KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer in Kansas City's seven-run first inning and the Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 20-1 on Friday night.

The Royals sent 10 batters to the plate against Max Scherzer (5-4), who exited after recording just two outs and allowing seven hits in the shortest non-injury start of his career. It was Scherzer’s shortest outing since facing just one batter while pitching for Washington on June 11, 2021, before leaving with an injury.

Following a homer by George Springer in the top of the first inning, the Royals quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning on Carter Jensen’s leadoff double and Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI single. Witt scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double into the left field corner to give Kansas City the lead for good.

After a walk to Maikel Garcia – and Toronto pitching coach Pete Walker’s ejection – Perez connected for his 30th home run. Michael Massey’s two-run homer gave Kansas City a 7-1 lead.

Batting leadoff for the first time, Jensen hit three doubles – two against Scherzer in the first and a two-run double in the third. Jensen became the first Royals player with multiple doubles in the same inning.

Jac Caglianone hit a three-run homer in the seventh as the Royals had 10 runs and 13 hits in 1 1/3 innings against catcher Tyler Heineman. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa got the last two outs in the eighth inning.

Pasquantino had four of Kansas City’s franchise-record 27 hits, doubling twice as the Royals had with eight extra-base hits in the first three innings.

Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (6-11) gave up a run and three hits with three walks while striking out four in 7 2/3 innings for his first win since July 6.

Perez’s 30th home run matched Pasquantino for the club lead as the pair became the second Royals teammates to reach the mark, following Steve Balboni and George Brett in 1985.

Springer, celebrating his 36th birthday, hit his 63rd leadoff home run — second-most in major league history — and reached 30 homers for the first time since 2019.

Blue Jays RHP Shane Bieber (3-1, 3.72 ERA) goes against Royals LHP Noah Cameron (8-7, 2.98) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758337684881.png" alt="Photo KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer in Kansas City's seven-run first inning and the Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 20-1 on Friday night.The Royals sent 10 batters to the plate against Max Scherzer (5-4), who exited after recording just two outs and allowing seven hits in the shortest non-injury start of his career. It was Scherzer’s shortest outing since facing just one batter while pitching for Washington on June 11, 2021, before leaving with an injury.Following a homer by George Springer in the top of the first inning, the Royals quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning on Carter Jensen’s leadoff double and Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI single. Witt scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double into the left field corner to give Kansas City the lead for good.After a walk to Maikel Garcia – and Toronto pitching coach Pete Walker’s ejection – Perez connected for his 30th home run. Michael Massey’s two-run homer gave Kansas City a 7-1 lead.Batting leadoff for the first time, Jensen hit three doubles – two against Scherzer in the first and a two-run double in the third. Jensen became the first Royals player with multiple doubles in the same inning.Jac Caglianone hit a three-run homer in the seventh as the Royals had 10 runs and 13 hits in 1 1/3 innings against catcher Tyler Heineman. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa got the last two outs in the eighth inning.Pasquantino had four of Kansas City’s franchise-record 27 hits, doubling twice as the Royals had with eight extra-base hits in the first three innings.Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (6-11) gave up a run and three hits with three walks while striking out four in 7 2/3 innings for his first win since July 6.<h2>Key moment</h2>Perez’s 30th home run matched Pasquantino for the club lead as the pair became the second Royals teammates to reach the mark, following Steve Balboni and George Brett in 1985.<h2>Key stat</h2>Springer, celebrating his 36th birthday, hit his 63rd leadoff home run — second-most in major league history — and reached 30 homers for the first time since 2019.<h2>Up next</h2>Blue Jays RHP Shane Bieber (3-1, 3.72 ERA) goes against Royals LHP Noah Cameron (8-7, 2.98) on Saturday.___

⚾️ Royals score 7 in the 1st inning to beat the Blue Jays

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Minneapolis Lions and Ellsworth Bearcats will square off tonight in an all-NCAA matchup on our Salina Post Game of the Week.

Ellsworth has flown out of the gates to a 2-0 record by way of a 49-8 win over Sacred Heart and a 40-16 victory over Republic County.

Minneapolis, meanwhile, fell 60-21 to the defending 2A state champs in Southeast of Saline, but bounced back in a 16-6 win over Lyons last week.

The two teams have split their last six matchups right down the middle, with the Bearcats getting the better of the Lions in Ellsworth last season in a 26-21 squeaker.

For the Lions, everything revolves around quarterback/free safety Owen Just, whose play on both sides of the ball has left a mark in several battles between the two already.

Just has gotten off to an unassuming start in 2025, with just three touchdowns to one interception in two games, but is always one big play away from turning the tables in a game like this.

On the other side of the matchup, Ellsworth will continue to lean on the run game, anchored by Senior Tucker Goss, who currently ranks fifth in the state of Kansas in rushing yards with 377 in his first two games.

The Bearcats are also led by sophomore quarterback Carson Jacobs, who while still settling into the passing game, has already figured things out on the ground with 207 yards and three scores.

Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 at Minneapolis high school. Our pregame coverage will begin at 6:30.

This game is 100% free to stream and will be available live and on-demand at the link below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Minneapolis Lions and Ellsworth Bearcats will square off tonight in an all-NCAA matchup on our Salina Post Game of the Week.Ellsworth has flown out of the gates to a 2-0 record by way of a 49-8 win over Sacred Heart and a 40-16 victory over Republic County.<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>Minneapolis, meanwhile, fell 60-21 to the defending 2A state champs in Southeast of Saline, but bounced back in a 16-6 win over Lyons last week.The two teams have split their last six matchups right down the middle, with the Bearcats getting the better of the Lions in Ellsworth last season in a 26-21 squeaker.For the Lions, everything revolves around quarterback/free safety Owen Just, whose play on both sides of the ball has left a mark in several battles between the two already.Just has gotten off to an unassuming start in 2025, with just three touchdowns to one interception in two games, but is always one big play away from turning the tables in a game like this.On the other side of the matchup, Ellsworth will continue to lean on the run game, anchored by Senior Tucker Goss, who currently ranks fifth in the state of Kansas in rushing yards with 377 in his first two games.The Bearcats are also led by sophomore quarterback Carson Jacobs, who while still settling into the passing game, has already figured things out on the ground with 207 yards and three scores.Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 at Minneapolis high school. Our pregame coverage will begin at 6:30.This game is 100% free to stream and will be available live and on-demand at the link below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vTwsI7OqAhI"></iframe>
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🏈 Minneapolis hosts Ellsworth for Salina Post Game of the Week

While Southeast of Saline does hold the state of Kansas’ longest active regular-season winning streak, their most impressive win may have come last week, in a 46-7 thumping of a historically strong 3A opponent in Clay Center.

“I thought our kids did a good job of being patient with what Clay Center does,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “It was 16-0 at halftime but I thought our kids did a great job of taking care of business in the second half.”

This win moves the Trojan title defense to 2-0, and to go 1-0 again this week, they’ll have to tangle with an opponent that almost took their place in the state championship game.

The Trojan War between Southeast and Beloit has produced some instant classics over the years, but none better than a thrilling back-and-forth 2A state semifinal last season that resulted in a narrow 34-30 victory for the purple and white.

“Beloit is always big, physical and well coached,” Gebhardt said. “They’re massive up front and they have some pretty talented kids in a lot of spots. We’ll have to play a good game to go up there and do what we need to do.”

While Southeast returns the lion's share of key players from last year’s squad, Beloit graduated a small army of stars, bringing back just two total starters on both sides of the ball.

That inexperience was on display last week as Concordia, a team that finished 1-8, including a 28-0 loss to Beloit last season, rattled off a landslide of unanswered points, coming back to beat Beloit 27-26.

That loss may have set off alarm bells around Class 2A, but Southeast knows better than to look past a program of Beloit’s caliber and will be eager to maintain their dominance over the rival Trojans tonight.

“We need to make sure we take care of the football tonight,” he said. “They’re a good football team, and we can’t give them free opportunities tonight. They’re doing some things differently and we need to be able to adapt to what they’re doing and get a lot of hats to the football defensively.”

Kickoff in Beloit is scheduled for 7:00, with pregame coverage on KINA beginning at 6:30. This game will also be streamed for free on Salina Post, and available live and on-demand at the link below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostWhile Southeast of Saline does hold the state of Kansas’ longest active regular-season winning streak, their most impressive win may have come last week, in a 46-7 thumping of a historically strong 3A opponent in Clay Center.“I thought our kids did a good job of being patient with what Clay Center does,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “It was 16-0 at halftime but I thought our kids did a great job of taking care of business in the second half.”<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>This win moves the Trojan title defense to 2-0, and to go 1-0 again this week, they’ll have to tangle with an opponent that almost took their place in the state championship game.The Trojan War between Southeast and Beloit has produced some instant classics over the years, but none better than a thrilling back-and-forth 2A state semifinal last season that resulted in a narrow 34-30 victory for the purple and white.“Beloit is always big, physical and well coached,” Gebhardt said. “They’re massive up front and they have some pretty talented kids in a lot of spots. We’ll have to play a good game to go up there and do what we need to do.”While Southeast returns the lion's share of key players from last year’s squad, Beloit graduated a small army of stars, bringing back just two total starters on both sides of the ball.That inexperience was on display last week as Concordia, a team that finished 1-8, including a 28-0 loss to Beloit last season, rattled off a landslide of unanswered points, coming back to beat Beloit 27-26.That loss may have set off alarm bells around Class 2A, but Southeast knows better than to look past a program of Beloit’s caliber and will be eager to maintain their dominance over the rival Trojans tonight.“We need to make sure we take care of the football tonight,” he said. “They’re a good football team, and we can’t give them free opportunities tonight. They’re doing some things differently and we need to be able to adapt to what they’re doing and get a lot of hats to the football defensively.”Kickoff in Beloit is scheduled for 7:00, with pregame coverage on KINA beginning at 6:30. This game will also be streamed for free on Salina Post, and available live and on-demand at the link below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dgUKcNuvHtY"></iframe>
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🏈 Southeast looks to maintain dominance over Beloit in Trojan War

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH AND SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR

Q:&nbsp;On the New York Giants special teams unit.

TOUB:&nbsp;“(New York Giants Special Teams Coordinator) Mike (Ghobrial) does a really good job. They fly around. I always tell the guys to check out the field goal block. See how they play on field goal block, that always tells you how hard (a) special teams unit plays. They fly around. They get after you. That’s just one phase, but they’re on everything. They do it all. Right now, in our ranking system they’re in the top 10. They’re a good unit, they’re solid.”

Q:&nbsp;On how the new kickoff rule is going.

TOUB: “Yeah, I thought it would be in the 80th&nbsp;percentile as far as how many returns, and that’s right where it is at. I like it; I love it. I love the fact that every kickoff and every return is important, and it’s good for me, it’s good for us.”

Q:&nbsp;On Matt Araiza’s performance.

TOUB: “He (Matt Araiza) had three punts, and he averaged 54.7 net. I mean that’s pretty darn good. He was banging the ball, but he was hanging them enough to where we can get our coverage down there at the same time. He had three excellent punts, and if we only punt three times and he has three excellent ones like that, I’m good. Great game for him.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I don’t have really anything. We’re excited to play the next team. Looking, trying to find our first win (laughs), so we’re working toward all that this week but with that I’ll just open it up.”

Q: What have you seen from Ashton Gillotte as his snap count goes up?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I mean, they’re up for a reason. He’s (Ashton Gillotte) played pretty good football for us. Now, the first game, he got the elbow (injury), and I think he only got nine plays. He would’ve had more there. I just see him continuing to do that (gestures to elevating). I think the guys are getting a lot of confidence in him. I think I mentioned this last week, every time I turn the one-on-ones on against our guys, I think he’s doing a really good job. He’ll keep ticking upward.”

Q: On the high blitz rate last week.

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well I’m hoping that we can do it well all the time. They’re always there. They’re always on the list. It’s whether we get to him (the quarterback) or not. That’s the key, and I’m trying to pick the right situations to do it because they don’t always work, I’d like to think – if they did, then everybody would be running them every down but hopefully, we can get ourselves in situations where we can use those as much as we can. We’ll see what happens this week.”

Q: What challenges do you have with the Giants’ skill players?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Like all these teams that have good (running) backs and skill on the edges, if you let them be two dimensional, everyone knows what I’m talking about right? They (skill players) dictate whether they are going to run, that becomes a tough day. So, hopefully we can get it one dimensional and the only way we can do that is to stop the run or make that a focus. That’ll be the intent and that’s what we’ll hope to do early.”

NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s hit and miss per play. There are some runs where I think we all see that, and the RB’s see it. I think that’s every game. It’s our job as coaches to make sure that they understand where that is at, and then when to hit it is a big part of it. The correction part of any game when you go through it, win, lose or draw you want to make sure we’re teaching the right stuff to them. Then they got to execute it. Just understanding with our RB’s and knowing in our run game we want to really get that going (and) it hasn’t been there yet, but that’s something we want to emphasize.”

Q:&nbsp;How much has the absence of wide receivers affected the team offensively?

NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably one of the first things that – what I love about (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid is what he instills in his players and coaches is we stay away from the excuses of the personnel part of it, or you don’t have this or don’t have that. So, we’re all engraved that way. What’s real is that you go through training camp and go through OTA’s, timing is important. At the same point in time, the next guy up mentality for when there are issues or a suspension or whatever when you don’t have guys, we got to roll. That’s who we have. That’s what I think for us as coaches is how do we put the players in the best position to (do) what they do best to succeed. And you look at the last two games – really three games against three really good – two defenses with the Chargers and the Eagles. It’s not easy, but we’re there and it’s not good enough for us but we know we are close. The next part that (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid does and (General Manager Brett) Veach they bring in people that are really good at handling adversity and I think more than anything when you go through obstacles like we’re going through right now trying to figure out what is the identity, how do we put more points up with where we are at right now. It’s easy to do when you have good people (and) some places don’t have that. And what I really like is we have that so that’s what we’re going to do.”

NAGY:&nbsp;“It was spectacular. It just goes to show that it can be anybody at any time that can make a big-time play. I also say this, everyone saw that tackle which he (Josh Simmons) was going with his miles per hour and making a great hit (and) saved a big-time play. But we also – you go back and look, and number five (Hollywood Brown) was going to get him too. You look at Hollywood and what he was doing from that angle, he was going to be next. One thing that we try to do is really make sure that we are holding each other accountable and get together and show that kind of stuff and let them see – not just the bad stuff or what we can do better or what we can call better or execute. But also too, the good stuff of what’s there and what we’re going to get to because we will get there.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there more urgency when you’re 0-2?

JONES:&nbsp;“I think it’s always a sense of urgency in this building. Urgency kind of picks up when you’re not winning. The energy is good. I think you gotta keep the energy high. (It’s) Still (the) first quarter of the season (we) can’t get down on ourselves, we gotta continue to push each other and get the best out of each other (and) tighten up on the details.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you feel like the defense brought more energy out of the gate in Week 2 and anything you want to see from Week 2 into Week 3?

JONES:&nbsp;“Of course. I think it was a step toward progression. And one step a day, that’s what I tell the guys: “One step a day.” We don’t have to take huge strides. If we continue to take one step a day and by the time we get to December we can look back at this moment of adversity and we can learn a lot from it and we can continue to build from it. We’re all in this together, we’re all leaning on each other (and) pushing the best out of each other and we’re taking one step a day. Progress compounds and we continue to take a step a day. We’ll still get better, and we’ll get this thing turned around soon, very soon.”

Q:&nbsp;What did you make of the backend adjusting in Week 2?

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH AND SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATORQ:&nbsp;On the New York Giants special teams unit.TOUB:&nbsp;“(New York Giants Special Teams Coordinator) Mike (Ghobrial) does a really good job. They fly around. I always tell the guys to check out the field goal block. See how they play on field goal block, that always tells you how hard (a) special teams unit plays. They fly around. They get after you. That’s just one phase, but they’re on everything. They do it all. Right now, in our ranking system they’re in the top 10. They’re a good unit, they’re solid.”Q:&nbsp;On how the new kickoff rule is going.TOUB: “Yeah, I thought it would be in the 80th&nbsp;percentile as far as how many returns, and that’s right where it is at. I like it; I love it. I love the fact that every kickoff and every return is important, and it’s good for me, it’s good for us.”Q:&nbsp;On Matt Araiza’s performance.TOUB: “He (Matt Araiza) had three punts, and he averaged 54.7 net. I mean that’s pretty darn good. He was banging the ball, but he was hanging them enough to where we can get our coverage down there at the same time. He had three excellent punts, and if we only punt three times and he has three excellent ones like that, I’m good. Great game for him.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I don’t have really anything. We’re excited to play the next team. Looking, trying to find our first win (laughs), so we’re working toward all that this week but with that I’ll just open it up.”Q: What have you seen from Ashton Gillotte as his snap count goes up?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I mean, they’re up for a reason. He’s (Ashton Gillotte) played pretty good football for us. Now, the first game, he got the elbow (injury), and I think he only got nine plays. He would’ve had more there. I just see him continuing to do that (gestures to elevating). I think the guys are getting a lot of confidence in him. I think I mentioned this last week, every time I turn the one-on-ones on against our guys, I think he’s doing a really good job. He’ll keep ticking upward.”Q: On the high blitz rate last week.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well I’m hoping that we can do it well all the time. They’re always there. They’re always on the list. It’s whether we get to him (the quarterback) or not. That’s the key, and I’m trying to pick the right situations to do it because they don’t always work, I’d like to think – if they did, then everybody would be running them every down but hopefully, we can get ourselves in situations where we can use those as much as we can. We’ll see what happens this week.”Q: What challenges do you have with the Giants’ skill players?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Like all these teams that have good (running) backs and skill on the edges, if you let them be two dimensional, everyone knows what I’m talking about right? They (skill players) dictate whether they are going to run, that becomes a tough day. So, hopefully we can get it one dimensional and the only way we can do that is to stop the run or make that a focus. That’ll be the intent and that’s what we’ll hope to do early.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ:&nbsp;On the running game.NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s hit and miss per play. There are some runs where I think we all see that, and the RB’s see it. I think that’s every game. It’s our job as coaches to make sure that they understand where that is at, and then when to hit it is a big part of it. The correction part of any game when you go through it, win, lose or draw you want to make sure we’re teaching the right stuff to them. Then they got to execute it. Just understanding with our RB’s and knowing in our run game we want to really get that going (and) it hasn’t been there yet, but that’s something we want to emphasize.”Q:&nbsp;How much has the absence of wide receivers affected the team offensively?NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably one of the first things that – what I love about (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid is what he instills in his players and coaches is we stay away from the excuses of the personnel part of it, or you don’t have this or don’t have that. So, we’re all engraved that way. What’s real is that you go through training camp and go through OTA’s, timing is important. At the same point in time, the next guy up mentality for when there are issues or a suspension or whatever when you don’t have guys, we got to roll. That’s who we have. That’s what I think for us as coaches is how do we put the players in the best position to (do) what they do best to succeed. And you look at the last two games – really three games against three really good – two defenses with the Chargers and the Eagles. It’s not easy, but we’re there and it’s not good enough for us but we know we are close. The next part that (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid does and (General Manager Brett) Veach they bring in people that are really good at handling adversity and I think more than anything when you go through obstacles like we’re going through right now trying to figure out what is the identity, how do we put more points up with where we are at right now. It’s easy to do when you have good people (and) some places don’t have that. And what I really like is we have that so that’s what we’re going to do.”Q:&nbsp;On Josh Simmons tackle.NAGY:&nbsp;“It was spectacular. It just goes to show that it can be anybody at any time that can make a big-time play. I also say this, everyone saw that tackle which he (Josh Simmons) was going with his miles per hour and making a great hit (and) saved a big-time play. But we also – you go back and look, and number five (Hollywood Brown) was going to get him too. You look at Hollywood and what he was doing from that angle, he was going to be next. One thing that we try to do is really make sure that we are holding each other accountable and get together and show that kind of stuff and let them see – not just the bad stuff or what we can do better or what we can call better or execute. But also too, the good stuff of what’s there and what we’re going to get to because we will get there.”Chiefs Player QuotesSeptember 18, 2025<a>DT CHRIS JONES</a>Q:&nbsp;Is there more urgency when you’re 0-2?JONES:&nbsp;“I think it’s always a sense of urgency in this building. Urgency kind of picks up when you’re not winning. The energy is good. I think you gotta keep the energy high. (It’s) Still (the) first quarter of the season (we) can’t get down on ourselves, we gotta continue to push each other and get the best out of each other (and) tighten up on the details.”Q:&nbsp;Do you feel like the defense brought more energy out of the gate in Week 2 and anything you want to see from Week 2 into Week 3?JONES:&nbsp;“Of course. I think it was a step toward progression. And one step a day, that’s what I tell the guys: “One step a day.” We don’t have to take huge strides. If we continue to take one step a day and by the time we get to December we can look back at this moment of adversity and we can learn a lot from it and we can continue to build from it. We’re all in this together, we’re all leaning on each other (and) pushing the best out of each other and we’re taking one step a day. Progress compounds and we continue to take a step a day. We’ll still get better, and we’ll get this thing turned around soon, very soon.”Q:&nbsp;What did you make of the backend adjusting in Week 2?

Chiefs Quotes: 9-18-25

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Castillo pitched six innings of three-hit ball, Jorge Polanco and J.P. Crawford drove in runs, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Thursday to climb back into a first-place tie with the Houston Astros in the AL West.

The Mariners are headed to Houston for a three-game series beginning Friday night.

Eduard Bazardo and Gabe Speier tossed an inning apiece for Seattle. Andres Muñoz stranded two in the ninth by striking out Adam Frazier on three pitches for his 36th save.

Castillo (10-8) dueled with Kansas City counterpart Stephen Kolek, who allowed two runs — one earned — while pitching into the eighth inning. One run came on Polanco's double and the other after an astute move by manager Dan Wilson in the eighth.

Kolek appeared to have retired the first two batters of the inning when Wilson challenged that second baseman Michael Massey set up on the grass ahead of Polanco’s groundout. The challenge was successful and Polanco was awarded first base, and reliever Daniel Lynch IV eventually gave up Crawford's run-scoring double to make it 2-0.

Castillo and Kolek (5-6) were so stingy that each allowed just a pair of runners over the first four innings, and both times they were on back-to-back hits. The difference was the Royals paired together singles and stranded both runners while the Mariners got Josh Naylor's single and an RBI double by Polanco for a 1-0 lead.

Castillo only allowed one other runner, a single by Royals rookie Carter Jensen in the fifth. Kolek similarly breezed through the Seattle lineup until a two-out walk to Naylor in the seventh; he promptly struck out Polanco to end the inning.

Key moment The Mariners were leading 1-0 when Wilson made a rare but successful challenge. They wound up doubling their lead.

Key stats Castillo has allowed two earned runs total over his last three starts.

Up next The Mariners begin their pivotal series in Houston with RHP Bryan Woo (14-7, 3.02 ERA) on the mound Friday night. Kansas City has RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-11, 4.91) up against Toronto on Friday night in their final home series of the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758232830765.jpeg" alt="Seattle Mariners' Jorge Polanco, left, is caught off base at second by Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey to get the second out of a double play hit into by Dominic Canzone during the second inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Seattle Mariners' Jorge Polanco, left, is caught off base at second by Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey to get the second out of a double play hit into by Dominic Canzone during the second inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Castillo pitched six innings of three-hit ball, Jorge Polanco and J.P. Crawford drove in runs, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Thursday to climb back into a first-place tie with the Houston Astros in the AL West.The Mariners are headed to Houston for a three-game series beginning Friday night.Eduard Bazardo and Gabe Speier tossed an inning apiece for Seattle. Andres Muñoz stranded two in the ninth by striking out Adam Frazier on three pitches for his 36th save.Castillo (10-8) dueled with Kansas City counterpart Stephen Kolek, who allowed two runs — one earned — while pitching into the eighth inning. One run came on Polanco's double and the other after an astute move by manager Dan Wilson in the eighth.Kolek appeared to have retired the first two batters of the inning when Wilson challenged that second baseman Michael Massey set up on the grass ahead of Polanco’s groundout. The challenge was successful and Polanco was awarded first base, and reliever Daniel Lynch IV eventually gave up Crawford's run-scoring double to make it 2-0.Castillo and Kolek (5-6) were so stingy that each allowed just a pair of runners over the first four innings, and both times they were on back-to-back hits. The difference was the Royals paired together singles and stranded both runners while the Mariners got Josh Naylor's single and an RBI double by Polanco for a 1-0 lead.Castillo only allowed one other runner, a single by Royals rookie Carter Jensen in the fifth. Kolek similarly breezed through the Seattle lineup until a two-out walk to Naylor in the seventh; he promptly struck out Polanco to end the inning.Key moment The Mariners were leading 1-0 when Wilson made a rare but successful challenge. They wound up doubling their lead.Key stats Castillo has allowed two earned runs total over his last three starts.Up next The Mariners begin their pivotal series in Houston with RHP Bryan Woo (14-7, 3.02 ERA) on the mound Friday night. Kansas City has RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-11, 4.91) up against Toronto on Friday night in their final home series of the regular season.

⚾ Mariners' rare challenge helps secure win over Royals, tie Astros for first place in AL West

NORTH NEWTON - The Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer team recorded its third consecutive shutout as the Coyotes opened the KCAC portion of the season with a 2-0 win over the Bethel College Threshers on Wednesday night at Thresher Stadium.

The Coyotes have not allowed a goal in nearly 298 minutes of match time marking back to a 62nd minute goal in the September 3 match against Central Christian.

The first half was controlled by the Coyotes even though no goals were scored by either side. The Coyotes outshot Bethel 5-1 in the first 45 minutes.

Wesleyan got things going in the 52nd minute as Bethel committed a foul inside the penalty area drawing a try from the spot. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2487fa6d-20f6-487f-8860-b7b85e679f8f?elinkdata=29096">Noel Zimbeva</a> took the penalty and converted putting KWU up 1-0.

The Coyotes extended the lead in the 62nd minute. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a34e6222-77c8-489e-9cd7-d0d986eb5ea9?elinkdata=29096">Brennen Lamont</a> sent one in right in front of goal off a pass from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dc253155-660f-49a7-82ab-e5a7d2d6ba96?elinkdata=29096">Seth Flores</a>.

KWU outshot Bethel 15-4 for the match and 10-3 in the second half. Five shots by ZImbeva led the way for the Coyotes.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/53060a70-acc0-41e0-950b-42d56d01581c?elinkdata=29096">Shae Wirt</a> had two saves in goal while recording the shutout.

NORTH NEWTON - The Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer team recorded its third consecutive shutout as the Coyotes opened the KCAC portion of the season with a 2-0 win over the Bethel College Threshers on Wednesday night at Thresher Stadium.The Coyotes have not allowed a goal in nearly 298 minutes of match time marking back to a 62nd minute goal in the September 3 match against Central Christian.The first half was controlled by the Coyotes even though no goals were scored by either side. The Coyotes outshot Bethel 5-1 in the first 45 minutes.Wesleyan got things going in the 52nd minute as Bethel committed a foul inside the penalty area drawing a try from the spot. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2487fa6d-20f6-487f-8860-b7b85e679f8f?elinkdata=29096">Noel Zimbeva</a> took the penalty and converted putting KWU up 1-0.The Coyotes extended the lead in the 62nd minute. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a34e6222-77c8-489e-9cd7-d0d986eb5ea9?elinkdata=29096">Brennen Lamont</a> sent one in right in front of goal off a pass from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dc253155-660f-49a7-82ab-e5a7d2d6ba96?elinkdata=29096">Seth Flores</a>.KWU outshot Bethel 15-4 for the match and 10-3 in the second half. Five shots by ZImbeva led the way for the Coyotes.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/53060a70-acc0-41e0-950b-42d56d01581c?elinkdata=29096">Shae Wirt</a> had two saves in goal while recording the shutout.

⚽️ Coyote MSOC earns third straight shutout in 2-0 win over Bethel to open KCAC play

NORTH NEWTON - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer opened the Kansas Conference portion of its schedule on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over the Bethel Threshers at Thresher Stadium.

The Coyotes were able to make two first half goals stand despite giving up early second half score to the Threshers.

Wesleyan's first goal came in the 18th minute by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3740c9a2-ddfa-44b3-a603-fa6d6eb510b7?elinkdata=29064">Adriyanna Botello</a>. A ball was sent into the box from the left side by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e04b7589-0788-4c24-b2db-ed7c0fe74d33?elinkdata=29064">Emma Gervy</a> after a throw-in. Bethel's keeper attempted to make a save on the play but the ball reportedly got away and to Botello who scored it top shelf.

The Coyotes got another goal just before the half as an initial shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/79ed603e-74ca-4e4d-98fe-33902f31ef60?elinkdata=29064">Teigan Nielsen</a> hit the post and bounced right to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/338820f2-f1cd-466f-b140-0e812bc6e8fb?elinkdata=29064">Minaya Winchester</a> who one-timed it in for the goal.

Bethel got its goal in the 54th minute by Malayasia Larque.

The Coyotes had several other chances to open up the lead but just missed on several tries.

KWU outshot Bethel 15-9 for the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/658c1316-49d2-4121-8454-2a690a6deb28?elinkdata=29064">Isabella Galvan</a> had three saves for the Coyotes.

NORTH NEWTON - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer opened the Kansas Conference portion of its schedule on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over the Bethel Threshers at Thresher Stadium.The Coyotes were able to make two first half goals stand despite giving up early second half score to the Threshers.Wesleyan's first goal came in the 18th minute by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3740c9a2-ddfa-44b3-a603-fa6d6eb510b7?elinkdata=29064">Adriyanna Botello</a>. A ball was sent into the box from the left side by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e04b7589-0788-4c24-b2db-ed7c0fe74d33?elinkdata=29064">Emma Gervy</a> after a throw-in. Bethel's keeper attempted to make a save on the play but the ball reportedly got away and to Botello who scored it top shelf.The Coyotes got another goal just before the half as an initial shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/79ed603e-74ca-4e4d-98fe-33902f31ef60?elinkdata=29064">Teigan Nielsen</a> hit the post and bounced right to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/338820f2-f1cd-466f-b140-0e812bc6e8fb?elinkdata=29064">Minaya Winchester</a> who one-timed it in for the goal.Bethel got its goal in the 54th minute by Malayasia Larque.The Coyotes had several other chances to open up the lead but just missed on several tries.KWU outshot Bethel 15-9 for the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/658c1316-49d2-4121-8454-2a690a6deb28?elinkdata=29064">Isabella Galvan</a> had three saves for the Coyotes.

⚽️ KWU WSOC opens KCAC play with 2-1 win over Bethel

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Adam Frazier hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat Seattle 7-5 on Wednesday night and snap the Mariners' 10-game winning streak.

Eugenio Suárez snapped an 0-for-32 skid with four hits, two RBIs and two runs for Seattle, which, with Houston's win, dropped a half-game back of the Astros in the AL West.

Lucas Erceg (8-4) earned the win despite giving up the lead on J.P. Crawford's homer in eighth. Carlos Estévez allowed a ninth-inning run, but picked up his MLB-best 40th save.

Seattle's Matt Brash (1-3) gave up four runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning.

Cole Ragans, making his first start for Kansas City since June 5, allowed two runs on one hit through 3 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two. He had been on the IL with a strained left rotator cuff. He threw his first six pitches for strikes and struck out the side on 10 pitches in the first inning.

Seattle's Bryce Miller allowed three runs on eight hits in five innings.

Salvador Perez opened the scoring in the first with a 435-foot, three-run home run to center field.

Suárez answered with a 416-foot, two-run home run in the second inning to cut the deficit to 3-2. Suárez led off the seventh with a double and scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Mitch Garver.

Frazier’s home run put the Royals back in front after surrendering the lead in the top of the eighth.

The Royals were 5 of 13 with runners in scoring position. The Mariners were 0 for 4.

The teams compete their three-game series on Thursday. Seattle will start RHP Luis Castillo (9-8, 3.76 ERA) while Kansas City will send RHP Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.71 ERA) to the mound.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758189408956.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Adam Frazier hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat Seattle 7-5 on Wednesday night and snap the Mariners' 10-game winning streak.Eugenio Suárez snapped an 0-for-32 skid with four hits, two RBIs and two runs for Seattle, which, with Houston's win, dropped a half-game back of the Astros in the AL West.Lucas Erceg (8-4) earned the win despite giving up the lead on J.P. Crawford's homer in eighth. Carlos Estévez allowed a ninth-inning run, but picked up his MLB-best 40th save.Seattle's Matt Brash (1-3) gave up four runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning.Cole Ragans, making his first start for Kansas City since June 5, allowed two runs on one hit through 3 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two. He had been on the IL with a strained left rotator cuff. He threw his first six pitches for strikes and struck out the side on 10 pitches in the first inning.Seattle's Bryce Miller allowed three runs on eight hits in five innings.Salvador Perez opened the scoring in the first with a 435-foot, three-run home run to center field.Suárez answered with a 416-foot, two-run home run in the second inning to cut the deficit to 3-2. Suárez led off the seventh with a double and scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Mitch Garver.<h2>Key Moment</h2>Frazier’s home run put the Royals back in front after surrendering the lead in the top of the eighth.<h2>Key Stat</h2>The Royals were 5 of 13 with runners in scoring position. The Mariners were 0 for 4.<h2>Up Next</h2>The teams compete their three-game series on Thursday. Seattle will start RHP Luis Castillo (9-8, 3.76 ERA) while Kansas City will send RHP Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.71 ERA) to the mound.___

⚾️ Royals score 4 in the 8th to snap Seattle's 10-game winning streak

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, Mike Danna won’t practice today and (Kristian) Fulton won’t practice today. Other than that, we look forward to the challenge of getting ready to play a good Giants football team. You can really see that they have a tremendous defense and a lot of skill on the offensive side. Their quarterback (QB Russel Wilson) is playing well right now. And (Giants Head Coach) Brian (Daboll) does – who you guys are familiar with, Brian does a good job, creative guy offensively, plus he’s got (Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator) Mike Kafka there on top of that, Mike’s a sharp kid. Defensively they have got a good scheme, one that we have played against a couple of different times when (Defensive Coordinator) Shane (Bowen) was at (the) Tennessee (Titans). It’s a good bunch there. Anyways with that, time is yours.”

Q: On Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals practicing this week.

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. They’ll (Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals) practice today.”

Q: How is Jalen Royals coming along?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s coming pretty good. We’ll just see how he does here. He’s been out for a while, I’d like to see how he moves around.”

Q: Are there any limitations on Xavier Worthy for practice today?

REID:&nbsp;“No, neither of them (Xavier Worthy or Jalen Royals).”

Q: Travis Kelce said there’s a lot on his plate. Do you think that Travis Kelce might have too much on his plate?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, no listen, I mean Travis (Kelce) made so many of those catches right there. I don’t think it is an age thing or anything, at that point. He’s fine. We try to keep an eye on him the best we can.”

Q: What are you seeing from the pass offense?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, probably the same thing you guys see. I mean it’s – we’re on at times, and we’re not on at times. So, it’ll be the same thing you guys are seeing. We just got to keep working.”

Q: What issues are you seeing on third down?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, we’ve been throwing the ball in those situations. You want to keep them manageable first of all, and then we’ve got to hook up on them when called. We can do a better job as coaches of putting them in a better position. So that’s kind of the basics of it, and what we’ve got to go through to do that.”

Q:&nbsp;On Patrick Mahomes input on game plans and how comfortable he is in different formations, specifically center.

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s (Patrick Mahomes) actually grown into liking getting under there (center) and doing that part of it. We’ve worked a little bit more in there this year than we have in the past.”

Q:&nbsp;The script at the beginning of the year hasn’t gone your way, can you put your finger on any reason why it might not be working?

REID:&nbsp;“I’ve got to do a better job there. I can’t stand here and tell you we’re going to try this or that, we are playing somebody here. To answer that question I’d have to give you the plays (laughter).”

Q:&nbsp;How comfortable are you with Patrick Mahomes running?

REID:&nbsp;“I am okay with it. As long as he (Patrick Mahomes) can come back upright, we’re okay. I don’t like him taking big hits, but he’s a competitive kid.”

Q:&nbsp;On the run game with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.

REID:&nbsp;“We can do a better job there. We’ll get that thing going better.”

Q:&nbsp;You had Mike Kafka here as an assistant. What makes him capable of calling plays?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, absolutely. I felt like he (Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka) can do it, (he’s a) smart guy. Had played the position in the league (and) had a good feel for defenses. Had a great grasp for the offense, so no reason he wouldn’t be able to.”

Q:&nbsp;How often do you and Mike Kafka communicate?

REID:&nbsp;“We talk a couple of times during the offseason.”

Q:&nbsp;As fans are we overreacting to the 0-2 start?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, we haven’t won the game. So, I understand, I get it. We keep pushing, and we’ll keep pushing and working forward and seeing what we can do going down the road here.”

Q:&nbsp;Is the start to the season, being 0-2 something you address to the team?

REID:&nbsp;“No, I just try to the fix the problems we might have. And all there is, including myself. That’s what you have time to do. Be real with the guys, I’m not going to not tell them what I think. (Communicate with them, and try to work it out. Get it right.”

Q:&nbsp;On Tom Brady being the co-owner of the Las Vegas Raider and participating in broadcasting.

REID:&nbsp;“I don’t know what he’s (Tom Brady) doing for them, so I can’t answer that. He’s done a good job as an announcer, I think. I don’t know that either because I really don’t listen to it (laughter). I haven’t really gotten into all of that.”

Q:&nbsp;Did you approach the production meeting with Tom Brady any differently?

REID:&nbsp;“No, we’re not telling secrets in the production meetings. So, we’re not giving them the plays and stuff in the production meeting.”

Q:&nbsp;What was your reaction to Josh Simmons against the Eagles?

REID:&nbsp;“I thought that was pretty impressive. I mean a 300-pound man running like that and making the tackle like he (Josh Simmons) did. Sure, we talked about it. That was one of the positives. There’s a lot of things we’ve got to work on but that was one of the positives of the game.”

Q:&nbsp;Patrick Mahomes’ 30th&nbsp;birthday is today. Can you put into perspective what he has done in his 20’s?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s (Patrick Mahomes) done quite a bit to 30. It’s hard to believe he’s 30 years old; I mean time flies. I asked him if he felt old. Sometimes when you’re in your 20’s you look at 30 and that looks like an old man. He said he feels the same. I told him that’s a good thing because when you get to my age you want to make sure you feel the same, doggonit (laughter).”

Q:&nbsp;What are you evaluating on what you guys can do better?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah I think for myself, just being better at executing in some of those earlier moments in the game, especially I mean, there were guys open – obviously Noah (Gray) early, but even more than that if I sit in that pocket a little bit longer and trust those guys, get the ball to guys down the field I feel like we can make some more explosive plays. That was stuff I scouted on myself but knowing we are going up against a good defensive team this week, especially that d-line so finding the right moments to take those shots downfield but not taking the negative plays as well.”

Q:&nbsp;When you said stay in the pocket longer, was that something that you frequently saw on tape or just here or there?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Just here or there mostly. I think that even some of the runs that I made, if I would’ve just stayed a little bit longer (in the pocket) I could’ve made some throws to guys and let them make some plays happen. Obviously, the runs work so you have success in the play and stuff like that but when you look back on the tape sometimes you want to make sure that you are going through the progression the right way.”

Q:&nbsp;Does the team ask for too much from Travis Kelce?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I honestly don’t know. I know he (Travis Kelce) wants to be out there at the end of the day. He wants to have the chance to make the plays happen, and he’s made the plays happen for years. I don’t feel like we ask for too much from him, but we ask for him to be out there and be himself and just be who he is. I think that in itself is enough for us. That’s probably a question you can ask Trav, but I feel like he’s in a good spot and it’s hard to get him off the field I know that.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you communicated with Tyquan Thornton that he will find him when he is open?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“No. I think Tyquan (Thornton) has done a great job to start the year. I’ve missed him (Tyquan Thornton) on some throws, and he’s made big plays happen as well. I think if he continues to play like he’s playing, we’ll continue to have big plays within this offense and he’s got a great role in this offense. I think just for us in general, I think it’s just execution stuff. We’re just barely off here and there and in the NFL if you’re playing good defenses, if you miss plays then the drives stall out. We’re just going to continue to work and continue to practice and learn those things. As we get guys back, we’ll continue to execute at a higher level.”

Q:&nbsp;On what Patrick Mahomes remembers when he was five years old in New York.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s some of my best memories. Just my dad being on the (New York) Mets and playing in those National League Championship Series versus the (Atlanta) Braves or playing in the World Series versus the Yankees. That’s when I can first start remembering stuff, and I don’t know what the rules are back then, but they just had me out on the field. I was taking groundballs with Derek Jeter and then shagging fly balls. It was super cool. I had a lot of great experiences. Back at the time the Mets were my favorite team because my dad had the most success. It’s fun being able to go to New York, and it’s such a great city and play a football game there now.”

Q:&nbsp;What gives you faith that this team can handle being 0-2?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it’s just the people that we have in the locker room. Even though we have never been 0-2, we’ve had stretches where we’ve lost big games kind of consecutively and guys have responded. It’s about the character of the guys in the locker room more than it is the play on the football field and I think that we have the guys that are going to continue to work. They’re not going to let this push them down, they’re going to use it if anything as motivation to be even better. I think that gives me most faith and then the coaches that we have they’ll continue to push to be even better. We’ll have a great week of practice this week and know we’re going to have to play our best football to win a game against a good football team in the (New York) Giants.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you have to do off the field? Is there a responsibility in the meeting rooms? Do you still play it as one week at a time?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“You take it one week at a time, but I think you just continue to even amplify the little details. Sometime when you’re winning a lot, those little details get lost and that’s how you lose, but when you lose early like this, you have to really just focus on those little details and maximize those and then you try and set the example on the practice field and stay after and do extra stuff and do a little bit here and there and push other guys to do&nbsp; the same. We’re really good at that and I feel like we’ve had great weeks of practice, and so that’s why I have faith is I know how these guys are working and how hard these guys are pushing to be even better. Now it’s just about putting it together on gameday which I’ve seen these guys do before, and so I have faith that we’ll do that.”

Q:&nbsp;How positive was it for you to see Xavier Worthy on the practice field and what are you looking to reestablish with him if he is able to play on Sunday?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think more than anything having him (Xavier Worthy) out there is just a threat in general. He can at any moment take a pass – short or long and he can take it to the house. Having him out on the practice field was very encouraging last week. Obviously, we didn’t know after that injury in Brazil but seeing him out there, he wanted to stay out there. It was kinda like holding him back. Hopefully we can go through a good week of practice and have him out there but if not, guys will step up and guys will make plays. I’m just excited to get those guys back and be able to go out there and try to have some success on (the) offense better than we did this last week.”

Q:&nbsp;On if his 30th&nbsp;birthday is meaningful to him.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, it’s meaningful in a sense. It’s always hard for me on my birthday in general, especially this year with the losses but being early in the season you’re so focused on football and trying to get us going in the right direction. We celebrated in the offseason, and we went down and I hung out with some of my friends that we all grew up together and you see them and I’m a little ahead of them. Their wives are pregnant (and) they’re finally getting their jobs that they’re gonna have for the rest of their lives and stuff like that so it’s cool to see everybody moving on in life and building their own families and see how we’ve came from little league baseball to where we are now.”

Q:&nbsp;Head Coach Andy Reid said you told him you don’t feel any different today?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Nah. I feel the same. I got kids man I’ve been 30 forever (laughter).”

Q:&nbsp;How much confidence do you have in this new offensive line to go through your progressions?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I have confidence in it. I just gotta continue to show that on gamedays. I think that’s probably the biggest thing I saw is that there was times that I left the pocket early this last week. Even on some of the runs and I’m like: ‘If I can just sit in that pocket and trust those guys that are gonna protect.’ That’s a good (Philadelphia) Eagles defensive line obviously, and we’re going up against another great challenge but the more I trust them, the better the offense will be. I’m going to continue to do that and try and hang in that pocket and make throws on the field.”

Q:&nbsp;How much of your confidence on throws have had to do with the struggles on third down?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, obviously you want to continue to get the chains moving but there’s a time and a place where you got to take the shots down the field and even the throw to Tyquan (Thornton) down the sideline that barely missed early in the game, I thought that was the right decision. We just didn’t execute it at the right time. You look back on that stuff on film, and you have to take those shots. Those are shots that can change games, but knowing when to do that (and) when to just move the chains and do stuff like that is something we will continue to work on.”

Q:&nbsp;On not being successful on call runs when the box isn’t stacked.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s something you continue to trust in. That’s part of football is being able to trust in the run game and whenever they’re in the light boxes, run the football and force them to come down (so) we can throw some of the shots down the field. I think that will come together more and more as the o-line continues to gel and the running backs can gel with the o-line as well. More than just pass protection when you have two new offensive linemen joining in, it’s about building that chemistry and so I think as the season goes on, they’ll continue to get better at that.”

Q:&nbsp;How does the 0-2 record make you feel?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Obviously being 0-2, there’s more urgency than even last week and I feel like we were very urgent last week. Definitely new territory as far as being 0-2 but knowing that we got the guys for it. We have the mindset of going out there and being even better. In my eyes it looks like what an opportunity. What an opportunity to prove who we are as the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming back from 0-2 and trying to build up to win a big football game on Sunday Night Football and try and get our season going in the right direction from there.”

Q:&nbsp;On why he is lowering his shoulder more when running with the football.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just picking and choosing more than anything. It’s just knowing when to do it and when not to do it. Protecting yourself but still being a football player and a competitor. I think that’s it more than anything and that Brad (Gee) says Taco Bell so that does it for me too.”

Q:&nbsp;What is different about playing on Sunday Night Football?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’ve always loved Sunday Night Football. You grow up, you watch Sunday Night Football and you get the spotlight on you (and) it’s a night game, the lights get brighter and you get to showcase who you are and I think that it’s a great opportunity for us. Obviously, with the start that we have we want to prove that we’re a better football team than what we’ve shown these first two weeks and Sunday Night Football will be the perfect time to do it.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you liked with Josh Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia thus far?

HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“Yeah, they’re (Josh Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia) both improving each week. They’re both coming in with the right mindset, working on the things they need to work on and they’ve gotten better throughout the past two weeks. And continue to hope to see a good jump from them. But their coming in (and) they’re playing their tails off, efforts been awesome and their continuing to improve each week.”

Q:&nbsp;How does the offensive line set the tempo this week, so people feed off you guys from the offense?

HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“Starting fast. Coming out of the gate playing hard, physical (and) great fundamentally all those things. And finishing plays. If our guys get tackled, we’re there to pick them up, things like that. Just leading from an energy standpoint, coming out fast, playing physical (and) setting the tone for the guys early.”

Q:&nbsp;On the challenge of playing the Giants defensive front.

HUMPHREY:&nbsp;“They have a really good defensive front. Really good at all positions too. It’s not just one stand out guy here or there. They have really good players across the board. So, it’s going to be a great challenge for us, and I’m excited to see how our guys work this week through practice and getting ready for the game.”

Q:&nbsp;What did you see from New York Giants QB Russell Wilson last weekend?

COOK:&nbsp;“I have seen him clicking on all cylinders. (He’s) trusting his arm (and) letting it sling, trusting his guys and getting the ball to his go-to guys as well. I think he found his different type of groove. He has been in the league for a few years. I feel like he found a great combination as far as having the experience as well as the younger mentality of playing football and having fun. He definitely has his groove for sure.”

Q:&nbsp;On the defense improving from Week 1 to Week 2.

COOK:&nbsp;“I think more guys were hungry. Like I said getting punched in the mouth woke us up a little bit but it’s just seeing a new identity, every year is a different year. We have different guys in different positions and the trust factor, the comradery we have this year – I know we had (Pittsburgh Steelers S) Juan Thornhill was here, (Tennese Titans CB L’Jarius) Sneed was here and (New Orleans Saints S) Justin Reid.&nbsp; The list goes on. But this year, now I’m the “old-head” in the locker room (and) it’s kinda crazy. But seeing how the guys gel together it’s a beautiful feeling and a beautiful thing to see.”

Q:&nbsp;How close are you defensively to being where you can be?

Chiefs Quotes: 7-17-25

STERLING - After the first two sets between Kansas Wesleyan and Sterling, the teams had both won a set. In the third and fourth sets, the Coyotes had rally from late set deficit to open Kansas Conference play with a win over the Warriors on Tuesday at the Gleason Center.

The Coyotes won the opening set 25-17, but dropped the second 25-21. KWU then won the third set 25-21 and the fourth 25-22 to take the match and improve to 6-4 overall and 1-0 in the KCAC. Sterling fell to 9-3 overall and 0-1 in the KCAC.

Wesleyan raced out to a 7-2 lead in the opening set but Sterling came back and tied things up at 10-10. Back-to-back kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/702491d6-5b86-4027-90d4-81b276b45845?elinkdata=29032">Madelyn Wolf</a> gave the lead back to the Coyotes and after Sterling again tied it at 14, the Coyotes ran off six straight to take a 20-14 lead on a Wolf ace.

Sterling got three straight, but the Coyotes closed it out with five straight to take the set.

KWU led 9-8 in the second set and after Sterling had taken the lead at 10-9, the Coyotes scored four straight to lead 13-10. Sterling answered right back with its own 4-point surge to take a 14-13 lead. Sterling opened up a 21-17 lead, but the Coyotes got no closer than two points the rest of the way as Sterling took the second set.

Sterling carried its momentum into the third set, taking a 5-2 lead, but the Coyotes drew even at 5-5 and the set was tied at 9-9 when Sterling scored four straight to take a 13-9 lead. The Warriors led 18-15 when the Coyotes came back and tied it at 18. Sterling led 20-18 and 21-19 when the Coyotes came alive. Fueled by a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32820305-091b-4500-8e92-4c0b039e83dd?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a>, then four straight show stoppers by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d73e2b7e-ca37-4545-be56-f96ef8ac3607?elinkdata=29032">Rylee Serpan</a>, the Coyotes closed out a 25-21 set win on a kill by Wolf.

The Coyotes had to play from behind again in the fourth. Sterling led 9-7 before embarking on a 5-point run to take a 14-7 lead. The lead extended to 17-8 for the Warriors, but the Coyotes weren't finished yet.

A kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55eacefd-53ea-4a3b-a312-ba115c451e89?elinkdata=29032">Kate Bebout</a>, a bad set by Sterling setter Keala Wilson and two more Sterling hitting errors sparked an 11-2 run for the Coyotes that tied the set at 19-all on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d47e6ed-1688-4de1-a08b-af26ba2ddf26?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a>. Sterling took the lead at 20-19, but four straight by the Coyotes made it 23-20 in favor of KWU. A <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b97d32b7-25d0-4dfa-8378-469cc08eebae?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a> kill gave Wesleyan match point at 24-21, and another <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2addf0b6-9b55-4817-9de8-8263b3dd33ae?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a> kill finished the match.

The Coyotes were again led by Serpan with 15 kills while hitting .324 for the match. Wolf and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e5e566fe-62c3-4475-8da1-f376c59e0bd9?elinkdata=29032">Joey Pennington</a> added nine kills each and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a29e5e2-4540-4916-8320-1cd65733df3b?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a> had seven to go along with 22 assists in the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/366ab6e4-2d7b-4e12-8c04-3f3bba975b13?elinkdata=29032">Kori Arnold</a> had 20 digs as four Coyotes reached double figures. KWU served 10 aces in the match led by four from Wolf.

STERLING - After the first two sets between Kansas Wesleyan and Sterling, the teams had both won a set. In the third and fourth sets, the Coyotes had rally from late set deficit to open Kansas Conference play with a win over the Warriors on Tuesday at the Gleason Center.The Coyotes won the opening set 25-17, but dropped the second 25-21. KWU then won the third set 25-21 and the fourth 25-22 to take the match and improve to 6-4 overall and 1-0 in the KCAC. Sterling fell to 9-3 overall and 0-1 in the KCAC.Wesleyan raced out to a 7-2 lead in the opening set but Sterling came back and tied things up at 10-10. Back-to-back kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/702491d6-5b86-4027-90d4-81b276b45845?elinkdata=29032">Madelyn Wolf</a> gave the lead back to the Coyotes and after Sterling again tied it at 14, the Coyotes ran off six straight to take a 20-14 lead on a Wolf ace.Sterling got three straight, but the Coyotes closed it out with five straight to take the set.KWU led 9-8 in the second set and after Sterling had taken the lead at 10-9, the Coyotes scored four straight to lead 13-10. Sterling answered right back with its own 4-point surge to take a 14-13 lead. Sterling opened up a 21-17 lead, but the Coyotes got no closer than two points the rest of the way as Sterling took the second set.Sterling carried its momentum into the third set, taking a 5-2 lead, but the Coyotes drew even at 5-5 and the set was tied at 9-9 when Sterling scored four straight to take a 13-9 lead. The Warriors led 18-15 when the Coyotes came back and tied it at 18. Sterling led 20-18 and 21-19 when the Coyotes came alive. Fueled by a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32820305-091b-4500-8e92-4c0b039e83dd?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a>, then four straight show stoppers by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d73e2b7e-ca37-4545-be56-f96ef8ac3607?elinkdata=29032">Rylee Serpan</a>, the Coyotes closed out a 25-21 set win on a kill by Wolf.The Coyotes had to play from behind again in the fourth. Sterling led 9-7 before embarking on a 5-point run to take a 14-7 lead. The lead extended to 17-8 for the Warriors, but the Coyotes weren't finished yet.A kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55eacefd-53ea-4a3b-a312-ba115c451e89?elinkdata=29032">Kate Bebout</a>, a bad set by Sterling setter Keala Wilson and two more Sterling hitting errors sparked an 11-2 run for the Coyotes that tied the set at 19-all on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d47e6ed-1688-4de1-a08b-af26ba2ddf26?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a>. Sterling took the lead at 20-19, but four straight by the Coyotes made it 23-20 in favor of KWU. A <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b97d32b7-25d0-4dfa-8378-469cc08eebae?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a> kill gave Wesleyan match point at 24-21, and another <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2addf0b6-9b55-4817-9de8-8263b3dd33ae?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a> kill finished the match.The Coyotes were again led by Serpan with 15 kills while hitting .324 for the match. Wolf and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e5e566fe-62c3-4475-8da1-f376c59e0bd9?elinkdata=29032">Joey Pennington</a> added nine kills each and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a29e5e2-4540-4916-8320-1cd65733df3b?elinkdata=29032">Sara Bebout</a> had seven to go along with 22 assists in the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/366ab6e4-2d7b-4e12-8c04-3f3bba975b13?elinkdata=29032">Kori Arnold</a> had 20 digs as four Coyotes reached double figures. KWU served 10 aces in the match led by four from Wolf.

🏐 KWU WVB opens KCAC play with four-set win over Sterling

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.

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>