KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs expect to have All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, starting right guard Jawaan Taylor and All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney on the field when they open the regular season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5.

Jones and Taylor have been dealing with shoulder injuries and Thuney is coming back from a torn pectoral muscle.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday none of those players will play in the preseason finale Thursday night against Chicago, but all of them should be ready for Week 1. Reid also said long snapper James Winchester, who sprained his AC joint in their loss to Detroit on Saturday, should be OK for the start of the regular season.

The Chiefs brought a different long snapper into camp this week to handle practice and their preseason finale.

“I'll probably sit the starters (against the Bears) the way it looks right now,” Reid said before Monday's practice, “and we'll have the other guys get out there and play. We'll just see how that goes rep-wise.”

The Chiefs played many of their starters for the first half against Detroit, and there have been years in the past where Reid has given some of them a couple of snaps in their preseason finale. But he said the number of plays that the first team ran in training camp was more than in the past, and that would compensate for getting fewer reps in preseason games.

The reason for more practice reps? It never rained.

The Chiefs, who hold most of their training camp at Missouri Western State University, are usually forced to use the Division II school's indoor facility because of inclement weather at least a few times, and the size of the building forces them to cut back on the number of plays they run. But that never happened over the past three-plus weeks of camp.

“I looked at the number of plays between camp and preseason games and we were up some 50 plays from the year before in camp,” Reid said, “so I was able to monitor that and work it in with the preseason games.”

The only starter that Reid was uncertain about for the opener against Baltimore was wide receiver Marquise Brown.

One of the Chiefs' top free-agent signings, “Hollywood” Brown dislocated the sternoclavicular joint in his shoulder after making a catch in their preseason opener against Jacksonville. He got the shoulder set without surgery, though, and that should speed up his recovery time and perhaps get him on the field quicker than the initial 4-to-6-week estimate.

In the meantime, the Chiefs will rely on second-year pro Rashee Rice and first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy along with Justin Watson, who has developed from a journeyman signed for depth two years ago into a valuable part of the team.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs expect to have All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, starting right guard Jawaan Taylor and All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney on the field when they open the regular season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5.Jones and Taylor have been dealing with shoulder injuries and Thuney is coming back from a torn pectoral muscle.Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday none of those players will play in the preseason finale Thursday night against Chicago, but all of them should be ready for Week 1. Reid also said long snapper James Winchester, who sprained his AC joint in their loss to Detroit on Saturday, should be OK for the start of the regular season.The Chiefs brought a different long snapper into camp this week to handle practice and their preseason finale.“I'll probably sit the starters (against the Bears) the way it looks right now,” Reid said before Monday's practice, “and we'll have the other guys get out there and play. We'll just see how that goes rep-wise.”The Chiefs played many of their starters for the first half against Detroit, and there have been years in the past where Reid has given some of them a couple of snaps in their preseason finale. But he said the number of plays that the first team ran in training camp was more than in the past, and that would compensate for getting fewer reps in preseason games.The reason for more practice reps? It never rained.The Chiefs, who hold most of their training camp at Missouri Western State University, are usually forced to use the Division II school's indoor facility because of inclement weather at least a few times, and the size of the building forces them to cut back on the number of plays they run. But that never happened over the past three-plus weeks of camp.“I looked at the number of plays between camp and preseason games and we were up some 50 plays from the year before in camp,” Reid said, “so I was able to monitor that and work it in with the preseason games.”The only starter that Reid was uncertain about for the opener against Baltimore was wide receiver Marquise Brown.One of the Chiefs' top free-agent signings, “Hollywood” Brown dislocated the sternoclavicular joint in his shoulder after making a catch in their preseason opener against Jacksonville. He got the shoulder set without surgery, though, and that should speed up his recovery time and perhaps get him on the field quicker than the initial 4-to-6-week estimate.In the meantime, the Chiefs will rely on second-year pro Rashee Rice and first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy along with Justin Watson, who has developed from a journeyman signed for depth two years ago into a valuable part of the team.

Chiefs expect starters Chris Jones, Joe Thuney and others back for opener vs Ravens

- The new color analyst for Great Bend Panther football Shawn Behr

- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas

- Great Bend Panther Cross Country coach Lyles Lashley

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Sports Day returns Monday with host Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Sports Day returns Monday with host Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BsJ3IVRun-8?si=op4CAau2CrGX0Oj5" 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>Monday Show Lineup- The new color analyst for Great Bend Panther football Shawn Behr- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas- Great Bend Panther Cross Country coach Lyles Lashley- Weekend Sports Headlines- Sounds of the Weekend

Monday on Sports Day (Watch)

By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend Post

Sometimes in life, as the old saying goes, it’s better to be lucky than good.

Such is the case for Kinsley High freshman Stephan Fernandez, who one year ago rolled his UTV in Mexico that changed his life forever on Aug. 3, 2023.

“Very,” the Coyote basketball player said when asked if it could have been worse.

In a video shot by family, Fernandez had parked his UTV on an embankment into a shallow creek. Suddenly the vehicle’s momentum maneuvered the vehicle upside down in the water.&nbsp;

Fernandez, not wearing a helmet, escaped within seconds and ran through the knee-deep water screaming “my fingers! my fingers!”

Fernandez was flown out to the biggest and best hospital in Chihuahua, Mexico, where he was immediately taken in for a 12-hour surgery for his three left fingers that took the brunt of the landing.

“I had full consciousness the whole time,” Fernandez, whose fingers landed on a rock when the vehicle capsized.

“I had stuck my hand out and I think it landed on a rock,” Fernandez said, whose three left fingers had been severely damaged.

“Man I was in shock I didn’t think it was real,” Fernandez said as he ran towards family to show them his mutilated fingers.

Doctors immediately tried to save his fingers.

“First they took veins from my right hand then put them into my left to try and get my circulation back but it didn’t work,” Fernandez said.&nbsp;

The first surgery required 150 total stitches in his hands, including 130 in his damaged left hand.

Three days later, Fernandez was under the knife for another seven hours as they tried to put more veins in to no avail.

Six days later, doctors amputated his left three fingers in a three-hour operation. Since, Fernandez has had three more surgeries.

Fernandez said the pain wasn’t bad immediately following the accident.

“I didn’t really feel any from the adrenaline,” Fernandez said.

The pain at its worst has been a 5 on a scale of 1-10.

Fernandez has not been depressed from the accident or wondered “why me?”

“I prayed to God day and night,” he said. “I knew God was with me.”

“Take my mom’s pain away. She was in pain that I had gotten hurt,” Fernandez said.

“It’s definitely been a struggle for him, but he’s gotten used to it and he’s not letting it define him,” freshman Josh Stuckey said. “I think he’s more appreciative that he’s still here with us and that life isn’t just handed to you.”

“What he’s gone through is terrible because he lost something he’ll never get back,” freshman Lane Hattrup said. “But he’s kept on playing like it didn’t happen.”

“It’s different,” Fernandez said of waking up with just two fingers after his third surgery. “I was just glad I was okay.”

Fernandez plans to play basketball this winter for the Coyotes. He said nothing has changed the way he holds the ball with his left hand.

“It’s the same to be honest just can’t do as much with my left hand now,” said Fernandez, who can dribble with his left hand.

“Steve has been through a lot. I can’t imagine losing fingers it would suck,” senior Anthony Meza said. “He struggled with it at first a lot, but he’s gotten a lot better. He doesn’t let it affect him and he’s just accepted it. He’s still doing sports and having fun.”

“At first he struggled a little with dribbling, but as he got used to it he got better and got back to normal. He doesn’t let his finger say who he is, he’s Him,” freshman Joey Prieto said. “He played basketball even though he had two fingers.”

“He inspires me a lot, I mean not a lot of people can bounce back from an injury like that as fast, and well as he did,” freshman Grant Schmitt said. “I know if that happened to me, I wouldn’t to be able to do half the stuff as well as he can.”

Fernandez said he regrets not wearing gloves which might not have saved his fingers, “but it wouldn’t have been as bad,” he said.

“He has been through lots of surgeries and therapies and he’s been going strong,” sophomore Jonathan Meza said. “Right now he’s going good and is playing football this season. He said he is ready to play and ready to get back at his favorite sport. So he is going great&nbsp;&nbsp;and doesn’t care what people say.”

Several opposing players have made fun of him and his seven fingers.

“There was a lot I can’t even remember,” Fernandez said.

“You only got seven fingers you can’t play basketball,” Fernandez said. “They made me wanna become better.”

“He inspires me to persevere no matter what life throws at you,” Hattrup said.

“He had courage to play basketball even though he knew people would probably make fun of him,” Prieto said.

“That drive to be better and keep moving on through adversity and hardships,” Schmitt said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724089114239.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend PostSometimes in life, as the old saying goes, it’s better to be lucky than good.Such is the case for Kinsley High freshman Stephan Fernandez, who one year ago rolled his UTV in Mexico that changed his life forever on Aug. 3, 2023.“Very,” the Coyote basketball player said when asked if it could have been worse.In a video shot by family, Fernandez had parked his UTV on an embankment into a shallow creek. Suddenly the vehicle’s momentum maneuvered the vehicle upside down in the water.&nbsp;Fernandez, not wearing a helmet, escaped within seconds and ran through the knee-deep water screaming “my fingers! my fingers!”Fernandez was flown out to the biggest and best hospital in Chihuahua, Mexico, where he was immediately taken in for a 12-hour surgery for his three left fingers that took the brunt of the landing.“I had full consciousness the whole time,” Fernandez, whose fingers landed on a rock when the vehicle capsized.“I had stuck my hand out and I think it landed on a rock,” Fernandez said, whose three left fingers had been severely damaged.“Man I was in shock I didn’t think it was real,” Fernandez said as he ran towards family to show them his mutilated fingers.Doctors immediately tried to save his fingers.“First they took veins from my right hand then put them into my left to try and get my circulation back but it didn’t work,” Fernandez said.&nbsp;The first surgery required 150 total stitches in his hands, including 130 in his damaged left hand.Three days later, Fernandez was under the knife for another seven hours as they tried to put more veins in to no avail.Six days later, doctors amputated his left three fingers in a three-hour operation. Since, Fernandez has had three more surgeries.Fernandez said the pain wasn’t bad immediately following the accident.“I didn’t really feel any from the adrenaline,” Fernandez said.The pain at its worst has been a 5 on a scale of 1-10.Fernandez has not been depressed from the accident or wondered “why me?”“I prayed to God day and night,” he said. “I knew God was with me.”Instead, he had another favor for God.“Take my mom’s pain away. She was in pain that I had gotten hurt,” Fernandez said.“It’s definitely been a struggle for him, but he’s gotten used to it and he’s not letting it define him,” freshman Josh Stuckey said. “I think he’s more appreciative that he’s still here with us and that life isn’t just handed to you.”“What he’s gone through is terrible because he lost something he’ll never get back,” freshman Lane Hattrup said. “But he’s kept on playing like it didn’t happen.”“It’s different,” Fernandez said of waking up with just two fingers after his third surgery. “I was just glad I was okay.”Fernandez plans to play basketball this winter for the Coyotes. He said nothing has changed the way he holds the ball with his left hand.“It’s the same to be honest just can’t do as much with my left hand now,” said Fernandez, who can dribble with his left hand.“Steve has been through a lot. I can’t imagine losing fingers it would suck,” senior Anthony Meza said. “He struggled with it at first a lot, but he’s gotten a lot better. He doesn’t let it affect him and he’s just accepted it. He’s still doing sports and having fun.”“At first he struggled a little with dribbling, but as he got used to it he got better and got back to normal. He doesn’t let his finger say who he is, he’s Him,” freshman Joey Prieto said. “He played basketball even though he had two fingers.”“He inspires me a lot, I mean not a lot of people can bounce back from an injury like that as fast, and well as he did,” freshman Grant Schmitt said. “I know if that happened to me, I wouldn’t to be able to do half the stuff as well as he can.”Fernandez said he regrets not wearing gloves which might not have saved his fingers, “but it wouldn’t have been as bad,” he said.“He has been through lots of surgeries and therapies and he’s been going strong,” sophomore Jonathan Meza said. “Right now he’s going good and is playing football this season. He said he is ready to play and ready to get back at his favorite sport. So he is going great&nbsp;&nbsp;and doesn’t care what people say.”Several opposing players have made fun of him and his seven fingers.“There was a lot I can’t even remember,” Fernandez said.But one trash message stood out.“You only got seven fingers you can’t play basketball,” Fernandez said. “They made me wanna become better.”“He inspires me to persevere no matter what life throws at you,” Hattrup said.“He had courage to play basketball even though he knew people would probably make fun of him,” Prieto said.“That drive to be better and keep moving on through adversity and hardships,” Schmitt said.Fernandez has this message for God.“Thank you for everything,” he said.

Kinsley’s Fernandez appreciates life after losing fingers 

DENVER (AP) — Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton isn’t ready to name rookie quarterback Bo Nix his starter just yet. It sure seems it’s just a matter of time, though.

“Well listen, he’s played well. I’m not announcing any starting quarterback tonight,” Payton said after Nix made another strong case for the gig when he led Denver to scores on both of his drives in his first NFL start, a 27-2 win over the Green Bay Packers’ backups on Sunday night.

Nix, the former Oregon star and the sixth QB selected in the 2024 NFL draft, has now led Denver to scores on six of his seven drives in the preseason.

Nix threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tim Patrick, whose trip to the end zone was his first in 974 days as he missed the last two seasons with leg injuries. Nix also had a 14-yard strike to Javonte Williams that was overturned on review as he was ruled just past the line of scrimmage when he threw.

Denver (2-0), which got touchdowns from all three QBs, settled for the first of Wil Lutz’s two field goals instead.

Asked if he feels he’s done enough to win the job, Nix said, “That’s not for me to decide.”

It’s for Payton to determine and he’s not ready to reveal his pick, although he did heap plenty of praise on Nix.

“He had the one penalty which was right on the line. It was tough,” Payton said. “It was a pretty heads-up play. He did a good job at the line of scrimmage with some checks. You feel his comfort level as he continues to get used to the calls coming in. And you know, you kind of feel the poise when he’s playing.”

Nix finished 8 of 9 for 90 yards and a stellar 140.7 passer rating. Patrick caught four of his passes for 30 yards, none bigger than his TD, his first since Dec. 19, 2021.

“We just went crazy for Tim Patrick after the game,” QB Jarrett Stidham said.

“It meant a lot,” suggested Denver linebacker Baron Browning. “I know it had to be tough for him mentally” to miss two seasons. “Just to see him fight back ... I’m glad to have him back.”

Nix relieved Stidham last week at Indianapolis before getting the bulk of the first-team work leading up to his first start as a pro, which included a joint practice Friday.

That workout proved more competitive than this game although Packers coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t happy with the déjà vu Sunday when he sat 31 players, including all of his regular starters.

“That was a long night,” LaFleur said. “I was hoping our guys would come out with more strain, effort, grit. We were kind of getting humbled the other day in practice and to have it happen again wasn’t where we want to be.

“It was a good lesson for our guys in terms of it doesn’t matter who’s out there, if you don’t put your best foot forward each and every time you go out on that field, these things can happen to you.”

Stidham’s 9-yard scramble into the end zone made it 17-0 just before halftime following Keidron Smith’s 56-yard interception return of a deep pass from Sean Clifford, who got the start with Jordan Love in a baseball cap.

Zach Wilson mopped up for Denver and Green Bay (1-1) finally got on the scoreboard in the final minute of the third quarter when Zach Morton sacked Wilson in the end zone for a safety.

What followed was the first post-safety kickoff under the new rules, and Lutz, using a tee that hadn’t been allowed on a safety kickoff before, blasted the ball from his 20-yard line to the Green Bay 2. Dimitri Stanley returned it to the 29.

That aspect of the rule change might have unintended consequences because it can prevent teams that recorded the safety from having the favorable field position they generally got in the past with the ensuing punt, drop kick or place kick without the tee.

“I don’t really like it,” LaFleur said of the change. “You lose the advantage that you get from the safety. It is what it is; that’s the rule. We’ll just have to play it that way. But I think you really lose the advantage of the field position that you typically gain from a safety.”

INJURIES: Packers LB Ralen Goforth sustained a concussion on Stidham’s touchdown just before halftime.

Packers: Host the Ravens on Saturday.

Broncos: Host the Cardinals on Sunday.

DENVER (AP) — Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton isn’t ready to name rookie quarterback Bo Nix his starter just yet. It sure seems it’s just a matter of time, though.“Well listen, he’s played well. I’m not announcing any starting quarterback tonight,” Payton said after Nix made another strong case for the gig when he led Denver to scores on both of his drives in his first NFL start, a 27-2 win over the Green Bay Packers’ backups on Sunday night.Nix, the former Oregon star and the sixth QB selected in the 2024 NFL draft, has now led Denver to scores on six of his seven drives in the preseason.Nix threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tim Patrick, whose trip to the end zone was his first in 974 days as he missed the last two seasons with leg injuries. Nix also had a 14-yard strike to Javonte Williams that was overturned on review as he was ruled just past the line of scrimmage when he threw.Denver (2-0), which got touchdowns from all three QBs, settled for the first of Wil Lutz’s two field goals instead.Asked if he feels he’s done enough to win the job, Nix said, “That’s not for me to decide.”It’s for Payton to determine and he’s not ready to reveal his pick, although he did heap plenty of praise on Nix.“He had the one penalty which was right on the line. It was tough,” Payton said. “It was a pretty heads-up play. He did a good job at the line of scrimmage with some checks. You feel his comfort level as he continues to get used to the calls coming in. And you know, you kind of feel the poise when he’s playing.”Nix finished 8 of 9 for 90 yards and a stellar 140.7 passer rating. Patrick caught four of his passes for 30 yards, none bigger than his TD, his first since Dec. 19, 2021.“We just went crazy for Tim Patrick after the game,” QB Jarrett Stidham said.“It meant a lot,” suggested Denver linebacker Baron Browning. “I know it had to be tough for him mentally” to miss two seasons. “Just to see him fight back ... I’m glad to have him back.”Nix relieved Stidham last week at Indianapolis before getting the bulk of the first-team work leading up to his first start as a pro, which included a joint practice Friday.That workout proved more competitive than this game although Packers coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t happy with the déjà vu Sunday when he sat 31 players, including all of his regular starters.“That was a long night,” LaFleur said. “I was hoping our guys would come out with more strain, effort, grit. We were kind of getting humbled the other day in practice and to have it happen again wasn’t where we want to be.“It was a good lesson for our guys in terms of it doesn’t matter who’s out there, if you don’t put your best foot forward each and every time you go out on that field, these things can happen to you.”Stidham’s 9-yard scramble into the end zone made it 17-0 just before halftime following Keidron Smith’s 56-yard interception return of a deep pass from Sean Clifford, who got the start with Jordan Love in a baseball cap.RULE RIPPLEZach Wilson mopped up for Denver and Green Bay (1-1) finally got on the scoreboard in the final minute of the third quarter when Zach Morton sacked Wilson in the end zone for a safety.What followed was the first post-safety kickoff under the new rules, and Lutz, using a tee that hadn’t been allowed on a safety kickoff before, blasted the ball from his 20-yard line to the Green Bay 2. Dimitri Stanley returned it to the 29.That aspect of the rule change might have unintended consequences because it can prevent teams that recorded the safety from having the favorable field position they generally got in the past with the ensuing punt, drop kick or place kick without the tee.“I don’t really like it,” LaFleur said of the change. “You lose the advantage that you get from the safety. It is what it is; that’s the rule. We’ll just have to play it that way. But I think you really lose the advantage of the field position that you typically gain from a safety.”INJURIES: Packers LB Ralen Goforth sustained a concussion on Stidham’s touchdown just before halftime.UP NEXTPackers: Host the Ravens on Saturday.Broncos: Host the Cardinals on Sunday.

Rookie Bo Nix strengthens bid for the Broncos’ starting QB job

The Kansas City
Royals open a three-game series at home against the Los Angeles
Angels on Monday.

Los Angeles Angels
(53-71, fourth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (69-55, third
in the AL Central)

Kansas City,
Missouri; Monday, 8:10 p.m. EDT

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Angels: Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 67
strikeouts); Royals: Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 135
strikeouts)

BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Royals -204, Angels +169; over/under is 9 runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals host the Los Angeles Angels to begin a
three-game series.

Kansas City is 69-55
overall and 38-25 in home games. The Royals have the fifth-ranked
team slugging percentage in the AL at .420.

Los Angeles has gone
26-31 on the road and 53-71 overall. The Angels are 25-9 in games
when they did not allow a home run.

Monday's game is the
fifth time these teams square off this season. The Royals are ahead
3-1 in the season series.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Bobby Witt Jr. leads the Royals with a .350 batting average, and has
35 doubles, 11 triples, 25 home runs, 40 walks and 91 RBI. Michael
Massey is 13-for-39 with a home run and five RBI over the last 10
games.

Zachary Neto has 27
doubles, a triple and 17 home runs while hitting .261 for the Angels.
Jo Adell is 9-for-36 with a double and two home runs over the last 10
games.

LAST 10 GAMES:
Royals: 6-4, .291 batting average, 3.99 ERA, outscored
opponents by 18 runs

Angels: 3-7,
.227 batting average, 4.79 ERA, outscored by 18 runs

INJURIES:
Royals: Hunter Harvey: 15-Day IL (back), John Schreiber:
15-Day IL (knee), Dan Altavilla: 60-Day IL (oblique), Josh Taylor:
60-Day IL (biceps), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

By The Associated
PressThe Kansas City
Royals open a three-game series at home against the Los Angeles
Angels on Monday.Los Angeles Angels
(53-71, fourth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (69-55, third
in the AL Central)Kansas City,
Missouri; Monday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Angels: Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 67
strikeouts); Royals: Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 135
strikeouts)BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Royals -204, Angels +169; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals host the Los Angeles Angels to begin a
three-game series.Kansas City is 69-55
overall and 38-25 in home games. The Royals have the fifth-ranked
team slugging percentage in the AL at .420.Los Angeles has gone
26-31 on the road and 53-71 overall. The Angels are 25-9 in games
when they did not allow a home run.Monday's game is the
fifth time these teams square off this season. The Royals are ahead
3-1 in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS:
Bobby Witt Jr. leads the Royals with a .350 batting average, and has
35 doubles, 11 triples, 25 home runs, 40 walks and 91 RBI. Michael
Massey is 13-for-39 with a home run and five RBI over the last 10
games.Zachary Neto has 27
doubles, a triple and 17 home runs while hitting .261 for the Angels.
Jo Adell is 9-for-36 with a double and two home runs over the last 10
games.LAST 10 GAMES:
Royals: 6-4, .291 batting average, 3.99 ERA, outscored
opponents by 18 runsAngels: 3-7,
.227 batting average, 4.79 ERA, outscored by 18 runsINJURIES:
Royals: Hunter Harvey: 15-Day IL (back), John Schreiber:
15-Day IL (knee), Dan Altavilla: 60-Day IL (oblique), Josh Taylor:
60-Day IL (biceps), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

Royals take on the Angels in first of 3-game series

CINCINNATI (AP) —
Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally
with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds
8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep. Blanco, an outfielder, had
just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals
outscore the Reds 28-3. The 31-year old from Cuba drove in seven runs
on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he
started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott
with a bunt single.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Shohei Ohtani hit his National League-leading 39th home run and
Clayton Kershaw tossed six shutout innings to lead the Los Angeles
Dodgers to a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Miguel Rojas and
Gavin Lux had three hits apiece as the NL West leaders won for the
seventh time in 10 games. Lars Nootbaar provided a pinch-hit homer in
the eighth for the Cardinals, who have lost six of seven. Ohtani
drilled a first-pitch offering from Sonny Gray over the wall in the
fifth to break a scoreless tie. Rojas added a run-scoring single
later in the inning. Kershaw allowed four hits and struck out two.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner made his fifth major league
start since undergoing shoulder surgery in November.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
(AP) — Parker Meadows set off fireworks with a 10th-inning single
that brought hundreds of Little Leaguers to their feet and scored
Zach McKinstry on a headfirst slide to give the Detroit Tigers a 3-2
win over the New York Yankees in the Major League Baseball Little
League Classic. Jace Jung tied it 1-all when he ripped an RBI single
off Yankees closer Clay Holmes with two outs in the ninth inning to
score Colt Keith, who hit a one-out double. DJ LeMahieu’s
run-scoring single in the top of the 10th gave the Yankees a 2-1
lead, only for McKinstry to make it 2-all with an RBI single in the
bottom half.

DENVER (AP) —
Rookie Bo Nix led Denver on scoring drives on both of his possessions
on Sunday when the Broncos beat Green Bay 27-2. The Packers sat 31
players including all of their regular starters. Nix threw a
touchdown pass to Tim Patrick and would have had another one had he
not stepped over the line of scrimmage while firing a 14-yard pass to
Javonte Williams. Jarrett Stidham replaced Nix with Denver ahead 10-0
in the second quarter and ran for a 9-yard TD that made it 17-0 at
halftime.

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP)
— Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce says Gardner Minshew will
be the team's starting quarterback going into the season. Minshew
beat out Aidan O’Connell. Pierce said Minshew’s experience and
his handling of the offense gave him the edge. Minshew is in his
sixth season. He nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs
last season. The Raiders host the San Francisco 49ers on Friday in
their final preseason game.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— Hideki Matsuyama has won the FedEx St. Jude Championship just
like everyone expected. No one expected a wild finish like Sunday at
the TPC Southwind. Matsuyama lost a five-shot lead in a matter of
four holes on the back nine. He suddenly was trailing. And then he
birdied the last two holes to win by two shots with a 70. Xander
Schauffele and Viktor Hovland tied for second. Nick Dunlap also felt
like a winner. He was in contention to win, and then he was in danger
of not being among the top 50 who advanced to next week.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Mike Tyson says he is feeling good and has resumed training after a
health scare forced the postponement of his boxing match against Jake
Paul. The 58-year-old former heavyweight champion and the former
YouTube star will now meet Nov. 15 in Arlington, Texas. They had been
set to meet in July before Tyson became nauseous and dizzy on a
flight. His representatives said that was related to an ulcer
problem. Tyson says he has been training for two or three weeks for
the bout that will stream on Netflix.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL
LEAGUE PRESEASON

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) —
Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally
with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds
8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep. Blanco, an outfielder, had
just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals
outscore the Reds 28-3. The 31-year old from Cuba drove in seven runs
on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he
started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott
with a bunt single.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Shohei Ohtani hit his National League-leading 39th home run and
Clayton Kershaw tossed six shutout innings to lead the Los Angeles
Dodgers to a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Miguel Rojas and
Gavin Lux had three hits apiece as the NL West leaders won for the
seventh time in 10 games. Lars Nootbaar provided a pinch-hit homer in
the eighth for the Cardinals, who have lost six of seven. Ohtani
drilled a first-pitch offering from Sonny Gray over the wall in the
fifth to break a scoreless tie. Rojas added a run-scoring single
later in the inning. Kershaw allowed four hits and struck out two.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner made his fifth major league
start since undergoing shoulder surgery in November.WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
(AP) — Parker Meadows set off fireworks with a 10th-inning single
that brought hundreds of Little Leaguers to their feet and scored
Zach McKinstry on a headfirst slide to give the Detroit Tigers a 3-2
win over the New York Yankees in the Major League Baseball Little
League Classic. Jace Jung tied it 1-all when he ripped an RBI single
off Yankees closer Clay Holmes with two outs in the ninth inning to
score Colt Keith, who hit a one-out double. DJ LeMahieu’s
run-scoring single in the top of the 10th gave the Yankees a 2-1
lead, only for McKinstry to make it 2-all with an RBI single in the
bottom half.DENVER (AP) —
Rookie Bo Nix led Denver on scoring drives on both of his possessions
on Sunday when the Broncos beat Green Bay 27-2. The Packers sat 31
players including all of their regular starters. Nix threw a
touchdown pass to Tim Patrick and would have had another one had he
not stepped over the line of scrimmage while firing a 14-yard pass to
Javonte Williams. Jarrett Stidham replaced Nix with Denver ahead 10-0
in the second quarter and ran for a 9-yard TD that made it 17-0 at
halftime.HENDERSON, Nev. (AP)
— Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce says Gardner Minshew will
be the team's starting quarterback going into the season. Minshew
beat out Aidan O’Connell. Pierce said Minshew’s experience and
his handling of the offense gave him the edge. Minshew is in his
sixth season. He nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs
last season. The Raiders host the San Francisco 49ers on Friday in
their final preseason game.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— Hideki Matsuyama has won the FedEx St. Jude Championship just
like everyone expected. No one expected a wild finish like Sunday at
the TPC Southwind. Matsuyama lost a five-shot lead in a matter of
four holes on the back nine. He suddenly was trailing. And then he
birdied the last two holes to win by two shots with a 70. Xander
Schauffele and Viktor Hovland tied for second. Nick Dunlap also felt
like a winner. He was in contention to win, and then he was in danger
of not being among the top 50 who advanced to next week.NEW YORK (AP) —
Mike Tyson says he is feeling good and has resumed training after a
health scare forced the postponement of his boxing match against Jake
Paul. The 58-year-old former heavyweight champion and the former
YouTube star will now meet Nov. 15 in Arlington, Texas. They had been
set to meet in July before Tyson became nauseous and dizzy on a
flight. His representatives said that was related to an ulcer
problem. Tyson says he has been training for two or three weeks for
the bout that will stream on Netflix.SUNDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Milwaukee	2	Cleveland	0	Final	Kansas
City	8	Cincinnati	1	Final	Seattle	10	Pittsburgh	3	Final	Toronto	1	Chicago
Cubs	0	Final	Tampa
Bay	8	Arizona	7	Final	Atlanta	3	L.A.
Angels	1	Final	San
Francisco	4	Oakland	2	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Houston	2	Chicago
White Sox	0	Final	Baltimore	4	Boston	2	Final	Texas	6	Minnesota	5	Final	Detroit	3	N.Y.
Yankees	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Miami	3	N.Y.
Mets	2	Final	Washington	6	Philadelphia	4	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	2	St. Louis	1	Final	Colorado	3	San
Diego	2	NATIONAL FOOTBALL
LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal	Denver	27	Green
Bay	2

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep.

Blanco, an outfielder, had just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3.

“He had a down day today with just one homer,” Royals manager Matt Quatrao joked. “I'm so happy for him. The lack of playing time, the ability to be ready to go. He has physical ability. We know that. We give him consistent at-bats but he's always ready.”

The 31-year-old from Cuba drove in seven runs on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott with a bunt single. Blanco stole second and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's single. Salvatore Perez added a sacrifice fly.

On a team with All-Star Bobby Witt Jr. among three players with over 80 RBIs, Blanco emerged as the star of the series.

“I'm extremely happy. I always prepare myself,” Blanco said through an interpreter. “I stick with my routine. We have great players in this clubhouse. Everybody has a role. This series I had mine.”

Blanco hit his fourth home run of the season off Abbott (10-10). It was the 25th home run allowed by Abbott.

Pasquantino drove in three runs to take the team lead over Witt with 92.

Brady Singer (9-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 45-minute rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven.

“You got to start with Brady on that one,” Quatrao said. “Keeping focus with the rain delay and the threat of another rain delay. Staying loose, the way he was pounding the zone. The tone was set by Brady.”

Singer has been through rain delays before.

“A little different than normal with the rain delay. I tried to stay as loose as I can. I battled around some traffic. After that I felt locked in,” Singer said. “We got out there quick enough to keep going.”

Sam Long took over for Singer, pitching the seventh inning in a light rain. He allowed Santiago Espinal's third single, then walked three straight Reds with one out. Lucas Erceg entered to face Elly De La Cruz with the bases loaded. Erceg struck out De La Cruz and Spencer Steer to end the threat.

“I was ready for any time the bullpen phone rang. I knew who I was going to face, I did my homework. At the end of the day it is getting ahead of the hitters. I think I did that today,” Erceg said.

Abbott allowed four runs in five innings on six hits and an intentional walk. He struck out four.

“It’s not exactly how you want to come off a sweep of a division rival. We know we have to be better,” Abbott said.

TJ Friedl robbed Witt of his 26th home run, with a leaping catch in the seventh inning.

The Royals scored four in the ninth. Witt singled for his 91st RBI.

“We've been in this situation before. It's the challenge of the baseball season,” Reds manager David Bell said. “We're focused on the Blue Jays tomorrow. I'm focused on our team. We have a long way to go and have to prepare for the rest of the way.”

Reds: Hunter Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness retroactive to Aug. 14. He had an MRI exam and is seeking a second opinion.

The Royals will host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22) starts for the Angels. Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04) takes the ball for the Royals.

The Reds will visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The Reds have not announced the replacement for Greene. The Blue Jays will start Kevin Gausman (11-8, 4.20)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724022510909.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep.Blanco, an outfielder, had just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3.“He had a down day today with just one homer,” Royals manager Matt Quatrao joked. “I'm so happy for him. The lack of playing time, the ability to be ready to go. He has physical ability. We know that. We give him consistent at-bats but he's always ready.”The 31-year-old from Cuba drove in seven runs on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott with a bunt single. Blanco stole second and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's single. Salvatore Perez added a sacrifice fly.On a team with All-Star Bobby Witt Jr. among three players with over 80 RBIs, Blanco emerged as the star of the series.“I'm extremely happy. I always prepare myself,” Blanco said through an interpreter. “I stick with my routine. We have great players in this clubhouse. Everybody has a role. This series I had mine.”Blanco hit his fourth home run of the season off Abbott (10-10). It was the 25th home run allowed by Abbott.Pasquantino drove in three runs to take the team lead over Witt with 92.Brady Singer (9-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 45-minute rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven.“You got to start with Brady on that one,” Quatrao said. “Keeping focus with the rain delay and the threat of another rain delay. Staying loose, the way he was pounding the zone. The tone was set by Brady.”Singer has been through rain delays before.“A little different than normal with the rain delay. I tried to stay as loose as I can. I battled around some traffic. After that I felt locked in,” Singer said. “We got out there quick enough to keep going.”Sam Long took over for Singer, pitching the seventh inning in a light rain. He allowed Santiago Espinal's third single, then walked three straight Reds with one out. Lucas Erceg entered to face Elly De La Cruz with the bases loaded. Erceg struck out De La Cruz and Spencer Steer to end the threat.“I was ready for any time the bullpen phone rang. I knew who I was going to face, I did my homework. At the end of the day it is getting ahead of the hitters. I think I did that today,” Erceg said.Abbott allowed four runs in five innings on six hits and an intentional walk. He struck out four.“It’s not exactly how you want to come off a sweep of a division rival. We know we have to be better,” Abbott said.TJ Friedl robbed Witt of his 26th home run, with a leaping catch in the seventh inning.The Royals scored four in the ninth. Witt singled for his 91st RBI.“We've been in this situation before. It's the challenge of the baseball season,” Reds manager David Bell said. “We're focused on the Blue Jays tomorrow. I'm focused on our team. We have a long way to go and have to prepare for the rest of the way.”TRAINER'S ROOMReds: Hunter Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness retroactive to Aug. 14. He had an MRI exam and is seeking a second opinion.UP NEXTThe Royals will host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22) starts for the Angels. Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04) takes the ball for the Royals.The Reds will visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The Reds have not announced the replacement for Greene. The Blue Jays will start Kevin Gausman (11-8, 4.20)

Royals complete a sweep of the Reds with an 8-1 victory

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football is two weeks away from its season opener vs. Lindenwood on Aug. 29 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Jayhawks unveiled a new red uniform that will be worn during the 2024 season.

The red uniforms feature an all-red jersey and pants, with a bolded Kansas across the chest. Each of the arm sleeves features "Rock Chalk" in block lettering centered between two stripes.

In 2023, Kansas unveiled a series of new uniforms, including its "Blackhawk" uniforms, which were worn against Illinois on Sept. 8, 2023 and Kansas State on Nov. 18, 2023. Months prior, the Jayhawks unveiled a new home and away set of uniforms in blue and white, featuring the same bolded Kansas across the chest and sleeve stripes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724009869241.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football is two weeks away from its season opener vs. Lindenwood on Aug. 29 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Jayhawks unveiled a new red uniform that will be worn during the 2024 season.The red uniforms feature an all-red jersey and pants, with a bolded Kansas across the chest. Each of the arm sleeves features "Rock Chalk" in block lettering centered between two stripes.In 2023, Kansas unveiled a series of new uniforms, including its "Blackhawk" uniforms, which were worn against Illinois on Sept. 8, 2023 and Kansas State on Nov. 18, 2023. Months prior, the Jayhawks unveiled a new home and away set of uniforms in blue and white, featuring the same bolded Kansas across the chest and sleeve stripes.

Kansas Football Unveils New Red Uniforms

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS – The Fort Hays State football team closed out preseason camp Saturday morning with their only scheduled scrimmage at Lewis Field.

The scrimmage, which included MIAA officials, was a success according to head coach Chris Brown.

“The physicality was there today." Brown said. “Through camp, I didn't think we were physical, not where I quite wanted, but today, I really thought that physicality came through, you know, across the board, offensively and defensively.”

FHSU returns the majority of their starters on the defensive side of the ball and Brown thought that showed Saturday.

“I'm pretty pleased, defense did really well today, but you know, we've seen our offense for two weeks now and that really makes it tough on our offense.” Brown said.  “They didn't give us all the looks that we were expecting to try to keep it pretty simple and just let us guys line up and play, but overall, I thought we did really well. I thought we got some really good talent out here, and I thought we played some really good speed today.”

One of those returning defensive starters is defensive end Myles Menges who, thanks to COVID, is in his sixth season with the Tigers.

“This is the best overall team chemistry we’ve ever had throughout the camp.” Menges said. “I would say we got after it this year and this is probably one of the most physical units we’ve had at this point of camp.”

Jack Dawson is the Tigers returning starting quarterback and felt the defense had the upper hand.

“Our defense, they’re really solid.” Dawson said. “We practice against them every single day and it’s hard for us. With our new offensive coordinator (Matt Ross) we’re still figuring things out. You can kind of see through the first few days of camp we’re having success and when the bullets start firing, we can’t fold.”

With the start of classes Monday, the Tigers shift to afternoon practices. They open the season on Thursday, August 29 at home against Angelo State.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723923556615.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State wide receiver Tariq Logan tries to break a tackle after making a catch in a scrimmage on Saturday, August 17, 2024 (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State wide receiver Tariq Logan tries to break a tackle after making a catch in a scrimmage on Saturday, August 17, 2024 (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS – The Fort Hays State football team closed out preseason camp Saturday morning with their only scheduled scrimmage at Lewis Field.The scrimmage, which included MIAA officials, was a success according to head coach Chris Brown.“The physicality was there today." Brown said. “Through camp, I didn't think we were physical, not where I quite wanted, but today, I really thought that physicality came through, you know, across the board, offensively and defensively.”FHSU returns the majority of their starters on the defensive side of the ball and Brown thought that showed Saturday.“I'm pretty pleased, defense did really well today, but you know, we've seen our offense for two weeks now and that really makes it tough on our offense.” Brown said. “They didn't give us all the looks that we were expecting to try to keep it pretty simple and just let us guys line up and play, but overall, I thought we did really well. I thought we got some really good talent out here, and I thought we played some really good speed today.”One of those returning defensive starters is defensive end Myles Menges who, thanks to COVID, is in his sixth season with the Tigers.“This is the best overall team chemistry we’ve ever had throughout the camp.” Menges said. “I would say we got after it this year and this is probably one of the most physical units we’ve had at this point of camp.”Jack Dawson is the Tigers returning starting quarterback and felt the defense had the upper hand.“Our defense, they’re really solid.” Dawson said. “We practice against them every single day and it’s hard for us. With our new offensive coordinator (Matt Ross) we’re still figuring things out. You can kind of see through the first few days of camp we’re having success and when the bullets start firing, we can’t fold.”With the start of classes Monday, the Tigers shift to afternoon practices. They open the season on Thursday, August 29 at home against Angelo State.

Tigers wrap up preseason camp with Saturday scrimmage

CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1 on Saturday night.

The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night.

Blanco, who wielded a bat painted to look like a yellow crayon, hit a two-run homer deep to center field on the first pitch he saw from Reds starter Nick Lodolo in the second inning.

Then the 31-year-old Cuban cleared the loaded bases with a shot deep into the left-field seats in the third and drove in another run with a single in the fourth. He came into the game with just one homer and five RBIs this season.

“It’s all about sticking with your routine, throughout the day, no matter what,” Blanco said through a translator. “And I felt good. And it showed today.”

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said he was glad to see Blanco, typically a utility player, be rewarded for his work.

"Really cool for him. He doesn't get a ton of at-bats, but he's ready to go anytime he gets in there, whether it's pinch-run, defense," Quatraro said. "He's ready to swing the bat. And for him to have a night like that is really special."

Regarding the unusual bat, Blanco had some help picking it out. He had several to choose from, painted with special themes for the Players Weekend when players are allowed to bend some of the traditional rules of baseball equipment.

“I was talking to my family, and I asked them, like, which bat did they like for me to use today? And everybody picked the yellow one,” he said. “It’s mom’s favorite color. So, once I hit the first home run and, you know, I just laughed, and it was a good feeling."

It was a rough outing for Lodolo (9-5), who loaded the bases in the disastrous third and walked in a run before allowing an RBI single to Paul DeJong. Buck Farmer relieved, and promptly gave up the grand slam to Blanco.

The Royals scored seven in the third and led 10-0 before Cincinnati got through its batting order once.

Lodolo made it only 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs and eight hits.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to six games. He finished 1 for 4 with his major league-leading average slipping a point to .351.

Jeimer Candelario hit a solo homer, his 20th of the season, for the Reds in the seventh inning.

“Tonight the Royals beat us in every way," Reds manager David Bell said. "It’s one game. We have too much to play for.”

Reds RHP Hunter Greene went on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness. He's expected to have an MRI in the next few days.

Reds lefty Andrew Abbott (10-9, 3.59 ERA) faces Royals right-hander Brady Singer (8-8, 3.32) in the finale of the three-game series on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723987285288.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Cincinnati Reds first baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) looks on as Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco (44) rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam in the third inning of a baseball game in Cincinnati, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Cincinnati Reds first baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) looks on as Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco (44) rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam in the third inning of a baseball game in Cincinnati, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1 on Saturday night.The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night.Blanco, who wielded a bat painted to look like a yellow crayon, hit a two-run homer deep to center field on the first pitch he saw from Reds starter Nick Lodolo in the second inning.Then the 31-year-old Cuban cleared the loaded bases with a shot deep into the left-field seats in the third and drove in another run with a single in the fourth. He came into the game with just one homer and five RBIs this season.“It’s all about sticking with your routine, throughout the day, no matter what,” Blanco said through a translator. “And I felt good. And it showed today.”Royals manager Matt Quatraro said he was glad to see Blanco, typically a utility player, be rewarded for his work."Really cool for him. He doesn't get a ton of at-bats, but he's ready to go anytime he gets in there, whether it's pinch-run, defense," Quatraro said. "He's ready to swing the bat. And for him to have a night like that is really special."Regarding the unusual bat, Blanco had some help picking it out. He had several to choose from, painted with special themes for the Players Weekend when players are allowed to bend some of the traditional rules of baseball equipment.“I was talking to my family, and I asked them, like, which bat did they like for me to use today? And everybody picked the yellow one,” he said. “It’s mom’s favorite color. So, once I hit the first home run and, you know, I just laughed, and it was a good feeling."It was a rough outing for Lodolo (9-5), who loaded the bases in the disastrous third and walked in a run before allowing an RBI single to Paul DeJong. Buck Farmer relieved, and promptly gave up the grand slam to Blanco.The Royals scored seven in the third and led 10-0 before Cincinnati got through its batting order once.Lodolo made it only 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs and eight hits.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to six games. He finished 1 for 4 with his major league-leading average slipping a point to .351.Jeimer Candelario hit a solo homer, his 20th of the season, for the Reds in the seventh inning.“Tonight the Royals beat us in every way," Reds manager David Bell said. "It’s one game. We have too much to play for.”TRAINER'S ROOMReds RHP Hunter Greene went on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness. He's expected to have an MRI in the next few days.UP NEXTReds lefty Andrew Abbott (10-9, 3.59 ERA) faces Royals right-hander Brady Singer (8-8, 3.32) in the finale of the three-game series on Sunday.

Dairon Blanco drives in 7 runs as the Royals rout Reds 13-1

CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1. The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night. Blanco hit a two-run homer in the second inning and the grand slam in the third before driving in another run with a single in the fourth.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Masyn Winn, Alec Burleson and Nolan Arenado homered and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Saturday night to snap a five-game losing streak. Andre Pallante (5-6) allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings. JoJo Romero pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Ryan Helsley had a perfect ninth inning for his major league- leading 38th save. Shohei Ohtani went 2 for 3 with a homer and a two stolen bases for Los Angeles. He broke a out of a 10-game slump where he went 5 for 44 (.144) without a multi-hit game. Bobby Miller (1-3) allowed four runs on eight hits and four wild pitches in 4 2/3 innings after being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — With nostalgia and so many famous faces, it felt like old times in Oakland again — at least for a day. Mark Kotsay and Bob Melvin and Miguel Tejada felt it. Same for Mark Canha and Matt Chapman, a couple of former Athletics stars now wearing the rival’s jersey. Even for a teary and touched José Canseco, one of the newest members of the Athletics Hall of Fame who never saw this honor coming. The A’s and Giants played the first of two games that will mark the final Bay Bridge Series in Oakland. The A’s defeated the Giants 2-0 in the first game on Saturday before a season-high 37,551 fans for the matinee.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes completed a nifty behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce while throwing for 93 yards in two tidy series, though the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Detroit Lions 24-23 in their preseason game. Mahomes was 8 of 14 while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions’ backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars. Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker was 12 of 15 for 150 yards with a TD run.

UNDATED (AP) — It’s almost time. College football is about to ramp up again. There are a handful of games next Saturday, including No. 10 Florida State taking on Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. Led by defensive end Patrick Payton and offensive tackle Darius Washington, the Seminoles are a popular pick to repeat as Atlantic Coast Conference champions. Florida State and Georgia Tech kick off at 12 p.m. EDT. Also on the slate next Saturday: Norfolk State faces Florida A&amp;M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta and SMU visits Nevada.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville senior wide receiver Caullin Lacy will miss six to eight weeks after breaking his collarbone during a scrimmage. The South Alabama transfer was expected to have a prominent role in the Cardinals’ offense after leading the Sun Belt Conference with 1,316 yards receiving last season. Lacy was a first-team All-Sun Belt selection last year and had 208 receptions for 2,521 yards and 13 TDs over four seasons with the Jaguars. Lacy’s yardage total was seventh best in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama is running away with the FedEx St. Jude Championship in sweltering Memphis, Tennessee. The Japanese star hit another great 3-wood over the water to set up eagle. He shot a 64 and built a five-shot lead going into the final round. Nick Dunlap had a 66 and was in second place. Scottie Scheffler had three bogeys in his round of 69 and Sam Burns was all over the map in his round of 70. They were seven shots behind. The focus now shifts to the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings who advance to the BMW Championship.

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Austin Dillon has no regrets over his aggressive actions that triggered last-lap wrecks for Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin before Dillon went on to win at Richmond Raceway and had NASCAR later revoke his automatic spot in the playoffs. All three are scheduled to compete on the same track again Sunday in the Firekeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The checkered flag seemed out of reach for Dillon last weekend until the final seconds when he spun Logano out of the way and sent Hamlin into the wall at Richmond.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1. The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night. Blanco hit a two-run homer in the second inning and the grand slam in the third before driving in another run with a single in the fourth.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Masyn Winn, Alec Burleson and Nolan Arenado homered and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Saturday night to snap a five-game losing streak. Andre Pallante (5-6) allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings. JoJo Romero pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Ryan Helsley had a perfect ninth inning for his major league- leading 38th save. Shohei Ohtani went 2 for 3 with a homer and a two stolen bases for Los Angeles. He broke a out of a 10-game slump where he went 5 for 44 (.144) without a multi-hit game. Bobby Miller (1-3) allowed four runs on eight hits and four wild pitches in 4 2/3 innings after being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — With nostalgia and so many famous faces, it felt like old times in Oakland again — at least for a day. Mark Kotsay and Bob Melvin and Miguel Tejada felt it. Same for Mark Canha and Matt Chapman, a couple of former Athletics stars now wearing the rival’s jersey. Even for a teary and touched José Canseco, one of the newest members of the Athletics Hall of Fame who never saw this honor coming. The A’s and Giants played the first of two games that will mark the final Bay Bridge Series in Oakland. The A’s defeated the Giants 2-0 in the first game on Saturday before a season-high 37,551 fans for the matinee.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes completed a nifty behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce while throwing for 93 yards in two tidy series, though the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Detroit Lions 24-23 in their preseason game. Mahomes was 8 of 14 while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions’ backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars. Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker was 12 of 15 for 150 yards with a TD run.UNDATED (AP) — It’s almost time. College football is about to ramp up again. There are a handful of games next Saturday, including No. 10 Florida State taking on Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. Led by defensive end Patrick Payton and offensive tackle Darius Washington, the Seminoles are a popular pick to repeat as Atlantic Coast Conference champions. Florida State and Georgia Tech kick off at 12 p.m. EDT. Also on the slate next Saturday: Norfolk State faces Florida A&amp;M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta and SMU visits Nevada.LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville senior wide receiver Caullin Lacy will miss six to eight weeks after breaking his collarbone during a scrimmage. The South Alabama transfer was expected to have a prominent role in the Cardinals’ offense after leading the Sun Belt Conference with 1,316 yards receiving last season. Lacy was a first-team All-Sun Belt selection last year and had 208 receptions for 2,521 yards and 13 TDs over four seasons with the Jaguars. Lacy’s yardage total was seventh best in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama is running away with the FedEx St. Jude Championship in sweltering Memphis, Tennessee. The Japanese star hit another great 3-wood over the water to set up eagle. He shot a 64 and built a five-shot lead going into the final round. Nick Dunlap had a 66 and was in second place. Scottie Scheffler had three bogeys in his round of 69 and Sam Burns was all over the map in his round of 70. They were seven shots behind. The focus now shifts to the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings who advance to the BMW Championship.BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Austin Dillon has no regrets over his aggressive actions that triggered last-lap wrecks for Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin before Dillon went on to win at Richmond Raceway and had NASCAR later revoke his automatic spot in the playoffs. All three are scheduled to compete on the same track again Sunday in the Firekeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The checkered flag seemed out of reach for Dillon last weekend until the final seconds when he spun Logano out of the way and sent Hamlin into the wall at Richmond.SATURDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	7	Seattle	2	Final	Chicago Cubs	3	Toronto	2	Final	Tampa Bay	6	Arizona	1	Final	Kansas City	13	Cincinnati	1	Final	Milwaukee	2	Cleveland	1	Final	Oakland	2	San Francisco	0	Final	Atlanta	11	L.A. Angels	3	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	4	N.Y. Yankees	0	Final	Minnesota	5	Texas	2	Final	Houston	6	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	Boston	5	Baltimore	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Mets	4	Miami	0	Final	Philadelphia	5	Washington	1	Final	St. Louis	5	L.A. Dodgers	2	Final	San Diego	8	Colorado	3	NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal	Baltimore	13	Atlanta	12	Final	Chicago	27	Cincinnati	3	Final	Houston	28	N-Y Giants	10	Final	Detroit	24	Kansas City	23	Final	Minnesota	27	Cleveland	12	Final	Buffalo	9	Pittsburgh	3	Final	Indianapolis	21	Arizona	13	Final	Miami	13	Washington	6	Final	N-Y Jets	15	Carolina	12	Final	Tennessee	16	Seattle	15	Final	L.A. Rams	13	L.A. Chargers	9	Final	Jacksonville	20	Tampa Bay	7	Final	Dallas	27	Las Vegas	12

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was rolling to his right in the first half of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday when he realized that Travis Kelce had run the wrong route.

So, Mahomes threw to his trusty tight end out of spite anyway — by throwing it to him behind his back.

The audacious throw was the highlight of an otherwise forgettable preseason game in which Mahomes threw for 93 yards in two tidy series of work, but the Lions rallied to win 24-23 on Jake Bates' 43-yard field goal with no time remaining.

“I always told you it had to happen naturally,” said Mahomes, who has fooled around with behind-the-back passes in practice but had never tried it in a game. “I knew it was on target. It was just low. But like I said, it wasn't like — I didn't do it to look cool. I did it because I was like, pissed off (at Kelce), like why did you run that route like that? And it just worked out.”

Mahomes was 8 of 14 through the air while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions' backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars last week.

But none of that will be remembered like his behind-the-back pass to Kelce, when Detroit defensive lineman Josh Paschal was beginning to bear down on him.

Kelce reached down and snagged the pass, and the completion on third-and-3 at the Detroit 33 was good for a first down and helped to set up an eventual field goal.

“He does it in practice every day,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I'm alright with it as long as it's a completion.”

It didn’t take long for clips of the pass to go viral. Kelce’s brother and retired Eagles center Jason Kelce tweeted, “The son of a gun actually did it!” Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, added: “That was unnecessary, but beautiful!”

Carson Wentz took over for Mahomes and was 5 of 10 for 31 yards with a touchdown throw to Xavier Worthy. The speedy first-round pick out of Texas had three catches for 62 yards and the score while adding 11 yards on a rushing attempt.

Lions coach Dan Campbell opted to sit his starters for their second preseason game, just as he did last year against the Jaguars. Campbell had been noncommittal about his plan for the game earlier in the week, though he did cancel a planned scrimmage for Wednesday because of the number of injuries the team has sustained in training camp.

Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker, who returned after sustaining a concussion last week against the Giants, was 12 of 15 for 150 yards while running for a touchdown as he tried to make some headway in the competition.

The Lions' special teams were in preseason form most of the game. They fumbled the ball away on a kickoff return — Wentz hit Worthy three plays later for their TD strike. They also fumbled a punt return and Bates missed an extra point.

Then again, Bates made the kick that won the Lions the game.

“That’s a big kick,” Campbell said. “That’s two weeks in a row. He hits a 53 (last week against the Giants) and a 55-yarder, and then hits a game-winner. Every time he does something like that, you gain a little more confidence in him.”

Chiefs LS James Winchester left in the first half with a shoulder injury but returned after the break.

Chiefs: Play the Bears on Thursday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723928013525.png" alt="&nbsp;(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was rolling to his right in the first half of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday when he realized that Travis Kelce had run the wrong route.So, Mahomes threw to his trusty tight end out of spite anyway — by throwing it to him behind his back.The audacious throw was the highlight of an otherwise forgettable preseason game in which Mahomes threw for 93 yards in two tidy series of work, but the Lions rallied to win 24-23 on Jake Bates' 43-yard field goal with no time remaining.“I always told you it had to happen naturally,” said Mahomes, who has fooled around with behind-the-back passes in practice but had never tried it in a game. “I knew it was on target. It was just low. But like I said, it wasn't like — I didn't do it to look cool. I did it because I was like, pissed off (at Kelce), like why did you run that route like that? And it just worked out.”Mahomes was 8 of 14 through the air while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions' backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars last week.But none of that will be remembered like his behind-the-back pass to Kelce, when Detroit defensive lineman Josh Paschal was beginning to bear down on him.Kelce reached down and snagged the pass, and the completion on third-and-3 at the Detroit 33 was good for a first down and helped to set up an eventual field goal.“He does it in practice every day,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I'm alright with it as long as it's a completion.”It didn’t take long for clips of the pass to go viral. Kelce’s brother and retired Eagles center Jason Kelce tweeted, “The son of a gun actually did it!” Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, added: “That was unnecessary, but beautiful!”Carson Wentz took over for Mahomes and was 5 of 10 for 31 yards with a touchdown throw to Xavier Worthy. The speedy first-round pick out of Texas had three catches for 62 yards and the score while adding 11 yards on a rushing attempt.Lions coach Dan Campbell opted to sit his starters for their second preseason game, just as he did last year against the Jaguars. Campbell had been noncommittal about his plan for the game earlier in the week, though he did cancel a planned scrimmage for Wednesday because of the number of injuries the team has sustained in training camp.Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker, who returned after sustaining a concussion last week against the Giants, was 12 of 15 for 150 yards while running for a touchdown as he tried to make some headway in the competition.The Lions' special teams were in preseason form most of the game. They fumbled the ball away on a kickoff return — Wentz hit Worthy three plays later for their TD strike. They also fumbled a punt return and Bates missed an extra point.Then again, Bates made the kick that won the Lions the game.“That’s a big kick,” Campbell said. “That’s two weeks in a row. He hits a 53 (last week against the Giants) and a 55-yarder, and then hits a game-winner. Every time he does something like that, you gain a little more confidence in him.”INJURIESChiefs LS James Winchester left in the first half with a shoulder injury but returned after the break.UP NEXTLions: Play the Steelers next Saturday.Chiefs: Play the Bears on Thursday night.

Mahomes completes behind-the-back pass in 24-23 preseason loss to Detroit

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723911220712.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe 17th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team has been tabbed to finish fourth in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division I women's soccer preseason order of finish as voted on by the league coaches.Outperforming their runner-up prediction a season ago, the Cougars clinched their second straight conference title and made their second consecutive national tournament appearance.Finishing league play with a best record of 12-1-3 and 36 points, the Lady Cougars earned an at-large bid after falling in the Region VI/Plains District title before concluding the season in pool play at the NJCAA National Tournament finishing 14-3-4 overall.Defending Region 6/Plains District Champion 10th ranked Cowley College was picked to win the conference while 12th ranked Butler and 20th ranked Hutchinson rounded out the projected top-3 order of finishers.Entering new direction with the program's winningest coach Ousmane Camara leaving after eight seasons for Monroe College, first year head coach Rafael Simmons looks to revamp the squad that lost seven of its' nine postseason honors last season including a pair of All-America selections.Returning 11 players with just three appearing consistently in the starting lineup a season ago, forward Fiona Jolly and goalkeeper Mio Tanaka highlight the lone postseason award returners each earning all-honorable mention nods. Jolly looks to guide the offense after finding the net five times last year for third most on the club with a pair of assists. Tanaka returns between the pipes looking to build off her solid freshman campaign that featured just two games of allowing two or more goals and helping pitch six shutouts in 21 matches in net.Simmons will depend heavily on the depth of his squad this season which features 13 newcomers with two-transfers.The Cougars have one scrimmage remaining next Thursday at Fort Hays State University after playing their first exhibition of the year Wednesday night on the road at Friends University.Barton's schedule features five preseason ranked teams all within the Jayhawk Conference. The Cougars will be on the road for five of their opening six games with their home opener coming September 4th against Coffeyville following a September 1st trip to 12th ranked Butler.Closing out the month of September with four of five at home, the Cougars will host 20th ranked Hutchinson on the 14th with a three match homestand coming following a trip to 10th ranked Cowley on the 18th.Barton will have a busy October with seven games which highlight a trio of ranked opponents hosting Butler to open the month, a mid-month trip to Hutchinson before facing the conference favorite Tigers of Cowley to conclude the home portion of the season on the 19th.Postseason play begins on November 3rd, in a hopeful first round hosting followed by the final two rounds taking place November 7th and 10th.