NEW YORK (AP) — Austin Wells hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning and added an RBI double in the eighth as the New York Yankees pulled away for a 10-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night and widened their lead in the AL East.

The Yankees (83-61) surpassed last season’s win total and moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Orioles, who were handed a 12-3 loss in Boston.

Aaron Judge hit a tying single off James McArthur and four pitches later, Wells lifted a 2-1 fastball into the lower rows of the right field bleachers to push New York’s lead to 7-4.

“Got a couple of pitches in off the plate, so I was kind of looking inside there,” Wells said. “I was able to put a good swing on it.”

After homering, Wells briefly watched the flight of the ball, flipped his bat and yelled in excitement towards his teammates in the dugout.

“I was jacked,” Wells said. “I blacked out.”

The 404-foot drive was Wells’ seventh in his last 37 games since July 21 and sixth as New York’s cleanup hitter behind Judge.

The rookie catcher tied a career high and drove in four runs for the fourth time since making his debut last September. Three of those instances are since the All-Star break and Wells is batting .301 in his last 37 games.

“He’s been a middle of the order hitter for two, three months now and I think we’ve all seen that, witnessed that,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Whether you get a result or not it’s the just the level of the at-bat that he gives you from the left side is impressive and that was a no doubter tonight.”

“That homer today was insane,” added outfielder Jasson Domínguez, who was 1 for 4 after being promoted from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

Hunter Renfroe led off the sixth with a homer to give the Royals a 4-3 lead before the Yankees mounted a rally against McArthur (5-7) and scored the final seven runs of the game.

Gleyber Torres beat out an infield single after Bobby Witt Jr. made a diving stop at shortstop and Juan Soto drew a walk. Judge, who is homerless in 13 games, followed by singling to left to easily score Torres.

Domínguez singled, stole third base and scored New York’s first run on a throwing error by catcher Salvador Perez. Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer to give the Yankees a brief 3-2 lead.

Verdugo hit his second homer since the All-Star break after the Yankees called up Domínguez to see regular time in left field. Domínguez started in center field and was 1 for 4 while Judge was the designated hitter.

Torres hit an RBI single in the eighth before Wells doubled off the left field wall as the Yankees scored double digit runs for the 13th time this season.

Perez homered, went 4 for 4 and drove in Kansas City its first three runs as the Royals capitalized on shaky defense to take an early lead.

He hit an RBI single off Carlos Rodón in the first after Tommy Pham started the game by reaching on a throwing error by third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., who made a low throw to first base.

Perez homered in the third for a 2-0 lead and hit a tying single in the fifth on a miscommunication between Torres and Soto on a pop-up.

The Royals (79-66) lost their sixth straight road game and dropped 3 1/2 games behind Cleveland in the AL Central.

“We felt really good about him (McArthur) there,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was one of those nights where he wasn’t able to put them away.”

Rodón allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in six innings.

Jake Cousins (2-1) picked off pinch hitter Kyle Isbel in the seventh and Luke Weaver stranded two in the eighth. Ian Hamilton pitched a 1-2-3 ninth in his first appearance since June 16.

Kansas City starter Brady Singer allowed three runs and five hits in five innings.

Yankees: INF DJ LeMahieu (right hip impingement) was placed on the 10-day injured list and may miss the rest of the season. … INF Jon Berti was activated after missing 90 games with a strained left calf.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (15-8, 3.08 ERA) opposes New York RHP Marcus Stroman (10-7, 4.03) on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725935334963.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, looks on as New York Yankees' Austin Wells, right, crosses home plate after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, looks on as New York Yankees' Austin Wells, right, crosses home plate after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Austin Wells hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning and added an RBI double in the eighth as the New York Yankees pulled away for a 10-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night and widened their lead in the AL East.The Yankees (83-61) surpassed last season’s win total and moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Orioles, who were handed a 12-3 loss in Boston.Aaron Judge hit a tying single off James McArthur and four pitches later, Wells lifted a 2-1 fastball into the lower rows of the right field bleachers to push New York’s lead to 7-4.“Got a couple of pitches in off the plate, so I was kind of looking inside there,” Wells said. “I was able to put a good swing on it.”After homering, Wells briefly watched the flight of the ball, flipped his bat and yelled in excitement towards his teammates in the dugout.“I was jacked,” Wells said. “I blacked out.”The 404-foot drive was Wells’ seventh in his last 37 games since July 21 and sixth as New York’s cleanup hitter behind Judge.The rookie catcher tied a career high and drove in four runs for the fourth time since making his debut last September. Three of those instances are since the All-Star break and Wells is batting .301 in his last 37 games.“He’s been a middle of the order hitter for two, three months now and I think we’ve all seen that, witnessed that,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Whether you get a result or not it’s the just the level of the at-bat that he gives you from the left side is impressive and that was a no doubter tonight.”“That homer today was insane,” added outfielder Jasson Domínguez, who was 1 for 4 after being promoted from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.Hunter Renfroe led off the sixth with a homer to give the Royals a 4-3 lead before the Yankees mounted a rally against McArthur (5-7) and scored the final seven runs of the game.Gleyber Torres beat out an infield single after Bobby Witt Jr. made a diving stop at shortstop and Juan Soto drew a walk. Judge, who is homerless in 13 games, followed by singling to left to easily score Torres.Domínguez singled, stole third base and scored New York’s first run on a throwing error by catcher Salvador Perez. Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer to give the Yankees a brief 3-2 lead.Verdugo hit his second homer since the All-Star break after the Yankees called up Domínguez to see regular time in left field. Domínguez started in center field and was 1 for 4 while Judge was the designated hitter.Torres hit an RBI single in the eighth before Wells doubled off the left field wall as the Yankees scored double digit runs for the 13th time this season.Perez homered, went 4 for 4 and drove in Kansas City its first three runs as the Royals capitalized on shaky defense to take an early lead.He hit an RBI single off Carlos Rodón in the first after Tommy Pham started the game by reaching on a throwing error by third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., who made a low throw to first base.Perez homered in the third for a 2-0 lead and hit a tying single in the fifth on a miscommunication between Torres and Soto on a pop-up.The Royals (79-66) lost their sixth straight road game and dropped 3 1/2 games behind Cleveland in the AL Central.“We felt really good about him (McArthur) there,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was one of those nights where he wasn’t able to put them away.”Rodón allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in six innings.Jake Cousins (2-1) picked off pinch hitter Kyle Isbel in the seventh and Luke Weaver stranded two in the eighth. Ian Hamilton pitched a 1-2-3 ninth in his first appearance since June 16.Kansas City starter Brady Singer allowed three runs and five hits in five innings.TRAINER’S ROOMYankees: INF DJ LeMahieu (right hip impingement) was placed on the 10-day injured list and may miss the rest of the season. … INF Jon Berti was activated after missing 90 games with a strained left calf.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Seth Lugo (15-8, 3.08 ERA) opposes New York RHP Marcus Stroman (10-7, 4.03) on Tuesday.

⚾ Wells hits go-ahead three-run homer as Yankees beat Royals 

Game 3 #20/18&nbsp;Arizona at #14/15&nbsp;K-State Date: Friday, September 13, 2024 Kickoff: 7 p.m. Location: Manhattan, Kan. Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000) Series: Arizona Leads, 5-1-1 TV: FOX (<a href="https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/arizona-wildcats-vs-kansas-state-wildcats-sep-13-2024-game-boxscore-39748" target="_blank">watch</a>) Tim Brando (Play-by-Play) Devin Gardner (Analyst) Josh Sims (Sidelines) Radio: K-State Sports Network;&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch" target="_blank">Listen</a>) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Stan Weber (Analyst) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Matt Walters (Sidelines) SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ch. 84, and on the SiriusXM App <a href="https://tunein.com/radio/Big-12-Radio-s329464/" target="_blank">Big 12 Radio on TuneIn</a> X Updates: @KStateFB

THE TOP 51)&nbsp;Following a 34-27 comeback win at Tulane, No. 14 K-State returns home on a short week as it hosts No. 20 Arizona on the new FOX College Football Friday broadcast with Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst) and Josh Sims (sideline) on the call. The matchup between two nationally-ranked Wildcat teams will be a non-conference game as part of a series that was announced in 2016.

2)&nbsp;Quarterback Avery Johnson became the fifth sophomore signal caller – and just the second true sophomore – to start a season opener since 1990 when he did so against UT Martin. In two games this season, Johnson has completed 66-percent of his passes on 29-of-44 aim, totaling 334 yards and four touchdowns. He also has rushed for 77 yards on 11 carries.

3)&nbsp;Alongside Johnson in the backfield is running back DJ Giddens, who has rushed for 238 yards on 32 carries to go along with a team-leading seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. Giddens enters the Arizona contest with a six-game streak of at least 100 rushing yards, which is tied for the third-longest streak in school history. He is one of just three Big 12 backs with two 100-yard games this year.

4)&nbsp;The experience of the Wildcats resides on defense as the unit brings back eight starters, including five of its top six tacklers from a year ago. Leading the charge last year and back in 2024 are linebacker Austin Moore and safety Marques Sigle with 63 tackles apiece. Both players, along with defensive ends Brendan Mott and Cody Stufflebean were voted as team captains for the 2024 season.

5)&nbsp;Kicker Chris Tennant is back for his senior campaign and enters this week’s contest in the top 10 in school history in five career categories. The Wildcats’ new punter, Simon McClannan, was impressive in week one by averaging 41.0 yards on three punts with two landing inside the UTM 10-yard line. Additionally, a plethora of options are available at both kickoff and punt return.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS66&nbsp;– Turnovers produced by K-State since 2021, the second-most among active Big 12 teams and tied for 10th among Power 4 teams.

22&nbsp;– Number of tackles for loss the Wildcats have recorded through two games, which ranks fourth nationally.

10&nbsp;– Friday’s matchup will mark the Wildcats’ first home top-20 matchup in 10 years, the last being the 2014 Auburn game.

6&nbsp;– Number of consecutive 100-yard games by running back DJ Giddens, which is tied for the third most in school history.

5.76&nbsp;– Career per rush average by DJ Giddens, ranking second in school history behind Darren Sproles (6.11).

• Since 1990, K-State holds a 99-20 (83.2%) record in regular-season non-conference games.

• That stretch includes an 83-9 (90.2%) mark at home. Over that period of time, the Wildcats have had perfect regular season non-conference ledgers 17 times and unblemished marks at home on 25 occasions.

• K-State is 3-1 in the regular season against non-conference Power 4 opponents under Chris Klieman. The Wildcats won at Mississippi State in 2019 before defeating Stanford in the 2021 season opener and Missouri at home in 2022. The lone loss was a last-second field goal by Missouri in Columbia last season.

• Dating back to his days at North Dakota State, Klieman is 6-1 in the regular season against non-conference Power 5 opponents, as his Bison defeated Iowa State in 2014 and Iowa in 2016.

• Kansas State has totaled 139 Big 12 victories since the conference’s formation in 1996, which stands as the most among active Big 12 programs.

• The Wildcats are also second among active Big 12 members in winning percentage since non-divisional play began in 2011. They sit at 59.8% (70-47), trailing only Oklahoma State (65.8%; 77-40).

• During that stretch, the Wildcats are 39-20 (66.1%) at home in Big 12 play and 31-27 (53.4%) on the road.

• K-State has a total of 224 victories since 1996, which ranks 21st nationally.

• Among active Big 12 teams, the Wildcats rank fourth behind TCU (231), BYU (230) and Utah (230), each of which have joined the Big 12 within the last 12 years.

• Over the last 14 seasons, the Wildcats have won at least seven games 12 times.

• K-State is riding a streak of three-straight years of at least eight wins, its longest since 2011 (10), 2012 (11), 2013 (8) and 2014 (9).

• The Wildcats are the only returning Big 12 team with at least eight wins in each of the last three seasons and one of 13 Power 4 programs to claim that feat.

• K-State has 29 wins since 2021, which ranks third among active Big 12 teams behind Oklahoma State (31) and Utah (30).

• Kansas State has a strong history of being in the postseason, having advanced to a bowl game 24 times since 1993, including 12 times in the last 14 years.

• K-State’s 24 bowl trips since 1993 are tied for second among active Big 12 teams with BYU and just behind West Virginia (25).

• In an era when over 80 teams play in a bowl game each year, the Cats are one of just 16 Power 4 teams to play in a bowl game at least 12 times in the last 14 years.

• For the second-straight season, Kansas State entered a season ranked in both the Associated Press Top 25 and the AFCA Coaches Poll as they checked in at No. 18 and No. 17.

• It marked the first time the Wildcats were ranked in the Preseason AP Top 25 in consecutive years since 2003 and 2004.

• Last season, K-State entered the year No. 16 in the AP Top 25 and No. 17 in the Coaches Poll.

• K-State has been ranked in the AP Top 25 on 234 occasions since 1993, the most among active Big 12 teams and ranked 22nd nationally.

• Kansas State was ranked No. 25 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25 of 2023, marking the 12th-straight time the Cats were ranked in the CFP Top 25. That figure enters the 2024 season tied for the sixth-longest active streak.

• K-State was more busy than usual scouting the opponents on its schedule during the spring and summer months as the Wildcats are only playing four foes from last year’s schedule – Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Oklahoma State – in 2024.

• It is the Wildcats’ fewest amount of carryover opponents from one year to the next since only three rematches from the 1918 season to the 1919 season (Baker, Kansas and Iowa State).

• Additionally, half of the Wildcats’ schedule is against teams in which they have not faced in at least 10 years, if ever. Those are UT Martin (First Meeting), Arizona (1978), BYU (1997), Colorado (2010), Arizona State (2002) and Cincinnati (1996).

• A proven winner with a championship history, Chris Klieman holds a 113-37 career record, as his 75.3% career winning percentage ranks fourth among current FBS coaches that have led programs for at least 10 seasons. He is also one of just 16 current Power 4 head coaches with at least 100 victories.

• Klieman, who is 41-24 (63.1%) since arriving at K-State, has led the Cats to five victories over teams ranked in the top 10 of the Associated Press Top 25, which is the most of any active Big 12 program since 2019. Next on the list is Utah with four, followed by Baylor, Oklahoma State and TCU with three apiece.

• Kansas State ended the 2023 season 10th nationally in scoring offense (37.1 points per game) and 26th in scoring defense (21.0 points allowed per game). The Wildcats were one of just 11 Power 5 teams to rank in the top 30 in both categories, joining Alabama, Arizona, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State and Texas.

• Kansas State ranked in the top 10 nationally in turnover margin each of the last two years as the Wildcats finished eighth in 2022 and fifth in 2023.

• It was the first time K-State finished in the top 10 in consecutive seasons since 2011 (9th) and 2012 (3rd).

• Over the final seven weeks of the regular season and bowl season, K-State forced a nation-leading 19 turnovers (11 interceptions, eight fumbles) while only committing five (three interceptions, two fumbles).

• Additionally, the Wildcats only lost two fumbles in 2023, a new school record and the third fewest in the nation.

• K-State is the nation’s best in non-offensive touchdowns over the last 25-plus seasons as it has 133 since 1999, seven more than the next closest team (Alabama – 125).

• K-State has recorded two this season with a Ty Bowman blocked punt against UT Martin that was returned one yard for a score by Colby McCalister in addition to a Jack Fabris 60-yard fumble return at Tulane.

• It marked the first time since the first two games of 2022 against South Dakota and Missouri that the Wildcats had non-offensive touchdowns in consecutive games.

• Kansas State rallied from a 20-10 halftime deficit at Tulane to take a 34-27 win in New Orleans.

• The win was the first since last year’s KU game when trailing at halftime and also marked the first time since the 2021 Texas Tech game that the Wildcats rallied from a double-digit halftime deficit to win as they trailed 24-10 at half in that contest.

• K-State’s six captains, as voted by their teammates, to serve as captains in 2024 are quarterback Avery Johnson, offensive lineman Hadley Panzer, linebacker Austin Moore, defensive ends Brendan Mott and Cody Stufflebean, and safety Marques Sigle.

• Of the six captains, five are seniors and four hail from the state of Kansas. Both of those lists include Moore, a former walk-on who is a captain for a second-straight season.

• Johnson is just the 10th sophomore captain in program history, joining Brooks Barta (1990), Mark Simoneau (1997), Terry Pierce (2001), Josh Freeman (2007), Alex Hrebec (2009), Collin Klein (2010), B.J. Finney (2012), Dalton Risner (2016) and Wyatt Hubert (2019).

• With the entire six-game 2024 home slate trending toward being sold out, K-State enters this week’s game against Arizona with 15-consecutive sellouts dating back to the beginning of 2022.

• Kansas State is one of only three schools in the nation to rank in the top 20 of percentage of capacity filled each of the last 10 seasons, joining Ohio State and Oklahoma.

OFFENSIVE NOTESNEW OFFENSIVE STRUCTURE

• K-State’s offense has new faces at the front of room as Conor Riley, the offensive line coach the last five seasons, will call plays for the first time in his career, while K-State hired former Utah State and Texas Tech head coach Matt Wells to serve as co-offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and associate head coach.

• Riley was the interim offensive coordinator in K-State’s 28-19 victory over NC State in the 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl, a game in which the Wildcats amassed 257 rushing yards and 435 total yards on a Wolfpack defense that entered bowl season ranking No. 16 and No. 25 in those categories, respectively.

• Wells, who boasts nine years of head coaching experience, came to Manhattan after spending the last two years at Oklahoma as an advisor to head coach/offensive analyst. In addition to coaching quarterbacks during his 27-year coaching career, Wells has also spent time tutoring wide receivers and tight ends.

TOTAL OFFENSE• K-State has totaled at least 375 yards of offense in 24 of the last 29 games dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season. During that stretch, the Cats held a 10-game streak against Big 12 foes with 375 or more yards, the longest in school history.

• K-State ranked 23rd nationally last year by averaging 445.2 yards per game. That figure ranked second in school history, while K-State’s 6.04 yards per play ranked 10th.SCORING SURGE• K-State finished last year ranked 10th nationally by scoring 37.1 points per game, a mark ranked sixth in school history.

• It was the first time the Wildcats finished in the top 10 in the country in scoring offense since 2003 (9th), while it was their highest average since 2012 (38.8).THIRD DOWN SUCCESS• Kansas State was one of the best teams in the nation last year in terms of converting on third down, as the Wildcats ranked 11th nationally with a 47.9% (90-of-188) success rate.

• K-State’s 90 total third-down conversions last year ranked fifth in the country and was tops in the Big 12.RED ZONE SUCCESS• Just like on third downs, K-State was one of the nation’s leaders in turning red-zone trips into touchdowns during the 2023 season, as the Cats ranked second nationally by finding paydirt on 78.46% percent of their red-zone possessions (51-of-65).

• K-State just narrowly finished behind Oregon State by 0.11% and would have led the nation had the Cats not been in the red zone when taking a knee to close out the Pop-Tarts Bowl win.

• The 2024 season opened with a continuation of red-zone success under Chris Klieman, as the Wildcats rank first among active Big 12 programs by scoring on 90.7% (233-of-257) of their overall red-zone trips since 2019 with 174 touchdowns.NOT LACKING IN EXPERIENCE• Although the offensive line lost four starters from a year, the starting unit is not lacking in experience as the current group has totaled 83 career starts and 5,776 career snaps.

• The leaders in those departments are North Dakota transfer tackle Easton Kilty (39 starts, 2,452 snaps), guard Hadley Panzer (28 starts, 1,844 snaps), tackle Carver Willis (nine starts, 700 snaps) and guard Taylor Poitier (five starts, 613 snaps).YOUNG BUT EXPLOSIVE• Avery Johnson, the top dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2023, is beginning his first full season as K-State’s starting quarterback a year after becoming just the first true freshman signal caller in school history to start and win a bowl game. Johnson led the Wildcats to a 28-19 victory over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl en route to MVP honors.

• A member of the watch list for the Maxwell Award, Johnson was just the fifth sophomore since 1990 to start a season opener under center, joining Ell Roberson (2001), Dylan Meier (2004), Josh Freeman (2007) and Jesse Ertz (2015).

• Johnson was the second-youngest quarterback to start a season opener since 1990 at 19 years, 9 months and 29 days (Freeman: 19 years, 6 months and 19 days). Both Johnson and Freeman started the openers of their true sophomore season, while the other three were redshirt sophomores.GIDDENS GETTING IT DONE• Running back DJ Giddens is back for his junior season after rushing for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns last year in addition to hauling 29 receptions for 323 yards and three more scores.

• His 1,226 yards a year ago ranked 10th in school history.

• Giddens finished the 2023 season ranked 11th in the nation with 51 touches that went for at least 10 yards.

• He has opened the 2024 season with 246 yards on 32 carries as his 7.44-yard average ranks 20th in the country, while his three rushes of 30 or more yards are tied for third nationally.

GROUND AND POUND• DJ Giddens produced the 19th 1,000-yard rushing season in school history last year and did so on 223 carries to rank eighth in school history in yards per rush (5.50).

• It was the third-straight season K-State had a 1,000-yard rusher, the first time doing so since 2009-11 and the first time by running backs since 2001-04.

• A native of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens holds a career average of 5.76 yards per carry to rank second behind only Darren Sproles (6.11; 2001-04).

• Giddens is also 18 yards shy of becoming the 12th running back in school history with 2,000 rushing yards in a career.

ON A GOOD RUN• DJ Giddens carded his sixth-straight game with at least 100 rushing yards last week at Tulane.

• His current streak is tied for third in school history.

DEFENSIVE NOTESDEFENSIVE SWITCH PAYS OFF• Since the K-State defense switched from a four-man front to a 3-3-5 alignment at the beginning of the 2021 season (42 games), the Cats are allowing just 21.1 points per game, which ranks 20th nationally and third among active Big 12 teams.

• After allowing 21.0 points per game in 2021 and 21.9 points per game in 2022, K-State surrendered only 21.0 points per game in 2023. It was the first time the Wildcats strung together three-straight seasons allowing less than 22.0 points per game since going 13-straight years from 1991 to 2003.

• The Wildcats allowed 31 touchdowns from scrimmage in 2023, which was the second fewest in the Big 12 (Texas – 30).

UNDER AVERAGE• K-State held each of its Big 12 opponents in 2022 and six of nine in 2023 under its season averages.

• Additionally, the Wildcats limited NC State to just 19 points after the Wolfpack entered the Pop-Tarts Bowl averaging 26.8 points per game.

• Since head coach Chris Klieman’s first year of 2019, the Wildcats have held 35 of their 45 Big 12 opponents under their season average at the time it faces the Wildcats.

CREATING TURNOVERS• K-State has totaled 66 forced turnovers since the beginning of the 2021 season, which is the second most among active Big 12 teams and tied for 10th among Power 4 teams.

• Of the 66 turnovers, 41 have been via interceptions to rank first among active Big 12 programs and 15th among Power 4 teams.

THIRD DOWN STOPS• K-State did not allow any of its 13 opponents in 2023 to convert on greater than 47% of its third-down attempts, while the Wildcats have held opponents under 50% in 26 of the last 29 games dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season.

• K-State finished the 2023 campaign ranked 11th nationally by allowing opponents to convert on just 30.0% of its third downs.

🏈 K-State Closes Non-Conference Play with Arizona

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;In a rematch of the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the Kansas Jayhawks return to Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas to host the UNLV Rebels on Friday night, Sept. 13.

Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. on ESPN with Anish Shroff (Play-by-Play), Andre Ware (Analyst) and Paul Carcaterra (Sideline) on the call.

Kansas (1-1, 0-0 Big 12) is coming off a 23-17 loss on the road at Illinois on Sept. 7, in a game that Kansas outgained the Illini 327 to 271 yards. The Jayhawks lost the turnover battle, 4-to-1, while the defense held strong holding the Illini to 79 rushing yards.

Kansas is led by senior running back Devin Neal, has rushed for 3,290 career rushing yards and 35 touchdowns on 563 carries. Neal’s career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns are the most among all active running backs from the power-four conferences. Through two games this season, Neal is averaging 9.68 yards per carry, which leads the Big 12 and ranks No. 4 nationally.

UNLV (2-0, 0-0 Mountain West) makes its first trip to the state of Kansas since 2003, and the Rebels are 2-0 following a 72-14 victory over Utah Tech on Saturday, Sept. 7. UNLV was led by wide receiver Ricky White III, who compiled three receiving touchdowns and 111 yards on five receptions, while UNLV totaled 504 rushing yards for only the third time in school history (504) while six different players rushed for a touchdown. The Rebels finished the game with a school record 695 total yards of offense.

Friday night’s meeting between the Jayhawks and the Rebels will be the fourth all-time, but second in the last calendar year. The two teams met in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 26, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona, with Kansas defeating UNLV 49-36.

The Guaranteed Rate Bowl win was Kansas’ first bowl victory since 2008, as the Jayhawks were led by a school record-tying six passing touchdown performance from quarterback Jason Bean. Kansas seniors Luke Grimm and Lawrence Arnold each caught three touchdown passes each, marking the first time in Kansas football history that two players have had three receiving touchdowns in the same game.

Prior to last year’s meeting, the two teams had most recently met in Lawrence in 2003, where Kansas secured a 46-24 victory. UNLV won the first meeting between the two teams in 2002, 31-20 in Las Vegas.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;In a rematch of the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the Kansas Jayhawks return to Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas to host the UNLV Rebels on Friday night, Sept. 13.Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. on ESPN with Anish Shroff (Play-by-Play), Andre Ware (Analyst) and Paul Carcaterra (Sideline) on the call.Kansas (1-1, 0-0 Big 12) is coming off a 23-17 loss on the road at Illinois on Sept. 7, in a game that Kansas outgained the Illini 327 to 271 yards. The Jayhawks lost the turnover battle, 4-to-1, while the defense held strong holding the Illini to 79 rushing yards.Kansas is led by senior running back Devin Neal, has rushed for 3,290 career rushing yards and 35 touchdowns on 563 carries. Neal’s career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns are the most among all active running backs from the power-four conferences. Through two games this season, Neal is averaging 9.68 yards per carry, which leads the Big 12 and ranks No. 4 nationally.UNLV (2-0, 0-0 Mountain West) makes its first trip to the state of Kansas since 2003, and the Rebels are 2-0 following a 72-14 victory over Utah Tech on Saturday, Sept. 7. UNLV was led by wide receiver Ricky White III, who compiled three receiving touchdowns and 111 yards on five receptions, while UNLV totaled 504 rushing yards for only the third time in school history (504) while six different players rushed for a touchdown. The Rebels finished the game with a school record 695 total yards of offense.Friday night’s meeting between the Jayhawks and the Rebels will be the fourth all-time, but second in the last calendar year. The two teams met in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 26, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona, with Kansas defeating UNLV 49-36.The Guaranteed Rate Bowl win was Kansas’ first bowl victory since 2008, as the Jayhawks were led by a school record-tying six passing touchdown performance from quarterback Jason Bean. Kansas seniors Luke Grimm and Lawrence Arnold each caught three touchdown passes each, marking the first time in Kansas football history that two players have had three receiving touchdowns in the same game.Prior to last year’s meeting, the two teams had most recently met in Lawrence in 2003, where Kansas secured a 46-24 victory. UNLV won the first meeting between the two teams in 2002, 31-20 in Las Vegas.

🏈 Kansas set to Host UNLV for Friday Night Primetime Showdown on ESPN

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“We’re a distance from the Ravens game and well into the Cincinnati Bengals but I can give you a quick recap on the Ravens game. I felt like we did some good things in all three phases with plenty of room to improve in all three phases. It was good to get some the players in that hadn’t really had a lot of the training camp reps. We had six or so players that had limited reps or no reps during our time up at St. Joe, so it was good to get those guys in there and working. I think that’ll pay off for us down the road just with the reps that they received there, and the play time. Most of those guys were on the defensive side of the ball and then Joe Thuney on the offensive side. We came out relatively healthy, there’s really nothing to report. We’ll see how Hollywood (Brown) works out with all of his tests (that) he’s going to have this week, but we’ll just see where he’s at. Other than that, I really don’t have anything to report in that area (injuries). With that, time’s yours.”

Q: What have you seen from Kingsley Suamataia?

REID:&nbsp;“I thought Kingsley (Suamataia) did some good things, plenty to work on going forward but for his first time jumping in there – I guess, what I really think is a pretty good defensive line, I thought he held his own but there are things that he’s got to work on. He needs to get ready, he’s got another big challenge coming up this week, as does our whole offensive line.”

Q: Do you feel like Xavier Worthy had an impact on the game beyond the times that he got the ball?

REID:&nbsp;“I think they (the Ravens) definitely gave him (Xavier Worthy) – they honored his speed, for sure, with how they played when he was in. Then, the impact, other than the plays he made, I thought he did a nice job there. I think he showed he can not only go down the field, when needed, he can also – and I know it was a busted coverage, but he can do that – and that he does have speed and some versatility going across the middle (of the field). He had a nice grab across the middle. I think people – obviously, the teams that we play will see that. If they didn’t know it before, they know it now.”

Q:&nbsp;Why did you feel like kicking every kickoff through the back of the endzone for a touchback and what was the strategy there at this point in the season?

REID:&nbsp;“We just kind of went off the stats that we had, and we felt that that was the best way to go. In a perfect world, if you can kick it right to the goal line and kind of skip it down in there, that’d be great. As you saw in the games yesterday, you saw people trying to do that and then it bounces out of bounds, or they get it before the end zone line and goal line and then they return it for a big return. Then, you look at vice versa, they’re saying, ‘Well we had a chance to return it, we got it past the 30 (yard line),’ that’s just kind of what it is. You got to be spot on with the kick and that’s a lot to ask there.”

Q:&nbsp;How optimistic are you in regard to getting Hollywood Brown back and will you be cautious with his usage considering his importance?

REID:&nbsp;“You froze there for a little bit, but I think you were asking about the timeline. With (Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver) Tyreek (Hill), listen everybody’s different but it’s the same type of injury. He’s getting close. I know he’s (Hollywood Brown) feeling better. We just got to kind of see where it goes from here. They’ve been doing these periodic tests on him and making sure that he’s headed in the right direction and scans and all that. (It) looks like it’s heading in the right direction, now we just have to see where it goes from there.”

Q:&nbsp;What is it about the first couple weeks of the league that creates so much uncertainty for some teams?

REID:&nbsp;“You really don’t know. These guys all have an opportunity like we do – coaches I'm saying, have an opportunity to put in new things in the offseason – work on, they’re not going to show them during the preseason games so you got to be in a position where you’re doing things that you know best and also things that you can adjust to that they might show you. There’s got to be a little bit of flexibility in your thinking when you go into this – the first three or four games of the season.”<a></a>

Q: What do you think of Bengals Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo and his defense? What has made it unique over the years?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s (Bengals Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo) got a little bit of everything, and they do it so well. I think that’s why he’s so excited to have a safety back there, now because he’s the director of that bunch. Lou (Anarumo) is going to throw a whole lot of different pitches at you. You know you got to keep swinging because they’re not all going to – you’re not going to hit every one of them. He does a heck of a job at that.”

Q: What do your Sundays look like when the Chiefs aren’t playing?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I ran to church and then came in and watched the games right here. Watched the Bengals game on TV first (and) got some work done, our coaches were all in here and that was it.”

REID:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, (I) absolutely love it. Yeah, it’s a good part of it – it’s probably the same thing you guys did, so I mean – you probably watched the games. We had one specific team (Cincinnati Bengals) we had to take a peek at and see what they were doing.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you feel about your secondary’s performance after being able to go back and watch the film?

REID:&nbsp;“I mentioned it after the game that I thought (Joshua) Williams and (Jaylen) Watson made some nice plays on the ball. Listen, I thought the guys did a good job. I mean are there things they would like to have back? Yeah – and that we need to keep working on? Yes, but they also made some plays in there and I thought I took that as a positive, something we can build on. Both of those two have been banged up a little bit. Watson during camp, obviously with the surgery part of it and then just coming back, he was one of those guys that didn’t get a lot of reps. I think he’s just going to keep playing himself kind of into playing shape. Then, Williams missed the last little bit with the hamstring. Anyways, it was good to get those guys going and back in the game. Nazeeh (Johnson) – Nazeeh had the chance to do some things on special teams, had a big play there and he’ll keep working in there too.”

Q: How long do you think it’ll take Samaje Perine to be fully immersed in the offense?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I think he’s (Samaje Perine) got it down, where I’m comfortable with him playing. It’s good to have those three guys (running backs) that you feel comfortable with. Perine has always been a real good protection guy, a third down back as well as a first or second (down) back but somebody you feel real comfortable in there playing on third down with all the crazy blitzes that take place.”

Q:&nbsp;How long does it usually take a guy to get physically acclimated to where he’s 100% in football shape? How do you gauge that?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesSeptember 9, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“We’re a distance from the Ravens game and well into the Cincinnati Bengals but I can give you a quick recap on the Ravens game. I felt like we did some good things in all three phases with plenty of room to improve in all three phases. It was good to get some the players in that hadn’t really had a lot of the training camp reps. We had six or so players that had limited reps or no reps during our time up at St. Joe, so it was good to get those guys in there and working. I think that’ll pay off for us down the road just with the reps that they received there, and the play time. Most of those guys were on the defensive side of the ball and then Joe Thuney on the offensive side. We came out relatively healthy, there’s really nothing to report. We’ll see how Hollywood (Brown) works out with all of his tests (that) he’s going to have this week, but we’ll just see where he’s at. Other than that, I really don’t have anything to report in that area (injuries). With that, time’s yours.”Q: What have you seen from Kingsley Suamataia?REID:&nbsp;“I thought Kingsley (Suamataia) did some good things, plenty to work on going forward but for his first time jumping in there – I guess, what I really think is a pretty good defensive line, I thought he held his own but there are things that he’s got to work on. He needs to get ready, he’s got another big challenge coming up this week, as does our whole offensive line.”Q: Do you feel like Xavier Worthy had an impact on the game beyond the times that he got the ball?REID:&nbsp;“I think they (the Ravens) definitely gave him (Xavier Worthy) – they honored his speed, for sure, with how they played when he was in. Then, the impact, other than the plays he made, I thought he did a nice job there. I think he showed he can not only go down the field, when needed, he can also – and I know it was a busted coverage, but he can do that – and that he does have speed and some versatility going across the middle (of the field). He had a nice grab across the middle. I think people – obviously, the teams that we play will see that. If they didn’t know it before, they know it now.”Q:&nbsp;Why did you feel like kicking every kickoff through the back of the endzone for a touchback and what was the strategy there at this point in the season?REID:&nbsp;“We just kind of went off the stats that we had, and we felt that that was the best way to go. In a perfect world, if you can kick it right to the goal line and kind of skip it down in there, that’d be great. As you saw in the games yesterday, you saw people trying to do that and then it bounces out of bounds, or they get it before the end zone line and goal line and then they return it for a big return. Then, you look at vice versa, they’re saying, ‘Well we had a chance to return it, we got it past the 30 (yard line),’ that’s just kind of what it is. You got to be spot on with the kick and that’s a lot to ask there.”Q:&nbsp;How optimistic are you in regard to getting Hollywood Brown back and will you be cautious with his usage considering his importance?REID:&nbsp;“You froze there for a little bit, but I think you were asking about the timeline. With (Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver) Tyreek (Hill), listen everybody’s different but it’s the same type of injury. He’s getting close. I know he’s (Hollywood Brown) feeling better. We just got to kind of see where it goes from here. They’ve been doing these periodic tests on him and making sure that he’s headed in the right direction and scans and all that. (It) looks like it’s heading in the right direction, now we just have to see where it goes from there.”Q:&nbsp;What is it about the first couple weeks of the league that creates so much uncertainty for some teams?REID:&nbsp;“You really don’t know. These guys all have an opportunity like we do – coaches I'm saying, have an opportunity to put in new things in the offseason – work on, they’re not going to show them during the preseason games so you got to be in a position where you’re doing things that you know best and also things that you can adjust to that they might show you. There’s got to be a little bit of flexibility in your thinking when you go into this – the first three or four games of the season.”<a></a>Q: What do you think of Bengals Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo and his defense? What has made it unique over the years?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s (Bengals Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo) got a little bit of everything, and they do it so well. I think that’s why he’s so excited to have a safety back there, now because he’s the director of that bunch. Lou (Anarumo) is going to throw a whole lot of different pitches at you. You know you got to keep swinging because they’re not all going to – you’re not going to hit every one of them. He does a heck of a job at that.”Q: What do your Sundays look like when the Chiefs aren’t playing?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I ran to church and then came in and watched the games right here. Watched the Bengals game on TV first (and) got some work done, our coaches were all in here and that was it.”Q: Is that fun for you?REID:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, (I) absolutely love it. Yeah, it’s a good part of it – it’s probably the same thing you guys did, so I mean – you probably watched the games. We had one specific team (Cincinnati Bengals) we had to take a peek at and see what they were doing.”Q:&nbsp;How do you feel about your secondary’s performance after being able to go back and watch the film?REID:&nbsp;“I mentioned it after the game that I thought (Joshua) Williams and (Jaylen) Watson made some nice plays on the ball. Listen, I thought the guys did a good job. I mean are there things they would like to have back? Yeah – and that we need to keep working on? Yes, but they also made some plays in there and I thought I took that as a positive, something we can build on. Both of those two have been banged up a little bit. Watson during camp, obviously with the surgery part of it and then just coming back, he was one of those guys that didn’t get a lot of reps. I think he’s just going to keep playing himself kind of into playing shape. Then, Williams missed the last little bit with the hamstring. Anyways, it was good to get those guys going and back in the game. Nazeeh (Johnson) – Nazeeh had the chance to do some things on special teams, had a big play there and he’ll keep working in there too.”Q: How long do you think it’ll take Samaje Perine to be fully immersed in the offense?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I think he’s (Samaje Perine) got it down, where I’m comfortable with him playing. It’s good to have those three guys (running backs) that you feel comfortable with. Perine has always been a real good protection guy, a third down back as well as a first or second (down) back but somebody you feel real comfortable in there playing on third down with all the crazy blitzes that take place.”Q:&nbsp;How long does it usually take a guy to get physically acclimated to where he’s 100% in football shape? How do you gauge that?

Chiefs Quotes: 9-9-24

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced Monday that Kansas State’s Big 12-opening contest at BYU on September 21 will kick at 9:30 p.m. (CT), and will be televised by ESPN. It will be the Wildcats’ first game to kick off past 9 p.m. (CT) since a contest at UCLA in 2009.

This will be the ninth all-time meeting between the Wildcats and Cougars and the first since the 1997 (post-1996 season) Cotton Bowl. It will be the first matchup in Provo since 1977 as the teams played seven times in either Provo or Manhattan between 1957 and 1977.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced Monday that Kansas State’s Big 12-opening contest at BYU on September 21 will kick at 9:30 p.m. (CT), and will be televised by ESPN. It will be the Wildcats’ first game to kick off past 9 p.m. (CT) since a contest at UCLA in 2009.This will be the ninth all-time meeting between the Wildcats and Cougars and the first since the 1997 (post-1996 season) Cotton Bowl. It will be the first matchup in Provo since 1977 as the teams played seven times in either Provo or Manhattan between 1957 and 1977.

K-State’s Conference Opener at BYU Set for 9:30 Night Kick

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football opens Big 12 Conference play on Saturday, Sept. 21, at West Virginia. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. CT and be televised on ESPN2, the conference announced on Monday.

This will be the 13th meeting all-time between Kansas and West Virginia in a series that dates back to 1941. The last 12 contests between the programs have taken place since WVU joined the Big 12 prior to the 2012 season. West Virginia leads the series 10-2, but the Jayhawks won the last matchup, claiming a 55-42 overtime victory in Morgantown on Sept. 10, 2022, which was also the conference opener for both teams. Last season was the first time since West Virginia joined the Big 12 that the teams did not face each other.

Kansas is 3-3 when appearing on ESPN2 under fourth-year head coach Lance Leipold. Last season, the Jayhawks went 2-0 when playing on the network, with victories over Illinois at home and on the road at Cincinnati.

Kansas is 1-1 on the year following a 23-17 defeat at Illinois on Sept. 7. The Jayhawks will host UNLV on Friday, Sept. 13, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, before heading to West Virginia on Sept. 21.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football opens Big 12 Conference play on Saturday, Sept. 21, at West Virginia. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. CT and be televised on ESPN2, the conference announced on Monday.This will be the 13th meeting all-time between Kansas and West Virginia in a series that dates back to 1941. The last 12 contests between the programs have taken place since WVU joined the Big 12 prior to the 2012 season. West Virginia leads the series 10-2, but the Jayhawks won the last matchup, claiming a 55-42 overtime victory in Morgantown on Sept. 10, 2022, which was also the conference opener for both teams. Last season was the first time since West Virginia joined the Big 12 that the teams did not face each other.Kansas is 3-3 when appearing on ESPN2 under fourth-year head coach Lance Leipold. Last season, the Jayhawks went 2-0 when playing on the network, with victories over Illinois at home and on the road at Cincinnati.Kansas is 1-1 on the year following a 23-17 defeat at Illinois on Sept. 7. The Jayhawks will host UNLV on Friday, Sept. 13, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, before heading to West Virginia on Sept. 21.

Kickoff for Big 12 Opener at WVU Set for 11 a.m. on ESPN2

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d2fc557-e151-4517-9b13-c1c24bf0f8f5?elinkdata=11998">Luke Armstrong</a> has been selected as the KCAC Football Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts for the Coyotes in this week's game.

The KCAC Player of the Week program is nominated and selected by conference sports information directors for outstanding individual efforts from the past week. The award is presented at the conference level by Equity Bank.

Armstrong helped lead the Coyotes to a 54-16 win over rival Bethany on Saturday in Lindsborg. The Coyotes picked up their 10th straight win in the all-time series, the second longest streak by either team in the series.

Armstrong rushed eight times for 168 yards and two touchdowns, which included a 90-yard run. He averaged 21.0 yards per rush for the game. He also was a key part of Wesleyan's successes on special teams as he returned a kickoff 85 yards for a score immediately after Bethany had scored a touchdown.

McPherson's Nehemiah Figueroa was the KCAC Defensive Player of the Week with 12 tackles and three interceptions in the Bulldogs' 42-30 win over Sterling.

Evangel's Jonah Edwards was the KCAC Special Teams Player of the Week. Edwards scored 15 of Evangel's 33 points in the game, with four field goals and three extra points. He was perfect on both occasions.

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d2fc557-e151-4517-9b13-c1c24bf0f8f5?elinkdata=11998">Luke Armstrong</a> has been selected as the KCAC Football Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts for the Coyotes in this week's game.The KCAC Player of the Week program is nominated and selected by conference sports information directors for outstanding individual efforts from the past week. The award is presented at the conference level by Equity Bank.Armstrong helped lead the Coyotes to a 54-16 win over rival Bethany on Saturday in Lindsborg. The Coyotes picked up their 10th straight win in the all-time series, the second longest streak by either team in the series.Armstrong rushed eight times for 168 yards and two touchdowns, which included a 90-yard run. He averaged 21.0 yards per rush for the game. He also was a key part of Wesleyan's successes on special teams as he returned a kickoff 85 yards for a score immediately after Bethany had scored a touchdown.McPherson's Nehemiah Figueroa was the KCAC Defensive Player of the Week with 12 tackles and three interceptions in the Bulldogs' 42-30 win over Sterling.Evangel's Jonah Edwards was the KCAC Special Teams Player of the Week. Edwards scored 15 of Evangel's 33 points in the game, with four field goals and three extra points. He was perfect on both occasions.

Armstrong earns KCAC Football weekly honor

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced that&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;was named the Kansas City Royals 2024 nominee for the&nbsp;Roberto Clemente&nbsp;Award presented by Capital One, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers. This is Salvy’s third nomination in four years.

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

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

Salvador Perez’s status as one of the most loved and respected athletes in Kansas City history was cemented in 2023 when he was named the fourth captain in Royals history, and the second since 1993. In July, he was named to his ninth American League All-Star team, only&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;has more in Royals history. He is the strength and soul behind one of the greatest team turnarounds in baseball history.

Around baseball and beyond, Salvy is known for his generosity and kind heart as much as his World Series MVP award and Hall of Fame credentials. Salvy is a shining example of humanitarianism, creating opportunity and better outcomes for the less fortunate in his native Venezuela and here in the United States with a focus on Healthy and Active Communities, which is one of the key initiatives of Royals Community Impact.

Back home every winter, Salvy and his family pass out bags of food and kitchen supplies to upwards of 2,000 homes in the neediest parts of his hometown of Valencia. He knocks on doors and often goes to the pharmacy for those who need medicine. Over the last decade, he has impacted over 10,000 families who have received much needed relief directly from Salvy.

Furthermore, Salvy has paid for dozens of surgeries for kids with cleft lip, annually gives more than 1,000 toys to children’s hospitals, and supports police officers with car repairs, computers, office renovations, and more.

He also regularly travels to Colombia to assist the&nbsp;Carlos Fortuna&nbsp;Foundation in helping adults there be the best parents they can be. During the COVID-19 shutdown, Colombia set strict travel guidelines. Salvy was so determined to help that he crossed the border on foot, at significant personal risk, to be there for the families who counted on him.

In the U.S., Salvy has partnered with multiple organizations fighting against ALS, most notably&nbsp;Sarah’s Soldiers, raising money and awareness to find a cure. Additionally, he works with&nbsp;Braden’s Hope&nbsp;for Childhood Cancer, who have come to count on Salvy’s generous spirit for dozens of events, often providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences for terminally ill kids.

Beyond those struggling with illness, Salvy has regularly provided support and baseball experiences for teachers and many families of fallen or wounded police officers.

Salvy owns a youth league in Venezuela, where hundreds in Valencia learn to love the game. He provides well-kept fields and professional coaches. At the beginning of each season, the kids are given bags with spikes, running shoes, jerseys, gloves, and financial support for their families. Beyond baseball, Salvy also takes time to speak to each kid about the dangers of drugs, the importance of education, and other critical lessons for successful lives.

In Kansas City, Salvy gave a $1 million foundational donation to the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, which is one of MLB’s eight youth academies and empowers Kansas City’s urban youth through baseball and softball, as well as academic and social opportunities to become the leaders of tomorrow. Salvy’s donation matches the biggest in the UYA’s history, helping it welcome over 60,000 youth since its inception in 2018. Additionally, Salvy has represented Major League Baseball in many initiatives, including the Nike RBI Program, and regularly donates his time and memorabilia to the Dream Factory.

Earlier this summer, Salvy hosted more than 100 kids from Kansas City’s urban core for a baseball clinic and inspirational conversation about education and health. He provided funding for each kid to go home with a backpack filled with necessary school supplies for the upcoming year.

Salvador Perez is the model for a great teammate on and off the field – relentlessly making himself and those around him better. His professional career and adult life are devoted to building support and opportunities for this and future generations to live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.

“The Royals are in this business to win baseball games, but it’s much more than that,” said Royals Chairman and CEO&nbsp;John Sherman. “Having an impact on a community is a big part of our mission, and Salvy is leading that charge for us.”

“Roberto Clemente is a hero for all of us, especially knowing where he came from and what he did for other people,” said Salvador Perez. “I play baseball because I love it, and I am so grateful the game gives us the chance to help people who need it.”

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

The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One will be honored at the 2024 World Series following selection by a blue-ribbon panel. This panel includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children,&nbsp;Enrique,&nbsp;Luis&nbsp;and&nbsp;Roberto Clemente, Jr.&nbsp;Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One via&nbsp;<a href="http://mlbtogether.com/clementeaward" target="_blank">MLBTogether.com/clementeaward</a>&nbsp;(in both English and Spanish). The site, which will feature bios of each of the nominees, will allow fans to vote until the end of the season on Sunday, September 29th. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the blue-ribbon panel.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced that&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;was named the Kansas City Royals 2024 nominee for the&nbsp;Roberto Clemente&nbsp;Award presented by Capital One, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers. This is Salvy’s third nomination in four years.The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character.&nbsp;Salvador Perez’s status as one of the most loved and respected athletes in Kansas City history was cemented in 2023 when he was named the fourth captain in Royals history, and the second since 1993. In July, he was named to his ninth American League All-Star team, only&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;has more in Royals history. He is the strength and soul behind one of the greatest team turnarounds in baseball history.Around baseball and beyond, Salvy is known for his generosity and kind heart as much as his World Series MVP award and Hall of Fame credentials. Salvy is a shining example of humanitarianism, creating opportunity and better outcomes for the less fortunate in his native Venezuela and here in the United States with a focus on Healthy and Active Communities, which is one of the key initiatives of Royals Community Impact.Healthy CommunitiesBack home every winter, Salvy and his family pass out bags of food and kitchen supplies to upwards of 2,000 homes in the neediest parts of his hometown of Valencia. He knocks on doors and often goes to the pharmacy for those who need medicine. Over the last decade, he has impacted over 10,000 families who have received much needed relief directly from Salvy.Furthermore, Salvy has paid for dozens of surgeries for kids with cleft lip, annually gives more than 1,000 toys to children’s hospitals, and supports police officers with car repairs, computers, office renovations, and more.He also regularly travels to Colombia to assist the&nbsp;Carlos Fortuna&nbsp;Foundation in helping adults there be the best parents they can be. During the COVID-19 shutdown, Colombia set strict travel guidelines. Salvy was so determined to help that he crossed the border on foot, at significant personal risk, to be there for the families who counted on him.In the U.S., Salvy has partnered with multiple organizations fighting against ALS, most notably&nbsp;Sarah’s Soldiers, raising money and awareness to find a cure. Additionally, he works with&nbsp;Braden’s Hope&nbsp;for Childhood Cancer, who have come to count on Salvy’s generous spirit for dozens of events, often providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences for terminally ill kids.Beyond those struggling with illness, Salvy has regularly provided support and baseball experiences for teachers and many families of fallen or wounded police officers.Active CommunitiesSalvy owns a youth league in Venezuela, where hundreds in Valencia learn to love the game. He provides well-kept fields and professional coaches. At the beginning of each season, the kids are given bags with spikes, running shoes, jerseys, gloves, and financial support for their families. Beyond baseball, Salvy also takes time to speak to each kid about the dangers of drugs, the importance of education, and other critical lessons for successful lives.In Kansas City, Salvy gave a $1 million foundational donation to the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, which is one of MLB’s eight youth academies and empowers Kansas City’s urban youth through baseball and softball, as well as academic and social opportunities to become the leaders of tomorrow. Salvy’s donation matches the biggest in the UYA’s history, helping it welcome over 60,000 youth since its inception in 2018. Additionally, Salvy has represented Major League Baseball in many initiatives, including the Nike RBI Program, and regularly donates his time and memorabilia to the Dream Factory.Earlier this summer, Salvy hosted more than 100 kids from Kansas City’s urban core for a baseball clinic and inspirational conversation about education and health. He provided funding for each kid to go home with a backpack filled with necessary school supplies for the upcoming year.Salvador Perez is the model for a great teammate on and off the field – relentlessly making himself and those around him better. His professional career and adult life are devoted to building support and opportunities for this and future generations to live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.“The Royals are in this business to win baseball games, but it’s much more than that,” said Royals Chairman and CEO&nbsp;John Sherman. “Having an impact on a community is a big part of our mission, and Salvy is leading that charge for us.”“Roberto Clemente is a hero for all of us, especially knowing where he came from and what he did for other people,” said Salvador Perez. “I play baseball because I love it, and I am so grateful the game gives us the chance to help people who need it.”Sunday, September 15th marks the annual Roberto Clemente Day presented by Capital One, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and to formally acknowledge Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards and a customized tribute video to Clemente and the 30 Roberto Clemente Award nominees will be shown in all MLB ballparks on Roberto Clemente Day as well as on MLB Network, MLB.com,&nbsp;<a href="http://mlb.tv/" target="_blank">MLB.TV</a>, Club sites and MLB Social Media Platforms.The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One will be honored at the 2024 World Series following selection by a blue-ribbon panel. This panel includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children,&nbsp;Enrique,&nbsp;Luis&nbsp;and&nbsp;Roberto Clemente, Jr.&nbsp;Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One via&nbsp;<a href="http://mlbtogether.com/clementeaward" target="_blank">MLBTogether.com/clementeaward</a>&nbsp;(in both English and Spanish). The site, which will feature bios of each of the nominees, will allow fans to vote until the end of the season on Sunday, September 29th. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the blue-ribbon panel.&nbsp;

Salvador Perez named Royals nominee for Roberto Clemente Award

Hello and happy Monday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

If there was one team the Kansas City Royals desperately needed to distance themselves from it was the Minnesota Twins, and on Sunday, Michael Wacha pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Garrett Hampson and Salvador Perez drove in runs and the Royals beat the Twins 2-0 to complete a series sweep of their closest pursuers in the AL wild-card.

Wacha struck out seven while allowing just one walk in his 100th career win. He got plenty of help from his defense, which turned two double plays and threw out a runner trying to score from first base in the first inning.

With the Sweep, the Royals are now 2.5 games up on the Twins for the second Wild Card Spot and just 2.5 games behind Cleveland for first in the AL Central

In case you missed it we’ve also got a quick college football update from over the weekend where 14th-ranked Kansas State handed Tulane a 34-27 loss thanks to two Avery Johnson Touchdowns

Saturday also saw Kansas fall to Illinois 23-17 on the road, and more locally saw the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes steamroll Bethany 54-16 to bounce back to 1-1 on the year. K-Dub will be back at home to take on Southwestern College later this week.

And finally, with high school football season officially underway we’ve got three more great broadcasts coming your way this week as Southeast of Saline travels to Clay Center, Sacred Heart hosts Plainville and Chapman takes on Abilene on our Salina Post Game of the Week, all three games kick off at 7

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

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 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F9k4xJmxKyc"></iframe>
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 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Monday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________If there was one team the Kansas City Royals desperately needed to distance themselves from it was the Minnesota Twins, and on Sunday, Michael Wacha pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Garrett Hampson and Salvador Perez drove in runs and the Royals beat the Twins 2-0 to complete a series sweep of their closest pursuers in the AL wild-card.Wacha struck out seven while allowing just one walk in his 100th career win. He got plenty of help from his defense, which turned two double plays and threw out a runner trying to score from first base in the first inning.With the Sweep, the Royals are now 2.5 games up on the Twins for the second Wild Card Spot and just 2.5 games behind Cleveland for first in the AL Central_________In case you missed it we’ve also got a quick college football update from over the weekend where 14th-ranked Kansas State handed Tulane a 34-27 loss thanks to two Avery Johnson TouchdownsSaturday also saw Kansas fall to Illinois 23-17 on the road, and more locally saw the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes steamroll Bethany 54-16 to bounce back to 1-1 on the year. K-Dub will be back at home to take on Southwestern College later this week._________And finally, with high school football season officially underway we’ve got three more great broadcasts coming your way this week as Southeast of Saline travels to Clay Center, Sacred Heart hosts Plainville and Chapman takes on Abilene on our Salina Post Game of the Week, all three games kick off at 7_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — September 9

Fox Sports is spending $375 million to put Tom Brady in the broadcast booth, and the network wants to make sure everyone knows he's there.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion made his debut as an NFL analyst during the Fox broadcast of the regular-season opener between the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-browns-score-prescott-feb488f0ef615d78ae50c1935b93b58d">Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns</a>&nbsp;on Sunday. But first came a Brady hype video leading into the pregame show, where the studio team admitted they couldn't help but “fanboy” over their new co-worker.

“You’re a broadcaster, how about that!” play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt said when the camera cut to the booth in Cleveland, where Brady, in a coat and tie, made his first live appearance on screen. The former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback was identified when they cut to the booth as a “7-time Super Bowl champion.”

And that, as the kids say, is a nice flex.

Sideline reporter Erin Andrews made sure to let Dallas coach Mike McCarthy know that Brady had been complimentary of his play calling. Charissa Thompson gave him a couple of shout-outs when she broke in with score updates on the game between Tampa Bay, one of his former teams, and the Washington Commanders.

Burkhardt joked during during another on-screen appearance that he paid extra attention to his hair because he knew there would be more shots of the broadcast booth.

“I do what they tell me. I understand that," Brady said with a chuckle. "I’m still a rookie in here.”

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725886459011.png" alt="Tom Brady during the opening of his first broadcast courtesy video from Fox Sports" />
 <figcaption>Tom Brady during the opening of his first broadcast courtesy video from Fox Sports</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports WriterFox Sports is spending $375 million to put Tom Brady in the broadcast booth, and the network wants to make sure everyone knows he's there.The seven-time Super Bowl champion made his debut as an NFL analyst during the Fox broadcast of the regular-season opener between the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-browns-score-prescott-feb488f0ef615d78ae50c1935b93b58d">Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns</a>&nbsp;on Sunday. But first came a Brady hype video leading into the pregame show, where the studio team admitted they couldn't help but “fanboy” over their new co-worker.“You’re a broadcaster, how about that!” play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt said when the camera cut to the booth in Cleveland, where Brady, in a coat and tie, made his first live appearance on screen. The former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback was identified when they cut to the booth as a “7-time Super Bowl champion.”And that, as the kids say, is a nice flex.Sideline reporter Erin Andrews made sure to let Dallas coach Mike McCarthy know that Brady had been complimentary of his play calling. Charissa Thompson gave him a couple of shout-outs when she broke in with score updates on the game between Tampa Bay, one of his former teams, and the Washington Commanders.Burkhardt joked during during another on-screen appearance that he paid extra attention to his hair because he knew there would be more shots of the broadcast booth.“I do what they tell me. I understand that," Brady said with a chuckle. "I’m still a rookie in here.”To the viewers, that was obvious.Brady’s commentary was knowledgeable, as expected, but also lacking in personality — no Tony Romo anticipating the next play, no John Madden with his “Boom!” and turducken, not even the quarter-zip sweaters that make Peyton Manning stand out from the dozens or hundreds of other ex-jocks who joined the media when their playing careers were over.There were awkward laughs, a cringey fist-bump with rules analyst Mike Pereira, and a lot of calling players by their first names (along with an unnecessarily deferential reference to “Coach McCarthy”). Brady declined to call out Cleveland receiver Amari Cooper when a pass went through his hands in the fourth quarter and made excuses for the Browns while trying to find positives in a dreadful performance.As one&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LouSchoolBeat/status/1832892612925108354">X user tweeted</a>, “Tom Brady is to broadcasting as Michael Jordan is to baseball.”(Of course Brady, a sixth-round draft pick who spent his first NFL season as the Patriots fourth-string quarterback, managed to grow into the quarterbacking thing just fine.)It didn't help that the game, which Dallas led 27-3 early in the second half, was headed toward a blowout that would challenge even a veteran broadcaster to hold the audience's interest. But that's where Brady was able to deploy his experience as an asset.“There's plenty of time left in this game,” said the quarterback who famously led the Patriots back from a 28-3 deficit in Super Bowl 51 against Atlanta. “Just the margin of error's slim.”On one play, Brady called for Deshaun Watson to throw it to an open tight end; the Browns quarterback didn't see it.Brady played 23 years in the NFL before retiring after the 2022 season as the most decorated player in league history. He signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-brady-tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-super-bowl-entertainment-26e0c189f488a48ec28abf7bfc3e06d7">a 10-year deal with Fox Sports</a>&nbsp;— replacing the well-regarded Greg Olsen as the network's lead analyst. Brady took last year off, a gap that only added to the anticipation over whether he could transfer some of his on-field knowledge and skills to the booth.A commercial a few minutes before the kickoff featured Brady in his various football uniforms talking to his current self, questioning why he didn’t just take the estimated $450 million he earned in his playing career and “lay on a beach getting fat on pina coladas.”“What they’re really asking is why don’t you quit football?’ They don’t understand that you live and breathe for football. Because you’re Tom Freaking Brady,” a succession of helmeted Bradys say. “And our football journey isn’t even close to done.”“Back to work,” the current Brady says.With five Super Bowl MVP awards in his seven victories in the NFL title game — six for New England and one for Tampa Bay — Brady established himself as the greatest player in league history. He retired with the career records for wins and playoff wins, passing touchdowns and playoff passing touchdowns, and passing yards and playoff passing yards, among other bests.And while he couldn't completely avoid controversy in his career — most notably during the two-year Deflategate odyssey that led to a four-game suspension for cheating — Brady rarely made news with anything he said.Brady’s new career has already seen a setback because his concurrent attempt to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-meetings-goodell-brady-raiders-b6935115a324caaad2252ba1b9b0d5e5">purchase a minority share in the Las Vegas Raiders</a>&nbsp;means he won't have the access to team facilities, players and coaches that other broadcasters receive. He also must abide by the league constitution and bylaws that prohibit public criticism of officials and other clubs; he is allowed to broadcast Raiders games.The much-anticipated debut stole some of the attention from the game between the defending NFC East champion Cowboys, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-dak-prescott-contract-318da54828e8bd96d7010f82c6dcfe22">signed quarterback Dak Prescott</a>&nbsp;to a record-setting four-year, $240 million contract earlier Sunday, and a Browns team that isn't expected to make the playoffs.As the final 30 seconds ticked off on the Cowboys’ 33-17 victory, Brady and Burkhardt discussed their new partnership as much as the game itself. Back in the studio, Michael Strahan picked Brady — not any of the players — as the day’s biggest winner, and Brady shared some wisdom he got from his fellow athlete-turned-TV personality: “You’re going to wake up tomorrow, on Monday morning, you ain’t going to be sore.”“That,” Brady said, “I’m very happy about.”