DETROIT (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 10-8 on Sunday.

The Royals improved to 28-14 in series finales this season. They are 9-4 when they are in danger of being swept.

John Schreiber (3-2) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his 34th save.

Riley Greene hit his 31st homer for the Tigers, who had won five straight and nine of 10. Jack Flaherty (7-13) was tagged for eight runs in five-plus innings.

The Royals scored six runs in the third inning after Flaherty retired the first two batters.

Luke Maile singled and scored on Mike Yastrzemski's double. Bobby Witt Jr. made it 2-1 with an RBI single, and Pasquantino followed with a two-run homer. Garcia singled, Salvador Perez drove in Kansas City's fifth run and Adam Frazier made it seven straight hits with an RBI double.

Jahmai Jones hit a three-run double for Detroit in the fourth, and the Tigers added three more runs in the fifth. Wenceel Pérez homered, and Zach McKinstry’s two-out RBI single made it 7-6 Detroit.

Flaherty departed after the Royals started the sixth with a pair of hits, and Tyler Holton allowed a two-run single to Kyle Isbel. Holton's wild pitch allowed Isbel to score Kansas City's ninth run.

Garcia homered in the seventh to make it 10-7, but Spencer Torkelson answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning.

McKinstry had a chance for a tying two-run homer in the seventh, but Frazier made the catch against the right-field wall.

All nine Royals starters had at least one hit and scored at least one run.

Royals: LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.53 ERA) starts Monday in the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox. RHP Shane Smith (3-7, 4.12 ERA) goes for Chicago.

Tigers: The AL Central leaders begin a three-game set at the Athletics on Monday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756070514258.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 10-8 on Sunday.The Royals improved to 28-14 in series finales this season. They are 9-4 when they are in danger of being swept.John Schreiber (3-2) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his 34th save.Riley Greene hit his 31st homer for the Tigers, who had won five straight and nine of 10. Jack Flaherty (7-13) was tagged for eight runs in five-plus innings.The Royals scored six runs in the third inning after Flaherty retired the first two batters.Luke Maile singled and scored on Mike Yastrzemski's double. Bobby Witt Jr. made it 2-1 with an RBI single, and Pasquantino followed with a two-run homer. Garcia singled, Salvador Perez drove in Kansas City's fifth run and Adam Frazier made it seven straight hits with an RBI double.Jahmai Jones hit a three-run double for Detroit in the fourth, and the Tigers added three more runs in the fifth. Wenceel Pérez homered, and Zach McKinstry’s two-out RBI single made it 7-6 Detroit.Flaherty departed after the Royals started the sixth with a pair of hits, and Tyler Holton allowed a two-run single to Kyle Isbel. Holton's wild pitch allowed Isbel to score Kansas City's ninth run.Garcia homered in the seventh to make it 10-7, but Spencer Torkelson answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning.<h2>Key moment</h2>McKinstry had a chance for a tying two-run homer in the seventh, but Frazier made the catch against the right-field wall.<h2>Key stat</h2>All nine Royals starters had at least one hit and scored at least one run.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.53 ERA) starts Monday in the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox. RHP Shane Smith (3-7, 4.12 ERA) goes for Chicago.Tigers: The AL Central leaders begin a three-game set at the Athletics on Monday night.

⚾ Pasquantino and Garcia homer as the Royals hold off the Tigers 

HASTINGS, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer opened its season on a high note as the Coyotes knocked off the Hastings College Broncos 2-1 on Saturday at Lloyd Wilson Field.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdbcec4d-562c-48e5-9733-5a440b0ee80c?elinkdata=27956">Emma Gervy's</a> 64th minute goal proved to be the difference maker for the Coyotes in the match.

The victory was also the first in program history over Hastings. KWU was previously 0-10-1 all-time against the Broncos before Saturday's win.

It only took 75 seconds into the season for the Coyotes to score the first goal of the year. After a throw in from the right side, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47e4fa96-6bdf-44ff-b826-d91d86c31c4a?elinkdata=27956">Talia Walsh</a> found herself in possession of the ball about 12 yards out after a scrum to gain possession, and she scored it giving the Coyotes a 1-0 lead.

Just about 10 minutes later Hastings found the equalizer. Madison Rhodes scored on a 1-vs-1 breakaway chance when Wesleyan keeper <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c18db3f5-4647-4d70-8a3f-9eb6f8bab179?elinkdata=27956">Isabella Galvan</a> came out to challenge the ball leaving an open net for Rhodes to score.

The score stayed the same until the 64th minute when the Coyotes got the go-ahead goal.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09710629-9681-499a-b77d-51daee2dabbb?elinkdata=27956">Brooklyn Velotta</a> sent the ball into Gervy at the top of the penalty area. She chipped it over the keeper's head right before the two collided and the ball bounced into goal off the right post and in before a defender could get to it.

After the goal, the Coyotes locked in defensively, holding Hastings to only one shot the rest of the match.

KWU (1-0) outshot the Broncos 13-10 in the match. Velotta and Gervy each had four to lead the Coyotes. Galvan had one save in goal for the Coyotes as she only faced two shots on frame in the match.

HASTINGS, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer opened its season on a high note as the Coyotes knocked off the Hastings College Broncos 2-1 on Saturday at Lloyd Wilson Field.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdbcec4d-562c-48e5-9733-5a440b0ee80c?elinkdata=27956">Emma Gervy's</a> 64th minute goal proved to be the difference maker for the Coyotes in the match.The victory was also the first in program history over Hastings. KWU was previously 0-10-1 all-time against the Broncos before Saturday's win.It only took 75 seconds into the season for the Coyotes to score the first goal of the year. After a throw in from the right side, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47e4fa96-6bdf-44ff-b826-d91d86c31c4a?elinkdata=27956">Talia Walsh</a> found herself in possession of the ball about 12 yards out after a scrum to gain possession, and she scored it giving the Coyotes a 1-0 lead.Just about 10 minutes later Hastings found the equalizer. Madison Rhodes scored on a 1-vs-1 breakaway chance when Wesleyan keeper <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c18db3f5-4647-4d70-8a3f-9eb6f8bab179?elinkdata=27956">Isabella Galvan</a> came out to challenge the ball leaving an open net for Rhodes to score.The score stayed the same until the 64th minute when the Coyotes got the go-ahead goal.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09710629-9681-499a-b77d-51daee2dabbb?elinkdata=27956">Brooklyn Velotta</a> sent the ball into Gervy at the top of the penalty area. She chipped it over the keeper's head right before the two collided and the ball bounced into goal off the right post and in before a defender could get to it.After the goal, the Coyotes locked in defensively, holding Hastings to only one shot the rest of the match.KWU (1-0) outshot the Broncos 13-10 in the match. Velotta and Gervy each had four to lead the Coyotes. Galvan had one save in goal for the Coyotes as she only faced two shots on frame in the match.

KWU Women's Soccer opens season with 2-1 win over Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball split two matches on Saturday in the Hastings College Classic at Lynn Farrell Arena. The Coyotes got a four-set win over College of Saint Mary, then fell to the host Broncos in four sets.

KWU 3, CSM 1 (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 26-24): The Coyotes won the first two sets against College of Saint Mary and then rallied in the fourth to come away with the win over the previously undefeated Flames.

In the opening set, KWU led 24-19 before CSM scored four straight points to get within one at 24-23 before <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4e16d15-a578-4308-9aed-5d4b5a1f1e80?elinkdata=27987">Rylee Serpan's</a> kill gave the set to the Coyotes.

In the second set, the Coyotes raced out to a 7-2 lead and held it the rest of the way, leading by as much as 10 at 21-11 before closing out the set 25-17.

In the third, the Coyotes led 21-20, but CSM would score the last five points of the set to come away with the win.

KWU led most of the fourth, leading 23-21 when CSM scored the next three to take a 24-23 lead. A service error tied things up and gave serve back to the Coyotes. Kills by Madelyne Wolf and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/952c8301-0b7d-4dc2-b84c-4ad27970a0ae?elinkdata=27987">Rylee Serpan</a> closed out the set and the match for the Coyotes.

Serpan had 22 kills in the match to lead the Coyotes, while Wolf added 10 as KWU hit .163 as a team. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/63f1bba8-30f3-454c-b52d-324235b0e5b9?elinkdata=27987">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a> had 30 assists in the match and 10 digs for her first double-double as a Coyote. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61172475-2fa5-45c7-be41-af316f89895f?elinkdata=27987">Kori Arnold</a> had 33 digs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04651117-2b0f-4290-a5d6-08a7a780726e?elinkdata=27987">Kate Bebout</a> had three blocks to lead the Coyote front row defense.

HAS 3, KWU 1 (23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22): Three out of four sets were decided by two points, and the other by three, as the Coyotes were right there with host Hastings, but couldn't get over the top in the final match of the day.

Wesleyan trailed 20-12 in the opening set, but put the rally caps on starting with a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afa73614-a0fe-442a-8ccf-5e53584dc651?elinkdata=27987">Gianna Adriaanse</a>. The Coyotes kept pushing back, using a 10-2 run to tie things up at 22-all. Hastings took a 23-22 lead, but the Coyotes closed out the set with back-to-back Wolf kills to win 25-23.

The Coyotes pushed out to a 7-2 lead in the second set but a 9-1 run from Hastings gave the Broncos an 11-8 lead. KWU battled back tying it at 17 before Hastings scored three in a row to lead 20-17. Again the Coyotes drew even at 21-all, but fell behind 24-21. KWU tried to rally again tying it at 24-all, but Hastings got the last two of the set to win 26-24.

Hastings had a 23-18 lead in the third set before the Coyotes rallied to tie things up at 23-all. Again the Broncos would get the final two points of the set for the win.

KWU trailed 8-3 in the fourth but scored seven of the next eight points to take a 10-9 lead. Hastings answered right back with its own run, taking a 20-14 lead. KWU got within a point at 23-22, but Hastings scored the final two again to close out the match.

Serpan led the Coyotes again with 13 kills while Wolf had nine. KWU hit .143 as a team. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b2d8fc1b-589f-49a4-80bf-6c37761e1716?elinkdata=27987">Blair Pennington</a> had 23 assists and Stuhlsatz had 16. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a42a96c3-4d8c-4245-b9c1-f58d9fdc7b8c?elinkdata=27987">Blair Pennington</a> had 10 digs for a double-double. Arnold led the way with 20 digs for the Coyotes and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38050cd4-2b2c-41b1-814f-930b49b84ce6?elinkdata=27987">Tristyn Hedman</a> had 13. Serpan had four blocks.

HASTINGS, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball split two matches on Saturday in the Hastings College Classic at Lynn Farrell Arena. The Coyotes got a four-set win over College of Saint Mary, then fell to the host Broncos in four sets.KWU 3, CSM 1 (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 26-24): The Coyotes won the first two sets against College of Saint Mary and then rallied in the fourth to come away with the win over the previously undefeated Flames.In the opening set, KWU led 24-19 before CSM scored four straight points to get within one at 24-23 before <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4e16d15-a578-4308-9aed-5d4b5a1f1e80?elinkdata=27987">Rylee Serpan's</a> kill gave the set to the Coyotes.In the second set, the Coyotes raced out to a 7-2 lead and held it the rest of the way, leading by as much as 10 at 21-11 before closing out the set 25-17.In the third, the Coyotes led 21-20, but CSM would score the last five points of the set to come away with the win.KWU led most of the fourth, leading 23-21 when CSM scored the next three to take a 24-23 lead. A service error tied things up and gave serve back to the Coyotes. Kills by Madelyne Wolf and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/952c8301-0b7d-4dc2-b84c-4ad27970a0ae?elinkdata=27987">Rylee Serpan</a> closed out the set and the match for the Coyotes.Serpan had 22 kills in the match to lead the Coyotes, while Wolf added 10 as KWU hit .163 as a team. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/63f1bba8-30f3-454c-b52d-324235b0e5b9?elinkdata=27987">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a> had 30 assists in the match and 10 digs for her first double-double as a Coyote. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61172475-2fa5-45c7-be41-af316f89895f?elinkdata=27987">Kori Arnold</a> had 33 digs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04651117-2b0f-4290-a5d6-08a7a780726e?elinkdata=27987">Kate Bebout</a> had three blocks to lead the Coyote front row defense.HAS 3, KWU 1 (23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22): Three out of four sets were decided by two points, and the other by three, as the Coyotes were right there with host Hastings, but couldn't get over the top in the final match of the day.Wesleyan trailed 20-12 in the opening set, but put the rally caps on starting with a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afa73614-a0fe-442a-8ccf-5e53584dc651?elinkdata=27987">Gianna Adriaanse</a>. The Coyotes kept pushing back, using a 10-2 run to tie things up at 22-all. Hastings took a 23-22 lead, but the Coyotes closed out the set with back-to-back Wolf kills to win 25-23.The Coyotes pushed out to a 7-2 lead in the second set but a 9-1 run from Hastings gave the Broncos an 11-8 lead. KWU battled back tying it at 17 before Hastings scored three in a row to lead 20-17. Again the Coyotes drew even at 21-all, but fell behind 24-21. KWU tried to rally again tying it at 24-all, but Hastings got the last two of the set to win 26-24.Hastings had a 23-18 lead in the third set before the Coyotes rallied to tie things up at 23-all. Again the Broncos would get the final two points of the set for the win.KWU trailed 8-3 in the fourth but scored seven of the next eight points to take a 10-9 lead. Hastings answered right back with its own run, taking a 20-14 lead. KWU got within a point at 23-22, but Hastings scored the final two again to close out the match.Serpan led the Coyotes again with 13 kills while Wolf had nine. KWU hit .143 as a team. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b2d8fc1b-589f-49a4-80bf-6c37761e1716?elinkdata=27987">Blair Pennington</a> had 23 assists and Stuhlsatz had 16. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a42a96c3-4d8c-4245-b9c1-f58d9fdc7b8c?elinkdata=27987">Blair Pennington</a> had 10 digs for a double-double. Arnold led the way with 20 digs for the Coyotes and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38050cd4-2b2c-41b1-814f-930b49b84ce6?elinkdata=27987">Tristyn Hedman</a> had 13. Serpan had four blocks.

KWU Women's Volleyball splits matches to open season at Hastings

MIDLAND, Texas (August 23, 2025)—Nate Baez slugged a three-run triple in the 7-3 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Midland Rockhounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. C.J. Culpepper also earned his first Double-A victory with five shutout innings as the Wind Surge starter.

After Midland loaded the bases on three walks in the bottom of the first inning, Baez and Andrew Cossetti connected on a 3-2-3 double play, and Culpepper struck out Luke Mann to leave the jam unscathed. 

Culpepper would later finish with five shutout frames alongside three hits, four walks, and six strikeouts in his first win of the season.&nbsp;Ben Ross drove in the game’s first run on a sacrifice fly to right field in the top of the second to put Wichita on the board. 

Kala’i Rosario added two more runs on a double to left field three innings later to give the Wind Surge a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;Joshua Kuroda-Grauer hit an RBI single to right to give Midland their first run in the home half of the sixth before Wichita added four more runs in the top of the seventh on a bases-clearing triple by Baez and a run-scoring knock from Ross, giving the Wind Surge a 7-1 advantage heading into the stretch.&nbsp;

Tommy White hit a homer to right field; then the RockHounds got another run in the bottom of the eighth on an infield groundout to bring themselves within four, but Mike Paredes settled down and finished the night by striking out Mann looking to finish a 7-3 Wichita victory.

Wichita continues the series with the Midland RockHounds on August 24 at 1:00 PM at Momentum Bank Ballpark. The Wind Surge return to Equity Bank Park for the team’s final homestand of the regular season, starting with a series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 26. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

MIDLAND, Texas (August 23, 2025)—Nate Baez slugged a three-run triple in the 7-3 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Midland Rockhounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. C.J. Culpepper also earned his first Double-A victory with five shutout innings as the Wind Surge starter.After Midland loaded the bases on three walks in the bottom of the first inning, Baez and Andrew Cossetti connected on a 3-2-3 double play, and Culpepper struck out Luke Mann to leave the jam unscathed. Culpepper would later finish with five shutout frames alongside three hits, four walks, and six strikeouts in his first win of the season.&nbsp;Ben Ross drove in the game’s first run on a sacrifice fly to right field in the top of the second to put Wichita on the board. Kala’i Rosario added two more runs on a double to left field three innings later to give the Wind Surge a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;Joshua Kuroda-Grauer hit an RBI single to right to give Midland their first run in the home half of the sixth before Wichita added four more runs in the top of the seventh on a bases-clearing triple by Baez and a run-scoring knock from Ross, giving the Wind Surge a 7-1 advantage heading into the stretch.&nbsp;Tommy White hit a homer to right field; then the RockHounds got another run in the bottom of the eighth on an infield groundout to bring themselves within four, but Mike Paredes settled down and finished the night by striking out Mann looking to finish a 7-3 Wichita victory.POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>C.J. Culpepper earns his first win of both the season and in his Double-A career.&nbsp;</li><li>C.J. Culpepper throws five innings for his second straight start.</li><li>Nate Baez hits his fourth triple with the Wind Surge. Entering this season, he had only hit two triples over the three years of his professional career.</li><li>The double for Kala’i Rosario puts him an extra base hit shy of 50 with Wichita in 2025.</li><li>2024 Wind Surge outfielder Carson McCusker hits two home runs tonight for Triple-A St. Paul, tying and breaking the single-season franchise record for long balls hit by an individual player (21, 22).</li>
 </ul>Wichita continues the series with the Midland RockHounds on August 24 at 1:00 PM at Momentum Bank Ballpark. The Wind Surge return to Equity Bank Park for the team’s final homestand of the regular season, starting with a series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 26. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

Wichita Powers Through Midland For The Win

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.

Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.

E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.

This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only the east side where the students sit awaiting a facelift this coming offseason.

Then the Jayhawks got busy as they seek to rebound from a 5-7 finish a year ago.

Daniels quickly led them downfield after the opening kickoff, hitting Pickett with a 21-yard touchdown throw. After Fresno State answered with Gilliam's TD run, the Jayhawks' longtime quarterback — a one-time Heisman Trophy candidate whose career has been slowed by injuries — helped Kansas reel off 17 points and take a 24-7 lead into halftime.

Daniels added a touchdown throw to Keaton Kubecka in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.

Fresno State got off to a good start under new coach Matt Entz, and Warner was 5 of 5 for 81 yards in the first quarter. But he was just 13 of 24 for 98 yards the rest of the way while turning the ball over three times.

Kansas dominated both lines of scrimmage. The defense of new coordinator D.K. McDonald was especially disruptive, holding the Bulldogs to just 37 yards on 29 carries while totaling 10 tackles-for-loss.

Fresno State plays Georgia Southern in its home opener next Saturday.

Kansas plays Wagner on Friday night in its final tuneup before visiting rival Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755998339600.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755998416516.png" alt="Sold out David Booth Memorial Stadium on Saturday -photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Sold out David Booth Memorial Stadium on Saturday -photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only the east side where the students sit awaiting a facelift this coming offseason.Then the Jayhawks got busy as they seek to rebound from a 5-7 finish a year ago.Daniels quickly led them downfield after the opening kickoff, hitting Pickett with a 21-yard touchdown throw. After Fresno State answered with Gilliam's TD run, the Jayhawks' longtime quarterback — a one-time Heisman Trophy candidate whose career has been slowed by injuries — helped Kansas reel off 17 points and take a 24-7 lead into halftime.Daniels added a touchdown throw to Keaton Kubecka in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Fresno State got off to a good start under new coach Matt Entz, and Warner was 5 of 5 for 81 yards in the first quarter. But he was just 13 of 24 for 98 yards the rest of the way while turning the ball over three times.Kansas dominated both lines of scrimmage. The defense of new coordinator D.K. McDonald was especially disruptive, holding the Bulldogs to just 37 yards on 29 carries while totaling 10 tackles-for-loss.<h2>Up next</h2>Fresno State plays Georgia Southern in its home opener next Saturday.Kansas plays Wagner on Friday night in its final tuneup before visiting rival Missouri.

🏈 Kansas opens rebuilt $450M stadium with win over Fresno State

DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered to help the Detroit Tigers win their fifth straight game, 4-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

The teams entered the game with the best records in the American League in August. Detroit has won nine of its last 10 games.

Chris Paddack (5-11) picked up his second win as a Tiger, allowing one run in five innings.

Michael Wacha (8-10) had his four-start winning streak snapped, giving up three runs on eight hits in six innings.

The Tigers took the lead on Jake Rogers' RBI double in the third, but Vinnie Pasquatino doubled home Bobby Witt Jr. in the fourth.

Torkelson hit his 27th homer to make it 2-1 in the fourth, and Rogers gave Detroit a two-run lead with an RBI single in the fifth.

Witt, though, homered off Tigers reliever Troy Melton in the sixth to pull the Royals to 3-2.

Witt singled with one out in the eighth, took second on Riley Greene's error and moved to third on Pasquatino's grounder back to the mound. A.J. Hinch brought in Will Vest, who struck out Maikel Garcia to end the inning.

Andy Ibáñez made it 4-2 with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth. Vest finished for his 19th save.

The Royals had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh, but Tyler Holton came out of the bullpen and got pinch-hitter Nick Loftin to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.

Pasquatino entered the game with homers in five straight games, matching the franchise record set by Mike Sweeney in 2002 and tied by Salvador Perez in 2024. He went 1 for 4 with the RBI double in the fourth inning.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.73 ERA) was set to face RHP Jack Flaherty (7-12., 4.51) on Sunday in the series finale.

DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered to help the Detroit Tigers win their fifth straight game, 4-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.The teams entered the game with the best records in the American League in August. Detroit has won nine of its last 10 games.Chris Paddack (5-11) picked up his second win as a Tiger, allowing one run in five innings.Michael Wacha (8-10) had his four-start winning streak snapped, giving up three runs on eight hits in six innings.The Tigers took the lead on Jake Rogers' RBI double in the third, but Vinnie Pasquatino doubled home Bobby Witt Jr. in the fourth.Torkelson hit his 27th homer to make it 2-1 in the fourth, and Rogers gave Detroit a two-run lead with an RBI single in the fifth.Witt, though, homered off Tigers reliever Troy Melton in the sixth to pull the Royals to 3-2.Witt singled with one out in the eighth, took second on Riley Greene's error and moved to third on Pasquatino's grounder back to the mound. A.J. Hinch brought in Will Vest, who struck out Maikel Garcia to end the inning.Andy Ibáñez made it 4-2 with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth. Vest finished for his 19th save.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh, but Tyler Holton came out of the bullpen and got pinch-hitter Nick Loftin to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Pasquatino entered the game with homers in five straight games, matching the franchise record set by Mike Sweeney in 2002 and tied by Salvador Perez in 2024. He went 1 for 4 with the RBI double in the fourth inning.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.73 ERA) was set to face RHP Jack Flaherty (7-12., 4.51) on Sunday in the series finale.

⚾ Torkelson homers to help the Tigers beat the Royals

DUBLIN (AP) — Rocco Becht passed for two touchdowns and ran for another score, helping No. 22 Iowa State beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic on Saturday.

Becht was 14 for 28 for 183 yards. He found Dominic Overby for a 23-yard TD in the first quarter and passed to Brett Eskildsen for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.

With 2:26 to go, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell had his team go for it on fourth-and-3 at the Kansas State 16-yard line. Becht found Carson Hansen for 15 yards and iced the game.

“He called a great play, he gave me two plays and let me decide and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it," Becht said "We’ve worked on it in practice and it’s been working for us and we’re confident with it and I have trust in my guys.”

The Cyclones (1-0, 1-0 Big 12) opened a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter after a turnover on downs by Kansas State at its own 30-yard line. Becht finished the short drive with a 7-yard touchdown run with 6:38 left.

Avery Johnson passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State (0-1, 0-1). He also had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“I mean that’s the thing, regardless of the outcome we have 11 games to play," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup and get ready to play.”

Johnson threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley with 6:23 remaining, but the Wildcats never got the ball back.

Both teams struggled to deal with wet conditions in the first half. Kansas State had two turnovers and a turnover on downs while Iowa State committed two turnovers in the first 30 minutes.

“We just made some great adjustments," Campbell said. "We saw some things different in the first game and the opportunity to make some adjustments and to have the ability to do that, to have the staff that’s been together for so long that we have the confidence to make those adjustments.”

The Cyclones grabbed a 14-7 lead when Becht found Eskildsen in the corner of the end zone with 1:07 left in the third quarter.

Johnson responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, tying it at 14 with 14:09 remaining in the game.

Carson Hansen led Iowa State with 71 yards rushing on 16 carries. Joe Jackson had 51 yards on 12 carries for Kansas State.

“I thought that the (offensive line) did a really great job in the second half," Campbell said. “Our tight ends and o-line did a great job of execution and man Carson is a really great player so we’re really proud of him.”

Iowa State has beat Kansas State in five of the past six seasons.

“I think those are great wins, any time you can beat quality opponents that’s awesome," Campbell said. "We got a long way to go, it’s only game one and there’s a lot of football left and we’re going to have to see if we’re tough enough as a program and team to go home and get ready for a good South Dakota team next week.”

The matchup featured the past two champions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. To celebrate, the Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts were on the sidelines for the showdown in Ireland.

Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was injured in the first quarter on a punt that he muffed. He didn’t return to the game.

Becht looked like a veteran quarterback in the second half, leading his team with his arm and legs in a crucial opener.

Iowa State hosts South Dakota on Aug. 30, and Kansas State hosts North Dakota the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755977666090.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBLIN (AP) — Rocco Becht passed for two touchdowns and ran for another score, helping No. 22 Iowa State beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic on Saturday.Becht was 14 for 28 for 183 yards. He found Dominic Overby for a 23-yard TD in the first quarter and passed to Brett Eskildsen for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.With 2:26 to go, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell had his team go for it on fourth-and-3 at the Kansas State 16-yard line. Becht found Carson Hansen for 15 yards and iced the game.“He called a great play, he gave me two plays and let me decide and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it," Becht said "We’ve worked on it in practice and it’s been working for us and we’re confident with it and I have trust in my guys.”The Cyclones (1-0, 1-0 Big 12) opened a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter after a turnover on downs by Kansas State at its own 30-yard line. Becht finished the short drive with a 7-yard touchdown run with 6:38 left.Avery Johnson passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State (0-1, 0-1). He also had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.“I mean that’s the thing, regardless of the outcome we have 11 games to play," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup and get ready to play.”Johnson threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley with 6:23 remaining, but the Wildcats never got the ball back.Both teams struggled to deal with wet conditions in the first half. Kansas State had two turnovers and a turnover on downs while Iowa State committed two turnovers in the first 30 minutes.“We just made some great adjustments," Campbell said. "We saw some things different in the first game and the opportunity to make some adjustments and to have the ability to do that, to have the staff that’s been together for so long that we have the confidence to make those adjustments.”The Cyclones grabbed a 14-7 lead when Becht found Eskildsen in the corner of the end zone with 1:07 left in the third quarter.Johnson responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, tying it at 14 with 14:09 remaining in the game.Carson Hansen led Iowa State with 71 yards rushing on 16 carries. Joe Jackson had 51 yards on 12 carries for Kansas State.“I thought that the (offensive line) did a really great job in the second half," Campbell said. “Our tight ends and o-line did a great job of execution and man Carson is a really great player so we’re really proud of him.”Iowa State has beat Kansas State in five of the past six seasons.“I think those are great wins, any time you can beat quality opponents that’s awesome," Campbell said. "We got a long way to go, it’s only game one and there’s a lot of football left and we’re going to have to see if we’re tough enough as a program and team to go home and get ready for a good South Dakota team next week.”<h2>Pop-Tarts unite</h2>The matchup featured the past two champions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. To celebrate, the Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts were on the sidelines for the showdown in Ireland.<h2>Edwards injured</h2>Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was injured in the first quarter on a punt that he muffed. He didn’t return to the game.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Becht looked like a veteran quarterback in the second half, leading his team with his arm and legs in a crucial opener.<h2>Up next</h2>Iowa State hosts South Dakota on Aug. 30, and Kansas State hosts North Dakota the same day.

🏈 'Farm O'Gedden' K-State falls to Iowa State in Ireland

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

After winning an unprecedented third-straight Commissioner's Cup and holding their spot as the winningest program in the KCAC, the Kansas Wesleyan athletics department is ready to kick things into high gear again this fall.

On Friday, KCAC polls were unveiled for men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, and cross country.

Both cross country teams found themselves ranked on a national stage, with the women ranked 13th in the NAIA, and the men not far behind ranked 23rd.

On the pitch, both soccer teams were projected to finish third in the preseason polls, while on the court volleyball was selected fifth.

Below you can read more about each of these programs and their selection.

Taylor (Ind.) is the top-rated team in NAIA Women's Cross Country to begin the 2025 season, returning the NAIA's individual national champion to help claim the top spot in the 2025 NAIA Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Top 25.

The preseason Top 25 is the first step in a march toward Tallahassee, Fla., where the season culminates with the 70th-Annual NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championship, at Apalachee Regional Park on Nov. 21.

Kansas Wesleyan is ranked No. 13 in the preseason poll, equaling the team's highest rating last season. KWU finished 14th&nbsp;at last year's NAIA National Championships headlined by a Top 50 finish by senior&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f45f4023-399a-4b5c-9232-15560932c4cc?elinkdata=27894" target="_blank">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>.

KWU opens its cross country season on September 6, running in the JK Gold Classic, hosted by Wichita State University in Wichita.

The Master's (Calif.), which enters the year atop the 2025 NAIA Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Top 25.

The preseason Top 25 is the first step in a march toward Tallahassee, Fla., where the season culminates with the 70th&nbsp;Annual NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championship, at Apalachee Regional Park on Nov. 21.

Kansas Wesleyan was ranked No. 23 in the poll, which nearly mirrored the team's finish from a year ago at the NAIA National Championships, where the Coyotes finished 22nd&nbsp;as a team.

The Coyotes return a large portion of last year's team that was second in the KCAC and earned the NAIA Nationals bid for a second straight season.

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer was picked to finish third in the KCAC in 2025 as the results of the Preseason Coaches Poll were announced by the conference office. The preseason coaches poll is conducted by the conference coaches.

KWU was just two points behind Friends for second place in the voting. Friends had 149 points and KWU had 147 points. The top three, led by Oklahoma Wesleyan, were well ahead of the rest of the field in the polling.

Oklahoma Wesleyan, who was ranked No. 16 in the NAIA Women's Soccer Preseason Poll, was the conference favorite with 168 points and 12 first place votes. Friends was second with 149 and two first place votes. KWU was third with 147, Avila was fourth with 128, York was fifth with 120, Saint Mary was sixth with 106, Evangel was seventh with 97, Tabor was eighth with 78, Ottawa was ninth with 76, Southwestern was 10th&nbsp;with 73, Bethel was 11th&nbsp;with 49, McPherson was 12th&nbsp;with 41, Sterling was 13th&nbsp;with 29 and Bethany was 14th&nbsp;with 13.

The conference poll is calculated on a vote by conference coaches. Each coach ranks teams in predicted order of finish, but cannot vote include their own team in the poll. Teams are assigned point values based on the order of finish in the poll, with first place receiving 13 points, second place 12, and continuing down the poll.

Kansas Wesleyan opens the 2025 season on Saturday, heading to Hastings, Nebraska to take on the Hastings Broncos at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday's game will be streamed live on the Hastings streaming channel, part of the GPAC Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c6df3af8-a9d0-4744-a231-e15709ef46d8?elinkdata=27801" target="_blank">www.gpacnetwork.com/hastingsbroncos</a>). Streaming and live stats links are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e8d6ae07-3560-4f2a-956f-7af4a5b0d182?elinkdata=27801" target="_blank">www.kwucoyotes.com</a>.

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer was picked to finish third in the KCAC in 2025 as the conference announced the 2025 KCAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll, as selected by the conference coaches.

The Coyotes were a narrow third place pick just behind Ottawa University. Ottawa received 151 points and one first place vote while the Coyotes received 148 points.Oklahoma Wesleyan was the preseason favorite, as the Eagles were also ranked No. 5 in the NAIA Preseason Coaches Poll.

Oklahoma Wesleyan was the unanimous pick in the poll with 169 points and 13 first place votes. Ottawa was second with 151 points and the other first place vote. KWU was third with 148, Friends was fourth with 130, Saint Mary was fifth with 116, Bethel was sixth with 105, Southwestern was seventh with 89, York was eighth with 78, McPherson was ninth with 77, Tabor was 10th&nbsp;with 70, Evangel was 11th&nbsp;with 52, Sterling was 12th&nbsp;with 44, Avila was 13th&nbsp;with 28 and Bethany was 14th&nbsp;with 17 points.KWU opens its season, the first under new coach&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9920d320-f5d4-45b1-a535-4f5a7be16ffa?elinkdata=27770" target="_blank">Ryan Palmbaum</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, hosting Central Christian College of the Bible from Moberly, Missouri, at 11 a.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex.

Saturday's game will be streamed live on the KCAC Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/12adb314-99c4-434c-a3d0-e590fedb2b3b?elinkdata=27770" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>) and on the Urban Edge Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d96e1c20-eb4f-41b4-91ba-a260571661a4?elinkdata=27770" target="_blank">https://urbanedgenetwork.net/?school=kansas-collegiate-athletic-conference</a>)

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball was selected to finish fifth in the conference in 2025 after a vote by the conference coaches in the KCAC Preseason Coaches Poll released by the conference office.

KWU earned the fifth spot in the poll scoring 119 points behind Bethel in fourth with 132 and ahead of Saint Mary in sixth with 105.

Defending conference champion Oklahoma Wesleyan, who is ranked No. 13 in the NAIA Preseason Poll was the conference favorite just edging out McPherson for the top spot. OKWU earned 164 points and eight first place votes, while McPherson, who was tied for 11th in the NAIA Poll, was picked second with 162 points and six first place votes.

Evangel was third with 143, Bethel fourth with 132, KWU fifth, Saint Mary sixth with 105, Ottawa seventh with 101, Sterling was eighth with 61, Friends, Tabor and York all tied for ninth with 56 points, Southwestern was 12th with 53, and Avila and Bethany tied for 13th with 33.

KWU will open its season on Saturday playing in the Hastings College Classic. The Coyotes play College of Saint Mary (Neb.) at Noon, and Hastings College at 5:30 p.m. KWU does not play at home until September 20 against Benedictine.

Saturday's games will be streamed live on the Hastings streaming channel, part of the GPAC Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/81286c58-c72e-470a-898e-6cf166782bff?elinkdata=27832" target="_blank">www.gpacnetwork.com/hastingsbroncos</a>). Streaming and live stats links are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0a46f099-e561-4368-97d6-57901cfb5b1d?elinkdata=27832" target="_blank">www.kwucoyotes.com</a>.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostAfter winning an unprecedented third-straight Commissioner's Cup and holding their spot as the winningest program in the KCAC, the Kansas Wesleyan athletics department is ready to kick things into high gear again this fall.On Friday, KCAC polls were unveiled for men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, and cross country.Both cross country teams found themselves ranked on a national stage, with the women ranked 13th in the NAIA, and the men not far behind ranked 23rd.On the pitch, both soccer teams were projected to finish third in the preseason polls, while on the court volleyball was selected fifth.Below you can read more about each of these programs and their selection.Women's Cross CountryTaylor (Ind.) is the top-rated team in NAIA Women's Cross Country to begin the 2025 season, returning the NAIA's individual national champion to help claim the top spot in the 2025 NAIA Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Top 25.The preseason Top 25 is the first step in a march toward Tallahassee, Fla., where the season culminates with the 70th-Annual NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championship, at Apalachee Regional Park on Nov. 21.Kansas Wesleyan is ranked No. 13 in the preseason poll, equaling the team's highest rating last season. KWU finished 14th&nbsp;at last year's NAIA National Championships headlined by a Top 50 finish by senior&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f45f4023-399a-4b5c-9232-15560932c4cc?elinkdata=27894" target="_blank">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>.KWU opens its cross country season on September 6, running in the JK Gold Classic, hosted by Wichita State University in Wichita.Men's Cross CountryThe Master's (Calif.), which enters the year atop the 2025 NAIA Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Top 25.The preseason Top 25 is the first step in a march toward Tallahassee, Fla., where the season culminates with the 70th&nbsp;Annual NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championship, at Apalachee Regional Park on Nov. 21.Kansas Wesleyan was ranked No. 23 in the poll, which nearly mirrored the team's finish from a year ago at the NAIA National Championships, where the Coyotes finished 22nd&nbsp;as a team.The Coyotes return a large portion of last year's team that was second in the KCAC and earned the NAIA Nationals bid for a second straight season.KWU opens its cross country season on September 6, running in the JK Gold Classic, hosted by Wichita State University in Wichita.Women's SoccerKansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer was picked to finish third in the KCAC in 2025 as the results of the Preseason Coaches Poll were announced by the conference office. The preseason coaches poll is conducted by the conference coaches.KWU was just two points behind Friends for second place in the voting. Friends had 149 points and KWU had 147 points. The top three, led by Oklahoma Wesleyan, were well ahead of the rest of the field in the polling.Oklahoma Wesleyan, who was ranked No. 16 in the NAIA Women's Soccer Preseason Poll, was the conference favorite with 168 points and 12 first place votes. Friends was second with 149 and two first place votes. KWU was third with 147, Avila was fourth with 128, York was fifth with 120, Saint Mary was sixth with 106, Evangel was seventh with 97, Tabor was eighth with 78, Ottawa was ninth with 76, Southwestern was 10th&nbsp;with 73, Bethel was 11th&nbsp;with 49, McPherson was 12th&nbsp;with 41, Sterling was 13th&nbsp;with 29 and Bethany was 14th&nbsp;with 13.The conference poll is calculated on a vote by conference coaches. Each coach ranks teams in predicted order of finish, but cannot vote include their own team in the poll. Teams are assigned point values based on the order of finish in the poll, with first place receiving 13 points, second place 12, and continuing down the poll.Kansas Wesleyan opens the 2025 season on Saturday, heading to Hastings, Nebraska to take on the Hastings Broncos at 5:30 p.m.Saturday's game will be streamed live on the Hastings streaming channel, part of the GPAC Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c6df3af8-a9d0-4744-a231-e15709ef46d8?elinkdata=27801" target="_blank">www.gpacnetwork.com/hastingsbroncos</a>). Streaming and live stats links are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e8d6ae07-3560-4f2a-956f-7af4a5b0d182?elinkdata=27801" target="_blank">www.kwucoyotes.com</a>.Men's SoccerKansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer was picked to finish third in the KCAC in 2025 as the conference announced the 2025 KCAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll, as selected by the conference coaches.The Coyotes were a narrow third place pick just behind Ottawa University. Ottawa received 151 points and one first place vote while the Coyotes received 148 points.Oklahoma Wesleyan was the preseason favorite, as the Eagles were also ranked No. 5 in the NAIA Preseason Coaches Poll.The conference poll is calculated on a vote by conference coaches. Each coach ranks teams in predicted order of finish, but cannot vote include their own team in the poll. Teams are assigned point values based on the order of finish in the poll, with first place receiving 13 points, second place 12, and continuing down the poll.Oklahoma Wesleyan was the unanimous pick in the poll with 169 points and 13 first place votes. Ottawa was second with 151 points and the other first place vote. KWU was third with 148, Friends was fourth with 130, Saint Mary was fifth with 116, Bethel was sixth with 105, Southwestern was seventh with 89, York was eighth with 78, McPherson was ninth with 77, Tabor was 10th&nbsp;with 70, Evangel was 11th&nbsp;with 52, Sterling was 12th&nbsp;with 44, Avila was 13th&nbsp;with 28 and Bethany was 14th&nbsp;with 17 points.KWU opens its season, the first under new coach&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9920d320-f5d4-45b1-a535-4f5a7be16ffa?elinkdata=27770" target="_blank">Ryan Palmbaum</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, hosting Central Christian College of the Bible from Moberly, Missouri, at 11 a.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex.Saturday's game will be streamed live on the KCAC Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/12adb314-99c4-434c-a3d0-e590fedb2b3b?elinkdata=27770" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>) and on the Urban Edge Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d96e1c20-eb4f-41b4-91ba-a260571661a4?elinkdata=27770" target="_blank">https://urbanedgenetwork.net/?school=kansas-collegiate-athletic-conference</a>)Women's VolleyballWICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball was selected to finish fifth in the conference in 2025 after a vote by the conference coaches in the KCAC Preseason Coaches Poll released by the conference office.KWU earned the fifth spot in the poll scoring 119 points behind Bethel in fourth with 132 and ahead of Saint Mary in sixth with 105.Defending conference champion Oklahoma Wesleyan, who is ranked No. 13 in the NAIA Preseason Poll was the conference favorite just edging out McPherson for the top spot. OKWU earned 164 points and eight first place votes, while McPherson, who was tied for 11th in the NAIA Poll, was picked second with 162 points and six first place votes.Evangel was third with 143, Bethel fourth with 132, KWU fifth, Saint Mary sixth with 105, Ottawa seventh with 101, Sterling was eighth with 61, Friends, Tabor and York all tied for ninth with 56 points, Southwestern was 12th with 53, and Avila and Bethany tied for 13th with 33.The conference poll is calculated on a vote by conference coaches. Each coach ranks teams in predicted order of finish, but cannot vote include their own team in the poll. Teams are assigned point values based on the order of finish in the poll, with first place receiving 13 points, second place 12, and continuing down the poll.KWU will open its season on Saturday playing in the Hastings College Classic. The Coyotes play College of Saint Mary (Neb.) at Noon, and Hastings College at 5:30 p.m. KWU does not play at home until September 20 against Benedictine.Saturday's games will be streamed live on the Hastings streaming channel, part of the GPAC Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/81286c58-c72e-470a-898e-6cf166782bff?elinkdata=27832" target="_blank">www.gpacnetwork.com/hastingsbroncos</a>). Streaming and live stats links are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0a46f099-e561-4368-97d6-57901cfb5b1d?elinkdata=27832" target="_blank">www.kwucoyotes.com</a>.

KCAC and NAIA Polls signal strong seasons ahead for Kansas Wesleyan

MIDLAND, Texas (August 22, 2025)—Hendry Mendez swatted a three-run home run and sparked an eight-run eighth inning in a 9-4 comeback victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Midland RockHounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. On top of the late-game outburst, the Wind Surge bullpen gave up just one hit over the final four and one-third innings of the ballgame.&nbsp;

Midland struck first on back-to-back RBI singles by Joshua Kuroda-Grauer and Cole Conn in the bottom of the second inning for a 2-0 RockHounds lead.

Andrew Cossetti scored on a double steal while Maddux Houghton took second base in the top of the fourth. The swipe of home plate was just Cossetti’s second of the season and eighth total in his professional career.&nbsp;

Leo De Vries brought a third run in for Midland on a sacrifice fly in the home half of the fifth. An infield groundout allowed the RockHounds to take a 4-1 advantage in the frame. Hunter Hoopes and Jacob Wosinski followed out of the bullpen, holding Midland off the scoreboard and to just a hit across the final out of the fifth and the entirety of the sixth and seventh innings.&nbsp;

Wichita sent 12 men to the plate and put up eight runs on five hits in the top of the eighth. First, Mendez slugged a game-tying three-run blast to right field. An RBI double by Houghton gave the Wind Surge the lead, followed by further insurance in a two-run single from Harry Genth and a two-RBI two-bagger off the bat of Walker Jenkins to make the score 9-4 Wichita.

The Wind Surge continue the series with the Midland RockHounds on August 23 at 7:00 PM at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park for the team’s final homestand of the regular season, starting with a series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 26. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

MIDLAND, Texas (August 22, 2025)—Hendry Mendez swatted a three-run home run and sparked an eight-run eighth inning in a 9-4 comeback victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Midland RockHounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. On top of the late-game outburst, the Wind Surge bullpen gave up just one hit over the final four and one-third innings of the ballgame.&nbsp;Midland struck first on back-to-back RBI singles by Joshua Kuroda-Grauer and Cole Conn in the bottom of the second inning for a 2-0 RockHounds lead.Andrew Cossetti scored on a double steal while Maddux Houghton took second base in the top of the fourth. The swipe of home plate was just Cossetti’s second of the season and eighth total in his professional career.&nbsp;Leo De Vries brought a third run in for Midland on a sacrifice fly in the home half of the fifth. An infield groundout allowed the RockHounds to take a 4-1 advantage in the frame. Hunter Hoopes and Jacob Wosinski followed out of the bullpen, holding Midland off the scoreboard and to just a hit across the final out of the fifth and the entirety of the sixth and seventh innings.&nbsp;Wichita sent 12 men to the plate and put up eight runs on five hits in the top of the eighth. First, Mendez slugged a game-tying three-run blast to right field. An RBI double by Houghton gave the Wind Surge the lead, followed by further insurance in a two-run single from Harry Genth and a two-RBI two-bagger off the bat of Walker Jenkins to make the score 9-4 Wichita.<ul>
 <li>The eight runs in the eighth inning are the third-most runs the Wind Surge have scored in a single inning this season (9, April 22 vs. Springfield / 10, August 3 @ Amarillo).</li><li>The eighth inning marked the second time this year that Wichita scored as many runs as the number of an inning at or after the fifth frame (6 Run T6, August 2 @ Amarillo).</li><li>Harry Genth’s two-run single marked his first Double-A hit and second overall hit as a pro.</li><li>Jacob Wosinski now has the most wins for a Wind Surge pitcher who has exclusively entered out of the bullpen for the team in 2025 (5).</li><li>Eight of the nine men in Wichita’s lineup scored.</li>
 </ul>The Wind Surge continue the series with the Midland RockHounds on August 23 at 7:00 PM at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park for the team’s final homestand of the regular season, starting with a series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 26. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

Wind Surge Score Eight Runs in the Eighth Inning in Comeback Victory Over RockHounds

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8daa476e-ec45-43e5-bdd8-0d93b8f6e0ba?elinkdata=27739">Ryan Palmbaum</a> had worked as an assistant coach under his father Bruce at Kansas Wesleyan for the past two years.

When Bruce departed for a job at Utah State Eastern during the offseason the spotlight shifted to Ryan and whether he would replace him. It was not on Ryan's radar at first though.

"Initially it didn't cross my mind that it would even be an option necessarily just because I had been an assistant and didn't have head coaching experience," he said. "But as the opportunity was brought to my attention, I got more excited about it just because I did do a lot with the program the last two years. I'd taken an even bigger role with the team."

Given a chance to ponder the possibility it fell into place.

"I was excited once I got to sit down and gather my thoughts about it," he said. "I thought they were going to go with someone from the outside and restart with something fresh. But I think with the trajectory of how the program was going it was a really smart tactical move."

Palmbaum was named head coach in February and has spent the last six months getting acclimated.

"As an assistant you can fly under the radar," he said. "You're kind of blind to a lot of the stuff that a head coach has to do and then coming into that role and learning all those tasks and everything that you have to do is the hardest part. There's a lot more eyes on you.You're the reason (athletes) are having a good experience, bad experience, whatever it is."

"It's been very it's been an easy transition," he said. "I think the biggest thing was that I knew the players, at least the returners who were coming back, and I didn't have to start the relationships from ground zero. I was able to build on what I already had with them. Sports are all about relationships so having that base was really beneficial for me and I think realistically for the whole program."

Palmbaum said his dad is proud and supportive.

"He's just excited to see where I take the program," he said. "He didn't give me too much advice. He just said, 'go out and do what you do.'"

KWU placed second in the Kansas Conference with an 8-2-3 record, 11-6-3 overall in 2024. The Coyotes qualified for the NAIA National Championships but lost to Williams Baptist 2-1 in the first round.

KWU opens its season hosting Central Christian College of the Bible from Moberly, Missouri, at 11 a.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex.

Saturday's game will be streamed live on the KCAC Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a5364979-bba2-477e-97bf-6a5be95ec926?elinkdata=27739">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>) and on the Urban Edge Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bf8111f6-6f5c-434c-b99f-376168d13fe0?elinkdata=27739">https://urbanedgenetwork.net/?school=kansas-collegiate-athletic-conference</a>)

Three Honorable Mention All-KCAC selections return this fall - junior forward <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ae88726e-905d-4aab-ad62-9c408dade9a6?elinkdata=27739">Noel Zimbeva</a> and sophomore midfielders <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2066048f-b0c6-4d31-8ad8-e01a9fcafd07?elinkdata=27739">Seth Flores</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c21b84d3-ce02-49f6-8cf5-bcd7fe5b839d?elinkdata=27739">Jakob Treitl</a>. Flores is a Salina native.

"Noel been our star midfielder for the last couple of years," Palmbaum said. "Flores was second in all-conference Freshman of the Year voting last year. Jakob was kind of the unsung hero for us. He played a lot of minutes and didn't get praised as much as he probably should have. He's not the flashiest guy but he's a guy that you want on your side."

The Coyotes lost numerous seniors to graduation in the spring.

"We're really excited for all the guys who are returning because it's a real opportunity for everyone to prove themselves again," Palmbaum said. "It's not necessarily a rebuild but there are a lot more opportunities to make an impact."

He spent a good portion of the offseason on the recruiting trail and signed a large group of newcomers that includes several transfers. Three of note are <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61b81648-9011-4366-aa6d-ece865964128?elinkdata=27739">Shae Wirt</a>, a goalkeeper from Buffalo State, defender <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/96ca3799-be82-4499-9a62-9d4dc988dc7f?elinkdata=27739">Aaron Joseph</a> from Indian Hills Community College and winger <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/033999b9-2ff2-4071-8bf1-e0cc6f758bbd?elinkdata=27739">Brennen Lamont</a> from Utah State Eastern.

"Wirt is very impressive," Palmbaum said. (Buffalo State) made it to the round of 16 in the NCAA (III) national tournament last year so he's a guy who we're really excited for to come in and show what he has and bring some stability to the back for us. Joseph is from England. He's got great size, great technical ability, super excited to see how he does and how he adapts to our system and our team. Lamont is a great player and is going to fit perfectly into our squad with who we already have and kind of what we're missing.

"Really just looking forward to bringing everyone in and seeing who fits where and what strengths and weaknesses everyone has and be able to put together a championship team."

"Me and my assistants had all the names on the board, and we were like 'a championship team is here,'" he said. "It's about finding who it is and putting them together, who works well together, who trusts each other."

Palmbaum said predicting how the KCAC will unfold is more difficult this year.

The Coyotes were picked third in the KCAC Preseason Poll, selected by the conference coaches.

"I'm curious to see how the political landscape affects men's soccer with the visa situations from international students," he said. "Luckily, we didn't have too many issues with that, but I am curious to see how it affects certain teams around the conference and if their players were able to renew their visas or were issued new ones. Men's soccer is a primarily international sport."

OKWU will be good once again but is not Palmbaum's only concern.

"They have a great coach, they have a great program, but we don't just look at Oklahoma Wesleyan because I think that's a problem," he said. "Everyone bases their season on one game. We treat Oklahoma Wesleyan like every other game, and every game counts the same on points - you have to win every game."

Palmbaum will be assisted this fall by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b4064e7-8009-4a80-92f7-75a942b4c6e4?elinkdata=27739">Luis Vargas</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ef3c0d4-048f-44d6-aa51-ce44ba20d5e4?elinkdata=27739">Jaime Robledo</a> and Rick Davis.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8daa476e-ec45-43e5-bdd8-0d93b8f6e0ba?elinkdata=27739">Ryan Palmbaum</a> had worked as an assistant coach under his father Bruce at Kansas Wesleyan for the past two years.When Bruce departed for a job at Utah State Eastern during the offseason the spotlight shifted to Ryan and whether he would replace him. It was not on Ryan's radar at first though."Initially it didn't cross my mind that it would even be an option necessarily just because I had been an assistant and didn't have head coaching experience," he said. "But as the opportunity was brought to my attention, I got more excited about it just because I did do a lot with the program the last two years. I'd taken an even bigger role with the team."Given a chance to ponder the possibility it fell into place."I was excited once I got to sit down and gather my thoughts about it," he said. "I thought they were going to go with someone from the outside and restart with something fresh. But I think with the trajectory of how the program was going it was a really smart tactical move."Palmbaum was named head coach in February and has spent the last six months getting acclimated."As an assistant you can fly under the radar," he said. "You're kind of blind to a lot of the stuff that a head coach has to do and then coming into that role and learning all those tasks and everything that you have to do is the hardest part. There's a lot more eyes on you.You're the reason (athletes) are having a good experience, bad experience, whatever it is."Palmbaum is pleased so far."It's been very it's been an easy transition," he said. "I think the biggest thing was that I knew the players, at least the returners who were coming back, and I didn't have to start the relationships from ground zero. I was able to build on what I already had with them. Sports are all about relationships so having that base was really beneficial for me and I think realistically for the whole program."Palmbaum said his dad is proud and supportive."He's just excited to see where I take the program," he said. "He didn't give me too much advice. He just said, 'go out and do what you do.'"KWU placed second in the Kansas Conference with an 8-2-3 record, 11-6-3 overall in 2024. The Coyotes qualified for the NAIA National Championships but lost to Williams Baptist 2-1 in the first round.KWU opens its season hosting Central Christian College of the Bible from Moberly, Missouri, at 11 a.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex.Saturday's game will be streamed live on the KCAC Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a5364979-bba2-477e-97bf-6a5be95ec926?elinkdata=27739">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>) and on the Urban Edge Network (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bf8111f6-6f5c-434c-b99f-376168d13fe0?elinkdata=27739">https://urbanedgenetwork.net/?school=kansas-collegiate-athletic-conference</a>)Three Honorable Mention All-KCAC selections return this fall - junior forward <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ae88726e-905d-4aab-ad62-9c408dade9a6?elinkdata=27739">Noel Zimbeva</a> and sophomore midfielders <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2066048f-b0c6-4d31-8ad8-e01a9fcafd07?elinkdata=27739">Seth Flores</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c21b84d3-ce02-49f6-8cf5-bcd7fe5b839d?elinkdata=27739">Jakob Treitl</a>. Flores is a Salina native."Noel been our star midfielder for the last couple of years," Palmbaum said. "Flores was second in all-conference Freshman of the Year voting last year. Jakob was kind of the unsung hero for us. He played a lot of minutes and didn't get praised as much as he probably should have. He's not the flashiest guy but he's a guy that you want on your side."The Coyotes lost numerous seniors to graduation in the spring."We're really excited for all the guys who are returning because it's a real opportunity for everyone to prove themselves again," Palmbaum said. "It's not necessarily a rebuild but there are a lot more opportunities to make an impact."He spent a good portion of the offseason on the recruiting trail and signed a large group of newcomers that includes several transfers. Three of note are <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61b81648-9011-4366-aa6d-ece865964128?elinkdata=27739">Shae Wirt</a>, a goalkeeper from Buffalo State, defender <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/96ca3799-be82-4499-9a62-9d4dc988dc7f?elinkdata=27739">Aaron Joseph</a> from Indian Hills Community College and winger <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/033999b9-2ff2-4071-8bf1-e0cc6f758bbd?elinkdata=27739">Brennen Lamont</a> from Utah State Eastern."Wirt is very impressive," Palmbaum said. (Buffalo State) made it to the round of 16 in the NCAA (III) national tournament last year so he's a guy who we're really excited for to come in and show what he has and bring some stability to the back for us. Joseph is from England. He's got great size, great technical ability, super excited to see how he does and how he adapts to our system and our team. Lamont is a great player and is going to fit perfectly into our squad with who we already have and kind of what we're missing."Really just looking forward to bringing everyone in and seeing who fits where and what strengths and weaknesses everyone has and be able to put together a championship team."Palmbaum is optimistic."Me and my assistants had all the names on the board, and we were like 'a championship team is here,'" he said. "It's about finding who it is and putting them together, who works well together, who trusts each other."Palmbaum said predicting how the KCAC will unfold is more difficult this year.The Coyotes were picked third in the KCAC Preseason Poll, selected by the conference coaches."I'm curious to see how the political landscape affects men's soccer with the visa situations from international students," he said. "Luckily, we didn't have too many issues with that, but I am curious to see how it affects certain teams around the conference and if their players were able to renew their visas or were issued new ones. Men's soccer is a primarily international sport."OKWU will be good once again but is not Palmbaum's only concern."They have a great coach, they have a great program, but we don't just look at Oklahoma Wesleyan because I think that's a problem," he said. "Everyone bases their season on one game. We treat Oklahoma Wesleyan like every other game, and every game counts the same on points - you have to win every game."Palmbaum will be assisted this fall by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b4064e7-8009-4a80-92f7-75a942b4c6e4?elinkdata=27739">Luis Vargas</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ef3c0d4-048f-44d6-aa51-ce44ba20d5e4?elinkdata=27739">Jaime Robledo</a> and Rick Davis.

⚽️ New season, new Palmbaum. Ryan Palmbaum prepared for what season will bring

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the first-team Kansas City Chiefs offense were in midseason form in their preseason finale Friday night, scoring on each of their three opportunities with the ball before the Chicago Bears rallied for a 29-27 victory.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-503cccd6a5c7b42bf03e6b48c58728cf">Mahomes was 8 of 13 for 143 yards</a>&nbsp;and a touchdown in just over a quarter of work, and he'd have had another TD pass had running back Kareem Hunt not dropped a wide-open throw in the end zone. Isiah Pacheco had a touchdown run and Rashee Rice a scoring catch as the reigning AFC champs built a 20-3 lead before pulling most of their starters.

Kansas City plays its opener in two weeks against the Chargers in Sao Paulo.

“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead (Stadium) and get real reps,” Mahomes said. “We talk about getting here and stuff like that, but to get a feel for the pocket, trust the guys, have a chance to make plays down field — it shows all the hard work that we put in training camp has paid off.

“This is a little step but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.”

The Chiefs had struggled through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-cardinals-score-1dd1abf4ddb738e84df11a3d3a5e48b0">preseason losses to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and Seattle, where they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">dominated up front</a>&nbsp;on both sides of the ball. But they fared better against the Bears, who had played the Dolphins to a draw before routing Buffalo last week.

“We need to finish the game, obviously, better than what we did,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “but I thought the ones on both sides of the ball did well. Special teams was good throughout the night. It was a good start all the way around.”

While the Bears could seemingly do no wrong in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-bears-score-83f72e8037b541c8ba8d7515f3ae4e75">the 38-0 win over the Bills</a>, they had a much tougher time with the Chiefs, who forced Caleb Williams and Co. to punt on their first two possessions. The Bears finally got moving late in the second quarter, and Williams hit Rome Odunze with a touchdown pass to get within 20-10 at halftime.

That was it for Williams, who finished 11 of 15 for 113 yards and the score.

“It was not the start we wanted from our ones, really on offense, defense or special teams. It was disappointing to see how slow we started,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “We couldn't stop them when they got down there in the red zone. That wasn't good on that side. Offensively, the first two possessions was really sloppy football that has plagued us in and out of camp so far.”

It took the second-team offense to get the Bears in gear.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-bears-tyson-bagent-contract-extension-9c06d4f921cf293f61e1dc7f8a15833a">a two-year, $10 million deal this week</a>&nbsp;and then went viral when he grew emotional talking about it on video, played well once he took over in the second half. The former undrafted star from Shepherd University, a Division II program in West Virginia, was 20 of 28 for 212 yards and three touchdown passes.

The last of them was the go-ahead score to Jahdae Walker with 3 seconds left in the game.

The Bears have been thin at running back with Roschon Johnson out with an injury, Travis Homer dealing with a calf problem, and Kyle Monangai and Deion Hankins also out. DeAndre Swift wound up carrying seven times for 28 yards.

Bears kicker Cairo Santos banged a 47-yard field-goal try off the upright in the first half. He had a PAT blocked in the second.

Referee Craig Wrolstad called for a virtual measurement when Chicago was stopped shy of a first down with 5:38 left in the third quarter. But the system was down, Wrolstad said, so an old-school chain gang had to measure. The Bears were indeed short.

Bears: DE Austin Booker will be out “a few weeks” with a knee injury, Johnson said. LB Noah Sewell was banged up tackling the Chiefs' Xavier Worthy late in the first quarter but returned to the game.

Chiefs: WR Jaylen Royals (knee), CB Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder) and LB Jack Cochrane (knee) were among those sitting out. WR Marquise Brown also did not play despite returning to practice this week following an ankle injury.

Bears: Host the Vikings in primetime to open the season Sept. 8.

Chiefs: Head to Brazil to face the Chargers on Sept. 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755930313700.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the first-team Kansas City Chiefs offense were in midseason form in their preseason finale Friday night, scoring on each of their three opportunities with the ball before the Chicago Bears rallied for a 29-27 victory.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-503cccd6a5c7b42bf03e6b48c58728cf">Mahomes was 8 of 13 for 143 yards</a>&nbsp;and a touchdown in just over a quarter of work, and he'd have had another TD pass had running back Kareem Hunt not dropped a wide-open throw in the end zone. Isiah Pacheco had a touchdown run and Rashee Rice a scoring catch as the reigning AFC champs built a 20-3 lead before pulling most of their starters.Kansas City plays its opener in two weeks against the Chargers in Sao Paulo.“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead (Stadium) and get real reps,” Mahomes said. “We talk about getting here and stuff like that, but to get a feel for the pocket, trust the guys, have a chance to make plays down field — it shows all the hard work that we put in training camp has paid off.“This is a little step but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.”The Chiefs had struggled through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-cardinals-score-1dd1abf4ddb738e84df11a3d3a5e48b0">preseason losses to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and Seattle, where they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">dominated up front</a>&nbsp;on both sides of the ball. But they fared better against the Bears, who had played the Dolphins to a draw before routing Buffalo last week.“We need to finish the game, obviously, better than what we did,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “but I thought the ones on both sides of the ball did well. Special teams was good throughout the night. It was a good start all the way around.”While the Bears could seemingly do no wrong in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-bears-score-83f72e8037b541c8ba8d7515f3ae4e75">the 38-0 win over the Bills</a>, they had a much tougher time with the Chiefs, who forced Caleb Williams and Co. to punt on their first two possessions. The Bears finally got moving late in the second quarter, and Williams hit Rome Odunze with a touchdown pass to get within 20-10 at halftime.That was it for Williams, who finished 11 of 15 for 113 yards and the score.“It was not the start we wanted from our ones, really on offense, defense or special teams. It was disappointing to see how slow we started,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “We couldn't stop them when they got down there in the red zone. That wasn't good on that side. Offensively, the first two possessions was really sloppy football that has plagued us in and out of camp so far.”It took the second-team offense to get the Bears in gear.Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-bears-tyson-bagent-contract-extension-9c06d4f921cf293f61e1dc7f8a15833a">a two-year, $10 million deal this week</a>&nbsp;and then went viral when he grew emotional talking about it on video, played well once he took over in the second half. The former undrafted star from Shepherd University, a Division II program in West Virginia, was 20 of 28 for 212 yards and three touchdown passes.The last of them was the go-ahead score to Jahdae Walker with 3 seconds left in the game.The Bears have been thin at running back with Roschon Johnson out with an injury, Travis Homer dealing with a calf problem, and Kyle Monangai and Deion Hankins also out. DeAndre Swift wound up carrying seven times for 28 yards.<h2>Kicking woes</h2>Bears kicker Cairo Santos banged a 47-yard field-goal try off the upright in the first half. He had a PAT blocked in the second.<h2>System outage</h2>Referee Craig Wrolstad called for a virtual measurement when Chicago was stopped shy of a first down with 5:38 left in the third quarter. But the system was down, Wrolstad said, so an old-school chain gang had to measure. The Bears were indeed short.<h2>Injuries</h2>Bears: DE Austin Booker will be out “a few weeks” with a knee injury, Johnson said. LB Noah Sewell was banged up tackling the Chiefs' Xavier Worthy late in the first quarter but returned to the game.Chiefs: WR Jaylen Royals (knee), CB Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder) and LB Jack Cochrane (knee) were among those sitting out. WR Marquise Brown also did not play despite returning to practice this week following an ankle injury.<h2>Up next</h2>Bears: Host the Vikings in primetime to open the season Sept. 8.Chiefs: Head to Brazil to face the Chargers on Sept. 5.

🏈  Mahomes leads sharp Chiefs offense before Bears rally to win preseason finale

DETROIT (AP) — Zach McKinstry had three hits, including a homer, and scored twice as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 7-5 win against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

The Tigers have won eight of nine while the Royals lost for just the third time in 11 games.

McKinstry homered in the third inning, tripled in the fifth and singled in the seventh. He flied out in the eighth, finishing a double shy of becoming the first Tigers player to hit for the cycle.

Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the ninth inning, tying the franchise record of five straight games with a home run. Mike Sweeney set the record in 2002 and Salvador Perez matched it in 2021.

The Tigers trailed 3-1 going into the sixth inning, but Riley Greene's 30th homer tied it, and Detroit scored four in the seventh.

McKinstry started the seventh with an infield single off the arm of Royals reliever Bailey Falter (7-7). McKinstry took third on Javier Báez's single and scored when Randal Grichuk's throw bounced away from third baseman Maikel Garcia.

Andy Ibáñez made it 5-3 with an RBI single and scored on Gleyber Torres' double.

Kyle Finnegan (3-4) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.

Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals ahead 1-0 with an RBI single in the third inning and Perez added a two-run double later in the inning.

McKinstry hit a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-1.

With two out and a runner on first in the sixth, Royals manager Matt Quartaro brought in Ángel Zerpa. Greene hit a 1-2 slider deep into the right-center field stands for his 30th homer.

After the Tigers tied the score in the sixth, reliever Drew Sommers walked pinch hitters Nick Loftin and Randal Grichuk to start the seventh. A.J. Hinch brought in Finnegan, and he escaped the inning when Witt hit into his second double play of the game and Pasquantino flew out.

DETROIT (AP) — Zach McKinstry had three hits, including a homer, and scored twice as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 7-5 win against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.The Tigers have won eight of nine while the Royals lost for just the third time in 11 games.McKinstry homered in the third inning, tripled in the fifth and singled in the seventh. He flied out in the eighth, finishing a double shy of becoming the first Tigers player to hit for the cycle.Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the ninth inning, tying the franchise record of five straight games with a home run. Mike Sweeney set the record in 2002 and Salvador Perez matched it in 2021.The Tigers trailed 3-1 going into the sixth inning, but Riley Greene's 30th homer tied it, and Detroit scored four in the seventh.McKinstry started the seventh with an infield single off the arm of Royals reliever Bailey Falter (7-7). McKinstry took third on Javier Báez's single and scored when Randal Grichuk's throw bounced away from third baseman Maikel Garcia.Andy Ibáñez made it 5-3 with an RBI single and scored on Gleyber Torres' double.Kyle Finnegan (3-4) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals ahead 1-0 with an RBI single in the third inning and Perez added a two-run double later in the inning.McKinstry hit a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-1.With two out and a runner on first in the sixth, Royals manager Matt Quartaro brought in Ángel Zerpa. Greene hit a 1-2 slider deep into the right-center field stands for his 30th homer.<h2>Key moment</h2>After the Tigers tied the score in the sixth, reliever Drew Sommers walked pinch hitters Nick Loftin and Randal Grichuk to start the seventh. A.J. Hinch brought in Finnegan, and he escaped the inning when Witt hit into his second double play of the game and Pasquantino flew out.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt grounded into two double plays in the same game for the third time in his career.<h2>Up next</h2>