PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 100th run of the season with a solo homer in the first inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 on Saturday.

Witt also hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth and a run-scoring double in the sixth. He went 2 for 3 to raise his MLB-leading batting average to .333. He also has 31 homers and 102 RBIs.

“It’s hard to set personal goals because you never know what might happen during the season,” Witt said. “So, I just take it day by day, play the game and let things happen on their own. But 100 RBIs does mean a lot. I’m happy to be able to do that.”

Michael Wacha (13-7) gave up one run in five innings to improve to 9-1 with a 2.68 ERA in 13 starts since the beginning of July. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out eight.

“The first two innings were really efficient then in the third inning they started working some walks and long counts, working some good ABs and really made me work,” Wacha said. “I wish I could have gone a little deeper, but the bullpen came in and did a great job.”

John Schreiber, Sam Long, James McArthur, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg combined for four innings of five-hit ball for Kansas City.

The Royals won for the seventh time in nine games since a seven-game losing streak as they try to reach the postseason for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. The Royals also assured themselves of their first winning season since 2015 by raising their record to 82-67.

“It really doesn’t mean that much to me,” manager Matt Quatraro said of having a winning record after going 56-106 last season. “Our guys have set the bar much higher than that. They’ve wanted to win the division since the first day of spring training and we might need 90-some wins to do that.”

Kansas City began the day with a 2½-game lead over Minnesota for the second AL wild card. The Royals trailed first-place Cleveland by three games in the AL Central.

The Royals had five stolen bases, three by Maikol Garcia and two by Kyle Isbel.

Mitch Keller (11-10) lost for the fifth time in his last six decisions, allowing four runs — three earned — and four hits with six strikeouts and one walk. The Pirates made three errors behind Keller.

“We gave up a couple runs that were situations he couldn’t control,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “I didn’t think he had his best stuff, but I thought he was able to grind through it and continue to get outs.”

After Witt staked the Royals to the early 1-0 lead, the Royals scored twice in the fifth. Adam Frazier tripled past diving center field Oneil Cruz and scored on Garcia’s double before Witt hit a sacrifice fly.

The Pirates scored their lone run in the fifth on an RBI single by Cruz. They are 14-24 since Aug. 4.

Kansas City’s Michael Massey doubled and scored on third baseman Jared Triolo’s error in the fifth. Witt’s RBI double in the sixth that was misplayed by Cruz made it 5-1.

Bryan Reynolds and Triolo each had two hits for the Pirates.

Royals: RHP Chris Stratton (right forearm flexor strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list and LHP Angel Zerpa was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. Stratton will undergo imaging Monday when the Royals return home from their road trip.

The series concludes Sunday with Royals RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.42 ERA) facing rookie RHP Jared Jones (6-7, 3.82 ERA). Singer is 1-4 with a 5.17 ERA in his last seven starts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726355257593.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 100th run of the season with a solo homer in the first inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 on Saturday.Witt also hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth and a run-scoring double in the sixth. He went 2 for 3 to raise his MLB-leading batting average to .333. He also has 31 homers and 102 RBIs.“It’s hard to set personal goals because you never know what might happen during the season,” Witt said. “So, I just take it day by day, play the game and let things happen on their own. But 100 RBIs does mean a lot. I’m happy to be able to do that.”Michael Wacha (13-7) gave up one run in five innings to improve to 9-1 with a 2.68 ERA in 13 starts since the beginning of July. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out eight.“The first two innings were really efficient then in the third inning they started working some walks and long counts, working some good ABs and really made me work,” Wacha said. “I wish I could have gone a little deeper, but the bullpen came in and did a great job.”John Schreiber, Sam Long, James McArthur, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg combined for four innings of five-hit ball for Kansas City.The Royals won for the seventh time in nine games since a seven-game losing streak as they try to reach the postseason for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. The Royals also assured themselves of their first winning season since 2015 by raising their record to 82-67.“It really doesn’t mean that much to me,” manager Matt Quatraro said of having a winning record after going 56-106 last season. “Our guys have set the bar much higher than that. They’ve wanted to win the division since the first day of spring training and we might need 90-some wins to do that.”Kansas City began the day with a 2½-game lead over Minnesota for the second AL wild card. The Royals trailed first-place Cleveland by three games in the AL Central.The Royals had five stolen bases, three by Maikol Garcia and two by Kyle Isbel.Mitch Keller (11-10) lost for the fifth time in his last six decisions, allowing four runs — three earned — and four hits with six strikeouts and one walk. The Pirates made three errors behind Keller.“We gave up a couple runs that were situations he couldn’t control,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “I didn’t think he had his best stuff, but I thought he was able to grind through it and continue to get outs.”After Witt staked the Royals to the early 1-0 lead, the Royals scored twice in the fifth. Adam Frazier tripled past diving center field Oneil Cruz and scored on Garcia’s double before Witt hit a sacrifice fly.The Pirates scored their lone run in the fifth on an RBI single by Cruz. They are 14-24 since Aug. 4.Kansas City’s Michael Massey doubled and scored on third baseman Jared Triolo’s error in the fifth. Witt’s RBI double in the sixth that was misplayed by Cruz made it 5-1.Bryan Reynolds and Triolo each had two hits for the Pirates.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Chris Stratton (right forearm flexor strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list and LHP Angel Zerpa was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. Stratton will undergo imaging Monday when the Royals return home from their road trip.UP NEXTThe series concludes Sunday with Royals RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.42 ERA) facing rookie RHP Jared Jones (6-7, 3.82 ERA). Singer is 1-4 with a 5.17 ERA in his last seven starts.

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. passes 100 RBIs for the season; Royals beat the Pirates

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel hit home runs and drove in two runs each, Alec Marsh struck out 11 in 5 1/3 innings, and the Kansas City Royals snapped Pittsburgh's four-game winning streak with an 8-3 victory over the Pirates on Friday night.

Perez’s two-run shot to the bullpens in left-center capped a six-run second inning when the Royals broke a scoreless tie. Isbel’s solo homer in the fourth pushed the lead to 7-0. Adam Frazier added a solo home run in the eighth.

Marsh (8-8) allowed only one run and the 11 strikeouts matched a career high. It was the second-year right-hander's first win since July 10.

The Royals had lost two of three games to the Yankees earlier in the week in New York but had a 1 1/2-game lead over Minnesota for the second American League wild card entering the game. With Cleveland's loss on Friday, the second-place Royals pulled within three games of the Guardians on the AL Central.

The Pirates fell to 14-23 since Aug. 4, when their record was 56-54 and they were 2 1/2 games out of the National League’s third wild card.

Luis Ortiz (6-6) was tagged for seven runs – four earned – on five hits in four innings. His throwing error on Frazier’s chopper helped set up the Royals’ big second-inning.

Yuli Gurriel hit an RBI single, and Isbel drove in a run with a double before Tommy Pham’s two-run single made it 4-0. After Bobby Witt Jr. struck out, Perez hit his 27th home run of the season while raising his RBI total to 103.

Witt went 1 for 5, dropping his major league leading batting average one point to .332.

The Pirates scored in the sixth when Oneil Cruz doubled and scored on Joey Bart’s single. Bryan Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly and Cruz added an RBI single in the ninth.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (strained left hamstring) allowed one run in 3 1/3 innings on Friday for Triple-A Omaha in his second minor-league outing since going on the injured list on Aug. 28. Lorenzen will likely be activated next week. … RHP Hunter Harvey (tightness in mid-back) has resumed throwing but there is no timetable for his return.

Pirates: LHP Marco Gonzales (strained left forearm) had left flexor tendon repair surgery, and an internal brace placed in his left ulnar collateral ligament. Eligible for free agency after the World Series, Gonzales is expected to miss most of next season. … 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (lower back inflammation) could begin playing catch next week but the Pirates are unsure if he will return this season.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (12-7, 3.34 ERA) faces RHP Mitch Keller (11-9, 3.85) on Saturday. Wacha is 11-3 with a 2.62 ERA in his last 19 starts since May 9. Keller has lost four of his last five decisions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726278944155.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURGH (AP) — Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel hit home runs and drove in two runs each, Alec Marsh struck out 11 in 5 1/3 innings, and the Kansas City Royals snapped Pittsburgh's four-game winning streak with an 8-3 victory over the Pirates on Friday night.Perez’s two-run shot to the bullpens in left-center capped a six-run second inning when the Royals broke a scoreless tie. Isbel’s solo homer in the fourth pushed the lead to 7-0. Adam Frazier added a solo home run in the eighth.Marsh (8-8) allowed only one run and the 11 strikeouts matched a career high. It was the second-year right-hander's first win since July 10.The Royals had lost two of three games to the Yankees earlier in the week in New York but had a 1 1/2-game lead over Minnesota for the second American League wild card entering the game. With Cleveland's loss on Friday, the second-place Royals pulled within three games of the Guardians on the AL Central.The Pirates fell to 14-23 since Aug. 4, when their record was 56-54 and they were 2 1/2 games out of the National League’s third wild card.Luis Ortiz (6-6) was tagged for seven runs – four earned – on five hits in four innings. His throwing error on Frazier’s chopper helped set up the Royals’ big second-inning.Yuli Gurriel hit an RBI single, and Isbel drove in a run with a double before Tommy Pham’s two-run single made it 4-0. After Bobby Witt Jr. struck out, Perez hit his 27th home run of the season while raising his RBI total to 103.Witt went 1 for 5, dropping his major league leading batting average one point to .332.The Pirates scored in the sixth when Oneil Cruz doubled and scored on Joey Bart’s single. Bryan Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly and Cruz added an RBI single in the ninth.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (strained left hamstring) allowed one run in 3 1/3 innings on Friday for Triple-A Omaha in his second minor-league outing since going on the injured list on Aug. 28. Lorenzen will likely be activated next week. … RHP Hunter Harvey (tightness in mid-back) has resumed throwing but there is no timetable for his return.Pirates: LHP Marco Gonzales (strained left forearm) had left flexor tendon repair surgery, and an internal brace placed in his left ulnar collateral ligament. Eligible for free agency after the World Series, Gonzales is expected to miss most of next season. … 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (lower back inflammation) could begin playing catch next week but the Pirates are unsure if he will return this season.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Michael Wacha (12-7, 3.34 ERA) faces RHP Mitch Keller (11-9, 3.85) on Saturday. Wacha is 11-3 with a 2.62 ERA in his last 19 starts since May 9. Keller has lost four of his last five decisions.___

⚾Perez homers, Marsh strikes out 11 as Royals beat the Pirates 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kylin James scored on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 1:51 left to lift UNLV past Kansas 23-20 Friday night at Children's Mercy Park.

The Jayhawks are playing all their games away from Lawrence, Kan., this season because of construction on their stadium.

UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka was just 7-for-18 passing for 86 yards, but he rushed for 113 yards.

Jalon Daniels was 12-for-23 passing for 153 yards, with two interceptions for Kansas (1-2). He had two rushing touchdowns.

Daniels' second interception of the game gave UNLV the ball at the KU 4-yard line, but the Rebels only got a 23-yard field goal from Caden Chittenden.

Kansas answered with a 41-yard field goal by Tabor Allen to stretch the lead to 20-16 in the fourth quarter.

But UNLV (3-0) used a 14-play, 75-yard drive that took 9:31 off the clock to take the late lead.

After forcing an opening three-and-out, Kansas responded with a 12-play, 81-yard touchdown drive, capped by Daniels' 11-yard run. The Rebels responded with an 11-play drive but had to settle for a Chittenden 38-yard field goal.

Daniels then scampered 33 yards, untouched off the right tackle, to cap a 94-yard drive to give Kansas a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter.

Kansas' defense stiffened again, stopping UNLV on third-and-7, forcing a 27-yard field goal by Chittenden. Allen then extended the lead to 17-6 with a 35-yard field goal with 3:17 left in the first half.

Kansas was driving for another score when Daniels threw his fifth interception of the season. It was returned 46 yards to the Kansas 33. With the first-half clock running down, Sluka found Jai'Den Thomas in the flat and Thomas turned it into a 27-yard touchdown with no time left on the clock to pull within 17-13 at halftime.

UNLV: The Rebels need to work on the long passing game. Sluka attempted seven passes of at least 20 yards — several significantly longer — and missed on all seven.

Kansas: Daniels has the talent to be a star, but he has to cut down on the turnovers. He threw one interception in the season opener and had three picks in the loss at Illinois. His first-half pick Friday kept UNLV in the game and his second-half interception set up the Rebels for a chip-shot field goal.

UNLV: The Rebels will open the Mountain West Conference season with a home contest against Fresno State on Sept. 21.

Kansas: The Jayhawks will open Big 12 Conference play with a road contest at West Virginia on Sept. 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726282858713.png" alt="Photo Kansas athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kylin James scored on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 1:51 left to lift UNLV past Kansas 23-20 Friday night at Children's Mercy Park.The Jayhawks are playing all their games away from Lawrence, Kan., this season because of construction on their stadium.UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka was just 7-for-18 passing for 86 yards, but he rushed for 113 yards.Jalon Daniels was 12-for-23 passing for 153 yards, with two interceptions for Kansas (1-2). He had two rushing touchdowns.Daniels' second interception of the game gave UNLV the ball at the KU 4-yard line, but the Rebels only got a 23-yard field goal from Caden Chittenden.Kansas answered with a 41-yard field goal by Tabor Allen to stretch the lead to 20-16 in the fourth quarter.But UNLV (3-0) used a 14-play, 75-yard drive that took 9:31 off the clock to take the late lead.After forcing an opening three-and-out, Kansas responded with a 12-play, 81-yard touchdown drive, capped by Daniels' 11-yard run. The Rebels responded with an 11-play drive but had to settle for a Chittenden 38-yard field goal.Daniels then scampered 33 yards, untouched off the right tackle, to cap a 94-yard drive to give Kansas a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter.Kansas' defense stiffened again, stopping UNLV on third-and-7, forcing a 27-yard field goal by Chittenden. Allen then extended the lead to 17-6 with a 35-yard field goal with 3:17 left in the first half.Kansas was driving for another score when Daniels threw his fifth interception of the season. It was returned 46 yards to the Kansas 33. With the first-half clock running down, Sluka found Jai'Den Thomas in the flat and Thomas turned it into a 27-yard touchdown with no time left on the clock to pull within 17-13 at halftime.THE TAKEAWAYUNLV: The Rebels need to work on the long passing game. Sluka attempted seven passes of at least 20 yards — several significantly longer — and missed on all seven.Kansas: Daniels has the talent to be a star, but he has to cut down on the turnovers. He threw one interception in the season opener and had three picks in the loss at Illinois. His first-half pick Friday kept UNLV in the game and his second-half interception set up the Rebels for a chip-shot field goal.UP NEXTUNLV: The Rebels will open the Mountain West Conference season with a home contest against Fresno State on Sept. 21.Kansas: The Jayhawks will open Big 12 Conference play with a road contest at West Virginia on Sept. 21.

🏈  Kylin James' late touchdown run lifts UNLV over Kansas 

NEW YORK (AP) — Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a game-ending infield single with one out in the 11th inning and the New York Yankees outlasted the Kansas City Royals for a 4-3 victory Wednesday night.

Juan Soto launched a go-ahead homer in the sixth for the Yankees, who increased their advantage in the AL East to 1 1/2 games over Baltimore. New York has held the lead since Aug. 21 but hasn't led by more than two games during that stretch.

Shortly before Chisholm came through, the Orioles lost 5-3 in 10 innings at Fenway Park when Tyler O’Neill hit a walk-off homer for Boston.

Chisholm came up with runners on first and third after Kris Bubic (0-1) intentionally walked Aaron Judge following a groundout by Soto that sent automatic runner Jon Berti from second base to third.

With the infield playing in, Judge advanced to second on defensive indifference and Chisolm slapped a 2-1 slider toward shortstop. Bobby Witt Jr. made a diving stop on his backhand, but an off-balance throw from his knees was wide of the plate. Berti, who was pinch running, scored easily with a headfirst slide.

“Honestly, I was looking for a pitch that I could get through a hole or get to the outfield to score anybody on third base,” Chisholm said. “I was willing to pass the baton if I didn’t get a pitch to hit.”

Chisholm batted cleanup for the second time since being acquired from the Miami Marlins on July 27. It was his first career walk-off hit and he was doused in water during the celebration while getting mobbed by teammates near second base.

Luke Weaver (5-3) struck out three in 1 2/3 hitless innings for the win.

New York took two of three in a series between playoff contenders. Kansas City fell 4 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the AL Central but holds the league’s second wild card by 1 1/2 games over Minnesota.

“This is a big series win for us against a really good club over there that threw a lot of good pitching at us,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

The teams traded runs in the 10th. Royals pinch-runner Darion Blanco stole third base and scored on Jake Cousins’ wild pitch. In the bottom half, pinch-hitter Austin Wells tied it with a sacrifice fly.

“It was a tense game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was tight. It was well pitched on both sides.”

Soto hit a two-run homer off Cole Ragans to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead, two pitches after fouling a ball off his right ankle in the sixth. The slugger doubled over in pain, but stayed in the game after getting checked by head athletic trainer Tim Lentych. Soto fouled off another pitch off before sending a 402-foot drive to right field.

“You really get mad when you hit yourself,” Soto said. “It’s just the way it goes. I’m not mad at the pitcher or anything. Just mad at myself, but when you come through like that, it just feels a little relief.”

Soto said he felt the pain when he homered but was feeling better after the game.

“He’s got that theatric thing down pretty good here,” Boone said.

Salvador Perez hit a tying sacrifice fly off Clay Holmes in the seventh and started an impressive double play to end the bottom half.

With runners on first and second, Jose Trevino hit a high chopper to the first baseman and Perez reached to barely tag Trevino on the back of his jersey. Perez then pivoted quickly and made a strong throw to catcher Freddy Fermin, cutting down Anthony Volpe at the plate.

Kansas City challenged the safe call at first, which was overturned following a brief replay review.

Ragans allowed two runs and three hits in six innings. He struck out seven and moved ahead of Detroit lefty Tarik Skubal for the American League lead in strikeouts.

“I don’t think that they’re any better than us,” Ragans said. “We believe in ourselves. I think we’re a good team. We’re a playoff team. They’re a good team, they’re a playoff team. It’s a good matchup, it was a good three games.”

Yankees rookie Luis Gil permitted one run and five hits over five innings in his second start following a stint on the injured list due to a back injury.

Michael Massey homered in the fourth against Gil, who struck out MJ Melendez with two on to end the fifth.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (strained left hamstring) will make his next minor league rehab start this weekend and could return to the rotation next week. Lorenzen threw 38 pitches over 1 2/3 shaky innings Tuesday night for Double-A Northwest Arkansas and felt fine afterward, Quatraro said.

Royals: Had not announced a starter for the opener of a three-game series at Pittsburgh on Friday. RHP Luis Ortiz (6-5, 3.26 ERA) will pitch for the Pirates.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a game-ending infield single with one out in the 11th inning and the New York Yankees outlasted the Kansas City Royals for a 4-3 victory Wednesday night.Juan Soto launched a go-ahead homer in the sixth for the Yankees, who increased their advantage in the AL East to 1 1/2 games over Baltimore. New York has held the lead since Aug. 21 but hasn't led by more than two games during that stretch.Shortly before Chisholm came through, the Orioles lost 5-3 in 10 innings at Fenway Park when Tyler O’Neill hit a walk-off homer for Boston.Chisholm came up with runners on first and third after Kris Bubic (0-1) intentionally walked Aaron Judge following a groundout by Soto that sent automatic runner Jon Berti from second base to third.With the infield playing in, Judge advanced to second on defensive indifference and Chisolm slapped a 2-1 slider toward shortstop. Bobby Witt Jr. made a diving stop on his backhand, but an off-balance throw from his knees was wide of the plate. Berti, who was pinch running, scored easily with a headfirst slide.“Honestly, I was looking for a pitch that I could get through a hole or get to the outfield to score anybody on third base,” Chisholm said. “I was willing to pass the baton if I didn’t get a pitch to hit.”Chisholm batted cleanup for the second time since being acquired from the Miami Marlins on July 27. It was his first career walk-off hit and he was doused in water during the celebration while getting mobbed by teammates near second base.Luke Weaver (5-3) struck out three in 1 2/3 hitless innings for the win.New York took two of three in a series between playoff contenders. Kansas City fell 4 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the AL Central but holds the league’s second wild card by 1 1/2 games over Minnesota.“This is a big series win for us against a really good club over there that threw a lot of good pitching at us,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.The teams traded runs in the 10th. Royals pinch-runner Darion Blanco stole third base and scored on Jake Cousins’ wild pitch. In the bottom half, pinch-hitter Austin Wells tied it with a sacrifice fly.“It was a tense game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was tight. It was well pitched on both sides.”Soto hit a two-run homer off Cole Ragans to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead, two pitches after fouling a ball off his right ankle in the sixth. The slugger doubled over in pain, but stayed in the game after getting checked by head athletic trainer Tim Lentych. Soto fouled off another pitch off before sending a 402-foot drive to right field.“You really get mad when you hit yourself,” Soto said. “It’s just the way it goes. I’m not mad at the pitcher or anything. Just mad at myself, but when you come through like that, it just feels a little relief.”Soto said he felt the pain when he homered but was feeling better after the game.“He’s got that theatric thing down pretty good here,” Boone said.Salvador Perez hit a tying sacrifice fly off Clay Holmes in the seventh and started an impressive double play to end the bottom half.With runners on first and second, Jose Trevino hit a high chopper to the first baseman and Perez reached to barely tag Trevino on the back of his jersey. Perez then pivoted quickly and made a strong throw to catcher Freddy Fermin, cutting down Anthony Volpe at the plate.Kansas City challenged the safe call at first, which was overturned following a brief replay review.Ragans allowed two runs and three hits in six innings. He struck out seven and moved ahead of Detroit lefty Tarik Skubal for the American League lead in strikeouts.“I don’t think that they’re any better than us,” Ragans said. “We believe in ourselves. I think we’re a good team. We’re a playoff team. They’re a good team, they’re a playoff team. It’s a good matchup, it was a good three games.”Yankees rookie Luis Gil permitted one run and five hits over five innings in his second start following a stint on the injured list due to a back injury.Michael Massey homered in the fourth against Gil, who struck out MJ Melendez with two on to end the fifth.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (strained left hamstring) will make his next minor league rehab start this weekend and could return to the rotation next week. Lorenzen threw 38 pitches over 1 2/3 shaky innings Tuesday night for Double-A Northwest Arkansas and felt fine afterward, Quatraro said.UP NEXTRoyals: Had not announced a starter for the opener of a three-game series at Pittsburgh on Friday. RHP Luis Ortiz (6-5, 3.26 ERA) will pitch for the Pirates.

⚾ Yankees edge Royals in 11 innings 

Junction City and Manhattan High School football teams will play Thursday night home games.

Junction City is hosting Lawrence High School while Manhattan will host Lawrence Free State.

Junction City and Manhattan High School football teams will play Thursday night home games.Junction City is hosting Lawrence High School while Manhattan will host Lawrence Free State.

High school football on Thursday night

NEW YORK (AP) — Seth Lugo struck out 10 in seven masterful innings and Salvador Perez hit two run-scoring singles to reach 100 RBIs for the second time as the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees 5-0 on Tuesday night.

Tommy Pham homered and Bobby Witt Jr. had an RBI single for the Royals, who began the night trailing first-place Cleveland by 3 1/2 games in the AL Central. They held a 2 1/2-game edge over Minnesota for the second AL wild card.

New York came in 1 1/2 games ahead of second-place Baltimore atop the AL East.

Lugo (16-8) carved up a full-strength Yankees lineup that entered leading the majors in homers and ranked second in runs. The right-hander allowed only three singles and walked none, retiring 17 straight batters after Gleyber Torres' bloop hit to begin the bottom of the first.

Torres snapped the string on another soft single with two outs in the sixth.

Kris Bubic and John Schreiber completed the three-hitter, as Lugo tied Atlanta ace Chris Sale and Detroit lefty Tarik Skubal for the major league lead in wins.

The right-hander outpitched former Mets teammate Marcus Stroman (10-8), who permitted three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

No. 9 batter Kyle Isbel scored twice after leadoff singles for the Royals, who had dropped six consecutive road games. They won for the fifth time in 13 games overall and improved to 2-4 against the Yankees this season.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) was scheduled to pitch about three innings in a rehab outing with Double-A Northwest Arkansas. He could rejoin the big league rotation after that. ... LHP Will Smith (back spasms) planned to throw another bullpen at less than full intensity. "He’s still not completely symptom-free in his back. But he’s working through the bullpens,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “It’s improving, it’s just not completely resolved.”

Yankees: Manager Aaron Boone didn't rule out a return this season for infielder DJ LeMahieu (right hip impingement), but also said he wouldn't count on it, either.

All-Star LHP Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.33 ERA) starts for Kansas City against rookie RHP Luis Gil (13-6, 3.24) in the rubber match of the three-game series Wednesday night.

The first Royals lefty with 200 strikeouts in a season, Ragans pitched six shutout innings to beat Minnesota last Friday night. Gil returned that day from a lower back strain that landed him on the injured list and threw six innings of one-hit ball in a 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726020244726.png" alt="Seth Lugo photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Seth Lugo photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Seth Lugo struck out 10 in seven masterful innings and Salvador Perez hit two run-scoring singles to reach 100 RBIs for the second time as the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees 5-0 on Tuesday night.Tommy Pham homered and Bobby Witt Jr. had an RBI single for the Royals, who began the night trailing first-place Cleveland by 3 1/2 games in the AL Central. They held a 2 1/2-game edge over Minnesota for the second AL wild card.New York came in 1 1/2 games ahead of second-place Baltimore atop the AL East.Lugo (16-8) carved up a full-strength Yankees lineup that entered leading the majors in homers and ranked second in runs. The right-hander allowed only three singles and walked none, retiring 17 straight batters after Gleyber Torres' bloop hit to begin the bottom of the first.Torres snapped the string on another soft single with two outs in the sixth.Kris Bubic and John Schreiber completed the three-hitter, as Lugo tied Atlanta ace Chris Sale and Detroit lefty Tarik Skubal for the major league lead in wins.The right-hander outpitched former Mets teammate Marcus Stroman (10-8), who permitted three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.No. 9 batter Kyle Isbel scored twice after leadoff singles for the Royals, who had dropped six consecutive road games. They won for the fifth time in 13 games overall and improved to 2-4 against the Yankees this season.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) was scheduled to pitch about three innings in a rehab outing with Double-A Northwest Arkansas. He could rejoin the big league rotation after that. ... LHP Will Smith (back spasms) planned to throw another bullpen at less than full intensity. "He’s still not completely symptom-free in his back. But he’s working through the bullpens,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “It’s improving, it’s just not completely resolved.”Yankees: Manager Aaron Boone didn't rule out a return this season for infielder DJ LeMahieu (right hip impingement), but also said he wouldn't count on it, either.UP NEXTAll-Star LHP Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.33 ERA) starts for Kansas City against rookie RHP Luis Gil (13-6, 3.24) in the rubber match of the three-game series Wednesday night.The first Royals lefty with 200 strikeouts in a season, Ragans pitched six shutout innings to beat Minnesota last Friday night. Gil returned that day from a lower back strain that landed him on the injured list and threw six innings of one-hit ball in a 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

⚾ Lugo dominates for his 16th victory as the Royals shut out Yankees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23523&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-september-9-2024/4886">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-september-9-2024/4887">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Monday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex to preview Friday’s contest against Arizona. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Good afternoon, everyone. One of the things I forgot to mention on Saturday after the game, I can't thank our fans enough for coming out. That was a really good K-State crowd and had an impact in that second half. After the game I really noticed it. I wish I would have thanked the crew right then at the press conference after the game, but great job by our fans for coming out and supporting our guys down in New Orleans.

“A couple of things going back and watching the film – the obvious thing is we need to be better in all three phases. We know that there's some things that we've got to shore up in specific areas, on both sides and on teams. In the same respect, I don't want to disrespect what I believe, and I know that Tulane is a really good football team. You watch them on tape, quarterback, wide receivers, and offensive line were really talented, and they tackled really well. They really hit you and did a good job. So, that would be terrible for me to say – or anybody to say – ‘Wait, you guys don't look pretty good.’ We beat a good football team. One thing I learned that I wasn't sure of is that we have really good leadership. Our culture won that game with those older kids and leaders, in particular stepping up at halftime. I'm excited about the win. I know you guys also watched a lot of other games on Saturday – it’s hard to win in college football. Good to be happy when you get wins, and we are. In the same respect, we know we've got a lot of work to do. Unfortunately, it's a short week so we've got a lot of stuff to get done.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725917663857.jpeg" alt="KUS football coach Chris Kleiman" />
 <figcaption>KUS football coach Chris Kleiman</figcaption>
 </figure><a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23523&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-september-9-2024/4886">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-september-9-2024/4887">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Monday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex to preview Friday’s contest against Arizona. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Good afternoon, everyone. One of the things I forgot to mention on Saturday after the game, I can't thank our fans enough for coming out. That was a really good K-State crowd and had an impact in that second half. After the game I really noticed it. I wish I would have thanked the crew right then at the press conference after the game, but great job by our fans for coming out and supporting our guys down in New Orleans.“A couple of things going back and watching the film – the obvious thing is we need to be better in all three phases. We know that there's some things that we've got to shore up in specific areas, on both sides and on teams. In the same respect, I don't want to disrespect what I believe, and I know that Tulane is a really good football team. You watch them on tape, quarterback, wide receivers, and offensive line were really talented, and they tackled really well. They really hit you and did a good job. So, that would be terrible for me to say – or anybody to say – ‘Wait, you guys don't look pretty good.’ We beat a good football team. One thing I learned that I wasn't sure of is that we have really good leadership. Our culture won that game with those older kids and leaders, in particular stepping up at halftime. I'm excited about the win. I know you guys also watched a lot of other games on Saturday – it’s hard to win in college football. Good to be happy when you get wins, and we are. In the same respect, we know we've got a lot of work to do. Unfortunately, it's a short week so we've got a lot of stuff to get done.”– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEY

Wildcats Preview Friday-Night Contest at Weekly Press Conference

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

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

No. 14 Kansas State hosts new Big 12 member and No. 20 Arizona at 7 p.m. on Friday in a non-conference matchup as the series was originally announced in 2016. The game also serves as the debut of FOX College Football Friday. 

Tickets 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-C

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced Monday that Kansas State’s Big 12-opening contest at BYU on September 21 will kick at 9:30 p.m. (CT), and will be televised by ESPN. It will be the Wildcats’ first game to kick off past 9 p.m. (CT) since a contest at UCLA in 2009.This will be the ninth all-time meeting between the Wildcats and Cougars and the first since the 1997 (post-1996 season) Cotton Bowl. It will be the first matchup in Provo since 1977 as the teams played seven times in either Provo or Manhattan between 1957 and 1977.No. 14 Kansas State hosts new Big 12 member and No. 20 Arizona at 7 p.m. on Friday in a non-conference matchup as the series was originally announced in 2016. The game also serves as the debut of FOX College Football Friday. Tickets 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-C

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brady’s commentary was knowledgeable, as expected, but also lacking in personality — no Tony Romo anticipating the next play, no John Madden with his “Boom!” and turducken, not even the quarter-zip sweaters that make Peyton Manning stand out from the dozens or hundreds of other ex-jocks who joined the media when their playing careers were over.

There were awkward laughs, a cringey fist-bump with rules analyst Mike Pereira, and a lot of calling players by their first names (along with an unnecessarily deferential reference to “Coach McCarthy”). Brady declined to call out Cleveland receiver Amari Cooper when a pass went through his hands in the fourth quarter and made excuses for the Browns while trying to find positives in a dreadful performance.

As one&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LouSchoolBeat/status/1832892612925108354">X user tweeted</a>, “Tom Brady is to broadcasting as Michael Jordan is to baseball.”

(Of course Brady, a sixth-round draft pick who spent his first NFL season as the Patriots fourth-string quarterback, managed to grow into the quarterbacking thing just fine.)

It didn't help that the game, which Dallas led 27-3 early in the second half, was headed toward a blowout that would challenge even a veteran broadcaster to hold the audience's interest. But that's where Brady was able to deploy his experience as an asset.

“There's plenty of time left in this game,” said the quarterback who famously led the Patriots back from a 28-3 deficit in Super Bowl 51 against Atlanta. “Just the margin of error's slim.”

On one play, Brady called for Deshaun Watson to throw it to an open tight end; the Browns quarterback didn't see it.

Brady played 23 years in the NFL before retiring after the 2022 season as the most decorated player in league history. He signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-brady-tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-super-bowl-entertainment-26e0c189f488a48ec28abf7bfc3e06d7">a 10-year deal with Fox Sports</a>&nbsp;— replacing the well-regarded Greg Olsen as the network's lead analyst. Brady took last year off, a gap that only added to the anticipation over whether he could transfer some of his on-field knowledge and skills to the booth.

A commercial a few minutes before the kickoff featured Brady in his various football uniforms talking to his current self, questioning why he didn’t just take the estimated $450 million he earned in his playing career and “lay on a beach getting fat on pina coladas.”

“What they’re really asking is why don’t you quit football?’ They don’t understand that you live and breathe for football. Because you’re Tom Freaking Brady,” a succession of helmeted Bradys say. “And our football journey isn’t even close to done.”

“Back to work,” the current Brady says.

With five Super Bowl MVP awards in his seven victories in the NFL title game — six for New England and one for Tampa Bay — Brady established himself as the greatest player in league history. He retired with the career records for wins and playoff wins, passing touchdowns and playoff passing touchdowns, and passing yards and playoff passing yards, among other bests.

And while he couldn't completely avoid controversy in his career — most notably during the two-year Deflategate odyssey that led to a four-game suspension for cheating — Brady rarely made news with anything he said.

Brady’s new career has already seen a setback because his concurrent attempt to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-meetings-goodell-brady-raiders-b6935115a324caaad2252ba1b9b0d5e5">purchase a minority share in the Las Vegas Raiders</a>&nbsp;means he won't have the access to team facilities, players and coaches that other broadcasters receive. He also must abide by the league constitution and bylaws that prohibit public criticism of officials and other clubs; he is allowed to broadcast Raiders games.

The much-anticipated debut stole some of the attention from the game between the defending NFC East champion Cowboys, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-dak-prescott-contract-318da54828e8bd96d7010f82c6dcfe22">signed quarterback Dak Prescott</a>&nbsp;to a record-setting four-year, $240 million contract earlier Sunday, and a Browns team that isn't expected to make the playoffs.

As the final 30 seconds ticked off on the Cowboys’ 33-17 victory, Brady and Burkhardt discussed their new partnership as much as the game itself. Back in the studio, Michael Strahan picked Brady — not any of the players — as the day’s biggest winner, and Brady shared some wisdom he got from his fellow athlete-turned-TV personality: “You’re going to wake up tomorrow, on Monday morning, you ain’t going to be sore.”

“That,” Brady said, “I’m very happy about.”

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

Tom Brady takes awkward first steps in transition from football field to TV booth

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Garrett Hampson and Salvador Perez drove in runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Sunday to complete a series sweep of their closest pursuers in the AL wild-card race.

Wacha (12-7) struck out seven while allowing just one walk is 100th career win. He got plenty of help from his defense, which turned two double plays and threw out a runner trying to score from first base in the first inning.

Kris Bubic handled the eighth for Kansas City before Lucas Erceg worked around a leadoff single in the ninth for his 11th save.

“It’s definitely a cool number for sure, something that was on my goal list coming into the season,” Wacha said of his milestone win. “It was definitely one of those days when (Bubic and Erceg) came in and slammed the door there.”

Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks before he was pulled with one out in the fifth inning. Minnesota's bullpen did not allow a run the rest of the way, though it didn't matter with the offense getting shut out.

The Twins held a lengthy closed-door meeting after the game, and manager Rocco Baldelli issued a statement without taking questions, saying: “It’s an unprofessional series of baseball that we just played and that’s my only comment for the day. I’m not commenting on anything else. I don’t think anything else really has to be said.”

The Royals moved 2 1/2 games ahead of AL Central-rival Minnesota for the second wild-card spot.

“Just keep your head up. It's a long season. We all know it,” Woods Richardson said. "Just take one pitch at a time. Lean on each other. Rely on each other. This is where a team becomes a team. Rely on each other and go to work.”

The Twins had a chance to strike in the first inning, and finally build some momentum after dropping four of the first six games on their seven-game trip. But Jose Miranda, who had singled, was thrown out by about a foot trying to score on Trevor Larnach's double, and Royce Lewis eventually struck out to end the inning.

“Kind of get into some trouble there in the first. Big play at the plate,” Wacha said. “That was almost a little wake-up call, a little momentum-shifter, like, ‘OK, let’s not give them any more opportunities.'”

The Twins' only other hits off Wacha came from Christian Vázquez leading off the third and sixth innings, and both times the veteran right-hander was able to get a double play to prevent a runner from even reaching second base again.

When the Royals got their chance, they took advantage of it.

MJ Melendez drew a walk leading off the fifth, and Freddy Fermin and Maikel Garcia followed with singles to load the bases for Hampson, who hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in left field. And when Tommy Pham walked to load the bases again, Perez followed with an RBI dribbler that traveled all of 80 feet down the third-base line for the only other run of the game.

“Those are the things where they happen for you, you feel good. When they happen against you, it's devastating,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “because you can't plan for that. And that's fortunate for us that it happened.”

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) is scheduled for a rehab appearance for Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday. He's been out since Aug. 27. ... LHP Will Smith (back spasms) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is “progressing fine,” Quatraro said. He went on the injured list Aug. 26.

Twins: 1B Carlos Santana was out of the lineup after leaving Saturday's game with an illness. Miranda started in his place.

Minnesota: RHP David Festa (2-5, 4.75) takes the hill to start three-game series against the Angels on Monday night.

Kansas City: RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.35) opens a three-game set against the Yankees on Monday night in New York.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725828266033.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Garrett Hampson and Salvador Perez drove in runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Sunday to complete a series sweep of their closest pursuers in the AL wild-card race.Wacha (12-7) struck out seven while allowing just one walk is 100th career win. He got plenty of help from his defense, which turned two double plays and threw out a runner trying to score from first base in the first inning.Kris Bubic handled the eighth for Kansas City before Lucas Erceg worked around a leadoff single in the ninth for his 11th save.“It’s definitely a cool number for sure, something that was on my goal list coming into the season,” Wacha said of his milestone win. “It was definitely one of those days when (Bubic and Erceg) came in and slammed the door there.”Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks before he was pulled with one out in the fifth inning. Minnesota's bullpen did not allow a run the rest of the way, though it didn't matter with the offense getting shut out.The Twins held a lengthy closed-door meeting after the game, and manager Rocco Baldelli issued a statement without taking questions, saying: “It’s an unprofessional series of baseball that we just played and that’s my only comment for the day. I’m not commenting on anything else. I don’t think anything else really has to be said.”The Royals moved 2 1/2 games ahead of AL Central-rival Minnesota for the second wild-card spot.“Just keep your head up. It's a long season. We all know it,” Woods Richardson said. "Just take one pitch at a time. Lean on each other. Rely on each other. This is where a team becomes a team. Rely on each other and go to work.”The Twins had a chance to strike in the first inning, and finally build some momentum after dropping four of the first six games on their seven-game trip. But Jose Miranda, who had singled, was thrown out by about a foot trying to score on Trevor Larnach's double, and Royce Lewis eventually struck out to end the inning.“Kind of get into some trouble there in the first. Big play at the plate,” Wacha said. “That was almost a little wake-up call, a little momentum-shifter, like, ‘OK, let’s not give them any more opportunities.'”The Twins' only other hits off Wacha came from Christian Vázquez leading off the third and sixth innings, and both times the veteran right-hander was able to get a double play to prevent a runner from even reaching second base again.When the Royals got their chance, they took advantage of it.MJ Melendez drew a walk leading off the fifth, and Freddy Fermin and Maikel Garcia followed with singles to load the bases for Hampson, who hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in left field. And when Tommy Pham walked to load the bases again, Perez followed with an RBI dribbler that traveled all of 80 feet down the third-base line for the only other run of the game.“Those are the things where they happen for you, you feel good. When they happen against you, it's devastating,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “because you can't plan for that. And that's fortunate for us that it happened.”<h2>Trainer's room</h2>Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) is scheduled for a rehab appearance for Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday. He's been out since Aug. 27. ... LHP Will Smith (back spasms) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is “progressing fine,” Quatraro said. He went on the injured list Aug. 26.Twins: 1B Carlos Santana was out of the lineup after leaving Saturday's game with an illness. Miranda started in his place.<h2>Next up</h2>Minnesota: RHP David Festa (2-5, 4.75) takes the hill to start three-game series against the Angels on Monday night.Kansas City: RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.35) opens a three-game set against the Yankees on Monday night in New York.

⚾ Wacha tosses 7 innings of 4-hit ball, Royals sweep the Twins 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking single in a four-run eighth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat Minnesota 4-2 Saturday night to open a 1 1/2-game lead over the Twins for the second AL wild card.

Held to one hit over seven innings by Bailey Ober, the Royals rallied against Jhoan Durán (6-9) and Griffin Jax, winning their third straight following a season-high, seven-game losing streak.

Kansas City (78-65) is second behind Cleveland in the AL Central and Minnesota (76-66) is third after losing four of five.

Duran, who topped 100 mph with five of 17 pitches, entered with a 2-0 lead and gave up a one-out single to Freddy Fermin, then hit Robbie Grossman with a pitch. Kyle Isbel hit an RBI single and Jax relieved, trying for a five-out save.

Tommy Pham hit a slow four-hopper to Brooks Lee and reached on an infield hit as the shortstop barehanded the ball and bounced his throw past first. Pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who had been on second, scored on the error.

Witt, who leads the major leagues with a .336 average, looped a single into short center as Isbel scored for a 3-2 lead. ML Melendez drove in Pham with a two-out single off Jax, who blew a save for the fifth time in 13 chances.

Daniel Lynch (1-0) allowed one hit in three scoreless innings and Lucas Erceg pitched a perfect ninth for his 10th save, his seventh since the Royals acquired him from Oakland in July.

Ober did not allow a runner to reach second, retired his final 15 batters, struck out seven and walked nine.

José Miranda hit a two-out RBI triple in the third and scored on Matt Wallner’s double off Alec Marsh, who gave up four hits in five innings.

Royals right-hander Dan Altavilla cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Omaha.

Twins: 1B Carlos Santana left in the bottom of the sixth inning with an unspecified illness and was replaced by Kyle Farmer.

Minnesota RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-3, 3.95 ERA) starts Sunday against Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (11-7, 3.50 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725761132757.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking single in a four-run eighth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat Minnesota 4-2 Saturday night to open a 1 1/2-game lead over the Twins for the second AL wild card.Held to one hit over seven innings by Bailey Ober, the Royals rallied against Jhoan Durán (6-9) and Griffin Jax, winning their third straight following a season-high, seven-game losing streak.Kansas City (78-65) is second behind Cleveland in the AL Central and Minnesota (76-66) is third after losing four of five.Duran, who topped 100 mph with five of 17 pitches, entered with a 2-0 lead and gave up a one-out single to Freddy Fermin, then hit Robbie Grossman with a pitch. Kyle Isbel hit an RBI single and Jax relieved, trying for a five-out save.Tommy Pham hit a slow four-hopper to Brooks Lee and reached on an infield hit as the shortstop barehanded the ball and bounced his throw past first. Pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who had been on second, scored on the error.Witt, who leads the major leagues with a .336 average, looped a single into short center as Isbel scored for a 3-2 lead. ML Melendez drove in Pham with a two-out single off Jax, who blew a save for the fifth time in 13 chances.Daniel Lynch (1-0) allowed one hit in three scoreless innings and Lucas Erceg pitched a perfect ninth for his 10th save, his seventh since the Royals acquired him from Oakland in July.Ober did not allow a runner to reach second, retired his final 15 batters, struck out seven and walked nine.José Miranda hit a two-out RBI triple in the third and scored on Matt Wallner’s double off Alec Marsh, who gave up four hits in five innings.Royals right-hander Dan Altavilla cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Omaha.TRAINER'S ROOMTwins: 1B Carlos Santana left in the bottom of the sixth inning with an unspecified illness and was replaced by Kyle Farmer.UP NEXTMinnesota RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-3, 3.95 ERA) starts Sunday against Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (11-7, 3.50 ERA).___

⚾ Witt's go-ahead single lifts Royals over Twins

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Kaden Feagin scored on a 1-yard run with 9:34 to go, David Alano added a 43-yard field goal with 58 seconds left and Illinois rallied to beat No. 19 Kansas 23-17 on Saturday night.

Illinois (2-0) beat a ranked nonconference opponent for the first time since topping then-No. 22 Arizona State on Sept. 17, 2011. The Illini also avenged a 34-23 loss last year at Kansas (1-1).

Feagin scored after Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for 37- and 28-yard completions on the eight-play, 80-yard drive.

Altmyer completed 16 of 25 passes for 192 yards. Zakhari Franklin had nine catches for 99 yards, and Bryant had three receptions for 70 yards.

Kansas' Jalon Daniels was 18 of 32 for 141 yards with two touchdown passes and three interceptions.

Daniels scrambled and found a wide-open Lawrence Arnold in the end zone for 13-yard TD pass that give the Jayhawks a 17-13 lead with 4:57 to go in the third quarter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725763065851.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Kaden Feagin scored on a 1-yard run with 9:34 to go, David Alano added a 43-yard field goal with 58 seconds left and Illinois rallied to beat No. 19 Kansas 23-17 on Saturday night.Illinois (2-0) beat a ranked nonconference opponent for the first time since topping then-No. 22 Arizona State on Sept. 17, 2011. The Illini also avenged a 34-23 loss last year at Kansas (1-1).Feagin scored after Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for 37- and 28-yard completions on the eight-play, 80-yard drive.Altmyer completed 16 of 25 passes for 192 yards. Zakhari Franklin had nine catches for 99 yards, and Bryant had three receptions for 70 yards.Kansas' Jalon Daniels was 18 of 32 for 141 yards with two touchdown passes and three interceptions.Daniels scrambled and found a wide-open Lawrence Arnold in the end zone for 13-yard TD pass that give the Jayhawks a 17-13 lead with 4:57 to go in the third quarter.Luke Grimm caught nine passes for 40 yards and a touchdown for the Jayhawks. Devin Neal ran for 101 yards on 14 carries.The teams combined for 17 points in the final 3:05 of the second quarter.Illinois led 13-10 at halftime thanks to Xavier Scott’s 28-yard return of an interception with 36 seconds left in the quarter. Scott read a screen pass attempt by Daniels and raced untouched into the end zone. It was Scott’s second interception of the game.A 50-yard field goal by Alano with 2:27 to go in the quarter was set up by a spectacular one-handed, 42-yard catch by Franklin along the sideline with Kansas’ Damarius McGhee holding his other arm.The Jayhawks went ahead 10-3 on a 3-yard TD pass from Daniels to Grimm in the back of the end zone with 3:05 remaining in the half.THE TAKEAWAYIllinois: The Illini proved they could go toe-to-toe and beat a ranked opponent, a good sign with games against No. 8 Penn State, No. 10 Michigan and No. 7 Oregon coming up in the next six weeks.Kansas: Despite the loss, the Jayhawks showed they have a potent running attack led by Neal and and a sturdy defense. Illinois’ offense scored only one touchdown — albeit the winning TD — gained just 79 yards on the ground, and had only 14 first downs.POLL IMPLICATIONSKansas made some major errors including a penalty that wiped out a touchdown, and the interceptions by Daniels that ruined drives and allowed Illinois to pull ahead late in the first half. The Jayhawks will most likely drop out of the Top 25.UP NEXTIllinois: Hosts Central Michigan on Saturday.