1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored  by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581739911992.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cheney 47 Hoisington 18<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/0boz2x13/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

Cheney 47 Hoisington 18

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 28, Dodge City 14 Liberal 23, Garden City 6 Hays 27, Junction City 17 Central Kansas League Cheney 47, Hoisington 18 Cimarron 33, Larned 8 Wichita Collegiate 42, Pratt 12 Ellsworth 14, Hillsboro 6 Hesston 48, Smoky Valley 6 Minneapolis 28, Halstead 21 Garden Plain 38, Haven 14 Andale 58, Nickerson 6 Other area 11-Man Games Ellinwood 59, South Sumner Co. 27 Sterling 33, Medicine Lodge 26 Smith Center 20, TMP 14 OT Phillipsburg 34, Russell 7 Southeast of Saline 66, Lyons 0

Area 8-Man Games Central Plains 50, Goessel 0 La Crosse 42, Quinter 24 Victoria 62, St. John 6 Bucklin 52, Macksville 6 Wichita County 62, Ness City 6 Kinsley 30, Spearville 22 Hodgeman County 48, Stafford 0 Sylvan-Lucas 50, Lakeside 8 Kiowa County 62, Udall 12 Little River 66, Canton-Galva 6 Oxford 54, Pratt-Skyline 8 Area 6-Man Games Cunningham 50, Otis-Bison 0 Pawnee Heights 62, Rolla 12

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 28, Dodge City 14 Liberal 23, Garden City 6 Hays 27, Junction City 17 Central Kansas League Cheney 47, Hoisington 18 Cimarron 33, Larned 8 Wichita Collegiate 42, Pratt 12 Ellsworth 14, Hillsboro 6 Hesston 48, Smoky Valley 6 Minneapolis 28, Halstead 21 Garden Plain 38, Haven 14 Andale 58, Nickerson 6 Other area 11-Man Games Ellinwood 59, South Sumner Co. 27 Sterling 33, Medicine Lodge 26 Smith Center 20, TMP 14 OT Phillipsburg 34, Russell 7 Southeast of Saline 66, Lyons 0Area 8-Man Games Central Plains 50, Goessel 0 La Crosse 42, Quinter 24 Victoria 62, St. John 6 Bucklin 52, Macksville 6 Wichita County 62, Ness City 6 Kinsley 30, Spearville 22 Hodgeman County 48, Stafford 0 Sylvan-Lucas 50, Lakeside 8 Kiowa County 62, Udall 12 Little River 66, Canton-Galva 6 Oxford 54, Pratt-Skyline 8 Area 6-Man Games Cunningham 50, Otis-Bison 0 Pawnee Heights 62, Rolla 12

Area high school football scores - Week 5

1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238768373.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cimarron 33 Larned 8<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/w2ngfych/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.

Cimarron 33 Larned 8

1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886602159.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend 28 Dodge City 14<div></div>1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

Great Bend 28 Dodge City 14

- Mike Courson talks with Kansas City Royals SUperfan Chris Coats who's Kauffman Stadium game streak is appx 1,600 games at this point. Coats will be in the stands Saturday at Yankee Stadium for game 1 of the ALDS with New York. 

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl is back to preview week 5 of the high school football season and a recap of the week that was in high school volleyball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OxEAtuh6Of0?si=TrzL2RNC2KH_bcCl" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Mike Courson talks with Kansas City Royals SUperfan Chris Coats who's Kauffman Stadium game streak is appx 1,600 games at this point. Coats will be in the stands Saturday at Yankee Stadium for game 1 of the ALDS with New York. - Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl is back to preview week 5 of the high school football season and a recap of the week that was in high school volleyball.- Friday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day(Watch)

NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Year in a near-unanimous vote, giving the Indiana Fever back-to-back winners after Aliyah Boston won the honor last season.

A national panel of sportswriters and sportscasters gave Clark 66 of 67 votes in balloting released Thursday. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese received the other.

“I am incredibly honored to be named Rookie of the Year, but more than that, I am grateful to everyone that supported me throughout this past season -- my family and friends, my teammates, the Fever organization and everyone that cheered us on all season. I am so proud of what we accomplished and so excited for what the future holds,” Clark said in a statement.

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick from Iowa, averaged 19.2 points and a league-best 8.4 assists per game while helping the WNBA set attendance records and garner mainstream attention. She struggled a bit early in the season, but found her groove and was an All-Star starter. The unanimous AP Rookie of the Year led the Fever to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and a 20-20 record after a 1-8 start.

“I’m a tough grader. I feel like I had a solid year,” Clark said after the Fever were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. “For me, the fun part is like I feel like I’m just scratching the surface and I’m the one that’s nit picking every single thing I do. I know I want to help this franchise. ... I know there’s a lot of room for me to continue to improve so that’s what excites me the most. I feel like I continue to get a lot better.”

Clark was not chosen for the U.S. Olympic team — a decision that disappointed her legions of fans — but she showed in the weeks afterward that she might have been helpful. The Fever guard averaged 24.7 points and 9.3 assists in her first 10 games after the Olympic break and led Indiana to an 8-2 record.

Clark was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for August, was Player of the Week three times and Rookie of the Month four times. She recorded the first two triple-doubles by a rookie in WNBA history, set a league single-game record with 19 assists and became the first rookie to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in a game.

Clark led the league with 122 3-pointers, was second with 90.6% accuracy from the free-throw line and averaged 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. She set a league single-season record with 337 assists and set rookie records of 769 points and 122 three-pointers made.

Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds for the Sky.

Off the court, Clark, Reese and their fellow rookies were a ratings and attendance boon for the WNBA. Six different league television partners set viewership records this year for its highest viewed WNBA game. All of those games included the Fever.

Indiana led the league in attendance both at home and on the road. The Fever averaged 17,036 at home and more than 15,000 on the road. Four teams moved home games to bigger arenas when Indiana came to town to accommodate more fans.

Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fever-sun-score-clark-playoffs-7d602b71b648faf6f8fc45012424ebb4">Indiana's blowout loss to Connecticut in Game 1</a>, fans tuned in as the game averaged 1.8 million viewers, according to ESPN, making it the WNBA’s most watched playoff game since the 2000 Finals. It was the most watched playoff game on ESPN ever despite going up against the NFL.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728043885875.png" alt="Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket as Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington defends during a first-round WNBA basketball playoff game, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)" />
 <figcaption>Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket as Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington defends during a first-round WNBA basketball playoff game, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Year in a near-unanimous vote, giving the Indiana Fever back-to-back winners after Aliyah Boston won the honor last season.A national panel of sportswriters and sportscasters gave Clark 66 of 67 votes in balloting released Thursday. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese received the other.“I am incredibly honored to be named Rookie of the Year, but more than that, I am grateful to everyone that supported me throughout this past season -- my family and friends, my teammates, the Fever organization and everyone that cheered us on all season. I am so proud of what we accomplished and so excited for what the future holds,” Clark said in a statement.Clark, the No. 1 overall pick from Iowa, averaged 19.2 points and a league-best 8.4 assists per game while helping the WNBA set attendance records and garner mainstream attention. She struggled a bit early in the season, but found her groove and was an All-Star starter. The unanimous AP Rookie of the Year led the Fever to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and a 20-20 record after a 1-8 start.“I’m a tough grader. I feel like I had a solid year,” Clark said after the Fever were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. “For me, the fun part is like I feel like I’m just scratching the surface and I’m the one that’s nit picking every single thing I do. I know I want to help this franchise. ... I know there’s a lot of room for me to continue to improve so that’s what excites me the most. I feel like I continue to get a lot better.”Clark was not chosen for the U.S. Olympic team — a decision that disappointed her legions of fans — but she showed in the weeks afterward that she might have been helpful. The Fever guard averaged 24.7 points and 9.3 assists in her first 10 games after the Olympic break and led Indiana to an 8-2 record.Clark was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for August, was Player of the Week three times and Rookie of the Month four times. She recorded the first two triple-doubles by a rookie in WNBA history, set a league single-game record with 19 assists and became the first rookie to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in a game.Clark led the league with 122 3-pointers, was second with 90.6% accuracy from the free-throw line and averaged 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. She set a league single-season record with 337 assists and set rookie records of 769 points and 122 three-pointers made.Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds for the Sky.Off the court, Clark, Reese and their fellow rookies were a ratings and attendance boon for the WNBA. Six different league television partners set viewership records this year for its highest viewed WNBA game. All of those games included the Fever.Indiana led the league in attendance both at home and on the road. The Fever averaged 17,036 at home and more than 15,000 on the road. Four teams moved home games to bigger arenas when Indiana came to town to accommodate more fans.Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fever-sun-score-clark-playoffs-7d602b71b648faf6f8fc45012424ebb4">Indiana's blowout loss to Connecticut in Game 1</a>, fans tuned in as the game averaged 1.8 million viewers, according to ESPN, making it the WNBA’s most watched playoff game since the 2000 Finals. It was the most watched playoff game on ESPN ever despite going up against the NFL.

Caitlin Clark a near-unanimous choice as WNBA's Rookie of the Year

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

A pair of late goals provided the difference makers Thursday morning at the Cougar Soccer Complex sending the 20th ranked Barton Community men's soccer team to a 3-2 defeat hosting top ranked Indian Hills Community College.

With a 15mph south wind to their backs, Barton's two goal edge by the 29th minute was erased on a pair of Warrior goals including a set piece net rattler with six seconds left tying it up at halftime.

Absorbing Indian Hills' wind advantage to start the second half, Barton controlled most of the final forty-five minutes of possessions but drew the unlucky end of two potential penalty-kick opportunities keeping the game tied until another unfortunate situation eliminated a Barton defender resulting in a Warrior game winning strike with just 1:22 left in the contest.

The loss drops Barton to 8-4-1 overall with Indian Hills improving to 11-0-1.

Barton has a short turnaround to erase the disappointing loss as the Cougars travel to Coffeyville Community College on Saturday for a 7:00 p.m. conference kick-off before a Monday trip to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in a 7:30 p.m. kick at 6th ranked Iowa Western Community College.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/lyra_pedro_w5wg">Pedro Lyra</a>'s third goal of the season gave Barton the lead sending&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/kanku_loic_7v7s">Loic Kanku</a>'s pass to the back of the net on an 18-yard missile far post twenty minutes into the contest.

Eight minutes later Kanku forced a turnover around the midfield setting off a give-n-go situation with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>. As the defense closed in, Abedul dished back to Kanku for an angled strike to far post as the sophomore's fifth goal of the year put the Cougars up two.

The good vibes lasted for less than five minutes when Diego Lazaro's entry pass deflected off a Cougar with Fabian Arroyo sending a shot past the outstretched Cougar keeper&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>.

A more devastating blow to the Cougar psychic came with just six seconds left in the opening frame when Daniel Mulero's set piece launch traveled across the box to the awaiting foot of Franceso Nanni for the equalizier.

Both teams launched six shots in first half action, three each on frame, but the Cougars took the final statistical keepings 16-12 heading into the second half wind.

Putting two shots on frame, two controversial non-calls may have turned the tide as a handball wasn't whistled on a shot towards frame while later in the half another Cougar was hit high on a header attempt in crashing to the ground in front of goal.

For Indian Hills the Warriors stood firm from the Cougar attacks before producing the game winner, albeit borderline controversial, on Daniel Mulero's dagger shot with eighty-two seconds remaining.

Bergamin's pair of saves gave Barton a chance in dropping to 5-2-0 on the year while Bernardo Manzano stayed unbeaten at 10-0-1 behind four saves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728043963735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoA pair of late goals provided the difference makers Thursday morning at the Cougar Soccer Complex sending the 20th ranked Barton Community men's soccer team to a 3-2 defeat hosting top ranked Indian Hills Community College.With a 15mph south wind to their backs, Barton's two goal edge by the 29th minute was erased on a pair of Warrior goals including a set piece net rattler with six seconds left tying it up at halftime.Absorbing Indian Hills' wind advantage to start the second half, Barton controlled most of the final forty-five minutes of possessions but drew the unlucky end of two potential penalty-kick opportunities keeping the game tied until another unfortunate situation eliminated a Barton defender resulting in a Warrior game winning strike with just 1:22 left in the contest.The loss drops Barton to 8-4-1 overall with Indian Hills improving to 11-0-1.Barton has a short turnaround to erase the disappointing loss as the Cougars travel to Coffeyville Community College on Saturday for a 7:00 p.m. conference kick-off before a Monday trip to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in a 7:30 p.m. kick at 6th ranked Iowa Western Community College.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/lyra_pedro_w5wg">Pedro Lyra</a>'s third goal of the season gave Barton the lead sending&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/kanku_loic_7v7s">Loic Kanku</a>'s pass to the back of the net on an 18-yard missile far post twenty minutes into the contest.Eight minutes later Kanku forced a turnover around the midfield setting off a give-n-go situation with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>. As the defense closed in, Abedul dished back to Kanku for an angled strike to far post as the sophomore's fifth goal of the year put the Cougars up two.The good vibes lasted for less than five minutes when Diego Lazaro's entry pass deflected off a Cougar with Fabian Arroyo sending a shot past the outstretched Cougar keeper&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>.A more devastating blow to the Cougar psychic came with just six seconds left in the opening frame when Daniel Mulero's set piece launch traveled across the box to the awaiting foot of Franceso Nanni for the equalizier.Both teams launched six shots in first half action, three each on frame, but the Cougars took the final statistical keepings 16-12 heading into the second half wind.Putting two shots on frame, two controversial non-calls may have turned the tide as a handball wasn't whistled on a shot towards frame while later in the half another Cougar was hit high on a header attempt in crashing to the ground in front of goal.For Indian Hills the Warriors stood firm from the Cougar attacks before producing the game winner, albeit borderline controversial, on Daniel Mulero's dagger shot with eighty-two seconds remaining.Bergamin's pair of saves gave Barton a chance in dropping to 5-2-0 on the year while Bernardo Manzano stayed unbeaten at 10-0-1 behind four saves.

Pair of late goals sinks 20th ranked Cougars against top ranked Indian Hills

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Pete Alonso was having a rather disappointing evening in what could have been his final game for the New York Mets. Then everything changed with one swing of the bat. The slugger broke out of a prolonged slump by smashing a three-run homer off closer Devin Williams in the ninth inning to put the Mets up for good in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-mlb-playoffs-mets-brewers-bd0923ce812d234f61e5311a73438145">4-2 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday in the decisive third game of their NL Wild Card Series. That made Alonso the first major leaguer to hit a go-ahead homer when his team was trailing in the ninth inning or later of a winner-take-all postseason game,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1842020516044947491" target="_blank">according to OptaSTATS.</a>&nbsp;“It’s just something you practice in the backyard as a kid,” Alonso said. “You go through those scenarios as a little kid: All right, you’re in the playoffs down by a few runs. Words can’t explain. This is just unreal.”

ATLANTA (AP) — Kirk Cousins sure earned all that money Thursday night.&nbsp;The $180 million quarterback threw for a career-high 509 yards and four touchdowns, the last of them&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/i/status/1842045765176205453" target="_blank">a 45-yard scoring pass to KhaDarel Hodge</a>&nbsp;in overtime that gave the Atlanta Falcons an improbable 36-30 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “What a night,” Cousins said. “I’m exhausted.” After a wild fourth quarter that featured a blocked field goal, a fumble and an interception, Cousins and the Falcons (3-2) got the ball back at their own 20 with 1:14 remaining in regulation and no timeouts, trailing 30-27. Cousins completed five passes to push Atlanta to the Buccaneers 29, then hustled to the line to spike the ball with a single second left. In all the confusion, the Falcons were called for delay of game as they lined up for a tying field goal, but it didn’t cost them. Even with the five-yard penalty, Younghoe Koo knocked it through from 52 yards to force overtime, one week after he made a 58-yarder with 2 seconds left to beat the New Orleans Saints.

NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Year in a near-unanimous vote, giving the Indiana Fever back-to-back winners after Aliyah Boston won the honor last season. A national panel of sportswriters and sportscasters gave Clark 66 of 67 votes in balloting released Thursday. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese received the other. Clark, the No. 1 overall pick from Iowa, averaged 19.2 points and a league-best 8.4 assists per game while helping the WNBA set attendance records and garner mainstream attention. She struggled a bit early in the season, but found her groove and was an All-Star starter. The unanimous AP Rookie of the Year led the Fever to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and a 20-20 record after a 1-8 start.

Terry Francona needed some time away from baseball. A year was long enough. One of baseball’s most beloved managers, Francona has been hired by the Cincinnati Reds, returning to a team he played for after stepping down in Cleveland following last season because of health reasons. A person familiar with the situation confirmed the move to The Associated Press on Thursday night on condition of anonymity because the Reds had not announced the decision. An announcement could come later this week. Francona, who won two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reds-david-bell-fired-4321a978511eb1b1ebe15122d2d4fa4f">replacing David Bell</a>, fired by the Reds last month in the final days of his sixth season. Bell went 409-456 during his tenure. Francona, who turns 66 in April, played as an outfielder for Cincinnati in 1987. He hit .227 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 102 games.

THURSDAY'S SCORES Major League Baseball NY Mets 4, Milwaukee 2&nbsp; (Mets win Wild Card series 2-1)

National Football League Atlanta 36, Tampa Bay 30 OT

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Pete Alonso was having a rather disappointing evening in what could have been his final game for the New York Mets. Then everything changed with one swing of the bat. The slugger broke out of a prolonged slump by smashing a three-run homer off closer Devin Williams in the ninth inning to put the Mets up for good in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-mlb-playoffs-mets-brewers-bd0923ce812d234f61e5311a73438145">4-2 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday in the decisive third game of their NL Wild Card Series. That made Alonso the first major leaguer to hit a go-ahead homer when his team was trailing in the ninth inning or later of a winner-take-all postseason game,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1842020516044947491" target="_blank">according to OptaSTATS.</a>&nbsp;“It’s just something you practice in the backyard as a kid,” Alonso said. “You go through those scenarios as a little kid: All right, you’re in the playoffs down by a few runs. Words can’t explain. This is just unreal.”ATLANTA (AP) — Kirk Cousins sure earned all that money Thursday night.&nbsp;The $180 million quarterback threw for a career-high 509 yards and four touchdowns, the last of them&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/i/status/1842045765176205453" target="_blank">a 45-yard scoring pass to KhaDarel Hodge</a>&nbsp;in overtime that gave the Atlanta Falcons an improbable 36-30 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “What a night,” Cousins said. “I’m exhausted.” After a wild fourth quarter that featured a blocked field goal, a fumble and an interception, Cousins and the Falcons (3-2) got the ball back at their own 20 with 1:14 remaining in regulation and no timeouts, trailing 30-27. Cousins completed five passes to push Atlanta to the Buccaneers 29, then hustled to the line to spike the ball with a single second left. In all the confusion, the Falcons were called for delay of game as they lined up for a tying field goal, but it didn’t cost them. Even with the five-yard penalty, Younghoe Koo knocked it through from 52 yards to force overtime, one week after he made a 58-yarder with 2 seconds left to beat the New Orleans Saints.NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Year in a near-unanimous vote, giving the Indiana Fever back-to-back winners after Aliyah Boston won the honor last season. A national panel of sportswriters and sportscasters gave Clark 66 of 67 votes in balloting released Thursday. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese received the other. Clark, the No. 1 overall pick from Iowa, averaged 19.2 points and a league-best 8.4 assists per game while helping the WNBA set attendance records and garner mainstream attention. She struggled a bit early in the season, but found her groove and was an All-Star starter. The unanimous AP Rookie of the Year led the Fever to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and a 20-20 record after a 1-8 start.Terry Francona needed some time away from baseball. A year was long enough. One of baseball’s most beloved managers, Francona has been hired by the Cincinnati Reds, returning to a team he played for after stepping down in Cleveland following last season because of health reasons. A person familiar with the situation confirmed the move to The Associated Press on Thursday night on condition of anonymity because the Reds had not announced the decision. An announcement could come later this week. Francona, who won two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reds-david-bell-fired-4321a978511eb1b1ebe15122d2d4fa4f">replacing David Bell</a>, fired by the Reds last month in the final days of his sixth season. Bell went 409-456 during his tenure. Francona, who turns 66 in April, played as an outfielder for Cincinnati in 1987. He hit .227 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 102 games.THURSDAY'S SCORES Major League Baseball NY Mets 4, Milwaukee 2&nbsp; (Mets win Wild Card series 2-1)National Football League Atlanta 36, Tampa Bay 30 OT

Friday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Dodge City never went away in Thursday's best-of-five volleyball action at Great Bend High School. The No. 10 Lady Panthers took the first two sets 25-22, 25-21, but trailed for most of the third set, including 15-12 midway through the set. Great Bend battled back, and a pair of Red Demon errors set up a match point at 24-22. Lady Panther senior Cassie Ellegood, who had some big serves earlier in the match, delivered an ace to end the evening with a 25-22 set.

"Coach (Shelly) Duvall said in the huddle we're going to serve it and we're just going to block it," Ellegood said. "In my head, I was like, 'No, I just want to ace it.' In my head, I was like I'm just going to do it and I'm just going to get it done and I did."

Dodge City got big play at the net early in the third to lead 4-1. The gap stood at 15-12 when sophomore Kya Behr tipped over a point and senior Kara Feist put down a pair of blocks to level the score at 15. Behr's ace gave Great Bend its first lead of the set 16-15.

But the Red Demons continued to battle, regaining a 19-18 lead and tying things up 22-22. With possession, the next Dodge City serve went into the net. Then a Lady Demon was called for getting in the net. That set up Ellegood's ace to finish the night.

Great Bend opened up an 8-3 lead in the first set thanks in part to two hits from sophomore Alex Mayers, an ace from senior Kimmie Hofflinger, and kills from Behr, Ellegood, and junior Ava Kaiser. Dodge City battled back for an 11-10 lead but a kill from freshman Micah Ellegood and offensive and defensive points from Cassie Ellegood put Great Bend back on top 15-13.  The Lady Panthers never trailed in the set again, getting key kills from freshman Mikayla Minton and Feist for a 21-18 edge. With the score tied at 22, Cassie Ellegood finished off the set with a pair of spikes and a block for the 25-22 finish.

The Lady Panthers led 3-2 early in the second set when Cassie Ellegood took over on serve with three aces and another big serve to set up a 7-2 advantage. Again Dodge City fought back, evening the score at 11 before Cassie Ellegood and Minton put down hits for a 13-11 Great Bend lead. Two more aces from Cassie and a kill from Feist bumped the gap to 17-13. The Lady Demons got as close as 21-20 late in the set. A stuff from Behr and Cassie Ellegood moved the Panther lead to 23-20, and Cassie finished off the set with a pair of kills.

"Dodge always plays their best against us," Ellegood said. "They have some really strong girls and they hit well. Getting a block on some of those girls, it just fires you up and it feels really good."

Dodge City falls to 14-12 on the season. Great Bend moves to 13-2 ahead of its varsity invitational Saturday at the GBHS Fieldhouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728003851893.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther senior Kara Feist goes up for a ball during Great Bend's 25-22, 25-21, 25-22 win against Dodge City Thursday at home." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther senior Kara Feist goes up for a ball during Great Bend's 25-22, 25-21, 25-22 win against Dodge City Thursday at home.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDodge City never went away in Thursday's best-of-five volleyball action at Great Bend High School. The No. 10 Lady Panthers took the first two sets 25-22, 25-21, but trailed for most of the third set, including 15-12 midway through the set. Great Bend battled back, and a pair of Red Demon errors set up a match point at 24-22. Lady Panther senior Cassie Ellegood, who had some big serves earlier in the match, delivered an ace to end the evening with a 25-22 set."Coach (Shelly) Duvall said in the huddle we're going to serve it and we're just going to block it," Ellegood said. "In my head, I was like, 'No, I just want to ace it.' In my head, I was like I'm just going to do it and I'm just going to get it done and I did."Dodge City got big play at the net early in the third to lead 4-1. The gap stood at 15-12 when sophomore Kya Behr tipped over a point and senior Kara Feist put down a pair of blocks to level the score at 15. Behr's ace gave Great Bend its first lead of the set 16-15.But the Red Demons continued to battle, regaining a 19-18 lead and tying things up 22-22. With possession, the next Dodge City serve went into the net. Then a Lady Demon was called for getting in the net. That set up Ellegood's ace to finish the night.Great Bend opened up an 8-3 lead in the first set thanks in part to two hits from sophomore Alex Mayers, an ace from senior Kimmie Hofflinger, and kills from Behr, Ellegood, and junior Ava Kaiser. Dodge City battled back for an 11-10 lead but a kill from freshman Micah Ellegood and offensive and defensive points from Cassie Ellegood put Great Bend back on top 15-13. The Lady Panthers never trailed in the set again, getting key kills from freshman Mikayla Minton and Feist for a 21-18 edge. With the score tied at 22, Cassie Ellegood finished off the set with a pair of spikes and a block for the 25-22 finish.The Lady Panthers led 3-2 early in the second set when Cassie Ellegood took over on serve with three aces and another big serve to set up a 7-2 advantage. Again Dodge City fought back, evening the score at 11 before Cassie Ellegood and Minton put down hits for a 13-11 Great Bend lead. Two more aces from Cassie and a kill from Feist bumped the gap to 17-13. The Lady Demons got as close as 21-20 late in the set. A stuff from Behr and Cassie Ellegood moved the Panther lead to 23-20, and Cassie finished off the set with a pair of kills."Dodge always plays their best against us," Ellegood said. "They have some really strong girls and they hit well. Getting a block on some of those girls, it just fires you up and it feels really good."Dodge City falls to 14-12 on the season. Great Bend moves to 13-2 ahead of its varsity invitational Saturday at the GBHS Fieldhouse.

Lady Panthers down Dodge City in straight sets; host tourney on Saturday

- Great Bend Panther football coach Erin Beck previews Friday's road game at Dodge City. He will be joined by So. Kale Kern and Junior Trenton Kern.

- Hoisington volleyball coach&nbsp;Mykela Riedl. She will be joined by Sr. Gabby Reif and So. Sofia Simick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PV5ptgQ0AIg?si=i_-tIAUNEolyqPoy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Great Bend Panther football coach Erin Beck previews Friday's road game at Dodge City. He will be joined by So. Kale Kern and Junior Trenton Kern.- Hoisington volleyball coach&nbsp;Mykela Riedl. She will be joined by Sr. Gabby Reif and So. Sofia Simick.- Barton soccer coach Rafael Simmons- Thursday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day(Watch)

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

A second half rally came up just short Wednesday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex as the Barton Community College women's soccer team's upset bid fell short 2-1 to No. 6 Butler Community College.

Dropping both regular season contests to the Grizzlies, the loss drops the Cougars to 4-4-2 in league play and 6-4-2 overall while Butler remains unbeaten at 9-0-1 in KJCCC play and 9-0-3 on the season.

Barton will look to regroup Saturday evening making the long road trip down to southeast Kansas to face the Red Ravens of Coffeyville Community College in a 5:00 p.m. kickoff.

Butler's Ruby Kilden opened the scoring benefitting from the first half 20-25 mph south wind at the Grizzlies back in shaping a 25-yard kick just underneath the crossbar for a 1-0 lead with 35:04 remaining.

Fourteen minutes later a defensive miscue by the Cougars generated the second and eventual game winning goal for the Grizzlies as leading goal scorer London Ingram converted on a second chance opportunity as keeper&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/tanaka_mio_fiw7">Mio Tanaka</a>&nbsp;denied the first shot with the deflection rebound providing a second chance strike.

Having the side of the wind over the final 45-minutes, Barton controlled the possession for the majority of the second half with numerous opportunities.

Outshooting the opposition 10-5 in the second half,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/silva_leticia_f680">Leticia Quadros</a>&nbsp;put Barton on the scoreboard with 11:57 remaining shaping a 35-yard free kick into the jet stream over Butler's netminder Rylie Schiffelbein to cut the deficit in half for the sophomore defender's fourth goal in the last two games.

Ninety seconds later the Cougars' momentum took a hit in having a disadvantage over the final 10:20 competing a player short due to a red card violation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727959981704.jpeg" alt="Kayla Methman dribbling around Butler defender" />
 <figcaption>Kayla Methman dribbling around Butler defender</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoA second half rally came up just short Wednesday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex as the Barton Community College women's soccer team's upset bid fell short 2-1 to No. 6 Butler Community College.Dropping both regular season contests to the Grizzlies, the loss drops the Cougars to 4-4-2 in league play and 6-4-2 overall while Butler remains unbeaten at 9-0-1 in KJCCC play and 9-0-3 on the season.Barton will look to regroup Saturday evening making the long road trip down to southeast Kansas to face the Red Ravens of Coffeyville Community College in a 5:00 p.m. kickoff.Butler's Ruby Kilden opened the scoring benefitting from the first half 20-25 mph south wind at the Grizzlies back in shaping a 25-yard kick just underneath the crossbar for a 1-0 lead with 35:04 remaining.Fourteen minutes later a defensive miscue by the Cougars generated the second and eventual game winning goal for the Grizzlies as leading goal scorer London Ingram converted on a second chance opportunity as keeper&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/tanaka_mio_fiw7">Mio Tanaka</a>&nbsp;denied the first shot with the deflection rebound providing a second chance strike.Having the side of the wind over the final 45-minutes, Barton controlled the possession for the majority of the second half with numerous opportunities.Outshooting the opposition 10-5 in the second half,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/silva_leticia_f680">Leticia Quadros</a>&nbsp;put Barton on the scoreboard with 11:57 remaining shaping a 35-yard free kick into the jet stream over Butler's netminder Rylie Schiffelbein to cut the deficit in half for the sophomore defender's fourth goal in the last two games.Ninety seconds later the Cougars' momentum took a hit in having a disadvantage over the final 10:20 competing a player short due to a red card violation.

Second half rally comes up short as Cougars fall to No. 6 Butler 

The 5th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team served up its seventh straight sweep as the Cougars won in straight sets 25-16, 25-16 and 25-13 Wednesday evening over Cloud County Community College.

Barton concludes the first path through the conference schedule with a perfect 8-0 mark and overall record of 21-1 while the loss drops the T-Birds to 0-8 in league play and 5-14 on the season.

Next up for the Cougars is the first of a two-game road trip beginning Monday night in El Dorado against the Grizzlies of Butler Community College for a 6:00 p.m. first serve before traveling to Pratt on Wednesday in a 6:30 p.m. start time.

Eight different Cougars recorded a kill with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;leading the way behind her eighth double-double of the season compiling 12 kills on a .550 efficiency along with 12 digs, as the sophomore reached double-digit kills for the 12th time this season and 15th time eclipsing double-digit digs.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;had seven kills behind a team best .778 attack with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;adding six, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>&nbsp;recording five on her 12 swings.

Providing a spark off the bench,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/zuluaga_nohava_sara_y8hs">Sara Zuluaga Nohava</a>&nbsp;led Barton's net play with four denials while&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/hardison_abigale_ukaw">Abigale Hardison</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/aristy_kiara_e0ul">Kiara Aristy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/olander_aubrey_49pp">Aubrey Olander</a>&nbsp;each contributed two blocks each.

The setting duo of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>&nbsp;helped guide the 6-2 offense to a .320 attack putting up 21 and 17 assists respectfully.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;also joined Nixon as the lone Cougar to finish in double-digit digs as the freshman libero piled up 10 digs while adding one of Barton's four service aces on the evening.

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe 5th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team served up its seventh straight sweep as the Cougars won in straight sets 25-16, 25-16 and 25-13 Wednesday evening over Cloud County Community College.Barton concludes the first path through the conference schedule with a perfect 8-0 mark and overall record of 21-1 while the loss drops the T-Birds to 0-8 in league play and 5-14 on the season.Next up for the Cougars is the first of a two-game road trip beginning Monday night in El Dorado against the Grizzlies of Butler Community College for a 6:00 p.m. first serve before traveling to Pratt on Wednesday in a 6:30 p.m. start time.Eight different Cougars recorded a kill with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;leading the way behind her eighth double-double of the season compiling 12 kills on a .550 efficiency along with 12 digs, as the sophomore reached double-digit kills for the 12th time this season and 15th time eclipsing double-digit digs.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;had seven kills behind a team best .778 attack with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;adding six, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>&nbsp;recording five on her 12 swings.Providing a spark off the bench,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/zuluaga_nohava_sara_y8hs">Sara Zuluaga Nohava</a>&nbsp;led Barton's net play with four denials while&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/hardison_abigale_ukaw">Abigale Hardison</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/aristy_kiara_e0ul">Kiara Aristy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/olander_aubrey_49pp">Aubrey Olander</a>&nbsp;each contributed two blocks each.The setting duo of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>&nbsp;helped guide the 6-2 offense to a .320 attack putting up 21 and 17 assists respectfully.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;also joined Nixon as the lone Cougar to finish in double-digit digs as the freshman libero piled up 10 digs while adding one of Barton's four service aces on the evening.

No. 5 Barton Volleyball serves up seventh straight sweep in win over Cloud County

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Kyle Higashioka’s solo homer started a five-run rally against an ailing Max Fried with two outs in the second inning, and the San Diego Padres held on to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-mlb-playoffs-braves-eliminated-24940cbbeb3690947555252337270065">sweep the Atlanta Braves</a>&nbsp;with a 5-4 victory in Game 2 of their NL Wild Card Series on Wednesday night. Manny Machado added a two-run double with the bases loaded and Jackson Merrill, a top contender for NL Rookie of the Year, followed with a two-run triple as the sellout crowd of 47,705 — the largest in Petco Park history — roared. The Padres, who would love to win a World Series title in memory of late owner Peter Seidler, head up Interstate 5 to face Shohei Ohtani and the NL West rival Dodgers in a National League Division Series beginning Saturday evening at top-seeded Los Angeles. San Diego eliminated the 111-win Dodgers in a 2022 NLDS.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jackson Chourio tied the game in the eighth with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackson-chourio-brewers-2024-mlb-playoffs-f6ffba193e38bf0cda54dc154fc511a8">his second homer of the night</a>&nbsp;and Garrett Mitchell delivered a two-run shot later in the inning to give the Milwaukee Brewers a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday that evened their NL Wild Card Series. The teams will play a decisive Game 3 on Thursday night. The Brewers will attempt to become the first team to win a best-of-three Wild Card Series after losing the opener since MLB went to this expanded playoff format in 2022. Milwaukee trailed 3-2 when Chourio led off the eighth by homering to right-center off losing pitcher Phil Maton, making his fourth appearance on the mound in five days. The 20-year-old rookie also opened the bottom of the first inning with a drive to right against Sean Manaea, becoming the youngest player to hit a leadoff homer in the postseason.

PRAGUE (AP) — Ondrej Palat has won the Stanley Cup twice. He’s won a gold medal with the Czech Republic at the world championships. This week, the forward will check another item on his bucket list when his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/devils-preview-capsule-hughes-keefe-0b75a03b95a15b1fdf9613355be6694f">New Jersey Devils</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-sabres-season-preview-56e6830571d03ee08fa8c0e109b59e7e">Buffalo Sabres</a>&nbsp;open the NHL regular season with two games in Prague. “I have been fortunate enough to realize many of my dreams in hockey,” Palat said. “But to play an NHL hockey game in my beloved Czechia is something I’ve never imagined.” The NHL global series games on Friday and Saturday will bring the number of regular season games hosted by Prague to nine. Stockholm, Sweden, is the only location outside North America that has had more. Two more international games will be played in Tampere, Finland, on Nov. 1-2 when defending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanley-cup-2024-panthers-oilers-game-7-37f35a84a80b8f1494d3c38511d312f6">Stanley Cup champion Florida</a>&nbsp;face the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-stars-nhl-preview-6b734e0c26d71a6b448eed1762c692b6">Dallas Stars</a>.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tyreek Hill flashed a big smile as he described the “beautiful situation” he’s in as the star receiver for the Miami Dolphins — downplaying trade rumors that have emerged surrounding teams, including his former Kansas City Chiefs, in need of receiver help. Hill said Wednesday that he would love to stay in Miami, even amid a 1-3 start in which the Dolphins have the worst scoring offense in the NFL. “I’m just focused on right here, right now,” Hill said. “We got a beautiful team here, and I want to be a part of it.”

WEDNESDAY'S SCORES Major League Baseball Wild Card Playoffs (best of 3) American League

Kansas City 2, Baltimore 1&nbsp; &nbsp;(Royals win series 2-0)

Detroit 5, Houston 2&nbsp; &nbsp; (Tigers win series 2-0)

Milwaukee 5, NY Mets 3&nbsp; &nbsp; (series tied 1-1)

San Diego 5, Atlanta 4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(Padres win series 2-0)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701258411232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SAN DIEGO (AP) — Kyle Higashioka’s solo homer started a five-run rally against an ailing Max Fried with two outs in the second inning, and the San Diego Padres held on to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-mlb-playoffs-braves-eliminated-24940cbbeb3690947555252337270065">sweep the Atlanta Braves</a>&nbsp;with a 5-4 victory in Game 2 of their NL Wild Card Series on Wednesday night. Manny Machado added a two-run double with the bases loaded and Jackson Merrill, a top contender for NL Rookie of the Year, followed with a two-run triple as the sellout crowd of 47,705 — the largest in Petco Park history — roared. The Padres, who would love to win a World Series title in memory of late owner Peter Seidler, head up Interstate 5 to face Shohei Ohtani and the NL West rival Dodgers in a National League Division Series beginning Saturday evening at top-seeded Los Angeles. San Diego eliminated the 111-win Dodgers in a 2022 NLDS.MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jackson Chourio tied the game in the eighth with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackson-chourio-brewers-2024-mlb-playoffs-f6ffba193e38bf0cda54dc154fc511a8">his second homer of the night</a>&nbsp;and Garrett Mitchell delivered a two-run shot later in the inning to give the Milwaukee Brewers a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday that evened their NL Wild Card Series. The teams will play a decisive Game 3 on Thursday night. The Brewers will attempt to become the first team to win a best-of-three Wild Card Series after losing the opener since MLB went to this expanded playoff format in 2022. Milwaukee trailed 3-2 when Chourio led off the eighth by homering to right-center off losing pitcher Phil Maton, making his fourth appearance on the mound in five days. The 20-year-old rookie also opened the bottom of the first inning with a drive to right against Sean Manaea, becoming the youngest player to hit a leadoff homer in the postseason.PRAGUE (AP) — Ondrej Palat has won the Stanley Cup twice. He’s won a gold medal with the Czech Republic at the world championships. This week, the forward will check another item on his bucket list when his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/devils-preview-capsule-hughes-keefe-0b75a03b95a15b1fdf9613355be6694f">New Jersey Devils</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-sabres-season-preview-56e6830571d03ee08fa8c0e109b59e7e">Buffalo Sabres</a>&nbsp;open the NHL regular season with two games in Prague. “I have been fortunate enough to realize many of my dreams in hockey,” Palat said. “But to play an NHL hockey game in my beloved Czechia is something I’ve never imagined.” The NHL global series games on Friday and Saturday will bring the number of regular season games hosted by Prague to nine. Stockholm, Sweden, is the only location outside North America that has had more. Two more international games will be played in Tampere, Finland, on Nov. 1-2 when defending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanley-cup-2024-panthers-oilers-game-7-37f35a84a80b8f1494d3c38511d312f6">Stanley Cup champion Florida</a>&nbsp;face the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-stars-nhl-preview-6b734e0c26d71a6b448eed1762c692b6">Dallas Stars</a>.MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tyreek Hill flashed a big smile as he described the “beautiful situation” he’s in as the star receiver for the Miami Dolphins — downplaying trade rumors that have emerged surrounding teams, including his former Kansas City Chiefs, in need of receiver help. Hill said Wednesday that he would love to stay in Miami, even amid a 1-3 start in which the Dolphins have the worst scoring offense in the NFL. “I’m just focused on right here, right now,” Hill said. “We got a beautiful team here, and I want to be a part of it.”WEDNESDAY'S SCORES Major League Baseball Wild Card Playoffs (best of 3) American LeagueKansas City 2, Baltimore 1&nbsp; &nbsp;(Royals win series 2-0)Detroit 5, Houston 2&nbsp; &nbsp; (Tigers win series 2-0)National LeagueMilwaukee 5, NY Mets 3&nbsp; &nbsp; (series tied 1-1)San Diego 5, Atlanta 4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(Padres win series 2-0)

Thursday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

An ensuing goal just 43-seconds after taking a brief lead Tuesday afternoon would spoil the result the 20th ranked Barton Community men's soccer team was look for as the Cougars settled for a 2-2 draw against Otero Community College.

The result leaves the Cougars 8-3-1 overall while the Rattlers move to 4-1-4 on the season after the opening day of the Barton Classic.

Barton will have a day of rest before concluding the midseason Barton Classic Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. against top-ranked Indian Hills, as the Warriors take the pitch for the first time as the nation's top team Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. against Otero.

An unlucky ball deflection grazing off the hand of a Cougar defenseman inside the box gifted Otero a 1-0 lead following a converted penalty kick just 4:14 into the contest.

Launching four of their eight first half shots in the final 9:06, Barton carried the momentum breaking through with the equalizer 5:50 into the final frame on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dominguez_giminez_diogo_5r55">Diogo Giminez</a>' friendly far post kiss into the net on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>'s through ball sent into the box coming off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dos_santos_lucas_jzie">Lucas Dos Santos</a>&nbsp;initial kicked out pass.

17-minutes later Giminez struck for his second of the game and fourth of the season coming unmarked in the box heading back&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s initial shot attempt saved springing off the crossbar.

The lead held for just 43-seconds with the Rattlers getting behind the Cougar defense with Juan Belio sending a through ball to the top of the box creating a 1v1 strike for Deanroy Phillip to register the equalizer.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/ludemann-ravit_emil_9x58">Emil Ludemann-Ravit</a>&nbsp;patrolled the pipes denying five of the seven shots faced while moving to 3-1-1 in goal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727915764779.jpeg" alt="Justin Gomes and Otero defender going for the ball." />
 <figcaption>Justin Gomes and Otero defender going for the ball.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoAn ensuing goal just 43-seconds after taking a brief lead Tuesday afternoon would spoil the result the 20th ranked Barton Community men's soccer team was look for as the Cougars settled for a 2-2 draw against Otero Community College.The result leaves the Cougars 8-3-1 overall while the Rattlers move to 4-1-4 on the season after the opening day of the Barton Classic.Barton will have a day of rest before concluding the midseason Barton Classic Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. against top-ranked Indian Hills, as the Warriors take the pitch for the first time as the nation's top team Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. against Otero.An unlucky ball deflection grazing off the hand of a Cougar defenseman inside the box gifted Otero a 1-0 lead following a converted penalty kick just 4:14 into the contest.Launching four of their eight first half shots in the final 9:06, Barton carried the momentum breaking through with the equalizer 5:50 into the final frame on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dominguez_giminez_diogo_5r55">Diogo Giminez</a>' friendly far post kiss into the net on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>'s through ball sent into the box coming off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dos_santos_lucas_jzie">Lucas Dos Santos</a>&nbsp;initial kicked out pass.17-minutes later Giminez struck for his second of the game and fourth of the season coming unmarked in the box heading back&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s initial shot attempt saved springing off the crossbar.The lead held for just 43-seconds with the Rattlers getting behind the Cougar defense with Juan Belio sending a through ball to the top of the box creating a 1v1 strike for Deanroy Phillip to register the equalizer.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/ludemann-ravit_emil_9x58">Emil Ludemann-Ravit</a>&nbsp;patrolled the pipes denying five of the seven shots faced while moving to 3-1-1 in goal.

No. 20 Barton Men's Soccer plays to 2-2 draw with Otero 

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/ludemann-ravit_emil_9x58">Emil Ludemann-Ravit</a>&nbsp;of the 20th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team has been named the week six KJCCC Division I Goalkeeper of the Week.

In his lone game tending net last week, the freshman protector picked up his third win of the year in Barton's 3-1 avenging victory over Dodge City. After giving up a 20-yard strike to the far post midway through first-half action, Ludemann-Ravit rejected the next five Conquistador shots on frame and thwarted another pair of attacks securing the win.

Barton received quality play in goal by its pair of keepers last week, Ludemann-Ravit earning the Dodge City win as three days prior,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>&nbsp;rejected six shots to get the 2-1 win over Seward County improving to 5-1 as the lone goal surrendered was on a 1v1 situation after an errant Cougar pass set up the 50/50 battle for goal.

Most recently Ludemann-Ravit and the Cougars played to a 2-2 draw Tuesday hosting Otero Junior College leaving Barton at 8-3-1 overall.

Following the day of rest, Barton's next action comes Thursday morning in a 10:00 a.m. kick at Cougar Field against top-ranked Indian Hills Community College. The Warriors improved to 10-0-1 on the year earlier today in the Barton Mid-Season Classic defeating Otero 2-0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727915605995.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/ludemann-ravit_emil_9x58">Emil Ludemann-Ravit</a>&nbsp;of the 20th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team has been named the week six KJCCC Division I Goalkeeper of the Week.In his lone game tending net last week, the freshman protector picked up his third win of the year in Barton's 3-1 avenging victory over Dodge City. After giving up a 20-yard strike to the far post midway through first-half action, Ludemann-Ravit rejected the next five Conquistador shots on frame and thwarted another pair of attacks securing the win.Barton received quality play in goal by its pair of keepers last week, Ludemann-Ravit earning the Dodge City win as three days prior,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>&nbsp;rejected six shots to get the 2-1 win over Seward County improving to 5-1 as the lone goal surrendered was on a 1v1 situation after an errant Cougar pass set up the 50/50 battle for goal.Most recently Ludemann-Ravit and the Cougars played to a 2-2 draw Tuesday hosting Otero Junior College leaving Barton at 8-3-1 overall.Following the day of rest, Barton's next action comes Thursday morning in a 10:00 a.m. kick at Cougar Field against top-ranked Indian Hills Community College. The Warriors improved to 10-0-1 on the year earlier today in the Barton Mid-Season Classic defeating Otero 2-0.

Barton's Ludemann-Ravit earns week six KJCCC Goalkeeper of the Week

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to drive in the go-ahead run and send the Kansas City Royals into an AL Division Series with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday for a two-game sweep of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">their Wild Card Series</a>.

With two outs and runners at the corners in sixth inning, Witt hit a grounder to the edge of the dirt behind second base, where Jordan Westburg made a diving stop and throw to first. Witt was already there after zooming 90 feet in 4.14 seconds, allowing Kyle Isbel to score from third.

It was the second consecutive game in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bobby-witt-jr">AL batting champion</a>&nbsp;provided the decisive hit. Witt's RBI single in Tuesday's series opener plated the only run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">in a 1-0 victory</a>.

Kansas City, which endured two seven-game losing streaks over the final month of the season, advanced to face the AL East champion New York Yankees. Game 1 is Saturday in the Bronx.

Cedric Mullins homered for the Orioles, who fell to 0-5 during two quick playoff exits the past two years. Baltimore has dropped its last 10 postseason games.

The new-look Royals lost 106 games last season but used a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97e7e58c4c2257c95fa0bebe10cc7144">30-win improvement</a>&nbsp;to get back to October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

Second baseman Michael Massey, who led off the game with a double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino, said the front office bringing in experienced veterans with playoff experience like Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Wacha and Will Smith made this possible.

“They’ve been there before, they’ve done it, so I think it’s helped a lot of guys,” Massey said. “It’s helped us, for sure me, to be around those guys and just watch them, more than anything, and see how they go about their business, has been — I think that’s helped us stay even keel.”

The Royals left 12 runners on base and got through another close game with a razor-thin margin for error thanks to some masterful managing by Matt Quatraro, himself a postseason rookie like Witt, Game 1 winner Cole Ragans and so many others.

Quatraro let starter Seth Lugo get an out after loading the bases with nobody out in the fifth before spinning up bullpen roulette, starting with winning pitcher Angel Zerpa, who got KC out of that jam and then got the first out of the sixth. John Schreiber got three more outs, Sam Long two, Kris Bubic three and Lucas Erceg the final three to earn his second save of the series.

The Orioles were swept in their only playoff series for a second consecutive year, going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position this time and 5 for 32 combined. They face numerous offseason questions, from the future of manager Brandon Hyde to the possibility of losing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2c5a9a7c148b2c2d84994ab3fcc705fd">pending free-agent starter Corbin Burnes</a>.

UP NEXT The Royals face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-rodon-yankees-alds-ed2934c198986eff681314996cc63641">Yankees ace Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;in the opener of the ALDS, with any starter but Ragans or Lugo rested and ready to go. Wacha had been in line to start Game 3 against Baltimore.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to drive in the go-ahead run and send the Kansas City Royals into an AL Division Series with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday for a two-game sweep of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">their Wild Card Series</a>.With two outs and runners at the corners in sixth inning, Witt hit a grounder to the edge of the dirt behind second base, where Jordan Westburg made a diving stop and throw to first. Witt was already there after zooming 90 feet in 4.14 seconds, allowing Kyle Isbel to score from third.It was the second consecutive game in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bobby-witt-jr">AL batting champion</a>&nbsp;provided the decisive hit. Witt's RBI single in Tuesday's series opener plated the only run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">in a 1-0 victory</a>.Kansas City, which endured two seven-game losing streaks over the final month of the season, advanced to face the AL East champion New York Yankees. Game 1 is Saturday in the Bronx.Cedric Mullins homered for the Orioles, who fell to 0-5 during two quick playoff exits the past two years. Baltimore has dropped its last 10 postseason games.The new-look Royals lost 106 games last season but used a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97e7e58c4c2257c95fa0bebe10cc7144">30-win improvement</a>&nbsp;to get back to October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.Second baseman Michael Massey, who led off the game with a double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino, said the front office bringing in experienced veterans with playoff experience like Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Wacha and Will Smith made this possible.“They’ve been there before, they’ve done it, so I think it’s helped a lot of guys,” Massey said. “It’s helped us, for sure me, to be around those guys and just watch them, more than anything, and see how they go about their business, has been — I think that’s helped us stay even keel.”The Royals left 12 runners on base and got through another close game with a razor-thin margin for error thanks to some masterful managing by Matt Quatraro, himself a postseason rookie like Witt, Game 1 winner Cole Ragans and so many others.Quatraro let starter Seth Lugo get an out after loading the bases with nobody out in the fifth before spinning up bullpen roulette, starting with winning pitcher Angel Zerpa, who got KC out of that jam and then got the first out of the sixth. John Schreiber got three more outs, Sam Long two, Kris Bubic three and Lucas Erceg the final three to earn his second save of the series.Cionel Pérez took the loss.The Orioles were swept in their only playoff series for a second consecutive year, going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position this time and 5 for 32 combined. They face numerous offseason questions, from the future of manager Brandon Hyde to the possibility of losing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2c5a9a7c148b2c2d84994ab3fcc705fd">pending free-agent starter Corbin Burnes</a>.UP NEXT The Royals face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-rodon-yankees-alds-ed2934c198986eff681314996cc63641">Yankees ace Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;in the opener of the ALDS, with any starter but Ragans or Lugo rested and ready to go. Wacha had been in line to start Game 3 against Baltimore.

Witt gets another big hit to send the Royals into the ALDS with sweep of Orioles

- Complete recap of game 1 of the AL Wildcard Series between Kansas City and Baltimore

- Great Bend Panther volleyball coach Shelly Duvall

- "Voice of the FHSU Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Wednesday show lineup with Hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday show lineup with Hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TFKUk0fkXco?si=lyvU35XQyiivOUCO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Complete recap of game 1 of the AL Wildcard Series between Kansas City and Baltimore- Great Bend Panther volleyball coach Shelly Duvall- "Voice of the Cardinals" Cole Reif- "Voice of the FHSU Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock- Sounds of the past 24-hours- Wednesday Sports Headlines

Wednesday on Sports Day(Watch)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs keep winning close games.

The Chiefs' latest escape job came Sunday in Los Angeles, when they weathered more first-half problems t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-c9319ce58212e6eba1875873468e8a72">o rally for a 17-10 win over the Chargers</a>.

But it came at the expense of budding star Rashee Rice, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-rashee-rice-injured-7dc06648f3fd38941dd8963670c6cc50">sustained a severe knee injury</a>&nbsp;when he was hit by Patrick Mahomes while making a tackle following an interception early in the game.

Two weeks ago, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula just before Harrison Butker kicked the field goal that gave them a 26-25 win over Cincinnati. And when the injuries to Rice and Pacheco are added to the potentially season-ending surgery on wide receiver Marquise Brown's shoulder, the Chiefs are suddenly without three of their biggest offensive stars.

That's a tough way for any team to operate, even one coming off back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

“We have guys here that have experience playing in games,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday. “We have a good group of guys here that we can utilize. We normally spread the ball around and that is what we'll continue to strive to do.”

Still, while the Chiefs' defense was the star against the Chargers, the offense did show signs of life. Mahomes hit first-round pick Xavier Worthy with a long touchdown pass,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-chiefs-record-466a834119e572d5dad408e0741734f1">Travis Kelce finally got going</a>&nbsp;with seven catches for 89 yards, and Kareem Hunt ran 14 times for 69 yards in his first game since the Chiefs signed him to help replace Pacheco's production.

More than anything else, though, the Chiefs need Mahomes to play better to overcome so many injuries on that side of the ball.

The two-time league MVP struggled for the fourth straight game, going 19 of 29 for 245 yards with a TD pass and a pick made more costly by Rice's injury on the play. Mahomes also was sacked three times as the offensive line struggled to protect him.

“I think it's a matter of cleaning it up,” Mahomes said. “We scored 17 and we scored in the 20s these last few weeks, and I feel like it’s just a play here and there. It’s the interception I throw to Travis — if I put it on his body that gets the drive going. We have a fumble in the red zone on the first drive where we got some momentum going. In this league if you’re scoring upper 20s to lower 30s, that’s good football. That’s good offense. We’re close. Coach Reid said it. We keep preaching it.”

The Chiefs defensive line once again shut down an opposing running game. JK Dobbins had been averaging 103.3 yards through the Chargers' first three games, but he was held to 32 yards on 14 carries on Sunday. That came after the Chiefs shut down the Ravens' Derrick Henry (14 for 46), the Bengals Zack Moss (12 for 34) and the Falcons' Bijan Robinson (16 for 31).

Turnovers continue to be a problem for the Chiefs, just as they were last year, when they were minus-11 on the season. Mahomes threw an interception while Carson Steele lost a fumble for the second time in three games.

The Chiefs didn't know what to expect from Hunt, whom they brought back six years after they released him amid off-the-field problems. But he had more speed than he did last year in Cleveland, perhaps due to offseason sports hernia surgery.

Steele, an undrafted rookie, had a chance to become a big part of the backfield with Pacheco out. But a second lost fumble did not help his cause, and he finished with two carries for 6 yards as Hunt and Samaje Perine took over in the backfield.

The injury to Rice looms as the most significant of the season for Kansas City so far.

26 — That is the number of wins Kansas City has in its past 28 road games against AFC West rivals since 2015. Mahomes has been especially dominant against the division, improving to 31-5 in his career against those teams.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs keep winning close games.They also keep losing important players.The Chiefs' latest escape job came Sunday in Los Angeles, when they weathered more first-half problems t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-c9319ce58212e6eba1875873468e8a72">o rally for a 17-10 win over the Chargers</a>.But it came at the expense of budding star Rashee Rice, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-rashee-rice-injured-7dc06648f3fd38941dd8963670c6cc50">sustained a severe knee injury</a>&nbsp;when he was hit by Patrick Mahomes while making a tackle following an interception early in the game.Two weeks ago, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula just before Harrison Butker kicked the field goal that gave them a 26-25 win over Cincinnati. And when the injuries to Rice and Pacheco are added to the potentially season-ending surgery on wide receiver Marquise Brown's shoulder, the Chiefs are suddenly without three of their biggest offensive stars.That's a tough way for any team to operate, even one coming off back-to-back Super Bowl titles.“We have guys here that have experience playing in games,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday. “We have a good group of guys here that we can utilize. We normally spread the ball around and that is what we'll continue to strive to do.”Still, while the Chiefs' defense was the star against the Chargers, the offense did show signs of life. Mahomes hit first-round pick Xavier Worthy with a long touchdown pass,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-chiefs-record-466a834119e572d5dad408e0741734f1">Travis Kelce finally got going</a>&nbsp;with seven catches for 89 yards, and Kareem Hunt ran 14 times for 69 yards in his first game since the Chiefs signed him to help replace Pacheco's production.More than anything else, though, the Chiefs need Mahomes to play better to overcome so many injuries on that side of the ball.The two-time league MVP struggled for the fourth straight game, going 19 of 29 for 245 yards with a TD pass and a pick made more costly by Rice's injury on the play. Mahomes also was sacked three times as the offensive line struggled to protect him.“I think it's a matter of cleaning it up,” Mahomes said. “We scored 17 and we scored in the 20s these last few weeks, and I feel like it’s just a play here and there. It’s the interception I throw to Travis — if I put it on his body that gets the drive going. We have a fumble in the red zone on the first drive where we got some momentum going. In this league if you’re scoring upper 20s to lower 30s, that’s good football. That’s good offense. We’re close. Coach Reid said it. We keep preaching it.”<h2>What’s working</h2>The Chiefs defensive line once again shut down an opposing running game. JK Dobbins had been averaging 103.3 yards through the Chargers' first three games, but he was held to 32 yards on 14 carries on Sunday. That came after the Chiefs shut down the Ravens' Derrick Henry (14 for 46), the Bengals Zack Moss (12 for 34) and the Falcons' Bijan Robinson (16 for 31).<h2>What needs help</h2>Turnovers continue to be a problem for the Chiefs, just as they were last year, when they were minus-11 on the season. Mahomes threw an interception while Carson Steele lost a fumble for the second time in three games.<h2>Stock up</h2>The Chiefs didn't know what to expect from Hunt, whom they brought back six years after they released him amid off-the-field problems. But he had more speed than he did last year in Cleveland, perhaps due to offseason sports hernia surgery.<h2>Stock down</h2>Steele, an undrafted rookie, had a chance to become a big part of the backfield with Pacheco out. But a second lost fumble did not help his cause, and he finished with two carries for 6 yards as Hunt and Samaje Perine took over in the backfield.<h2>Injuries</h2>The injury to Rice looms as the most significant of the season for Kansas City so far.<h2>Key number</h2>26 — That is the number of wins Kansas City has in its past 28 road games against AFC West rivals since 2015. Mahomes has been especially dominant against the division, improving to 31-5 in his career against those teams.<h2>What’s next</h2>

Chiefs keep winning even as they lose star players to injury

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a towering two-run homer on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fernando-tatis-jr-home-run-padres-b3db8ffff92bf3be7d2747eafb41f42b">his first playoff swing in four years</a>&nbsp;and Michael King struck out 12 in his first postseason start as the San Diego Padres beat rookie AJ Smith-Shawver and the Atlanta Braves 4-0 in Game 1 of their NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday night. Tatis’ 415-foot shot in the first inning landed in the second deck in left field at Petco Park and sent the towel-waving, sellout crowd of 47,647 into a frenzy. The 25-year-old star, who missed just more than 2 1/2 months this season with a stress reaction in his right thighbone, watched the ball fly away, tossed his bat aside, gestured toward the home dugout and did his signature stutter step around third base.

HOUSTON (AP) — Tarik Skubal added perhaps his most important accomplishment to an already sparkling resume. The AL pitching Triple Crown winner gave the Detroit Tigers their first postseason victory in more than a decade with a sensational playoff debut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astros-tigers-score-mlb-playoffs-463774c1269b9db289b5d8ba023d40d8">in a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday</a>. Skubal said this was the most nervous he’s been since his big league debut in 2020, but that he found a way to center himself. Skubal, who had had 228 strikeouts to go with 18 wins and 2.39 ERA, allowed just four singles and one walk in six innings.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Mark Vientos hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning as the indefatigable New York Mets continued their thrilling week by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in an NL Wild Card Series opener Tuesday. The Mets didn’t earn a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-clinch-playoffs-420aaa1766f1afb64a58c25529ca31dd">playoff berth</a>&nbsp;until they rallied late from a three-run deficit to win the opening game of a makeup&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-braves-postseason-score-95f6b7d1af6907f554b994146a7b5231">doubleheader</a>&nbsp;in Atlanta on Monday, one day after the regular season was supposed to end. Now they’re a win from heading to Philadelphia for an NL Division Series. Since Major League Baseball went to the current postseason format in 2022 that features four best-of-three Wild Card Series, the Game 1 winner has gone on to advance in each of the eight series. Only one of those eight series even made it to a winner-take-all third game.

Rebuilding the Pac-12 Conference centered around football. It’ll be a pretty good basketball conference, too, after landing one of the perennial hoops powers on the West Coast. Gonzaga will become the latest member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-mountain-west-89a5a5921da8153a8e24228283357b63">the rebuilt Pac-12</a>, the conference and school announced Tuesday, ending several years of conversations with other leagues as the Zags tried to capitalize on their basketball success and recognizable brand. “I think what we’re able to bring to this conference is an enhancement to a basketball opportunity for them, but also what we got in return is a commitment that this conference really cares about basketball,” Gonzaga athletic director Chris Standiford said. “That it’s an opportunity for us to have an impact on them and be an important partner in who they are and what they do.” Also Tuesday, the Mountain West moved quickly to secure its future by adding UTEP.

TUESDAY'S SCORES Major League Baseball Playoffs Best-of-three Wildcard Series American League Kansas City 1, Baltimore 0&nbsp; &nbsp; (Kansas City leads 1-0)

Detroit 3, Houston 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (Detroit leads 1-0)

NY Mets 8, Milwaukee 4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (NY leads 1-0)

San Diego 4, Atlanta 0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (San Diego leads 1-0)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a towering two-run homer on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fernando-tatis-jr-home-run-padres-b3db8ffff92bf3be7d2747eafb41f42b">his first playoff swing in four years</a>&nbsp;and Michael King struck out 12 in his first postseason start as the San Diego Padres beat rookie AJ Smith-Shawver and the Atlanta Braves 4-0 in Game 1 of their NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday night. Tatis’ 415-foot shot in the first inning landed in the second deck in left field at Petco Park and sent the towel-waving, sellout crowd of 47,647 into a frenzy. The 25-year-old star, who missed just more than 2 1/2 months this season with a stress reaction in his right thighbone, watched the ball fly away, tossed his bat aside, gestured toward the home dugout and did his signature stutter step around third base.HOUSTON (AP) — Tarik Skubal added perhaps his most important accomplishment to an already sparkling resume. The AL pitching Triple Crown winner gave the Detroit Tigers their first postseason victory in more than a decade with a sensational playoff debut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astros-tigers-score-mlb-playoffs-463774c1269b9db289b5d8ba023d40d8">in a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday</a>. Skubal said this was the most nervous he’s been since his big league debut in 2020, but that he found a way to center himself. Skubal, who had had 228 strikeouts to go with 18 wins and 2.39 ERA, allowed just four singles and one walk in six innings.MILWAUKEE (AP) — Mark Vientos hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning as the indefatigable New York Mets continued their thrilling week by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in an NL Wild Card Series opener Tuesday. The Mets didn’t earn a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-clinch-playoffs-420aaa1766f1afb64a58c25529ca31dd">playoff berth</a>&nbsp;until they rallied late from a three-run deficit to win the opening game of a makeup&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-braves-postseason-score-95f6b7d1af6907f554b994146a7b5231">doubleheader</a>&nbsp;in Atlanta on Monday, one day after the regular season was supposed to end. Now they’re a win from heading to Philadelphia for an NL Division Series. Since Major League Baseball went to the current postseason format in 2022 that features four best-of-three Wild Card Series, the Game 1 winner has gone on to advance in each of the eight series. Only one of those eight series even made it to a winner-take-all third game.Rebuilding the Pac-12 Conference centered around football. It’ll be a pretty good basketball conference, too, after landing one of the perennial hoops powers on the West Coast. Gonzaga will become the latest member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-mountain-west-89a5a5921da8153a8e24228283357b63">the rebuilt Pac-12</a>, the conference and school announced Tuesday, ending several years of conversations with other leagues as the Zags tried to capitalize on their basketball success and recognizable brand. “I think what we’re able to bring to this conference is an enhancement to a basketball opportunity for them, but also what we got in return is a commitment that this conference really cares about basketball,” Gonzaga athletic director Chris Standiford said. “That it’s an opportunity for us to have an impact on them and be an important partner in who they are and what they do.” Also Tuesday, the Mountain West moved quickly to secure its future by adding UTEP.TUESDAY'S SCORES Major League Baseball Playoffs Best-of-three Wildcard Series American League Kansas City 1, Baltimore 0&nbsp; &nbsp; (Kansas City leads 1-0)Detroit 3, Houston 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (Detroit leads 1-0)National LeagueNY Mets 8, Milwaukee 4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (NY leads 1-0)San Diego 4, Atlanta 0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (San Diego leads 1-0)

Wednesday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans’ six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.

Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.

Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.

The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans’ six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.

Ragans, Witt, Jr. lead KC to Game One Victory 

- Preview of the Royals American League Wildcard series with Baltimore

- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther sports

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Tuesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3B0piSCLkcA?si=mSJ2I192e7rKML2K" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Preview of the Royals American League Wildcard series with Baltimore- "Voice of the Cardinals" Cole Reif- Barton volleyball coach Megan Besecker- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther sports- Tuesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

DETROIT (AP) — Jared Goff threw a perfect game, setting an NFL record by completing all 18 of his passes to help the Detroit Lions beat the Seattle Seahawks 42-29 Monday night. “I just gave the game ball to somebody else, so I feel awful,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “I knew he played a heck of a game. I did not know he was perfect.” Kurt Warner had the previous league mark for the passes without an incompletion, going 10 for 10 for Arizona against Houston in 2005. Goff also had a touchdown reception for the first time in his career, catching a pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown, and threw one of his two touchdown passes to the All-Pro receiver. Goff and St. Brown are the eighth duo in league history to throw and catch a touchdown from each other.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Mason Rudolph was happy to help lead the Tennessee Titans to their first win of the season on Monday, even though he felt like he didn’t have to do much. Nick Folk helped him with five field goals, and Rudolph led seven scoring drives after starter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-titans-levis-defdd3723bf2ac2f5d765ce2248f8c30">Will Levis left with a shoulder injury</a>&nbsp;in the 31-12 win. Rudolph threw for 85 yards and completed 9 of 17 passes in relief of Levis, who attempted just four passes before injuring his right throwing shoulder on a scramble. Folk made field goals of 53, 52, 47, 51 and 29 yards. Spears took a direct snap and ran it in for a 7-yard touchdown. Pollard had a 4-yard touchdown run to go with 88 yards on 22 carries. The Titans (1-3) rushed for 142 yards.

ATLANTA (AP) — After a season that didn’t go nearly as planned, the Atlanta Braves find themselves back in a familiar spot. The postseason. The Braves overcame an interminable string of injuries — including the loss of their MVP outfielder and ace pitcher — and an excruciating final day to lock up their seventh straight playoff appearance with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-braves-postseason-score-95f6b7d1af6907f554b994146a7b5231">a 3-0 win</a>&nbsp;over the New York Mets in the second game of a makeup doubleheader Monday. Atlanta faces a quick turnaround as it heads across the country to take on the San Diego Padres in a best-of-three NL Wild Card Series, which begins Tuesday. With a win in game one of Monday's doubleheader, the Mets also secured a spot in the playoffs.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Marina Mabrey scored 20 points and Alyssa Thomas added 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists and the Connecticut Sun defeated the Minnesota Lynx 73-70 on Sunday night in Game 1 of their semifinals series. DiJonai Carrington had 13 points and DeWanna Bonner had 10 points and 11 boards for the Sun. Napheesa Collier, who averaged 40 points in the first round of the playoffs, led Minnesota with 19 points and nine rebounds. Bridget Carleton scored 17 and Kayla McBride added 12. Game 2 of the best-of-5 series will be played Tuesday in Minneapolis.

MONDAY'S SCORES National Football League

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714991701059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Jared Goff threw a perfect game, setting an NFL record by completing all 18 of his passes to help the Detroit Lions beat the Seattle Seahawks 42-29 Monday night. “I just gave the game ball to somebody else, so I feel awful,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “I knew he played a heck of a game. I did not know he was perfect.” Kurt Warner had the previous league mark for the passes without an incompletion, going 10 for 10 for Arizona against Houston in 2005. Goff also had a touchdown reception for the first time in his career, catching a pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown, and threw one of his two touchdown passes to the All-Pro receiver. Goff and St. Brown are the eighth duo in league history to throw and catch a touchdown from each other.MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Mason Rudolph was happy to help lead the Tennessee Titans to their first win of the season on Monday, even though he felt like he didn’t have to do much. Nick Folk helped him with five field goals, and Rudolph led seven scoring drives after starter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-titans-levis-defdd3723bf2ac2f5d765ce2248f8c30">Will Levis left with a shoulder injury</a>&nbsp;in the 31-12 win. Rudolph threw for 85 yards and completed 9 of 17 passes in relief of Levis, who attempted just four passes before injuring his right throwing shoulder on a scramble. Folk made field goals of 53, 52, 47, 51 and 29 yards. Spears took a direct snap and ran it in for a 7-yard touchdown. Pollard had a 4-yard touchdown run to go with 88 yards on 22 carries. The Titans (1-3) rushed for 142 yards.ATLANTA (AP) — After a season that didn’t go nearly as planned, the Atlanta Braves find themselves back in a familiar spot. The postseason. The Braves overcame an interminable string of injuries — including the loss of their MVP outfielder and ace pitcher — and an excruciating final day to lock up their seventh straight playoff appearance with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-braves-postseason-score-95f6b7d1af6907f554b994146a7b5231">a 3-0 win</a>&nbsp;over the New York Mets in the second game of a makeup doubleheader Monday. Atlanta faces a quick turnaround as it heads across the country to take on the San Diego Padres in a best-of-three NL Wild Card Series, which begins Tuesday. With a win in game one of Monday's doubleheader, the Mets also secured a spot in the playoffs.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Marina Mabrey scored 20 points and Alyssa Thomas added 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists and the Connecticut Sun defeated the Minnesota Lynx 73-70 on Sunday night in Game 1 of their semifinals series. DiJonai Carrington had 13 points and DeWanna Bonner had 10 points and 11 boards for the Sun. Napheesa Collier, who averaged 40 points in the first round of the playoffs, led Minnesota with 19 points and nine rebounds. Bridget Carleton scored 17 and Kayla McBride added 12. Game 2 of the best-of-5 series will be played Tuesday in Minneapolis.MONDAY'S SCORES National Football LeagueDetroit 42, Seattle 29Tennessee 31, Miami 12Major League BaseballNY Mets 8, Atlanta 7 game oneAtlanta 3, NY Mets 0 game two

Tuesday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, has died. He was 83.

Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose died Monday. Wheatley said his cause and manner of death had not yet been determined.

For fans who came of age in the 1960s and ‘70s, no player was more exciting than the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 14, “Charlie Hustle,” the brash superstar with the shaggy hair, puggish nose and muscular forearms. At the dawn of artificial surfaces, divisional play and free agency, Rose was old school, a conscious throwback to baseball’s early days. Millions could never forget him crouched and scowling at the plate, running full speed to first even after drawing a walk, or sprinting for the next base and diving headfirst into the bag.

A 17-time All-Star, the switch-hitting Rose played on three World Series winners. He was the National League MVP in 1973 and World Series MVP two years later. He holds the major league record for games played (3,562) and plate appearances (15,890) and the NL record for the longest hitting streak (44). He was the leadoff man for one of baseball’s most formidable lineups with the Reds’ championship teams of 1975 and 1976, with teammates that included Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Joe Morgan.

But no milestone approached his 4,256 hits, breaking his hero Ty Cobb’s 4,191 and signifying his excellence no matter the notoriety which followed. It was a total so extraordinary that you could average 200 hits for 20 years and still come up short. Rose’s secret was consistency, and longevity. Over 24 seasons, all but six played entirely with the Reds, Rose had 200 hits or more 10 times, and more than 180 four other times. He batted .303 overall, even while switching from second base to outfield to third to first, and he led the league in hits seven times.

“Every summer, three things are going to happen,” Rose liked to say, “the grass is going to get green, the weather is going to get hot, and Pete Rose is going to get 200 hits and bat .300.”

Rose was Rookie of the Year in 1963, but he started off 0 for 12 with three walks and a hit by pitch before getting his first major league hit, an eighth-inning triple off Pittsburgh’s Bob Friend. It came in Cincinnati on April 13, 1963, the day before Rose’s 22nd birthday. He reached 1,000 in 1968, 2,000 just five years later and 3,000 just five years after that.

He moved into second place, ahead of Hank Aaron, with hit No. 3,772, in 1982. No. 4,000 was off the Phillies’ Jerry Koosman in 1984, exactly 21 years to the day after his first hit. He caught up with Cobb on Sept. 8, 1985, and surpassed him three days later, in Cincinnati, with Rose’s mother and teenage son, Pete Jr., among those in attendance.

Rose was 44 and the team’s player-manager. Batting left-handed against the San Diego Padres’ Eric Show in the first inning, he smacked a 2-1 slider into left field, a clean single. The crowd of 47,000-plus stood and yelled. The game was halted to celebrate. Rose was given the ball and the first base bag, then wept openly on the shoulder of first base coach and former teammate, Tommy Helms. He told Pete Jr., who would later play briefly for the Reds: "I love you, and I hope you pass me." He thought of his late father, a star athlete himself who had pushed him to play sports since childhood. And he thought of Cobb, the dead-ball era slasher whom Rose so emulated that he named another son Tyler.

Baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, watching from New York, declared that Rose had “reserved a prominent spot in Cooperstown.” After the game, a 2-0 win for the Reds in which Rose scored both runs, he received a phone call from President Ronald Reagan.

“Your reputation and legacy are secure," Reagan told him. “It will be a long time before anyone is standing in the spot where you're standing now."

On March 20, 1989, Ueberroth (who would soon be succeeded by A. Bartlett Giamatti) announced that his office was conducting a "full inquiry into serious allegations" about Rose. Reports emerged that he had been relying on a network of bookies and friends and others in the gambling world to place bets on baseball games, including some with the Reds. Rose denied any wrongdoing, but the investigation found that the “accumulated testimony of witnesses, together with the documentary evidence and telephone records reveal extensive betting activity by Pete Rose in connection with professional baseball and, in particular, Cincinnati Reds games, during the 1985, 1986, and 1987 baseball seasons.”

Betting on baseball had been a primal sin since 1920, when several members of the Chicago White Sox were expelled for throwing the 1919 World Series — to the Cincinnati Reds. Baseball’s Rule 21, posted in every professional clubhouse, proclaims that “Any player, umpire or club or league official or employee who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform shall be declared permanently ineligible.''

In the decades following the 1919 Series, Dodgers manager Leo Durocher and Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain were among those suspended for gambling, and Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle were reprimanded for associating with casinos, even though both had retired years earlier. As far back as the 1970s, Bench and others had worried about Rose. By all accounts, he never bet against his own team, but even betting on the Reds left himself open to blackmail and raised questions about whether a given managerial decision was based on his own financial interest.

In August 1989, at a New York press conference, Giamatti spoke some of the saddest words in baseball history: “One of the game's greatest players has engaged in a variety of acts which have stained the game, and he must now live with the consequences of those acts.” Giamatti announced that Rose had agreed to a lifetime ban from baseball, a decision that in 1991 the Hall of Fame would rule left him ineligible for induction. Rose attempted to downplay the news, insisting that he had never bet on baseball and that he would eventually be reinstated.

Within weeks of his announcement, Giamatti was dead from a heart attack. But the ban remained in place and Rose never made it to the Hall in his lifetime, although he did receive 41 votes in 1992 (when 323 votes were needed), around the time the Hall formally ruled that those banned from the game could never be elected. His status was long debated. Rose’s supporters including Donald Trump, who in 2015, the year before he was elected president, tweeted: “Can’t believe Major League Baseball just rejected @PeteRose_14 for the Hall of Fame. He’s paid the price. So ridiculous — let him in!”

Meanwhile, his story changed. In a November 1989 memoir, written with “The Boys of Summer” author Roger Kahn, Rose again claimed innocence, only to reverse himself in 2004. He desperately wanted to come back, and effectively destroyed his chances. He would continue to spend time at casinos, insisting he was there for promotion, not gambling. He believed he had “messed up” and that his father would have been ashamed, but he still bet on baseball, albeit legally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727739054688.jpeg" alt="FILE - In this July 31, 1978 file photo, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Pete Rose tips his cap to the crowd after hitting in his 44th straight game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - In this July 31, 1978 file photo, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Pete Rose tips his cap to the crowd after hitting in his 44th straight game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, has died. He was 83.Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose died Monday. Wheatley said his cause and manner of death had not yet been determined.For fans who came of age in the 1960s and ‘70s, no player was more exciting than the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 14, “Charlie Hustle,” the brash superstar with the shaggy hair, puggish nose and muscular forearms. At the dawn of artificial surfaces, divisional play and free agency, Rose was old school, a conscious throwback to baseball’s early days. Millions could never forget him crouched and scowling at the plate, running full speed to first even after drawing a walk, or sprinting for the next base and diving headfirst into the bag.A 17-time All-Star, the switch-hitting Rose played on three World Series winners. He was the National League MVP in 1973 and World Series MVP two years later. He holds the major league record for games played (3,562) and plate appearances (15,890) and the NL record for the longest hitting streak (44). He was the leadoff man for one of baseball’s most formidable lineups with the Reds’ championship teams of 1975 and 1976, with teammates that included Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Joe Morgan.But no milestone approached his 4,256 hits, breaking his hero Ty Cobb’s 4,191 and signifying his excellence no matter the notoriety which followed. It was a total so extraordinary that you could average 200 hits for 20 years and still come up short. Rose’s secret was consistency, and longevity. Over 24 seasons, all but six played entirely with the Reds, Rose had 200 hits or more 10 times, and more than 180 four other times. He batted .303 overall, even while switching from second base to outfield to third to first, and he led the league in hits seven times.“Every summer, three things are going to happen,” Rose liked to say, “the grass is going to get green, the weather is going to get hot, and Pete Rose is going to get 200 hits and bat .300.”Rose was Rookie of the Year in 1963, but he started off 0 for 12 with three walks and a hit by pitch before getting his first major league hit, an eighth-inning triple off Pittsburgh’s Bob Friend. It came in Cincinnati on April 13, 1963, the day before Rose’s 22nd birthday. He reached 1,000 in 1968, 2,000 just five years later and 3,000 just five years after that.He moved into second place, ahead of Hank Aaron, with hit No. 3,772, in 1982. No. 4,000 was off the Phillies’ Jerry Koosman in 1984, exactly 21 years to the day after his first hit. He caught up with Cobb on Sept. 8, 1985, and surpassed him three days later, in Cincinnati, with Rose’s mother and teenage son, Pete Jr., among those in attendance.Rose was 44 and the team’s player-manager. Batting left-handed against the San Diego Padres’ Eric Show in the first inning, he smacked a 2-1 slider into left field, a clean single. The crowd of 47,000-plus stood and yelled. The game was halted to celebrate. Rose was given the ball and the first base bag, then wept openly on the shoulder of first base coach and former teammate, Tommy Helms. He told Pete Jr., who would later play briefly for the Reds: "I love you, and I hope you pass me." He thought of his late father, a star athlete himself who had pushed him to play sports since childhood. And he thought of Cobb, the dead-ball era slasher whom Rose so emulated that he named another son Tyler.Baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, watching from New York, declared that Rose had “reserved a prominent spot in Cooperstown.” After the game, a 2-0 win for the Reds in which Rose scored both runs, he received a phone call from President Ronald Reagan.“Your reputation and legacy are secure," Reagan told him. “It will be a long time before anyone is standing in the spot where you're standing now."Four years later, he was gone.On March 20, 1989, Ueberroth (who would soon be succeeded by A. Bartlett Giamatti) announced that his office was conducting a "full inquiry into serious allegations" about Rose. Reports emerged that he had been relying on a network of bookies and friends and others in the gambling world to place bets on baseball games, including some with the Reds. Rose denied any wrongdoing, but the investigation found that the “accumulated testimony of witnesses, together with the documentary evidence and telephone records reveal extensive betting activity by Pete Rose in connection with professional baseball and, in particular, Cincinnati Reds games, during the 1985, 1986, and 1987 baseball seasons.”Betting on baseball had been a primal sin since 1920, when several members of the Chicago White Sox were expelled for throwing the 1919 World Series — to the Cincinnati Reds. Baseball’s Rule 21, posted in every professional clubhouse, proclaims that “Any player, umpire or club or league official or employee who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform shall be declared permanently ineligible.''In the decades following the 1919 Series, Dodgers manager Leo Durocher and Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain were among those suspended for gambling, and Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle were reprimanded for associating with casinos, even though both had retired years earlier. As far back as the 1970s, Bench and others had worried about Rose. By all accounts, he never bet against his own team, but even betting on the Reds left himself open to blackmail and raised questions about whether a given managerial decision was based on his own financial interest.In August 1989, at a New York press conference, Giamatti spoke some of the saddest words in baseball history: “One of the game's greatest players has engaged in a variety of acts which have stained the game, and he must now live with the consequences of those acts.” Giamatti announced that Rose had agreed to a lifetime ban from baseball, a decision that in 1991 the Hall of Fame would rule left him ineligible for induction. Rose attempted to downplay the news, insisting that he had never bet on baseball and that he would eventually be reinstated.Within weeks of his announcement, Giamatti was dead from a heart attack. But the ban remained in place and Rose never made it to the Hall in his lifetime, although he did receive 41 votes in 1992 (when 323 votes were needed), around the time the Hall formally ruled that those banned from the game could never be elected. His status was long debated. Rose’s supporters including Donald Trump, who in 2015, the year before he was elected president, tweeted: “Can’t believe Major League Baseball just rejected @PeteRose_14 for the Hall of Fame. He’s paid the price. So ridiculous — let him in!”Meanwhile, his story changed. In a November 1989 memoir, written with “The Boys of Summer” author Roger Kahn, Rose again claimed innocence, only to reverse himself in 2004. He desperately wanted to come back, and effectively destroyed his chances. He would continue to spend time at casinos, insisting he was there for promotion, not gambling. He believed he had “messed up” and that his father would have been ashamed, but he still bet on baseball, albeit legally.“I don’t think betting is morally wrong. I don’t even think betting on baseball if morally wrong,” he wrote in “Play Hungry,” a memoir released in 2019. “There are legal ways, and there are illegal ways, and betting on baseball the way I did was against the rules of baseball.”His disgrace was all the harder because no one seemed to live for baseball more than Rose did. He remembered details of games from long ago and could quote the most obscure statistics about players from other teams. He was as relentless in spring training as he was in the postseason, when he brawled with the New York Mets’ Buddy Harrelson during the 1973 NL playoffs.His compulsion was most memorably defined in an otherwise meaningless contest — the 1970 All-Star Game, in Cincinnati.In the bottom of the 12th inning, the score tied at 4, he singled with two outs and advanced to second on a single by Billy Grabarkewitz. When Jim Hickman followed with a single, Rose raced past third and crashed at home into the Cleveland Indians’ Ray Fosse, scoring the winning run and fracturing Fosse’s shoulder. It was a collision often replayed, and an injury from which the catcher would say years later still pained him.“Would I do the same thing again today in the same situation? Damn right I would,” Rose wrote in his 2019 memoir. “But would I rather it had all gone down without Ray having suffered an injury that would dog his career? You bet.”Rose didn’t drink or smoke but indulged himself in other ways. He cared openly about money, vowing to become the first singles hitter to make $100,000 a year and leaving the Reds for the Phillies after declaring free agency at the end of the 1978 season (Rose returned in 1984). He was a longtime womanizer whose two marriages ended in divorce and who acknowledged fathering a child out of wedlock. In 1990, he pleaded guilty to two charges of filing false income tax returns and served five months in prison, the prosecutor calling his sentencing ″a sad day for those young Americans to whom Pete Rose was an idol.″In the beginning, it was all about the game. He was a Cincinnati native from a working-class neighborhood whose father, Harry Francis Rose, like the father of Mickey Mantle, taught his son to be a switch hitter. Rose mastered his skills with a broom handle and a rubber ball, thrown to him by his younger brother, Dave."I'd let him get as close as he wanted,'' Pete Rose told The Cincinnati Enquirer in 2015. "The closer he got, the harder it was to hit. Hour after hour, he'd try to strike me out. I wore that wall out.''The Roses attended numerous games at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field, where the elder Rose noticed that St. Louis outfielder Enos Slaughter would always run full speed, whether at bat or in the field, and tell his son to do the same.Pete Rose graduated from high school in June 1960. He flew to Rochester, New York, two days later, and then rode a bus some 45 miles to Geneva, home of the Reds’ level D minor league team. By 1962, he had been promoted to level A, in Macon, Georgia. He batted .330 and vowed to displace Reds second baseman Don Blasingame in 1963, telling a reporter “I’m going to be on his heels.”Blasingame was with the Washington Senators by midseason and Rose was a phenomenon: “Charlie Hustle,” Yankees pitcher Whitey Ford reportedly called him, mockingly, after watching him hurry to first upon drawing a walk in spring training. Rose hit .273 as a rookie and, starting in 1965, batted .300 or higher 14 out of 15 seasons. He was so dependable that in 1968, the “Year of the Pitcher,” he led the league with a .335 average, one of three batting titles.“You could see he was going to be something, even in the minor leagues,” Dave Bristol, who managed him in the minors and for the Reds, told the Los Angeles Times in 1985. “You knew he was going to set records at something, if not Cobb’s. All that determination. He didn’t hit a ball, he attacked it. He was like a guy breaking up a dogfight. He loved to hit and hit and hit. You go to his hotel room at night, and he’s hitting the bed post.”After the 1969 season, when the Reds finished third, Bristol was fired and replaced by a minor league manager, 36-year-old Sparky Anderson. The age of “The Big Red Machine” had arrived. Anderson was known as “Captain Hook” for his willingness to replace pitchers, but he flattered and pampered his hitters, naming Rose team captain and letting Rose practice separately with Morgan, Bench and Perez. Between 1970 and 1976, the Reds won five division titles, four pennants and two World Series.As much as any player, Rose made the machine run, and not just on offense. With the Reds struggling at the start of the 1975 season, he agreed to move from left field to third base and make room for power hitter George Foster. The Reds were soon unstoppable, finishing 108-54 and sweeping Pittsburgh in the playoffs. In the World Series, one of baseball’s most dramatic, they outlasted the Boston Red Sox in seven games and won their first championship since 1940. Rose batted .370 and enjoyed himself so completely that during Game 6, won by Boston on Carlton Fisk’s 11th-inning homer, he turned to the Red Sox catcher during a previous inning and marveled at what a great game they were in.The Reds faded after the 1976 season and their World Series sweep against the Yankees, but Rose’s hits continued. In 1978, he batted safely in 44 straight games, placing him second behind Joe DiMaggio’s 56. After leaving for the Phillies in 1979, he surpassed Stan Musial as the National League’s career hit leader and helped lead Philadelphia to its first World Series title in 1980. At age 39, he batted a solid .282 and scored 95 runs, and, always hustling, made one of the World Series’ most memorable defensive plays.In the decisive Game 6 against Kansas City, the Royals trailed 4-1 going into the ninth inning, but loaded the bases with one out against reliever Tug McGraw. Kansas City’s Frank White then lofted a foul pop fly to the first base side of home plate. Catcher Bob Boone raced under it, only to have the ball pop out of his glove. Rose, sprinting in from first, snatched the ball for the out. McGraw struck out Willie Wilson to end the game.Rose played in one more World Series, in 1983, when he batted .313 even as the Phillies fell to the Baltimore Orioles in five games. He signed with the Montreal Expos in 1984, but rejoined the Reds in August as player-manager, replacing the fired Vern Rapp after the Reds acquired him in exchange for a minor leaguer. “There’s no question I’ll make some mistakes,” he told reporters.Rose had planned to limit himself to pinch-hitting with the Reds, but the trade revived him and he hit .365 over the rest of the season after batting just .259 for Montreal. He retired as a player after the 1986 season and his last game as a manager came two days before his banishment, Aug. 21, 1989, a 6-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs. His career managerial record was 412-373.In his post-baseball life, he did make it to a few honorary associations. The Reds voted him into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2016, the year before a bronze sculpture of Rose’s iconic slide was unveiled outside of Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park.Rose the man was never inducted into Cooperstown, but his career was well represented. Items at the Baseball Hall include his helmet from his MVP 1973 season, the bat he used in 1978 when his hitting streak reached 44 and the cleats he wore, in 1985, on the day he became the game’s hits king.