw was one of two 18-year-olds to throw at least 70.0 innings in full-season ball, joining Milwaukee’s right hander Melvin Hernandez, and he’s the first Royals farmhand to do so since Yefri Del Rosario (79.0 IP) in 2018, per FanGraphs. Shields was selected by the Royals out of the Mt. Lebanon HS (Pa.) in the 2nd round of the 2024 Draft, and was signed by Royals scout Tim Bittner.FRANK WHITE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEARCARSON ROCCAFORTE, OFFor the second consecutive season, outfielder Carson Roccaforte (rah-cuh-fort), the Royals No. 20 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, was the recipient of the Frank White Award, which recognizes the organization’s top defensive player. Roccaforte, 23, played in 127 games for High-A Quad Cities (82) and Double-A Northwest Arkansas (45), and all but 13 of those games in center field. The left-handed throwing speedster covered 1,063.2 innings in the outfield, including 1,002.2 innings in center field, recording his second consecutive season with more than 1,000.0 innings in center. This season he converted 320 putouts (302 in center field) and 5 assists in 328 chances (309 in center field)—committing just 2 errors—logging a .994 fielding percentage, which included a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage over 362.0 innings at Double-A. There were only 13 minor league players to play 1,000.0 defensive innings at a single position this year, and the other 12 players combined for 107 errors, with Roccaforte being just one of two minor leaguers to record 2 errors or fewer. Roccaforte was selected by Kansas City out of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette in the Competitive Balance Round B of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, and was signed by Royals scout Cody Clark.WILLIE WILSON BASERUNNER OF THE YEARASBEL GONZÁLEZ, OFAsbel González (ahs-bell), the Royals No. 12 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, was the recipient of the 2025 Willie Wilson Award, which recognizes the top baserunner in the organization. González, 19, played in 115 regular season games for Single-A Columbia and swiped 78 bases, leading all Royals farmhands, while finishing tied for the 3rd-most stolen bases in Minor League Baseball, behind Kendall George (LAD, 100) and Jordan Sprinkle (CWS, 80). He got off to a fast start, stealing 30 bases in the month of April—leading all minor league players—which included a 4-stolen base game on Opening Day, April 4. The speedy outfielder was signed by Kansas City as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2023 by scouts Alberto Garcia, Jose Gualdron and Joelvis Gonzalez.MIKE SWEENEY COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDLUINDER AVILA, RHPLuinder Avila (<a href="https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/video/upload/mlb/kfii2gfimivfic8jcevr.m4a">loo-ween-der AH-vee-luh</a>) the Royals No. 14 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, was the recipient of the Mike Sweeney Community Impact Award in 2025. Avila, 24, mentors younger minor league players in the Royals system, especially Latin players, helping them navigate the challenges of professional baseball. “Luinder is known for his generosity and quiet dedication to helping people from his hometown in Caracas, Venezuela,” said Royals Hall of Famer and Special Asst. to Baseball Operations/Player &amp; Staff Engagement, Mike Sweeney. “He never posts on social media about it, or seeks recognition. He simply gives from the heart.” Avila, 24, was signed by the Royals as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2018 by scouts José Figuera and Joelvis Gonzalez.ALEX GORDON HEART &amp; HUSTLE AWARDSAM KULASINGAM, IFSam Kulasingam (coo-luh-sing-um) was named the Alex Gordon Heart &amp; Hustle Award recipient. The award, which was created in 2023, recognizes a player who best exemplifies how Gordon played the game. Kulasingam, 24, spent his sophomore season with High-A Quad Cities, leading the River Bandits in batting average (.291), hits (136), runs (77) and extra-base hits (36), while finishing the season with a 27-game on-base streak, during which he slashed .323/.403/.455 (32-for-99). He started 119 games at second base, recording a .984 fielding percentage across 1,041.2 innings, making him just one of two minor leaguers to record more than 1,000.0 innings at second base in 2025. Kulasingam was selected by the Royals in the 13th round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft out of the United States Air Force Academy (Colo.), and was signed by scout Ken Munoz.ART STEWART SCOUT OF THE YEARMARK LEAVITT, PROFESSIONAL SCOUTMark Leavitt, a Royals Professional Scout, worked his ninth season with the Royals in 2025—his sixth as a pro scout—after spending two seasons as an Area Scout for North Florida from 2020-21. Prior to joining Kansas City in 2017, he served in various scouting roles with the Montreal Expos from 1997-2000 and with the Seattle Mariners from 2001-07. “Mark represents the Royals with unmatched professionalism in our industry,” said Jim Cuthbert, Kansas City’s Director of Pro Personnel &amp; Strategy. “He is an elite teammate who makes our group better each day, individually and collectively. He displays an incredible work ethic, loyalty, leadership and a selfless approach on a daily basis.”&nbsp;-KANSAS CITY ROYALS--KANSAS CITY ROYALS-

⚾️ Royals announce 2025 organization awards

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced on Monday that Kansas State’s Big 12 home opener against UCF on Saturday, September 27, will kick at 11 a.m., and will be televised by FS1.

This is the second time in the last three seasons that the Wildcats are opening their conference home slate against the Knights. In 2023, K-State earned a 44-31 victory over UCF in the Knights first-ever Big 12 game.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced on Monday that Kansas State’s Big 12 home opener against UCF on Saturday, September 27, will kick at 11 a.m., and will be televised by FS1.This is the second time in the last three seasons that the Wildcats are opening their conference home slate against the Knights. In 2023, K-State earned a 44-31 victory over UCF in the Knights first-ever Big 12 game.

🏈 K-State’s Big 12 Home Opener Set for Morning Kick

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks will take on the Cincinnati Bearcats at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 27 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday. The game will be televised on TNT with a simulcast on truTV and HBO MAX.

The Sept. 27 game against Cincinnati will be Kansas’ second Big 12 Conference game, after the Jayhawks open this week against West Virginia on Saturday, Sept. 20. Kansas Athletics has already announced a sellout for the Cincinnati game, with limited tickets remaining for this Saturday’s Big 12 opener against the Mountaineers.

Kansas’ matchup with Cincinnati will be the fourth meeting between the two teams all-time, with Kansas leading the series at 2-1. The two teams last met on Nov. 25, 2023, in a game the Jayhawks won 49-16 in Cincinnati. The Sept. 27 game against Cincinnati will be the first played in Lawrence between the two teams since Sept. 2, 1995.

The 11 a.m. kickoff will be Kansas’ first morning game of the season, while the Jayhawks will also take on Utah in their regular season finale on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. This will be Kansas’ first game on TNT.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks will take on the Cincinnati Bearcats at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 27 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday. The game will be televised on TNT with a simulcast on truTV and HBO MAX.The Sept. 27 game against Cincinnati will be Kansas’ second Big 12 Conference game, after the Jayhawks open this week against West Virginia on Saturday, Sept. 20. Kansas Athletics has already announced a sellout for the Cincinnati game, with limited tickets remaining for this Saturday’s Big 12 opener against the Mountaineers.Kansas’ matchup with Cincinnati will be the fourth meeting between the two teams all-time, with Kansas leading the series at 2-1. The two teams last met on Nov. 25, 2023, in a game the Jayhawks won 49-16 in Cincinnati. The Sept. 27 game against Cincinnati will be the first played in Lawrence between the two teams since Sept. 2, 1995.The 11 a.m. kickoff will be Kansas’ first morning game of the season, while the Jayhawks will also take on Utah in their regular season finale on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. This will be Kansas’ first game on TNT.

🏈 Kickoff Set for 11 a.m. on Sept. 27 for KU vs. Cincinnati

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced that&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;was named the Kansas City Royals nominee for the&nbsp;Roberto Clemente&nbsp;Award presented by Capital One, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers. This is Witt Jr.’s first career nomination.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced that Bobby Witt Jr. was named the Kansas City Royals nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers. This is Witt Jr.’s first career nomination.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character.

Witt Jr. is a true leader both on and off the field. His relentless dedication to his craft is evident as he became the first shortstop to achieve back-to-back 30-30 seasons, drawing fans each night who eagerly await the next remarkable play. His incredible talent is on display not only at Kauffman Stadium, but out in the Kansas City community as well. There is not a day that Bobby is not making an impact, and often it is a part of his pregame routine, including his special visits to children from Dream Factory, which grants dreams to youth with life-threatening or chronic illnesses. A true Royal, Bobby’s values off the field often align with two of the Royals Community Impact pillars: Healthy and Active Communities and Education and Literacy.

“Everyone sees Bobby’s talent on the field, but we also know he is selfless, conscientious and intentional about making the world around him better,” said Royals Chairman and CEO, John Sherman. “Watching him grow into one of Kansas City’s most beloved ambassadors has been extremely gratifying.”

“Baseball players at all levels know Roberto Clemente’s impact, and it’s an honor to be a small piece of carrying that forward,” said Witt Jr. “I am grateful to have a platform through the Royals and baseball to help others, and I hope to live up to that responsibility.”

Bobby is a strong supporter of organizations working to create awareness and fight ALS. Over the past several seasons, Bobby hosted a clinic for over 300 local youth in support of Sarah’s Soldiers. In 2024, the three-hour baseball clinic raised over $45,000 (100% of the event’s proceeds) to financially support Sarah Nauser and others battling ALS. He has worn a Sarah’s Soldiers bracelet daily, including during games, and often wears a Sarah’s Soldiers shirt during batting practice. In addition, he has taken his talents from the diamond to the links in support of the Team Hilliard Foundation Golf Tournament to help raise awareness and funds for ALS research.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In June, Bobby hosted a youth camp in partnership with ProCamps and CommunityAmerica. The collaborating support of Bobby, CommunityAmerica and camp proceeds totaled a $50,000 donation to the Edward Dulle Family in collaboration with Susanna Smiles. Susanna Smiles supports families with children facing hardship caused by critical illness or loss of a parent to help lessen the burden and aid prosperity for families.

His passion, energy and love for the game tabbed Bobby as the first-ever PLAY BALL Ambassador. As part of his ambassadorship, Bobby will continue to be featured in regular content pieces across the PLAY BALL and MLB media channels, providing tips and answering questions to help aid in MLB’s efforts to encourage youth participation in baseball and softball inspiring the next generation of players and fans.

Bobby is not only inspiring youth on the field but also in the classroom. He has worked with local schools to help increase literacy rates in the Kansas City Metro as a Royals Literacy League Classroom Champion. This program was launched by the Kansas City Royals Foundation and local partners to build excitement around reading and literacy in elementary-aged students in public schools in Kansas City, while providing additional support to, and appreciation for, the educators that serve them. The Royals Literacy League program reached over 3,000 students over the last school year. Bobby was one of the first players to step forward, providing the students and faculty with inspiration to continue to do their best. He routinely checks in on the classrooms and is on a first-name basis with many of the kids while helping teach them the importance of reading.

The inspiration he provides has carried beyond the course work by providing life lessons and ways to combat stress through his Bobby Breath. Before stepping into the box, you will often find Bobby taking a deep breath to clear his mind, relax and refocus. Many of his students now do the same before exams, or other stressful situations in the classroom and life.

Bobby Witt Jr. is the model for baseball and softball players from all generations on and off the field, relentlessly making himself and those around him better. The way that he carries himself on and off the field provides an example for not only his teammates and other players in league, but also for local and national youth. He offers guidance and inspiration to help all lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Monday, Sept. 15 marks the annual Roberto Clemente Day presented by Capital One, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and to formally acknowledge Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards and a customized tribute video to Clemente and the 30 Roberto Clemente Award nominees will be shown in all MLB ballparks on Roberto Clemente Day as well as on MLB Network, MLB.com, <a href="http://mlb.tv/">MLB.TV</a>, Club sites and MLB Social Media Platforms.

With the Royals having a scheduled off day today, they will commemorate Roberto Clemente Day tomorrow, Sept. 16, during their game vs. the Seattle Mariners.

The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One will be honored at the 2025 World Series following selection by a blue-ribbon panel. This panel includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One via <a href="http://mlbtogether.com/clementeaward">MLBTogether.com/clementeaward</a> (in both English and Spanish). The site, which will feature bios of each of the nominees, will allow fans to vote until the end of the season on Sunday, Sept. 28. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the blue-ribbon panel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced that&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;was named the Kansas City Royals nominee for the&nbsp;Roberto Clemente&nbsp;Award presented by Capital One, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers. This is Witt Jr.’s first career nomination.KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced that Bobby Witt Jr. was named the Kansas City Royals nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers. This is Witt Jr.’s first career nomination.The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character.Witt Jr. is a true leader both on and off the field. His relentless dedication to his craft is evident as he became the first shortstop to achieve back-to-back 30-30 seasons, drawing fans each night who eagerly await the next remarkable play. His incredible talent is on display not only at Kauffman Stadium, but out in the Kansas City community as well. There is not a day that Bobby is not making an impact, and often it is a part of his pregame routine, including his special visits to children from Dream Factory, which grants dreams to youth with life-threatening or chronic illnesses. A true Royal, Bobby’s values off the field often align with two of the Royals Community Impact pillars: Healthy and Active Communities and Education and Literacy.“Everyone sees Bobby’s talent on the field, but we also know he is selfless, conscientious and intentional about making the world around him better,” said Royals Chairman and CEO, John Sherman. “Watching him grow into one of Kansas City’s most beloved ambassadors has been extremely gratifying.”“Baseball players at all levels know Roberto Clemente’s impact, and it’s an honor to be a small piece of carrying that forward,” said Witt Jr. “I am grateful to have a platform through the Royals and baseball to help others, and I hope to live up to that responsibility.”Healthy and Active CommunitiesBobby is a strong supporter of organizations working to create awareness and fight ALS. Over the past several seasons, Bobby hosted a clinic for over 300 local youth in support of Sarah’s Soldiers. In 2024, the three-hour baseball clinic raised over $45,000 (100% of the event’s proceeds) to financially support Sarah Nauser and others battling ALS. He has worn a Sarah’s Soldiers bracelet daily, including during games, and often wears a Sarah’s Soldiers shirt during batting practice. In addition, he has taken his talents from the diamond to the links in support of the Team Hilliard Foundation Golf Tournament to help raise awareness and funds for ALS research.&nbsp;&nbsp;In June, Bobby hosted a youth camp in partnership with ProCamps and CommunityAmerica. The collaborating support of Bobby, CommunityAmerica and camp proceeds totaled a $50,000 donation to the Edward Dulle Family in collaboration with Susanna Smiles. Susanna Smiles supports families with children facing hardship caused by critical illness or loss of a parent to help lessen the burden and aid prosperity for families.His passion, energy and love for the game tabbed Bobby as the first-ever PLAY BALL Ambassador. As part of his ambassadorship, Bobby will continue to be featured in regular content pieces across the PLAY BALL and MLB media channels, providing tips and answering questions to help aid in MLB’s efforts to encourage youth participation in baseball and softball inspiring the next generation of players and fans.Education and LiteracyBobby is not only inspiring youth on the field but also in the classroom. He has worked with local schools to help increase literacy rates in the Kansas City Metro as a Royals Literacy League Classroom Champion. This program was launched by the Kansas City Royals Foundation and local partners to build excitement around reading and literacy in elementary-aged students in public schools in Kansas City, while providing additional support to, and appreciation for, the educators that serve them. The Royals Literacy League program reached over 3,000 students over the last school year. Bobby was one of the first players to step forward, providing the students and faculty with inspiration to continue to do their best. He routinely checks in on the classrooms and is on a first-name basis with many of the kids while helping teach them the importance of reading.The inspiration he provides has carried beyond the course work by providing life lessons and ways to combat stress through his Bobby Breath. Before stepping into the box, you will often find Bobby taking a deep breath to clear his mind, relax and refocus. Many of his students now do the same before exams, or other stressful situations in the classroom and life.Bobby Witt Jr. is the model for baseball and softball players from all generations on and off the field, relentlessly making himself and those around him better. The way that he carries himself on and off the field provides an example for not only his teammates and other players in league, but also for local and national youth. He offers guidance and inspiration to help all lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.Monday, Sept. 15 marks the annual Roberto Clemente Day presented by Capital One, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and to formally acknowledge Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards and a customized tribute video to Clemente and the 30 Roberto Clemente Award nominees will be shown in all MLB ballparks on Roberto Clemente Day as well as on MLB Network, MLB.com, <a href="http://mlb.tv/">MLB.TV</a>, Club sites and MLB Social Media Platforms.With the Royals having a scheduled off day today, they will commemorate Roberto Clemente Day tomorrow, Sept. 16, during their game vs. the Seattle Mariners.The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One will be honored at the 2025 World Series following selection by a blue-ribbon panel. This panel includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One via <a href="http://mlbtogether.com/clementeaward">MLBTogether.com/clementeaward</a> (in both English and Spanish). The site, which will feature bios of each of the nominees, will allow fans to vote until the end of the season on Sunday, Sept. 28. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the blue-ribbon panel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾️ Bobby Witt Jr. named Royals nominee for 2025 Roberto Clemente Award

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State Athletics announced single-game tickets for all non-conference men’s and women’s basketball games will go on sale this week. &nbsp;

Tickets will be available online only at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/5/_131476206421937119" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;starting at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 16. In-person and phone sales will begin at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 17, and be available Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, by visiting the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum or by calling (800) 221.CATS. &nbsp;

This season’s non-conference home schedule includes the men’s basketball team taking on California and Seton Hall, and the women's basketball team hosting Texas A&amp;M and San Diego State. Select games start at just $10.&nbsp;Fans interested in group ticket packages, including birthday parties, should submit the interest form<a href="https://app.kstatesports.com/2025-26BasketballGroupTickets" target="_blank"> here.</a>

<a href="https://app.kstatesports.com/2025-26BasketballGroupTickets" target="_blank"></a>K-State will once again use dynamic pricing with the cost of single-game tickets increasing or decreasing throughout the season due to demand. Additionally, sales tax will be added to the price of all season and single-game ticket sales.&nbsp;All K-State Athletics facilities will be cashless venues continuing with the 2025-26 season.

Going cashless has proven to reduce wait times while providing a faster and more secure payment system for fans. This change allows our facilities and staff to operate more efficiently.&nbsp;Continuing this season, single-game parking passes for both men’s and women’s basketball games will be cashless, digital, and sold at a discount when purchased in advance.

Men’s basketball general admission parking will cost $12 when purchased in advance online and will be $15 when purchased at the gate (card only). 

For women’s basketball, general admission parking will cost $10 when purchased in advance online and will be $12 when purchased at the gate (card only). Fans are encouraged to purchase passes in advance of game day, as prices will increase and cash will not be accepted.&nbsp;Ticket Promotions

A full promotions schedule, including theme nights and additional ticket promotions will be released at a later date.&nbsp;Information on Big 12 matchups and corresponding ticket availability will be announced following the league’s release of the full conference schedule.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State Athletics announced single-game tickets for all non-conference men’s and women’s basketball games will go on sale this week. &nbsp;Tickets will be available online only at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/5/_131476206421937119" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;starting at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 16. In-person and phone sales will begin at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 17, and be available Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, by visiting the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum or by calling (800) 221.CATS. &nbsp;This season’s non-conference home schedule includes the men’s basketball team taking on California and Seton Hall, and the women's basketball team hosting Texas A&amp;M and San Diego State. Select games start at just $10.&nbsp;Fans interested in group ticket packages, including birthday parties, should submit the interest form<a href="https://app.kstatesports.com/2025-26BasketballGroupTickets" target="_blank"> here.</a><a href="https://app.kstatesports.com/2025-26BasketballGroupTickets" target="_blank"></a>K-State will once again use dynamic pricing with the cost of single-game tickets increasing or decreasing throughout the season due to demand. Additionally, sales tax will be added to the price of all season and single-game ticket sales.&nbsp;All K-State Athletics facilities will be cashless venues continuing with the 2025-26 season. Going cashless has proven to reduce wait times while providing a faster and more secure payment system for fans. This change allows our facilities and staff to operate more efficiently.&nbsp;Continuing this season, single-game parking passes for both men’s and women’s basketball games will be cashless, digital, and sold at a discount when purchased in advance.Men’s basketball general admission parking will cost $12 when purchased in advance online and will be $15 when purchased at the gate (card only). For women’s basketball, general admission parking will cost $10 when purchased in advance online and will be $12 when purchased at the gate (card only). Fans are encouraged to purchase passes in advance of game day, as prices will increase and cash will not be accepted.&nbsp;Ticket Promotions<ul>
 <li>Youth Team Games: Youth basketball teams and K-State camp attendees can attend select basketball games for FREE with prior registration. To register your teams, complete the online form no later than one week prior to the game at <a href="http://kstatesports.com/promotions" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/promotions</a>. Registration is limited and fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. This season’s youth team games are:&nbsp;</li><li>Sunday, November 16 – Women’s Basketball vs. Texas A&amp;M&nbsp;</li><li>Monday, December 8 –&nbsp;Men’s Basketball vs. Mississippi Valley State&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Wildcat 4-Packs: Bring the entire family to a game and save! Wildcat 4-Packs include four general admission tickets and four $10 concessions vouchers. Available online only and must be ordered in advance of gameday. Wildcat 4-Packs are available for these games:&nbsp;</li><li>Monday, November 3 – Women's Basketball vs. Omaha&nbsp;</li><li>Monday, November 10 – Women's Basketball vs. Lamar&nbsp;</li><li>Sunday, November 16 –&nbsp;Women’s Basketball vs. Texas A&amp;M&nbsp;</li><li>Tuesday, November 18 – Women's Basketball vs. Troy&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A full promotions schedule, including theme nights and additional ticket promotions will be released at a later date.&nbsp;Information on Big 12 matchups and corresponding ticket availability will be announced following the league’s release of the full conference schedule.&nbsp;

🏀 K-State Non-Conference Single-Game Ticket Information Announced

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Coming off the first of three open weeks this season, the Kansas Jayhawks will return to action Saturday when they open Big 12 Conference play with a home matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

The Jayhawks (2-1) and Mountaineers (2-1) will kick off at 5 p.m., on FS1 with Noah Reed and Robert Smith on the call. The matchup will mark the third time over the past four seasons that the two teams have opened Big 12 play against each other. Kansas won the 2022 matchup in Morgantown, while host West Virginia won last year’s game.

Kansas returns to the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium after a road game at Missouri earlier this month. The Jayhawks are 2-0 at home this year, outscoring opponents 77-14. The Kansas offense totaled 631 yards last home game against Wagner in a 46-7 win, while the defense has allowed just 359 yards in two home games.

The Kansas offensive attack has been led by sixth-year quarterback Jalon Daniels. Daniels is completing 72 percent of his passes through three games, with 679 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. He has also added 90 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

He has found a connection with several different pass catchers, including tight end DeShawn Hanika&nbsp;(nine catches, 95 yards, three touchdowns) and receivers Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (12 catches, 183 yards, two touchdowns) and Cam Pickett (10 catches, 124 yards, three touchdowns).

Defensively, linebackers Trey Lathan and Bangally&nbsp;Kamara have had a strong start to the season for the Jayhawks. Lathan, who began his career at West Virginia and spent three seasons with the Mountaineers, leads the team with 25 tackles, and has also added 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a pair of pass breakups. Kamara, who missed the Wagner contest, has 13 tackles in two games, with a team-best four tackles-for-loss.

West Virginia opens conference play coming off an emotional 31-24 overtime win over Pitt in the Backyard Brawl. The Mountaineers trailed by 10 points in the fourth quarter, but staged a dramatic comeback to earn the win, behind 141 yards and three touchdowns from running back Tye&nbsp;Edwards.

The Mountaineers are under the direction of head coach Rich Rodriguez, who is in his first season back with West Virginia. Rodriguez served as the head coach for the program from 2001 to 2007 and is 63-26 at the school

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Coming off the first of three open weeks this season, the Kansas Jayhawks will return to action Saturday when they open Big 12 Conference play with a home matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers.The Jayhawks (2-1) and Mountaineers (2-1) will kick off at 5 p.m., on FS1 with Noah Reed and Robert Smith on the call. The matchup will mark the third time over the past four seasons that the two teams have opened Big 12 play against each other. Kansas won the 2022 matchup in Morgantown, while host West Virginia won last year’s game.Kansas returns to the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium after a road game at Missouri earlier this month. The Jayhawks are 2-0 at home this year, outscoring opponents 77-14. The Kansas offense totaled 631 yards last home game against Wagner in a 46-7 win, while the defense has allowed just 359 yards in two home games.The Kansas offensive attack has been led by sixth-year quarterback Jalon Daniels. Daniels is completing 72 percent of his passes through three games, with 679 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. He has also added 90 yards and a touchdown on the ground.He has found a connection with several different pass catchers, including tight end DeShawn Hanika&nbsp;(nine catches, 95 yards, three touchdowns) and receivers Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (12 catches, 183 yards, two touchdowns) and Cam Pickett (10 catches, 124 yards, three touchdowns).Defensively, linebackers Trey Lathan and Bangally&nbsp;Kamara have had a strong start to the season for the Jayhawks. Lathan, who began his career at West Virginia and spent three seasons with the Mountaineers, leads the team with 25 tackles, and has also added 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a pair of pass breakups. Kamara, who missed the Wagner contest, has 13 tackles in two games, with a team-best four tackles-for-loss.West Virginia opens conference play coming off an emotional 31-24 overtime win over Pitt in the Backyard Brawl. The Mountaineers trailed by 10 points in the fourth quarter, but staged a dramatic comeback to earn the win, behind 141 yards and three touchdowns from running back Tye&nbsp;Edwards.The Mountaineers are under the direction of head coach Rich Rodriguez, who is in his first season back with West Virginia. Rodriguez served as the head coach for the program from 2001 to 2007 and is 63-26 at the school

🏈 Jayhawks Open Big 12 Play Versus West Virginia at The Booth 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The goal for the Philadelphia Eagles is to be playing their best at the end of the season.

Like they were in February, when they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-eagles-chiefs-score-e2ff209c074a00a6faff39750ff048f8">beat the Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.

They were far from perfect on Sunday, but they were good enough to beat the Chiefs in the rematch. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley had touchdown runs, and Andrew Mukuba came up with&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1967356454660346082">a big fourth-quarter interception</a>&nbsp;of Patrick Mahomes, helping the Eagles to a 20-17 victory that was fueled by Philadelphia's stingy and opportunistic defense.

“Our job, especially early in the season, is find a way to win. Take pride in winning any way you possibly can. Work to get better throughout the week, and repeat,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “I think when you come off a season like we came off last year the expectation is that you're going to pick up where you left off. There are steps to this.”

The Eagles (2-0) never seem to stumble over them, either. They've won seven straight and improved to 17-1 in their last 18 games, and they have won three in a row against the Chiefs after falling to them in the Super Bowl three seasons ago.

Hurts threw for just 101 yards and Barkley was held to 88 rushing by the Chiefs. But the Eagles in turn held Kansas City to 294 yards, stopped the Chiefs once on fourth down and came away with the only turnover at a pivotal point in the game.

“Take pride in winning, one, and take pride in what is required of you, two,” Hurts said. “The team defensively played lights-out. Offensively we played well when we needed to. And we just need to continue to build.”

Mahomes had just 187 yards passing, once again struggling to find open playmakers without suspended wide receiver Rashee Rice and injured teammate Xavier Worthy. Mahomes did have 66 yards and a touchdown on the ground, but the two-time MVP didn't get much help from anyone else as the Chiefs fell to 0-2 for the first time since the 2014 season.

That was coach Andy Reid's second season in Kansas City and the most recent season it failed to make the playoffs.

“I’ll take full responsibility for that game,” Reid said.

Unlike the Super Bowl, when the Eagles raced to a 24-0 halftime lead and added on in the third quarter, the Chiefs came out with some semblance of life on Sunday after a lackluster season-opening loss to the Chargers in Brazil.

Barkley struck first with a 13-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter, but Harrison Butker atoned for an earlier miss with a field goal for Kansas City. The Chiefs quickly got the ball back and Mahomes, with a sudden penchant for lowering his shoulder to deliver a blow, did that to a couple of defenders before scrambling 13 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.

Jake Elliott hit a 58-yard field goal before halftime to tie the game for Philadelphia. He added 51-yarder early in the third, after the Chiefs had eschewed their own tush-push play and gave the ball to Kareem Hunt on fourth-and-1 — and he was promptly stuffed.

It remained 13-10 until the fourth quarter. After Hunt had converted on fourth-and-1 at the Philadelphia 13 to keep a Kansas City drive alive, Mahomes had a pass bounce off Travis Kelce's hands at the goal line and into those of Mukuba for a pick.

“I threw it a tad too early,” Mahomes said. “If I could put it on his body, he can catch it, take the hit, and get into the end zone.”

Ten plays and 59 yards later, Hurts scored on a tush push on fourth-and-goal to extend the lead to 20-10.

By the time Mahomes finally connected with Tyquan Thornton on a 49-yard touchdown heave with 3 minutes to go, most of a crowd that began lining up at the parking lot entrances Saturday night was filing for the exits. The Chiefs were unable to get the ensuing onside kick, and Philadelphia ran out the clock on Kansas City's first home loss since Dec. 25, 2023.

It was the 11th time a Super Bowl rematch has taken place in the regular season. The champion has now won eight of them.

“That's a really good team. We have a ton of respect for them,” Hurts said. “You have to come in with a sense of focus. Stay patient with yourself. Stay patient with your team. And as a team, we showed up when we needed to the most.”

Philadelphia: DT Jordan Davis limped off in the second half but returned to the game.

Kansas City: DE Mike Danna (hip) and CB Kristian Fulton (ankle) left in the first quarter and did not return.

The Eagles return home and play the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday.

The Chiefs visit the New York Giants on Sunday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757896896338.png" alt="Photo Philadelphia Eagles" />
 <figcaption>Photo Philadelphia Eagles</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The goal for the Philadelphia Eagles is to be playing their best at the end of the season.Like they were in February, when they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-eagles-chiefs-score-e2ff209c074a00a6faff39750ff048f8">beat the Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.They were far from perfect on Sunday, but they were good enough to beat the Chiefs in the rematch. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley had touchdown runs, and Andrew Mukuba came up with&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1967356454660346082">a big fourth-quarter interception</a>&nbsp;of Patrick Mahomes, helping the Eagles to a 20-17 victory that was fueled by Philadelphia's stingy and opportunistic defense.“Our job, especially early in the season, is find a way to win. Take pride in winning any way you possibly can. Work to get better throughout the week, and repeat,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “I think when you come off a season like we came off last year the expectation is that you're going to pick up where you left off. There are steps to this.”The Eagles (2-0) never seem to stumble over them, either. They've won seven straight and improved to 17-1 in their last 18 games, and they have won three in a row against the Chiefs after falling to them in the Super Bowl three seasons ago.Hurts threw for just 101 yards and Barkley was held to 88 rushing by the Chiefs. But the Eagles in turn held Kansas City to 294 yards, stopped the Chiefs once on fourth down and came away with the only turnover at a pivotal point in the game.“Take pride in winning, one, and take pride in what is required of you, two,” Hurts said. “The team defensively played lights-out. Offensively we played well when we needed to. And we just need to continue to build.”Mahomes had just 187 yards passing, once again struggling to find open playmakers without suspended wide receiver Rashee Rice and injured teammate Xavier Worthy. Mahomes did have 66 yards and a touchdown on the ground, but the two-time MVP didn't get much help from anyone else as the Chiefs fell to 0-2 for the first time since the 2014 season.That was coach Andy Reid's second season in Kansas City and the most recent season it failed to make the playoffs.“I’ll take full responsibility for that game,” Reid said.Unlike the Super Bowl, when the Eagles raced to a 24-0 halftime lead and added on in the third quarter, the Chiefs came out with some semblance of life on Sunday after a lackluster season-opening loss to the Chargers in Brazil.Barkley struck first with a 13-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter, but Harrison Butker atoned for an earlier miss with a field goal for Kansas City. The Chiefs quickly got the ball back and Mahomes, with a sudden penchant for lowering his shoulder to deliver a blow, did that to a couple of defenders before scrambling 13 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.Jake Elliott hit a 58-yard field goal before halftime to tie the game for Philadelphia. He added 51-yarder early in the third, after the Chiefs had eschewed their own tush-push play and gave the ball to Kareem Hunt on fourth-and-1 — and he was promptly stuffed.It remained 13-10 until the fourth quarter. After Hunt had converted on fourth-and-1 at the Philadelphia 13 to keep a Kansas City drive alive, Mahomes had a pass bounce off Travis Kelce's hands at the goal line and into those of Mukuba for a pick.“I threw it a tad too early,” Mahomes said. “If I could put it on his body, he can catch it, take the hit, and get into the end zone.”Ten plays and 59 yards later, Hurts scored on a tush push on fourth-and-goal to extend the lead to 20-10.By the time Mahomes finally connected with Tyquan Thornton on a 49-yard touchdown heave with 3 minutes to go, most of a crowd that began lining up at the parking lot entrances Saturday night was filing for the exits. The Chiefs were unable to get the ensuing onside kick, and Philadelphia ran out the clock on Kansas City's first home loss since Dec. 25, 2023.It was the 11th time a Super Bowl rematch has taken place in the regular season. The champion has now won eight of them.“That's a really good team. We have a ton of respect for them,” Hurts said. “You have to come in with a sense of focus. Stay patient with yourself. Stay patient with your team. And as a team, we showed up when we needed to the most.”<h2>Injuries</h2>Philadelphia: DT Jordan Davis limped off in the second half but returned to the game.Kansas City: DE Mike Danna (hip) and CB Kristian Fulton (ankle) left in the first quarter and did not return.<h2>Up next</h2>The Eagles return home and play the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday.The Chiefs visit the New York Giants on Sunday night.

🏈 Super Bowl rematch: Philly beats the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer and drove in five runs, helping the Kansas City Royals overcome Kyle Schwarber's NL-high 52nd homer and delay the Philadelphia Phillies from clinching the NL East with a 10-3 win Sunday.

Philadelphia, which entered with a six-game winning steak, leads the NL East by 12 games over the second-place New York Mets.

Perez hit his third homer in two games, a three-run drive off Aaron Nola (4-9) in a four-run sixth that built a 6-2 lead. He added a two-run single in the seventh as the Royals ended a six-game losing streak.

Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto homered in the first off Noah Cameron (8-7), who allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings.

Jac Caglianone tied the score with a two-run homer in the fifth and Bobby Witt Jr. homered in the ninth against Max Lazar.

Royals closer Carlos Estévez got two outs in the ninth before leaving with an apparent injury.

Bryson Stott also homered for the Phillies.

Nola allowed six runs and six hits in six innings.

Witt led off the sixth with a triple off the high wall in right and scored on a double by Vinny Pasquantino, who had three hits.

Kansas City has been swept in series just four times this season, second-fewest in the AL.

Royals: Host Seattle and RHP Logan Gilbert (4-6, 3.54) in a series starting Tuesday.

Phillies: LHP Rangers Suárez (12-6, 2.77) starts Monday night's series opener at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757884472132.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer and drove in five runs, helping the Kansas City Royals overcome Kyle Schwarber's NL-high 52nd homer and delay the Philadelphia Phillies from clinching the NL East with a 10-3 win Sunday.Philadelphia, which entered with a six-game winning steak, leads the NL East by 12 games over the second-place New York Mets.Perez hit his third homer in two games, a three-run drive off Aaron Nola (4-9) in a four-run sixth that built a 6-2 lead. He added a two-run single in the seventh as the Royals ended a six-game losing streak.Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto homered in the first off Noah Cameron (8-7), who allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings.Jac Caglianone tied the score with a two-run homer in the fifth and Bobby Witt Jr. homered in the ninth against Max Lazar.Royals closer Carlos Estévez got two outs in the ninth before leaving with an apparent injury.Bryson Stott also homered for the Phillies.Nola allowed six runs and six hits in six innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>Witt led off the sixth with a triple off the high wall in right and scored on a double by Vinny Pasquantino, who had three hits.<h2>Key stats</h2>Kansas City has been swept in series just four times this season, second-fewest in the AL.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: Host Seattle and RHP Logan Gilbert (4-6, 3.54) in a series starting Tuesday.Phillies: LHP Rangers Suárez (12-6, 2.77) starts Monday night's series opener at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

⚾ Perez's 5 RBIs lead Royals over Phillies and delay NL East clinch

NORTH NEWTON - It's been awhile since the Kansas Wesleyan Women's Cross Country team had won a race. Since 2013 to be exact.

The Coyotes picked up a 10-point win on Saturday at Bethel College's Muthama-Rogers Invitational for the team's first team victory since the 2013 KCAC Championships.

KWU topped the field of 14 teams in which only nine scored as a team. Wesleyan finished with 38 points, besting Fort Hays State with 48 in second, Butler CC with 82 in third, Northwestern Oklahoma State in fourth with 125 and Tabor in fifth with 134.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bafb4657-5b21-4121-acd2-1a05b6da0fef?elinkdata=28936">Kirstin Hackney</a> led the Coyotes across the line in fourth place with a 19:4069 for the 5K course. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2016152-c5b5-4e01-836b-d81f460d584b?elinkdata=28936">Josie Koppes</a> was sixth in 20:03.01, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e4610f2b-8f1f-4ec6-bce1-eb1259e3a4f2?elinkdata=28936">Micah Dickens</a> was seventh in 20:10.84, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4af24d93-4142-47d2-a1e8-1b0eea270578?elinkdata=28936">Kierra Jensen</a> was ninth in 20:26.50, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d755620-0385-49fc-9663-9fbefd52ca82?elinkdata=28936">Shelby Lingle</a> was 12th in 20:28.97, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3bdbfa26-73c3-4077-ad83-544e0e288e3d?elinkdata=28936">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> was 16th in 20:44.83.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/93742e74-3d76-475f-b32a-948dd54cc4af?elinkdata=28936">Charlee Lind</a> was 19th in 20:49.41, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e57ec8ca-26b5-45d1-b70d-8d92b6ab10f8?elinkdata=28936">Hailey Nordhus</a> was 29th in 21:29.09, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd5fbc44-4386-4e4f-afca-aad58b9bc66b?elinkdata=28936">Makayla Little</a> was 30th in 21:30.57, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b0037ec8-bc0b-4bbd-8d62-707657e7e9f7?elinkdata=28936">Emma McAlister</a> was 34th in 21:50.96, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4c67c4b-c421-4989-b728-f966ee0a912d?elinkdata=28936">Mya Schweitzer</a> was 46th in 22:43.81, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b064d28-cf82-4f9b-a27a-bc0a2ce3a4ab?elinkdata=28936">Joni Schroeder</a> was 47th in 22:50.15.

Elizabeth Hernandez was the meet champion with a time of 18:46.12 for Butler Community College.

NORTH NEWTON - It's been awhile since the Kansas Wesleyan Women's Cross Country team had won a race. Since 2013 to be exact.The Coyotes picked up a 10-point win on Saturday at Bethel College's Muthama-Rogers Invitational for the team's first team victory since the 2013 KCAC Championships.KWU topped the field of 14 teams in which only nine scored as a team. Wesleyan finished with 38 points, besting Fort Hays State with 48 in second, Butler CC with 82 in third, Northwestern Oklahoma State in fourth with 125 and Tabor in fifth with 134.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bafb4657-5b21-4121-acd2-1a05b6da0fef?elinkdata=28936">Kirstin Hackney</a> led the Coyotes across the line in fourth place with a 19:4069 for the 5K course. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2016152-c5b5-4e01-836b-d81f460d584b?elinkdata=28936">Josie Koppes</a> was sixth in 20:03.01, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e4610f2b-8f1f-4ec6-bce1-eb1259e3a4f2?elinkdata=28936">Micah Dickens</a> was seventh in 20:10.84, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4af24d93-4142-47d2-a1e8-1b0eea270578?elinkdata=28936">Kierra Jensen</a> was ninth in 20:26.50, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d755620-0385-49fc-9663-9fbefd52ca82?elinkdata=28936">Shelby Lingle</a> was 12th in 20:28.97, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3bdbfa26-73c3-4077-ad83-544e0e288e3d?elinkdata=28936">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> was 16th in 20:44.83.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/93742e74-3d76-475f-b32a-948dd54cc4af?elinkdata=28936">Charlee Lind</a> was 19th in 20:49.41, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e57ec8ca-26b5-45d1-b70d-8d92b6ab10f8?elinkdata=28936">Hailey Nordhus</a> was 29th in 21:29.09, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd5fbc44-4386-4e4f-afca-aad58b9bc66b?elinkdata=28936">Makayla Little</a> was 30th in 21:30.57, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b0037ec8-bc0b-4bbd-8d62-707657e7e9f7?elinkdata=28936">Emma McAlister</a> was 34th in 21:50.96, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4c67c4b-c421-4989-b728-f966ee0a912d?elinkdata=28936">Mya Schweitzer</a> was 46th in 22:43.81, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b064d28-cf82-4f9b-a27a-bc0a2ce3a4ab?elinkdata=28936">Joni Schroeder</a> was 47th in 22:50.15.Elizabeth Hernandez was the meet champion with a time of 18:46.12 for Butler Community College.

KWU women's XC wins first meet since 2013 at Muthama Rogers

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e12e8492-11a8-4e53-adff-a79d47477e51?elinkdata=28872">Henry Austad</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5e378b23-a548-4e4b-8996-497c5965cf25?elinkdata=28872">Will Wilcox</a> continue to be a two-man wrecking crew for the Kansas Wesleyan football team.

Austad, the Coyotes' quarterback, had 268 total yards and accounted for three touchdowns while Wilcox, a tall and talented split end, caught nine more passes in leading the Coyotes to a 30-6 demolition of Avila on Saturday night on Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium and Graves Family Sports Complex.

Wesleyan improved to 3-0 under first-year coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e56e0e8d-ba9b-4d93-8c8d-cbdeac08419b?elinkdata=28872">Matt Middleton</a> with Austad and Wilcox once again leading the offense. Their efforts were backed by another stellar effort from the defense.

Austad, a graduate transfer from Southeastern (Florida), was 23 of 36 passing for 225 yards and a touchdown and had 43 yards rushing that included a pair of two-yard scoring runs. Wilcox, a freshman transfer from Henderson State, gained 102 yards with his nine receptions, the longest 36 yards. Five others also caught passes.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d22a1a25-ea1c-4686-9848-d7663eae3d7f?elinkdata=28872">Luke Armstrong</a>, the team's leading rusher, missed the game with a leg injury he suffered a week earlier against Bethany.

"I thought it was sloppy at times," Middleton said on his postgame radio show. "We've got to get our running game going. Obviously, you could see the big miss with Luke tonight - we got some bad news with him this week.

"All in all, it's a win and you can't ask for more than that. ... but we left a lot of points on the field tonight, at least 14 or 15."

Middleton used three running backs in the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/16cf9a7a-a7f3-4280-8bfe-5414e13153b5?elinkdata=28872">D'Heaven Domena</a> had 66 yards on 10 carries, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/603fb3d3-60be-40d4-bae7-eeca01f0ef98?elinkdata=28872">Kohl Nolan</a> 29 on nine tries and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b7702d3f-4d48-42ce-896b-8ab58cd22868?elinkdata=28872">Enoch Walton</a> 20 on six attempts.

"The thing is we faced a three-man front," Middleton said. "We've got to be able to run the football at will and anytime you get a three-man front you should be able to at will. It's just something we haven't done, and I need to do better with that."

Defensively KWU limited Avila (0-3) to 274 total yards and blanked the Eagles until midway through the fourth quarter. Linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0fddfe24-721d-4557-908b-e7ece59c4e76?elinkdata=28872">Myles Elam</a> had a team-best 10 tackles, seven of them solo.

Special teams also had a good night highlighted by a pivotal play in the second quarter. Clinging to a 7-0 lead Avila drove deep into KWU territory before the drive stalled.

Eagles' placekicker Juan Delgado attempted a 35-yard field goal, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5d869ec7-177b-49d8-94fe-da15b3cdcb85?elinkdata=28872">Diego Davis</a> broke through and blocked it. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f88793bc-4649-46c0-8a5f-84dceccb4678?elinkdata=28872">Brennon Allen</a> scooped up the loose ball and ran 72 yards for a touchdown that gave KWU a 14-0 lead with 14:02 remaining in the second quarter.

Middleton was thrilled with one statistic that actually did not register as such - the Coyotes were not flagged for a penalty the entire game. Avila had five penalties for 33 yards.

"That's what we want to do," he said. "The biggest thing is play disciplined football and do the very best that we possibly can. I'm super proud of the kids for that, there's no doubt."

Wesleyan took a 7-0 lead on its second drive of the game going 95 yards on 10 plays, the final 11 yards on a pass from Austad to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/465260c8-48b5-4069-989d-6186ee59132e?elinkdata=28872">David Sheffer</a> with 5:31 left in the opening quarter.

After Allen's special teams gem Avila went three-and-out. KWU scored five plays later on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e5dd27f6-0f58-4e89-bc75-299c427bb7bd?elinkdata=28872">Cole Segraves'</a> 38-yard field goal with 10:54 left in the half that made it 17-0 - a margin the Coyotes took to the locker room at halftime.

Wesleyan scored on first possession of the second half, Austad going in from the 2 at the 7:21 mark of the third quarter and capping a 51-yard, 12-play drive.

Austad's second two-yard touchdown run came with 11:32 left in the game and finished off a 46-yard, 10-play drive that upped the advantage to 30-0.

Avila scored on Kasaun Graham's 4-yard run with 8:47 remaining.

"I'm proud of the kids and the reason I love them is they're not satisfied," Middleton said. "There's a sour taste in their mouth after tonight. We're leaving a lot points out there and we've got to get that corrected pretty quick."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e12e8492-11a8-4e53-adff-a79d47477e51?elinkdata=28872">Henry Austad</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5e378b23-a548-4e4b-8996-497c5965cf25?elinkdata=28872">Will Wilcox</a> continue to be a two-man wrecking crew for the Kansas Wesleyan football team.Austad, the Coyotes' quarterback, had 268 total yards and accounted for three touchdowns while Wilcox, a tall and talented split end, caught nine more passes in leading the Coyotes to a 30-6 demolition of Avila on Saturday night on Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium and Graves Family Sports Complex.Wesleyan improved to 3-0 under first-year coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e56e0e8d-ba9b-4d93-8c8d-cbdeac08419b?elinkdata=28872">Matt Middleton</a> with Austad and Wilcox once again leading the offense. Their efforts were backed by another stellar effort from the defense.Austad, a graduate transfer from Southeastern (Florida), was 23 of 36 passing for 225 yards and a touchdown and had 43 yards rushing that included a pair of two-yard scoring runs. Wilcox, a freshman transfer from Henderson State, gained 102 yards with his nine receptions, the longest 36 yards. Five others also caught passes.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d22a1a25-ea1c-4686-9848-d7663eae3d7f?elinkdata=28872">Luke Armstrong</a>, the team's leading rusher, missed the game with a leg injury he suffered a week earlier against Bethany."I thought it was sloppy at times," Middleton said on his postgame radio show. "We've got to get our running game going. Obviously, you could see the big miss with Luke tonight - we got some bad news with him this week."All in all, it's a win and you can't ask for more than that. ... but we left a lot of points on the field tonight, at least 14 or 15."Middleton used three running backs in the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/16cf9a7a-a7f3-4280-8bfe-5414e13153b5?elinkdata=28872">D'Heaven Domena</a> had 66 yards on 10 carries, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/603fb3d3-60be-40d4-bae7-eeca01f0ef98?elinkdata=28872">Kohl Nolan</a> 29 on nine tries and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b7702d3f-4d48-42ce-896b-8ab58cd22868?elinkdata=28872">Enoch Walton</a> 20 on six attempts."The thing is we faced a three-man front," Middleton said. "We've got to be able to run the football at will and anytime you get a three-man front you should be able to at will. It's just something we haven't done, and I need to do better with that."Defensively KWU limited Avila (0-3) to 274 total yards and blanked the Eagles until midway through the fourth quarter. Linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0fddfe24-721d-4557-908b-e7ece59c4e76?elinkdata=28872">Myles Elam</a> had a team-best 10 tackles, seven of them solo.Special teams also had a good night highlighted by a pivotal play in the second quarter. Clinging to a 7-0 lead Avila drove deep into KWU territory before the drive stalled.Eagles' placekicker Juan Delgado attempted a 35-yard field goal, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5d869ec7-177b-49d8-94fe-da15b3cdcb85?elinkdata=28872">Diego Davis</a> broke through and blocked it. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f88793bc-4649-46c0-8a5f-84dceccb4678?elinkdata=28872">Brennon Allen</a> scooped up the loose ball and ran 72 yards for a touchdown that gave KWU a 14-0 lead with 14:02 remaining in the second quarter.Middleton was thrilled with one statistic that actually did not register as such - the Coyotes were not flagged for a penalty the entire game. Avila had five penalties for 33 yards."That's what we want to do," he said. "The biggest thing is play disciplined football and do the very best that we possibly can. I'm super proud of the kids for that, there's no doubt."Wesleyan took a 7-0 lead on its second drive of the game going 95 yards on 10 plays, the final 11 yards on a pass from Austad to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/465260c8-48b5-4069-989d-6186ee59132e?elinkdata=28872">David Sheffer</a> with 5:31 left in the opening quarter.After Allen's special teams gem Avila went three-and-out. KWU scored five plays later on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e5dd27f6-0f58-4e89-bc75-299c427bb7bd?elinkdata=28872">Cole Segraves'</a> 38-yard field goal with 10:54 left in the half that made it 17-0 - a margin the Coyotes took to the locker room at halftime.Wesleyan scored on first possession of the second half, Austad going in from the 2 at the 7:21 mark of the third quarter and capping a 51-yard, 12-play drive.Austad's second two-yard touchdown run came with 11:32 left in the game and finished off a 46-yard, 10-play drive that upped the advantage to 30-0.Avila scored on Kasaun Graham's 4-yard run with 8:47 remaining."I'm proud of the kids and the reason I love them is they're not satisfied," Middleton said. "There's a sour taste in their mouth after tonight. We're leaving a lot points out there and we've got to get that corrected pretty quick."

🏈 Austad, Wilcox, Defense lead Coyotes to 30-6 rout of Avila

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (September 13, 2025)—Jake Rucker hit a bases-clearing triple in the 7-5 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field. Wichita is now one game back of the Tulsa Drillers for the playoff spot with one more game left in the regular season after Tulsa beat the Arkansas Travelers 10-8 tonight. If the Wind Surge win and the Drillers lose tomorrow, Wichita will clinch the playoff berth. On the other hand, if Wichita loses, the 2025 season for the Wind Surge comes to an end.&nbsp;

After Lucas Spence singled and moved from first to third on a wild pitch, Wes Clarke brought him home on a sacrifice fly to center field for a 1-0 Hooks lead in the bottom of the first inning. Garret Guillemette opened the home half of the second with a solo home run to left to double the Corpus Christi advantage.&nbsp;

Jose Salas homered to left field, his sixth with Wichita, and Ricardo Olivar yanked an RBI single to left to tie the game 2-2 in the top of the third. Olivar’s hit was the third two-out hit for the Wind Surge in the inning.

Clarke collected his second RBI of the night on a single to center to give the lead back to the Hooks in the bottom of the third.&nbsp;

Wichita put up five runs on three hits in the top of the fifth. Olivar singled in the first run, Andrew Cossetti worked a bases-loaded walk for the second, then Rucker drove in the final three on a bases-clearing triple to the right field corner to make the score 7-3 Wind Surge.&nbsp;

Spence opened the bottom of the fifth inning with a solo shot to left, and Corpus Christi later loaded the bases, but John Stankiewicz struck out Tommy Sacco Jr. to strand the runners to end the fifth frame. The Hooks brought a run in for the fifth different inning with a fielder’s choice in the bottom of the sixth to cut the deficit to two at 7-5, with Wichita out in front.

Kade Bragg and Kyle Bischoff combined to hold the Hooks to just two hits over the last three and two-thirds innings. While each pitcher gave up a hit, Bragg struck out three men over two and two-thirds of an inning to improve to 4-0 with the Wind Surge. Bischoff struck out two in the ninth to secure his first Double-A save in 2025 and the 7-5 win for Wichita.&nbsp;

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (September 13, 2025)—Jake Rucker hit a bases-clearing triple in the 7-5 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field. Wichita is now one game back of the Tulsa Drillers for the playoff spot with one more game left in the regular season after Tulsa beat the Arkansas Travelers 10-8 tonight. If the Wind Surge win and the Drillers lose tomorrow, Wichita will clinch the playoff berth. On the other hand, if Wichita loses, the 2025 season for the Wind Surge comes to an end.&nbsp;After Lucas Spence singled and moved from first to third on a wild pitch, Wes Clarke brought him home on a sacrifice fly to center field for a 1-0 Hooks lead in the bottom of the first inning. Garret Guillemette opened the home half of the second with a solo home run to left to double the Corpus Christi advantage.&nbsp;Jose Salas homered to left field, his sixth with Wichita, and Ricardo Olivar yanked an RBI single to left to tie the game 2-2 in the top of the third. Olivar’s hit was the third two-out hit for the Wind Surge in the inning.Clarke collected his second RBI of the night on a single to center to give the lead back to the Hooks in the bottom of the third.&nbsp;Wichita put up five runs on three hits in the top of the fifth. Olivar singled in the first run, Andrew Cossetti worked a bases-loaded walk for the second, then Rucker drove in the final three on a bases-clearing triple to the right field corner to make the score 7-3 Wind Surge.&nbsp;Spence opened the bottom of the fifth inning with a solo shot to left, and Corpus Christi later loaded the bases, but John Stankiewicz struck out Tommy Sacco Jr. to strand the runners to end the fifth frame. The Hooks brought a run in for the fifth different inning with a fielder’s choice in the bottom of the sixth to cut the deficit to two at 7-5, with Wichita out in front.Kade Bragg and Kyle Bischoff combined to hold the Hooks to just two hits over the last three and two-thirds innings. While each pitcher gave up a hit, Bragg struck out three men over two and two-thirds of an inning to improve to 4-0 with the Wind Surge. Bischoff struck out two in the ninth to secure his first Double-A save in 2025 and the 7-5 win for Wichita.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Wichita is now one game back of the Tulsa Drillers for the playoff spot with one more game left in the regular season.</li><li>If the Wind Surge win and the Drillers lose tomorrow, Wichita will clinch the playoff berth.&nbsp;</li><li>If Wichita loses and Tulsa wins tomorrow, the 2025 season for the Wind Surge comes to an end.</li><li>Hendry Mendez, Ricardo Olivar, and Jake Rucker all finish with multiple hits.</li><li>Six of the 10 runs for Wichita came in on two-out scenarios.</li><li>The Wind Surge and Hooks play at 2pm, Tulsa hosts Arkansas at 6pm</li>
 </ul>

⚾️ Wichita Scores Five Runs in the Fifth for a Comeback Victory Against Corpus Christi

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit his 51st home run, Brandon Marsh also went deep and the Philadelphia Phillies won their sixth straight game with an 8-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Harrison Bader contributed three hits for the Phillies, who can clinch their second straight NL East title by completing a three-game sweep of Kansas City in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.

Taijuan Walker (5-8) benefited from strong run support, giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings.

Jhoan Duran tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 30th save in 33 opportunities.

Salvador Perez homered twice for the Royals, who lost their sixth in the last seven to further hurt their slim playoff chances.

Angel Zerpa (5-2), in relief of starter Ryan Bergert, gave up three runs in the fifth inning when Philadelphia went in front for good.

Schwarber tied the game at 4 by leading off the frame by sending a 1-1, 86-mph slider into the seats in right. He pulled within seven homers of tying Ryan Howard for the single-season franchise record, set in 2006.

Bader, filling in for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phillies-turner-injury-hamstring-strain-181ab190b3eab565d9df0766849967ee">injured Trea Turner</a>&nbsp;as Philadelphia’s leadoff hitter, has multiple hits in six consecutive games.

Nick Castellanos’ pinch-hit sacrifice fly four batters after Schwarber’s home run put the Phillies in front 5-4.

13.50 — Bergert’s ERA in his last two starts after a 2.43 mark in his first six starts after being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-trade-deadline-794b0f281ac2ee2a2a16215e5de7b8b6">acquired at the trade deadline</a>.

Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (7-7, 3.00 ERA) faces Philadelphia RHP Aaron Nola (4-8, 6.24) on Sunday afternoon when the Phillies try to complete a 7-0 homestand.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit his 51st home run, Brandon Marsh also went deep and the Philadelphia Phillies won their sixth straight game with an 8-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.Harrison Bader contributed three hits for the Phillies, who can clinch their second straight NL East title by completing a three-game sweep of Kansas City in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.Taijuan Walker (5-8) benefited from strong run support, giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings.Jhoan Duran tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 30th save in 33 opportunities.Salvador Perez homered twice for the Royals, who lost their sixth in the last seven to further hurt their slim playoff chances.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1 swing 🤝 2 big milestones. Salvy collects his 300th homer and 1,000th RBI! <a href="https://t.co/HPADOjnGxH">pic.twitter.com/HPADOjnGxH</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1967000355050582133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Angel Zerpa (5-2), in relief of starter Ryan Bergert, gave up three runs in the fifth inning when Philadelphia went in front for good.Schwarber tied the game at 4 by leading off the frame by sending a 1-1, 86-mph slider into the seats in right. He pulled within seven homers of tying Ryan Howard for the single-season franchise record, set in 2006.Bader, filling in for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phillies-turner-injury-hamstring-strain-181ab190b3eab565d9df0766849967ee">injured Trea Turner</a>&nbsp;as Philadelphia’s leadoff hitter, has multiple hits in six consecutive games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Nick Castellanos’ pinch-hit sacrifice fly four batters after Schwarber’s home run put the Phillies in front 5-4.<h2>Key stat</h2>13.50 — Bergert’s ERA in his last two starts after a 2.43 mark in his first six starts after being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-trade-deadline-794b0f281ac2ee2a2a16215e5de7b8b6">acquired at the trade deadline</a>.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (7-7, 3.00 ERA) faces Philadelphia RHP Aaron Nola (4-8, 6.24) on Sunday afternoon when the Phillies try to complete a 7-0 homestand.

⚾Schwarber hits 51st homer to lift Phillies over Royals

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

You can say many things about the Battle of Dickinson County, but you can never say it doesn’t deliver on entertainment value.

This year’s game was no exception, with a roller coaster of twists and turns culminating in a fourth-straight win for Abilene over Chapman by a final score of 16-12.

On the very first drive, Chapman’s defense showcased speed and strength not seen out of the Irish in years, and forced a three-and-out to let everyone watching know this wouldn’t be another blowout win.

A first-half fumble by Abilene marked the only notable end to a drive as the two teams entered the second quarter scoreless.

A holding penalty would erase an Audiel Becker rushing touchdown, and Chapman came up empty on the drive, fumbling the ball away.

Fortunately, the Cowboys were kind enough to return the favor, throwing an interception to Audiel Becker on the goal line.

The Irish made some headway, but fumbled the ball right back, and this time the Cowboys capitalized as Taygen Funston scrambled into the end zone from 12 yards out.

After forcing a punt and briefly losing Funston for a play to an apparent injury, Abilene went on the attack again, punching in a two-yard Lane Hoekman carry to take a 13-0 halftime lead.

The third quarter saw Chapman’s first real chunk gain of the day when Audiel Becker broke a run down the far sideline for 55 yards, setting up a 5-yard Brecken Francis rushing touchdown to get the Irish on the board.

Abilene strung together their longest drive of the day and had first and goal from the one-yard line, but failed on two carries, took a sack, and had to settle for a Brandon Sims field goal.

The two teams traded punts, and with under five minutes to play deep in Cowboy territory, Chapman took a crucial sack on fourth down, turning the ball over on what could have been a game-icing play.

The Irish defense immediately forced a three-and-out, and on the ensuing Abilene punt from their own end zone, Kaicen Deweese blocked the kick and Ian Sayers recovered for a touchdown.

Now trailing just 16-12, the Irish again stood tall, forcing a three-and-out to get the ball back with just under three minutes to go.

Chapman successfully drove the ball into Abilene territory and had a chance to take the lead, but the Irish underthrew a wide-open Isaac VanMeter in the end zone, and a Taygen Funston interception on the very next play would officially seal the deal.

Penalties played a huge role on both sides, with Abilene committing 10, and Chapman committing 15, including two that wiped out a total of eight points in what would go down as a four-point loss.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostYou can say many things about the Battle of Dickinson County, but you can never say it doesn’t deliver on entertainment value.This year’s game was no exception, with a roller coaster of twists and turns culminating in a fourth-straight win for Abilene over Chapman by a final score of 16-12.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>On the very first drive, Chapman’s defense showcased speed and strength not seen out of the Irish in years, and forced a three-and-out to let everyone watching know this wouldn’t be another blowout win.A first-half fumble by Abilene marked the only notable end to a drive as the two teams entered the second quarter scoreless.Then, the chaos began.A holding penalty would erase an Audiel Becker rushing touchdown, and Chapman came up empty on the drive, fumbling the ball away.Fortunately, the Cowboys were kind enough to return the favor, throwing an interception to Audiel Becker on the goal line.The Irish made some headway, but fumbled the ball right back, and this time the Cowboys capitalized as Taygen Funston scrambled into the end zone from 12 yards out.After forcing a punt and briefly losing Funston for a play to an apparent injury, Abilene went on the attack again, punching in a two-yard Lane Hoekman carry to take a 13-0 halftime lead.The third quarter saw Chapman’s first real chunk gain of the day when Audiel Becker broke a run down the far sideline for 55 yards, setting up a 5-yard Brecken Francis rushing touchdown to get the Irish on the board.13-6, game on.Abilene strung together their longest drive of the day and had first and goal from the one-yard line, but failed on two carries, took a sack, and had to settle for a Brandon Sims field goal.The two teams traded punts, and with under five minutes to play deep in Cowboy territory, Chapman took a crucial sack on fourth down, turning the ball over on what could have been a game-icing play.That would have been too simple.The Irish defense immediately forced a three-and-out, and on the ensuing Abilene punt from their own end zone, Kaicen Deweese blocked the kick and Ian Sayers recovered for a touchdown.Now trailing just 16-12, the Irish again stood tall, forcing a three-and-out to get the ball back with just under three minutes to go.Chapman successfully drove the ball into Abilene territory and had a chance to take the lead, but the Irish underthrew a wide-open Isaac VanMeter in the end zone, and a Taygen Funston interception on the very next play would officially seal the deal.Penalties played a huge role on both sides, with Abilene committing 10, and Chapman committing 15, including two that wiped out a total of eight points in what would go down as a four-point loss.The Cowboys improve to 1-1 on the year while the Irish slide to 0-2.Abilene will remain on the road at Concordia next Friday while Chapman stays home to host Riley County.