KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Byron Buxton and Kody Clemens homered and the Minnesota Twins beat Kansas City 5-1 on Sunday to drop the Royals two games back for the last AL wild card.

Buxton led off the game against Michael Lorenzen (5-10) with his 30th homer, extending his career high. He was hit by a 91.8 mph sinker in the fifth inning and was replaced for the bottom of the sixth because of what the Twins said was a bruised left knee.

Clemens hit his 16th homer in the fourth, a 451-drive that gave Minnesota a 3-0 lead. Minnesota padded its advantage in the fourth with a double steal, with Royce Lewis on first and Luke Keaschall on third.

Kansas City (73-69) fell two games behind Seattle (75-68) for the third AL wild card.

Bailey Ober (5-7) gave up one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings,

Lorenzen allowed four runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Kansas City scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's RBI single in the sixth.

Kansas City had the potential tying run at the plate with one out in the eighth before Kody Funderburk struck out Pasquantino and Justin Topa retired Salvador Perez on a groundout.

Buxton has 17 leadoff homers, including eight this season.

Twins: RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4, 4.53 ERA) starts Monday against the Los Angeles Angels and RHP Caden Dana (0-0, 4.91).

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Byron Buxton and Kody Clemens homered and the Minnesota Twins beat Kansas City 5-1 on Sunday to drop the Royals two games back for the last AL wild card.</p><p>Buxton led off the game against Michael Lorenzen (5-10) with his 30th homer, extending his career high. He was hit by a 91.8 mph sinker in the fifth inning and was replaced for the bottom of the sixth because of what the Twins said was a bruised left knee.</p><p>Clemens hit his 16th homer in the fourth, a 451-drive that gave Minnesota a 3-0 lead. Minnesota padded its advantage in the fourth with a double steal, with Royce Lewis on first and Luke Keaschall on third.</p><p>Kansas City (73-69) fell two games behind Seattle (75-68) for the third AL wild card.</p><p>Bailey Ober (5-7) gave up one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings,</p><p>Lorenzen allowed four runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.</p><p>Kansas City scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's RBI single in the sixth.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Kansas City had the potential tying run at the plate with one out in the eighth before Kody Funderburk struck out Pasquantino and Justin Topa retired Salvador Perez on a groundout.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Buxton has 17 leadoff homers, including eight this season.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Twins: RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4, 4.53 ERA) starts Monday against the Los Angeles Angels and RHP Caden Dana (0-0, 4.91).</p>

 ⚾Royals fall 2 back for last AL wild card after Sunday loss to Twins

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Cale Hellums accounted for three touchdowns that included a 14-yard touchdown run with 2:52 left to help Army beat Kansas State 24-21 on Saturday night.

Kansas State’s (1-2) final drive ended when Avery Johnson threw an interception just past midfield.

The Black Knights (1-1) kept the ball on the ground, running the ball 70 times out of their 82 offensive plays. Army had four scoring drives of at least 13 plays, including three which took at least seven minutes, and outgained K-State 332-247 in total yards.

Hellums completed 7 of 11 passes and ran 41 times for 124 yards. He tossed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Brady Anderson to end the first half.

Hellums later added a 1-yard TD run late in the third quarter that gave the Black Knights a 14-13 lead, but Bryce Noernberg returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards into the end zone and K-State regained the lead, 21-13.

Army held a 40:44 to 19:16 advantage in time of possession and is the first K-State opponent to rush for more than 200 yards since late in the 2023 season.

Johnson finished 15-of-25 passing for 172 yards and threw one touchdown pass to Jaron Tibbs for the Wildcats. Tibbs finished with five catches for 61 yards.

Army: The Black Knights went for it on fourth down seven times, converting six. Their most gutsy attempt was Hellums' TD toss to Anderson on 4th-and-goal from the 2 with three seconds left in the first half.

Kansas State: The Wildcats missed starting running back Dylan Edwards, who was injured in the season's opening game the first time he touched the ball. Without Edwards' explosiveness, the Wildcats rushed for 75 yards on 18 carries.

Army: The Black Knights have next weekend off before hosting North Texas on Sept. 20.

Kansas State: The Wildcats play at Arizona on Friday. Even though both teams are in the Big 12, it will be a non-conference game.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757211922333.png" alt="Photo courtesy Army West Point Football" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy Army West Point Football</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Cale Hellums accounted for three touchdowns that included a 14-yard touchdown run with 2:52 left to help Army beat Kansas State 24-21 on Saturday night.</p><p>Kansas State’s (1-2) final drive ended when Avery Johnson threw an interception just past midfield.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757212074482.png" alt="Cale Hellums led the Black Knights to victory -Photo Army West Point Football" />
                        <figcaption>Cale Hellums led the Black Knights to victory -Photo Army West Point Football</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Black Knights (1-1) kept the ball on the ground, running the ball 70 times out of their 82 offensive plays. Army had four scoring drives of at least 13 plays, including three which took at least seven minutes, and outgained K-State 332-247 in total yards.</p><p>Hellums completed 7 of 11 passes and ran 41 times for 124 yards. He tossed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Brady Anderson to end the first half.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NoernbergBryce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NoernbergBryce</a> TO THE HOUSE FOR 99 YARDS <a href="https://t.co/fqY3JFmhJ4">pic.twitter.com/fqY3JFmhJ4</a></p>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1964501821969650169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Hellums later added a 1-yard TD run late in the third quarter that gave the Black Knights a 14-13 lead, but Bryce Noernberg returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards into the end zone and K-State regained the lead, 21-13.</p><p>Army held a 40:44 to 19:16 advantage in time of possession and is the first K-State opponent to rush for more than 200 yards since late in the 2023 season.</p><p>Johnson finished 15-of-25 passing for 172 yards and threw one touchdown pass to Jaron Tibbs for the Wildcats. Tibbs finished with five catches for 61 yards.</p><h2>The Takeaway</h2><p>Army: The Black Knights went for it on fourth down seven times, converting six. Their most gutsy attempt was Hellums' TD toss to Anderson on 4th-and-goal from the 2 with three seconds left in the first half.</p><p>Kansas State: The Wildcats missed starting running back Dylan Edwards, who was injured in the season's opening game the first time he touched the ball. Without Edwards' explosiveness, the Wildcats rushed for 75 yards on 18 carries.</p><h2>Up Next</h2><p>Army: The Black Knights have next weekend off before hosting North Texas on Sept. 20.</p><p>Kansas State: The Wildcats play at Arizona on Friday. Even though both teams are in the Big 12, it will be a non-conference game.</p>

🏈 Hellums accounts for 3 TDs to push Army past Kansas State

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez’s three-run homer highlighted a five-run first inning as the Kansas City Royals routed the Minnesota Twins 11-2 on Saturday night.

Vinnie Pasquantino doubled sharply off the right-field fence, producing one run before Salvador Perez’s 25th home run added three more. Nick Loftin’s double to left-center made it 5-0 as the Royals batted around in the first.

Joe Ryan allowed five runs on four hits and four walks while throwing 62 pitches in two innings, his shortest outing since Aug. 7, 2024.

It was a rare poor showing for Ryan (13-8) against Kansas City. In 10 previous starts he was 8-0 with a 1.34 ERA.

James Outman doubled leading off the Twins’ third — snapping an 0-for-14 slump — and Byron Buxton followed with an RBI triple before scoring on Luke Keaschall’s grounder. Buxton’s last eight hits have gone for extra bases.

The Royals responded with three runs in the bottom of the third on RBI hits by Kyle Isbel, Maikel Garcia and Pasquantino.

Stephen Kolek (5-5) allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings, striking out four.

Kansas City native Carter Jensen had an RBI double for his first major league hit.

Pasquantino, Loftin and Jensen each had two RBIs. Loftin had three of the Royals’ 13 hits.

Kansas City played without star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-6bcd36293c22fe0e667321eb4c22bdec">left Friday’s game</a>&nbsp;with low back spasms. Since 2023, the Royals are 3-5 in games Witt misses.

Ryan missed the strike zone with eight of his first 13 pitches.

Pasquantino leads the majors with 28 go-ahead RBIs.

Twins RHP Bailey Ober (4-7, 5.23 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-9, 4.54) on Sunday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757212047734.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez’s three-run homer highlighted a five-run first inning as the Kansas City Royals routed the Minnesota Twins 11-2 on Saturday night.</p><p>Vinnie Pasquantino doubled sharply off the right-field fence, producing one run before Salvador Perez’s 25th home run added three more. Nick Loftin’s double to left-center made it 5-0 as the Royals batted around in the first.</p><p>Joe Ryan allowed five runs on four hits and four walks while throwing 62 pitches in two innings, his shortest outing since Aug. 7, 2024.</p><p>It was a rare poor showing for Ryan (13-8) against Kansas City. In 10 previous starts he was 8-0 with a 1.34 ERA.</p><p>The Twins have lost six straight.</p><p>James Outman doubled leading off the Twins’ third — snapping an 0-for-14 slump — and Byron Buxton followed with an RBI triple before scoring on Luke Keaschall’s grounder. Buxton’s last eight hits have gone for extra bases.</p><p>The Royals responded with three runs in the bottom of the third on RBI hits by Kyle Isbel, Maikel Garcia and Pasquantino.</p><p>Stephen Kolek (5-5) allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings, striking out four.</p><p>Kansas City native Carter Jensen had an RBI double for his first major league hit.</p><p>Pasquantino, Loftin and Jensen each had two RBIs. Loftin had three of the Royals’ 13 hits.</p><p>Kansas City played without star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-6bcd36293c22fe0e667321eb4c22bdec">left Friday’s game</a>&nbsp;with low back spasms. Since 2023, the Royals are 3-5 in games Witt misses.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Ryan missed the strike zone with eight of his first 13 pitches.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Pasquantino leads the majors with 28 go-ahead RBIs.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Twins RHP Bailey Ober (4-7, 5.23 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-9, 4.54) on Sunday.</p>

⚾  Perez’s 3-run homer leads Royals’ rout of the Twins

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Beau Pribula threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns, Jamal Roberts ran for 143 yards and the clinching score, and Missouri rallied to beat Kansas 42-31 on Saturday in the first edition of the Border War in more than a decade.

Kevin Coleman Jr. had 10 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown, and Brett Norfleet's second TD grab gave the Tigers (2-0) the lead with 4:14 to go, before their defense stopped Jalon Daniels and Co. and allowed Missouri to put the game away.

“I thought that was one of the coolest things: It wasn't our players folding in the moment that caused us to have issues, it was players making plays in the moment that elevated us,” Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said.

The series, which began in 1891 and remains among the most-played in Division I football, had been on hiatus since 2011, when Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC. That move only added another layer of animosity to a rivalry between states that traces its history to the Civil War, and the bloody conflict between slave states and free states.

The tension was evident from the opening kickoff to the final seconds ticking off the clock.

“There's a lot around it,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said, “but at the same time, it's two teams playing.”

Daniels did his best to lead the Jayhawks (2-1) to victory. He threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, including one to DeShawn Hanika that gave them a 31-24 lead with 8:45 remaining — a lead that the Kansas defense was unable to hold.

The game was tied 21-all after a first half filled with twists and turns.

Missouri dealt the first blow on Ahmad Hardy's 32-yard run. But the Jayhawks countered with a long TD drive, then returned a fumble 28 yards for another score. Moments later, Daniels silenced sold-out Faurot Field with a sneak for a 21-6 lead.

The Tigers recovered from that quick blitz in the second quarter, though. They allowed Kansas to run just four plays for minus-18 yards, and Pribula's touchdown pass to Coleman — coupled with a safety and two field goals — resulted in a tied score.

Kansas became the first FBS team in a decade to get outgained by 200-plus yards and not trail at the break.

The Jayhawks settled down at halftime, stopping Missouri on fourth down and kicking a field goal in the third quarter to regain the lead. And after the Tigers answered with a methodical 75-yard touchdown drive, Daniels completed a couple of long passes before finding Hanika for the second time in the end zone to give Kansas a 31-24 lead.

Pribula and the Tigers had the final answer, though, twice converting on fourth down before the go-ahead pass to Norfleet late in the game. And after forcing a punt, Roberts put it out of reach with a 63-yard touchdown run in the final minutes.

“Growing up a Mizzou kid, you always heard about this game and how big it is,” Norfleet said. “It's playing for the guy to the left and the right of you, and it's also playing for the past teams that have played KU, and not letting them down.”

Kansas has plenty of opportunities, even after a disastrous second quarter. But it couldn't stop the Tigers on fourth down in the fourth quarter, and that opened the door for Pribula to win the game for them.

Missouri could have been rattled after falling into a 21-6 hole. Instead, the Tigers showed plenty of poise in rallying to victory.

Missouri continues a six-game homestand against Louisiana on Saturday.

Kansas opens Big 12 play against West Virginia on Sept. 20.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757200664616.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Beau Pribula threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns, Jamal Roberts ran for 143 yards and the clinching score, and Missouri rallied to beat Kansas 42-31 on Saturday in the first edition of the Border War in more than a decade.</p><p>Kevin Coleman Jr. had 10 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown, and Brett Norfleet's second TD grab gave the Tigers (2-0) the lead with 4:14 to go, before their defense stopped Jalon Daniels and Co. and allowed Missouri to put the game away.</p><p>“I thought that was one of the coolest things: It wasn't our players folding in the moment that caused us to have issues, it was players making plays in the moment that elevated us,” Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said.</p><p>The series, which began in 1891 and remains among the most-played in Division I football, had been on hiatus since 2011, when Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC. That move only added another layer of animosity to a rivalry between states that traces its history to the Civil War, and the bloody conflict between slave states and free states.</p><p>The tension was evident from the opening kickoff to the final seconds ticking off the clock.</p><p>“There's a lot around it,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said, “but at the same time, it's two teams playing.”</p><p>Daniels did his best to lead the Jayhawks (2-1) to victory. He threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, including one to DeShawn Hanika that gave them a 31-24 lead with 8:45 remaining — a lead that the Kansas defense was unable to hold.</p><p>The game was tied 21-all after a first half filled with twists and turns.</p><p>Missouri dealt the first blow on Ahmad Hardy's 32-yard run. But the Jayhawks countered with a long TD drive, then returned a fumble 28 yards for another score. Moments later, Daniels silenced sold-out Faurot Field with a sneak for a 21-6 lead.</p><p>The Tigers recovered from that quick blitz in the second quarter, though. They allowed Kansas to run just four plays for minus-18 yards, and Pribula's touchdown pass to Coleman — coupled with a safety and two field goals — resulted in a tied score.</p><p>Kansas became the first FBS team in a decade to get outgained by 200-plus yards and not trail at the break.</p><p>The Jayhawks settled down at halftime, stopping Missouri on fourth down and kicking a field goal in the third quarter to regain the lead. And after the Tigers answered with a methodical 75-yard touchdown drive, Daniels completed a couple of long passes before finding Hanika for the second time in the end zone to give Kansas a 31-24 lead.</p><p>Pribula and the Tigers had the final answer, though, twice converting on fourth down before the go-ahead pass to Norfleet late in the game. And after forcing a punt, Roberts put it out of reach with a 63-yard touchdown run in the final minutes.</p><p>“Growing up a Mizzou kid, you always heard about this game and how big it is,” Norfleet said. “It's playing for the guy to the left and the right of you, and it's also playing for the past teams that have played KU, and not letting them down.”</p><h2>The Takeaway</h2><p>Kansas has plenty of opportunities, even after a disastrous second quarter. But it couldn't stop the Tigers on fourth down in the fourth quarter, and that opened the door for Pribula to win the game for them.</p><p>Missouri could have been rattled after falling into a 21-6 hole. Instead, the Tigers showed plenty of poise in rallying to victory.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Missouri continues a six-game homestand against Louisiana on Saturday.</p><p>Kansas opens Big 12 play against West Virginia on Sept. 20.</p>

🏈 Missouri rallies to beat Kansas in Border War showdown

Justin Herbert finished off the Los Angeles Chargers' season-opening victory in style, sliding for a first down that effectively ended the game.

The quarterback earned style points for his scramble and sideline slide that capped a 318-yard, three-touchdown performance in a 27-21 victory over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-3a25cf16573bfe80e014b469a30c46ee">Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;and the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night in Sao Paulo. Herbert had 32 yards rushing, too.

Los Angeles' first win over the Chiefs since Sept. 26, 2021, snapped a seven-game skid against the team that has dominated the AFC for nearly a decade.

“It’s monumental,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “September 5th will go down in some Charger lore, in my opinion. It was a big win.”

The NFL's second game South America was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-youtube-daa740fb5a4f05722193297b17201b6a">streamed on YouTube</a>, with Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar in attendance. Newly engaged pop superstar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-17cba7924ac7a744bd0f484252fbaa55">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;wasn't there to watch fiancé Travis Kelce and see Colombian singer Karol G perform at halftime.

Herbert became just the third quarterback in Chargers history with 300 yards and three TDs in a season opener. His 19-yard run on third-and-14 dashed any comeback hopes the Chiefs had with 2:21 to play. He finished 25 of 34 and was sacked three times.

“We knew it was going to be a dogfight, so we showed up today with our best effort,” Herbert said. “It was fun to see.”

Mahomes was 24 of 39 for 258 yards, one touchdown and two sacks.

“This will be a big lesson for us,” Mahomes said. “They definitely came out with more energy than we did. We got to get better from the start.”

Herbert's 23-yard TD pass to Quentin Johnston extended the lead to 26-18 with 5:02 remaining in the fourth. They hooked up for a 5-yard TD on the Chargers' opening drive of the game.

Chased by Khalil Mack, Mahomes threw incomplete to Marquise Brown on first-and-goal at the LA 9. Two more incomplete passes brought on Harrison Butker, whose 27-yard field goal cut the deficit to 27-21 with 2:34 remaining.

The Chiefs closed to 20-18 on Mahomes' 37-yard TD pass to Kelce early in the fourth. The 2-point conversion failed as Mahomes' pass was incomplete to Noah Gray.

“Multiple times we shot ourselves in the foot,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said.

The Chiefs were already down two receivers to start the game, with Rashee Rice suspended to start the season and rookie Jalen Royals out with a knee injury.

They lost another one three snaps into the game.

Xavier Worthy and teammate Kelce collided on a third-down pass. Worthy had to be helped off the field and was later ruled out with a right shoulder injury.

Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman didn't return after leaving with an ankle injury in the third.

Chargers running back Omarion Hampton made a rookie mistake late in the first half.

The first-round draft pick got a handoff on 3rd-and-16 in the final minute when the Chiefs had no timeouts left. Instead of staying in bounds and letting the clock run, Hampton ran out of bounds. That stopped the clock and the Chargers got a 36-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker for a 13-3 lead.

Mahomes then moved the Chiefs within field goal range and their kicking unit rushed on the field. Butker hit a 59-yarder with the 40 seconds to go, leaving the Chiefs trailing 13-6.

Kelce shoved Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart, who responded with a blow to Kelce’s helmet in the third quarter. Tart was penalized for unnecessary roughness, but wasn't thrown out because he used an open hand.

Chiefs: Host Philadelphia on Sept. 14 in a Super Bowl rematch.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757126487364.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By BETH HARRIS<br>&nbsp;AP Sports Writer</p><p>Justin Herbert finished off the Los Angeles Chargers' season-opening victory in style, sliding for a first down that effectively ended the game.</p><p>The quarterback earned style points for his scramble and sideline slide that capped a 318-yard, three-touchdown performance in a 27-21 victory over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-3a25cf16573bfe80e014b469a30c46ee">Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;and the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night in Sao Paulo. Herbert had 32 yards rushing, too.</p><p>Los Angeles' first win over the Chiefs since Sept. 26, 2021, snapped a seven-game skid against the team that has dominated the AFC for nearly a decade.</p><p>“It’s monumental,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “September 5th will go down in some Charger lore, in my opinion. It was a big win.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757126447532.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The NFL's second game South America was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-youtube-daa740fb5a4f05722193297b17201b6a">streamed on YouTube</a>, with Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar in attendance. Newly engaged pop superstar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-17cba7924ac7a744bd0f484252fbaa55">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;wasn't there to watch fiancé Travis Kelce and see Colombian singer Karol G perform at halftime.</p><p>Herbert became just the third quarterback in Chargers history with 300 yards and three TDs in a season opener. His 19-yard run on third-and-14 dashed any comeback hopes the Chiefs had with 2:21 to play. He finished 25 of 34 and was sacked three times.</p><p>“We knew it was going to be a dogfight, so we showed up today with our best effort,” Herbert said. “It was fun to see.”</p><p>Mahomes was 24 of 39 for 258 yards, one touchdown and two sacks.</p><p>“This will be a big lesson for us,” Mahomes said. “They definitely came out with more energy than we did. We got to get better from the start.”</p><p>Herbert's 23-yard TD pass to Quentin Johnston extended the lead to 26-18 with 5:02 remaining in the fourth. They hooked up for a 5-yard TD on the Chargers' opening drive of the game.</p><p>Chased by Khalil Mack, Mahomes threw incomplete to Marquise Brown on first-and-goal at the LA 9. Two more incomplete passes brought on Harrison Butker, whose 27-yard field goal cut the deficit to 27-21 with 2:34 remaining.</p><p>The Chiefs closed to 20-18 on Mahomes' 37-yard TD pass to Kelce early in the fourth. The 2-point conversion failed as Mahomes' pass was incomplete to Noah Gray.</p><p>“Multiple times we shot ourselves in the foot,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said.</p><h2>Injuries</h2><p>The Chiefs were already down two receivers to start the game, with Rashee Rice suspended to start the season and rookie Jalen Royals out with a knee injury.</p><p>They lost another one three snaps into the game.</p><p>Xavier Worthy and teammate Kelce collided on a third-down pass. Worthy had to be helped off the field and was later ruled out with a right shoulder injury.</p><p>Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman didn't return after leaving with an ankle injury in the third.</p><h2>Rookie miscue</h2><p>Chargers running back Omarion Hampton made a rookie mistake late in the first half.</p><p>The first-round draft pick got a handoff on 3rd-and-16 in the final minute when the Chiefs had no timeouts left. Instead of staying in bounds and letting the clock run, Hampton ran out of bounds. That stopped the clock and the Chargers got a 36-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker for a 13-3 lead.</p><p>Mahomes then moved the Chiefs within field goal range and their kicking unit rushed on the field. Butker hit a 59-yarder with the 40 seconds to go, leaving the Chiefs trailing 13-6.</p><h2>Take that</h2><p>Kelce shoved Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart, who responded with a blow to Kelce’s helmet in the third quarter. Tart was penalized for unnecessary roughness, but wasn't thrown out because he used an open hand.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Chiefs: Host Philadelphia on Sept. 14 in a Super Bowl rematch.</p><p>Chargers: At Las Vegas on Sept. 15.</p>

🏈 Herbert outduels Mahomes as the Chargers beat the Chiefs in Brazil

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a two-run homer and Michael Wacha pitched 5 2/3 strong innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Friday night.

Garcia hit Pablo López’s first pitch high above the left-field bullpen after Vinnie Pasquantino singled with two out in the third inning for a 2-0 lead. Pasquantino and Garcia each had a pair of hits.

Brooks Lee and Jhonny Pereda hit consecutive doubles in the fifth inning for the Twins' run. Pereda made his Twins debut behind the plate.

The Twins have lost five straight and have baseball’s worst record since the July 31 trade deadline at 11-22.

Wacha (9-11) allowed a run on four hits and two walks, striking out five. He has allowed fewer than three runs in nine of his 10 career starts against the Twins.

Carlos Estévez earned his major league-best 38th save with help from a sliding catch by center fielder Kyle Isbel.

Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-6bcd36293c22fe0e667321eb4c22bdec">left the game</a>&nbsp;after six innings due to low back spasms.

López (5-4) returned from injury for his first start in three months, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings, striking out four. López was placed on the 15-day Injured List on June 4 with a right shoulder strain.

Initially called out on a force at second, Garcia was ruled safe when the Royals challenged that shortstop Lee had dropped the ball before touching second.

Through the first seven games of their current homestand, the Royals are 2 for 26 with runners in scoring position while scoring 10 of 14 runs via home runs.

Twins RHP Joe Ryan (13-7, 3.08 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Stephen Kolek (4-5, 3.99) on Saturday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757124612793.png" alt="Photo from Kansas Royals video" />
                        <figcaption>Photo from Kansas Royals video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a two-run homer and Michael Wacha pitched 5 2/3 strong innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Friday night.</p><p>Garcia hit Pablo López’s first pitch high above the left-field bullpen after Vinnie Pasquantino singled with two out in the third inning for a 2-0 lead. Pasquantino and Garcia each had a pair of hits.</p><p>Brooks Lee and Jhonny Pereda hit consecutive doubles in the fifth inning for the Twins' run. Pereda made his Twins debut behind the plate.</p><p>The Twins have lost five straight and have baseball’s worst record since the July 31 trade deadline at 11-22.</p><p>Wacha (9-11) allowed a run on four hits and two walks, striking out five. He has allowed fewer than three runs in nine of his 10 career starts against the Twins.</p><p>Carlos Estévez earned his major league-best 38th save with help from a sliding catch by center fielder Kyle Isbel.</p><p>Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-6bcd36293c22fe0e667321eb4c22bdec">left the game</a>&nbsp;after six innings due to low back spasms.</p><p>López (5-4) returned from injury for his first start in three months, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings, striking out four. López was placed on the 15-day Injured List on June 4 with a right shoulder strain.</p><h2>Key Moment</h2><p>Initially called out on a force at second, Garcia was ruled safe when the Royals challenged that shortstop Lee had dropped the ball before touching second.</p><h2>Key Stat</h2><p>Through the first seven games of their current homestand, the Royals are 2 for 26 with runners in scoring position while scoring 10 of 14 runs via home runs.</p><h2>Up Next</h2><p>Twins RHP Joe Ryan (13-7, 3.08 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Stephen Kolek (4-5, 3.99) on Saturday.</p>

⚾ Garcia's two-run homer lifts the Royals over the Twins

The Manhattan Indians open their 2025 high school football season Friday night by hostig the Garden City Buffaloes. Kickoff is scheduled at 7 p.m.

<p>The Manhattan Indians open their 2025 high school football season Friday night by hostig the Garden City Buffaloes. Kickoff is scheduled at 7 p.m.</p>

High school football season is here

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-out solo home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 on Thursday night to avoid a sweep in a three-game series.

The Royals hit four solo homers in a game where all seven runs came on home runs.

Lucas Erceg (7-4) struck out two in one inning and Carlos Estévez picked up his major league-best 37th save.

Angels starter Kyle Hendricks allowed two runs on three hits in six innings, while Kansas City starter Noah Cameron allowed three runs on five hits in five innings.

The Angels got on the board in the first on a three-run homer by Luis Rengifo. With two outs, Taylor Ward singled, Jo Adell walked and Rengifo hit a slider 384 feet down the left-field line.

The Royals answered in the second on Adam Frazier's home run, the 1,000th hit of his MLB career. Vinnie Pasquantino connected on his 29th home run of the season leading off the fourth inning to trim the deficit to 3-2.

The Royals tied it when Salvador Perez hit his 24th home run of the season, leading off the seventh inning.

After the Royals tied the score in the bottom of the seventh, Erceg retired the Angels in order in the eighth.

With his home run, Perez reached 495 career RBIs at Kauffman Stadium, breaking a tie with Frank White for the third most RBIs in the history of the ballpark. He trails George Brett (839) and Hal McRae (534).

The Angels return to start a three-game series with the Athletics. The Angels will send RHP José Soriano (10-9, 3.68 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Mason Barnett (0-1, 11.25).

The Royals continue their nine-game homestand against the Twins. RHP Michael Wacha (8-11, 3.52) will start for Kansas City. Minnesota has not named its starter.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757038330352.png" alt="Image Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Image Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-out solo home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 on Thursday night to avoid a sweep in a three-game series.</p><p>The Royals hit four solo homers in a game where all seven runs came on home runs.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyals%2Fvideos%2F2313421895755658%2F&show_text=true&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Lucas Erceg (7-4) struck out two in one inning and Carlos Estévez picked up his major league-best 37th save.</p><p>Angels starter Kyle Hendricks allowed two runs on three hits in six innings, while Kansas City starter Noah Cameron allowed three runs on five hits in five innings.</p><p>The Angels got on the board in the first on a three-run homer by Luis Rengifo. With two outs, Taylor Ward singled, Jo Adell walked and Rengifo hit a slider 384 feet down the left-field line.</p><p>The Royals answered in the second on Adam Frazier's home run, the 1,000th hit of his MLB career. Vinnie Pasquantino connected on his 29th home run of the season leading off the fourth inning to trim the deficit to 3-2.</p><p>The Royals tied it when Salvador Perez hit his 24th home run of the season, leading off the seventh inning.</p><p>Ryan Zeferjahn (6-5) took the loss.</p><h2>Key Moment</h2><p>After the Royals tied the score in the bottom of the seventh, Erceg retired the Angels in order in the eighth.</p><h2>Key Stat</h2><p>With his home run, Perez reached 495 career RBIs at Kauffman Stadium, breaking a tie with Frank White for the third most RBIs in the history of the ballpark. He trails George Brett (839) and Hal McRae (534).</p><h2>Up Next</h2><p>The Angels return to start a three-game series with the Athletics. The Angels will send RHP José Soriano (10-9, 3.68 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Mason Barnett (0-1, 11.25).</p><p>The Royals continue their nine-game homestand against the Twins. RHP Michael Wacha (8-11, 3.52) will start for Kansas City. Minnesota has not named its starter.</p>

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr.'s eighth inning homer helps KC avoid sweep

TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka native and Gatorade Kansas Track and Field Player of the Year, Ryin Miller, awarded Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills with a $1,000 grant to help accomplish the mission to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident.

Sports have seen a double-digit decline over the past decade, largely due to tighter budgets in communities, but young people that participate in sports are found to be happier, healthier and better students. As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner.

“The Gatorade Player of the Year award highlights student-athletes who set an example both on and off the field,” said Josh Lytel, Associate Marketing Manager for Gatorade Player of the Year. “The grants give these athletes a chance to donate to organizations like, Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills, that positively impacts the youth in their own communities.”

“We are deeply grateful to Ryin for selecting Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills as the recipient of her Gatorade Player of the Year donation. She is paving the way for young girls across our community and showing them what dedication and hard work look like. We are proud to cheer her on through her senior year and as she continues her journey at Arkansas—her impact will inspire the next generation of strong, confident girls.” Candice McIntosh, Executive Director for Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills.

Gatorade has a longstanding history of serving athlete communities and it’s ambition is to continue doing more to create positive change. Most recently, Gatorade announced its Fuel Tomorrow commitment, a multi-year initiative to provide opportunities for everyone to play sports and realize their potential.

To keep up to date on the latest happenings, become a fan of Gatorade Player of the Year on Facebook and follow the conversation on Twitter #GatoradePOY. To learn more about Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills, visit www.gotrflinthills.org, where you can explore volunteer opportunities, find schools where girls can get involved, and discover ways to donate and support the mission.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757008197408.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka native and Gatorade Kansas Track and Field Player of the Year, Ryin Miller, awarded Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills with a $1,000 grant to help accomplish the mission to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident.</p><p>Sports have seen a double-digit decline over the past decade, largely due to tighter budgets in communities, but young people that participate in sports are found to be happier, healthier and better students. As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner.</p><p>“The Gatorade Player of the Year award highlights student-athletes who set an example both on and off the field,” said Josh Lytel, Associate Marketing Manager for Gatorade Player of the Year. “The grants give these athletes a chance to donate to organizations like, Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills, that positively impacts the youth in their own communities.”</p><p>“We are deeply grateful to Ryin for selecting Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills as the recipient of her Gatorade Player of the Year donation. She is paving the way for young girls across our community and showing them what dedication and hard work look like. We are proud to cheer her on through her senior year and as she continues her journey at Arkansas—her impact will inspire the next generation of strong, confident girls.” Candice McIntosh, Executive Director for Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills.</p><p>Gatorade has a longstanding history of serving athlete communities and it’s ambition is to continue doing more to create positive change. Most recently, Gatorade announced its Fuel Tomorrow commitment, a multi-year initiative to provide opportunities for everyone to play sports and realize their potential.</p><p>To keep up to date on the latest happenings, become a fan of Gatorade Player of the Year on Facebook and follow the conversation on Twitter #GatoradePOY. To learn more about Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills, visit www.gotrflinthills.org, where you can explore volunteer opportunities, find schools where girls can get involved, and discover ways to donate and support the mission.</p>

Topeka native awarded Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills grant

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jo Adell homered and drove in every run for the Los Angeles Angels in their 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

Adell hit a go-ahead homer in the sixth inning for the second consecutive game. His three-run shot to center field on the first pitch he saw from reliever John Schreiber gave the Angels a 3-2 lead in this one.

Yoán Moncada, aboard on a single when Adell went deep, doubled off Lucas Erceg (6-4) in the eighth before scoring on Adell’s two-out single for a 4-3 advantage. Adell’s 33 homers and 90 RBIs are career highs.

Reid Detmers struck out two in the ninth for his third save.

Angels star Mike Trout sat out again after getting scratched from the lineup Tuesday night&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-trout-scratched-skin-infection-angels-5965805b874df0fcdd5a304a91799cd6">because of a skin infection</a>&nbsp;on his left arm.

Salvador Perez had a one-out double in the seventh for the Royals off winning pitcher Robert Stephenson (1-0). It was his 33rd double this season and the 625th extra-base hit of his career, tying Frank White for third on the franchise list. Adam Frazier doubled to tie it at 3.

Mike Yastrzemski had a sacrifice fly in the first inning to help the Royals take a 2-0 lead against Caden Dana, making his first start this season and the fourth of his career. Dana allowed two hits and one earned run over five innings.

Royals rookie Ryan Bergert gave up one hit and left with a 2-0 lead after issuing a leadoff walk to Zach Neto in the sixth. Bergert struck out six and walked three.

Kansas City (70-69) has lost three in a row and seven of 11.

Kyle Isbel was on second base in the eighth when Angels reliever Andrew Chafin struck out Bobby Witt Jr. for the second out. Chafin then fanned Vinnie Pasquantino in a 12-pitch duel to keep it 4-3.

The Angels have won the first two games of the series, improving to 162-144 at Kaufmann Stadium.

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jo Adell homered and drove in every run for the Los Angeles Angels in their 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.</p><p>Adell hit a go-ahead homer in the sixth inning for the second consecutive game. His three-run shot to center field on the first pitch he saw from reliever John Schreiber gave the Angels a 3-2 lead in this one.</p><p>Yoán Moncada, aboard on a single when Adell went deep, doubled off Lucas Erceg (6-4) in the eighth before scoring on Adell’s two-out single for a 4-3 advantage. Adell’s 33 homers and 90 RBIs are career highs.</p><p>Reid Detmers struck out two in the ninth for his third save.</p><p>Angels star Mike Trout sat out again after getting scratched from the lineup Tuesday night&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-trout-scratched-skin-infection-angels-5965805b874df0fcdd5a304a91799cd6">because of a skin infection</a>&nbsp;on his left arm.</p><p>Salvador Perez had a one-out double in the seventh for the Royals off winning pitcher Robert Stephenson (1-0). It was his 33rd double this season and the 625th extra-base hit of his career, tying Frank White for third on the franchise list. Adam Frazier doubled to tie it at 3.</p><p>Mike Yastrzemski had a sacrifice fly in the first inning to help the Royals take a 2-0 lead against Caden Dana, making his first start this season and the fourth of his career. Dana allowed two hits and one earned run over five innings.</p><p>Royals rookie Ryan Bergert gave up one hit and left with a 2-0 lead after issuing a leadoff walk to Zach Neto in the sixth. Bergert struck out six and walked three.</p><p>Kansas City (70-69) has lost three in a row and seven of 11.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Kyle Isbel was on second base in the eighth when Angels reliever Andrew Chafin struck out Bobby Witt Jr. for the second out. Chafin then fanned Vinnie Pasquantino in a 12-pitch duel to keep it 4-3.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Angels have won the first two games of the series, improving to 162-144 at Kaufmann Stadium.</p><h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Jo Adell a one-man show for Angels in win over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mitch Farris pitched five effective innings to win his major league debut and Jo Adell hit a two-run homer that helped the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Tuesday night.

Adell finished with three hits and Oswald Peraza had an RBI double for the Angels, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-trout-scratched-skin-infection-angels-5965805b874df0fcdd5a304a91799cd6">scratched star slugger Mike Trout</a>&nbsp;less than an hour before the game because of a skin infection on his left arm. Trout will be re-evaluated Wednesday and is day-to-day.

Kansas City remained 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the last American League wild card.

Farris (1-0) walked his first batter but soon settled in. He allowed one run and three hits with two walks and three strikeouts.

Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (5-9) permitted two runs and four hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out five.

Bobby Witt Jr. tripled for Kansas City in the third and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly.

The Angels took a 2-1 lead on Adell's two-run homer off Lorenzen in the sixth. Peraza doubled home a run in the seventh and scored on a wild pitch.

Lorenzen took a two-hit shutout into the sixth. But after a one-out single, Adell launched a 454-foot homer to left field.

Farris was the fourth Angels pitcher to make his MLB debut as a starter in Kansas City, following Frank Tanana (1973), Jarrod Washburn (1998) and Seth Etherton (2000).

The Royals will send RHP Ryan Bergert (2-1, 2.67 ERA) to the mound Wednesday night. The Angels counter with RHP Caden Dana (0-0, 7.50).

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756869824375.png" alt="Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Mitch Farris throws as he makes his major league debut during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
                        <figcaption>Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Mitch Farris throws as he makes his major league debut during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mitch Farris pitched five effective innings to win his major league debut and Jo Adell hit a two-run homer that helped the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Tuesday night.</p><p>Adell finished with three hits and Oswald Peraza had an RBI double for the Angels, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-trout-scratched-skin-infection-angels-5965805b874df0fcdd5a304a91799cd6">scratched star slugger Mike Trout</a>&nbsp;less than an hour before the game because of a skin infection on his left arm. Trout will be re-evaluated Wednesday and is day-to-day.</p><p>Kansas City remained 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the last American League wild card.</p><p>Farris (1-0) walked his first batter but soon settled in. He allowed one run and three hits with two walks and three strikeouts.</p><p>Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (5-9) permitted two runs and four hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out five.</p><p>Bobby Witt Jr. tripled for Kansas City in the third and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly.</p><p>The Angels took a 2-1 lead on Adell's two-run homer off Lorenzen in the sixth. Peraza doubled home a run in the seventh and scored on a wild pitch.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Lorenzen took a two-hit shutout into the sixth. But after a one-out single, Adell launched a 454-foot homer to left field.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Farris was the fourth Angels pitcher to make his MLB debut as a starter in Kansas City, following Frank Tanana (1973), Jarrod Washburn (1998) and Seth Etherton (2000).</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>The Royals will send RHP Ryan Bergert (2-1, 2.67 ERA) to the mound Wednesday night. The Angels counter with RHP Caden Dana (0-0, 7.50).</p>

⚾ Farris wins MLB debut as Angels beat the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tarik Skubal pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, the Tigers scored four times off Michael Wacha in the fifth inning, and Detroit went on to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Sunday in the rubber game of their three-game set.

Skubal (12-4) struck out four and walked one while bouncing back from his first loss in more than six weeks. Jake Rogers drove in two runs for Detroit, while Colt Keith and Gleyber Torres also drove in runs.

It was a crucial game between AL Central rivals. The Tigers began the day with a half-game lead over East-leading Toronto for the best record in the American League, while Kansas City had climbed within two games of Seattle in the wild-card race.

Wacha (8-11) was matching Skubal into the fifth, allowing a single baserunner while striking out four. But things suddenly went awry, beginning with a leadoff walk to Spencer Torkelson and a one-out single by Zach McKinstry.

Rogers followed with a fly ball that center fielder Tyler Tolbert badly misplayed, resulting in a two-run triple. Keith added a line drive that found a gap for a two-run double, and Torres a grounder that got through the infield to make it 4-0.

Wacha left after 4 2/3 innings. He was charged with four runs and four hits and a walk.

Rogers' triple came after Tolbert misjudged his fly ball, which bounced off the wall and halfway back to the infield. Then in the seventh, Tolbert allowed Rogers' routine fly ball to drop in left-center for a double.

Skubal had his 11th start with at least six innings and no runs allowed this season. That broke a tie with Denny McLain in 1969 for the most such starts in franchise history.

RHP Charlie Morton (9-10, 5.25 ER) starts for Detroit in the opener of a three-game series against the Mets on Monday.

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tarik Skubal pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, the Tigers scored four times off Michael Wacha in the fifth inning, and Detroit went on to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Sunday in the rubber game of their three-game set.</p><p>Skubal (12-4) struck out four and walked one while bouncing back from his first loss in more than six weeks. Jake Rogers drove in two runs for Detroit, while Colt Keith and Gleyber Torres also drove in runs.</p><p>It was a crucial game between AL Central rivals. The Tigers began the day with a half-game lead over East-leading Toronto for the best record in the American League, while Kansas City had climbed within two games of Seattle in the wild-card race.</p><p>Wacha (8-11) was matching Skubal into the fifth, allowing a single baserunner while striking out four. But things suddenly went awry, beginning with a leadoff walk to Spencer Torkelson and a one-out single by Zach McKinstry.</p><p>Rogers followed with a fly ball that center fielder Tyler Tolbert badly misplayed, resulting in a two-run triple. Keith added a line drive that found a gap for a two-run double, and Torres a grounder that got through the infield to make it 4-0.</p><p>Wacha left after 4 2/3 innings. He was charged with four runs and four hits and a walk.</p><h2>Key moments</h2><p>Rogers' triple came after Tolbert misjudged his fly ball, which bounced off the wall and halfway back to the infield. Then in the seventh, Tolbert allowed Rogers' routine fly ball to drop in left-center for a double.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Skubal had his 11th start with at least six innings and no runs allowed this season. That broke a tie with Denny McLain in 1969 for the most such starts in franchise history.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>RHP Charlie Morton (9-10, 5.25 ER) starts for Detroit in the opener of a three-game series against the Mets on Monday.</p>

⚾Tarik Skubal dominates as the Tigers shutout the Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Joe Jackson with 42 seconds left and No. 17 Kansas State escaped with a 38-35 victory over FCS opponent North Dakota on Saturday night.

Kansas State avoided becoming the first ranked team to lose two games in August in the history of the poll, and also dodged its first 0-2 start since coaching great Bill Snyder’s first season in 1989. The Wildcats opened last week with a 24-21 loss to Iowa State in Dublin.

North Dakota — playing its its first game under coach Eric Schmidt — missed a chance to become the seventh first FCS (formerly I-AA) team to knock off a school in the AP Top 25. Montana was the last to accomplish the feat, beating then-No. 20 Washington 13-7 in 2021.

K-State blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, with North Dakota taking a 35-31 lead on Sawyer Seidl's 20-yard run with 4:19 left.

Johnson then drove the Wildcats 81 yards on 10 plays for the winning score. Johnson was 28 of 43 for 318 yards and three touchdowns.

North Dakota led 21-17 at the half, and Kansas State took a 31-21 lead into the fourth. North Dakota started the rally with Jerry Kaminski's 22-yard touchdown pass to Korey Tai.

North Dakota's Jerry Kaminski was 23 of 38 for 231 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for two touchdowns.

The Fighting Hawks were looking for their first victory over an FBS opponent since edging Wyoming in 2015.

North Dakota: The Fighting Hawks were not intimidated playing a Power 4 opponent on the road, matching the Wildcats until the final seconds.

Kansas State: Could drop out of the poll after the shaky start.

North Dakota: Hosts Portland State on Saturday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756607147057.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics<br>" />
                        <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics<br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Joe Jackson with 42 seconds left and No. 17 Kansas State escaped with a 38-35 victory over FCS opponent North Dakota on Saturday night.</p><p>Kansas State avoided becoming the first ranked team to lose two games in August in the history of the poll, and also dodged its first 0-2 start since coaching great Bill Snyder’s first season in 1989. The Wildcats opened last week with a 24-21 loss to Iowa State in Dublin.</p><p>North Dakota — playing its its first game under coach Eric Schmidt — missed a chance to become the seventh first FCS (formerly I-AA) team to knock off a school in the AP Top 25. Montana was the last to accomplish the feat, beating then-No. 20 Washington 13-7 in 2021.</p><p>K-State blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, with North Dakota taking a 35-31 lead on Sawyer Seidl's 20-yard run with 4:19 left.</p><p>Johnson then drove the Wildcats 81 yards on 10 plays for the winning score. Johnson was 28 of 43 for 318 yards and three touchdowns.</p><p>North Dakota led 21-17 at the half, and Kansas State took a 31-21 lead into the fourth. North Dakota started the rally with Jerry Kaminski's 22-yard touchdown pass to Korey Tai.</p><p>North Dakota's Jerry Kaminski was 23 of 38 for 231 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for two touchdowns.</p><p>The Fighting Hawks were looking for their first victory over an FBS opponent since edging Wyoming in 2015.</p><h2>The takeaway</h2><p>North Dakota: The Fighting Hawks were not intimidated playing a Power 4 opponent on the road, matching the Wildcats until the final seconds.</p><p>Kansas State: Could drop out of the poll after the shaky start.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>North Dakota: Hosts Portland State on Saturday.</p><p>Kansas State: Hosts Army on Saturday.</p>

🏈 K-State dodges upset-minded FCS North Dakota on last-minute TD

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning to lift the Kansas City Royals over the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Saturday night.

After pinch-hitter Tyler Tolbert drew a seven-pitch walk from Tyler Holton (5-4), Witt connected for his 20th home run, a 427-foot shot to dead center. Witt, who singled earlier, extended his hitting streak to 18 games.

Lucas Erceg (6-3) struck out one in a 1-2-3 eighth inning before Carlos Estévez worked around Riley Greene’s one-out double for his 36th save.

The Tigers jumped ahead 1-0 in the third on Gleyber Torres’ sharp, two-out single. Detroit is 55-17 when scoring first.

Maikel Garcia tied it in the fourth with his 15th homer.

Making his Royals debut, Stephen Kolek threw six innings and allowed a run and four hits, and struck out three.

With Seattle's 4-3 loss to Cleveland, Kansas City moved within two games of the Mariners for the final AL wild-card spot.

Tigers starter Jack Flaherty allowed a run and four hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Dillon Dingler had three of the seven hits by the Tigers, who were 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

With runners at second and third in the seventh, Royals right fielder Mike Yastrzemski fielded Trey Sweeney’s shallow fly and his throw home skipped past catcher Salvador Perez. Wenceel Pérez went halfway toward home, but stopped when pitcher John Schreiber backed up the plate. Ángel Zerpa got pinch-hitter Zach McKinstry to ground out, ending the inning and preserving the tie.

The last 10 games between Detroit and Kansas City have been decided by fewer than three runs, with the Tigers winning six.

Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal (11-4, 2.28 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Michael Wacha (8-10, 3.39) on Sunday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756606774820.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning to lift the Kansas City Royals over the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Saturday night.</p><p>After pinch-hitter Tyler Tolbert drew a seven-pitch walk from Tyler Holton (5-4), Witt connected for his 20th home run, a 427-foot shot to dead center. Witt, who singled earlier, extended his hitting streak to 18 games.</p><p>Lucas Erceg (6-3) struck out one in a 1-2-3 eighth inning before Carlos Estévez worked around Riley Greene’s one-out double for his 36th save.</p><p>The Tigers jumped ahead 1-0 in the third on Gleyber Torres’ sharp, two-out single. Detroit is 55-17 when scoring first.</p><p>Maikel Garcia tied it in the fourth with his 15th homer.</p><p>Making his Royals debut, Stephen Kolek threw six innings and allowed a run and four hits, and struck out three.</p><p>With Seattle's 4-3 loss to Cleveland, Kansas City moved within two games of the Mariners for the final AL wild-card spot.</p><p>Tigers starter Jack Flaherty allowed a run and four hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.</p><p>Dillon Dingler had three of the seven hits by the Tigers, who were 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>With runners at second and third in the seventh, Royals right fielder Mike Yastrzemski fielded Trey Sweeney’s shallow fly and his throw home skipped past catcher Salvador Perez. Wenceel Pérez went halfway toward home, but stopped when pitcher John Schreiber backed up the plate. Ángel Zerpa got pinch-hitter Zach McKinstry to ground out, ending the inning and preserving the tie.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The last 10 games between Detroit and Kansas City have been decided by fewer than three runs, with the Tigers winning six.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal (11-4, 2.28 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Michael Wacha (8-10, 3.39) on Sunday.</p>

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr.'s 2-run homer in eighth lifts Royals over Tigers 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns despite playing just one drive in the second half and Kansas easily defeated Wagner 46-7 on Friday night.

Emmanuel Henderson hauled in six of Daniels' passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas (2-0). Daniel Hishaw rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half.

Kansas outgained Wagner 623-143, including 285-53 on the ground and 346-90 through the air. The Jayhawks had 32 first downs, compared to just six for Wagner.

But Kansas was not flawless. The Jayhawks had the game's only two turnovers, and both of those came in the red zone. They were just 4 of 10 on third down.

The Kansas defense did its part, limiting Wagner to just one drive of more than 20 yards.

Jack Stevens was 13 of 20 for 90 yards and a touchdown for Wagner (0-1). No Seahawks runner gained more than 25 yards on the ground.

Kansas was clearly better than its over-matched opponent from the FCS, but the Jayhawks left room for improvement. The Jayhawks put plenty on the tape, including a no-huddle offense on their second first-quarter drive, and some long passes from Daniels to his receivers.

Wagner will face Georgetown on the road on Sept. 6. Kansas will travel to face Missouri in Columbia for the first matchup between the former conference rivals since 2011.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756520094265.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns despite playing just one drive in the second half and Kansas easily defeated Wagner 46-7 on Friday night.</p><p>Emmanuel Henderson hauled in six of Daniels' passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas (2-0). Daniel Hishaw rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half.</p><p>Kansas outgained Wagner 623-143, including 285-53 on the ground and 346-90 through the air. The Jayhawks had 32 first downs, compared to just six for Wagner.</p><p>But Kansas was not flawless. The Jayhawks had the game's only two turnovers, and both of those came in the red zone. They were just 4 of 10 on third down.</p><p>The Kansas defense did its part, limiting Wagner to just one drive of more than 20 yards.</p><p>Jack Stevens was 13 of 20 for 90 yards and a touchdown for Wagner (0-1). No Seahawks runner gained more than 25 yards on the ground.</p><h2>The takeaway</h2><p>Kansas was clearly better than its over-matched opponent from the FCS, but the Jayhawks left room for improvement. The Jayhawks put plenty on the tape, including a no-huddle offense on their second first-quarter drive, and some long passes from Daniels to his receivers.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Wagner will face Georgetown on the road on Sept. 6. Kansas will travel to face Missouri in Columbia for the first matchup between the former conference rivals since 2011.</p>

🏈 Jalon Daniels throws for 4 touchdowns as KU easily defeated Wagner

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter hit two-run doubles and Dillon Dingler hit a solo homer as the Detroit Tigers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Friday night.

After Tigers starter Chris Paddack allowed three runs on five hits in 3 1/3 innings, four relievers shut out the Royals on four hits. Kansas City was 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position over in the final five innings.

Kyle Finnegan (4-4) worked 1 2/3 innings of relief and got five outs, striking out three. Will Vest erned his 20th save.

The Royals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Mike Yastrzemski led off the first with a first-pitch homer, his 11th career leadoff homer and fourth since joining the Royals on July 31st. Bobby Witt Jr. followed with a single, extending his hitting streak to 17 games. One out later, Maikel Garcia’s 14th home run gave Kansas City a three-run lead.

Greene and Gleyber Torres each had three hits and the top four hitters in Detroit’s lineup collected nine hits. Dingler hit his 12th homer of the season in the eighth inning.

Seth Lugo (8-7) scuffled through 3 1/3 innings, allowing multiple baserunners each inning while surrendering four runs on eight hits and four walks.

Kansas City remained three games behind Seattle in the chase for the American League’s final wild card spot.

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter hit two-run doubles and Dillon Dingler hit a solo homer as the Detroit Tigers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Friday night.</p><p>After Tigers starter Chris Paddack allowed three runs on five hits in 3 1/3 innings, four relievers shut out the Royals on four hits. Kansas City was 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position over in the final five innings.</p><p>Kyle Finnegan (4-4) worked 1 2/3 innings of relief and got five outs, striking out three. Will Vest erned his 20th save.</p><p>The Royals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Mike Yastrzemski led off the first with a first-pitch homer, his 11th career leadoff homer and fourth since joining the Royals on July 31st. Bobby Witt Jr. followed with a single, extending his hitting streak to 17 games. One out later, Maikel Garcia’s 14th home run gave Kansas City a three-run lead.</p><p>Greene and Gleyber Torres each had three hits and the top four hitters in Detroit’s lineup collected nine hits. Dingler hit his 12th homer of the season in the eighth inning.</p><p>Seth Lugo (8-7) scuffled through 3 1/3 innings, allowing multiple baserunners each inning while surrendering four runs on eight hits and four walks.</p><p>Kansas City remained three games behind Seattle in the chase for the American League’s final wild card spot.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>With runners at the corners, Carpenter leapt to snag Kyle Isbel’s drive at the top of the fence in right field, ending a scoreless sixth inning and maintaining Detroit’s 4-3 lead.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>In seven starts since signing a two-year contract extension July 28, Lugo has one win and an 8.35 ERA.</p><h2>Up next</h2>