KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans continued his recent success with six scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 12-1 in the first game of a three-game series Monday.

The American League Pitcher of the Month for August, Ragans (6-4) retired the first 13 batters he faced and finished with just one hit allowed. He struck out seven and didn't walk anyone. He now has a 21-inning scoreless streak.

“I'm just trying to finish the season strong,” he said after the game. “Every time I go out there I try to give us a chance to win. Today, the guys made it pretty easy. We put up 12, seven in the fifth. But even in the beginning, with one in the first, one in the second and one in the third, it made it a lot easier.

"Everybody is swinging a hot bat. I tried to get them out as quick as I could and get them back up to the plate.”

Edward Olivares was 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs. Every Royals starter except for Salvador Perez had at least one hit, and Perez had an RBI.

“I just try to attack every pitch,” said Olivares, who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Friday. “(The demotion is) just part of the process. I just did my routine. I was playing every day and seeing more pitches.”

Since coming to the Royals on June 30 in a trade for Aroldis Chapman, Ragans is 4-1 with a 1.51 ERA (eight earned runs in 47 2/3 innings) and 63 strikeouts in eight starts.

“He came out firing right from the get-go,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of his new ace. “His stuff has been electric. Getting the lead was nice for him to have something to work with. But as far as he's concerned, it's more of the same.”

Jesse Scholtens (1-7) took the loss after allowing five runs on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings.

“(It) just seemed like anytime he made a mistake, they made him pay for it,” manager Pedro Grifol said of Scholtens. "I know he didn’t feel that good about his fastball today, so he was heavy breaking ball. When he had to throw a breaking ball over the plate they squared it up.

“In games like that you’re always going to get inconsistent effort. Am I OK with it? I’m not. Am I going to address it? Yes, I am."

"On the approach side, I thought their kid had pretty damn good stuff today and he got a good mix of pitches. He was pretty electric. You rarely hear me say that, but he was. We’ve just got to continue to work and make adjustments and do whatever we can,” Grifol said.

The Royals had hits and runs in each of the first five innings. They got on the board in the first on a home run by Olivares. A double by Michael Massey was followed by a single by Drew Waters in the second. In the third, Perez got a sacrifice fly to the second baseman.

Nelson Velazquez hit a two-run home run in the fourth to put the Royals up 5-0. Freddy Fermin led off with a single before Velazquez launched one 419 feet to left.

“He's had very limited at-bats in the big leagues," Quatraro said. "The power numbers he has are just scratching the surface of what he can do.”

Ragans finally gave up his first baserunner when Yoán Moncada dropped a single into short center with one out in the fifth. Ragans then got Lenyn Sosa to hit into a 5-4-3 double play.

The Royals erased any drama in the fifth. Massey drove in a run on a bases-loaded fielder's choice. Waters added an RBI single, Nick Loftin added a two-run double, Garcia drove home Loftin with a double before Olivares hit his second homer of the day.

The White Sox scored an unearned run in the eighth.

White Sox: Recalled RHP Declan Cronin from Class AAA Charlotte; placed RHP Jimmy Lambert on the 15-day injured list with right ankle inflammation; reinstated C Seby Zavala from the injured list and designated him for assignment.

Royals: Reinstated RHP Brady Singer from the Paternity List. In a corresponding move, IF/OF Samad Taylor was optioned to Triple-A Omaha (postgame Sunday).

White Sox: OF Luis Robert, who was a late scratch Saturday against Detroit, was still out of the lineup with cramping in his right quad. Grifol said he likely wouldn't play Tuesday but Wednesday is still possible.

Royals: OF Kyle Isbel was held out of the lineup with discomfort in his right hamstring. He missed time earlier this season with an injury to his left hamstring.

The White Sox and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series Tuesday night. The White Sox will hand the ball to Dylan Cease (6-7, 4.91 ERA). The Royals will send RHP Brady Singer (8-10, 5.15 ERA) to the mound.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans continued his recent success with six scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 12-1 in the first game of a three-game series Monday.The American League Pitcher of the Month for August, Ragans (6-4) retired the first 13 batters he faced and finished with just one hit allowed. He struck out seven and didn't walk anyone. He now has a 21-inning scoreless streak.“I'm just trying to finish the season strong,” he said after the game. “Every time I go out there I try to give us a chance to win. Today, the guys made it pretty easy. We put up 12, seven in the fifth. But even in the beginning, with one in the first, one in the second and one in the third, it made it a lot easier."Everybody is swinging a hot bat. I tried to get them out as quick as I could and get them back up to the plate.”Edward Olivares was 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs. Every Royals starter except for Salvador Perez had at least one hit, and Perez had an RBI.“I just try to attack every pitch,” said Olivares, who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Friday. “(The demotion is) just part of the process. I just did my routine. I was playing every day and seeing more pitches.”Since coming to the Royals on June 30 in a trade for Aroldis Chapman, Ragans is 4-1 with a 1.51 ERA (eight earned runs in 47 2/3 innings) and 63 strikeouts in eight starts.“He came out firing right from the get-go,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of his new ace. “His stuff has been electric. Getting the lead was nice for him to have something to work with. But as far as he's concerned, it's more of the same.”Jesse Scholtens (1-7) took the loss after allowing five runs on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings.“(It) just seemed like anytime he made a mistake, they made him pay for it,” manager Pedro Grifol said of Scholtens. "I know he didn’t feel that good about his fastball today, so he was heavy breaking ball. When he had to throw a breaking ball over the plate they squared it up.“In games like that you’re always going to get inconsistent effort. Am I OK with it? I’m not. Am I going to address it? Yes, I am.""On the approach side, I thought their kid had pretty damn good stuff today and he got a good mix of pitches. He was pretty electric. You rarely hear me say that, but he was. We’ve just got to continue to work and make adjustments and do whatever we can,” Grifol said.The Royals had hits and runs in each of the first five innings. They got on the board in the first on a home run by Olivares. A double by Michael Massey was followed by a single by Drew Waters in the second. In the third, Perez got a sacrifice fly to the second baseman.Nelson Velazquez hit a two-run home run in the fourth to put the Royals up 5-0. Freddy Fermin led off with a single before Velazquez launched one 419 feet to left.“He's had very limited at-bats in the big leagues," Quatraro said. "The power numbers he has are just scratching the surface of what he can do.”Ragans finally gave up his first baserunner when Yoán Moncada dropped a single into short center with one out in the fifth. Ragans then got Lenyn Sosa to hit into a 5-4-3 double play.The Royals erased any drama in the fifth. Massey drove in a run on a bases-loaded fielder's choice. Waters added an RBI single, Nick Loftin added a two-run double, Garcia drove home Loftin with a double before Olivares hit his second homer of the day.The White Sox scored an unearned run in the eighth.TRANSACTIONS:White Sox: Recalled RHP Declan Cronin from Class AAA Charlotte; placed RHP Jimmy Lambert on the 15-day injured list with right ankle inflammation; reinstated C Seby Zavala from the injured list and designated him for assignment.Royals: Reinstated RHP Brady Singer from the Paternity List. In a corresponding move, IF/OF Samad Taylor was optioned to Triple-A Omaha (postgame Sunday).TRAINING ROOM:White Sox: OF Luis Robert, who was a late scratch Saturday against Detroit, was still out of the lineup with cramping in his right quad. Grifol said he likely wouldn't play Tuesday but Wednesday is still possible.Royals: OF Kyle Isbel was held out of the lineup with discomfort in his right hamstring. He missed time earlier this season with an injury to his left hamstring.UP NEXT:The White Sox and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series Tuesday night. The White Sox will hand the ball to Dylan Cease (6-7, 4.91 ERA). The Royals will send RHP Brady Singer (8-10, 5.15 ERA) to the mound.

Cole Ragans continues to dominate as Royals take opener over White Sox 12-1

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The only thing that went as planned Sunday morning at the Cougar Soccer Complex was a home victory as the 11th ranked Barton Community College men's team held off Jefferson College's upset bid 1-0.

The victory improves Barton to 4-0-1 on the season in keeping Jefferson winless on the year at 0-6-0.  In the following additional matchup to close out the Barton Classic, 12th ranked Indian Hills Community College benefitted from a man-up advantage situation over Otero College by forty seconds later netting the tying goal with 18:41 remaining as the teams played to a 2-2 draw.  The result moved Indian Hills to 3-1-2 on the year while Otero College leaves Great Bend still unbeaten at 4-0-1.

Barton shifted its lineup against the Vikings but couldn't rattle the nets despite controlling most of the possessions.  The game plan shifted just twenty minutes into the contest as the Cougars went a man down due to a second yellow card violation forcing Head Coach Rafael Simmons to rework substitutions and other players back into lineup.

The Cougars held a 7-1 shot advantage including a pair of shots on target in first half action, finally breaking through 12:03 into the final period on Yeshua Corrales' first collegiate net shaker in putting away Loic Kanku's cross for his first collegiate assist.

Jefferson produced chances to tie the contest, the best coming just forty seconds prior to the Cougars' lone goal on a breakaway behind the defense but the chipped shot sailed just high of the crossbar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693786292543.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe only thing that went as planned Sunday morning at the Cougar Soccer Complex was a home victory as the 11th ranked Barton Community College men's team held off Jefferson College's upset bid 1-0.The victory improves Barton to 4-0-1 on the season in keeping Jefferson winless on the year at 0-6-0. In the following additional matchup to close out the Barton Classic, 12th ranked Indian Hills Community College benefitted from a man-up advantage situation over Otero College by forty seconds later netting the tying goal with 18:41 remaining as the teams played to a 2-2 draw. The result moved Indian Hills to 3-1-2 on the year while Otero College leaves Great Bend still unbeaten at 4-0-1.Barton shifted its lineup against the Vikings but couldn't rattle the nets despite controlling most of the possessions. The game plan shifted just twenty minutes into the contest as the Cougars went a man down due to a second yellow card violation forcing Head Coach Rafael Simmons to rework substitutions and other players back into lineup.The Cougars held a 7-1 shot advantage including a pair of shots on target in first half action, finally breaking through 12:03 into the final period on Yeshua Corrales' first collegiate net shaker in putting away Loic Kanku's cross for his first collegiate assist.Jefferson produced chances to tie the contest, the best coming just forty seconds prior to the Cougars' lone goal on a breakaway behind the defense but the chipped shot sailed just high of the crossbar.

Cougars hold off upset bid, Barton men's soccer wins 1-0 over Jefferson College

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The U.S. is assured of going to the Paris Olympics. That's good. It also has a quarterfinal game at the World Cup awaiting Tuesday. That's also good.

Thing is, the only celebrating in Manila on Sunday night was done by the guys in the other locker room.

It will not be an undefeated summer for the Americans, not after Lithuania — with a mix of pizzazz from outside and power down low — led for all but a few very early moments against the only World Cup team composed entirely of NBA players.

The final score: Lithuania 110, U.S. 104. The winners went a staggering 9 for 9 from 3-point range to open the game and set a tone, bullied their way to a 43-27 rebounding edge and had seven players in double figures with two others just one point shy of joining that club.

“We're fortunate that the loss doesn't hurt us in terms of our goal, which is to win the gold medal,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. “But it's a great game for us to experience because this is FIBA. There's some great teams that have continuity, that understand what they're doing, that execute and I thought Lithuania was brilliant tonight. They deserved to win.”

Vaidas Kariniauskas scored 15 points, Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 14 and Lithuania (5-0) wound up winning its second-round group, which really only matters for seeding purposes. Lithuania gets Serbia in Tuesday's quarterfinals, while the U.S. will face Italy.

The other quarterfinals are Wednesday: Germany vs. Latvia and Canada vs. Slovenia.

“In (the) locker room, I said to our guys to celebrate shortly and save all the energy and emotions also for the upcoming game,” Lithuania coach Kazys Maksvytis said. “It's very hard. We got one of the biggest wins in our career, but we don't have time to celebrate this. Serbia's waiting and they're not waiting for us with flowers and the red carpet.”

The loss — the first for the U.S. in 10 games this summer, counting five exhibitions on the way to the World Cup — came on a night when the Americans officially clinched a berth in the Paris Games.

And the loss won't change the mission going forward in the World Cup medal chase, either. Win Tuesday, win Friday and win next Sunday, and the Americans are gold medalists. Sounds simple. But Lithuania showed it won't be.

“Got to give them credit,” U.S. point guard Jalen Brunson said. “They came out ready to play. Lot of respect to them.”

But it was a still a shocker, especially for a U.S. team that was the overwhelming favorite to win the gold. Anthony Edwards led the U.S. with 35 points, his high of the summer, while Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 14.

“We'll get to play again,” Edwards said. “That's all I'm thinking about is the next game.”

For Lithuania (5-0), it became another night to remember against USA Basketball. And the nation once famous for the tie-dyed T-shirts — some of them were worn by fans in the building Sunday night, who chanted and waved flags from the moment they entered until long after the final buzzer — sent a clear message to the Americans and anyone else still in this World Cup.

Lithuania has pushed the U.S. to the limit, and beyond, more than a few times. Lithuania lost to the Americans by nine in a preliminary game at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, then escaped with a two-point win in the semifinals — and remained unbeaten in the Dream Team Olympic era — when Sarunas Jasikevicius’ 3-point try as time expired fell short.

Those weren’t the only close calls or worse. Lithuania beat the U.S. at the 1998 world championships (what the World Cup was called then) and in the early rounds of the 2004 Athens Olympics. It also gave the Americans all they wanted in the 2012 London Olympics, falling 99-94 in a preliminary round matchup where the U.S. briefly trailed in the fourth quarter.

“It's a big win for our country, for players, for coaches, to play against the best in the world,” Kariniauskas said. “I'm happy for my country ... and we don't need to stop now.”

In a game that didn’t matter much as far as medal hopes, considering both teams came into Sunday with spots secured for the quarterfinals, there was a lot to unpack.

Lithuania rode that 9-for-9 start from 3-point range on the way to an early 21-point lead, and the U.S. became Paris-bound in the third quarter when Serbia’s win over the Dominican Republic clinched an Olympic berth for the Americans.

And right around the time Serbia closed out its win, the U.S. kicked into high gear.

It took the Americans less than half of the third quarter — 4 minutes and 16 seconds — to cut what was a 17-point halftime deficit down to four, and the comeback attempt was on. But Lithuania never lost the lead, no matter what the U.S. tried.

The Americans secured an automatic berth into the Paris Games as one of the two highest finishers from the Americas Region at the Basketball World Cup. Canada got the other berth later Sunday when it ousted defending World Cup champion Spain from this tournament.

“It doesn't ease the pain of the loss that we had tonight for us,” Kerr said. “But to be honest, I'm not worried about this Olympics. I'm worried about this. We want to win the World Cup. That's our focus.”

Lithuania: Kariniauskas had a viral moment when he wagged his tongue at U.S. guard Austin Reaves after a first-half score. Turns out, it was planned. Kariniauskas played this past season with Reaves’ brother Spencer — and Austin’s brother encouraged his teammate to talk trash. “That’s it. Nothing special,” Kariniauskas said. … Lithuania has won its last six World Cup games, the second-longest active streak behind Germany’s eight in a row.

USA: Edwards was 14 for 26 from the field. … The U.S. is averaging 101.8 points in the tournament and bidding to average at least 100 points per game for the sixth time in its 19 World Cup appearances. … The U.S. fell to 133-30 all-time in World Cup play.

Lithuania: Faces Serbia in a quarterfinal game Tuesday in Manila.

USA: Faces Italy in a quarterfinal game Tuesday in Manila.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The U.S. is assured of going to the Paris Olympics. That's good. It also has a quarterfinal game at the World Cup awaiting Tuesday. That's also good.Thing is, the only celebrating in Manila on Sunday night was done by the guys in the other locker room.It will not be an undefeated summer for the Americans, not after Lithuania — with a mix of pizzazz from outside and power down low — led for all but a few very early moments against the only World Cup team composed entirely of NBA players.The final score: Lithuania 110, U.S. 104. The winners went a staggering 9 for 9 from 3-point range to open the game and set a tone, bullied their way to a 43-27 rebounding edge and had seven players in double figures with two others just one point shy of joining that club.“We're fortunate that the loss doesn't hurt us in terms of our goal, which is to win the gold medal,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. “But it's a great game for us to experience because this is FIBA. There's some great teams that have continuity, that understand what they're doing, that execute and I thought Lithuania was brilliant tonight. They deserved to win.”Vaidas Kariniauskas scored 15 points, Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 14 and Lithuania (5-0) wound up winning its second-round group, which really only matters for seeding purposes. Lithuania gets Serbia in Tuesday's quarterfinals, while the U.S. will face Italy.The other quarterfinals are Wednesday: Germany vs. Latvia and Canada vs. Slovenia.“In (the) locker room, I said to our guys to celebrate shortly and save all the energy and emotions also for the upcoming game,” Lithuania coach Kazys Maksvytis said. “It's very hard. We got one of the biggest wins in our career, but we don't have time to celebrate this. Serbia's waiting and they're not waiting for us with flowers and the red carpet.”The loss — the first for the U.S. in 10 games this summer, counting five exhibitions on the way to the World Cup — came on a night when the Americans officially clinched a berth in the Paris Games.And the loss won't change the mission going forward in the World Cup medal chase, either. Win Tuesday, win Friday and win next Sunday, and the Americans are gold medalists. Sounds simple. But Lithuania showed it won't be.“Got to give them credit,” U.S. point guard Jalen Brunson said. “They came out ready to play. Lot of respect to them.”But it was a still a shocker, especially for a U.S. team that was the overwhelming favorite to win the gold. Anthony Edwards led the U.S. with 35 points, his high of the summer, while Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 14.“We'll get to play again,” Edwards said. “That's all I'm thinking about is the next game.”For Lithuania (5-0), it became another night to remember against USA Basketball. And the nation once famous for the tie-dyed T-shirts — some of them were worn by fans in the building Sunday night, who chanted and waved flags from the moment they entered until long after the final buzzer — sent a clear message to the Americans and anyone else still in this World Cup.Lithuania has pushed the U.S. to the limit, and beyond, more than a few times. Lithuania lost to the Americans by nine in a preliminary game at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, then escaped with a two-point win in the semifinals — and remained unbeaten in the Dream Team Olympic era — when Sarunas Jasikevicius’ 3-point try as time expired fell short.Those weren’t the only close calls or worse. Lithuania beat the U.S. at the 1998 world championships (what the World Cup was called then) and in the early rounds of the 2004 Athens Olympics. It also gave the Americans all they wanted in the 2012 London Olympics, falling 99-94 in a preliminary round matchup where the U.S. briefly trailed in the fourth quarter.“It's a big win for our country, for players, for coaches, to play against the best in the world,” Kariniauskas said. “I'm happy for my country ... and we don't need to stop now.”In a game that didn’t matter much as far as medal hopes, considering both teams came into Sunday with spots secured for the quarterfinals, there was a lot to unpack.Lithuania rode that 9-for-9 start from 3-point range on the way to an early 21-point lead, and the U.S. became Paris-bound in the third quarter when Serbia’s win over the Dominican Republic clinched an Olympic berth for the Americans.And right around the time Serbia closed out its win, the U.S. kicked into high gear.It took the Americans less than half of the third quarter — 4 minutes and 16 seconds — to cut what was a 17-point halftime deficit down to four, and the comeback attempt was on. But Lithuania never lost the lead, no matter what the U.S. tried.The Americans secured an automatic berth into the Paris Games as one of the two highest finishers from the Americas Region at the Basketball World Cup. Canada got the other berth later Sunday when it ousted defending World Cup champion Spain from this tournament.“It doesn't ease the pain of the loss that we had tonight for us,” Kerr said. “But to be honest, I'm not worried about this Olympics. I'm worried about this. We want to win the World Cup. That's our focus.”TIP-INSLithuania: Kariniauskas had a viral moment when he wagged his tongue at U.S. guard Austin Reaves after a first-half score. Turns out, it was planned. Kariniauskas played this past season with Reaves’ brother Spencer — and Austin’s brother encouraged his teammate to talk trash. “That’s it. Nothing special,” Kariniauskas said. … Lithuania has won its last six World Cup games, the second-longest active streak behind Germany’s eight in a row.USA: Edwards was 14 for 26 from the field. … The U.S. is averaging 101.8 points in the tournament and bidding to average at least 100 points per game for the sixth time in its 19 World Cup appearances. … The U.S. fell to 133-30 all-time in World Cup play.UP NEXTLithuania: Faces Serbia in a quarterfinal game Tuesday in Manila.USA: Faces Italy in a quarterfinal game Tuesday in Manila.

US falls to Lithuania at Basketball World Cup but still qualifies for Paris Olympics

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chris Jones did not report to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday to begin preparing for their season opener against Detroit, making it highly unlikely that the All-Pro defensive tackle will play against the Lions on Thursday night.

Jones has been holding out while trying to get a long-term contract. He is entering the final year of a four-year, $80 million pact, and has been racking up millions in fines for missing offseason workouts, training camp and all three preseason games.

The 29-year-old pass rusher will forfeit about $1.1 million for each regular-season game he misses.

“You're never sure how it's going to work out. You deal with too many people in this type of thing,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who declined to discuss his own involvement in the negotiations before the first significant practice of game week.

“These things can go any direction. I don't want to spend too much time on it," Reid added. "We had 90 guys in the offseason that I was making sure were going in the right direction, and now we're getting ready to play a game. That's how I go about it.”

Reid was more hopeful that wide receiver Kadarius Toney and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed would be ready for the opener. Toney missed most of training camp after surgery for a torn meniscus and Sneed, one of the Chiefs' best cornerbacks, has been out for more than a month with swelling in his knee.

Most of the attention remains on Jones, though, given his importance to the Kansas City defense. He tied a career high with 15 1/2 sacks last season, picked up his first postseason sacks and helped the Chiefs beat Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said last week communication with Jones' representatives picked up after a long impasse ahead of the regular season.

Veach even said he was “certainly hopeful” that a deal could be reached in time for Jones to report to practice and be on the field when the Chiefs raise their latest title banner at Arrowhead Stadium.

“I don't know what his agenda is," Reid said, “or when he is coming.”

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who is close with Jones, went on his “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce, and implored his teammate to report to practice. Kelce sounded much like Reid, telling Jones: “You must know something I don’t know because I just don’t get it. I really want to win another Super Bowl ring with you, brother."

“I mean, at this point you just prepare to play the game with the guys that are in the building,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes added before Sunday's sweltering practice, “and let the front office handle that. We have a tough test and we're going to focus on how we can win with the guys we have here.”

Indeed, the Chiefs are preparing to face one of the league's top offenses. Led by quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions had the third-most yards in the NFL last season and finished fourth in touchdowns.

Jones' absence is compounded by the fact that pass rusher Charles Omenihu, who was signed to replace defensive end Frank Clark, is suspended for the first six weeks of the season for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

“It's the same thing as if a guy got hurt in the middle of the season,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “The situation is what it is. Chris is one of the best players in the NFL. But we have to go with what we've got.”

Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton, who carries the green dot and is responsible for getting the defense set, pointed out that Kansas City has been without Jones throughout the offseason and training camp. That's given time for Derrick Nnadi and Turk Wharton to get more reps in the base defense and backups Keondre Coburn and Malik Herring extra work at the tackle spot.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chris Jones did not report to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday to begin preparing for their season opener against Detroit, making it highly unlikely that the All-Pro defensive tackle will play against the Lions on Thursday night.Jones has been holding out while trying to get a long-term contract. He is entering the final year of a four-year, $80 million pact, and has been racking up millions in fines for missing offseason workouts, training camp and all three preseason games.The 29-year-old pass rusher will forfeit about $1.1 million for each regular-season game he misses.“You're never sure how it's going to work out. You deal with too many people in this type of thing,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who declined to discuss his own involvement in the negotiations before the first significant practice of game week.“These things can go any direction. I don't want to spend too much time on it," Reid added. "We had 90 guys in the offseason that I was making sure were going in the right direction, and now we're getting ready to play a game. That's how I go about it.”Reid was more hopeful that wide receiver Kadarius Toney and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed would be ready for the opener. Toney missed most of training camp after surgery for a torn meniscus and Sneed, one of the Chiefs' best cornerbacks, has been out for more than a month with swelling in his knee.Most of the attention remains on Jones, though, given his importance to the Kansas City defense. He tied a career high with 15 1/2 sacks last season, picked up his first postseason sacks and helped the Chiefs beat Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said last week communication with Jones' representatives picked up after a long impasse ahead of the regular season.Veach even said he was “certainly hopeful” that a deal could be reached in time for Jones to report to practice and be on the field when the Chiefs raise their latest title banner at Arrowhead Stadium.“I don't know what his agenda is," Reid said, “or when he is coming.”Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who is close with Jones, went on his “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce, and implored his teammate to report to practice. Kelce sounded much like Reid, telling Jones: “You must know something I don’t know because I just don’t get it. I really want to win another Super Bowl ring with you, brother."“I mean, at this point you just prepare to play the game with the guys that are in the building,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes added before Sunday's sweltering practice, “and let the front office handle that. We have a tough test and we're going to focus on how we can win with the guys we have here.”Indeed, the Chiefs are preparing to face one of the league's top offenses. Led by quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions had the third-most yards in the NFL last season and finished fourth in touchdowns.Jones' absence is compounded by the fact that pass rusher Charles Omenihu, who was signed to replace defensive end Frank Clark, is suspended for the first six weeks of the season for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.“It's the same thing as if a guy got hurt in the middle of the season,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “The situation is what it is. Chris is one of the best players in the NFL. But we have to go with what we've got.”Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton, who carries the green dot and is responsible for getting the defense set, pointed out that Kansas City has been without Jones throughout the offseason and training camp. That's given time for Derrick Nnadi and Turk Wharton to get more reps in the base defense and backups Keondre Coburn and Malik Herring extra work at the tackle spot.

All-Pro DT Chris Jones fails to report to Chiefs for start of regular-season game prep

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Masataka Yoshida hit a three-run homer and Adam Duvall had a solo shot to back Chris Sale as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday.

Sale (6-3) didn’t allow a run over five innings, gave up two hits and struck out five while walking two. It was the first time he hasn’t allowed a run in a start since July 12 of last season.

“They are a good team and they are very patient and I felt like I was throwing a lot of pitches they were fouling off,” Sale said. “It's good to take this last one heading into Tampa.”

The Red Sox have won two straight after losing five in a row and six of seven. They are 5 1/2 games behind Texas for the final AL wild card.

Yoshida’s three-run homer went 415 feet to right field, scoring Justin Turner and Triston Casas in the fourth inning. It was his 14th homer on the year. Duvall added a home run in the sixth inning for his 19th of the season and gave Boston a 4-0 lead.

“He has been feeling better the last few days has been grinding through some things but his swing is getting back. He took some good cuts and he let it fly,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Those are good signs.”

Boston added two runs in the seventh including an RBI from Turner which came off of Austin Cox. Rafael Devers hit an RBI double in the ninth.

Salvador Perez hit an RBI single scoring Bobby Witt Jr. in the sixth and Dairon Blanco hit a two run single in the ninth off of Kenley Jansen.

“I thought we worked some good at-bats and deep counts but we just couldn’t break through,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He (Sale) located when he had to…we just weren’t able to string a throng together against him.”

Taylor Clarke opened the game and pitched a scoreless inning before Zack Greinke (1-14) went 3 2/3 innings allowing three runs on five hits.

“He was a little under the weather today and didn’t have his full stamina, but he was still one pitch away from putting up another zero in the fourth,” Quatraro said.

It’s been over a month since the Royals have won a series and have lost eight of their last nine games.

Alex Verdugo left the game in the middle of the bottom of the sixth inning due to left hamstring tightness. ... The Red Sox reinstated LHP Brennan Bernardino from the COVID-19 Related Injured List. The club also placed RHP Garrett Whitlock on the Bereavement List.

Boston will travel to Tampa Bay with Brayan Bello (10-8, 3.57) taking the mound on Monday. Kansas City sends Cole Ragans (5-4, 3.27) to the hill on Monday as they host the White Sox.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Masataka Yoshida hit a three-run homer and Adam Duvall had a solo shot to back Chris Sale as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday.Sale (6-3) didn’t allow a run over five innings, gave up two hits and struck out five while walking two. It was the first time he hasn’t allowed a run in a start since July 12 of last season.“They are a good team and they are very patient and I felt like I was throwing a lot of pitches they were fouling off,” Sale said. “It's good to take this last one heading into Tampa.”The Red Sox have won two straight after losing five in a row and six of seven. They are 5 1/2 games behind Texas for the final AL wild card.Yoshida’s three-run homer went 415 feet to right field, scoring Justin Turner and Triston Casas in the fourth inning. It was his 14th homer on the year. Duvall added a home run in the sixth inning for his 19th of the season and gave Boston a 4-0 lead.“He has been feeling better the last few days has been grinding through some things but his swing is getting back. He took some good cuts and he let it fly,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Those are good signs.”Boston added two runs in the seventh including an RBI from Turner which came off of Austin Cox. Rafael Devers hit an RBI double in the ninth.Salvador Perez hit an RBI single scoring Bobby Witt Jr. in the sixth and Dairon Blanco hit a two run single in the ninth off of Kenley Jansen.“I thought we worked some good at-bats and deep counts but we just couldn’t break through,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He (Sale) located when he had to…we just weren’t able to string a throng together against him.”Taylor Clarke opened the game and pitched a scoreless inning before Zack Greinke (1-14) went 3 2/3 innings allowing three runs on five hits.“He was a little under the weather today and didn’t have his full stamina, but he was still one pitch away from putting up another zero in the fourth,” Quatraro said.It’s been over a month since the Royals have won a series and have lost eight of their last nine games.TRAINER’S ROOMAlex Verdugo left the game in the middle of the bottom of the sixth inning due to left hamstring tightness. ... The Red Sox reinstated LHP Brennan Bernardino from the COVID-19 Related Injured List. The club also placed RHP Garrett Whitlock on the Bereavement List.UP NEXTBoston will travel to Tampa Bay with Brayan Bello (10-8, 3.57) taking the mound on Monday. Kansas City sends Cole Ragans (5-4, 3.27) to the hill on Monday as they host the White Sox.

Sale dominates, lifts Red Sox over Royals 7-3

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

Deion Sanders' debut as Colorado coach was billed as a big deal, but there was plenty of skepticism about just how good the Buffaloes could be after an unprecedented roster makeover in Boulder.

"We told you we were coming. You thought we were joking. We keep receipts,” Sanders said after Colorado upset No. 17 TCU 45-42 on Saturday in a performance that exceeded even the most lofty expectations.

The team with nearly 90 new players beat the team that played for the national championship last season.

Sanders' son, Shedeur, set a school record with 510 yards passing in his first major college football game after transferring with his father from Jackson State.

Receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter played 129 snaps and had 11 catches for 119 yards, but his best and biggest play was an interception with TCU in the red zone.

“No, I’m not tired, I’m ready to go back in," said Hunter, who wore a T-shirt with an image of his Hall of Fame coach on it during postgame.

Freshman Dylan Edwards, whom Coach Prime lured away from Notre Dame, had 159 yards from scrimmage on 11 touches and scored four touchdowns, including the winner late in the fourth quarter.

Colorado snapped a 27-game losing streak against ranked teams on the road.

And when it was over, Sanders called out the doubters.

He asked one reporter: “Do you believe now? I read through that bull junk you wrote. Do you believe?”

It's only one game, but it's hard not to believe that Colorado is going to be fun and relevant and that Sanders did a heck of job not just reconstructing a roster almost from scratch but getting it ready to play Power Five football.

Offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, who left a head coaching job at Kent State to join Sanders' staff, seems to have been a particularly good hire.

Next week Colorado plays its first home game against Nebraska, another team with a much-hyped new coach, but one coming off a very different debut.

The Cornhuskers lost under Matt Rhule at Minnesota on a walk-off field goal Thursday.

Folsom Field should be in a frenzy for the old Big Eight rivalry renewed.

The defense left a lot to be desired against TCU and the offense probably is going to need to run the ball better to take some of the pressure off Shedeur Sanders. But that makes Colorado look like a lot of teams in the Pac-12 this season.

And Hunter playing 120 plays per game seems unsustainable.

But add an explosive CU team to a league that also includes No. 6 USC and Heisman winner Caleb Williams; No. 10 Washington and Michael Penix Jr.; and No. 15 Oregon and Bo Nix — along with No. 14 Utah and No. 18 Oregon State — and the Pac-12 just got even more exciting.

If you're already growing a little weary of Coach Prime, be prepared: You're going to see a lot of CU this September.

Fox is giving next week's home opener the Big Noon treatment again. That's a 10 a.m. local kickoff.

After facing rival Colorado State the next week, the Buffaloes end September with back-to-back games against Oregon and USC.

What might be the final season of Pac-12 football is off to a great start on the field.

With No. 18 Oregon State still to play Sunday at San Jose State, the Pac-12 is the only unbeaten league in the country. Every other conference has at least two losses.

Off the field, there are only two schools left committed to the Pac-12 beyond this school year, Oregon State and Washington State.

The rest will be dispersed to other Power Five conferences, including Colorado as one of four Pac-12 teams heading to the Big 12 next year.

Failures in leadership and poor decision-making by those in charge have put the onetime Conference of Champions on life support. Even if it does survive in some patchwork form, it will never be the same.

It's sad and made sadder by just how entertaining and competitive the conference has a chance to be.

It started Thursday night when Utah roughed up Florida of the SEC in Salt Lake City without its starting quarterback.

On Friday, Stanford won at Hawaii in its first game under coach Troy Taylor.

Saturday brought CU's upset of TCU; Washington overwhelming Boise State; California romping at North Texas; UCLA unveiling five-star freshman quarterback Dante Moore against Coastal Carolina; and Oregon dropping 80 on an FCS opponent.

Meanwhile, Washington State went to Colorado State of the Mountain West — which could be a future conference trip for the Cougars — and put up 50 on the Rams.

No. 3 Ohio State's quarterback competition might not be over. No. 4 Alabama seemed to gain clarity at the position.

Kyle McCord and the Buckeyes' offense were uninspiring in a workmanlike victory against Indiana that was also the debut of the Big Ten on CBS.

McCord was 20 for 32 for 239 yards and an interception. Backup Devin Brown, who Ohio State coach Ryan Day insisted was neck and neck with McCord most of the offseason, only got a taste of action.

Brown was 1 for 3 and ran once for a total of minus-5 yards. Day said he didn't play Brown as much he wanted.

“I didn’t want to run the risk of putting ourselves in a bad spot by continuing to move those guys in and out," Day told reporters. "But going in, really wanted to play Devin some more, would like to do that moving forward.”

The Buckeyes have home games against Youngstown State and Western Kentucky to get things sorted out before a trip to No. 13 Notre Dame on Sept. 23.

Alabama doesn't have that luxury with No. 11 Texas coming to Tuscaloosa next week, but Jalen Milroe might have eased some worries for Nick Saban.

The 71-year-old coach wasn't in the mood to speculate about what's next for his quarterbacks.

“This is a Coke bottle, not a crystal ball,” Saban said, holding up the ever-present soft drink on his postgame podium.

Milroe, the third-year quarterback who filled in for Bryce Young last season, had three touchdown passes and two TD runs in a rout against Middle Tennessee State.

No. 1 Georgia had the easiest opener among top-five teams against Tennessee-Martin. Carson Beck, Stetson Bennett's replacement, was 21 for 31 for 294 yards and a touchdown.

The most impressive performance among the new starting quarterbacks for highly ranked teams came in Happy Valley.

Drew Allar looked very much like a former five-star recruit, passing for 325 yards and three touchdowns as No. 7 Penn State cruised past West Virginia.

AROUND THE COUNTRY: Fresno State, Northern Illinois and Texas State pulled off the sweetest upsets against Power Five opponents: ones that come with a big check. Fresno State won at Purdue in coach Ryan Walters' debut, a trip the Bulldogs were paid $1.35 million to make. Northern Illinois knocked off Boston College in overtime and received $1.1 million for its time. Texas State beat Baylor for its first victory against a Power Five team and got $375,000 for making the 2-hour drive to Waco. Quite a debut for Bobcats coach G.J. Kinne. ... The day's most notable Group of Five over P5 upset came in Wyoming, where the Cowboys knocked off Texas Tech in overtime. ... Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz needs the 25th-ranked Hawkeyes to average 25 points per game this season to keep his job. So far, he's a little behind. Iowa jumped out to 14-0 lead in the first quarter against Utah State before settling into a very Hawkeye-like performance. ... No. 19 Wisconsin's first game with a new Air-Raid-ish offense: 312 yards rushing and four touchdowns in a victory against Buffalo.

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football WriterBelieve the hype.Deion Sanders' debut as Colorado coach was billed as a big deal, but there was plenty of skepticism about just how good the Buffaloes could be after an unprecedented roster makeover in Boulder."We told you we were coming. You thought we were joking. We keep receipts,” Sanders said after Colorado upset No. 17 TCU 45-42 on Saturday in a performance that exceeded even the most lofty expectations.The team with nearly 90 new players beat the team that played for the national championship last season.Where to begin?Sanders' son, Shedeur, set a school record with 510 yards passing in his first major college football game after transferring with his father from Jackson State.Receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter played 129 snaps and had 11 catches for 119 yards, but his best and biggest play was an interception with TCU in the red zone.“No, I’m not tired, I’m ready to go back in," said Hunter, who wore a T-shirt with an image of his Hall of Fame coach on it during postgame.Freshman Dylan Edwards, whom Coach Prime lured away from Notre Dame, had 159 yards from scrimmage on 11 touches and scored four touchdowns, including the winner late in the fourth quarter.Colorado snapped a 27-game losing streak against ranked teams on the road.And when it was over, Sanders called out the doubters.He asked one reporter: “Do you believe now? I read through that bull junk you wrote. Do you believe?”It's only one game, but it's hard not to believe that Colorado is going to be fun and relevant and that Sanders did a heck of job not just reconstructing a roster almost from scratch but getting it ready to play Power Five football.Offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, who left a head coaching job at Kent State to join Sanders' staff, seems to have been a particularly good hire.Next week Colorado plays its first home game against Nebraska, another team with a much-hyped new coach, but one coming off a very different debut.The Cornhuskers lost under Matt Rhule at Minnesota on a walk-off field goal Thursday.Folsom Field should be in a frenzy for the old Big Eight rivalry renewed.So what's the ceiling for the Buffs?The defense left a lot to be desired against TCU and the offense probably is going to need to run the ball better to take some of the pressure off Shedeur Sanders. But that makes Colorado look like a lot of teams in the Pac-12 this season.And Hunter playing 120 plays per game seems unsustainable.But add an explosive CU team to a league that also includes No. 6 USC and Heisman winner Caleb Williams; No. 10 Washington and Michael Penix Jr.; and No. 15 Oregon and Bo Nix — along with No. 14 Utah and No. 18 Oregon State — and the Pac-12 just got even more exciting.If you're already growing a little weary of Coach Prime, be prepared: You're going to see a lot of CU this September.Fox is giving next week's home opener the Big Noon treatment again. That's a 10 a.m. local kickoff.After facing rival Colorado State the next week, the Buffaloes end September with back-to-back games against Oregon and USC.You have our attention, Coach Prime.PAC-12 SWAN SONGWhat might be the final season of Pac-12 football is off to a great start on the field.With No. 18 Oregon State still to play Sunday at San Jose State, the Pac-12 is the only unbeaten league in the country. Every other conference has at least two losses.Off the field, there are only two schools left committed to the Pac-12 beyond this school year, Oregon State and Washington State.The rest will be dispersed to other Power Five conferences, including Colorado as one of four Pac-12 teams heading to the Big 12 next year.Failures in leadership and poor decision-making by those in charge have put the onetime Conference of Champions on life support. Even if it does survive in some patchwork form, it will never be the same.It's sad and made sadder by just how entertaining and competitive the conference has a chance to be.The opening weekend provided a taste.It started Thursday night when Utah roughed up Florida of the SEC in Salt Lake City without its starting quarterback.On Friday, Stanford won at Hawaii in its first game under coach Troy Taylor.Saturday brought CU's upset of TCU; Washington overwhelming Boise State; California romping at North Texas; UCLA unveiling five-star freshman quarterback Dante Moore against Coastal Carolina; and Oregon dropping 80 on an FCS opponent.Meanwhile, Washington State went to Colorado State of the Mountain West — which could be a future conference trip for the Cougars — and put up 50 on the Rams.NEW QBsNo. 3 Ohio State's quarterback competition might not be over. No. 4 Alabama seemed to gain clarity at the position.Kyle McCord and the Buckeyes' offense were uninspiring in a workmanlike victory against Indiana that was also the debut of the Big Ten on CBS.McCord was 20 for 32 for 239 yards and an interception. Backup Devin Brown, who Ohio State coach Ryan Day insisted was neck and neck with McCord most of the offseason, only got a taste of action.Brown was 1 for 3 and ran once for a total of minus-5 yards. Day said he didn't play Brown as much he wanted.“I didn’t want to run the risk of putting ourselves in a bad spot by continuing to move those guys in and out," Day told reporters. "But going in, really wanted to play Devin some more, would like to do that moving forward.”The Buckeyes have home games against Youngstown State and Western Kentucky to get things sorted out before a trip to No. 13 Notre Dame on Sept. 23.Alabama doesn't have that luxury with No. 11 Texas coming to Tuscaloosa next week, but Jalen Milroe might have eased some worries for Nick Saban.The 71-year-old coach wasn't in the mood to speculate about what's next for his quarterbacks.“This is a Coke bottle, not a crystal ball,” Saban said, holding up the ever-present soft drink on his postgame podium.Milroe, the third-year quarterback who filled in for Bryce Young last season, had three touchdown passes and two TD runs in a rout against Middle Tennessee State.No. 1 Georgia had the easiest opener among top-five teams against Tennessee-Martin. Carson Beck, Stetson Bennett's replacement, was 21 for 31 for 294 yards and a touchdown.The most impressive performance among the new starting quarterbacks for highly ranked teams came in Happy Valley.Drew Allar looked very much like a former five-star recruit, passing for 325 yards and three touchdowns as No. 7 Penn State cruised past West Virginia.AROUND THE COUNTRY: Fresno State, Northern Illinois and Texas State pulled off the sweetest upsets against Power Five opponents: ones that come with a big check. Fresno State won at Purdue in coach Ryan Walters' debut, a trip the Bulldogs were paid $1.35 million to make. Northern Illinois knocked off Boston College in overtime and received $1.1 million for its time. Texas State beat Baylor for its first victory against a Power Five team and got $375,000 for making the 2-hour drive to Waco. Quite a debut for Bobcats coach G.J. Kinne. ... The day's most notable Group of Five over P5 upset came in Wyoming, where the Cowboys knocked off Texas Tech in overtime. ... Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz needs the 25th-ranked Hawkeyes to average 25 points per game this season to keep his job. So far, he's a little behind. Iowa jumped out to 14-0 lead in the first quarter against Utah State before settling into a very Hawkeye-like performance. ... No. 19 Wisconsin's first game with a new Air-Raid-ish offense: 312 yards rushing and four touchdowns in a victory against Buffalo.

AP Top 25 Takeaways: Believe the hype! Coach Prime delivers a thrilling upset

The 19th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team went 3-1 at the McCook Invite in its last of three non-conference tournaments this weekend in McCook, Nebraska.

The Cougars opened the weekend on Friday in dispatching North Platte Community College (25-8, 25-18, 23-25, 25-16) for the third time this season before sweeping Gillette College (25-19, 25-12, 25-22). On Saturday the Cougars took it on the chin 3-1 to Laramie County Community College (28-26, 17-25, 25-21, 25-19) but quickly bounced back to sweep Southeast Community College (25-23, 25-15, 25-5) in wrapping up the weekend.

Now 11-2 on the year, Barton gets back into conference play at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Dodge City Community College before a two-match homestand beginning Monday hosting Seward County Community College followed by Cloud County Community College on Wednesday.

Kassidy Nixon led the Cougars over the weekend on a .319 attack and 46 kills. Registering a pair of nine kill and career high 14 kill matches, Nixon also collected double-digit digs in those matches, 13 digs against Gillette and 11 versus Southeast for her 2nd and 3rd double-double performances of the year. Winding up the weekend against Southeast, Nixon's 14 kills came on 22 swings to chalk up the team's season high .636 attack percentage.

The team hit for .205 over the four matches, Elena Stankovic averaging 5.14 assists per set with Maurin Reyes putting up 5.46 per set behind a career high 24 assists against North Platte and 21 against Laramie.

Defensively along the backline, Clara Lindstrom averaged 4.29 digs per set with 60 total, a career high 27 gathered against Laramie with Nixon close behind at 4.00 per set on 56 digs including a career high 18 also against Laramie.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693751486841.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe 19th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team went 3-1 at the McCook Invite in its last of three non-conference tournaments this weekend in McCook, Nebraska.The Cougars opened the weekend on Friday in dispatching North Platte Community College (25-8, 25-18, 23-25, 25-16) for the third time this season before sweeping Gillette College (25-19, 25-12, 25-22). On Saturday the Cougars took it on the chin 3-1 to Laramie County Community College (28-26, 17-25, 25-21, 25-19) but quickly bounced back to sweep Southeast Community College (25-23, 25-15, 25-5) in wrapping up the weekend.Now 11-2 on the year, Barton gets back into conference play at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Dodge City Community College before a two-match homestand beginning Monday hosting Seward County Community College followed by Cloud County Community College on Wednesday.Kassidy Nixon led the Cougars over the weekend on a .319 attack and 46 kills. Registering a pair of nine kill and career high 14 kill matches, Nixon also collected double-digit digs in those matches, 13 digs against Gillette and 11 versus Southeast for her 2nd and 3rd double-double performances of the year. Winding up the weekend against Southeast, Nixon's 14 kills came on 22 swings to chalk up the team's season high .636 attack percentage.The team hit for .205 over the four matches, Elena Stankovic averaging 5.14 assists per set with Maurin Reyes putting up 5.46 per set behind a career high 24 assists against North Platte and 21 against Laramie.Defensively along the backline, Clara Lindstrom averaged 4.29 digs per set with 60 total, a career high 27 gathered against Laramie with Nixon close behind at 4.00 per set on 56 digs including a career high 18 also against Laramie.

19th ranked Barton Volleyball completes 3-1 weekend at McCook Invite

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston Casas hit a two-run homer and Alex Verdugo finished a homer short of hitting for the cycle as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Saturday night.

Six Boston batters drove in a run and all but one Red Sox starter had a hit. Boston snapped a five-game skid with the win after allowing four runs for the 12th time in 13 games.

Tanner Houck (4-8) worked five innings and allowed four runs and seven hits while walking one and striking out five.

“It felt good, it was good to be around that 100 pitch mark. It was something that I haven’t reached in a while,” Houck said. “To reach that milestone in terms of the progression, it felt good. It was good to know that I don’t have a pitch count, i can just go out there and compete at the highest level I can and put the team position to win.”

Royals starter Alec March (0-8) was knocked out of the game early after allowing six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one in 2 ⅔ innings.

“I think there was a controlled focus in here this morning,” Verdugo said. “This one feels good because their record might not show, but that's a good team with a lot of talent over there.”

Kansas City has lost 11 of its last 13 games. The Royals haven't won a series since Aug. 3 and need a victory in the series finale on Sunday to end the skid.

The Red Sox capped a three-run first inning with Casas' two-run homer to right field. Boston had four extra-base hits in the inning. Cases went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

“Offensively, I think there is another run in this team in September,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Everyone gets hot at the same time, but at least for today that was a good one.”

MJ Melendez homered for Kansas City and Maikel Garcia, MJ Melendez, and Nelson Velazquez drove in runs.

“We had a big chance in the sixth, we just didn’t bust it open or make up all the ground, but overall we competed until the end, putting some good at-bats together in the ninth,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Prior to the game, former manager Ned Yost was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He led Kansas City to a World Series championship in 2015 and has the highest postseason winning percentage in MLB history.

Chris Sale (5-3, 4.75 ERA) will start for the Red Sox in the series finale on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston Casas hit a two-run homer and Alex Verdugo finished a homer short of hitting for the cycle as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Saturday night.Six Boston batters drove in a run and all but one Red Sox starter had a hit. Boston snapped a five-game skid with the win after allowing four runs for the 12th time in 13 games.Tanner Houck (4-8) worked five innings and allowed four runs and seven hits while walking one and striking out five.“It felt good, it was good to be around that 100 pitch mark. It was something that I haven’t reached in a while,” Houck said. “To reach that milestone in terms of the progression, it felt good. It was good to know that I don’t have a pitch count, i can just go out there and compete at the highest level I can and put the team position to win.”Royals starter Alec March (0-8) was knocked out of the game early after allowing six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one in 2 ⅔ innings.“I think there was a controlled focus in here this morning,” Verdugo said. “This one feels good because their record might not show, but that's a good team with a lot of talent over there.”Kansas City has lost 11 of its last 13 games. The Royals haven't won a series since Aug. 3 and need a victory in the series finale on Sunday to end the skid.The Red Sox capped a three-run first inning with Casas' two-run homer to right field. Boston had four extra-base hits in the inning. Cases went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.“Offensively, I think there is another run in this team in September,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Everyone gets hot at the same time, but at least for today that was a good one.”MJ Melendez homered for Kansas City and Maikel Garcia, MJ Melendez, and Nelson Velazquez drove in runs.“We had a big chance in the sixth, we just didn’t bust it open or make up all the ground, but overall we competed until the end, putting some good at-bats together in the ninth,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.YOST TO THE HALL OF FAMEPrior to the game, former manager Ned Yost was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He led Kansas City to a World Series championship in 2015 and has the highest postseason winning percentage in MLB history.UP NEXTChris Sale (5-3, 4.75 ERA) will start for the Red Sox in the series finale on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

Triston Casas' homer, Alex Verdugo’s 3 hits lead the Red Sox to a 9-5 win over the Royals

In a battle of national ranked soccer teams Friday morning at the Cougar Soccer Complex, the 11th ranked Barton Community College men's team scored three unanswered to win 3-1 over Indian Hills Community College.

The result improves Barton to 3-0-1 on the year while Indian Hills takes their first loss in dropping to 3-1-1. Both teams return to the Complex on Sunday, Barton taking on Jefferson College for a 9:00 a.m. kick while the Warriors will play the 11:30 a.m. contest versus Otero Junior College to wrap up the Barton Classic weekend. In Friday's other contest, Otero improved to 4-0-0 on the season after defeating Jefferson to drop the Vikings to 0-5 on the year.

Following a scoreless defensive first half of just five shots, the teams combined for sixteen in the final forty-five minutes with Indian Hills breaking through 4:22 into the second half.

Having already forced Barton goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/bios/bottcher_dennis_rqdf" target="_blank">Dennis Bottcher</a>&nbsp;into a 1v1 situation sixty seconds into the final period, the Warriors' Daniel Mulero's pass to Thomas Murrieri set up Fernando Pirri on the back side to beat Bottcher near post.

A pair of collegiate firsts provided the Cougars' equalizing goal with 27:32 remaining as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/bios/kanesaka_keishun_zhja" target="_blank">Keishun Kanesaka</a>&nbsp;punished the net near post from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/bios/voinier_maxence_6zp5" target="_blank">Maxence Voinier</a>'s cross.

Five minutes later it was defender&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/bios/cruz_henrique_5bc7" target="_blank">Henrique Cruz</a>' opportune time for his first collegiate goal, unmarked on the backside on Nickolas Galanis' 40-yard free kick to put away a rise-n-shine header giving the Cougars the lead.

Voinier would later give Barton a much needed cushion tally, getting loose by weaving through multiple defenders in sending a missile to the far post for his first collegiate goal in capping his three-point day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693751171185.jpeg" alt="Maxence Voinier dribbles between two Indian Hills defender's before scoring his first collegiate goal" />
 <figcaption>Maxence Voinier dribbles between two Indian Hills defender's before scoring his first collegiate goal</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoIn a battle of national ranked soccer teams Friday morning at the Cougar Soccer Complex, the 11th ranked Barton Community College men's team scored three unanswered to win 3-1 over Indian Hills Community College.The result improves Barton to 3-0-1 on the year while Indian Hills takes their first loss in dropping to 3-1-1. Both teams return to the Complex on Sunday, Barton taking on Jefferson College for a 9:00 a.m. kick while the Warriors will play the 11:30 a.m. contest versus Otero Junior College to wrap up the Barton Classic weekend. In Friday's other contest, Otero improved to 4-0-0 on the season after defeating Jefferson to drop the Vikings to 0-5 on the year.Following a scoreless defensive first half of just five shots, the teams combined for sixteen in the final forty-five minutes with Indian Hills breaking through 4:22 into the second half.Having already forced Barton goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/bios/bottcher_dennis_rqdf" target="_blank">Dennis Bottcher</a>&nbsp;into a 1v1 situation sixty seconds into the final period, the Warriors' Daniel Mulero's pass to Thomas Murrieri set up Fernando Pirri on the back side to beat Bottcher near post.A pair of collegiate firsts provided the Cougars' equalizing goal with 27:32 remaining as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/bios/kanesaka_keishun_zhja" target="_blank">Keishun Kanesaka</a>&nbsp;punished the net near post from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/bios/voinier_maxence_6zp5" target="_blank">Maxence Voinier</a>'s cross.Five minutes later it was defender&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/bios/cruz_henrique_5bc7" target="_blank">Henrique Cruz</a>' opportune time for his first collegiate goal, unmarked on the backside on Nickolas Galanis' 40-yard free kick to put away a rise-n-shine header giving the Cougars the lead.Voinier would later give Barton a much needed cushion tally, getting loose by weaving through multiple defenders in sending a missile to the far post for his first collegiate goal in capping his three-point day.

11th ranked Barton men's soccer prevails 3-1 over No. 12 Indian Hills

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw for 297 yards and two scores, added touchdowns running and receiving to pull off a rare trifecta, and led No. 16 Kansas State to a 45-0 rout of Southeast Missouri State. DJ Giddens ran for 128 yards and Treshaun Ward also reached the end zone for the Wildcats, who piled up 588 yards of offense. Kansas State led 38-0 at halftime and was able to give the backups plenty of playing time. Paxton DeLaurent had 213 yards passing for the Redhawks, who managed just 227 yards of offense.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jason Bean threw for 276 yards and two touchdowns in place of injured star Jalon Daniels as Kansas overcame a slow start to beat Missouri State 48-17 on Friday night. Devin Neal had touchdowns on the ground and through the air while Dylan McDuffie and Daniel Hishaw also reached the end zone for the Jayhawks. The Bears made it tough on Kansas much of the way, leading 10-7 early and closing within 27-17 in the fourth quarter. But the Jayhawks took advantage of two picks over the final 15 minutes to put the game away. Jacob Clark threw for 143 yards and a touchdown for the Bears.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Deion Sanders already has a big win for Colorado. Shedeur Sanders, the coach’s son, threw for a school-record 510 yards with four touchdowns as the Buffaloes pulled off an opening shocker with a 45-42 win over 17th-ranked TCU, last year's national runner-up. The game-winner was a 46-yard catch-and-run by freshman running back Dylan Edwards on a fourth-down play with 4:25 left. Edwards caught three TD passes and ran for another score. Two-way starter Travis Hunter, the former top recruit who came with the quarterback and coach from FCS team Jackson State, had 11 catches for 119 yards and an interception.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Quinn Ewers passed for three touchdowns and ran for another as No. 11 Texas overcame a sluggish start with an overwhelming third quarter to beat Rice 37-10 on Saturday in the season-opener for both teams. Texas turned it into a rout in the third quarter. Ewers connected with Georgia transfer Adonai Mitchell for a nine yard score that put Texas ahead 23-3. Another TD pass to J.T. Sanders and Ewers’ own short scamper to the end zone finished the quarter. The Longhorns are favorites to win the Big 12 in their final season in the league before joining the SEC.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Drew Allar threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start to help No. 7 Penn State beat West Virginia 38-15 on Saturday night in their season opener. KeAndre Lambert-Smith caught two touchdown passes — including a 72-yard dart launched with a simple flick of Allar’s wrist on his second attempt of the game — while Nick Singleton added a rushing touchdown. Malik McClain caught another midway through the fourth quarter for the Nittany Lions, who pulled away after leading 14-7 at halftime. It was the first time the two regional rivals played since meeting every year from 1947 until 1992.

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Andrew Peasley through an 11-yard touchdown pass to John Michael Gyllenborg on a fourth-and-7, and running back Sam Scott punched in the 2-point conversion as Wyoming stunned Texas Tech 35-33 in double-overtime in the season opener for both teams. Tyler Shough, who finished with 338 yards passing and three touchdowns, had given the Red Raiders a 33-27 lead after finding Jerand Bradley for a 15-yard score, but the senior quarterback’s conversion pass failed. Scott’s walk-off score sent the crowd of 26,450 pouring onto the field following a game that was delayed for 78 minutes due to a lightning.

HOUSTON (AP) — Donovan Smith threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, Samuel Brown had 106 yards receiving and Houston held on for a 17-14 win over UTSA in a season opener and the Cougars’ first game as a Big 12 Conference member. Smith threw touchdown passes of eight yards to Joseph Manjack IV in the first quarter and six yards to Matthew Golden in the third as Houston built a 17-7 lead. After UTSA cut the lead to three on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Frank Harris to Joshua Cephus with 5:42 remaining, Houston was able to run out the clock.

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Elijah Collins’ 17-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown run gave Oklahoma State breathing room and the Cowboys held on to beat Football Championship Subdivision foe Central Arkansas 27-13 in a season opener. Korie Black blocked two Central Arkansas field-goal attempts for Oklahoma State, which won its 28th straight home opener at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Cowboys haven’t lost a season opener since 2014 and coach Mike Gundy now is 17-2 in opening games at his alma mater.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jeremiah Cooper’s two first-half interceptions set the tone for Iowa State’s 30-9 win over Northern Iowa, easing the pressure on a Cyclones offense rocked by suspensions and departures. Cooper returned his first career interception 58 yards for a touchdown on the fifth play from scrimmage. His second pick set up Chase Contreraz’s 56-yard field goal just before halftime. The Cyclones were missing several projected starters due to a state gambling investigtion, including quarterback Hunter Dekkers. Rocco Becht handled most of the quarterback duties against UNI. He completed 10 of 13 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns.

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Carson Beck overcame a sluggish first half to throw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Mekhi Mews and No. 1 Georgia, the two-time defending national champion, leaned on its defense to beat Tennessee-Martin 48-7. Georgia showed it must make progress on offense if it can realize its dream of becoming the first team to win three straight national championships in The Associated Press poll era. The Bulldogs were outgained in the opening quarter and led only 17-0 at halftime. Beck, placed in the difficult position of following Stetson Bennett’s successful reign at quarterback, gained momentum in the second half.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Joe Milton III threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more as the 12th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers routed Virginia 49-13 in the season opener for both teams and the Cavaliers’ first game in 294 days. Tennessee and Virginia marked the Cavs’ first game since a shooting left three players dead last November with a moment of silence before kickoff. The Vols also wore a sticker on the back of their helmets with the numbers of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry. Tennessee scored on its opening drive and never trailed in a neutral site game that felt much more like a Vols' home game.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston Casas hit a two-run homer and Alex Verdugo finished a homer short of hitting for the cycle as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5. Six Boston batters drove in a run, and all but one Red Sox starter had a hit. Boston snapped a five-game skid with the win after allowing four runs for the 12th time in 13 games. Tanner Houck (4-8) worked five innings and allowed four runs and seven hits while walking one and striking out five. Royals starter Alec March (0-8) was knocked out of the game early after allowing six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one in 2 ⅔ innings. Kansas City has lost 11 of its last 13 games.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Josh Palacios hit a pinch hit home run off Drew VerHagen in the top of the ninth inning to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-6 for their fifth straight win. VerHagen entered the game with one out in the ninth inning and hit Andrew McCutchen before Palacios, pinch hitting for Connor Joe, hit a 3-1 pitch into the right field seats for his seventh home run of the season. Jordan Walker, Lars Nootbaar and Tyler O'Neill all homered for the Cardinals.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — USA Basketball will play for a fifth consecutive Olympic men’s basketball gold medal next summer. The Americans secured an automatic berth into the Paris Games on Sunday night as one of the two highest finishers from the Americas Region at the Basketball World Cup. The clinching became official when Serbia beat the Dominican Republic, a game that went final during the last second-round game for the U.S. against Lithuania.

Final	(23)Texas A&amp;M	52	New Mexico	10	

Final	(21)North Carolina	31	South Carolina	17	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691404624657.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw for 297 yards and two scores, added touchdowns running and receiving to pull off a rare trifecta, and led No. 16 Kansas State to a 45-0 rout of Southeast Missouri State. DJ Giddens ran for 128 yards and Treshaun Ward also reached the end zone for the Wildcats, who piled up 588 yards of offense. Kansas State led 38-0 at halftime and was able to give the backups plenty of playing time. Paxton DeLaurent had 213 yards passing for the Redhawks, who managed just 227 yards of offense.LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jason Bean threw for 276 yards and two touchdowns in place of injured star Jalon Daniels as Kansas overcame a slow start to beat Missouri State 48-17 on Friday night. Devin Neal had touchdowns on the ground and through the air while Dylan McDuffie and Daniel Hishaw also reached the end zone for the Jayhawks. The Bears made it tough on Kansas much of the way, leading 10-7 early and closing within 27-17 in the fourth quarter. But the Jayhawks took advantage of two picks over the final 15 minutes to put the game away. Jacob Clark threw for 143 yards and a touchdown for the Bears.FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Deion Sanders already has a big win for Colorado. Shedeur Sanders, the coach’s son, threw for a school-record 510 yards with four touchdowns as the Buffaloes pulled off an opening shocker with a 45-42 win over 17th-ranked TCU, last year's national runner-up. The game-winner was a 46-yard catch-and-run by freshman running back Dylan Edwards on a fourth-down play with 4:25 left. Edwards caught three TD passes and ran for another score. Two-way starter Travis Hunter, the former top recruit who came with the quarterback and coach from FCS team Jackson State, had 11 catches for 119 yards and an interception.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Quinn Ewers passed for three touchdowns and ran for another as No. 11 Texas overcame a sluggish start with an overwhelming third quarter to beat Rice 37-10 on Saturday in the season-opener for both teams. Texas turned it into a rout in the third quarter. Ewers connected with Georgia transfer Adonai Mitchell for a nine yard score that put Texas ahead 23-3. Another TD pass to J.T. Sanders and Ewers’ own short scamper to the end zone finished the quarter. The Longhorns are favorites to win the Big 12 in their final season in the league before joining the SEC.STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Drew Allar threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start to help No. 7 Penn State beat West Virginia 38-15 on Saturday night in their season opener. KeAndre Lambert-Smith caught two touchdown passes — including a 72-yard dart launched with a simple flick of Allar’s wrist on his second attempt of the game — while Nick Singleton added a rushing touchdown. Malik McClain caught another midway through the fourth quarter for the Nittany Lions, who pulled away after leading 14-7 at halftime. It was the first time the two regional rivals played since meeting every year from 1947 until 1992.LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Andrew Peasley through an 11-yard touchdown pass to John Michael Gyllenborg on a fourth-and-7, and running back Sam Scott punched in the 2-point conversion as Wyoming stunned Texas Tech 35-33 in double-overtime in the season opener for both teams. Tyler Shough, who finished with 338 yards passing and three touchdowns, had given the Red Raiders a 33-27 lead after finding Jerand Bradley for a 15-yard score, but the senior quarterback’s conversion pass failed. Scott’s walk-off score sent the crowd of 26,450 pouring onto the field following a game that was delayed for 78 minutes due to a lightning.HOUSTON (AP) — Donovan Smith threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, Samuel Brown had 106 yards receiving and Houston held on for a 17-14 win over UTSA in a season opener and the Cougars’ first game as a Big 12 Conference member. Smith threw touchdown passes of eight yards to Joseph Manjack IV in the first quarter and six yards to Matthew Golden in the third as Houston built a 17-7 lead. After UTSA cut the lead to three on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Frank Harris to Joshua Cephus with 5:42 remaining, Houston was able to run out the clock.STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Elijah Collins’ 17-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown run gave Oklahoma State breathing room and the Cowboys held on to beat Football Championship Subdivision foe Central Arkansas 27-13 in a season opener. Korie Black blocked two Central Arkansas field-goal attempts for Oklahoma State, which won its 28th straight home opener at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Cowboys haven’t lost a season opener since 2014 and coach Mike Gundy now is 17-2 in opening games at his alma mater.AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jeremiah Cooper’s two first-half interceptions set the tone for Iowa State’s 30-9 win over Northern Iowa, easing the pressure on a Cyclones offense rocked by suspensions and departures. Cooper returned his first career interception 58 yards for a touchdown on the fifth play from scrimmage. His second pick set up Chase Contreraz’s 56-yard field goal just before halftime. The Cyclones were missing several projected starters due to a state gambling investigtion, including quarterback Hunter Dekkers. Rocco Becht handled most of the quarterback duties against UNI. He completed 10 of 13 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns.ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Carson Beck overcame a sluggish first half to throw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Mekhi Mews and No. 1 Georgia, the two-time defending national champion, leaned on its defense to beat Tennessee-Martin 48-7. Georgia showed it must make progress on offense if it can realize its dream of becoming the first team to win three straight national championships in The Associated Press poll era. The Bulldogs were outgained in the opening quarter and led only 17-0 at halftime. Beck, placed in the difficult position of following Stetson Bennett’s successful reign at quarterback, gained momentum in the second half.NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Joe Milton III threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more as the 12th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers routed Virginia 49-13 in the season opener for both teams and the Cavaliers’ first game in 294 days. Tennessee and Virginia marked the Cavs’ first game since a shooting left three players dead last November with a moment of silence before kickoff. The Vols also wore a sticker on the back of their helmets with the numbers of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry. Tennessee scored on its opening drive and never trailed in a neutral site game that felt much more like a Vols' home game.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston Casas hit a two-run homer and Alex Verdugo finished a homer short of hitting for the cycle as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5. Six Boston batters drove in a run, and all but one Red Sox starter had a hit. Boston snapped a five-game skid with the win after allowing four runs for the 12th time in 13 games. Tanner Houck (4-8) worked five innings and allowed four runs and seven hits while walking one and striking out five. Royals starter Alec March (0-8) was knocked out of the game early after allowing six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one in 2 ⅔ innings. Kansas City has lost 11 of its last 13 games.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Josh Palacios hit a pinch hit home run off Drew VerHagen in the top of the ninth inning to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-6 for their fifth straight win. VerHagen entered the game with one out in the ninth inning and hit Andrew McCutchen before Palacios, pinch hitting for Connor Joe, hit a 3-1 pitch into the right field seats for his seventh home run of the season. Jordan Walker, Lars Nootbaar and Tyler O'Neill all homered for the Cardinals.MANILA, Philippines (AP) — USA Basketball will play for a fifth consecutive Olympic men’s basketball gold medal next summer. The Americans secured an automatic berth into the Paris Games on Sunday night as one of the two highest finishers from the Americas Region at the Basketball World Cup. The clinching became official when Serbia beat the Dominican Republic, a game that went final during the last second-round game for the U.S. against Lithuania.SATURDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal	Seattle	8	N.Y. Mets	7	Final	Baltimore	7	Arizona	3	Final	Colorado	8	Toronto	7	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Oakland	2	L.A. Angels	1	Final	Cleveland	7	Tampa Bay	6	Final	Detroit	10	Chicago White Sox	0	Final	Boston	9	Kansas City	5	Final	N.Y. Yankees	5	Houston	4	Final	Minnesota	9	Texas	7	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Miami	11	Washington	5	Final	Cincinnati	2	Chicago Cubs	1	Final	Pittsburgh	7	St. Louis	6	Final	Milwaukee	7	Philadelphia	5	Final	San Diego	6	San Francisco	1	Final	Atlanta	4	L.A. Dodgers	2	TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(2)Michigan	30	East Carolina	3	Final	Colorado	45	(17)TCU	42	Final	(25)Iowa	24	Utah St.	14	Final	(20)Oklahoma	73	Arkansas St.	0	Final	(12)Tennessee	49	Virginia	13	Final	(22)Mississippi	73	Mercer	7	Final	(15)Oregon	81	Portland St.	7	Final	(13)Notre Dame	56	Tennessee St.	3	Final	(19)Wisconsin	38	Buffalo	17	Final	(3)Ohio St.	23	Indiana	3	Final	(10)Washington	56	Boise St.	19	Final	(11)Texas	37	Rice	10	Final	(1)Georgia	48	UT Martin	7	Final	(6)Southern Cal	66	Nevada	14	Final	(16)Kansas St.	45	SE Missouri	0	Final	(23)Texas A&amp;M	52	New Mexico	10	Final	(21)North Carolina	31	South Carolina	17	Final	(7)Penn St.	38	West Virginia	15	Final	(4)Alabama	56	Middle Tennessee	7	Final	(24)Tulane	37	South Alabama	17

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State quarterback Will Howard has earned a reputation for having an NFL-caliber arm, and it was on display in a season-opening 45-0 rout of Southeast Missouri State on Saturday night.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Howard is hardly known for his legs.

Or his receiving ability, for that matter.

Yet along with throwing for 297 yards and two scores, Howard added TDs running and receiving for a rare trifecta, while the No. 16 Wildcats got another dominant defensive performance in pitching a shutout on a hot night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

“We're doing what we have to do to score points and win,” Howard said of his all-around performance. “Let's go. Let's do it.”

DJ Giddens ran for 128 yards and Treshaun Ward, a touted transfer from Florida State, had a TD run, helping the reigning Big 12 champion Wildcats cruise past one of the better teams in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Paxton DeLaurent had 213 yards passing for the Redhawks, who managed just 227 yards of total offense on a night when the temperature at kickoff was 100 degrees — the third-hottest on record at Kansas State.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State quarterback Will Howard has earned a reputation for having an NFL-caliber arm, and it was on display in a season-opening 45-0 rout of Southeast Missouri State on Saturday night.The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Howard is hardly known for his legs.Or his receiving ability, for that matter.Yet along with throwing for 297 yards and two scores, Howard added TDs running and receiving for a rare trifecta, while the No. 16 Wildcats got another dominant defensive performance in pitching a shutout on a hot night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.“We're doing what we have to do to score points and win,” Howard said of his all-around performance. “Let's go. Let's do it.”DJ Giddens ran for 128 yards and Treshaun Ward, a touted transfer from Florida State, had a TD run, helping the reigning Big 12 champion Wildcats cruise past one of the better teams in the Football Championship Subdivision.Paxton DeLaurent had 213 yards passing for the Redhawks, who managed just 227 yards of total offense on a night when the temperature at kickoff was 100 degrees — the third-hottest on record at Kansas State.“We knew we were going to have to play a lot of guys," Wildcats coach Chris Klieman said. "We were going to play a lot of younger players, redshirt freshmen and some new players, and then a ton of freshmen. Pleased for those guys. Hit some home runs on the recruiting class because a lot of young guys played for us.”An old one led the way, though.Howard took over as the Wildcats' starter midway through last season, leading them to upsets of two top-10 teams, including a victory over College Football Playoff participant TCU in the conference title game. And in Howard's first opener as the clear-cut No. 1, the senior QB picked up where he left off by leading Kansas State on five first-half touchdown drives.He capped the first with a 33-yard pass to Jadon Jackson, the second with a keeper from a yard out and the third with a 37-yard strike to RJ Garcia. Ward pushed the lead to 28-0 before Howard finished an 89-yard march with the most improbable of scores: an 8-yard reception from Ward, who had taken the handoff before throwing it back to Howard."Just being Will. That’s what he does every time he plays,” said Garcia, who had five catches for 119 yards to go with his TD reception. “He just gives you a sense of confidence out there.”Bo Nix accomplished the feat for Oregon last year — TDs throwing, receiving and running — in a win over Colorado. Desmond Ridder did it for Cincinnati during a blowout of Southern Methodist in 2021.The only blip on Howard's otherwise exceptional performance came when he was hit while throwing. The pass sailed high across the middle and was picked off by the Redhawks' Antonio Taylor, though their ensuing drive went nowhere.Chris Tennant tied a career-long with a 51-yard field goal to give the Wildcats a 38-0 lead at the break.Southeast Missouri State coach Tom Matukewicz, who grew up in nearby Silver Lake, called Kansas State a program “I grew up idolizing.” But that didn’t mean the Wildcats took it easy on him in what amounted to a homecoming.The Redhawks, who qualified for the FCS playoffs a year ago, had modest success through the air when DeLaurent was given time to look downfield. But they accomplished nothing on the ground with Geno Hess, the school's career record-holder for yards rushing; he lost 4 yards on 10 carries.Kansas State gave Howard the rest of the night off late in the third quarter, allowing highly-rated recruit Avery Johnson to make his debut. He capped a 79-yard drive by dashing through the Southeast Missouri State defense on a 7-yard scoring run.“He did some really good things,” Klieman said. “We’ll kind of evaluate and see how he did, but I was so happy for Avery, so pleased for him to get into the end zone for his first game. There was no doubt you could hear the ovation when he came in.”MISSING STARTERSThe Wildcats played without starting safety Marques Sigle, who Klieman suspended for the opener, and wide receiver Keagan Johnson, who picked up a minor injury earlier in the week. They already knew they would be without offensive tackle Christian McDuffie, who has been dealing with an injury throughout the fall.THE TAKEAWAYSEMO: The defending Ohio Valley champions, who are ranked as high as No. 9 in some FCS polls, gave up 588 yards of offense to the Wildcats. That included 360 yards through the air by a team that gravitates toward the run.Kansas State: It was an impressive start to a non-conference schedule that slowly builds in quality of opposition. Troy is on deck next week before the Wildcats take a trip to former Big 12 rival Missouri the following week.UP NEXTSEMO: Hosts Lindenwood next Saturday.Kansas State: Hosts Troy next Saturday.