DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered to help the Detroit Tigers win their fifth straight game, 4-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

The teams entered the game with the best records in the American League in August. Detroit has won nine of its last 10 games.

Chris Paddack (5-11) picked up his second win as a Tiger, allowing one run in five innings.

Michael Wacha (8-10) had his four-start winning streak snapped, giving up three runs on eight hits in six innings.

The Tigers took the lead on Jake Rogers' RBI double in the third, but Vinnie Pasquatino doubled home Bobby Witt Jr. in the fourth.

Torkelson hit his 27th homer to make it 2-1 in the fourth, and Rogers gave Detroit a two-run lead with an RBI single in the fifth.

Witt, though, homered off Tigers reliever Troy Melton in the sixth to pull the Royals to 3-2.

Witt singled with one out in the eighth, took second on Riley Greene's error and moved to third on Pasquatino's grounder back to the mound. A.J. Hinch brought in Will Vest, who struck out Maikel Garcia to end the inning.

Andy Ibáñez made it 4-2 with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth. Vest finished for his 19th save.

The Royals had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh, but Tyler Holton came out of the bullpen and got pinch-hitter Nick Loftin to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.

Pasquatino entered the game with homers in five straight games, matching the franchise record set by Mike Sweeney in 2002 and tied by Salvador Perez in 2024. He went 1 for 4 with the RBI double in the fourth inning.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.73 ERA) was set to face RHP Jack Flaherty (7-12., 4.51) on Sunday in the series finale.

<p>DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered to help the Detroit Tigers win their fifth straight game, 4-2 over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.</p><p>The teams entered the game with the best records in the American League in August. Detroit has won nine of its last 10 games.</p><p>Chris Paddack (5-11) picked up his second win as a Tiger, allowing one run in five innings.</p><p>Michael Wacha (8-10) had his four-start winning streak snapped, giving up three runs on eight hits in six innings.</p><p>The Tigers took the lead on Jake Rogers' RBI double in the third, but Vinnie Pasquatino doubled home Bobby Witt Jr. in the fourth.</p><p>Torkelson hit his 27th homer to make it 2-1 in the fourth, and Rogers gave Detroit a two-run lead with an RBI single in the fifth.</p><p>Witt, though, homered off Tigers reliever Troy Melton in the sixth to pull the Royals to 3-2.</p><p>Witt singled with one out in the eighth, took second on Riley Greene's error and moved to third on Pasquatino's grounder back to the mound. A.J. Hinch brought in Will Vest, who struck out Maikel Garcia to end the inning.</p><p>Andy Ibáñez made it 4-2 with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth. Vest finished for his 19th save.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>The Royals had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh, but Tyler Holton came out of the bullpen and got pinch-hitter Nick Loftin to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Pasquatino entered the game with homers in five straight games, matching the franchise record set by Mike Sweeney in 2002 and tied by Salvador Perez in 2024. He went 1 for 4 with the RBI double in the fourth inning.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.73 ERA) was set to face RHP Jack Flaherty (7-12., 4.51) on Sunday in the series finale.</p>

⚾ Torkelson homers to help the Tigers beat the Royals

DUBLIN (AP) — Rocco Becht passed for two touchdowns and ran for another score, helping No. 22 Iowa State beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic on Saturday.

Becht was 14 for 28 for 183 yards. He found Dominic Overby for a 23-yard TD in the first quarter and passed to Brett Eskildsen for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.

With 2:26 to go, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell had his team go for it on fourth-and-3 at the Kansas State 16-yard line. Becht found Carson Hansen for 15 yards and iced the game.

“He called a great play, he gave me two plays and let me decide and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it," Becht said "We’ve worked on it in practice and it’s been working for us and we’re confident with it and I have trust in my guys.”

The Cyclones (1-0, 1-0 Big 12) opened a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter after a turnover on downs by Kansas State at its own 30-yard line. Becht finished the short drive with a 7-yard touchdown run with 6:38 left.

Avery Johnson passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State (0-1, 0-1). He also had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“I mean that’s the thing, regardless of the outcome we have 11 games to play," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup and get ready to play.”

Johnson threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley with 6:23 remaining, but the Wildcats never got the ball back.

Both teams struggled to deal with wet conditions in the first half. Kansas State had two turnovers and a turnover on downs while Iowa State committed two turnovers in the first 30 minutes.

“We just made some great adjustments," Campbell said. "We saw some things different in the first game and the opportunity to make some adjustments and to have the ability to do that, to have the staff that’s been together for so long that we have the confidence to make those adjustments.”

The Cyclones grabbed a 14-7 lead when Becht found Eskildsen in the corner of the end zone with 1:07 left in the third quarter.

Johnson responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, tying it at 14 with 14:09 remaining in the game.

Carson Hansen led Iowa State with 71 yards rushing on 16 carries. Joe Jackson had 51 yards on 12 carries for Kansas State.

“I thought that the (offensive line) did a really great job in the second half," Campbell said. “Our tight ends and o-line did a great job of execution and man Carson is a really great player so we’re really proud of him.”

Iowa State has beat Kansas State in five of the past six seasons.

“I think those are great wins, any time you can beat quality opponents that’s awesome," Campbell said. "We got a long way to go, it’s only game one and there’s a lot of football left and we’re going to have to see if we’re tough enough as a program and team to go home and get ready for a good South Dakota team next week.”

The matchup featured the past two champions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. To celebrate, the Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts were on the sidelines for the showdown in Ireland.

Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was injured in the first quarter on a punt that he muffed. He didn’t return to the game.

Becht looked like a veteran quarterback in the second half, leading his team with his arm and legs in a crucial opener.

Iowa State hosts South Dakota on Aug. 30, and Kansas State hosts North Dakota the same day.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755977666090.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>DUBLIN (AP) — Rocco Becht passed for two touchdowns and ran for another score, helping No. 22 Iowa State beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in the Aer Lingus Classic on Saturday.</p><p>Becht was 14 for 28 for 183 yards. He found Dominic Overby for a 23-yard TD in the first quarter and passed to Brett Eskildsen for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.</p><p>With 2:26 to go, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell had his team go for it on fourth-and-3 at the Kansas State 16-yard line. Becht found Carson Hansen for 15 yards and iced the game.</p><p>“He called a great play, he gave me two plays and let me decide and I knew we were going to have a chance to get it," Becht said "We’ve worked on it in practice and it’s been working for us and we’re confident with it and I have trust in my guys.”</p><p>The Cyclones (1-0, 1-0 Big 12) opened a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter after a turnover on downs by Kansas State at its own 30-yard line. Becht finished the short drive with a 7-yard touchdown run with 6:38 left.</p><p>Avery Johnson passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State (0-1, 0-1). He also had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.</p><p>“I mean that’s the thing, regardless of the outcome we have 11 games to play," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup and get ready to play.”</p><p>Johnson threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley with 6:23 remaining, but the Wildcats never got the ball back.</p><p>Both teams struggled to deal with wet conditions in the first half. Kansas State had two turnovers and a turnover on downs while Iowa State committed two turnovers in the first 30 minutes.</p><p>“We just made some great adjustments," Campbell said. "We saw some things different in the first game and the opportunity to make some adjustments and to have the ability to do that, to have the staff that’s been together for so long that we have the confidence to make those adjustments.”</p><p>The Cyclones grabbed a 14-7 lead when Becht found Eskildsen in the corner of the end zone with 1:07 left in the third quarter.</p><p>Johnson responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, tying it at 14 with 14:09 remaining in the game.</p><p>Carson Hansen led Iowa State with 71 yards rushing on 16 carries. Joe Jackson had 51 yards on 12 carries for Kansas State.</p><p>“I thought that the (offensive line) did a really great job in the second half," Campbell said. “Our tight ends and o-line did a great job of execution and man Carson is a really great player so we’re really proud of him.”</p><p>Iowa State has beat Kansas State in five of the past six seasons.</p><p>“I think those are great wins, any time you can beat quality opponents that’s awesome," Campbell said. "We got a long way to go, it’s only game one and there’s a lot of football left and we’re going to have to see if we’re tough enough as a program and team to go home and get ready for a good South Dakota team next week.”</p><h2>Pop-Tarts unite</h2><p>The matchup featured the past two champions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. To celebrate, the Frosted Wild Berry and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts were on the sidelines for the showdown in Ireland.</p><h2>Edwards injured</h2><p>Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was injured in the first quarter on a punt that he muffed. He didn’t return to the game.</p><h2>The takeaway</h2><p>Becht looked like a veteran quarterback in the second half, leading his team with his arm and legs in a crucial opener.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Iowa State hosts South Dakota on Aug. 30, and Kansas State hosts North Dakota the same day.</p>

🏈 'Farm O'Gedden' K-State falls to Iowa State in Ireland

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the first-team Kansas City Chiefs offense were in midseason form in their preseason finale Friday night, scoring on each of their three opportunities with the ball before the Chicago Bears rallied for a 29-27 victory.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-503cccd6a5c7b42bf03e6b48c58728cf">Mahomes was 8 of 13 for 143 yards</a>&nbsp;and a touchdown in just over a quarter of work, and he'd have had another TD pass had running back Kareem Hunt not dropped a wide-open throw in the end zone. Isiah Pacheco had a touchdown run and Rashee Rice a scoring catch as the reigning AFC champs built a 20-3 lead before pulling most of their starters.

Kansas City plays its opener in two weeks against the Chargers in Sao Paulo.

“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead (Stadium) and get real reps,” Mahomes said. “We talk about getting here and stuff like that, but to get a feel for the pocket, trust the guys, have a chance to make plays down field — it shows all the hard work that we put in training camp has paid off.

“This is a little step but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.”

The Chiefs had struggled through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-cardinals-score-1dd1abf4ddb738e84df11a3d3a5e48b0">preseason losses to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and Seattle, where they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">dominated up front</a>&nbsp;on both sides of the ball. But they fared better against the Bears, who had played the Dolphins to a draw before routing Buffalo last week.

“We need to finish the game, obviously, better than what we did,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “but I thought the ones on both sides of the ball did well. Special teams was good throughout the night. It was a good start all the way around.”

While the Bears could seemingly do no wrong in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-bears-score-83f72e8037b541c8ba8d7515f3ae4e75">the 38-0 win over the Bills</a>, they had a much tougher time with the Chiefs, who forced Caleb Williams and Co. to punt on their first two possessions. The Bears finally got moving late in the second quarter, and Williams hit Rome Odunze with a touchdown pass to get within 20-10 at halftime.

That was it for Williams, who finished 11 of 15 for 113 yards and the score.

“It was not the start we wanted from our ones, really on offense, defense or special teams. It was disappointing to see how slow we started,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “We couldn't stop them when they got down there in the red zone. That wasn't good on that side. Offensively, the first two possessions was really sloppy football that has plagued us in and out of camp so far.”

It took the second-team offense to get the Bears in gear.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-bears-tyson-bagent-contract-extension-9c06d4f921cf293f61e1dc7f8a15833a">a two-year, $10 million deal this week</a>&nbsp;and then went viral when he grew emotional talking about it on video, played well once he took over in the second half. The former undrafted star from Shepherd University, a Division II program in West Virginia, was 20 of 28 for 212 yards and three touchdown passes.

The last of them was the go-ahead score to Jahdae Walker with 3 seconds left in the game.

The Bears have been thin at running back with Roschon Johnson out with an injury, Travis Homer dealing with a calf problem, and Kyle Monangai and Deion Hankins also out. DeAndre Swift wound up carrying seven times for 28 yards.

Bears kicker Cairo Santos banged a 47-yard field-goal try off the upright in the first half. He had a PAT blocked in the second.

Referee Craig Wrolstad called for a virtual measurement when Chicago was stopped shy of a first down with 5:38 left in the third quarter. But the system was down, Wrolstad said, so an old-school chain gang had to measure. The Bears were indeed short.

Bears: DE Austin Booker will be out “a few weeks” with a knee injury, Johnson said. LB Noah Sewell was banged up tackling the Chiefs' Xavier Worthy late in the first quarter but returned to the game.

Chiefs: WR Jaylen Royals (knee), CB Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder) and LB Jack Cochrane (knee) were among those sitting out. WR Marquise Brown also did not play despite returning to practice this week following an ankle injury.

Bears: Host the Vikings in primetime to open the season Sept. 8.

Chiefs: Head to Brazil to face the Chargers on Sept. 5.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755930313700.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the first-team Kansas City Chiefs offense were in midseason form in their preseason finale Friday night, scoring on each of their three opportunities with the ball before the Chicago Bears rallied for a 29-27 victory.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-503cccd6a5c7b42bf03e6b48c58728cf">Mahomes was 8 of 13 for 143 yards</a>&nbsp;and a touchdown in just over a quarter of work, and he'd have had another TD pass had running back Kareem Hunt not dropped a wide-open throw in the end zone. Isiah Pacheco had a touchdown run and Rashee Rice a scoring catch as the reigning AFC champs built a 20-3 lead before pulling most of their starters.</p><p>Kansas City plays its opener in two weeks against the Chargers in Sao Paulo.</p><p>“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead (Stadium) and get real reps,” Mahomes said. “We talk about getting here and stuff like that, but to get a feel for the pocket, trust the guys, have a chance to make plays down field — it shows all the hard work that we put in training camp has paid off.</p><p>“This is a little step but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.”</p><p>The Chiefs had struggled through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-cardinals-score-1dd1abf4ddb738e84df11a3d3a5e48b0">preseason losses to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and Seattle, where they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">dominated up front</a>&nbsp;on both sides of the ball. But they fared better against the Bears, who had played the Dolphins to a draw before routing Buffalo last week.</p><p>“We need to finish the game, obviously, better than what we did,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “but I thought the ones on both sides of the ball did well. Special teams was good throughout the night. It was a good start all the way around.”</p><p>While the Bears could seemingly do no wrong in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-bears-score-83f72e8037b541c8ba8d7515f3ae4e75">the 38-0 win over the Bills</a>, they had a much tougher time with the Chiefs, who forced Caleb Williams and Co. to punt on their first two possessions. The Bears finally got moving late in the second quarter, and Williams hit Rome Odunze with a touchdown pass to get within 20-10 at halftime.</p><p>That was it for Williams, who finished 11 of 15 for 113 yards and the score.</p><p>“It was not the start we wanted from our ones, really on offense, defense or special teams. It was disappointing to see how slow we started,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “We couldn't stop them when they got down there in the red zone. That wasn't good on that side. Offensively, the first two possessions was really sloppy football that has plagued us in and out of camp so far.”</p><p>It took the second-team offense to get the Bears in gear.</p><p>Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-bears-tyson-bagent-contract-extension-9c06d4f921cf293f61e1dc7f8a15833a">a two-year, $10 million deal this week</a>&nbsp;and then went viral when he grew emotional talking about it on video, played well once he took over in the second half. The former undrafted star from Shepherd University, a Division II program in West Virginia, was 20 of 28 for 212 yards and three touchdown passes.</p><p>The last of them was the go-ahead score to Jahdae Walker with 3 seconds left in the game.</p><p>The Bears have been thin at running back with Roschon Johnson out with an injury, Travis Homer dealing with a calf problem, and Kyle Monangai and Deion Hankins also out. DeAndre Swift wound up carrying seven times for 28 yards.</p><h2>Kicking woes</h2><p>Bears kicker Cairo Santos banged a 47-yard field-goal try off the upright in the first half. He had a PAT blocked in the second.</p><h2>System outage</h2><p>Referee Craig Wrolstad called for a virtual measurement when Chicago was stopped shy of a first down with 5:38 left in the third quarter. But the system was down, Wrolstad said, so an old-school chain gang had to measure. The Bears were indeed short.</p><h2>Injuries</h2><p>Bears: DE Austin Booker will be out “a few weeks” with a knee injury, Johnson said. LB Noah Sewell was banged up tackling the Chiefs' Xavier Worthy late in the first quarter but returned to the game.</p><p>Chiefs: WR Jaylen Royals (knee), CB Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder) and LB Jack Cochrane (knee) were among those sitting out. WR Marquise Brown also did not play despite returning to practice this week following an ankle injury.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Bears: Host the Vikings in primetime to open the season Sept. 8.</p><p>Chiefs: Head to Brazil to face the Chargers on Sept. 5.</p>

🏈  Mahomes leads sharp Chiefs offense before Bears rally to win preseason finale

DETROIT (AP) — Zach McKinstry had three hits, including a homer, and scored twice as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 7-5 win against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

The Tigers have won eight of nine while the Royals lost for just the third time in 11 games.

McKinstry homered in the third inning, tripled in the fifth and singled in the seventh. He flied out in the eighth, finishing a double shy of becoming the first Tigers player to hit for the cycle.

Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the ninth inning, tying the franchise record of five straight games with a home run. Mike Sweeney set the record in 2002 and Salvador Perez matched it in 2021.

The Tigers trailed 3-1 going into the sixth inning, but Riley Greene's 30th homer tied it, and Detroit scored four in the seventh.

McKinstry started the seventh with an infield single off the arm of Royals reliever Bailey Falter (7-7). McKinstry took third on Javier Báez's single and scored when Randal Grichuk's throw bounced away from third baseman Maikel Garcia.

Andy Ibáñez made it 5-3 with an RBI single and scored on Gleyber Torres' double.

Kyle Finnegan (3-4) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.

Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals ahead 1-0 with an RBI single in the third inning and Perez added a two-run double later in the inning.

McKinstry hit a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-1.

With two out and a runner on first in the sixth, Royals manager Matt Quartaro brought in Ángel Zerpa. Greene hit a 1-2 slider deep into the right-center field stands for his 30th homer.

After the Tigers tied the score in the sixth, reliever Drew Sommers walked pinch hitters Nick Loftin and Randal Grichuk to start the seventh. A.J. Hinch brought in Finnegan, and he escaped the inning when Witt hit into his second double play of the game and Pasquantino flew out.

Witt grounded into two double plays in the same game for the third time in his career.

<p>DETROIT (AP) — Zach McKinstry had three hits, including a homer, and scored twice as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 7-5 win against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.</p><p>The Tigers have won eight of nine while the Royals lost for just the third time in 11 games.</p><p>McKinstry homered in the third inning, tripled in the fifth and singled in the seventh. He flied out in the eighth, finishing a double shy of becoming the first Tigers player to hit for the cycle.</p><p>Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the ninth inning, tying the franchise record of five straight games with a home run. Mike Sweeney set the record in 2002 and Salvador Perez matched it in 2021.</p><p>The Tigers trailed 3-1 going into the sixth inning, but Riley Greene's 30th homer tied it, and Detroit scored four in the seventh.</p><p>McKinstry started the seventh with an infield single off the arm of Royals reliever Bailey Falter (7-7). McKinstry took third on Javier Báez's single and scored when Randal Grichuk's throw bounced away from third baseman Maikel Garcia.</p><p>Andy Ibáñez made it 5-3 with an RBI single and scored on Gleyber Torres' double.</p><p>Kyle Finnegan (3-4) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.</p><p>Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals ahead 1-0 with an RBI single in the third inning and Perez added a two-run double later in the inning.</p><p>McKinstry hit a solo homer in the bottom of the inning to make it 3-1.</p><p>With two out and a runner on first in the sixth, Royals manager Matt Quartaro brought in Ángel Zerpa. Greene hit a 1-2 slider deep into the right-center field stands for his 30th homer.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>After the Tigers tied the score in the sixth, reliever Drew Sommers walked pinch hitters Nick Loftin and Randal Grichuk to start the seventh. A.J. Hinch brought in Finnegan, and he escaped the inning when Witt hit into his second double play of the game and Pasquantino flew out.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Witt grounded into two double plays in the same game for the third time in his career.</p><h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ McKinstry homers among 3 hits as Tigers rally to beat the Royals 

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State men’s basketball player Tyreek Smith has had his eligibility waiver denied by the NCAA, the school announced on Friday (August 22).

“We’re disappointed for Tyreek with this ruling by the NCAA,” said head coach Jerome Tang. “We wish they could’ve provided us better communication and transparency during this process and been more consistent with how the rules are applied as this process left both Tyreek and our program in limbo.

“We want to thank Tyreek for his contributions to our program the past eight months, and we wish him the best as he takes the next step in his basketball career. We are looking forward to continuing our preparations for the 2025-26 season.”

A 6-foot-8, 225-pound wing, Smith joined the Wildcats as a mid-season transfer in January. He had petitioned the NCAA for a fifth year of college eligibility after starting his career at Texas Tech in 2019-20. He received a medical redshirt as a true freshman before playing the 2020-21 season with the Red Raiders. He then played two seasons at Oklahoma State (2021-23) and one season at SMU (2023-24) before transferring to Memphis in 2024-25. He left Memphis before playing a game with the Tigers.

Smith scored more than 600 points in his 128-game college career, connecting on 60 percent (245-of-408) from the field to go with 490 rebounds, 129 blocks, 59 steals and 46 assists. His best individual season came in 2023-24 while at SMU, as he averaged 8.2 points on 58.4 percent (104-of-178) shooting with 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while playing in 33 games with 13 starts.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755882622322.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Kansas State Athletics</i></p><p>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State men’s basketball player Tyreek Smith has had his eligibility waiver denied by the NCAA, the school announced on Friday (August 22).</p><p>“We’re disappointed for Tyreek with this ruling by the NCAA,” said head coach Jerome Tang. “We wish they could’ve provided us better communication and transparency during this process and been more consistent with how the rules are applied as this process left both Tyreek and our program in limbo.</p><p>“We want to thank Tyreek for his contributions to our program the past eight months, and we wish him the best as he takes the next step in his basketball career. We are looking forward to continuing our preparations for the 2025-26 season.”</p><p>A 6-foot-8, 225-pound wing, Smith joined the Wildcats as a mid-season transfer in January. He had petitioned the NCAA for a fifth year of college eligibility after starting his career at Texas Tech in 2019-20. He received a medical redshirt as a true freshman before playing the 2020-21 season with the Red Raiders. He then played two seasons at Oklahoma State (2021-23) and one season at SMU (2023-24) before transferring to Memphis in 2024-25. He left Memphis before playing a game with the Tigers.</p><p>Smith scored more than 600 points in his 128-game college career, connecting on 60 percent (245-of-408) from the field to go with 490 rebounds, 129 blocks, 59 steals and 46 assists. His best individual season came in 2023-24 while at SMU, as he averaged 8.2 points on 58.4 percent (104-of-178) shooting with 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while playing in 33 games with 13 starts.</p>

🏀 K-State's Smith has waiver denied by NCAA

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered for the fourth straight game, this time a go-ahead shot leading off the sixth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Texas Rangers 6-4 on Thursday for their sixth win in their last seven games.

Nick Loftin also homered for the Royals, who boosted their playoff hopes by going 8-2 on a season-high 10-game homestand.

Michael Lorenzen failed to make it through five innings for Kansas City, but Angel Zerpa (5-1), Daniel Lynch IV, John Schreiber and Taylor Clarke were able to shut down the Rangers. Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his AL-leading 33rd save.

Corey Seager had three hits and Josh Smith drove in a pair of runs for Texas. Jacob Webb (4-4) served up Pasquantino's homer.

The Royals pulled ahead 2-1 in the third, when Bobby Witt Jr. sent a fly ball to left-center that Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford lost in the sun. The ball bounced off the warning track, then off the top of the wall, and that gave the speedy Witt enough time to round the bases for what appeared to be an inside-the-park homer.

The umpires huddled and decided to call it a ground-rule double, because a fan appeared to have touched the ball. The Royals challenged the call and it was upheld, only for Salvador Perez to drive in Witt with a single moments later.

Kansas City added two more in the fourth before the Rangers tied the game with three runs in the fifth.

That set the stage for Pasquantino, whose four-game homer streak is one shy of the Royals club record.

Pasquantino greeted Webb's 2-1 pitch by sending it 407 feet to right field.

The Rangers' Patrick Corbin allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings. He has allowed 17 over 13 innings covering his last four starts.

Texas returns home to face Cleveland on Friday night with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (11-3, 1.76 ERA) up first.

The Royals begin a three-game set Friday night in Detroit with RHP Ryan Bergert (1-1, 2.75) on the mound.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755857643961.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits an RBI single during the third inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits an RBI single during the third inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered for the fourth straight game, this time a go-ahead shot leading off the sixth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Texas Rangers 6-4 on Thursday for their sixth win in their last seven games.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyals%2Fvideos%2F1154185179868548%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Nick Loftin also homered for the Royals, who boosted their playoff hopes by going 8-2 on a season-high 10-game homestand.</p><p>Michael Lorenzen failed to make it through five innings for Kansas City, but Angel Zerpa (5-1), Daniel Lynch IV, John Schreiber and Taylor Clarke were able to shut down the Rangers. Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his AL-leading 33rd save.</p><p>Corey Seager had three hits and Josh Smith drove in a pair of runs for Texas. Jacob Webb (4-4) served up Pasquantino's homer.</p><p>The Royals pulled ahead 2-1 in the third, when Bobby Witt Jr. sent a fly ball to left-center that Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford lost in the sun. The ball bounced off the warning track, then off the top of the wall, and that gave the speedy Witt enough time to round the bases for what appeared to be an inside-the-park homer.</p><p>The umpires huddled and decided to call it a ground-rule double, because a fan appeared to have touched the ball. The Royals challenged the call and it was upheld, only for Salvador Perez to drive in Witt with a single moments later.</p><p>Kansas City added two more in the fourth before the Rangers tied the game with three runs in the fifth.</p><p>That set the stage for Pasquantino, whose four-game homer streak is one shy of the Royals club record.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Pasquantino greeted Webb's 2-1 pitch by sending it 407 feet to right field.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Rangers' Patrick Corbin allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings. He has allowed 17 over 13 innings covering his last four starts.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Texas returns home to face Cleveland on Friday night with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (11-3, 1.76 ERA) up first.</p><p>The Royals begin a three-game set Friday night in Detroit with RHP Ryan Bergert (1-1, 2.75) on the mound.</p><p>___</p>

⚾ Pasquantino's homer in 4th straight game helps lift Royals over Rangers 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Higashioka had a three-run double in the ninth inning after a two-out error by Vinnie Pasquantino, and the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Wednesday night.

Wyatt Langford drew a two-out walk from Sam Long (1-3) and Corey Seager was safe when Pasquantino misplayed his slow roller at first. Marcus Semien reached on an infield hit before Higashioka doubled down the left-field line.

Hoby Milner (2-3) got the final four outs for the win.

Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. led off the first with singles off fill-in first-time starter Caleb Boushley, and Pasquantino followed with his 25th home run to put the Royals up 3-1. Witt had three hits for the Royals, including his 39th double — tops in the majors.

Boushley filled in for Jacob deGrom, who had his start skipped after he experienced arm fatigue following his last outing. Boushley pitched two scoreless innings following his 38-pitch first.

Langford hit his 18th home run to lead off the game against rookie Noah Cameron. Langford singled and scored on a two-out base hit by Semien to cut it to 3-2 in the third.

Cameron allowed two runs on three hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings as Kansas City saw a five-game win streak end.

Jonah Heim had a leadoff double off Daniel Lynch IV in the seventh before scoring on Seager's two-out single off Lucas Erceg to tie it 3-3.

Higashioka's double gave Texas its first lead since the first inning.

The Royals have hit the fewest home runs in the American League but they've outhomered the Rangers 14-3 in winning five of six matchups this season.

LHP Patrick Corbin (6-9, 4.45) was set to start Thursday as the Rangers go for a split of the four-game series opposite Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43).

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Higashioka had a three-run double in the ninth inning after a two-out error by Vinnie Pasquantino, and the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Wednesday night.</p><p>Wyatt Langford drew a two-out walk from Sam Long (1-3) and Corey Seager was safe when Pasquantino misplayed his slow roller at first. Marcus Semien reached on an infield hit before Higashioka doubled down the left-field line.</p><p>Hoby Milner (2-3) got the final four outs for the win.</p><p>Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. led off the first with singles off fill-in first-time starter Caleb Boushley, and Pasquantino followed with his 25th home run to put the Royals up 3-1. Witt had three hits for the Royals, including his 39th double — tops in the majors.</p><p>Boushley filled in for Jacob deGrom, who had his start skipped after he experienced arm fatigue following his last outing. Boushley pitched two scoreless innings following his 38-pitch first.</p><p>Langford hit his 18th home run to lead off the game against rookie Noah Cameron. Langford singled and scored on a two-out base hit by Semien to cut it to 3-2 in the third.</p><p>Cameron allowed two runs on three hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings as Kansas City saw a five-game win streak end.</p><p>Jonah Heim had a leadoff double off Daniel Lynch IV in the seventh before scoring on Seager's two-out single off Lucas Erceg to tie it 3-3.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Higashioka's double gave Texas its first lead since the first inning.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Royals have hit the fewest home runs in the American League but they've outhomered the Rangers 14-3 in winning five of six matchups this season.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>LHP Patrick Corbin (6-9, 4.45) was set to start Thursday as the Rangers go for a split of the four-game series opposite Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43).</p>

⚾ Higashioka's 3-run double in the 9th helps the Rangers beat the Royals 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the first inning and then scored the go-ahead run in the seventh when Jonathan India was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, helping the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. added a two-run shot in the eighth for his 100th career homer, and Mike Yastrzemski went deep for the Royals, who have won five straight and improved to 7-1 on their season-high 10-game homestand.

Rangers reliever Hoby Milner (1-3) allowed three consecutive hits to start the seventh, including Pasquantino's double. Cole Winn then entered the game and hit India with his first pitch, giving Kansas City its first lead of the game.

Angel Zerpa (4-1) got five outs for the Royals before John Schreiber took care of the ninth for his first save.

Royals starter Seth Lugo and Rangers counterpart Merrill Kelly had matched each other pitch-for-pitch for most of the night.

Lugo surrendered a homer to Corey Seager with two outs in the first, then allowed one more hit before Joc Pederson’s homer in the fourth. Those were the only three hits that Lugo allowed, and he walked two while striking out five.

Kelly gave up the homer to Pasquantino, which just scraped over the right-field wall, with two outs in the first. He did not allow another hit until Yastrzemski's shot into the right-field bullpen with two outs in the sixth.

Those were the only two hits Kelly allowed over six innings. He struck out three without a walk.

Jonah Heim led off the eighth for Texas with a single, but Zerpa got pinch-hitter Cody Freeman to ground into a double play.

Kansas City is 5-0 against the Rangers this season.

The Rangers have not announced their starter for Wednesday after disclosing pregame that RHP Jacob deGrom would skip a turn due to shoulder fatigue. LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.47 ERA) is due on the mound for Kansas City.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755685030105.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a two-run home run for his 100th career home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a two-run home run for his 100th career home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the first inning and then scored the go-ahead run in the seventh when Jonathan India was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, helping the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.</p><p>Bobby Witt Jr. added a two-run shot in the eighth for his 100th career homer, and Mike Yastrzemski went deep for the Royals, who have won five straight and improved to 7-1 on their season-high 10-game homestand.</p><p>Rangers reliever Hoby Milner (1-3) allowed three consecutive hits to start the seventh, including Pasquantino's double. Cole Winn then entered the game and hit India with his first pitch, giving Kansas City its first lead of the game.</p><p>Angel Zerpa (4-1) got five outs for the Royals before John Schreiber took care of the ninth for his first save.</p><p>Royals starter Seth Lugo and Rangers counterpart Merrill Kelly had matched each other pitch-for-pitch for most of the night.</p><p>Lugo surrendered a homer to Corey Seager with two outs in the first, then allowed one more hit before Joc Pederson’s homer in the fourth. Those were the only three hits that Lugo allowed, and he walked two while striking out five.</p><p>Kelly gave up the homer to Pasquantino, which just scraped over the right-field wall, with two outs in the first. He did not allow another hit until Yastrzemski's shot into the right-field bullpen with two outs in the sixth.</p><p>Those were the only two hits Kelly allowed over six innings. He struck out three without a walk.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Jonah Heim led off the eighth for Texas with a single, but Zerpa got pinch-hitter Cody Freeman to ground into a double play.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Kansas City is 5-0 against the Rangers this season.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>The Rangers have not announced their starter for Wednesday after disclosing pregame that RHP Jacob deGrom would skip a turn due to shoulder fatigue. LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.47 ERA) is due on the mound for Kansas City.</p>

⚾ Pasquantino and Witt power Royals to win over the Rangers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski, Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to power the Kansas City Royals past the Texas Rangers 4-3 on Monday night.

Michael Wacha (8-9) allowed two runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win. He struck out three, walked none and permitted two earned runs or fewer for the seventh straight start.

Carlos Estévez set a career high with his American League-leading 32nd save.

Yastrzemski's shot to right-center was the 10th leadoff homer of his career and third with the Royals, matching a franchise record for any month. Kansas City acquired Yastrzemski from San Francisco at the July 31 trade deadline.

Pasquantino hit a two-run drive over the right-field wall to give the Royals a 3-1 lead in the third. Bobby Witt Jr. was aboard on a leadoff walk.

Garcia's homer in the fifth went over the left-field wall, just inside the foul pole. Kansas City has homered in eight consecutive games, tying a season high.

The Rangers scored on RBI singles by Jonah Heim in the second and Evan Carter in the sixth. Rowdy Tellez had an RBI groundout in the eighth.

Jack Leiter (7-7) gave up three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three.

Royals catcher Luke Maile tagged out Joc Pederson at home plate as part of a double play off a throw from right fielder John Rave. The Rangers challenged the call and lost, keeping the score tied 1-all in the second inning.

Texas went 2 for 8 with runners in scoring position and finished with 11 hits — 10 singles.

The teams play the second game of their series Tuesday night. Texas will start Merrill Kelly (9-7, 3.36 ERA) against Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.77).

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755571505480.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski, Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to power the Kansas City Royals past the Texas Rangers 4-3 on Monday night.</p><p>Michael Wacha (8-9) allowed two runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win. He struck out three, walked none and permitted two earned runs or fewer for the seventh straight start.</p><p>Carlos Estévez set a career high with his American League-leading 32nd save.</p><p>Yastrzemski's shot to right-center was the 10th leadoff homer of his career and third with the Royals, matching a franchise record for any month. Kansas City acquired Yastrzemski from San Francisco at the July 31 trade deadline.</p><p>Pasquantino hit a two-run drive over the right-field wall to give the Royals a 3-1 lead in the third. Bobby Witt Jr. was aboard on a leadoff walk.</p><p>Garcia's homer in the fifth went over the left-field wall, just inside the foul pole. Kansas City has homered in eight consecutive games, tying a season high.</p><p>The Rangers scored on RBI singles by Jonah Heim in the second and Evan Carter in the sixth. Rowdy Tellez had an RBI groundout in the eighth.</p><p>Jack Leiter (7-7) gave up three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Royals catcher Luke Maile tagged out Joc Pederson at home plate as part of a double play off a throw from right fielder John Rave. The Rangers challenged the call and lost, keeping the score tied 1-all in the second inning.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Texas went 2 for 8 with runners in scoring position and finished with 11 hits — 10 singles.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>The teams play the second game of their series Tuesday night. Texas will start Merrill Kelly (9-7, 3.36 ERA) against Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.77).</p><p>___</p>

⚾ Royals hit three home runs in win over Rangers

<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 the season opener against Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic this Saturday inside Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. 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. It is upon us. We are finishing our preparation for Iowa State and going to Dublin. We still have two more practices here in our facility, and then we'll have our Thursday practice over in Dublin. Going from camp to game mode, as well as all the logistics of travel – it's probably good that our kids aren't in class right now just so we can handle everything as well as continue our preparation. We're excited for the opportunity. We know it's going to be a challenging game. We know that Iowa State is a terrific football team. We’re doing a lot of things offensively, defensively and with special teams to give ourselves the best chance to be successful.”

Associate Athletics Director for Communications

<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 the season opener against Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic this Saturday inside Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. 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.</p><p><b>CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACH</b></p><p><i>Opening Statement…</i></p><p>“Good afternoon. It is upon us. We are finishing our preparation for Iowa State and going to Dublin. We still have two more practices here in our facility, and then we'll have our Thursday practice over in Dublin. Going from camp to game mode, as well as all the logistics of travel – it's probably good that our kids aren't in class right now just so we can handle everything as well as continue our preparation. We're excited for the opportunity. We know it's going to be a challenging game. We know that Iowa State is a terrific football team. We’re doing a lot of things offensively, defensively and with special teams to give ourselves the best chance to be successful.”</p><p><b><i>– k-statesports.com –</i></b></p><p><b>RYAN LACKEY</b></p><p>Associate Athletics Director for Communications</p>

K-State Discusses Season Opener at Weekly Press Conference

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan India and Adam Frazier hit two-run homers, rallying the Kansas City Royals to a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday for a series sweep.

The White Sox led 2-0 before India tied it in the seventh with his 451-foot shot, tying his longest.

Run-scoring singles by Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez gave the Royals a 4-2 lead in the eighth before Frazier's fifth homer of the season made it 6-2.

White Sox starter Davis Martin allowed one hit in seven innings before Steven Wilson, Grant Taylor (0-3) and Jordan Leasure yielded six runs and seven hits in two innings.

Lenyn Sosa hit his 16th home run of the season with one out in the first and Andrew Benintendi scored on Edgar Quero's RBI single in the sixth to make it 2-0.

Lucas Erceg (5-3), the fourth Kansas City pitcher, earned the win with one scoreless inning.

Taylor pitched one inning and gave up three hits and three runs, including Frazier's homer.

The Royals have won 14 straight at home against the White Sox, tying a franchise record for most wins against one opponent at home.

The White Sox will head to Atlanta to play the Braves on Monday night. Yoendrys Gomez (2-1, 5.56 ERA) will start for Chicago and Spencer Strider (5-10, 4.69 ERA) will start for Atlanta. The Royals will host the Texas Rangers on Monday night. Kansas City will start Michael Wacha (7-9, 3.35 ERA). Texas will start Jack Leiter (7-6, 3.94 ERA)

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755466421436.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan India and Adam Frazier hit two-run homers, rallying the Kansas City Royals to a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday for a series sweep.</p><p>The White Sox led 2-0 before India tied it in the seventh with his 451-foot shot, tying his longest.</p><p>Run-scoring singles by Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez gave the Royals a 4-2 lead in the eighth before Frazier's fifth homer of the season made it 6-2.</p><p>White Sox starter Davis Martin allowed one hit in seven innings before Steven Wilson, Grant Taylor (0-3) and Jordan Leasure yielded six runs and seven hits in two innings.</p><p>Lenyn Sosa hit his 16th home run of the season with one out in the first and Andrew Benintendi scored on Edgar Quero's RBI single in the sixth to make it 2-0.</p><p>Lucas Erceg (5-3), the fourth Kansas City pitcher, earned the win with one scoreless inning.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Taylor pitched one inning and gave up three hits and three runs, including Frazier's homer.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Royals have won 14 straight at home against the White Sox, tying a franchise record for most wins against one opponent at home.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>The White Sox will head to Atlanta to play the Braves on Monday night. Yoendrys Gomez (2-1, 5.56 ERA) will start for Chicago and Spencer Strider (5-10, 4.69 ERA) will start for Atlanta. The Royals will host the Texas Rangers on Monday night. Kansas City will start Michael Wacha (7-9, 3.35 ERA). Texas will start Jack Leiter (7-6, 3.94 ERA)</p>

⚾ India and Frazier homer to rally Royals over the White Sox

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — John Rave homered playing in place of the ailing Vinnie Pasquantino and the Kansas City Royals beat Chicago White Sox 6-2 on Saturday night to move above .500 for the first time since June 10.

Pasquantino left in the first inning because of heat-related illness. The game-time temperature was 94 degrees, with the humidity above 50%. Nick Loftin moved to first base, and Rave took over for Loftin in left.

Michael Lorenzen made his first start for Kansas City since July 6. He allowed three hits in four scoreless innings. Daniel Lynch IV (5-2) was the winner.

Mike Yastrzemski led off the first with a homer off Sean Burke (4-10). The Royals added an unearned run in the second, and Rave made it 3-0 in the third with his fourth home.

In the fifth, Rave singled and scored on Maikel Garcia's two-run double. Loftin had an RBI single in the sixth.

Andrew Benintendi doubled in two runs for Chicago in the eighth.

The Royals (62-61) had lost in their last five chances to move above .500.

Chicago RHP Davis Martin (4-9, 4.17 ERA) was set to start opposite RHP Ryan Bergert (1-1, 2.87) on Sunday in the series finale.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755398683364.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — John Rave homered playing in place of the ailing Vinnie Pasquantino and the Kansas City Royals beat Chicago White Sox 6-2 on Saturday night to move above .500 for the first time since June 10.</p><p>Pasquantino left in the first inning because of heat-related illness. The game-time temperature was 94 degrees, with the humidity above 50%. Nick Loftin moved to first base, and Rave took over for Loftin in left.</p><p>Michael Lorenzen made his first start for Kansas City since July 6. He allowed three hits in four scoreless innings. Daniel Lynch IV (5-2) was the winner.</p><p>Mike Yastrzemski led off the first with a homer off Sean Burke (4-10). The Royals added an unearned run in the second, and Rave made it 3-0 in the third with his fourth home.</p><p>In the fifth, Rave singled and scored on Maikel Garcia's two-run double. Loftin had an RBI single in the sixth.</p><p>Andrew Benintendi doubled in two runs for Chicago in the eighth.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Rave's homer in his first at-bat.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Royals (62-61) had lost in their last five chances to move above .500.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Chicago RHP Davis Martin (4-9, 4.17 ERA) was set to start opposite RHP Ryan Bergert (1-1, 2.87) on Sunday in the series finale.</p>

⚾ Rave fills in nicely for Pasquantino in Royals victory over the White Sox

SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold looked the part of a franchise quarterback in his first appearance at Lumen Field as the Seattle Seahawks beat the Kansas City Chiefs 33-16 in a preseason game on Friday night.

Darnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/raiders-seahawks-score-carroll-edf384e650581062397c8dfdb83211f0">who did not appear in the Seattle Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders</a>, completed 4 of 4 passes for 34 yards on the opening drive.

Darnold, who signed to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle in the offseason, made good use of both his legs and his tight ends during his sole series. He had no issues rolling out to either his left or right, locating tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo for short passes, as well as fullback Robbie Ouzts and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for deeper completions.

“I thought today, first of all, it was awesome just to get out there in front of the 12s,” Darnold said. “And that atmosphere, too, I felt like that was kind of a perfect atmosphere. It felt like it was almost November, December already out there in the rain.”

Backup quarterback Drew Lock also impressed in relief of Darnold on a slippery Seattle evening, throwing a couple of touchdown passes to wide receiver Jake Bobo, and completing 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards. Coach Mike Macdonald was particularly complimentary of Bobo’s performance.

“This guy’s a Seahawk, man,” Macdonald said of Bobo, “The way he operates and goes and attacks the football."

Running backs Zach Charbonnet and Damien Martinez each added touchdowns on the ground in the first and third quarters, respectively.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, did not play quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and other starters from the team that fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in last season’s Super Bowl.

Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew found tight end Robert Tonyan for a 1-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.

The Seahawks’ defense in large part held strong, limiting the Chiefs’ reserves to three points in the second half. Kansas City wide receiver Skyy Moore, though, did return a punt for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

“Now, we’re chasing perfection as much as you can’t obtain it,” safety Julian Love said. “That’s kind of what we’re trying to make the standard on defense.”

After rushing for the fifth-fewest yards as a team in 2024, the Seahawks have made it their prerogative to be more effective on the ground in 2025. They demonstrated on Friday, racking up 268 rushing yards on 48 carries. Five different players rushed for at least 30 yards.

“The backs ran really hard,” Macdonald said. “Every back today, I thought, ran the ball hard and going forward, how we finish plays, I can’t wait to watch it.”

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-fant-227c19313598e1129d9506bcae6f22e7">Noah Fant is now a member of the Cincinnati Bengals</a>, tight end remains a key position battle for the Seahawks. Arroyo and Barner combined for three catches and 24 yards on Friday, not letting any passing attempts escape them despite slippery conditions.

Barner is the more veteran player, with 30 catches and 245 receiving yards under his belt from last season. But Arroyo, who was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, has been more productive in the preseason. He has four catches for 33 yards through two exhibition games.

Seahawks: Visit the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 23.

Chiefs: Host the Chicago Bears on Aug. 22.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755374128244.jpeg" alt="Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) makes a touchdown catch as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
                        <figcaption>Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) makes a touchdown catch as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold looked the part of a franchise quarterback in his first appearance at Lumen Field as the Seattle Seahawks beat the Kansas City Chiefs 33-16 in a preseason game on Friday night.</p><p>Darnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/raiders-seahawks-score-carroll-edf384e650581062397c8dfdb83211f0">who did not appear in the Seattle Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders</a>, completed 4 of 4 passes for 34 yards on the opening drive.</p><p>Darnold, who signed to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle in the offseason, made good use of both his legs and his tight ends during his sole series. He had no issues rolling out to either his left or right, locating tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo for short passes, as well as fullback Robbie Ouzts and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for deeper completions.</p><p>“I thought today, first of all, it was awesome just to get out there in front of the 12s,” Darnold said. “And that atmosphere, too, I felt like that was kind of a perfect atmosphere. It felt like it was almost November, December already out there in the rain.”</p><p>Backup quarterback Drew Lock also impressed in relief of Darnold on a slippery Seattle evening, throwing a couple of touchdown passes to wide receiver Jake Bobo, and completing 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards. Coach Mike Macdonald was particularly complimentary of Bobo’s performance.</p><p>“This guy’s a Seahawk, man,” Macdonald said of Bobo, “The way he operates and goes and attacks the football."</p><p>Running backs Zach Charbonnet and Damien Martinez each added touchdowns on the ground in the first and third quarters, respectively.</p><p>The Chiefs, meanwhile, did not play quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and other starters from the team that fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in last season’s Super Bowl.</p><p>Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew found tight end Robert Tonyan for a 1-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.</p><p>The Seahawks’ defense in large part held strong, limiting the Chiefs’ reserves to three points in the second half. Kansas City wide receiver Skyy Moore, though, did return a punt for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.</p><p>“Now, we’re chasing perfection as much as you can’t obtain it,” safety Julian Love said. “That’s kind of what we’re trying to make the standard on defense.”</p><h2>Scampering Seahawks</h2><p>After rushing for the fifth-fewest yards as a team in 2024, the Seahawks have made it their prerogative to be more effective on the ground in 2025. They demonstrated on Friday, racking up 268 rushing yards on 48 carries. Five different players rushed for at least 30 yards.</p><p>“The backs ran really hard,” Macdonald said. “Every back today, I thought, ran the ball hard and going forward, how we finish plays, I can’t wait to watch it.”</p><h2>Tight end time</h2><p>Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-fant-227c19313598e1129d9506bcae6f22e7">Noah Fant is now a member of the Cincinnati Bengals</a>, tight end remains a key position battle for the Seahawks. Arroyo and Barner combined for three catches and 24 yards on Friday, not letting any passing attempts escape them despite slippery conditions.</p><p>Barner is the more veteran player, with 30 catches and 245 receiving yards under his belt from last season. But Arroyo, who was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, has been more productive in the preseason. He has four catches for 33 yards through two exhibition games.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Seahawks: Visit the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 23.</p><p>Chiefs: Host the Chicago Bears on Aug. 22.</p>

🏈 Sam Darnold helps lead Seahawks to win over the Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Noah Cameron pitched into the sixth inning, Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead homer, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Friday night to continue their mastery of their AL Central rivals over the past couple of years.

The Royals are 18-3 against the White Sox since the start of last season, including a four-game sweep of Chicago n May.

Cameron (7-5) set the Royals rookie record at Kauffman Stadium by running his scoreless streak to 19 1/3 innings early on. And when Lenyn Sosa homered off him with two outs in the fourth, Cameron set down the next four batters.

Cameron loaded the bases with one out in the fifth, but John Schreiber came in and got Sosa to line into an inning-ending double play.

Carlos Estévez struck out the side in the ninth, finishing 3 2/3 scoreless innings by the Royals bullpen and earning his 31st save.

Aaron Civale (3-8) gave up three straight singles in the first as Kansas City took a 1-0 lead. He allowed one more hit until the fourth, when Perez sent a 1-0 pitch over the right-field wall to make it 2-1.

KC's Adam Frazier hit a two-out RBI double in the sixth.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected by second base umpire Tom Hanahan in the fifth after Kyle Isbel was thrown out trying to steal second. Quatraro was angry that the White Sox were not called for blocking the bag. It took crew chief Todd Tichenor to get the skipper back to the dugout.

The White Sox have lost nine of their last 11.

RHP Sean Burke (4-9, 4.26 ERA) starts Saturday night for Chicago. RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61) makes his first start for Kansas City since July 6, when he pitched well before landing on the injured list with a left oblique strain.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755313126115.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Noah Cameron pitched into the sixth inning, Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead homer, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Friday night to continue their mastery of their AL Central rivals over the past couple of years.</p><p>The Royals are 18-3 against the White Sox since the start of last season, including a four-game sweep of Chicago n May.</p><p>Cameron (7-5) set the Royals rookie record at Kauffman Stadium by running his scoreless streak to 19 1/3 innings early on. And when Lenyn Sosa homered off him with two outs in the fourth, Cameron set down the next four batters.</p><p>Cameron loaded the bases with one out in the fifth, but John Schreiber came in and got Sosa to line into an inning-ending double play.</p><p>Carlos Estévez struck out the side in the ninth, finishing 3 2/3 scoreless innings by the Royals bullpen and earning his 31st save.</p><p>Aaron Civale (3-8) gave up three straight singles in the first as Kansas City took a 1-0 lead. He allowed one more hit until the fourth, when Perez sent a 1-0 pitch over the right-field wall to make it 2-1.</p><p>KC's Adam Frazier hit a two-out RBI double in the sixth.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected by second base umpire Tom Hanahan in the fifth after Kyle Isbel was thrown out trying to steal second. Quatraro was angry that the White Sox were not called for blocking the bag. It took crew chief Todd Tichenor to get the skipper back to the dugout.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The White Sox have lost nine of their last 11.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>RHP Sean Burke (4-9, 4.26 ERA) starts Saturday night for Chicago. RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61) makes his first start for Kansas City since July 6, when he pitched well before landing on the injured list with a left oblique strain.</p>

⚾ Salvador Perez hits go-ahead homer as Royals top the White Sox 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Daylen Lile’s two-out, ninth-inning single boosted the Washington Nationals over the Kansas City Royals 8-7 on Wednesday.

After the Royals tied the game in the eighth, Luis García Jr. doubled, then scored on Lile's single to right for the lead.

Jose A. Ferrer (4-3) recorded four outs for the win. Carlos Estévez (4-5) took the loss after allowing one run on two hits and a walk in the ninth.

The Nationals took a five-run lead in the first, highlighted by Nathaniel Lowe’s grand slam.

Royals starter Seth Lugo surrendered seven runs on six hits over four innings. The five runs in the first was his most since an eight-run fourth inning against the Dodgers on Aug. 7, 2023.

CJ Abrams hit his 16th homer leading off the fourth for a 7-3 Nationals lead.

The Royals chipped away with two runs in the first and one in the second before Vinnie Pasquantino’s three-run homer cut the Nationals lead to 7-6. Bobby Witt Jr. hit an eighth-inning sacrifice fly to tie the game.

Pasquantino has three homers and 11 RBIs in his last four games.

Nationals starter Jake Irvin allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks in four innings.

Kansas City hitters were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position against five Washington relievers.

The third of four Royals relievers, Luinder Avila made his major league debut pitching a hitless eighth.

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Daylen Lile’s two-out, ninth-inning single boosted the Washington Nationals over the Kansas City Royals 8-7 on Wednesday.</p><p>After the Royals tied the game in the eighth, Luis García Jr. doubled, then scored on Lile's single to right for the lead.</p><p>Jose A. Ferrer (4-3) recorded four outs for the win. Carlos Estévez (4-5) took the loss after allowing one run on two hits and a walk in the ninth.</p><p>The Nationals took a five-run lead in the first, highlighted by Nathaniel Lowe’s grand slam.</p><p>Royals starter Seth Lugo surrendered seven runs on six hits over four innings. The five runs in the first was his most since an eight-run fourth inning against the Dodgers on Aug. 7, 2023.</p><p>CJ Abrams hit his 16th homer leading off the fourth for a 7-3 Nationals lead.</p><p>The Royals chipped away with two runs in the first and one in the second before Vinnie Pasquantino’s three-run homer cut the Nationals lead to 7-6. Bobby Witt Jr. hit an eighth-inning sacrifice fly to tie the game.</p><p>Pasquantino has three homers and 11 RBIs in his last four games.</p><p>Nationals starter Jake Irvin allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks in four innings.</p><p>Kansas City hitters were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position against five Washington relievers.</p><p>The third of four Royals relievers, Luinder Avila made his major league debut pitching a hitless eighth.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert stole second and third before scoring on Witt’s game-tying eighth-inning sacrifice fly.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-seth-lugo-extension-dc4a058fb1eb5c167e719a246baee7bf">inking a two-year contract extension</a>&nbsp;July 28, Lugo has allowed 18 earned runs in 18 1/3 innings while failing to get through six innings in four starts.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Nationals: RHP Brad Lord (3-6, 3.28 ERA) takes the mound in Washington against the Phillies.</p>

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