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>

⚾ Perez's 5 RBIs lead Royals over Phillies and delay NL East clinch

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit his 51st home run, Brandon Marsh also went deep and the Philadelphia Phillies won their sixth straight game with an 8-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Harrison Bader contributed three hits for the Phillies, who can clinch their second straight NL East title by completing a three-game sweep of Kansas City in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.

Taijuan Walker (5-8) benefited from strong run support, giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings.

Jhoan Duran tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 30th save in 33 opportunities.

Salvador Perez homered twice for the Royals, who lost their sixth in the last seven to further hurt their slim playoff chances.

Angel Zerpa (5-2), in relief of starter Ryan Bergert, gave up three runs in the fifth inning when Philadelphia went in front for good.

Schwarber tied the game at 4 by leading off the frame by sending a 1-1, 86-mph slider into the seats in right. He pulled within seven homers of tying Ryan Howard for the single-season franchise record, set in 2006.

Bader, filling in for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phillies-turner-injury-hamstring-strain-181ab190b3eab565d9df0766849967ee">injured Trea Turner</a>&nbsp;as Philadelphia’s leadoff hitter, has multiple hits in six consecutive games.

Nick Castellanos’ pinch-hit sacrifice fly four batters after Schwarber’s home run put the Phillies in front 5-4.

13.50 — Bergert’s ERA in his last two starts after a 2.43 mark in his first six starts after being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-trade-deadline-794b0f281ac2ee2a2a16215e5de7b8b6">acquired at the trade deadline</a>.

Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (7-7, 3.00 ERA) faces Philadelphia RHP Aaron Nola (4-8, 6.24) on Sunday afternoon when the Phillies try to complete a 7-0 homestand.

<p>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit his 51st home run, Brandon Marsh also went deep and the Philadelphia Phillies won their sixth straight game with an 8-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.</p><p>Harrison Bader contributed three hits for the Phillies, who can clinch their second straight NL East title by completing a three-game sweep of Kansas City in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.</p><p>Taijuan Walker (5-8) benefited from strong run support, giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings.</p><p>Jhoan Duran tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 30th save in 33 opportunities.</p><p>Salvador Perez homered twice for the Royals, who lost their sixth in the last seven to further hurt their slim playoff chances.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1 swing 🤝 2 big milestones.<br><br>Salvy collects his 300th homer and 1,000th RBI! <a href="https://t.co/HPADOjnGxH">pic.twitter.com/HPADOjnGxH</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1967000355050582133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Angel Zerpa (5-2), in relief of starter Ryan Bergert, gave up three runs in the fifth inning when Philadelphia went in front for good.</p><p>Schwarber tied the game at 4 by leading off the frame by sending a 1-1, 86-mph slider into the seats in right. He pulled within seven homers of tying Ryan Howard for the single-season franchise record, set in 2006.</p><p>Bader, filling in for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phillies-turner-injury-hamstring-strain-181ab190b3eab565d9df0766849967ee">injured Trea Turner</a>&nbsp;as Philadelphia’s leadoff hitter, has multiple hits in six consecutive games.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Nick Castellanos’ pinch-hit sacrifice fly four batters after Schwarber’s home run put the Phillies in front 5-4.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>13.50 — Bergert’s ERA in his last two starts after a 2.43 mark in his first six starts after being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-trade-deadline-794b0f281ac2ee2a2a16215e5de7b8b6">acquired at the trade deadline</a>.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (7-7, 3.00 ERA) faces Philadelphia RHP Aaron Nola (4-8, 6.24) on Sunday afternoon when the Phillies try to complete a 7-0 homestand.</p>

⚾Schwarber hits 51st homer to lift Phillies over Royals

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Ismail Mahdi ran for 189 yards, Noah Fifita had two touchdown runs and Arizona overcame a shaky start to the second half for a 23-17 win over Kansas State on Friday night.

Arizona (3-0) faced its first big test of the year after beating two smaller-conference teams by a combined score of 88-9. The Wildcats led by 14 at halftime, but let Kansas State back in it with a series of mistakes. They sealed the win with a turnover on downs, opening 3-0 for the first time since 2015.

“That's what it's supposed to look like,” Arizona coach Brent Brennan said. “Not the whole thing, but in moments that's what it's supposed to look like and I'm so proud of this team.”

Coming off a home loss to Army, Kansas State (1-3) struggled offensively for much of the nonconference matchup between future Big 12 foes — a game scheduled before Arizona joined the league. Kansas State had 193 total yards and quarterback Avery Johnson was limited to 88 yards and no touchdowns on 13 of 29 passing.

“We've come out flat four straight weeks,” Johnson said. “We knew what they were going to give us, just felt like we were slow in all aspects.”

Arizona led 17-3 at halftime on touchdown runs of 15 and two yards by Fifita.

Kansas State needed one play to get back in it.

Taking a direct snap, Jayce Brown weaved through a blockade of tacklers on the right side and raced past the rest of the defense for&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Big12Conference/status/1966701130248773774">a 75-yard touchdown run</a>&nbsp;— the first touchdown Arizona's defense has allowed this season.

After a three-and-out, Arizona punter Michael Salgado-Medina fumbled a snap and had his kick blocked, setting up Kansas State at Arizona's 13. Johnson scored four plays later on a 1-yard run to tie it at 17-all.

Salgado-Medina kicked field goals of 31 and 41 yards to put Arizona up 23-17 before hitting the upright on a 46-yard attempt with 1:55 left.

“I definitely feel like there's a lot of growth as far as responding, and it's showing out there,” Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith said.

Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards returned for the first time since spraining his ankle early in the season opener against No. 14 Iowa State.

The third-year player saw limited action, finishing with 13 yards on four carries.

“He tried to go — I applaud Dylan,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “He gave it a go, gave it an effort and got a couple of runs, but I knew he wasn’t gonna last that long and he didn’t."

Kansas State: The Wildcats need to find some answers fast. Kansas State's only win is against a Football Championship Subdivision team and it spent most of Friday night being dominated on both sides of the ball once again.

Arizona: The Wildcats were shaky in the opening 4 1/2 minutes of the third quarter, but shut down Kansas State the rest of the night.

Kansas State: Opens Big 12 play against UCF on Sept. 27.

Arizona: Plays its first Big 12 game at Iowa State on Sept. 27.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757743613696.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Ismail Mahdi ran for 189 yards, Noah Fifita had two touchdown runs and Arizona overcame a shaky start to the second half for a 23-17 win over Kansas State on Friday night.</p><p>Arizona (3-0) faced its first big test of the year after beating two smaller-conference teams by a combined score of 88-9. The Wildcats led by 14 at halftime, but let Kansas State back in it with a series of mistakes. They sealed the win with a turnover on downs, opening 3-0 for the first time since 2015.</p><p>“That's what it's supposed to look like,” Arizona coach Brent Brennan said. “Not the whole thing, but in moments that's what it's supposed to look like and I'm so proud of this team.”</p><p>Coming off a home loss to Army, Kansas State (1-3) struggled offensively for much of the nonconference matchup between future Big 12 foes — a game scheduled before Arizona joined the league. Kansas State had 193 total yards and quarterback Avery Johnson was limited to 88 yards and no touchdowns on 13 of 29 passing.</p><p>“We've come out flat four straight weeks,” Johnson said. “We knew what they were going to give us, just felt like we were slow in all aspects.”</p><p>Arizona led 17-3 at halftime on touchdown runs of 15 and two yards by Fifita.</p><p>Kansas State needed one play to get back in it.</p><p>Taking a direct snap, Jayce Brown weaved through a blockade of tacklers on the right side and raced past the rest of the defense for&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Big12Conference/status/1966701130248773774">a 75-yard touchdown run</a>&nbsp;— the first touchdown Arizona's defense has allowed this season.</p><p>After a three-and-out, Arizona punter Michael Salgado-Medina fumbled a snap and had his kick blocked, setting up Kansas State at Arizona's 13. Johnson scored four plays later on a 1-yard run to tie it at 17-all.</p><p>Salgado-Medina kicked field goals of 31 and 41 yards to put Arizona up 23-17 before hitting the upright on a 46-yard attempt with 1:55 left.</p><p>“I definitely feel like there's a lot of growth as far as responding, and it's showing out there,” Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith said.</p><h2>Edwards' return</h2><p>Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards returned for the first time since spraining his ankle early in the season opener against No. 14 Iowa State.</p><p>The third-year player saw limited action, finishing with 13 yards on four carries.</p><p>“He tried to go — I applaud Dylan,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “He gave it a go, gave it an effort and got a couple of runs, but I knew he wasn’t gonna last that long and he didn’t."</p><h2>The takeaway</h2><p>Kansas State: The Wildcats need to find some answers fast. Kansas State's only win is against a Football Championship Subdivision team and it spent most of Friday night being dominated on both sides of the ball once again.</p><p>Arizona: The Wildcats were shaky in the opening 4 1/2 minutes of the third quarter, but shut down Kansas State the rest of the night.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Kansas State: Opens Big 12 play against UCF on Sept. 27.</p><p>Arizona: Plays its first Big 12 game at Iowa State on Sept. 27.</p>

🏈 Mahdi runs for 189 yards, Arizona holds off Kansas State rally for win

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Walker Buehler pitched five strong innings in his Philadelphia debut, Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott homered, and the Phillies won their fifth straight, 8-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Buehler allowed one run on five hits with one walk and three strikeouts for the NL East-leading Phillies, who are closing in on clinching the division.

A veteran of seven mostly successful but injury-marred seasons with the Dodgers before joining Boston this season, Buehler (8-7) was released by the Red Sox on Aug. 29 and signed with the Phillies two days later.

On Friday, he earned his first win since Aug. 8 for Boston at San Diego. He allowed a run in the first when Bobby Witt Jr. singled, stole second and scored on a two-out single by Maikel Garcia.

The Phillies tied it in the second against Michael Lorenzen on a sacrifice fly by Rafael Marchan. They broke it open over the next two innings.

In the third, Harper hit a two-run homer, and Brandon Marsh tripled and scored on a single by Otto Kemp for a 4-1 lead. In the fourth, Marchan, Harrison Bader and Kyle Schwarber hit consecutive doubles to push the advantage to 6-1.

Stott added a two-run shot in the seventh.

Lorenzen (5-11) went three-plus innings, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits.

Schwarber led off the third with a walk before Harper drilled one into the left-field seats for his 26th homer, giving the Phillies the lead for good.

Seldom-used backup catcher Marchan, who entered with a .178 batting average, had two hits and scored a run after his sacrifice fly in the second.

<p>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Walker Buehler pitched five strong innings in his Philadelphia debut, Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott homered, and the Phillies won their fifth straight, 8-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.</p><p>Buehler allowed one run on five hits with one walk and three strikeouts for the NL East-leading Phillies, who are closing in on clinching the division.</p><p>A veteran of seven mostly successful but injury-marred seasons with the Dodgers before joining Boston this season, Buehler (8-7) was released by the Red Sox on Aug. 29 and signed with the Phillies two days later.</p><p>On Friday, he earned his first win since Aug. 8 for Boston at San Diego. He allowed a run in the first when Bobby Witt Jr. singled, stole second and scored on a two-out single by Maikel Garcia.</p><p>The Phillies tied it in the second against Michael Lorenzen on a sacrifice fly by Rafael Marchan. They broke it open over the next two innings.</p><p>In the third, Harper hit a two-run homer, and Brandon Marsh tripled and scored on a single by Otto Kemp for a 4-1 lead. In the fourth, Marchan, Harrison Bader and Kyle Schwarber hit consecutive doubles to push the advantage to 6-1.</p><p>Stott added a two-run shot in the seventh.</p><p>Lorenzen (5-11) went three-plus innings, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Schwarber led off the third with a walk before Harper drilled one into the left-field seats for his 26th homer, giving the Phillies the lead for good.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Seldom-used backup catcher Marchan, who entered with a .178 batting average, had two hits and scored a run after his sacrifice fly in the second.</p><h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Walker Buehler works 5 strong innings as Phillies beat the Royals

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie C.J. Kayfus hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

Cleveland (75-71) has won six of seven and took three of four in the series against its AL Central rival as it tries to stay in contention for the final AL wild card spot.

The Guardians trail Seattle by three games with 15 games remaining.

Kansas City's Vinnie Pasquantino became the fourth left-handed batter in Royals history to record 30 home runs in a season with a two-run drive in the first inning. The last Royals lefty batter to reach the mark was Mike Moustakas with 38 in 2017. The others were John Mayberry (34 in 1975) and Hall of Famer George Brett (30 in 1985).

The Royals (74-73) have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games and are 4 1/2 games back for the final wild card.

Guardians' catcher Bo Naylor led off the eighth with a base hit to right field. Kayfus followed with a towering 425-foot drive to right-center on a low fastball on a 1-0 count from John Schreiber (3-3) for his third homer of the season.

Matt Festa (4-3) got the win with a scoreless eighth inning. Cade Smith hit Jonathan India with a fastball to lead off the ninth and then retired the next three batters for his 13th save.

The Royals were 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position. They had runners at the corners with two outs in the sixth, but Guardians starter Gavin Williams struck out India with a sweeper on a full count to end the frame.

In 30 games since Aug. 10, Pasquatino leads the majors with 33 RBIs and is tied with the Mets’ Juan Soto at 11 home runs.

Royals: Open a three-game series at Philadelphia on Friday with RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-10, 4.63 ERA) on the mound.

<p>CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie C.J. Kayfus hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.</p><p>Cleveland (75-71) has won six of seven and took three of four in the series against its AL Central rival as it tries to stay in contention for the final AL wild card spot.</p><p>The Guardians trail Seattle by three games with 15 games remaining.</p><p>Kansas City's Vinnie Pasquantino became the fourth left-handed batter in Royals history to record 30 home runs in a season with a two-run drive in the first inning. The last Royals lefty batter to reach the mark was Mike Moustakas with 38 in 2017. The others were John Mayberry (34 in 1975) and Hall of Famer George Brett (30 in 1985).</p><p>The Royals (74-73) have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games and are 4 1/2 games back for the final wild card.</p><p>Guardians' catcher Bo Naylor led off the eighth with a base hit to right field. Kayfus followed with a towering 425-foot drive to right-center on a low fastball on a 1-0 count from John Schreiber (3-3) for his third homer of the season.</p><p>Matt Festa (4-3) got the win with a scoreless eighth inning. Cade Smith hit Jonathan India with a fastball to lead off the ninth and then retired the next three batters for his 13th save.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>The Royals were 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position. They had runners at the corners with two outs in the sixth, but Guardians starter Gavin Williams struck out India with a sweeper on a full count to end the frame.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>In 30 games since Aug. 10, Pasquatino leads the majors with 33 RBIs and is tied with the Mets’ Juan Soto at 11 home runs.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Royals: Open a three-game series at Philadelphia on Friday with RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-10, 4.63 ERA) on the mound.</p>

⚾ Kayfus' homer in 8th propels Guardians to victory over Royals

CLEVELAND (AP) — Nick Loftin singled in the tying run and scored on Maikel Garcia’s double in the seventh inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night.

Kansas City snapped a three-game losing streak and moved within 3 1/2 games of Seattle, which holds the third and final American League wild-card position. The Guardians are three behind the Mariners.

Cleveland led 3-2 after six before Loftin drove in Tyler Tolbert, then came around on Garcia’s liner off the wall in left against Hunter Gaddis. Tim Herrin (5-4) was charged with both runs.

Luinder Avila (1-0) worked two scoreless innings for his first career win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth for his major league-leading 39th save.

Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run homer in the first and Bo Naylor had an RBI single in the fourth for Cleveland, which had won five straight. Manzardo’s 432-foot shot off Jonathan Bowlan was the longest of his career and his 26th homer of the season.

Vinnie Pasquantino and Jonathan India both singled in runs for Kansas City. Pasquantino reached 100 RBIs for the first time.

Guardians starter Logan Allen gave up two runs in five innings, remaining winless in seven outings since July 29.

Jac Caglianone walked with one out in the seventh and was replaced by pinch-runner Tolbert, who scored on Loftin’s pinch-hit single off Herrin. Gaddis entered and gave up Garcia’s RBI double.

Kansas City used six pitchers with Bowlan logging the first two innings. Michael Wacha was slated to start before suffering a concussion as a result of what manager Matt Quatraro termed “an off-field accident.”

Royals RHP Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.88 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (10-5, 3.17 ERA) in the four-game series finale on Thursday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757555342258.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CLEVELAND (AP) — Nick Loftin singled in the tying run and scored on Maikel Garcia’s double in the seventh inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night.</p><p>Kansas City snapped a three-game losing streak and moved within 3 1/2 games of Seattle, which holds the third and final American League wild-card position. The Guardians are three behind the Mariners.</p><p>Cleveland led 3-2 after six before Loftin drove in Tyler Tolbert, then came around on Garcia’s liner off the wall in left against Hunter Gaddis. Tim Herrin (5-4) was charged with both runs.</p><p>Luinder Avila (1-0) worked two scoreless innings for his first career win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth for his major league-leading 39th save.</p><p>Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run homer in the first and Bo Naylor had an RBI single in the fourth for Cleveland, which had won five straight. Manzardo’s 432-foot shot off Jonathan Bowlan was the longest of his career and his 26th homer of the season.</p><p>Vinnie Pasquantino and Jonathan India both singled in runs for Kansas City. Pasquantino reached 100 RBIs for the first time.</p><p>Guardians starter Logan Allen gave up two runs in five innings, remaining winless in seven outings since July 29.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Jac Caglianone walked with one out in the seventh and was replaced by pinch-runner Tolbert, who scored on Loftin’s pinch-hit single off Herrin. Gaddis entered and gave up Garcia’s RBI double.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Kansas City used six pitchers with Bowlan logging the first two innings. Michael Wacha was slated to start before suffering a concussion as a result of what manager Matt Quatraro termed “an off-field accident.”</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Royals RHP Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.88 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (10-5, 3.17 ERA) in the four-game series finale on Thursday.</p>

⚾ Royals snap 3-game skid with victory over the Guardians

CLEVELAND (AP) — Joey Cantillo allowed four hits in a career-best eight-plus innings, José Ramírez homered, doubled and scored twice, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Cantillo (5-3) struck out five and didn't issue a walk. Cade Smith pitched a scoreless ninth for his 12th save for the Guardians, who entered play 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the final wild-card spot.

Ramírez, who had three hits, hit a solo homer off Royals starter Noah Cameron (7-6) with two outs in the first. David Fry hit the second of back-to-back to doubles to drive in Ramírez in the fourth.

Cameron, a 26-year-old rookie, gave up two runs on six hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings.

The Guardians, who has won six of seven, beat the Royals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-guardians-score-5675b3be2eb331410784003369761cfa">10-2</a>&nbsp;in the series opener Monday.

Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-india-wacha-1893967f5b5a225280c7786db42aa896">returned</a>&nbsp;from a three-game absence and Jonathan India was activated off the 10-day IL for Kansas City.

Cantillo gave up a leadoff single to Kyle Isbel in the ninth and was replaced by Smith, who got Mikael Garcia to fly out. Isbel moved to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third when Witt singled before Smith struck out Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to end the game.

The Guardians clinched the season series — and the head-to-head tiebreaker for any postseason implications — over the Royals.

<p>CLEVELAND (AP) — Joey Cantillo allowed four hits in a career-best eight-plus innings, José Ramírez homered, doubled and scored twice, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory.</p><p>Cantillo (5-3) struck out five and didn't issue a walk. Cade Smith pitched a scoreless ninth for his 12th save for the Guardians, who entered play 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the final wild-card spot.</p><p>Ramírez, who had three hits, hit a solo homer off Royals starter Noah Cameron (7-6) with two outs in the first. David Fry hit the second of back-to-back to doubles to drive in Ramírez in the fourth.</p><p>Cameron, a 26-year-old rookie, gave up two runs on six hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings.</p><p>The Guardians, who has won six of seven, beat the Royals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-guardians-score-5675b3be2eb331410784003369761cfa">10-2</a>&nbsp;in the series opener Monday.</p><p>Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-india-wacha-1893967f5b5a225280c7786db42aa896">returned</a>&nbsp;from a three-game absence and Jonathan India was activated off the 10-day IL for Kansas City.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Cantillo gave up a leadoff single to Kyle Isbel in the ninth and was replaced by Smith, who got Mikael Garcia to fly out. Isbel moved to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third when Witt singled before Smith struck out Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to end the game.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Guardians clinched the season series — and the head-to-head tiebreaker for any postseason implications — over the Royals.</p><h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Cantillo pitches 8 innings, Ramírez homers as Guardians beat Royals

CLEVELAND (AP) — Slade Cecconi took a bid to end Cleveland's long no-hitter drought into the eighth inning, and the Guardians rolled to a 10-2 win over Kansas City on Monday night and leapfrogged the Royals in the AL wild-card race.

Cecconi (6-6) was six outs from the first no-hitter in the majors this season — and Cleveland's first since Len Barker's perfect game in 1981 — when Kansas City's Michael Massey singled leading off the eighth.

On Cecconi's 95th pitch, Massey lined a 2-1 fastball into left-center. The right-hander received a nice ovation from the crowd in Progressive Field before Cecconi got Carter Jensen to hit into a double play.

Cleveland (73-70) won its fourth straight game and moved past the Royals (73-71) into second place in the AL Central. Cleveland entered the four-game series 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the third and final wild card spot.

Kyle Manzardo, Daniel Schneemann and Nolan Jones had two RBIs apiece for Cleveland, which set season highs with 16 hits and seven doubles.

The Guardians tagged Ryan Bergert (2-2) for four RBI doubles and six runs in the fourth inning while opening an 8-0 lead. C.J. Kayfus, Brayan Rocchio, Schneemann and Jones hit the doubles.

Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was not in the starting lineup for the third straight game due to back spasms. Manager Matt Quatraro said Witt ran and did some fielding before the game without any issues and was possible to see “game action.”

Witt didn't get in but is expected to play Tuesday.

Second baseman Rocchio made two nice defensive plays to keep Cecconi's bid intact. In the second, he made a diving stop on Salvador Perez's hard shot up the middle. Two innings later, Rocchio slid in the outfield grass to corral Kyle Isbel's grounder before flipping to second for a forceout.

Since Barker’s perfecto at old Municipal Stadium, eight Cleveland pitchers have carried no-hitters into the ninth inning before their bids were ended. On Aug. 6, Gavin Williams was two outs away before allowing a homer to New York's Juan Soto.

Rookie LHP Noah Cameron (7-6, 3.03 ERA) starts for the Royals against Joey Cantillo (4-3, 3.73), who makes his second career start against Kansas City.

<p>CLEVELAND (AP) — Slade Cecconi took a bid to end Cleveland's long no-hitter drought into the eighth inning, and the Guardians rolled to a 10-2 win over Kansas City on Monday night and leapfrogged the Royals in the AL wild-card race.</p><p>Cecconi (6-6) was six outs from the first no-hitter in the majors this season — and Cleveland's first since Len Barker's perfect game in 1981 — when Kansas City's Michael Massey singled leading off the eighth.</p><p>On Cecconi's 95th pitch, Massey lined a 2-1 fastball into left-center. The right-hander received a nice ovation from the crowd in Progressive Field before Cecconi got Carter Jensen to hit into a double play.</p><p>Cleveland (73-70) won its fourth straight game and moved past the Royals (73-71) into second place in the AL Central. Cleveland entered the four-game series 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the third and final wild card spot.</p><p>Kyle Manzardo, Daniel Schneemann and Nolan Jones had two RBIs apiece for Cleveland, which set season highs with 16 hits and seven doubles.</p><p>The Guardians tagged Ryan Bergert (2-2) for four RBI doubles and six runs in the fourth inning while opening an 8-0 lead. C.J. Kayfus, Brayan Rocchio, Schneemann and Jones hit the doubles.</p><p>Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was not in the starting lineup for the third straight game due to back spasms. Manager Matt Quatraro said Witt ran and did some fielding before the game without any issues and was possible to see “game action.”</p><p>Witt didn't get in but is expected to play Tuesday.</p><h2>Key Moment</h2><p>Second baseman Rocchio made two nice defensive plays to keep Cecconi's bid intact. In the second, he made a diving stop on Salvador Perez's hard shot up the middle. Two innings later, Rocchio slid in the outfield grass to corral Kyle Isbel's grounder before flipping to second for a forceout.</p><h2>Key Stat</h2><p>Since Barker’s perfecto at old Municipal Stadium, eight Cleveland pitchers have carried no-hitters into the ninth inning before their bids were ended. On Aug. 6, Gavin Williams was two outs away before allowing a homer to New York's Juan Soto.</p><h2>Up Next</h2><p>Rookie LHP Noah Cameron (7-6, 3.03 ERA) starts for the Royals against Joey Cantillo (4-3, 3.73), who makes his second career start against Kansas City.</p>

⚾ Slade Cecconi loses no-hit bid in 8th, Guards rout Royals 

<b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b>&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;<b>Chris Klieman</b>&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Monday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex to preview Friday-night’s game at Arizona. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above, while a transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757362232026.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b>&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;<b>Chris Klieman</b>&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Monday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex to preview Friday-night’s game at Arizona. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above, while a transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.</p><p><b>CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACH</b></p><p><i>Opening Statement…</i></p>

 K-State Previews Non-Conference Finale at Weekly Press Conference

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.

<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>