CLEVELAND (AP) — Cal Quantrill's record at home has gone from oddity to rarity.

Quantrill finished the regular season unbeaten at Progressive Field, improving to 14-0 in his career at the ballpark after Owen Miller hit a two-run homer to send the Cleveland Guardians to a 5-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Quantrill (15-5) was in danger of his unblemished record at home ending before Miller's shot off Daniel Lynch (4-13) capped Cleveland's five-run fifth. Quantrill's 14-game winning streak is the longest in the ballpark's history.

“I try to keep the boys in the game,” he said of his charmed ways in Cleveland. "I trust that if I come out of a game with the lead that they’ll keep it, and if I don’t, that they’ll score. I don’t have a magic formula. I just compete.”

Quantrill's streak also matches the longest for a pitcher in any ballpark since 1901. Vic Raschi went 14-0 at Chicago's Comiskey Park from 1947-55. Also, Quantrill has gone 36 starts without a home loss, two shy of Kenny Rogers' record.

Now 23-6 since Sept. 5, the Guardians keep finding ways to win.

“It’s how this team has played all year long,” said Quantrill. "I know that if I give this team a chance to win, it’s more than likely that they’re going to get it done. It’s not always on schedule. It’s not always first inning, six runs.

“But I know if I come out of the game and it’s close I have confidence in our hitters. There’s no way that a staff is excited to face us three or four times through the order. Showed again today.”

José Ramírez hit a two-run double and Andrés Giménez had an RBI single in the fifth.

Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase gave up a run in the ninth before getting his MLB-leading 42nd save.

About an hour after the game, Cleveland learned it will face Tampa Bay in the wild-card round beginning Friday. The Guardians went 4-2 against the Rays during the season, winning two of three last week. All three games in the series were decided by one run, with two going to extra innings.

Quantrill, who is slated to start Game 3 — if there is one — in the first series or Game 1 if the Guardians advance, said he and his teammates are primed for the playoffs.

“We show up. We have energy. We play for a manager that we believe in,” Quantrill said. “We play for a team and a city that we believe in.”

The Guardians couldn't get anything going through four innings against Lynch before getting to the left-hander in the fifth.

Myles Straw led off with a perfectly placed bunt, and one out later, Amed Rosario got his third single. Following a double steal, Ramírez doubled high off the wall in left.

Giménez's RBI single made it 3-1 before Miller chased Lynch by connecting for his first homer since Aug. 1.

Despite the loss, Royals manager Mike Matheny was pleased with Lynch, who went 0-6 with five no-decisions in his last 11 starts.

“I was surprised how strong he looked Game 161, all things considered with how he looked kind of limping into August,” Matheny said. “He finished strong. Good fastball, thought the slider was good, one of the best changeups he’s had.”

Giménez, the Guardians' All-Star second baseman, was hit by a pitch for the 24th time this season. He leads the AL in a category he'd rather not.

Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. has moved into elite company.

He's only the second rookie in 35 years to get at least 20 homers and 30 steals. Mike Trout had 30 homers and 49 steals in 2012.

“I'm glad we're seeing some of those comps because what we see on a daily basis in those big categories, it's different," said Matheny. “It's special. What he's been able to do all season I believe deserves that kind of attention.”

Giménez will play for Venezuela in next year's World Baseball Classic, which will be held during spring training. Kansas City's Salvador Perez is a teammate.

Cleveland has given Giménez its blessing, but that doesn't mean the club doesn't have concerns about him playing. After all, players have sustained injuries that have derailed seasons and careers.

“With the position players you grin and bear it," Guardians manager Terry Francona said. "Nobody likes not having your guys around in spring training. But if I was Gimi, I would want to represent my country. I get it. It’s a big honor. But you worry.”

Royals: Perez (left thumb soreness) was not in Kansas City's starting lineup for the third day in a row. The 32-year-old underwent surgery on his thumb earlier this season and the Royals don't want him to re-injure it.

Royals: RHP Jonathan Heasley (4-9, 5.00 ERA) starts the season finale for Kansas City. He's just 1-3 on the road this season.

Guardians: Aaron Civale (4-6, 5.04) is 2-0 since returning from his third stint on the injured list. He'll be Cleveland's starter in Game 1 of the AL Division Series if the wild-card round goes three games.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cal Quantrill's record at home has gone from oddity to rarity.Quantrill finished the regular season unbeaten at Progressive Field, improving to 14-0 in his career at the ballpark after Owen Miller hit a two-run homer to send the Cleveland Guardians to a 5-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Quantrill (15-5) was in danger of his unblemished record at home ending before Miller's shot off Daniel Lynch (4-13) capped Cleveland's five-run fifth. Quantrill's 14-game winning streak is the longest in the ballpark's history.“I try to keep the boys in the game,” he said of his charmed ways in Cleveland. "I trust that if I come out of a game with the lead that they’ll keep it, and if I don’t, that they’ll score. I don’t have a magic formula. I just compete.”Quantrill's streak also matches the longest for a pitcher in any ballpark since 1901. Vic Raschi went 14-0 at Chicago's Comiskey Park from 1947-55. Also, Quantrill has gone 36 starts without a home loss, two shy of Kenny Rogers' record.Now 23-6 since Sept. 5, the Guardians keep finding ways to win.“It’s how this team has played all year long,” said Quantrill. "I know that if I give this team a chance to win, it’s more than likely that they’re going to get it done. It’s not always on schedule. It’s not always first inning, six runs.“But I know if I come out of the game and it’s close I have confidence in our hitters. There’s no way that a staff is excited to face us three or four times through the order. Showed again today.”José Ramírez hit a two-run double and Andrés Giménez had an RBI single in the fifth.Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase gave up a run in the ninth before getting his MLB-leading 42nd save.About an hour after the game, Cleveland learned it will face Tampa Bay in the wild-card round beginning Friday. The Guardians went 4-2 against the Rays during the season, winning two of three last week. All three games in the series were decided by one run, with two going to extra innings.Quantrill, who is slated to start Game 3 — if there is one — in the first series or Game 1 if the Guardians advance, said he and his teammates are primed for the playoffs.“We show up. We have energy. We play for a manager that we believe in,” Quantrill said. “We play for a team and a city that we believe in.”The Guardians couldn't get anything going through four innings against Lynch before getting to the left-hander in the fifth.Myles Straw led off with a perfectly placed bunt, and one out later, Amed Rosario got his third single. Following a double steal, Ramírez doubled high off the wall in left.Giménez's RBI single made it 3-1 before Miller chased Lynch by connecting for his first homer since Aug. 1.Despite the loss, Royals manager Mike Matheny was pleased with Lynch, who went 0-6 with five no-decisions in his last 11 starts.“I was surprised how strong he looked Game 161, all things considered with how he looked kind of limping into August,” Matheny said. “He finished strong. Good fastball, thought the slider was good, one of the best changeups he’s had.”OUCHGiménez, the Guardians' All-Star second baseman, was hit by a pitch for the 24th time this season. He leads the AL in a category he'd rather not.ROOKIE ROYALTYKansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. has moved into elite company.He's only the second rookie in 35 years to get at least 20 homers and 30 steals. Mike Trout had 30 homers and 49 steals in 2012.“I'm glad we're seeing some of those comps because what we see on a daily basis in those big categories, it's different," said Matheny. “It's special. What he's been able to do all season I believe deserves that kind of attention.”TOURNEY TIMEGiménez will play for Venezuela in next year's World Baseball Classic, which will be held during spring training. Kansas City's Salvador Perez is a teammate.Cleveland has given Giménez its blessing, but that doesn't mean the club doesn't have concerns about him playing. After all, players have sustained injuries that have derailed seasons and careers.“With the position players you grin and bear it," Guardians manager Terry Francona said. "Nobody likes not having your guys around in spring training. But if I was Gimi, I would want to represent my country. I get it. It’s a big honor. But you worry.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Perez (left thumb soreness) was not in Kansas City's starting lineup for the third day in a row. The 32-year-old underwent surgery on his thumb earlier this season and the Royals don't want him to re-injure it.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Jonathan Heasley (4-9, 5.00 ERA) starts the season finale for Kansas City. He's just 1-3 on the road this season.Guardians: Aaron Civale (4-6, 5.04) is 2-0 since returning from his third stint on the injured list. He'll be Cleveland's starter in Game 1 of the AL Division Series if the wild-card round goes three games.

Quantrill stays unbeaten at home, Guardians down Royals 5-3

The Barton Community College volleyball team rallied from a 2-1 deficit on the road Monday evening inside the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena defeating Pratt Community College in five sets 25-15, 25-27, 17-25, 25-11 and 15-8.

Snapping a two-game skid, the Cougars improve to 3-5 in the conference play and 14-5 on the season while the Beavers continue to search for their first conference win falling to 0-9 in league play and 4-14 overall.

Barton will conclude its two-match road trip Wednesday at Dodge City Community College with opening serve slated for 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664978675418.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College volleyball team rallied from a 2-1 deficit on the road Monday evening inside the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena defeating Pratt Community College in five sets 25-15, 25-27, 17-25, 25-11 and 15-8.Snapping a two-game skid, the Cougars improve to 3-5 in the conference play and 14-5 on the season while the Beavers continue to search for their first conference win falling to 0-9 in league play and 4-14 overall.Barton will conclude its two-match road trip Wednesday at Dodge City Community College with opening serve slated for 6:30 p.m.

Barton Volleyball rallies with fifth set victory at Pratt

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663183818995.jpeg" alt="Presented By" />
 <figcaption>Presented By</figcaption>
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(WATCH) Tuesday Sports Day

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Bobby Wagner delivered one of the biggest hits on a person who got onto the field.

The Rams linebacker flattened the protester who ran on the field with a device emitting pink smoke late in the second quarter of Los Angeles' game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

“I just saw someone running on the field,” Wagner said. “It looked like he wasn’t supposed to be on the field so I saw security was having a problem so I helped them out.”

With less than a minute left in the first half, the person got onto the field and ran across while being chased by security as the pink smoke filled the field.

As the person ran toward the Rams sideline, linebacker Takkarist McKinley came toward him before Wagner came off the sideline and laid him out with a big hit.

“I saw Bobby Wagner taking somebody out,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I thought that was kind of cool to see.”

The protester was taken off the field by security and the game quickly resumed.

Earlier in the game, another person tried to get onto the field with a similar device, but was stopped by security.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664896967361.jpeg" alt="A protester is hit by Los Angeles Rams defensive end Takkarist McKinley, middle left, and linebacker Bobby Wagner during the first half of an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>A protester is hit by Los Angeles Rams defensive end Takkarist McKinley, middle left, and linebacker Bobby Wagner during the first half of an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Bobby Wagner delivered one of the biggest hits on a person who got onto the field.The Rams linebacker flattened the protester who ran on the field with a device emitting pink smoke late in the second quarter of Los Angeles' game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.“I just saw someone running on the field,” Wagner said. “It looked like he wasn’t supposed to be on the field so I saw security was having a problem so I helped them out.”With less than a minute left in the first half, the person got onto the field and ran across while being chased by security as the pink smoke filled the field.As the person ran toward the Rams sideline, linebacker Takkarist McKinley came toward him before Wagner came off the sideline and laid him out with a big hit.“I saw Bobby Wagner taking somebody out,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I thought that was kind of cool to see.”The protester was taken off the field by security and the game quickly resumed.Earlier in the game, another person tried to get onto the field with a similar device, but was stopped by security.

Rams LB Bobby Wagner flattens protester who gets on field

Earlier in the season the Lady Panther doubles teams were doing the scoring. The singles players have stepped up big of late, and Monday in Dodge City Lakyn Smith finished second at No. 2 singles. She accounted for three of Great Bend's four team points on the day for a fourth-place finish. Garden City scored 15 points for the Western Athletic Conference title, and Hays finished second with 10 points.

After a bye in round one, Smith was part of two 8-0 matches with a win against Liberal and a loss to Dodge City. After an 8-1 win against Dodge City, Smith closed out the day in dramatic fashion with an 8-7 (4) win against Hays. Garden City's Alivia Palmer went 4-0 by a combined tally of 32-0 for the title.

Kaylin Wahlmeier opened the No. 1 singles bracket strong with an 8-0 win over Liberal. She lost her next two matches 8-1, then came up just short in an 8-7 (2) loss to Hays to finish the day at 1-3 for fourth.

The Lady Panther doubles teams struggled to an 0-8 finish on the day. In the No. 1 spot, Samantha Mayers and Taylor Lashley came close to a pair of wins with an 8-7 (8) loss to Liberal, and an 8-6 loss to Hays. Clarise Snapp and Mackenzie LaViolette also went to a tiebreak against Liberal, falling 8-7 (3).&nbsp;

The Lady Panthers begin Class 5A regional play in Salina on Saturday.

Earlier in the season the Lady Panther doubles teams were doing the scoring. The singles players have stepped up big of late, and Monday in Dodge City Lakyn Smith finished second at No. 2 singles. She accounted for three of Great Bend's four team points on the day for a fourth-place finish. Garden City scored 15 points for the Western Athletic Conference title, and Hays finished second with 10 points.After a bye in round one, Smith was part of two 8-0 matches with a win against Liberal and a loss to Dodge City. After an 8-1 win against Dodge City, Smith closed out the day in dramatic fashion with an 8-7 (4) win against Hays. Garden City's Alivia Palmer went 4-0 by a combined tally of 32-0 for the title.Kaylin Wahlmeier opened the No. 1 singles bracket strong with an 8-0 win over Liberal. She lost her next two matches 8-1, then came up just short in an 8-7 (2) loss to Hays to finish the day at 1-3 for fourth.The Lady Panther doubles teams struggled to an 0-8 finish on the day. In the No. 1 spot, Samantha Mayers and Taylor Lashley came close to a pair of wins with an 8-7 (8) loss to Liberal, and an 8-6 loss to Hays. Clarise Snapp and Mackenzie LaViolette also went to a tiebreak against Liberal, falling 8-7 (3).&nbsp;The Lady Panthers begin Class 5A regional play in Salina on Saturday.

Smith leads Lady Panther netters for fourth-place WAC finish

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — One week after Kansas City could do little right in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs could seemingly do no wrong in a 41-31 blowout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night.

On offense, Mahomes conjured more improvisational magic in throwing for 249 yards and three touchdowns, including a did-you-see-that jump pass to Clyde Edwards-Helaire during a big first half.

And on the ground, Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco sliced through one of the league's best run defenses to the tune of 189 yards and two more TDs.

On defense, the Chiefs held Leonard Fournette — who dominated them in a Super Bowl triumph in Raymond James Stadium less than two years ago — and the rest of the Tampa Bay running attack to 3 yards total.

“Listen, we stunk it up last week. We all knew that. We admitted it to you. We didn’t play the way we should play," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.

“The guys cleaned it up, which is important. If this becomes an ongoing issue, then you’re not going to win a lot of games. So, it was important that the guys put their foot down and did what they did.”

Even the special teams were vastly improved from the previous week, when a fumbled punt return, missed field goal, missed extra point and a series of lousy kickoff returns conspired against Kansas City in what became a 20-17 loss to the Colts.

The biggest play on Sunday night came on the opening kickoff, when the coverage team stripped the ball from Buccaneers returner Rachaad White and recovered the fumble.

The Chiefs needed just two plays for Mahomes to find Travis Kelce in the end zone, effectively giving the Chiefs — who were due to get the kickoff to start the second half — a 7-0 head-start in the game.

New fill-in kicker Matthew Wright hit both of his field goals and all five of his PATs while the Chiefs gave Harrison Butker another week to rest his sprained ankle. Pacheco averaged more than 30 yards on three kickoff returns. And punt returner Skyy Moore picked up 12 yards while cleanly fielding his opportunities.

“We didn’t play our best football last week. And in this league if you don’t play good, you’re going to lose,” said Mahomes, who also had 34 yards scrambling. "That's a good football team. To come to their house and find a way to score some points and find a way to win, I mean it gets you — hopefully — gets you kickstarted into the rest of this year.”

The Chiefs have been nearly unbeatable under Reid when they run for at least 100 yards, and they had that by halftime in Tampa Bay.

Edwards-Helaire carried 19 times for 92 yards and a score while Pacheco, a seventh-round pick who has been a big bright spot, carried 11 times for 63 yards and was rarely brought down on first contact.

Tom Brady was forced to throw a lot as the Buccaneers played catch-up, and he finished with 385 yards and three scores without an interception against the Kansas City secondary.

It would help the Chiefs pass defense to get back first-round pick Trent McDuffie, who is eligible to return from injured reserve from his hamstring injury in Week 6 against Buffalo, and linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who served the second game of his four-game suspension on Sunday.

Defensive back L’Jarius Sneed, the fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft, continued to show that he deserves some Pro Bowl consideration. Not only did he lead the Chiefs in tackles, he also had a strip-sack of Brady on a cornerback blitz, and Kansas City scored six plays later to push its lead to 28-10.

Defensive end Frank Clark arrived at training camp slimmed down and with a fresh, positive attitude, yet none of that has produced results.

He never got close to Brady and finished with one tackle, giving him seven through four games.

Sneed came out of the game with a sore ankle and RG Trey Smith hurt his pectoral muscle, though Reid did not seem to think either was serious. There is also hope that Butker will return to kicking next week against Las Vegas.

67 — That's the number of games it took Mahomes to reach 20,000 yards passing for his career, breaking the record of 71 set by Matthew Stafford. Dan Marino needed 73 games and 74 for Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner.

The Chiefs get an extra day of rest before facing the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 10. It will be only the second home game of the season for Kansas City, but the first of two straight with the Bills also on the horizon.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — One week after Kansas City could do little right in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs could seemingly do no wrong in a 41-31 blowout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night.On offense, Mahomes conjured more improvisational magic in throwing for 249 yards and three touchdowns, including a did-you-see-that jump pass to Clyde Edwards-Helaire during a big first half.And on the ground, Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco sliced through one of the league's best run defenses to the tune of 189 yards and two more TDs.On defense, the Chiefs held Leonard Fournette — who dominated them in a Super Bowl triumph in Raymond James Stadium less than two years ago — and the rest of the Tampa Bay running attack to 3 yards total.“Listen, we stunk it up last week. We all knew that. We admitted it to you. We didn’t play the way we should play," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.“The guys cleaned it up, which is important. If this becomes an ongoing issue, then you’re not going to win a lot of games. So, it was important that the guys put their foot down and did what they did.”Even the special teams were vastly improved from the previous week, when a fumbled punt return, missed field goal, missed extra point and a series of lousy kickoff returns conspired against Kansas City in what became a 20-17 loss to the Colts.The biggest play on Sunday night came on the opening kickoff, when the coverage team stripped the ball from Buccaneers returner Rachaad White and recovered the fumble.The Chiefs needed just two plays for Mahomes to find Travis Kelce in the end zone, effectively giving the Chiefs — who were due to get the kickoff to start the second half — a 7-0 head-start in the game.It was more than that, though.New fill-in kicker Matthew Wright hit both of his field goals and all five of his PATs while the Chiefs gave Harrison Butker another week to rest his sprained ankle. Pacheco averaged more than 30 yards on three kickoff returns. And punt returner Skyy Moore picked up 12 yards while cleanly fielding his opportunities.“We didn’t play our best football last week. And in this league if you don’t play good, you’re going to lose,” said Mahomes, who also had 34 yards scrambling. "That's a good football team. To come to their house and find a way to score some points and find a way to win, I mean it gets you — hopefully — gets you kickstarted into the rest of this year.”WHAT’S WORKINGThe Chiefs have been nearly unbeatable under Reid when they run for at least 100 yards, and they had that by halftime in Tampa Bay.Edwards-Helaire carried 19 times for 92 yards and a score while Pacheco, a seventh-round pick who has been a big bright spot, carried 11 times for 63 yards and was rarely brought down on first contact.WHAT NEEDS HELPTom Brady was forced to throw a lot as the Buccaneers played catch-up, and he finished with 385 yards and three scores without an interception against the Kansas City secondary.It would help the Chiefs pass defense to get back first-round pick Trent McDuffie, who is eligible to return from injured reserve from his hamstring injury in Week 6 against Buffalo, and linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who served the second game of his four-game suspension on Sunday.STOCK UPDefensive back L’Jarius Sneed, the fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft, continued to show that he deserves some Pro Bowl consideration. Not only did he lead the Chiefs in tackles, he also had a strip-sack of Brady on a cornerback blitz, and Kansas City scored six plays later to push its lead to 28-10.STOCK DOWNDefensive end Frank Clark arrived at training camp slimmed down and with a fresh, positive attitude, yet none of that has produced results.He never got close to Brady and finished with one tackle, giving him seven through four games.INJURIESSneed came out of the game with a sore ankle and RG Trey Smith hurt his pectoral muscle, though Reid did not seem to think either was serious. There is also hope that Butker will return to kicking next week against Las Vegas.KEY NUMBER67 — That's the number of games it took Mahomes to reach 20,000 yards passing for his career, breaking the record of 71 set by Matthew Stafford. Dan Marino needed 73 games and 74 for Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner.NEXT STEPSThe Chiefs get an extra day of rest before facing the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 10. It will be only the second home game of the season for Kansas City, but the first of two straight with the Bills also on the horizon.

Chiefs do about-face after Colts letdown in blowout of Bucs

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Drew Waters belted a three-run homer off Kirk McCarty in the 10th inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 victory over the AL Central champion Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.

Waters’ third home run in four games landed on the porch in left field, scoring automatic runner Nicky Lopez and Michael A. Taylor. The 23-year-old outfielder went 2 for 4 with four RBIs as Kansas City won for the second time in seven games.

“I wasn’t trying to hit a homer, I was just trying to make contact and get the guy in from third,” said Waters, who has four of his five homers against the Guardians. “But it was a dead-red fastball and I happened to have some good luck.”

Cleveland has won 11 of 14 and is an MLB-best 22-6 since Sept. 5. The Guardians will host either Tampa Bay or Seattle in a best-of-three wild-card series beginning Friday.

Closer Scott Barlow (7-4) pitched a scoreless ninth and Taylor Clarke worked the 10th, earning his third save. McCarty (4-3) allowed three runs, two earned, in two innings.

“How about Drew Waters? He’s been all-in and the guys have a lot of fun with him,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He enjoys the competition and is just an intelligent, exciting player.”

Kansas City right-hander Zack Greinke, who is headed into free agency, went six innings, allowing one earned run and one unearned run. The 39-year-old struck out one, threw three wild pitches, and stabbed a liner by Owen Miller that was headed for his face.

Greinke ranks 20th all-time with 2,882 strikeouts and is tied for 73rd with 223 wins, but remained non-committal about his future in the sport.

“I don’t know for sure what’s going to happen,” Greinke said. “I don’t know at the moment. We do like the city and (the franchise) has treated me and my family really good this year. Professionally, it’s been an enjoyable season.”

Regardless of where, and if, Greinke pitches in 2023, his manager knows where he will eventually end up.

“No question, he’s headed to the Hall of Fame,” Matheny said.

Bobby Witt Jr. singled and stole his AL rookie-best 30th base for Kansas City, but also committed a fielding error in the sixth that permitted Cleveland to tie the game.

Oscar Gonzalez and Will Brennan had two hits apiece for the Guardians. Brennan is batting .351 with one homer and seven RBIs in 10 games since his Sept. 21 recall from Triple-A Columbus.

“Good young players grow, and you kind of see it right in front of your eyes,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. “It’s very satisfying.”

Triston McKenzie, who will start the second game of the wild-card series for Cleveland, allowed one run in five innings. The right-hander struck out four without a walk, completing his regular season with an 11-11 record and 2.96 ERA.

“I tried to use tonight as a tester, just trying to get my mind right for the playoffs,” McKenzie said. “There are a lot of nerves for everybody, even moving into this last stretch of games before the playoffs.”

Former AL Cy Young winner Greinke, who broke into the majors with Kansas City in 2004, signed a one-year contract on March 16. He made his 500th career start on June 29 against Texas and threw his 50,000th pitch on July 10 against Cleveland.

Known for his eccentricities, Greinke roamed the field in shorts, an oversized long-sleeve shirt and high socks on the chilly, windy afternoon.

“Zack is so unique and so real because he’s not trying to impress anybody,” Matheny said. “The young guys have used him as a resource, but the thing with him is, you better be careful what you ask because he’ll tell you.”

Royals: C Salvador Perez (left thumb soreness) missed his second straight game after feeling discomfort in his surgically repaired thumb Saturday. Matheny said the seven-time All-Star is being monitored and has not been ruled out for the year.

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch (4-12, 4.96 ERA) seeks his first victory in his fifth career start against the Guardians. Lynch is 0-2 with an 8.66 ERA against Cleveland, including an 8-3 road loss on May 31 in which he allowed six runs in four innings.

Guardians: RHP Cal Quantrill (14-5, 3.42 ERA) can break the Progressive Field record for the longest winning streak by a pitcher. Quantrill is 13-0 in his career at the ballpark, tying him with Charles Nagy, who won 13 in a row from 1995-1996.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Drew Waters belted a three-run homer off Kirk McCarty in the 10th inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 victory over the AL Central champion Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.Waters’ third home run in four games landed on the porch in left field, scoring automatic runner Nicky Lopez and Michael A. Taylor. The 23-year-old outfielder went 2 for 4 with four RBIs as Kansas City won for the second time in seven games.“I wasn’t trying to hit a homer, I was just trying to make contact and get the guy in from third,” said Waters, who has four of his five homers against the Guardians. “But it was a dead-red fastball and I happened to have some good luck.”Cleveland has won 11 of 14 and is an MLB-best 22-6 since Sept. 5. The Guardians will host either Tampa Bay or Seattle in a best-of-three wild-card series beginning Friday.Closer Scott Barlow (7-4) pitched a scoreless ninth and Taylor Clarke worked the 10th, earning his third save. McCarty (4-3) allowed three runs, two earned, in two innings.“How about Drew Waters? He’s been all-in and the guys have a lot of fun with him,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He enjoys the competition and is just an intelligent, exciting player.”Kansas City right-hander Zack Greinke, who is headed into free agency, went six innings, allowing one earned run and one unearned run. The 39-year-old struck out one, threw three wild pitches, and stabbed a liner by Owen Miller that was headed for his face.Greinke ranks 20th all-time with 2,882 strikeouts and is tied for 73rd with 223 wins, but remained non-committal about his future in the sport.“I don’t know for sure what’s going to happen,” Greinke said. “I don’t know at the moment. We do like the city and (the franchise) has treated me and my family really good this year. Professionally, it’s been an enjoyable season.”Regardless of where, and if, Greinke pitches in 2023, his manager knows where he will eventually end up.“No question, he’s headed to the Hall of Fame,” Matheny said.Bobby Witt Jr. singled and stole his AL rookie-best 30th base for Kansas City, but also committed a fielding error in the sixth that permitted Cleveland to tie the game.Oscar Gonzalez and Will Brennan had two hits apiece for the Guardians. Brennan is batting .351 with one homer and seven RBIs in 10 games since his Sept. 21 recall from Triple-A Columbus.“Good young players grow, and you kind of see it right in front of your eyes,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. “It’s very satisfying.”Triston McKenzie, who will start the second game of the wild-card series for Cleveland, allowed one run in five innings. The right-hander struck out four without a walk, completing his regular season with an 11-11 record and 2.96 ERA.“I tried to use tonight as a tester, just trying to get my mind right for the playoffs,” McKenzie said. “There are a lot of nerves for everybody, even moving into this last stretch of games before the playoffs.”ONE OF A KINDFormer AL Cy Young winner Greinke, who broke into the majors with Kansas City in 2004, signed a one-year contract on March 16. He made his 500th career start on June 29 against Texas and threw his 50,000th pitch on July 10 against Cleveland.Known for his eccentricities, Greinke roamed the field in shorts, an oversized long-sleeve shirt and high socks on the chilly, windy afternoon.“Zack is so unique and so real because he’s not trying to impress anybody,” Matheny said. “The young guys have used him as a resource, but the thing with him is, you better be careful what you ask because he’ll tell you.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez (left thumb soreness) missed his second straight game after feeling discomfort in his surgically repaired thumb Saturday. Matheny said the seven-time All-Star is being monitored and has not been ruled out for the year.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch (4-12, 4.96 ERA) seeks his first victory in his fifth career start against the Guardians. Lynch is 0-2 with an 8.66 ERA against Cleveland, including an 8-3 road loss on May 31 in which he allowed six runs in four innings.Guardians: RHP Cal Quantrill (14-5, 3.42 ERA) can break the Progressive Field record for the longest winning streak by a pitcher. Quantrill is 13-0 in his career at the ballpark, tying him with Charles Nagy, who won 13 in a row from 1995-1996.

Waters hits 3-run homer in 10th, Royals beat Guardians 5-2

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(WATCH) Monday on Sports Day

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22RALPH%20D.%20RUSSO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>This was reset week for Associated Press college football poll voters.

A season-high 10 teams that entered the weekend ranked in the AP Top 25 presented by Regions bank lost. That included five ranked teams losing to unranked opponents.

The fallout was more than a quarter of the poll turning over Sunday.

The voters tossed out seven teams, five of which had been ranked all season, including Oklahoma, Texas A&amp;M and Baylor.

Among the seven new arrivals, six made their season debut. Kansas was the headliner. The Jayhawks had not been ranked in 13 years, the longest drought among Power Five conference teams.

Five weeks into the season it felt as if the preseason rankings were mostly, though not totally, shaken out of the rankings. Still, it's early enough that some of the newcomers might not be built for the long run.

Oh, and did we mention there is a new (sort of) No. 1. For the 140th time, Alabama is top-ranked. No team has ever reached the top spot more.

Reality Check rolls through the new-look rankings, assessing how the voters redecorated.

Reality check: RB Jahmyr Gibbs (206 yards on 18 carries) helped the Tide bury Arkansas without Bryce Young (shoulder), but the passing game pretty much went away. To state the obvious: The Tide really needs a healthy Heisman winner.

Ranked: This is fine, but Reality Check would have stuck with Georgia.

Reality check: Is there a real problem here or have the past two weeks just been a blip for a team that might not be a quite as consistently focused as last season's more veteran group? The Bulldogs don't necessarily need to be better than last year to win another championship.

Reality check: Buckeyes have two stud tailbacks. With TreVeyon Henderson out, Miyan Williams went off for 189 yards and a school-record five TDs against Rutgers.

Reality check: Big question coming into the season was how the Wolverines would replace two edge rushers drafted in the first round. Mike Morris (four sacks) has Michigan second in the Big Ten in sacks with 15.

Reality check: This isn't the dominant Clemson of Trevor, Travis, Tee and the Power Rangers, but it is looking more like the fourth-best team in the country.

Reality check: An offensive line that came in with some questions about depth has held up pretty well. Trojans have given up 11 sacks. but while Williams' mobility can be a benefit he also tends to hold the ball too long.

Reality check: The Cowboys' resume is still a little light and the volatility around them has resulted in their highest ranking for the season. But underestimate Mike Gundy's program at your own risk.

Reality check: During an off week, the Volunteers had to like all those long plays Missouri busted against Georgia.

Reality check: Rebels needed some good fortune to beat Kentucky, but as coach Lane Kiffin said: “What are we? 5-0? All right.”

Reality check: Nittany Lions have a week off before a daunting stretch of Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio State. Still, have to wonder how much more they'll play freshman QB Drew Allar.

Reality check: On the very short list of best cornerbacks in the country, Clark Phillips III had three interceptions, including a Pick-6, against Oregon State.

Reality check: Ducks allowed a sack for the first time this season against Stanford.

Reality check: Wildcats have struggled to protect QB Will Levis, allowing 19 sacks.

Reality check: Wolfpack seem short on the type of offensive playmakers needed to be a top-10 team.

Reality check: We live in a world where the Demon Deacons winning at Florida State is not that big of a deal. Remarkable.

Reality check: Consecutive games against the Fighting Irish and Arkansas will determine just how closely we need to watch the Cougars the rest of the way.

Reality check: Horned Frogs under new coach Sonny Dykes are now leading the country at 8.33 yards per play, including 7.04 per rush.

Reality check: Bruins built up speed with the help of a soft nonconference schedule before handing Washington its first loss.

Reality check: There has been no more hopeless program in a Power Five conference over the last decade than Kansas. Coach Lance Leipold has them looking like a Big 12 contender in Year 2.

Ranked: Could make a case the Jayhawks are too low.

Reality check: QB Adrian Martinez and RB Deuce Vaughn combined for 341 yards rushing against Texas Tech and Kansas State is sixth in the country in yards per carry at 6.13.

Reality check: The Huskies thin secondary was exposed by UCLA. They're still setup for a good turnaround season in Seattle, but maybe temper the enthusiasm a bit.

Next: vs. No. 14 North Carolina State, Saturday.

Reality check: Mississippi State transfer Garrett Shrader has provided stability and the best quarterback play the Orange have had since Eric Dungy left.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664807036433.jpeg" alt="Kansas offensive lineman Hank Kelly (57) and fans celebrate on the field after they beat Iowa State to go 5-0 after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Reed/Hoffmann) REED HOFFMANN AP" />
 <figcaption>Kansas offensive lineman Hank Kelly (57) and fans celebrate on the field after they beat Iowa State to go 5-0 after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Reed/Hoffmann) REED HOFFMANN AP</figcaption>
 </figure>By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22RALPH%20D.%20RUSSO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>This was reset week for Associated Press college football poll voters.A season-high 10 teams that entered the weekend ranked in the AP Top 25 presented by Regions bank lost. That included five ranked teams losing to unranked opponents.The fallout was more than a quarter of the poll turning over Sunday.The voters tossed out seven teams, five of which had been ranked all season, including Oklahoma, Texas A&amp;M and Baylor.Among the seven new arrivals, six made their season debut. Kansas was the headliner. The Jayhawks had not been ranked in 13 years, the longest drought among Power Five conference teams.Five weeks into the season it felt as if the preseason rankings were mostly, though not totally, shaken out of the rankings. Still, it's early enough that some of the newcomers might not be built for the long run.Oh, and did we mention there is a new (sort of) No. 1. For the 140th time, Alabama is top-ranked. No team has ever reached the top spot more.Reality Check rolls through the new-look rankings, assessing how the voters redecorated.No. 1 Alabama (5-0)Next: vs. Texas A&amp;M, Saturday.Reality check: RB Jahmyr Gibbs (206 yards on 18 carries) helped the Tide bury Arkansas without Bryce Young (shoulder), but the passing game pretty much went away. To state the obvious: The Tide really needs a healthy Heisman winner.Ranked: This is fine, but Reality Check would have stuck with Georgia.No. 2 Georgia (5-0)Next: vs. Auburn, Saturday.Reality check: Is there a real problem here or have the past two weeks just been a blip for a team that might not be a quite as consistently focused as last season's more veteran group? The Bulldogs don't necessarily need to be better than last year to win another championship.Ranked: Should be still be 1.No. 3 Ohio State (5-0)Next: at Michigan State, Saturday.Reality check: Buckeyes have two stud tailbacks. With TreVeyon Henderson out, Miyan Williams went off for 189 yards and a school-record five TDs against Rutgers.Ranked: Just right.No. 4 Michigan (5-0)Next: at Indiana, Saturday.Reality check: Big question coming into the season was how the Wolverines would replace two edge rushers drafted in the first round. Mike Morris (four sacks) has Michigan second in the Big Ten in sacks with 15.Ranked: Little too high.No. 5 Clemson (5-0)Next: at Boston College, Saturday.Reality check: This isn't the dominant Clemson of Trevor, Travis, Tee and the Power Rangers, but it is looking more like the fourth-best team in the country.Ranked: Little low.No. 6 Southern California (5-0)Next: vs. Washington State, Saturday.Reality check: An offensive line that came in with some questions about depth has held up pretty well. Trojans have given up 11 sacks. but while Williams' mobility can be a benefit he also tends to hold the ball too long.Ranked: About right.No. 7 Oklahoma State (4-0)Next: vs. Texas Tech, Saturday.Reality check: The Cowboys' resume is still a little light and the volatility around them has resulted in their highest ranking for the season. But underestimate Mike Gundy's program at your own risk.Ranked: Too high.No. 8 Tennessee (4-0)Next: at LSU, Saturday.Reality check: During an off week, the Volunteers had to like all those long plays Missouri busted against Georgia.Ranked: About right.No. 9 Mississippi (5-0)Next: at Vanderbilt, Saturday.Reality check: Rebels needed some good fortune to beat Kentucky, but as coach Lane Kiffin said: “What are we? 5-0? All right.”Ranked: Little high.No. 10 Penn State (5-0)Next: at Michigan, Oct. 15.Reality check: Nittany Lions have a week off before a daunting stretch of Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio State. Still, have to wonder how much more they'll play freshman QB Drew Allar.Ranked: Little low.No. 11 Utah (4-1)Next: at No. 18 UCLA, Saturday.Reality check: On the very short list of best cornerbacks in the country, Clark Phillips III had three interceptions, including a Pick-6, against Oregon State.Ranked: Just right.No. 12 Oregon (4-1)Next: at Arizona, Saturday.Reality check: Ducks allowed a sack for the first time this season against Stanford.Ranked: Just right.No. 13 Kentucky (4-1)Next: vs. South Carolina, Saturday.Reality check: Wildcats have struggled to protect QB Will Levis, allowing 19 sacks.Ranked: Touch high.No. 14 North Carolina State (4-1)Next: vs. Florida State, Saturday.Reality check: Wolfpack seem short on the type of offensive playmakers needed to be a top-10 team.Ranked: Too high.No. 15 Wake Forest (4-1)Next: vs. Army, Saturday.Reality check: We live in a world where the Demon Deacons winning at Florida State is not that big of a deal. Remarkable.Ranked: Too low.No. 16 BYU (4-1)Next: vs. Notre Dame at Las Vegas.Reality check: Consecutive games against the Fighting Irish and Arkansas will determine just how closely we need to watch the Cougars the rest of the way.Ranked: Little high.No. 17 TCU (4-0)Next: at No. 19 Kansas, Saturday.Reality check: Horned Frogs under new coach Sonny Dykes are now leading the country at 8.33 yards per play, including 7.04 per rush.Ranked: Could be higher.No. 18 UCLA (5-0)Next: vs. No. 11 Utah, Saturday.Reality check: Bruins built up speed with the help of a soft nonconference schedule before handing Washington its first loss.Ranked: Too high.No. 19 Kansas (5-0)Next: vs. No. 17 TCU, Saturday.Reality check: There has been no more hopeless program in a Power Five conference over the last decade than Kansas. Coach Lance Leipold has them looking like a Big 12 contender in Year 2.Ranked: Could make a case the Jayhawks are too low.No. 20 Kansas State (4-1)Next: at Iowa State, Saturday.Reality check: QB Adrian Martinez and RB Deuce Vaughn combined for 341 yards rushing against Texas Tech and Kansas State is sixth in the country in yards per carry at 6.13.Ranked: Just right.No. 21 Washington (4-1)Next: at Arizona State, Saturday.Reality check: The Huskies thin secondary was exposed by UCLA. They're still setup for a good turnaround season in Seattle, but maybe temper the enthusiasm a bit.Ranked: Too high.No. 22 Syracuse (5-0)Next: vs. No. 14 North Carolina State, Saturday.Reality check: Mississippi State transfer Garrett Shrader has provided stability and the best quarterback play the Orange have had since Eric Dungy left.Ranked: Little high.No. 23 Mississippi State (4-1)Next: vs. Arkansas, Saturday.Reality check: Here's a twist from the Bulldogs. They ran for 144 yards and 6.0 yards per carry from Mike Leach's Air Raid to beat Texas A&amp;M.Ranked: Little low.No. 24 Cincinnati (4-1)Next: vs. South Florida, Saturday.Reality check: Seemed there might be a change at the top of the Group of Five as the Bearcats rebuilt last year's playoff team. Instead, Cincinnati still looks like the best of the non-Power Five teams.Ranked: Just right.No. 25 LSU (4-1)Next: vs. No. 8 Tennessee, Saturday.Reality check: Tigers have erased double-digit leads twice this season, but there is plenty of heavy lifting left on that schedule. This might turn out to be a cameo appearance.Ranked: Fine.

AP Top 25 Reality Check: Reset welcome 7 new ranked teams

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes had all the answers for solving Tampa Bay's stingy defense, winning his latest matchup against Tom Brady in the stadium where the seven-time Super Bowl winner dealt him one of his most disappointing losses.

Mahomes threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns, including an electrifying jump pass to Clyde Edwards-Helaire, to lead the Chiefs to a 41-31 victory over the Buccaneers on Sunday night.

Playing at sold out Raymond James Stadium only four days after Hurricane Ian ravaged portions of Florida, Mahomes had TD throws of 16 yards to Travis Kelce, 1 yard to Edwards-Helaire and 10 yards to Jody Fortson while making NFL history by reaching 20,000 yards passing faster than anyone else.

Edwards-Helaire and tight end Noah Gray rushed for TDs for the Chiefs (3-1), who won the first meeting between Mahomes and Brady since Tampa Bay’s 31-9 rout of Kansas City in the Super Bowl — also played at Raymond James Stadium — two seasons ago.

“When I came into the stadium I realized that I hadn’t been here and the bad taste I had last time came into effect," Mahomes said. "But it’s still not a playoff game. It’s a regular-season game, which is important. That Super Bowl will always leave a bad taste for me.”

The short pass to Edwards-Helaire was Mahomes at his improvisational best: He escaped two defenders, did a 360-degree spin move and flipped the ball over a crowd to the running back in the back of the end zone.

“I was able to use my speed, my little bit of speed, to get around the edge there. I was gonna run for it, but they kind of flew around me," Mahomes said. “I realized I wasn’t going to make it and I saw Clyde, so I kind of flicked it up to him.”

Brady noted it's fun watching Mahomes, unless he's on the opposing sideline.

“I love seeing Patrick play. ... Unfortunately we're on the wrong end of it tonight,” said Brady, who's 1-2 against the Chiefs quarterback since joining the Bucs in 2020 after two decades with the New England Patriots.

Brady completed 39 of 52 passes for 385 yards and three TDs without an interception for Tampa Bay (2-2). The Bucs, however, played from behind the whole night after rookie Rachaad White fumbled the opening kickoff and Mahomes threw his TD pass to Kelce two plays later.

The Chiefs also got into the end zone on three of their next four possessions, with Mahomes repeatedly shredding the Tampa Bay defense with pinpoint passes and Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco taking turns running the ball effectively.

“It’s a team sport. We didn’t play great on offense. We didn’t help (the defense) much, either," Brady said.

“We didn’t do great in the first half. Too many missed opportunities on third downs, turnovers. We gotta play a lot better to be one of the good teams,” the seven-time Super Bowl winner added. "We haven’t played our best yet this year.”

Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed sacked Brady, forcing a fumble that Mahomes turned into Gray’s TD, with the tight end taking a direct snap from center on the 1-yard plunge that put Kansas City up 28-10.

Brady threw TD passes of 13 yards and 1 yard to Mike Evans, who returned from serving a one-game suspension for his role in a on-field brawl at New Orleans two weeks ago. He had eight receptions for 103 yards.

Evans' second TD trimmed Kansas City’s lead to 28-17 at halftime. That was as close as the Bucs got until Leonard Fournette’s 5-yard TD reception cut Tampa Bay’s deficit to 41-31 with 3:30 remaining.

Brady wouldn’t get the ball back until less than a minute was left.

Kansas City finished with 417 yards of total offense, including a 189-3 edge on the ground, against a defense that had allowed a league-low 27 points through three games.

“Everything in this game fell on the defensive side of the ball," Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. "You name it we did it. Missed tackles. Missed assignments. Bad calls.”

The Bucs sacked Mahomes three times and intercepted him once, but it was not the “coming out party” linebacker Shaquil Barrett thought his team could have against an offensive line the Chiefs have overhauled since struggling against Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl loss.

With Hurricane Ian approaching the Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Bucs evacuated for four days to the Miami area, where they practiced Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Dolphins' training facility while the NFL made contingency plans to move the game to Minneapolis if it couldn’t be played in Tampa.

The Glazer family that owns the Bucs has announced it is donating $1 million for hurricane relief. The NFL Foundation is matching that donation, and the Bucs on Sunday night began a “Florida Strong” campaign to raise funds, as well as honor emergency personnel and first responders.

Players and fans observed a “moment of support” prior the national anthem, and the Bucs also paid tribute to those affected by the hurricane in a video presentation displayed on giant scoreboard screens before the game.

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (ankle) was inactive for the third straight game. ... Bucs WRs Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Julio Jones (knee ), as well as LT Donovan Smith (elbow), played for the first time since Tampa Bay’s season-opening victory at Dallas. ... Bucs CB Logan Ryan left with a foot injury in the first quarter. ... TE Cameron Brate (concussion) and CB Carlton Davis (stinger) left in the second half.

Chiefs: Return home to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, Oct. 10.

Buccaneers: Host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes had all the answers for solving Tampa Bay's stingy defense, winning his latest matchup against Tom Brady in the stadium where the seven-time Super Bowl winner dealt him one of his most disappointing losses.Mahomes threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns, including an electrifying jump pass to Clyde Edwards-Helaire, to lead the Chiefs to a 41-31 victory over the Buccaneers on Sunday night.Playing at sold out Raymond James Stadium only four days after Hurricane Ian ravaged portions of Florida, Mahomes had TD throws of 16 yards to Travis Kelce, 1 yard to Edwards-Helaire and 10 yards to Jody Fortson while making NFL history by reaching 20,000 yards passing faster than anyone else.Edwards-Helaire and tight end Noah Gray rushed for TDs for the Chiefs (3-1), who won the first meeting between Mahomes and Brady since Tampa Bay’s 31-9 rout of Kansas City in the Super Bowl — also played at Raymond James Stadium — two seasons ago.“When I came into the stadium I realized that I hadn’t been here and the bad taste I had last time came into effect," Mahomes said. "But it’s still not a playoff game. It’s a regular-season game, which is important. That Super Bowl will always leave a bad taste for me.”The short pass to Edwards-Helaire was Mahomes at his improvisational best: He escaped two defenders, did a 360-degree spin move and flipped the ball over a crowd to the running back in the back of the end zone.“I was able to use my speed, my little bit of speed, to get around the edge there. I was gonna run for it, but they kind of flew around me," Mahomes said. “I realized I wasn’t going to make it and I saw Clyde, so I kind of flicked it up to him.”Brady noted it's fun watching Mahomes, unless he's on the opposing sideline.“I love seeing Patrick play. ... Unfortunately we're on the wrong end of it tonight,” said Brady, who's 1-2 against the Chiefs quarterback since joining the Bucs in 2020 after two decades with the New England Patriots.Brady completed 39 of 52 passes for 385 yards and three TDs without an interception for Tampa Bay (2-2). The Bucs, however, played from behind the whole night after rookie Rachaad White fumbled the opening kickoff and Mahomes threw his TD pass to Kelce two plays later.The Chiefs also got into the end zone on three of their next four possessions, with Mahomes repeatedly shredding the Tampa Bay defense with pinpoint passes and Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco taking turns running the ball effectively.“It’s a team sport. We didn’t play great on offense. We didn’t help (the defense) much, either," Brady said.“We didn’t do great in the first half. Too many missed opportunities on third downs, turnovers. We gotta play a lot better to be one of the good teams,” the seven-time Super Bowl winner added. "We haven’t played our best yet this year.”Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed sacked Brady, forcing a fumble that Mahomes turned into Gray’s TD, with the tight end taking a direct snap from center on the 1-yard plunge that put Kansas City up 28-10.Brady threw TD passes of 13 yards and 1 yard to Mike Evans, who returned from serving a one-game suspension for his role in a on-field brawl at New Orleans two weeks ago. He had eight receptions for 103 yards.Evans' second TD trimmed Kansas City’s lead to 28-17 at halftime. That was as close as the Bucs got until Leonard Fournette’s 5-yard TD reception cut Tampa Bay’s deficit to 41-31 with 3:30 remaining.Brady wouldn’t get the ball back until less than a minute was left.Kansas City finished with 417 yards of total offense, including a 189-3 edge on the ground, against a defense that had allowed a league-low 27 points through three games.“Everything in this game fell on the defensive side of the ball," Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. "You name it we did it. Missed tackles. Missed assignments. Bad calls.”The Bucs sacked Mahomes three times and intercepted him once, but it was not the “coming out party” linebacker Shaquil Barrett thought his team could have against an offensive line the Chiefs have overhauled since struggling against Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl loss.With Hurricane Ian approaching the Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Bucs evacuated for four days to the Miami area, where they practiced Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Dolphins' training facility while the NFL made contingency plans to move the game to Minneapolis if it couldn’t be played in Tampa.The Glazer family that owns the Bucs has announced it is donating $1 million for hurricane relief. The NFL Foundation is matching that donation, and the Bucs on Sunday night began a “Florida Strong” campaign to raise funds, as well as honor emergency personnel and first responders.Players and fans observed a “moment of support” prior the national anthem, and the Bucs also paid tribute to those affected by the hurricane in a video presentation displayed on giant scoreboard screens before the game.INJURIESChiefs kicker Harrison Butker (ankle) was inactive for the third straight game. ... Bucs WRs Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Julio Jones (knee ), as well as LT Donovan Smith (elbow), played for the first time since Tampa Bay’s season-opening victory at Dallas. ... Bucs CB Logan Ryan left with a foot injury in the first quarter. ... TE Cameron Brate (concussion) and CB Carlton Davis (stinger) left in the second half.UP NEXTChiefs: Return home to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, Oct. 10.Buccaneers: Host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday.

Mahomes throws for 3 TDs, Chiefs overwhelm Buccaneers 41-31

Alabama reclaimed No. 1 from Georgia in The Associated Press college football poll in one of the closest votes in the recent years. Two points separate the Crimson Tide from the Bulldogs. Six teams including Kansas made their season debut in the AP Top 25. The Jayhawks are ranked for the first time since 2009, which was the longest drought among current Power Five conference teams. The Crimson Tide received 25 first-place votes and 1,523 points. Georgia got 28 first-place votes to become the first team since Alabama in November 2019 to have the most first-place votes but not be No. 1.

Others receiving votes: Washington St. 91, Baylor 88, Florida St. 78, Arkansas 76, James Madison 39, Florida 37, Maryland 25, Coastal Carolina 17, Minnesota 14, Tulane 9, Illinois 6, North Carolina 5, Texas A&amp;M 4, Purdue 2, Oklahoma 2.

Alabama reclaimed No. 1 from Georgia in The Associated Press college football poll in one of the closest votes in the recent years. Two points separate the Crimson Tide from the Bulldogs. Six teams including Kansas made their season debut in the AP Top 25. The Jayhawks are ranked for the first time since 2009, which was the longest drought among current Power Five conference teams. The Crimson Tide received 25 first-place votes and 1,523 points. Georgia got 28 first-place votes to become the first team since Alabama in November 2019 to have the most first-place votes but not be No. 1.	Record	Pts	Prv1. Alabama (25)	5-0	1523	22. Georgia (28)	5-0	1521	13. Ohio St. (10)	5-0	1488	34. Michigan	5-0	1348	45. Clemson	5-0	1345	56. Southern Cal	5-0	1233	67. Oklahoma St.	4-0	1182	98. Tennessee	4-0	1129	89. Mississippi	5-0	1068	1410. Penn St.	5-0	959	1111. Utah	4-1	884	1212. Oregon	4-1	872	1313. Kentucky	4-1	832	714. NC State	4-1	691	1015. Wake Forest	4-1	627	2216. BYU	4-1	604	1917. TCU	4-0	514	-18. UCLA	5-0	510	-19. Kansas	5-0	476	-20. Kansas St.	4-1	417	2521. Washington	4-1	180	1522. Syracuse	5-0	173	-23. Mississippi St.	4-1	164	-24. Cincinnati	4-1	134	-25. LSU	4-1	108	-Others receiving votes: Washington St. 91, Baylor 88, Florida St. 78, Arkansas 76, James Madison 39, Florida 37, Maryland 25, Coastal Carolina 17, Minnesota 14, Tulane 9, Illinois 6, North Carolina 5, Texas A&amp;M 4, Purdue 2, Oklahoma 2.

KU makes Top 25 debut at number 19, K-State 20

CLEVELAND (AP) — Shane Bieber allowed two runs over five innings in his final start before the postseason, Josh Naylor and rookie Will Brennan hit three-run homers and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Sunday.

Bieber (13-8) is scheduled to start Game 1 of the wild-card series Friday for the AL Central champions. Cleveland is 90-69, has won 11 of 13 and is an MLB-best 22-5 since Sept. 5.

The right-hander gave up both runs — one unearned —in the fourth and scattered seven hits, struck out three, walked one and threw 80 pitches. Bieber finished the regular season with 198 strikeouts in 200 innings.

“Knew we were on a bit of a pitch count and want to go out there and compete,” he said. “We’re still trying to win ballgames and we want to win outright and finish the season on a high note. That’s what it came down to.”

Guardians manager Terry Francona thought it was a hard start for Bieber in terms of wanting to pitch well, but also knowing what's ahead.

“You want to get through and you want to feel good and you want to get people out,” Francona said. “All of a sudden, they’re starting to put balls in play and get some hits, and we don’t get a couple outs. But he knows Friday’s coming.”

Naylor and Brennan homered off Max Castillo (0-2) in Cleveland’s six-run second.

Naylor played first base and batted cleanup, one spot ahead of his brother Bo, who was the designated hitter. Bo Naylor, called up from the minors Saturday, struck out in all four at-bats.

“I know their parents are here,” Francona said. “We don’t make the lineup too often like that, but I thought maybe they’d get a kick out of that.”

Josh Naylor’s home run gave Cleveland a 7-0 lead. Brennan, another rookie, hit his first major-league homer earlier in the inning. He also tripled and scored to leadoff the game.

Kansas City cut the score to 7-5 in the eighth, but Trevor Stephan retired Edward Olivares with two on to end the inning. Emmanuel Clase pitched the ninth for his major-league leading 41st save.

“We had some really good at-bats, put us in a situation bring (Olivares) up there with a chance to take the lead,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “After being down as much as we were down to have that opportunity late in the game, it shows a lot of fight.”

Amed Rosario had a sacrifice fly in the first before Cleveland sent nine men to the plate in the second and scored six times with two outs.

Brennan is batting .355 in nine games since being called up from Triple-A Columbus on Sept. 21 and is playing his way on to the postseason roster.

“There’s a reason we called him up when we did,” Francona said. “We felt like he could help us moving forward when there’s only three weeks left in the season. That’s probably the biggest compliment we could give him.”

José Ramirez stole his 20th base of the season in the seventh, the fourth time in his career he has hit 20 home runs and stolen 20 bases in a season.

Castillo, acquired from Toronto for Whit Merrifield, allowed seven runs in five innings, but retired 10 in a row after Cleveland jumped ahead.

MJ Melendez and Vinnie Pasquantino each had three hits for the Royals.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez wasn’t in the lineup after feeling soreness in his left thumb during Saturday’s game.

Perez tore the ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb in June, had surgery and returned in late July. Perez homered in the seventh inning Saturday and was removed from the game following the at-bat because of discomfort in the thumb.

Matheny said tests showed the area where the surgery was performed wasn’t affected and Perez is day-to-day over the final three games of the season.

“We’re fortunate everything looked good where the repair was,” Matheny said. “That didn’t seem to be an issue. It’s just sore.”

The game-time temperature was 58 degrees, which felt much lower to fans thanks to a 22 mph wind blowing in from center field.

The six-game series continues Monday night. RHP Zack Greinke (4-9, 3.78 ERA) is 1-0 in three starts against the Guardians this season, allowing two earned runs over 16 2/3 innings. RHP Triston McKenzie (11-11, 2.99 ERA) was 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA in five September starts.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Shane Bieber allowed two runs over five innings in his final start before the postseason, Josh Naylor and rookie Will Brennan hit three-run homers and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Sunday.Bieber (13-8) is scheduled to start Game 1 of the wild-card series Friday for the AL Central champions. Cleveland is 90-69, has won 11 of 13 and is an MLB-best 22-5 since Sept. 5.The right-hander gave up both runs — one unearned —in the fourth and scattered seven hits, struck out three, walked one and threw 80 pitches. Bieber finished the regular season with 198 strikeouts in 200 innings.“Knew we were on a bit of a pitch count and want to go out there and compete,” he said. “We’re still trying to win ballgames and we want to win outright and finish the season on a high note. That’s what it came down to.”Guardians manager Terry Francona thought it was a hard start for Bieber in terms of wanting to pitch well, but also knowing what's ahead.“You want to get through and you want to feel good and you want to get people out,” Francona said. “All of a sudden, they’re starting to put balls in play and get some hits, and we don’t get a couple outs. But he knows Friday’s coming.”Naylor and Brennan homered off Max Castillo (0-2) in Cleveland’s six-run second.Naylor played first base and batted cleanup, one spot ahead of his brother Bo, who was the designated hitter. Bo Naylor, called up from the minors Saturday, struck out in all four at-bats.“I know their parents are here,” Francona said. “We don’t make the lineup too often like that, but I thought maybe they’d get a kick out of that.”Josh Naylor’s home run gave Cleveland a 7-0 lead. Brennan, another rookie, hit his first major-league homer earlier in the inning. He also tripled and scored to leadoff the game.Kansas City cut the score to 7-5 in the eighth, but Trevor Stephan retired Edward Olivares with two on to end the inning. Emmanuel Clase pitched the ninth for his major-league leading 41st save.“We had some really good at-bats, put us in a situation bring (Olivares) up there with a chance to take the lead,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “After being down as much as we were down to have that opportunity late in the game, it shows a lot of fight.”Amed Rosario had a sacrifice fly in the first before Cleveland sent nine men to the plate in the second and scored six times with two outs.Brennan is batting .355 in nine games since being called up from Triple-A Columbus on Sept. 21 and is playing his way on to the postseason roster.“There’s a reason we called him up when we did,” Francona said. “We felt like he could help us moving forward when there’s only three weeks left in the season. That’s probably the biggest compliment we could give him.”José Ramirez stole his 20th base of the season in the seventh, the fourth time in his career he has hit 20 home runs and stolen 20 bases in a season.Castillo, acquired from Toronto for Whit Merrifield, allowed seven runs in five innings, but retired 10 in a row after Cleveland jumped ahead.MJ Melendez and Vinnie Pasquantino each had three hits for the Royals.TAKE A DAYRoyals catcher Salvador Perez wasn’t in the lineup after feeling soreness in his left thumb during Saturday’s game.Perez tore the ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb in June, had surgery and returned in late July. Perez homered in the seventh inning Saturday and was removed from the game following the at-bat because of discomfort in the thumb.Matheny said tests showed the area where the surgery was performed wasn’t affected and Perez is day-to-day over the final three games of the season.“We’re fortunate everything looked good where the repair was,” Matheny said. “That didn’t seem to be an issue. It’s just sore.”BUNDLE UPThe game-time temperature was 58 degrees, which felt much lower to fans thanks to a 22 mph wind blowing in from center field.UP NEXTThe six-game series continues Monday night. RHP Zack Greinke (4-9, 3.78 ERA) is 1-0 in three starts against the Guardians this season, allowing two earned runs over 16 2/3 innings. RHP Triston McKenzie (11-11, 2.99 ERA) was 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA in five September starts.

Guardians top Royals 7-5

The Barton Community College swimming programs dove into the 2022-2023 season Friday afternoon at the Sunflower Showdown held at Topeka's Capitol Federal Natatorium.

Featured as the lone NJCAA school, the Cougar men showed dominance over the three team field claiming the team title while their counterparts the Lady Cougars ran into a pair of top teir teams conducting a third place finish in the field of four squads. Claiming the women's title was Division I powerhouse University of Kansas and University of Saint Mary.

The Barton men were near perfect over the one-day event claiming eight of the 10 events.

Sophomores Enzo Vogt da Silva and Jethro Irvine helped fill the hardware box each earning a pair of individual golds. Vogt da Silva earned his pair going back-to-back in the 200-yard freestyle (1:46.49) and lone long-distance race of the afternoon, the 500-yard freestyle (4:51.23). Irvine the 100-yard specialist secured his pair in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:01.05) and 100-yard butterfly (52.94).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664721277643.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College swimming programs dove into the 2022-2023 season Friday afternoon at the Sunflower Showdown held at Topeka's Capitol Federal Natatorium.Featured as the lone NJCAA school, the Cougar men showed dominance over the three team field claiming the team title while their counterparts the Lady Cougars ran into a pair of top teir teams conducting a third place finish in the field of four squads. Claiming the women's title was Division I powerhouse University of Kansas and University of Saint Mary.Men's RecapThe Barton men were near perfect over the one-day event claiming eight of the 10 events.Sophomores Enzo Vogt da Silva and Jethro Irvine helped fill the hardware box each earning a pair of individual golds. Vogt da Silva earned his pair going back-to-back in the 200-yard freestyle (1:46.49) and lone long-distance race of the afternoon, the 500-yard freestyle (4:51.23). Irvine the 100-yard specialist secured his pair in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:01.05) and 100-yard butterfly (52.94).Making his Barton debut William McCabe led two other individual titles besting the field in the 200-yard medley (2:01.02) while Cooper Cole started his sophomore season claiming the 100-yard backstroke (58.55).The tandem of Vogt da Silva and Irvine also guided the Cougars to one of two relay crowns on the afternoon teaming up with Louis Milczynski and McCabe in the 200-yard freestyle clocking a 1:27.52.Irvine was part of Barton's second relay title joining Cole, Javan Titus and Milczynski to a stoppage of 1:38.33 in the 200-yard medley.Women's RecapThe Cougars highest results came in the 100-yard freestyle as Olivia Kerr posted the highest finish of seventh-place result touching the wall in 58.47 edging out Silvana Jacquez Viveros eighth place 59.54.Battling the stout field, Barton pieced together four ninth place finishes as Linda Franco notched a pair in the 50-yard freestyle (25.88), 100-yard butterfly (1:04.93) while Dominique Cos and Jacquez joined respectfully in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:13.37) and 100-yard backstroke (1:03.80).Barton's next meet comes in two weeks October 15th as the Cougars will travel to Fremont, Nebraska for a dual against Midland University.