ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered and drove in three runs, Bobby Witt Jr. had four hits and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 9-4 on Thursday night.

Michael Lorenzen (7-11) gave up two earned runs and five hits with a season-high nine strikeouts and no walks in 5 2/3 innings for the Royals.

Jo Adell, Nolan Schanuel and Mike Trout each homered for the Angels. Trout’s two-run shot — his 23rd of the season and 401st of his career — cut Kansas City's lead to 5-4 in eighth.

However, the Royals scored four in the top of the ninth, a rally highlighted by Salvador Perez’s two-out, three-run double off Angels reliever Sam Bachman, to pull away.

Mitch Farris (1-3) gave up four earned runs and five hits in five innings, striking out five and walking two, for the Angels, who have lost 11 of 13 games.

Pasquantino’s team-leading 32nd homer, a two-run shot to right field in the first, gave him a team-high 110 RBIs on the season. Adell pulled the Angels to 2-1 in the second with his team-high 37th homer.

Pasquantino had a run-scoring fielder’s choice in the third and Witt had an RBI double in the fifth to push the lead to 5-1.

Schanuel’s solo shot in the sixth brought the Angels back within two, but Adam Frazier’s pinch-hit RBI single in the eight made it 5-2.

Bachman was one strike away from escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth, but Perez hit a drive off the base of the center-field wall for his game-breaking hit.

The Angels struck out 13 times, bringing their major league-leading total to 1,603 — tied for fourth-most in major league history. With three games left, the Angels are 51 shy of Minnesota’s single-season record of 1,654 strikeouts, set in 2023.

Angels RHP Kyle Hendricks (8-10, 4.79 ERA) will start against Astros RHP Jason Alexander (4-2, 4.83 ERA) at home on Friday.

Royals LHP Noah Cameron (9-7, 2.90 ERA) will start against Athletics RHP Luis Morales (4-2, 3.07) on Friday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758868468549.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered and drove in three runs, Bobby Witt Jr. had four hits and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 9-4 on Thursday night.</p><p>Michael Lorenzen (7-11) gave up two earned runs and five hits with a season-high nine strikeouts and no walks in 5 2/3 innings for the Royals.</p><p>Jo Adell, Nolan Schanuel and Mike Trout each homered for the Angels. Trout’s two-run shot — his 23rd of the season and 401st of his career — cut Kansas City's lead to 5-4 in eighth.</p><p>However, the Royals scored four in the top of the ninth, a rally highlighted by Salvador Perez’s two-out, three-run double off Angels reliever Sam Bachman, to pull away.</p><p>Mitch Farris (1-3) gave up four earned runs and five hits in five innings, striking out five and walking two, for the Angels, who have lost 11 of 13 games.</p><p>Pasquantino’s team-leading 32nd homer, a two-run shot to right field in the first, gave him a team-high 110 RBIs on the season. Adell pulled the Angels to 2-1 in the second with his team-high 37th homer.</p><p>Pasquantino had a run-scoring fielder’s choice in the third and Witt had an RBI double in the fifth to push the lead to 5-1.</p><p>Schanuel’s solo shot in the sixth brought the Angels back within two, but Adam Frazier’s pinch-hit RBI single in the eight made it 5-2.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Bachman was one strike away from escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth, but Perez hit a drive off the base of the center-field wall for his game-breaking hit.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Angels struck out 13 times, bringing their major league-leading total to 1,603 — tied for fourth-most in major league history. With three games left, the Angels are 51 shy of Minnesota’s single-season record of 1,654 strikeouts, set in 2023.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Angels RHP Kyle Hendricks (8-10, 4.79 ERA) will start against Astros RHP Jason Alexander (4-2, 4.83 ERA) at home on Friday.</p><p>Royals LHP Noah Cameron (9-7, 2.90 ERA) will start against Athletics RHP Luis Morales (4-2, 3.07) on Friday.</p>

⚾ Pasquantino homers, Witt gets 4 hits as Royals beat Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Taylor Ward homered, Kenley Jansen earned his 475th career save and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night to avoid a series sweep.

Yusei Kikuchi (7-11) gave up just one hit while striking out six over five innings. He was removed with a left forearm cramp before the sixth. Jansen struck out two in the ninth for his 28th save of the season.

Luis Rengifo doubled and scored on Oswald Peraza's groundout in the second inning for a 1-0 lead. Ward added a 320-foot solo home run in the third to became one of just three MLB players this season with at least 35 homers, 100 RBIs and 30 doubles.

Royals' starter Stephen Kolek (5-7) went six innings, giving up three runs on five hits while striking out two. In the fourth, Kolek tried to cut down Peraza at second, but his throw sailed wide of second baseman Jonathan India, allowing Peraza to score for a 3-0 lead.

Randal Grichuk's homer in the fifth was the only hit given up Kikuchi.

Carter Jensen scored to bring the Royals within a run of Los Angeles in the seventh inning.

The Angels entered the night with the worst save percentage (51%) in the majors and the highest bullpen ERA in the AL at 4.87. Los Angeles won for just the second time in its last 12 games.

Second baseman Christian Moore laid out for a diving stop, then fired to first for the third out of the seventh, preserving the Angels’ 3–2 lead.

The Royals came into the night averaging the third-fewest team errors per game in the majors (0.37), but gave up three against Los Angeles.

<p>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Taylor Ward homered, Kenley Jansen earned his 475th career save and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night to avoid a series sweep.</p><p>Yusei Kikuchi (7-11) gave up just one hit while striking out six over five innings. He was removed with a left forearm cramp before the sixth. Jansen struck out two in the ninth for his 28th save of the season.</p><p>Luis Rengifo doubled and scored on Oswald Peraza's groundout in the second inning for a 1-0 lead. Ward added a 320-foot solo home run in the third to became one of just three MLB players this season with at least 35 homers, 100 RBIs and 30 doubles.</p><p>Royals' starter Stephen Kolek (5-7) went six innings, giving up three runs on five hits while striking out two. In the fourth, Kolek tried to cut down Peraza at second, but his throw sailed wide of second baseman Jonathan India, allowing Peraza to score for a 3-0 lead.</p><p>Randal Grichuk's homer in the fifth was the only hit given up Kikuchi.</p><p>Carter Jensen scored to bring the Royals within a run of Los Angeles in the seventh inning.</p><p>The Angels entered the night with the worst save percentage (51%) in the majors and the highest bullpen ERA in the AL at 4.87. Los Angeles won for just the second time in its last 12 games.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Second baseman Christian Moore laid out for a diving stop, then fired to first for the third out of the seventh, preserving the Angels’ 3–2 lead.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Royals came into the night averaging the third-fewest team errors per game in the majors (0.37), but gave up three against Los Angeles.</p><h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Ward homers, Jansen earns 475th save as Angels  beat the Royals

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Adam Frazier each drove in two runs, Salvador Perez moved into second place on Kansas City's career RBI list and the Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 8-4 on Tuesday night, shortly after being eliminated from postseason contention.

The Royals (79-78) were knocked out of the race for an AL wild card with five games remaining in their regular season. Kansas City, which reached the playoffs last season, has failed to qualify for the postseason in nine of the last 10 seasons.

Perez singled to center in the first inning to score Witt. It was the 35-year-old catcher's 97th RBI of the season and 1,013th of his career, moving him past Hal McRae. The Royals' all-time RBI leader is George Brett with 1,596.

Maikel Garcia went 3 for 4 with two doubles. It was Garcia's second career game with three hits and three runs scored, and his 11th three-hit game of the season.

Royals starter Cole Ragans (3-3) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out 10 over five innings in his second start since returning from the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain.

Bryce Teodosio hit his first career homer for the Angels in the fifth inning, in his 45th MLB game this season. Taylor Ward added his 35th homer, a career high, in the ninth inning for Los Angeles, which has lost 10 of its last 11 games.

Mike Trout was honored before his first at-bat for hitting his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trout-angels-home-run-821f396e4f35f7cdb9352779b4437f0c">400th career home run</a>&nbsp;against the Rockies in Colorado on Saturday.

The Royals’ batters recorded 15 hits, and the pitchers recorded 13 strikeouts.

The Royals Stephen Kolek (5-6, 3.54 ERA) faces the Angels Yusei Kikuchi (6-11, 4.05) on Wednesday night.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758707372628.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Adam Frazier each drove in two runs, Salvador Perez moved into second place on Kansas City's career RBI list and the Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 8-4 on Tuesday night, shortly after being eliminated from postseason contention.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Career RBI No. 1,013! <a href="https://t.co/Ih2RmcE1vc">https://t.co/Ih2RmcE1vc</a> <a href="https://t.co/ORPz0FLhMy">pic.twitter.com/ORPz0FLhMy</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1970670072944611738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The Royals (79-78) were knocked out of the race for an AL wild card with five games remaining in their regular season. Kansas City, which reached the playoffs last season, has failed to qualify for the postseason in nine of the last 10 seasons.</p><p>Perez singled to center in the first inning to score Witt. It was the 35-year-old catcher's 97th RBI of the season and 1,013th of his career, moving him past Hal McRae. The Royals' all-time RBI leader is George Brett with 1,596.</p><p>Maikel Garcia went 3 for 4 with two doubles. It was Garcia's second career game with three hits and three runs scored, and his 11th three-hit game of the season.</p><p>Royals starter Cole Ragans (3-3) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out 10 over five innings in his second start since returning from the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain.</p><p>Bryce Teodosio hit his first career homer for the Angels in the fifth inning, in his 45th MLB game this season. Taylor Ward added his 35th homer, a career high, in the ninth inning for Los Angeles, which has lost 10 of its last 11 games.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Mike Trout was honored before his first at-bat for hitting his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trout-angels-home-run-821f396e4f35f7cdb9352779b4437f0c">400th career home run</a>&nbsp;against the Rockies in Colorado on Saturday.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Royals’ batters recorded 15 hits, and the pitchers recorded 13 strikeouts.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>The Royals Stephen Kolek (5-6, 3.54 ERA) faces the Angels Yusei Kikuchi (6-11, 4.05) on Wednesday night.</p><p>___</p>

⚾ Witt, Frazier and Perez power Royals to win over the Angels

STILLWATER –&nbsp;Oklahoma State and&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/mike-gundy/3562">Mike Gundy</a>&nbsp;have parted ways, effective immediately, according to a media release from OSU Athletics.

Including his time as a player and coach, Gundy spent more than 30 years at Oklahoma State."Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy's leadership," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff-directory/chad-weiberg/369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said.

"I believe I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football."From 1986-89, Gundy quarterbacked some of OSU's most explosive offenses. 

He finished his playing career as the Big Eight Conference career passing leader. As head coach, he led the Cowboys to the best era of sustained success in program history, highlighted by a Big 12 championship in 2011, five New Year's Six bowl appearances and eight 10-win seasons. His 170 career coaching victories are 108 more than any other coach in school history."College football has changed drastically in the last few years, and the investment needed to compete at the highest level has never been more important," Weiberg said. 

"As we search for the next head coach of Cowboy Football, we are looking for someone who can lead our program in this new era. It is also important that we continue to support our student-athletes, our staff and our university through the season, and I hope that our fans continue to show that support in Boone Pickens Stadium this fall.

"Moving forward, it is critical for our fans, alumni and donors to align behind Cowboy Football," Weiberg said. "This is a pivotal moment, the stakes have never been higher and we need everyone on board."

"This is a decision about what's best for our football program, our student-athletes and Oklahoma State University and it reflects our unwavering commitment to championship-level football and competing for national success," said OSU President Jim Hess. 

"Coach Gundy dedicated decades of his life to OSU, achieving significant success and positively impacting hundreds of young men who wore the OSU uniform. His contributions to our university, both as a player and coach, deserve our profound respect and will not be forgotten. We are grateful for his service and wish him and his family the very best."

<p>STILLWATER –&nbsp;Oklahoma State and&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/mike-gundy/3562">Mike Gundy</a>&nbsp;have parted ways, effective immediately, according to a media release from OSU Athletics.</p><p>Including his time as a player and coach, Gundy spent more than 30 years at Oklahoma State."Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy's leadership," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff-directory/chad-weiberg/369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oklahoma State, Gundy part ways <a href="https://t.co/T2hVZdxEJX">https://t.co/T2hVZdxEJX</a> <a href="https://t.co/1mIPb6RHZN">pic.twitter.com/1mIPb6RHZN</a></p>&mdash; OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/CowboyFB/status/1970543676490158546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>"I believe I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football."From 1986-89, Gundy quarterbacked some of OSU's most explosive offenses. </p><p>He finished his playing career as the Big Eight Conference career passing leader. As head coach, he led the Cowboys to the best era of sustained success in program history, highlighted by a Big 12 championship in 2011, five New Year's Six bowl appearances and eight 10-win seasons. His 170 career coaching victories are 108 more than any other coach in school history."College football has changed drastically in the last few years, and the investment needed to compete at the highest level has never been more important," Weiberg said. </p><p>"As we search for the next head coach of Cowboy Football, we are looking for someone who can lead our program in this new era. It is also important that we continue to support our student-athletes, our staff and our university through the season, and I hope that our fans continue to show that support in Boone Pickens Stadium this fall.</p><p>"Moving forward, it is critical for our fans, alumni and donors to align behind Cowboy Football," Weiberg said. "This is a pivotal moment, the stakes have never been higher and we need everyone on board."</p><p>"This is a decision about what's best for our football program, our student-athletes and Oklahoma State University and it reflects our unwavering commitment to championship-level football and competing for national success," said OSU President Jim Hess. </p><p>"Coach Gundy dedicated decades of his life to OSU, achieving significant success and positively impacting hundreds of young men who wore the OSU uniform. His contributions to our university, both as a player and coach, deserve our profound respect and will not be forgotten. We are grateful for his service and wish him and his family the very best."</p>

🏈 Oklahoma State fires coach Mike Gundy after 21 seasons

<a><b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b></a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State will open the month of October with a second-straight morning kickoff as the Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced on Monday that the Wildcats’ October 4 game at Baylor will begin at 11 a.m. and be shown on ESPN+.

Kansas State holds a slim 11-10 edge in the series, while Baylor leads, 6-5, in games play in Waco. The Wildcats have won each of the last two meetings, earning a 31-3 victory in Waco in 2022 and a 59-25 triumph in Manhattan in 2023. The teams did not meet last season.

Kansas State opens its Big 12 home schedule by hosting UCF on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium in an 11 a.m., contest that will be shown on FS1. Tickets for the game are down to standing-room only and can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

<p>KSU Athletics</p><p><a><b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b></a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State will open the month of October with a second-straight morning kickoff as the Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced on Monday that the Wildcats’ October 4 game at Baylor will begin at 11 a.m. and be shown on ESPN+.</p><p>Kansas State holds a slim 11-10 edge in the series, while Baylor leads, 6-5, in games play in Waco. The Wildcats have won each of the last two meetings, earning a 31-3 victory in Waco in 2022 and a 59-25 triumph in Manhattan in 2023. The teams did not meet last season.</p><p>Kansas State opens its Big 12 home schedule by hosting UCF on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium in an 11 a.m., contest that will be shown on FS1. Tickets for the game are down to standing-room only and can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.</p>

K-State’s Game at Baylor to Kick at 11 a.m.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Mistakes and penalties threatened to derail the Kansas City Chiefs again early in a season that had not been going their way. Patrick Mahomes made a couple himself.

“I kept throwing the ball backwards,” Mahomes said. “That's not good.”

Mahomes recovered his backward pass, had plenty of good throws going forward and helped the&nbsp;<a href="https://obviously%20we%20didn't%20have%20the%20start%20we%20wanted,%20but%20it's%20a%20long%20season.%20just%20every%20week,%20just%20kind%20of%20go%20back%20to%20work,%20go%20back%20to%20square%20one%20trying%20to%20figure%20out%20things%20we%20can%20get%20better%20at.%20we%20had%20some%20success,%20found%20a%20way%20to%20win%20a%20football%20game,%20but%20there's%20obviously%20some%20stuff%20to%20clean%20up.%20it's%20huge.%20we've%20been%20searching%20for%20one%20win%20and%20try%20to%20figure%20out%20how%20we%20can%20get%20this%20thing%20going.%20the%20main%20thing%20now%20is%20just%20keep%20working,%20keep%20stacking%20and%20try%20to%20get%20another,%20then%20get%20another%20win./">Chiefs pick up their first win</a>&nbsp;of the season by beating the New York Giants 22-9 on Sunday night. Coach Andy Reid called it “a good win to get, in particular when you haven’t have one.”

“Obviously we didn’t have the start we wanted, but it’s a long season,” said linebacker Nick Bolton, who had a game-high 14 tackles. “We’ve been searching for one win and try to figure out how we can get this thing going. The main thing now is just keep working, keep stacking and try to get another, then get another win.”

Mahomes completed 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton to go along with a momentum-altering recovery by snatching the ball out of defender Bobby Okereke's hands. His on-the-run 33-yard throw to Thornton midway through the fourth quarter set up Kareem Hunt's 1-yard TD run that put the game away and sent many fans to the exits.

The Chiefs (1-2) avoided what would have been their first 0-3 start since 2011, two years before Reid took over and started an era that has included a trio of Super Bowl titles and two additional appearances — including trips the past three seasons.

The Giants fell to 0-3, with Russell Wilson throwing two interceptions and finishing 18 of 32 for 160 yards. Chants of “We want Dart!” followed Wilson's second pick, and while Jaxson Dart got in for a handful of snaps, all were handoffs.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giants-quarterbacks-jaxson-dart-41e26ea01a45929be47ef810161753cd">The first-round pick</a>&nbsp;and prospective quarterback of the future has yet to attempt a pass in his rookie season.

“When you don’t convert on third down, it’s hard to sustain anything,” coach Brian Daboll said of his team, which converted just once on 10 tries. "On offense, nothing was good enough. I would be booing too.”

Mahomes, who turned 30 this week, ran far less than the first two games, when he was Kansas City's leading rusher each time. Isiah Pacheco had that distinction at New York, recording 45 yards on 10 carries.

Giants rookie Cam Skattebo ran for a touchdown for a second consecutive game and finished with 121 yards from scrimmage. Skattebo shouldered the load in the backfield, sharing time with Devin Singletary after Tyrone Tracy injured his right shoulder late in the first quarter.

Thrown at seven times, Malik Nabers had just two catches for 13 yards. The Chiefs locked down Nabers a week after holding Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to nine receptions for 80 yards.

“That No. 1 is the real deal,” Reid said, referring to Nabers. “For us to be able to put the clamps on him a little bit, that’s not an easy chore. He’s a heck of a football player.”

Chiefs: Safety Bryan Cook injured his neck defending Nabers on a long pass attempt by Wilson early in the fourth quarter. Reid said Cook was fine. ... Receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) missed a second consecutive game.

Giants: A groin injury to kicker Graham Gano was announced just before the game started. He did not take the field until the fourth quarter, when he made a 25-yard field goal. ... Left tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-giants-andrew-thomas-167576472baa689c1b58eb83602fc39c">Andrew Thomas played</a>&nbsp;for the first time in 11 months since undergoing foot surgery. He was in for the first 26 offensive snaps before rookie Marcus Mbow replaced Thomas late in the first half. Daboll said that was the plan for Thomas' return.

Giants: Host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758537113496.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure from New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure from New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Mistakes and penalties threatened to derail the Kansas City Chiefs again early in a season that had not been going their way. Patrick Mahomes made a couple himself.</p><p>“I kept throwing the ball backwards,” Mahomes said. “That's not good.”</p><p>Mahomes recovered his backward pass, had plenty of good throws going forward and helped the&nbsp;<a href="https://obviously%20we%20didn't%20have%20the%20start%20we%20wanted,%20but%20it's%20a%20long%20season.%20just%20every%20week,%20just%20kind%20of%20go%20back%20to%20work,%20go%20back%20to%20square%20one%20trying%20to%20figure%20out%20things%20we%20can%20get%20better%20at.%20we%20had%20some%20success,%20found%20a%20way%20to%20win%20a%20football%20game,%20but%20there's%20obviously%20some%20stuff%20to%20clean%20up.%20it's%20huge.%20we've%20been%20searching%20for%20one%20win%20and%20try%20to%20figure%20out%20how%20we%20can%20get%20this%20thing%20going.%20the%20main%20thing%20now%20is%20just%20keep%20working,%20keep%20stacking%20and%20try%20to%20get%20another,%20then%20get%20another%20win./">Chiefs pick up their first win</a>&nbsp;of the season by beating the New York Giants 22-9 on Sunday night. Coach Andy Reid called it “a good win to get, in particular when you haven’t have one.”</p><p>“Obviously we didn’t have the start we wanted, but it’s a long season,” said linebacker Nick Bolton, who had a game-high 14 tackles. “We’ve been searching for one win and try to figure out how we can get this thing going. The main thing now is just keep working, keep stacking and try to get another, then get another win.”</p><p>Mahomes completed 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton to go along with a momentum-altering recovery by snatching the ball out of defender Bobby Okereke's hands. His on-the-run 33-yard throw to Thornton midway through the fourth quarter set up Kareem Hunt's 1-yard TD run that put the game away and sent many fans to the exits.</p><p>The Chiefs (1-2) avoided what would have been their first 0-3 start since 2011, two years before Reid took over and started an era that has included a trio of Super Bowl titles and two additional appearances — including trips the past three seasons.</p><p>The Giants fell to 0-3, with Russell Wilson throwing two interceptions and finishing 18 of 32 for 160 yards. Chants of “We want Dart!” followed Wilson's second pick, and while Jaxson Dart got in for a handful of snaps, all were handoffs.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giants-quarterbacks-jaxson-dart-41e26ea01a45929be47ef810161753cd">The first-round pick</a>&nbsp;and prospective quarterback of the future has yet to attempt a pass in his rookie season.</p><p>“When you don’t convert on third down, it’s hard to sustain anything,” coach Brian Daboll said of his team, which converted just once on 10 tries. "On offense, nothing was good enough. I would be booing too.”</p><p>Mahomes, who turned 30 this week, ran far less than the first two games, when he was Kansas City's leading rusher each time. Isiah Pacheco had that distinction at New York, recording 45 yards on 10 carries.</p><p>Giants rookie Cam Skattebo ran for a touchdown for a second consecutive game and finished with 121 yards from scrimmage. Skattebo shouldered the load in the backfield, sharing time with Devin Singletary after Tyrone Tracy injured his right shoulder late in the first quarter.</p><p>Thrown at seven times, Malik Nabers had just two catches for 13 yards. The Chiefs locked down Nabers a week after holding Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to nine receptions for 80 yards.</p><p>“That No. 1 is the real deal,” Reid said, referring to Nabers. “For us to be able to put the clamps on him a little bit, that’s not an easy chore. He’s a heck of a football player.”</p><h2>Injuries</h2><p>Chiefs: Safety Bryan Cook injured his neck defending Nabers on a long pass attempt by Wilson early in the fourth quarter. Reid said Cook was fine. ... Receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) missed a second consecutive game.</p><p>Giants: A groin injury to kicker Graham Gano was announced just before the game started. He did not take the field until the fourth quarter, when he made a 25-yard field goal. ... Left tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-giants-andrew-thomas-167576472baa689c1b58eb83602fc39c">Andrew Thomas played</a>&nbsp;for the first time in 11 months since undergoing foot surgery. He was in for the first 26 offensive snaps before rookie Marcus Mbow replaced Thomas late in the first half. Daboll said that was the plan for Thomas' return.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Chiefs: Host Baltimore next Sunday.</p><p>Giants: Host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.</p>

🏈 Mahomes and the Chiefs beat the Giants for first win this season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez drove in two runs apiece as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 Sunday and clinched a playoff berth.

Toronto is the first team in the American League to secure a spot in the playoffs, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2023, and improved its AL-best and AL East-leading record to 90-66.

The Blue Jays scored three runs in the second inning on run-scoring hits by Gimenez, Tyler Heineman and George Springer. Guerrero hit a two-run double in the fifth and Addison Barger followed with an RBI double to give Toronto a 6-2 lead.

After the Royals cut their deficit to 6-5, Ernie Clement and Gimenez had RBI hits in the eighth to extend Toronto's lead to 8-5.

Toronto starter Trey Yesavage worked four innings, allowing four runs on five hits while walking three and striking out two. Seranthony Dominguez (4-4) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Jeff Hoffman recorded his 32nd save of the season.

Carter Jensen had a two-run double in the fourth inning, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez hit consecutive run-scoring singles in the fifth and Randal Grichuk picked up an RBI in the sixth to complete Kansas City's scoring.

Michael Wacha (9-13) gave up six earned runs on eight hits in five innings with one walk and four strikeouts.

Gimenez's triple in the eighth all but sealed the win, giving the Blue Jays a three-run lead.

Toronto snapped a four-game skid. The Blue Jays still control their own destiny as far as their finish in the AL.

The Blue Jays send RHP Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.38 ERA) against Boston on Tuesday.

The Royals head to Los Angeles to face the Angels. Neither team has named a starter.

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez drove in two runs apiece as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 Sunday and clinched a playoff berth.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBlueJays%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0qLBiXc8r7T53HggXCXebJKxgYsQXF7CqxW45E8MRWoALvT5gRLCxCnAhcixgEv8bl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="609" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>Toronto is the first team in the American League to secure a spot in the playoffs, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2023, and improved its AL-best and AL East-leading record to 90-66.</p><p>The Blue Jays scored three runs in the second inning on run-scoring hits by Gimenez, Tyler Heineman and George Springer. Guerrero hit a two-run double in the fifth and Addison Barger followed with an RBI double to give Toronto a 6-2 lead.</p><p>After the Royals cut their deficit to 6-5, Ernie Clement and Gimenez had RBI hits in the eighth to extend Toronto's lead to 8-5.</p><p>Toronto starter Trey Yesavage worked four innings, allowing four runs on five hits while walking three and striking out two. Seranthony Dominguez (4-4) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Jeff Hoffman recorded his 32nd save of the season.</p><p>Carter Jensen had a two-run double in the fourth inning, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez hit consecutive run-scoring singles in the fifth and Randal Grichuk picked up an RBI in the sixth to complete Kansas City's scoring.</p><p>Michael Wacha (9-13) gave up six earned runs on eight hits in five innings with one walk and four strikeouts.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Gimenez's triple in the eighth all but sealed the win, giving the Blue Jays a three-run lead.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Toronto snapped a four-game skid. The Blue Jays still control their own destiny as far as their finish in the AL.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>The Blue Jays send RHP Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.38 ERA) against Boston on Tuesday.</p><p>The Royals head to Los Angeles to face the Angels. Neither team has named a starter.</p>

⚾️American League-best Blue Jays beat Royals, clinch 1st postseason berth since 2023

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes, Emmanuel Henderson returned a kickoff 94 yards for a TD, and Kansas beat Virginia 41-10 on Saturday night in the Big 12 opener for both teams.

Leshon Williams had 19 carries for 129 yards, which included a 62-yard TD to cap the scoring and added a 39-yard touchdown reception, which was set up by a 43-yard kickoff return by Henderson.

After forcing a three-and-out on West Virginia’s first drive, Daniels threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Levi Wentz. Daniels also hit Boden Groen for a 7-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Laith Marjan kicked a 42-yard field goal early in the second quarter and a 44-yarder as time expired in the first half before Henderson caught the opening kickoff in the third quarter at the 6, eluded a pair of would-be tacklers at the 20 and 25 before racing to the end zone to make it 27-3.

Daniels was 12-of-24 passing for 138 yards.

The Jayhawks (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) finished 242 yards rushing — 69 by Daniels on five carries — and forced the game’s only two turnovers.

Nicco Marchiol was 15-of-27 passing for 126 yards with an interception for West Virginia (2-2).

Mountaineers back-up quarterback Jaylen Henderson scored on a 13-yard run in the fourth quarter. Kade Hensley kicked a 26-yard field goal in the second quarter.

West Virginia: The Mountaineers, which went into the game fourth in the FBS with 13 sacks, didn't record a sack.

Kansas: The Jayhawks had nearly as many return yards (199) as West Virginia had total yards (227) through three quarters.

West Virginia hosts Utah next Saturday and Kansas will remain at home to play Cincinnati.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758418098527.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes, Emmanuel Henderson returned a kickoff 94 yards for a TD, and Kansas beat Virginia 41-10 on Saturday night in the Big 12 opener for both teams.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758421938810.jpeg" alt="Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6)passes the ball as he is pressured by West Virginia linebacker Reid Carrico (35) during the first half of an NCAA collage football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6)passes the ball as he is pressured by West Virginia linebacker Reid Carrico (35) during the first half of an NCAA collage football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Leshon Williams had 19 carries for 129 yards, which included a 62-yard TD to cap the scoring and added a 39-yard touchdown reception, which was set up by a 43-yard kickoff return by Henderson.</p><p>After forcing a three-and-out on West Virginia’s first drive, Daniels threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Levi Wentz. Daniels also hit Boden Groen for a 7-yard touchdown in the third quarter.</p><p>Laith Marjan kicked a 42-yard field goal early in the second quarter and a 44-yarder as time expired in the first half before Henderson caught the opening kickoff in the third quarter at the 6, eluded a pair of would-be tacklers at the 20 and 25 before racing to the end zone to make it 27-3.</p><p>Daniels was 12-of-24 passing for 138 yards.</p><p>The Jayhawks (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) finished 242 yards rushing — 69 by Daniels on five carries — and forced the game’s only two turnovers.</p><p>Nicco Marchiol was 15-of-27 passing for 126 yards with an interception for West Virginia (2-2).</p><p>Mountaineers back-up quarterback Jaylen Henderson scored on a 13-yard run in the fourth quarter. Kade Hensley kicked a 26-yard field goal in the second quarter.</p><h2>The takeaway</h2><p>West Virginia: The Mountaineers, which went into the game fourth in the FBS with 13 sacks, didn't record a sack.</p><p>Kansas: The Jayhawks had nearly as many return yards (199) as West Virginia had total yards (227) through three quarters.</p><h2>UP NEXT</h2><p>West Virginia hosts Utah next Saturday and Kansas will remain at home to play Cincinnati.</p>

🏈 Jalon Daniels throws 3 TD passes, KU beats West Virginia in Big 12 opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Noah Cameron pitched into the seventh inning, Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino hit back-to-back home runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat Toronto 2-1 on Saturday night to prevent the Blue Jays from clinching a playoff spot.

Toronto's lead in the AL East was trimmed to two games over the New York Yankees, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-orioles-score-judge-stanton-338d9bea2523e80af44aabfde550ec66">won 6-1 at Baltimore.</a>&nbsp;Both teams have seven games left, and the Blue Jays hold the tiebreaker.

Toronto dropped its fourth straight, matching its second-longest losing streak of the year.

Cameron (9-7) allowed a run on three hits in 6 2/3 innings with two walks and five strikeouts for his third straight quality start.

Cameron allowed permitted baserunner in each inning except the first and sixth, exiting with two outs in the seventh after Daulton Varsho’s 19th homer. His nine wins match Bill Butler in 1969 for the most by a Royals rookie left-hander.

Carlos Estévez worked around Ty France’s one-out hit in the ninth to earn his major league-best 41st save.

Witt opened the scoring with his 23rd homer leading off the fourth and Pasquantino followed with his 31st home run — Kansas City’s fourth set of consecutive homers.

Witt added a hustle double in the sixth, recording his 44th multihit game.

One game after getting a franchise-record 27 hits, the Royals had just four.

Jac Caglianone left in the seventh inning after being hit with a pitch above the right elbow.

Shane Bieber (3-2) tossed 6 1/3 innings in his longest start for the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk, striking out four.

With one out and a runner at first in the ninth, center fielder John Rave ran down Varsho’s long drive to the track in left-center, then raced in to catch Ernie Clement’s fly ball, ending the game.

Bieber’s loss was his first at Kauffman Stadium where he is 3-1 in nine career starts.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758420108419.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Noah Cameron pitched into the seventh inning, Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino hit back-to-back home runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat Toronto 2-1 on Saturday night to prevent the Blue Jays from clinching a playoff spot.</p><p>Toronto's lead in the AL East was trimmed to two games over the New York Yankees, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-orioles-score-judge-stanton-338d9bea2523e80af44aabfde550ec66">won 6-1 at Baltimore.</a>&nbsp;Both teams have seven games left, and the Blue Jays hold the tiebreaker.</p><p>Toronto dropped its fourth straight, matching its second-longest losing streak of the year.</p><p>Cameron (9-7) allowed a run on three hits in 6 2/3 innings with two walks and five strikeouts for his third straight quality start.</p><p>Cameron allowed permitted baserunner in each inning except the first and sixth, exiting with two outs in the seventh after Daulton Varsho’s 19th homer. His nine wins match Bill Butler in 1969 for the most by a Royals rookie left-hander.</p><p>Carlos Estévez worked around Ty France’s one-out hit in the ninth to earn his major league-best 41st save.</p><p>Witt opened the scoring with his 23rd homer leading off the fourth and Pasquantino followed with his 31st home run — Kansas City’s fourth set of consecutive homers.</p><p>Witt added a hustle double in the sixth, recording his 44th multihit game.</p><p>One game after getting a franchise-record 27 hits, the Royals had just four.</p><p>Jac Caglianone left in the seventh inning after being hit with a pitch above the right elbow.</p><p>Shane Bieber (3-2) tossed 6 1/3 innings in his longest start for the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk, striking out four.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>With one out and a runner at first in the ninth, center fielder John Rave ran down Varsho’s long drive to the track in left-center, then raced in to catch Ernie Clement’s fly ball, ending the game.</p><h2>Key Stat</h2><p>Bieber’s loss was his first at Kauffman Stadium where he is 3-1 in nine career starts.</p><h2>Up Next</h2><p>Cameron (9-7) allowed a run on three hits in 6 2/3 innings with two walks and five strikeouts for his third straight quality start.</p>

⚾️ Royals delay Blue Jays' playoff party with win behind Cameron

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><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>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.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>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.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Blue Jays RHP Shane Bieber (3-1, 3.72 ERA) goes against Royals LHP Noah Cameron (8-7, 2.98) on Saturday.</p><p>___</p>

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

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

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

Up next<br>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><p>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.</p><p>The Mariners are headed to Houston for a three-game series beginning Friday night.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Key moment<br>The Mariners were leading 1-0 when Wilson made a rare but successful challenge. They wound up doubling their lead.</p><p>Key stats<br>Castillo has allowed two earned runs total over his last three starts.</p><p>Up next<br>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.</p>

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

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><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Seattle's Matt Brash (1-3) gave up four runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning.</p><p>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.</p><p>Seattle's Bryce Miller allowed three runs on eight hits in five innings.</p><p>Salvador Perez opened the scoring in the first with a 435-foot, three-run home run to center field.</p><p>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.</p><h2>Key Moment</h2><p>Frazier’s home run put the Royals back in front after surrendering the lead in the top of the eighth.</p><h2>Key Stat</h2><p>The Royals were 5 of 13 with runners in scoring position. The Mariners were 0 for 4.</p><h2>Up Next</h2><p>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.</p><p>___</p>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Just about every time Raleigh and Canzone stepped to the plate.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Mariners are riding their longest winning streak since a 14-gamer from July 2-17, 2022.</p><h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Canzone belts 3 homers as Seattle beats the Royals

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

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

Tickets for the game against UCF are down to standing-room only and can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

<p><a><b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b></a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced on Monday that Kansas State’s Big 12 home opener against UCF on Saturday, September 27, will kick at 11 a.m., and will be televised by FS1.</p><p>This is the second time in the last three seasons that the Wildcats are opening their conference home slate against UCF. In 2023, K-State earned a 44-31 victory over UCF in the Knights first-ever Big 12 game.</p><p>Tickets for the game against UCF are down to standing-room only and can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.</p>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Chiefs visit the New York Giants on Sunday night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bryson Stott also homered for the Phillies.

Nola allowed six runs and six hits in six innings.

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

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

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

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

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