By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College women's soccer team closed out the regular season Saturday in Liberal faltering a pair of leads ending in a 2-2 draw at Seward County Community College.

Barton concludes the regular slate fifth in league play at 7-5-4 and 9-5-4 overall while Seward County moves to 1-10-5 in league play and 2-11-6 overall.

Next up is the Region 6/Plains District playoffs with the fifth seeded Cougars traveling to fourth seeded and No. 19 ranked Cowley College (9-5-2) on Sunday, November 3rd, with the winner advancing to the semifinal round on November 7.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/silva_leticia_f680">Leticia Quadros</a>&nbsp;scored the opening goal of the contest with 15:47 left in first half action placing a 30-yard free kick to the upper far post for her 5th of the season.

A little over two minutes later the Saints provided the equalizer coming off a corner kick.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/tanaka_mio_fiw7">Mio Tanaka</a>&nbsp;(10-6-4) turned away the initial, wind-shaped kick towards goal only to have the Saints' Jairely Ibarra blast in the loose ball from point-blank distance.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/baldi_beatriz_vc7u">Beatriz Baldi</a>&nbsp;again gave the Cougars the lead with just 18:08 remaining in taking&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/potter_katie_wgdw">Katie Potter</a>'s pass, dribbling around a defender before launching a 30-yard strike sneaking it under the crossbar. The net rattler was her 9th of the season coincidentally tying Potter for the team lead.

Seven minutes later the score knotted up again, this time set up from a Barton foul just inside the eighteen resulting in Dayra Dinarte's game tying spot kick with 10:58 left.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730048416447.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College women's soccer team closed out the regular season Saturday in Liberal faltering a pair of leads ending in a 2-2 draw at Seward County Community College.Barton concludes the regular slate fifth in league play at 7-5-4 and 9-5-4 overall while Seward County moves to 1-10-5 in league play and 2-11-6 overall.Next up is the Region 6/Plains District playoffs with the fifth seeded Cougars traveling to fourth seeded and No. 19 ranked Cowley College (9-5-2) on Sunday, November 3rd, with the winner advancing to the semifinal round on November 7.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/silva_leticia_f680">Leticia Quadros</a>&nbsp;scored the opening goal of the contest with 15:47 left in first half action placing a 30-yard free kick to the upper far post for her 5th of the season.A little over two minutes later the Saints provided the equalizer coming off a corner kick.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/tanaka_mio_fiw7">Mio Tanaka</a>&nbsp;(10-6-4) turned away the initial, wind-shaped kick towards goal only to have the Saints' Jairely Ibarra blast in the loose ball from point-blank distance.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/baldi_beatriz_vc7u">Beatriz Baldi</a>&nbsp;again gave the Cougars the lead with just 18:08 remaining in taking&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/potter_katie_wgdw">Katie Potter</a>'s pass, dribbling around a defender before launching a 30-yard strike sneaking it under the crossbar. The net rattler was her 9th of the season coincidentally tying Potter for the team lead.Seven minutes later the score knotted up again, this time set up from a Barton foul just inside the eighteen resulting in Dayra Dinarte's game tying spot kick with 10:58 left.

Draw in Liberal concludes regular season slate for Barton women's soccer

In its worst offensive efficiency of the season, the 8th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team overcame for a 3-1 victory Saturday holding off Garden City Community College's upset bid (25-16, 23-25, 25-22, 25-20).

The victory keeps Barton tied atop the KJCCC standings, improving to 13-1 and 26-2 overall while Garden City slips to sixth place at 6-8 and 12-11 on the season.

Barton concludes its two-match homestand on Wednesday against Hutchinson in a 6:30 p.m. first serve with sophomore recognition following the conclusion. The Cougars will then close out the regular season Saturday, November 2, at Cloud County before attention to hosting at least a first round playoff match on November 6.

In an ironic statistical twist, the Cougars' worst two sets from an offensive efficiency standpoint resulted in the first and third frame victories while their most kills of 17 in the second set turned into a loss. Having twenty-six attack errors headed to the fourth, Barton closed the match with just three more miscues with an evening high .316 attack to finish at a season overall lowest .131 efficiency.

Posting her 11th double-double performance of the season,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;led the Cougars with 14 kills on a .278 efficient evening while defensively chalking up 18 digs and serving up three service aces.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;celebrated her birthday making diving plays across the court and solid libero play overall with a career high 28 digs and added one ace contributing to the Cougars' nine total.

Overcoming a rare off-night from the efficiency standpoint,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;still reached double-digit kills for the 14th time this season putting down 11 with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>&nbsp;attacking the middle for 8 kills, 2 blocks, and 3 service aces.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/olander_aubrey_49pp">Aubrey Olander</a>&nbsp;each had 6 kills and 3 blocks as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/danenberg_naya_4891">Naya Danenberg</a>&nbsp;also recorded 6 kills along with 17 digs.

Joining Nixon in the double-double club, the tandem setters of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;recorded each's second straight, stuffing the stat sheet of 20 assists and 10 digs for Stankovic's third overall while Reyes' 21 assists with 14 digs chalking up her 5th of the season

RECAP Barton took an early 5-1 lead, working its way out to a six point advantage at 13-7 and again at 15-9. A pair of Garden City points curbed the momentum, but five straight points widened the gap in cruising on to an even greater 11 point margin at set point before Garden City briefly held off the loss with three straight.

Committing 10 attack errors in the first, the same rang true in the second. The Cougars found themselves starting at a 14-10 deficit but climbed back in front on a 5-0 run highlighted by a pair of P. Reyes attack at 16-15. Essentially trading points the rest of the way, Garden City broke away from the 9th tie by prevailed with the final two points to even the match.

Barton held the advantage for most of the third set until six straight put the visitors on top at 19-18. The Cougars fired back with the next two points but the feisty Broncbusters took the next three forcing Barton to use its final timeout trailing 22-20.

Garden City gave the Cougars new life out of the break committing three straight attack errors with Barton taking advantage tacking on two more points in a 5-0 closeout gaining the 2-1 match lead.

The Broncbusters played unraveled by the late set collapse, doubling up the Cougars 10-5 early in the fourth. A four-pack answer got Barton back in the match with Nixon's pair of kills highlighting a later three-pack of tallies resulting in a 13-12 Cougar lead.

Garden City took five of the next seven but the Cougars regrouped for a 5-0 spurt gaining the edge at 20-17. Exchanging tallies and then trading a pair of two straight stretches, Nixon's diving defensive effort resulting in a point increased the lead to three in a pivotal play on the night. Nixon then followed with a thunderous attack giving Barton match point with Thompson and Olander providing the final wall of denial ending the match.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730048253360.jpeg" alt="Mina Kaneko" />
 <figcaption>Mina Kaneko</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoIn its worst offensive efficiency of the season, the 8th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team overcame for a 3-1 victory Saturday holding off Garden City Community College's upset bid (25-16, 23-25, 25-22, 25-20).The victory keeps Barton tied atop the KJCCC standings, improving to 13-1 and 26-2 overall while Garden City slips to sixth place at 6-8 and 12-11 on the season.Barton concludes its two-match homestand on Wednesday against Hutchinson in a 6:30 p.m. first serve with sophomore recognition following the conclusion. The Cougars will then close out the regular season Saturday, November 2, at Cloud County before attention to hosting at least a first round playoff match on November 6.In an ironic statistical twist, the Cougars' worst two sets from an offensive efficiency standpoint resulted in the first and third frame victories while their most kills of 17 in the second set turned into a loss. Having twenty-six attack errors headed to the fourth, Barton closed the match with just three more miscues with an evening high .316 attack to finish at a season overall lowest .131 efficiency.Posting her 11th double-double performance of the season,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;led the Cougars with 14 kills on a .278 efficient evening while defensively chalking up 18 digs and serving up three service aces.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;celebrated her birthday making diving plays across the court and solid libero play overall with a career high 28 digs and added one ace contributing to the Cougars' nine total.Overcoming a rare off-night from the efficiency standpoint,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;still reached double-digit kills for the 14th time this season putting down 11 with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>&nbsp;attacking the middle for 8 kills, 2 blocks, and 3 service aces.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/olander_aubrey_49pp">Aubrey Olander</a>&nbsp;each had 6 kills and 3 blocks as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/danenberg_naya_4891">Naya Danenberg</a>&nbsp;also recorded 6 kills along with 17 digs.Joining Nixon in the double-double club, the tandem setters of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;recorded each's second straight, stuffing the stat sheet of 20 assists and 10 digs for Stankovic's third overall while Reyes' 21 assists with 14 digs chalking up her 5th of the seasonRECAP Barton took an early 5-1 lead, working its way out to a six point advantage at 13-7 and again at 15-9. A pair of Garden City points curbed the momentum, but five straight points widened the gap in cruising on to an even greater 11 point margin at set point before Garden City briefly held off the loss with three straight.Committing 10 attack errors in the first, the same rang true in the second. The Cougars found themselves starting at a 14-10 deficit but climbed back in front on a 5-0 run highlighted by a pair of P. Reyes attack at 16-15. Essentially trading points the rest of the way, Garden City broke away from the 9th tie by prevailed with the final two points to even the match.Barton held the advantage for most of the third set until six straight put the visitors on top at 19-18. The Cougars fired back with the next two points but the feisty Broncbusters took the next three forcing Barton to use its final timeout trailing 22-20.Garden City gave the Cougars new life out of the break committing three straight attack errors with Barton taking advantage tacking on two more points in a 5-0 closeout gaining the 2-1 match lead.The Broncbusters played unraveled by the late set collapse, doubling up the Cougars 10-5 early in the fourth. A four-pack answer got Barton back in the match with Nixon's pair of kills highlighting a later three-pack of tallies resulting in a 13-12 Cougar lead.Garden City took five of the next seven but the Cougars regrouped for a 5-0 spurt gaining the edge at 20-17. Exchanging tallies and then trading a pair of two straight stretches, Nixon's diving defensive effort resulting in a point increased the lead to three in a pivotal play on the night. Nixon then followed with a thunderous attack giving Barton match point with Thompson and Olander providing the final wall of denial ending the match.

8th ranked Barton Volleyball holds off Garden City in four sets

Producing late goals in each half Saturday in Liberal, the Barton Community College men's soccer team concluded the regular season with its sixth shutout in a big 2-0 victory at Seward County Community College.

The 100th career win for Rafael Simmons leading a men's soccer program secures the second spot of the KJCCC standings at 7-4-1 and 11-6-2 overall while Seward County ends in fourth place at 3-4-5 and 7-5-5 on the season.

Earning the second seed of the upcoming Region 6/Plains District Tournament, Barton begins its post-season Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 p.m. hosting fifth seed Coffeyville Community College (4-10-4) with the victor advancing to play at the Region 16 Champion of either Crowder College or Jefferson College.

Textbook pin-point passing set up Barton's first tally,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>'s chip over a pair of Saints defenders where&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>&nbsp;rose and delivered a mid-flight pass resulting in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s strike for a team tying 7th goal of the year. For both Pacheco &amp; Bassa, the setup chalked up the 6th assist each of the year.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>, who improved to 7-4-1 protecting the net, put Barton's cushion goal in motion as his 60-yard kick from goal bounced off a Saints defender leaving a foot race to the ball. Outdueling a Saint,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/kanku_loic_7v7s">Loic Kanku</a>&nbsp;fought off the pressure in dribbling past another defender before launching a 15-yard missile near post for his team leading 8th net shaker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730048142063.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoProducing late goals in each half Saturday in Liberal, the Barton Community College men's soccer team concluded the regular season with its sixth shutout in a big 2-0 victory at Seward County Community College.The 100th career win for Rafael Simmons leading a men's soccer program secures the second spot of the KJCCC standings at 7-4-1 and 11-6-2 overall while Seward County ends in fourth place at 3-4-5 and 7-5-5 on the season.Earning the second seed of the upcoming Region 6/Plains District Tournament, Barton begins its post-season Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 p.m. hosting fifth seed Coffeyville Community College (4-10-4) with the victor advancing to play at the Region 16 Champion of either Crowder College or Jefferson College.Textbook pin-point passing set up Barton's first tally,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>'s chip over a pair of Saints defenders where&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>&nbsp;rose and delivered a mid-flight pass resulting in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s strike for a team tying 7th goal of the year. For both Pacheco &amp; Bassa, the setup chalked up the 6th assist each of the year.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>, who improved to 7-4-1 protecting the net, put Barton's cushion goal in motion as his 60-yard kick from goal bounced off a Saints defender leaving a foot race to the ball. Outdueling a Saint,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/kanku_loic_7v7s">Loic Kanku</a>&nbsp;fought off the pressure in dribbling past another defender before launching a 15-yard missile near post for his team leading 8th net shaker.

Barton men wrap up second place with shutout at Seward County

The Kansas State High School Activities Association State Volleyball Championships will begin Friday and conclude on Saturday. Below are schedules for area teams.

Class 5A at Salina's Tony's Pizza Events Center No. 2 Great Bend vs No. 7 Kapaun, 4:30 p.m. No. 2 Great Bend vs No. 6 St. James Academy, 6:30 p.m. No. 2 Great Bend vs No. 3 Andover, 8:30 p.m.

Class 3A at Hutchinson Sports Arena No. 3 Hoisington vs No. 6 Girard, 3:30 p.m. No. 3 Hoisington vs No. 7 Frontenac, 5:30 p.m. No. 3 Hoisington vs No. 2 Neodesha, 8:30 p.m.

Class 2A at Dodge City's United Wireless Arena No. 2 Ellinwood vs No. 7 Doniphan West, 9:30 a.m. No. 2 Ellinwood vs No. 6 Valley Heights, 11:30 a.m. No. 2 Ellinwood vs No. 3 Sedgwick, 1:30 p.m.

Class 1A, Div. I at Dodge City's United Wireless Arena No. 3 Little River vs No. 6 St. John, 3:30 p.m. No. 3 Little River vs No. 7 Clifton-Clyde, 5:30 p.m. No. 6 St. John vs No. 2 South Gray, 6:30 p.m. No. 6 St. John vs No. 7 Clifton-Clyde, 7:30 p.m. No. 3 Little River vs No. 2 South Gray, 8:30 p.m.

Class 1A, Div. II at Emporia's White Auditorium No. 7 Otis-Bison vs No. 2 Lebo, 11 a.m. No. 7 Otis-Bison vs No. 3 Ingalls, 12 p.m. No. 7 Otis-Bison vs No. 6 Victoria, 2 p.m.

Great Bend Post SportsThe Kansas State High School Activities Association State Volleyball Championships will begin Friday and conclude on Saturday. Below are schedules for area teams.Class 5A at Salina's Tony's Pizza Events Center No. 2 Great Bend vs No. 7 Kapaun, 4:30 p.m. No. 2 Great Bend vs No. 6 St. James Academy, 6:30 p.m. No. 2 Great Bend vs No. 3 Andover, 8:30 p.m.Saturday's semifinals begin at 9 a.m.Class 3A at Hutchinson Sports Arena No. 3 Hoisington vs No. 6 Girard, 3:30 p.m. No. 3 Hoisington vs No. 7 Frontenac, 5:30 p.m. No. 3 Hoisington vs No. 2 Neodesha, 8:30 p.m.Saturday's semifinals begin at 9 a.m.Class 2A at Dodge City's United Wireless Arena No. 2 Ellinwood vs No. 7 Doniphan West, 9:30 a.m. No. 2 Ellinwood vs No. 6 Valley Heights, 11:30 a.m. No. 2 Ellinwood vs No. 3 Sedgwick, 1:30 p.m.Saturday's semifinals begin at 9 a.m.Class 1A, Div. I at Dodge City's United Wireless Arena No. 3 Little River vs No. 6 St. John, 3:30 p.m. No. 3 Little River vs No. 7 Clifton-Clyde, 5:30 p.m. No. 6 St. John vs No. 2 South Gray, 6:30 p.m. No. 6 St. John vs No. 7 Clifton-Clyde, 7:30 p.m. No. 3 Little River vs No. 2 South Gray, 8:30 p.m.Saturday's semifinals begin at 9 a.m.Class 1A, Div. II at Emporia's White Auditorium No. 7 Otis-Bison vs No. 2 Lebo, 11 a.m. No. 7 Otis-Bison vs No. 3 Ingalls, 12 p.m. No. 7 Otis-Bison vs No. 6 Victoria, 2 p.m.Saturday's semifinals begin at 9 a.m.

State volleyball schedule for area teams

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yoshinobu Yamamoto allowed one hit over 6 1/3 innings, Freddie Freeman homered for the second straight night and the Los Angeles Dodgers hit three early longballs off Carlos Rodón to beat the New York Yankees 4-2 on Saturday for a 2-0 World Series lead.

Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández also went deep for the Dodgers, who watched superstar slugger&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-ohtani-332dfab365b16f5f8ae607fcb5147a01">Shohei Ohtani walk off the field with a partially dislocated left shoulder at the end of the seventh inning.</a>

After the Yankees closed to 4-2 on Giancarlo Stanton's RBI single in the ninth against Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia relieved with the bases loaded and retired pinch-hitter Jose Trevino on a first-pitch flyout for the save.

Yamamoto gave up Juan Soto's third-inning homer, then retired his last 11 batters.

“I was really looking forward to this game,” he said through a translator, “and I’m glad that we had a great ending.”

Soto also singled off the wall in the ninth and scored on Stanton's one-out hit off the third-base bag. Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled and Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Treinen then struck out Anthony Volpe before Vesia completed a four-hitter.

Ohtani got hurt on a feetfirst slide when he was caught stealing second base to end the seventh.

“He had a little left shoulder subluxation. We’re going to get some tests at some point tonight or tomorrow, and then we’ll know more in the next couple of days,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "The strength was great. The range of motion good, so we’re encouraged. But obviously I can’t speculate because (he didn't) get the scans yet. So once we have the scans, we’ll know more. But again, with the strength, the range of motion good, that’s certainly a positive.”

Game 3 is Monday night at Yankee Stadium. Forty-five of 56 teams holding 2-0 World Series leads have gone on to win the title.

“No one said it’s going to be easy,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It’s a long series, and we need to make it a long series now. We won’t flinch.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-aaron-judge-yankees-b64404c927e380bea578cb4dd0bf95ec">New York slugger Aaron Judge went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts and is hitting .150 with six RBIs and 19 strikeouts in 40 postseason at-bats.</a>

Soto’s tying homer on an inside fastball was the only run Yamamoto permitted in two starts and 13 1/3 innings against the Yankees this year. The rookie right-hander left to a huge ovation and gave the very slightest tip of his cap to fans when he walked to the dugout.

“I think everything was working well for me, since the beginning, the first inning,” he said. “It worked pretty good today.”

Yamamoto joined the Dodgers last December for a $325 million, 12-year contract, a record for pitchers, teaming with Ohtani to create record interest in Major League Baseball back in Japan.

Yamamoto was sidelined from June 15 to Sept. 10 because of a strained rotator cuff and this was his finest start since the injury.

“Yamamoto, amazing job tonight and obviously we got out to the early lead and held on,” Freeman said.

In his longest outing since his start in the Bronx, Yamamoto struck out four and walked two with a five-pitch array that included curveballs, splitters, sliders and cutters. He improved to 2-0 in four postseason starts.

He threw his best regular-season game at Yankee Stadium in June when he allowed three hits over seven shutout innings. Hernández had three homers and nine RBIs over that three-game series.

A night after Freeman hit the first walk-off grand slam in Series history to transform a 3-2 deficit with two outs in the 10th inning into a 6-3 win, Edman put the Dodgers ahead with a solo shot in the second.

After Soto tied the score, Mookie Betts singled with two outs in the bottom half and Hernández, in a 3-for-27 slide, homered into the right-center pavilion.

Freeman, who before Friday hadn’t gone deep since since Sept. 16, was greeted with loud cheers before each plate appearance. He worked the count full and homered to right-center again.

Playing on a sprained right ankle, Freeman has homered in four straight Series games dating to Atlanta’s last two games against Houston in 2021. That is one shy of the record held by Astros outfielder George Springer.

“Those six days off were huge for me, between (the) NLCS and the World Series,” Freeman said. “I was able to calm my ankle down. So hopefully with the flight tonight, I’ve been swelling a lot on flights so hopefully tomorrow we can get it down and get in a good spot for Game 3.”

All three Dodgers homers came on fastballs from Rodón, whose 31 longballs allowed during the regular season tied for second-most in the major leagues. Los Angeles had back-to-back Series homers for just the second time, after Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager connected against Yankees lefty Ron Guidry for a 2-1 win in Game 5 in 1981.

Rodón gave up four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Los Angeles took a 2-0 Series lead for the first time since 1988, when Kirk Gibson’s walk-off homer against Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley won the opener and Orel Hershiser followed with a three-hit shutout. The Yankees are 0-2 for the first time since 2001, when they rebounded to win three straight at home and lost Games 6 and 7 at Arizona.

Yankees RHP Clarke Schmidt and Dodgers RHP Walker Buehler start on Monday. Schmidt has a 3.86 ERA in a pair of postseason starts, no-decisions in Game 3s against Kansas City and Cleveland. Buehler also has started a pair of Game 3s, allowing six runs over five innings in a 6-5 loss to San Diego and pitching four innings in an 8-0 win at the New York Mets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730001660127.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani holds his arm after being injured while attempting to steal second base during the seventh inning in Game 2 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani holds his arm after being injured while attempting to steal second base during the seventh inning in Game 2 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yoshinobu Yamamoto allowed one hit over 6 1/3 innings, Freddie Freeman homered for the second straight night and the Los Angeles Dodgers hit three early longballs off Carlos Rodón to beat the New York Yankees 4-2 on Saturday for a 2-0 World Series lead.Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández also went deep for the Dodgers, who watched superstar slugger&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-ohtani-332dfab365b16f5f8ae607fcb5147a01">Shohei Ohtani walk off the field with a partially dislocated left shoulder at the end of the seventh inning.</a>After the Yankees closed to 4-2 on Giancarlo Stanton's RBI single in the ninth against Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia relieved with the bases loaded and retired pinch-hitter Jose Trevino on a first-pitch flyout for the save.Yamamoto gave up Juan Soto's third-inning homer, then retired his last 11 batters.“I was really looking forward to this game,” he said through a translator, “and I’m glad that we had a great ending.”Soto also singled off the wall in the ninth and scored on Stanton's one-out hit off the third-base bag. Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled and Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Treinen then struck out Anthony Volpe before Vesia completed a four-hitter.Ohtani got hurt on a feetfirst slide when he was caught stealing second base to end the seventh.“He had a little left shoulder subluxation. We’re going to get some tests at some point tonight or tomorrow, and then we’ll know more in the next couple of days,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "The strength was great. The range of motion good, so we’re encouraged. But obviously I can’t speculate because (he didn't) get the scans yet. So once we have the scans, we’ll know more. But again, with the strength, the range of motion good, that’s certainly a positive.”Game 3 is Monday night at Yankee Stadium. Forty-five of 56 teams holding 2-0 World Series leads have gone on to win the title.“No one said it’s going to be easy,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It’s a long series, and we need to make it a long series now. We won’t flinch.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-aaron-judge-yankees-b64404c927e380bea578cb4dd0bf95ec">New York slugger Aaron Judge went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts and is hitting .150 with six RBIs and 19 strikeouts in 40 postseason at-bats.</a>Soto’s tying homer on an inside fastball was the only run Yamamoto permitted in two starts and 13 1/3 innings against the Yankees this year. The rookie right-hander left to a huge ovation and gave the very slightest tip of his cap to fans when he walked to the dugout.“I think everything was working well for me, since the beginning, the first inning,” he said. “It worked pretty good today.”Yamamoto joined the Dodgers last December for a $325 million, 12-year contract, a record for pitchers, teaming with Ohtani to create record interest in Major League Baseball back in Japan.Yamamoto was sidelined from June 15 to Sept. 10 because of a strained rotator cuff and this was his finest start since the injury.“Yamamoto, amazing job tonight and obviously we got out to the early lead and held on,” Freeman said.In his longest outing since his start in the Bronx, Yamamoto struck out four and walked two with a five-pitch array that included curveballs, splitters, sliders and cutters. He improved to 2-0 in four postseason starts.He threw his best regular-season game at Yankee Stadium in June when he allowed three hits over seven shutout innings. Hernández had three homers and nine RBIs over that three-game series.A night after Freeman hit the first walk-off grand slam in Series history to transform a 3-2 deficit with two outs in the 10th inning into a 6-3 win, Edman put the Dodgers ahead with a solo shot in the second.After Soto tied the score, Mookie Betts singled with two outs in the bottom half and Hernández, in a 3-for-27 slide, homered into the right-center pavilion.Freeman, who before Friday hadn’t gone deep since since Sept. 16, was greeted with loud cheers before each plate appearance. He worked the count full and homered to right-center again.Playing on a sprained right ankle, Freeman has homered in four straight Series games dating to Atlanta’s last two games against Houston in 2021. That is one shy of the record held by Astros outfielder George Springer.“Those six days off were huge for me, between (the) NLCS and the World Series,” Freeman said. “I was able to calm my ankle down. So hopefully with the flight tonight, I’ve been swelling a lot on flights so hopefully tomorrow we can get it down and get in a good spot for Game 3.”All three Dodgers homers came on fastballs from Rodón, whose 31 longballs allowed during the regular season tied for second-most in the major leagues. Los Angeles had back-to-back Series homers for just the second time, after Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager connected against Yankees lefty Ron Guidry for a 2-1 win in Game 5 in 1981.Rodón gave up four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.Los Angeles took a 2-0 Series lead for the first time since 1988, when Kirk Gibson’s walk-off homer against Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley won the opener and Orel Hershiser followed with a three-hit shutout. The Yankees are 0-2 for the first time since 2001, when they rebounded to win three straight at home and lost Games 6 and 7 at Arizona.UP NEXTYankees RHP Clarke Schmidt and Dodgers RHP Walker Buehler start on Monday. Schmidt has a 3.86 ERA in a pair of postseason starts, no-decisions in Game 3s against Kansas City and Cleveland. Buehler also has started a pair of Game 3s, allowing six runs over five innings in a 6-5 loss to San Diego and pitching four innings in an 8-0 win at the New York Mets.

Yamamoto shuts down Yankees, Freeman homers again as Dodgers win 4-2

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score, Chris Tennant kicked a 51-yard go-ahead field goal with 1:42 to go and No. 16 Kansas State stopped Kansas on fourth down to preserve a 29-27 victory Saturday night.

D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing for the Wildcats (7-1, 4-1 Big 12), who kept alive their chances of playing for a conference title and in the College Football Playoff by beating their biggest rival for the 16th consecutive time.

Kansas (2-6, 1-4) got the ball back after Tennant's field goal and picked up a quick first down. But Jalon Daniels bookended a short completion with a couple of incomplete passes, and he was tracked down on fourth down with less than a minute to go, giving the Wildcats the ball back and the chance to run out the clock.

Daniels threw for 209 yards and accounted for two touchdowns and an interception. Devin Neal ran for 66 yards and a score.

Kansas opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive, then looked as if it would take control a few minutes later, when Daniels spotted Quentin Skinner running open down the middle of the field. But the senior wide receiver dropped the would-be 49-yard touchdown throw, and the Jayhawks ultimately were forced to punt.

The Wildcats seized on the opening, then took advantage of another Kansas blunder.

After Johnson led a 95-yard drive to knot the game, Kansas freshman Jameel Croft Jr. inexplicably caught the ensuing kickoff at the 1-yard line and stepped out of bounds. Neal was stuffed for a safety on the very next play, and Kansas State followed with a 59-yard drive and its second touchdown in a matter of minutes.

Daniels calmed the Jayhawks, though, and his touchdown throw to Luke Grimm got them within 16-14 at the break.

The teams swapped touchdowns to begin the second half, then traded punts, before the Jayhawks regained the lead on Daniels' touchdown run late in the third quarter — the second year in a row they have led Kansas State in the second half.

The Jayhawks still led 27-26 with 3:44 to go when Daniels, trying to scramble near midfield, went airborne and had the ball pop loose. Brendan Mott was there to recover it for the Wildcats, giving Johnson and Co. one last chance with the ball.

They did just enough to set up Tennant's go-ahead field goal inside the final 2 minutes.

Kansas dominated the game for long stretches but was forced to overcome itself. Daniels had two turnovers, something that was a problem for him earlier in the season, and the Jayhawks made too many special teams blunders.

Kansas State had 479 yards of total offense but struggled on third down. It also had a chance to score a go-ahead TD early in the fourth quarter, but Johnson's pass sailed high and the Wildcats kicked a chip-shot field goal that nearly cost them.

Kansa: Plays No. 10 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at Arrowhead Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730001512832.jpeg" alt="Kansas State tight end Garrett Oakley (86) celebrates with quarterback Avery Johnson (2) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State tight end Garrett Oakley (86) celebrates with quarterback Avery Johnson (2) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score, Chris Tennant kicked a 51-yard go-ahead field goal with 1:42 to go and No. 16 Kansas State stopped Kansas on fourth down to preserve a 29-27 victory Saturday night.D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing for the Wildcats (7-1, 4-1 Big 12), who kept alive their chances of playing for a conference title and in the College Football Playoff by beating their biggest rival for the 16th consecutive time.Kansas (2-6, 1-4) got the ball back after Tennant's field goal and picked up a quick first down. But Jalon Daniels bookended a short completion with a couple of incomplete passes, and he was tracked down on fourth down with less than a minute to go, giving the Wildcats the ball back and the chance to run out the clock.Daniels threw for 209 yards and accounted for two touchdowns and an interception. Devin Neal ran for 66 yards and a score.Kansas opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive, then looked as if it would take control a few minutes later, when Daniels spotted Quentin Skinner running open down the middle of the field. But the senior wide receiver dropped the would-be 49-yard touchdown throw, and the Jayhawks ultimately were forced to punt.The Wildcats seized on the opening, then took advantage of another Kansas blunder.After Johnson led a 95-yard drive to knot the game, Kansas freshman Jameel Croft Jr. inexplicably caught the ensuing kickoff at the 1-yard line and stepped out of bounds. Neal was stuffed for a safety on the very next play, and Kansas State followed with a 59-yard drive and its second touchdown in a matter of minutes.Daniels calmed the Jayhawks, though, and his touchdown throw to Luke Grimm got them within 16-14 at the break.The teams swapped touchdowns to begin the second half, then traded punts, before the Jayhawks regained the lead on Daniels' touchdown run late in the third quarter — the second year in a row they have led Kansas State in the second half.The outcome would be the same, too.The Jayhawks still led 27-26 with 3:44 to go when Daniels, trying to scramble near midfield, went airborne and had the ball pop loose. Brendan Mott was there to recover it for the Wildcats, giving Johnson and Co. one last chance with the ball.They did just enough to set up Tennant's go-ahead field goal inside the final 2 minutes.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas dominated the game for long stretches but was forced to overcome itself. Daniels had two turnovers, something that was a problem for him earlier in the season, and the Jayhawks made too many special teams blunders.Kansas State had 479 yards of total offense but struggled on third down. It also had a chance to score a go-ahead TD early in the fourth quarter, but Johnson's pass sailed high and the Wildcats kicked a chip-shot field goal that nearly cost them.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansa: Plays No. 10 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at Arrowhead Stadium.Kansas State: At Houston next Saturday.

Tennant kicks go-ahead 51-yarder, No. 16 K-State survives Kansas 29-27 

Anticipation has been riding high for high school volleyball teams in Barton County. All three teams still in contention punched their respective tickets to state Saturday by winning their substate brackets.&nbsp;

Ellinwood improved to 39-3 on the season with a pair of wins on its home court. The Lady Eagles dominated Sterling 25-13, 25-11, then defeated TMP 25-23, 25-14 to advance to state for the first time since 2021. This year's Class 2A State Volleyball Championships will be held at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.

Hoisington made quick work of its two substate opponents at the Activity Center Saturday. The Lady Cardinals will take a 37-4 record to state. Hoisington opened with a 25-16, 25-23 win against Smoky Valley, then downed Holcomb 25-18, 25-13 in the finals. The Class 3A State Volleyball Championships will be held at the Hutchinson Arena.

Great Bend defeated Goddard and Valley Center in straight sets to advance to the Class 5A state tournament in Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729983383565.jpeg" alt="The Ellinwood Lady Eagle volleyball team will take a 39-3 record to state after securing a substate championship Saturday. Hoisington and Great Bend also advanced to their respective state tournaments." />
 <figcaption>The Ellinwood Lady Eagle volleyball team will take a 39-3 record to state after securing a substate championship Saturday. Hoisington and Great Bend also advanced to their respective state tournaments.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsAnticipation has been riding high for high school volleyball teams in Barton County. All three teams still in contention punched their respective tickets to state Saturday by winning their substate brackets.&nbsp;Ellinwood improved to 39-3 on the season with a pair of wins on its home court. The Lady Eagles dominated Sterling 25-13, 25-11, then defeated TMP 25-23, 25-14 to advance to state for the first time since 2021. This year's Class 2A State Volleyball Championships will be held at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.Hoisington made quick work of its two substate opponents at the Activity Center Saturday. The Lady Cardinals will take a 37-4 record to state. Hoisington opened with a 25-16, 25-23 win against Smoky Valley, then downed Holcomb 25-18, 25-13 in the finals. The Class 3A State Volleyball Championships will be held at the Hutchinson Arena.Great Bend defeated Goddard and Valley Center in straight sets to advance to the Class 5A state tournament in Salina.

Ellinwood, Hoisington volleyball teams headed to state

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A school-record 31 wins last year. Six seniors from that team gone to graduation. Yet the 2024 Lady Panther volleyball team continues to further its own legacy. Great Bend entered Saturday's substate bracket on its home court with a new school record of 33 wins in a season. The Lady Panthers overcame a 4-point deficit midway through the second set of the championship match against Valley Center to beat the Hornets 25-21, 25-23 and advance to the state tournament for the first time since 2020.

"It's amazing," said senior Kara Feist, who tipped over the match point. "It's just relief seeing everyone rush the floor. Seeing my teammates being able to celebrate, with this particular team, is amazing."

Another school record fell as sophomore Kya Behr entered the championship match just six assists shy of Taryn Kirmer's (Steuder) record for assists in a season. That record fell in Valley Center win.

After a slow start against Goddard in round one, the Lady Panthers largely dominated the first set against Valley Center, which pulled a 2-set upset over Hays to reach the finals. Senior Cassie Ellegood and Behr put down kills for a 4-2 lead, then a kill from Feist and ace from freshman Mikala Minton bumped the gap to 8-5.

Valley Center's school-record holder for blocks had to play a factor. Taylor McDonald, a 6-1 junior, put down one of her trade stuffs to keep the score close at 9-8.

"It was a lot of fun," Ellegood said. "She was definitely the biggest block we've seen and it's a good challenge. It's good to know you're going to have to go out and do your best. There's no slacking in this game."

Sophomores Alex Mayers and Behr put down kills to keep the lead at 14-10, then Ellegood added a pair of aces to push the lead to 16-10. The Lady Panthers needed their sizeable 23-16 lead as the Hornets got as close as 24-20 before Ellegood ended the threat with a kill for a 25-21 first set.

The Lady Panthers played from behind for the first half of the second set. McDonald was just as effective on the offensive side, putting down a pair of kills for a 12-8 Valley Center advantage. Her ace gave the Hornets their largest lead of the match at 14-9.

Then Great Bend buckled down. Ellegood started things off with an ace. The Panthers got two kills each from Mayers and freshman Micah Ellegood, and another from Feist to pull even at 17. In a battle thereafter, Cassie Ellegood put down a kill and a tip from Behr gave Great Bend its first lead in the set since 2-1 at 21-20.

Mayers followed with an ace for a 22-20 lead but McDonald answered with a long kill from the back row for a 23-22 score. Great Bend's seniors were big all day but especially late. Cassie Ellegood put down a kill to set up match point and Feist finished off the substate with a tip.

"We had to keep our heads up and and be leaders on court," said Feist. "We couldn't show any emotion. We just had to cheer everybody up and we did so."

Just five days before Halloween, the Lady Panthers played in front of a raucous crowd at court level and in the stands above. Several members of the Panther football team donned costumes in the lower level.

"Our boys always come out," Ellegood said. "They're loud. They have their army songs. They're good supporters."

"The packed stands up top, too," Feist said. "Everybody was just full of red and black tonight.

Great Bend fell behind 4-1 in the first set of the tournament against Goddard. Junior Ava Kaiser had another big day in the back row, but her two early aces helped the Lady Panthers pull back ahead 18-10 in the first set. Great Bend went on to take the set 25-15.

A pair of aces from Behr gave Great Bend a 12-5 lead early in the second set against Goddard. Junior Kimmy Hofflinger added a late ace and kills from Cassie Ellegood and Minton set up Behr's match-winning tip at 25-15.

Great Bend moves to 35-2 on the season, and the Lady Panthers will take a 27-match win streak into next week's Class 5A State Volleyball Championships in Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729980344048.jpeg" alt="Great Bend defeated Goddard and Valley Center in straight sets in Saturday's Class 5A substate action at GBHS. The Lady Panthers take a 35-2 record and a 27-match win streak into next week's state tournament in Salina." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend defeated Goddard and Valley Center in straight sets in Saturday's Class 5A substate action at GBHS. The Lady Panthers take a 35-2 record and a 27-match win streak into next week's state tournament in Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA school-record 31 wins last year. Six seniors from that team gone to graduation. Yet the 2024 Lady Panther volleyball team continues to further its own legacy. Great Bend entered Saturday's substate bracket on its home court with a new school record of 33 wins in a season. The Lady Panthers overcame a 4-point deficit midway through the second set of the championship match against Valley Center to beat the Hornets 25-21, 25-23 and advance to the state tournament for the first time since 2020."It's amazing," said senior Kara Feist, who tipped over the match point. "It's just relief seeing everyone rush the floor. Seeing my teammates being able to celebrate, with this particular team, is amazing."Another school record fell as sophomore Kya Behr entered the championship match just six assists shy of Taryn Kirmer's (Steuder) record for assists in a season. That record fell in Valley Center win.After a slow start against Goddard in round one, the Lady Panthers largely dominated the first set against Valley Center, which pulled a 2-set upset over Hays to reach the finals. Senior Cassie Ellegood and Behr put down kills for a 4-2 lead, then a kill from Feist and ace from freshman Mikala Minton bumped the gap to 8-5.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729980638363.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Valley Center's school-record holder for blocks had to play a factor. Taylor McDonald, a 6-1 junior, put down one of her trade stuffs to keep the score close at 9-8."It was a lot of fun," Ellegood said. "She was definitely the biggest block we've seen and it's a good challenge. It's good to know you're going to have to go out and do your best. There's no slacking in this game."Sophomores Alex Mayers and Behr put down kills to keep the lead at 14-10, then Ellegood added a pair of aces to push the lead to 16-10. The Lady Panthers needed their sizeable 23-16 lead as the Hornets got as close as 24-20 before Ellegood ended the threat with a kill for a 25-21 first set.The Lady Panthers played from behind for the first half of the second set. McDonald was just as effective on the offensive side, putting down a pair of kills for a 12-8 Valley Center advantage. Her ace gave the Hornets their largest lead of the match at 14-9.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729980708919.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther junior Kimmy Hofflinger (10) celebrates with freshman Micah Ellegood (7)." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther junior Kimmy Hofflinger (10) celebrates with freshman Micah Ellegood (7).</figcaption>
 </figure>Then Great Bend buckled down. Ellegood started things off with an ace. The Panthers got two kills each from Mayers and freshman Micah Ellegood, and another from Feist to pull even at 17. In a battle thereafter, Cassie Ellegood put down a kill and a tip from Behr gave Great Bend its first lead in the set since 2-1 at 21-20.Mayers followed with an ace for a 22-20 lead but McDonald answered with a long kill from the back row for a 23-22 score. Great Bend's seniors were big all day but especially late. Cassie Ellegood put down a kill to set up match point and Feist finished off the substate with a tip."We had to keep our heads up and and be leaders on court," said Feist. "We couldn't show any emotion. We just had to cheer everybody up and we did so."Just five days before Halloween, the Lady Panthers played in front of a raucous crowd at court level and in the stands above. Several members of the Panther football team donned costumes in the lower level."Our boys always come out," Ellegood said. "They're loud. They have their army songs. They're good supporters.""The packed stands up top, too," Feist said. "Everybody was just full of red and black tonight.Great Bend fell behind 4-1 in the first set of the tournament against Goddard. Junior Ava Kaiser had another big day in the back row, but her two early aces helped the Lady Panthers pull back ahead 18-10 in the first set. Great Bend went on to take the set 25-15.A pair of aces from Behr gave Great Bend a 12-5 lead early in the second set against Goddard. Junior Kimmy Hofflinger added a late ace and kills from Cassie Ellegood and Minton set up Behr's match-winning tip at 25-15.Great Bend moves to 35-2 on the season, and the Lady Panthers will take a 27-match win streak into next week's Class 5A State Volleyball Championships in Salina.

Lady Panthers survive Valley Center; advance to state for first time since 2020

A longstanding Kansas State High School Activities Association rule made it sometimes difficult to tell which runners were headed to state competition. That changed this season with the top-15 runners at each regional meet punching their ticket to state. With a 14th-place finish Saturday morning at Lake Barton, Great Bend junior Tavon Stroup is headed to Rim Rock Farm.

The Panthers would have needed a top-three team finish to qualify all members to state. Valley Center won the 5A regional meet with 61 points, followed by Goddard-Eisenhower with 66 points, and Salina Central with 67 points. Great Bend finished sixth overall with 122 points.

Salina Central's Liam Deniau-Young won the individual title by nearly eight seconds in 16:20.01. Stroup crossed in 17:36.06, 15 seconds behind the 13th-place runner and 22 seconds out of a top-10 finish.

Anthony Lawrence ran 23rd for the Panthers in 18:06.64, followed by Brogan Lashley in 28th in 18:19.26, and Diego Pasos in 18:20.26 for 29th. Isaac Aldana ran 31st in 18:25.85. Noah Kaiser placed 40th for the Panthers in 19:01.63, and Parker Coleman finished 44th in 19:22.25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729972320673.jpeg" alt="Panther junior Tavon Stroup ran 14th in Saturday's Class 5A regional meet at Lake Barton to punch his ticket to state." />
 <figcaption>Panther junior Tavon Stroup ran 14th in Saturday's Class 5A regional meet at Lake Barton to punch his ticket to state.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA longstanding Kansas State High School Activities Association rule made it sometimes difficult to tell which runners were headed to state competition. That changed this season with the top-15 runners at each regional meet punching their ticket to state. With a 14th-place finish Saturday morning at Lake Barton, Great Bend junior Tavon Stroup is headed to Rim Rock Farm.The Panthers would have needed a top-three team finish to qualify all members to state. Valley Center won the 5A regional meet with 61 points, followed by Goddard-Eisenhower with 66 points, and Salina Central with 67 points. Great Bend finished sixth overall with 122 points.Salina Central's Liam Deniau-Young won the individual title by nearly eight seconds in 16:20.01. Stroup crossed in 17:36.06, 15 seconds behind the 13th-place runner and 22 seconds out of a top-10 finish.Anthony Lawrence ran 23rd for the Panthers in 18:06.64, followed by Brogan Lashley in 28th in 18:19.26, and Diego Pasos in 18:20.26 for 29th. Isaac Aldana ran 31st in 18:25.85. Noah Kaiser placed 40th for the Panthers in 19:01.63, and Parker Coleman finished 44th in 19:22.25.

Stroup leads Panthers at regional run, qualifies for Saturday's state meet

A photo finish was required to parse out the winner of Saturday morning's Class 5A regional cross country race at Lake Barton. That's what happens when two of the best runners in Kansas decide to cross the finish line together. Behind the Salina Central duo, Great Bend junior Reese Bullard finished third to lead the reigning state runner-up Lady Panthers to a fourth-straight regional title. Great Bend won the crown with 37 points, followed by Valley Center with 65 points, and Salina South in the final team-qualifying spot with 74 points.

Reigning 5A champion Katelyn Rupe, the North Carolina-bound senior from Salina Central, finished 0.02 seconds behind sophomore teammate Kaylie Schultz. The duo crossed in 18:10.38 and 18:10.40.

Bullard has battled a muscle injury for two weeks. Even a chilly October morning could not deter the junior Saturday morning. She ultimately broke from a pack of Lady Panther runners with no leaders in sight. Bullard crossed in 19:39.87, six seconds ahead of sophomore teammate Bella Long, who placed fourth in 19:45.79.

"Really, all it was, it was a mental game," she said. "I went in just hoping for the best. It was all mental. Considering the first two were so far ahead, I didn't know where I was. But it was kind of cool to feel like I was leading for a second."

Marissa Boone and Sienna Smith were part of the pack that included Bullard and Long midway through the race. Boone ultimately ran sixth in 19:59.64, and Smith finished 10th in 20:30.27. Teah King grabbed the final team points in 14th with a time of 20:43.29. 

"That push of people behind you is always motivation knowing there is someone behind you pushing just as hard as you are," Bullard said. "Us being in a pack helped, too."

Kate Welcher ran 21st in 21:35.47, and Samantha Negaard placed 24th in 21:41.56.&nbsp;

The Lady Panthers return to Rim Rock Farm just outside Lawrence on Saturday for the Class 5A State Cross Country Championships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729962539807.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther junior Reese Bullard (left) finished third overall and Great Bend's Marissa Boone, Sienna Smith, and Bella Long joined the pack as the Lady Panthers cruised to a fourth-straight Class 5A regional title Saturday at Lake Barton." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther junior Reese Bullard (left) finished third overall and Great Bend's Marissa Boone, Sienna Smith, and Bella Long joined the pack as the Lady Panthers cruised to a fourth-straight Class 5A regional title Saturday at Lake Barton.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA photo finish was required to parse out the winner of Saturday morning's Class 5A regional cross country race at Lake Barton. That's what happens when two of the best runners in Kansas decide to cross the finish line together. Behind the Salina Central duo, Great Bend junior Reese Bullard finished third to lead the reigning state runner-up Lady Panthers to a fourth-straight regional title. Great Bend won the crown with 37 points, followed by Valley Center with 65 points, and Salina South in the final team-qualifying spot with 74 points.Reigning 5A champion Katelyn Rupe, the North Carolina-bound senior from Salina Central, finished 0.02 seconds behind sophomore teammate Kaylie Schultz. The duo crossed in 18:10.38 and 18:10.40.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729962889815.jpeg" alt="Reese Bullard" />
 <figcaption>Reese Bullard</figcaption>
 </figure>Bullard has battled a muscle injury for two weeks. Even a chilly October morning could not deter the junior Saturday morning. She ultimately broke from a pack of Lady Panther runners with no leaders in sight. Bullard crossed in 19:39.87, six seconds ahead of sophomore teammate Bella Long, who placed fourth in 19:45.79."Really, all it was, it was a mental game," she said. "I went in just hoping for the best. It was all mental. Considering the first two were so far ahead, I didn't know where I was. But it was kind of cool to feel like I was leading for a second."Marissa Boone and Sienna Smith were part of the pack that included Bullard and Long midway through the race. Boone ultimately ran sixth in 19:59.64, and Smith finished 10th in 20:30.27. Teah King grabbed the final team points in 14th with a time of 20:43.29. "That push of people behind you is always motivation knowing there is someone behind you pushing just as hard as you are," Bullard said. "Us being in a pack helped, too."Kate Welcher ran 21st in 21:35.47, and Samantha Negaard placed 24th in 21:41.56.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729962928566.jpeg" alt="Regional champions, from left: Sienna Smith, Bella Long, Reese Bullard, Teah King, Kate Welcher, Samantha Negaard, and Marissa Boone. (photo courtesy of Hillary King)" />
 <figcaption>Regional champions, from left: Sienna Smith, Bella Long, Reese Bullard, Teah King, Kate Welcher, Samantha Negaard, and Marissa Boone. (photo courtesy of Hillary King)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lady Panthers return to Rim Rock Farm just outside Lawrence on Saturday for the Class 5A State Cross Country Championships.

Bullard runs third; Lady Panthers secure fourth-straight regional XC title

BetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports">NFL odds</a>: Chiefs by 9.

Against the spread: Chiefs 5-1; Raiders 3-4.

Last meeting: Raiders beat Chiefs 20-14 at Kansas City, on Dec. 25.

Last week: Chiefs beat San Francisco 28-18; Raiders lost to Los Angeles Rams 20-15.

Chiefs offense: overall (10), rush (10), pass (12), scoring (13).

Chiefs defense: overall (10), rush (4), pass (20), scoring (5).

Raiders offense: overall (26), rush (30), pass (16), scoring (26).

Raiders defense: overall (11), rush (23), pass (8), scoring (29).

Turnover differential: Chiefs minus-3; Raiders minus-13.

DT Chris Jones. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said his team can't rely on just one blocker to keep Jones out of Las Vegas' backfield, a testament to how dominant the 30-year-old remains. “This guy is playing at that MVP level — defensive MVP level,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He takes a lot of pride in being the best and right now he’s doing that, he’s showing that.”

DE Maxx Crosby. He finally appears to be fully healthy after playing through a high ankle sprain. Even while playing through pain, Crosby has made at least half a sack in every game but one this season. With 6 1/2 sacks, he's on pace to surpass his career high of 14 1/2 set last season. He also has had notable interactions with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, as shown in the Netflix docuseries “Quarterback.”

Chiefs offensive line vs. Raiders defensive front. Pro Football Focus ranks Kansas City's offensive line as the NFL's third best, noting it had a particularly strong run-blocking performance Sunday's victory over the 49ers. The Raiders have had a series of issues on their line — DT Christian Wilkins is on injured reserve and DE Malcolm Koonce is out for the season. That puts extra pressure on Crosby, LB Robert Spillane and others to pick up the slack.

Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) and DE Mike Danna (pectoral) will not play. Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is questionable after missing the past two games, but coach Antonio Pierce said he believed he would play. G Dylan Parham (foot) will be out for the second game in a row. LB Tommy Eichenberg (quadriceps) and TE Harrison Bryant (elbow) are questionable.

The Raiders were the most recent team to beat the Chiefs, who have won 12 consecutive games including the Super Bowl since then. ... Until that Christmas Day game, Kansas City had defeated the Raiders six straight times, 11 of 12 meetings and 16 of 18. ... The Chiefs are 4-0 against the Raiders in Las Vegas.

Kansas City is 8-2 in its past 10 regular-season road games against the Raiders. ... The Chiefs picked off 49ers QB Brock Purdy three times last week, the first game with that many interceptions since Oct. 5, 2020, against New England. ... Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman had 110 all-purpose yards against San Francisco, including two carries for 38 yards and a touchdown. ... Mahomes has 225 TD passes. He needs 13 more to pass Len Dawson for the Chiefs franchise record. ... Chiefs TE Travis Kelce needs one TD catch to pass Jason Witten (74) for fifth most by a tight end. He needs three TD catches to break Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record. ... Chiefs C Creed Humphrey has started 57 straight games since entering the league in 2021. ... Jones is tied with Justin Houston for fourth in Chiefs history with 78 1/2 sacks. ... Raiders TE Brock Bowers has been targeted on 30.3% of his routes, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, the highest rate for a rookie tight end through seven weeks since 2018. ... Bowers also leads all tight ends with receptions (47), yards receiving (477), receiving first downs (23) and yards after catch (251). ... CB Jakorian Bennett is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete only 40.6% of their passes when he is the primary defender. That's the fifth-lowest rate through seven games since Next Gen Stats began tracking the statistic in 2016. ... Opponents are converting 28.9% of third downs against Las Vegas, the second-lowest rate in the NFL. It's also the lowest for the Raiders through the first seven games since 2001 when the club held opposing teams to 25%. ... Crosby has 98 tackles for loss. J.J. Watt (133), Aaron Donald (117) and DeMarcus Ware (101) are the only others to top 100 in their first six seasons.

Chiefs defense. Kansas City is playing at a high level, allowing just 17.2 points per game, and the Chiefs face a Raiders offense that has been held in the teens during a three-game losing streak.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729918152662.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, left, is sacked for a 6-yard loss by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, left, is sacked for a 6-yard loss by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (6-0) at Las Vegas (2-5)Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, CBSBetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports">NFL odds</a>: Chiefs by 9.Against the spread: Chiefs 5-1; Raiders 3-4.Series record: Chiefs lead 71-54-2.Last meeting: Raiders beat Chiefs 20-14 at Kansas City, on Dec. 25.Last week: Chiefs beat San Francisco 28-18; Raiders lost to Los Angeles Rams 20-15.Chiefs offense: overall (10), rush (10), pass (12), scoring (13).Chiefs defense: overall (10), rush (4), pass (20), scoring (5).Raiders offense: overall (26), rush (30), pass (16), scoring (26).Raiders defense: overall (11), rush (23), pass (8), scoring (29).Turnover differential: Chiefs minus-3; Raiders minus-13.<h2>Chiefs player to watch</h2>DT Chris Jones. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said his team can't rely on just one blocker to keep Jones out of Las Vegas' backfield, a testament to how dominant the 30-year-old remains. “This guy is playing at that MVP level — defensive MVP level,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He takes a lot of pride in being the best and right now he’s doing that, he’s showing that.”<h2>Raiders player to watch</h2>DE Maxx Crosby. He finally appears to be fully healthy after playing through a high ankle sprain. Even while playing through pain, Crosby has made at least half a sack in every game but one this season. With 6 1/2 sacks, he's on pace to surpass his career high of 14 1/2 set last season. He also has had notable interactions with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, as shown in the Netflix docuseries “Quarterback.”<h2>Key matchup</h2>Chiefs offensive line vs. Raiders defensive front. Pro Football Focus ranks Kansas City's offensive line as the NFL's third best, noting it had a particularly strong run-blocking performance Sunday's victory over the 49ers. The Raiders have had a series of issues on their line — DT Christian Wilkins is on injured reserve and DE Malcolm Koonce is out for the season. That puts extra pressure on Crosby, LB Robert Spillane and others to pick up the slack.<h2>Key injuries</h2>Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) and DE Mike Danna (pectoral) will not play. Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is questionable after missing the past two games, but coach Antonio Pierce said he believed he would play. G Dylan Parham (foot) will be out for the second game in a row. LB Tommy Eichenberg (quadriceps) and TE Harrison Bryant (elbow) are questionable.<h2>Series notes</h2>The Raiders were the most recent team to beat the Chiefs, who have won 12 consecutive games including the Super Bowl since then. ... Until that Christmas Day game, Kansas City had defeated the Raiders six straight times, 11 of 12 meetings and 16 of 18. ... The Chiefs are 4-0 against the Raiders in Las Vegas.<h2>Stats and stuff</h2>Kansas City is 8-2 in its past 10 regular-season road games against the Raiders. ... The Chiefs picked off 49ers QB Brock Purdy three times last week, the first game with that many interceptions since Oct. 5, 2020, against New England. ... Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman had 110 all-purpose yards against San Francisco, including two carries for 38 yards and a touchdown. ... Mahomes has 225 TD passes. He needs 13 more to pass Len Dawson for the Chiefs franchise record. ... Chiefs TE Travis Kelce needs one TD catch to pass Jason Witten (74) for fifth most by a tight end. He needs three TD catches to break Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record. ... Chiefs C Creed Humphrey has started 57 straight games since entering the league in 2021. ... Jones is tied with Justin Houston for fourth in Chiefs history with 78 1/2 sacks. ... Raiders TE Brock Bowers has been targeted on 30.3% of his routes, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, the highest rate for a rookie tight end through seven weeks since 2018. ... Bowers also leads all tight ends with receptions (47), yards receiving (477), receiving first downs (23) and yards after catch (251). ... CB Jakorian Bennett is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete only 40.6% of their passes when he is the primary defender. That's the fifth-lowest rate through seven games since Next Gen Stats began tracking the statistic in 2016. ... Opponents are converting 28.9% of third downs against Las Vegas, the second-lowest rate in the NFL. It's also the lowest for the Raiders through the first seven games since 2001 when the club held opposing teams to 25%. ... Crosby has 98 tackles for loss. J.J. Watt (133), Aaron Donald (117) and DeMarcus Ware (101) are the only others to top 100 in their first six seasons.<h2>Fantasy tip</h2>Chiefs defense. Kansas City is playing at a high level, allowing just 17.2 points per game, and the Chiefs face a Raiders offense that has been held in the teens during a three-game losing streak.

Chiefs looking to remain unbeaten when they visit the Raiders

The Great Bend High School football team continues to push its way toward the record books. With a 42-6 win at Garden City Friday, the Panthers clinched the No. 1 seed in the 5A West playoff bracket. Great Bend will host all rounds of the playoffs. The 8-0 start is also the best GBHS start since 1978.

As the No. 1 seed in 5A West, Great Bend will host Newton (0-8) Friday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. The winner will get either Andover (4-4) or Hays (4-4) in round two. Hays led Liberal 19-14 with 2:41 to play Friday at Fort Hays State University before a 60-yard strip sack went the other way to give the Redskins a 20-19 win. Hutchinson (6-2) or Liberal (6-2) likely await the Panthers in round three. Goddard-Eisenhower (6-2) is the No. 2 seed in the 5A West bracket. St. Thomas Aquinas (8-0) is the No. 1 seed overall in Class 5A.

With a 52-19 win over Cimarron Friday, Hoisington secured another district title and improved to 4-4 on the season. The Cardinals enter the 2A West bracket as the No. 4 seed opposite No. 13 Ellsworth (5-3) Friday at Elton Brown Field. The winner draws either Haven (7-1) or Cimarron (2-6) in round two. Round three would likely mean either No. 2 Garden Plain (6-2), No. 3 Beloit (6-2), or No. 7 Phillipsburg (5-3). Spending much of the season at No. 1, Norton takes a 7-1 record to Hillsboro (4-4) as the No. 9 seed. Humboldt and Osage City each have 8-0 records on the east side, and reigning champion Nemaha Central enters 3A East as the No. 3 seed at 7-1. Southeast of Saline enters the 2A West bracket at 8-0 against Larned (2-6) on Friday.

In 6-man, Otis-Bison (5-3) will see Marais Des Cygnes (6-2) in round two after both teams receive a bye in week one. Pawnee Heights (4-4) will host Western Plains (1-7) in round one with the winner drawing Golden Plains (6-2) in round two.

With a 42-22 loss to Medicine Lodge on Friday, Ellinwood falls to the No. 5 spot in Class 1A, District 7. The Eagles will miss the playoffs.

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Great Bend High School football team continues to push its way toward the record books. With a 42-6 win at Garden City Friday, the Panthers clinched the No. 1 seed in the 5A West playoff bracket. Great Bend will host all rounds of the playoffs. The 8-0 start is also the best GBHS start since 1978.As the No. 1 seed in 5A West, Great Bend will host Newton (0-8) Friday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. The winner will get either Andover (4-4) or Hays (4-4) in round two. Hays led Liberal 19-14 with 2:41 to play Friday at Fort Hays State University before a 60-yard strip sack went the other way to give the Redskins a 20-19 win. Hutchinson (6-2) or Liberal (6-2) likely await the Panthers in round three. Goddard-Eisenhower (6-2) is the No. 2 seed in the 5A West bracket. St. Thomas Aquinas (8-0) is the No. 1 seed overall in Class 5A.With a 52-19 win over Cimarron Friday, Hoisington secured another district title and improved to 4-4 on the season. The Cardinals enter the 2A West bracket as the No. 4 seed opposite No. 13 Ellsworth (5-3) Friday at Elton Brown Field. The winner draws either Haven (7-1) or Cimarron (2-6) in round two. Round three would likely mean either No. 2 Garden Plain (6-2), No. 3 Beloit (6-2), or No. 7 Phillipsburg (5-3). Spending much of the season at No. 1, Norton takes a 7-1 record to Hillsboro (4-4) as the No. 9 seed. Humboldt and Osage City each have 8-0 records on the east side, and reigning champion Nemaha Central enters 3A East as the No. 3 seed at 7-1. Southeast of Saline enters the 2A West bracket at 8-0 against Larned (2-6) on Friday.In 6-man, Otis-Bison (5-3) will see Marais Des Cygnes (6-2) in round two after both teams receive a bye in week one. Pawnee Heights (4-4) will host Western Plains (1-7) in round one with the winner drawing Golden Plains (6-2) in round two.With a 42-22 loss to Medicine Lodge on Friday, Ellinwood falls to the No. 5 spot in Class 1A, District 7. The Eagles will miss the playoffs.

Panthers clinch No. 1 seed in 5A West: Area football playoff picture

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman hit the first game-ending grand slam in World Series history with two outs in the 10th inning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 6-3 victory over the New York Yankees in a dramatic opener Friday night.

Hobbled by a badly sprained ankle, Freeman homered on the first pitch he saw — an inside fastball from Nestor Cortes — and raised his bat high before beginning his trot as the sellout crowd of 52,394 roared.

“I cannot believe what just happened,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “That’s what makes the Fall Classic a classic, right, because the stars come out and superstars make big plays, get big hits, in the biggest of moments. ... I’m speechless right now.”

It was reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s game-ending homer that lifted Los Angeles over the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series at Dodger Stadium — one of the most famous swings in baseball lore.

Gibson, sidelined by leg injuries, came off the bench and connected against Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley.

Freeman, who missed three games during the National League playoffs because of the injury to his right ankle, didn’t have an extra-base hit this postseason until legging out a triple earlier on Friday.

“Actually felt pretty good,” Freeman said. “The last six days we treated it really well. I’ve been feeling pretty good. Right when I ran out to give high-fives to my teammates, I felt pretty good, because that was the first time I ran all week. So, ankle’s good.”

After the home run, Freeman ran over to his father.

“I was just screaming in his face. I’m sorry, dad,” Freeman said, laughing. “He’s been there since I was a little boy, throwing batting practice to me every day. So this is a moment, it’s my dad’s moment.”

In this much-hyped, star-studded World Series between two of baseball’s most storied and successful franchises, Game 1 certainly delivered. It was the third straight Series opener to go extra innings.

“We can’t sit here and mope,” Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said. “Learn from it, where we can improve, and try to win the next one.”

In the top of the 10th, Anthony Volpe grounded into a fielder’s choice to shortstop, scoring Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third after he stole two bases, to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead.

The speedy Chisholm singled off Blake Treinen and then stole second. Following an intentional walk to Anthony Rizzo, Chisholm swiped third base uncontested as Treinen was slow to the plate with Max Muncy playing deep at third.

Tommy Edman made a diving stop to his left on Volpe’s grounder, but couldn’t get it out of his glove at first. He tossed to second to get Rizzo out as Chisholm came flying home with the go-ahead run.

Gavin Lux walked against Jake Cousins with one out in the bottom of the 10th and went to second on Edman’s infield single to second. Defensive replacement Oswaldo Cabrera knocked down the ball with his glove but it leaked into the outfield.

That brought up star slugger Shohei Ohtani, a left-handed hitter. Yankees manager Aaron Boone went to his bullpen again for Cortes, a lefty starter who hadn’t pitched since Sept. 18 because of an elbow injury.

After missing the AL playoffs, Cortes was added to the World Series roster Friday.

Left fielder Alex Verdugo made a running catch in foul territory to retire Ohtani. Verdugo’s momentum sent him tumbling over the low retaining wall, advancing both runners one base because by rule it became a dead ball when Verdugo wound up in the stands.

With first base open, New York intentionally walked Mookie Betts to load the bases and set up lefty-on-lefty matchup of Cortes against Freeman.

“I was on time for the heater,” Freeman said.

His drive into the right-field pavilion sent Dodgers fans into a frenzy. It was the third walk-off homer in World Series history for a team that was trailing, following Gibson’s shot and Joe Carter’s drive for the Toronto Blue Jays that won the 1993 World Series against Philadelphia.

“That’s stuff, you’re 5 years old in the backyard right there,” Freeman said. “That’s a dream come true, but it’s only one. We’ve got three more.”

It’s the 12th time the Yankees and Dodgers are meeting in the World Series, the most frequent matchup in major league annals, but their previous October clash was 43 years ago.

While the Dodgers are seeking their eighth title and second in five years, the Yankees are in the Fall Classic for the first time since winning No. 27 in 2009.

The first Series with a pair of 50-home run hitters in Judge (58) and Ohtani (54) opened quietly as Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, and Jack Flaherty dueled through four scoreless innings. Judge struck out swinging in his first three at-bats before singling off Brusdar Graterol with two outs in the seventh.

Ohtani was 0 for 3 before ripping a double off the right-field wall in the eighth. He raced to third on the play when second baseman Gleyber Torres mishandled Juan Soto’s throw, which became costly when Ohtani scored on a sacrifice fly by Betts that tied it 2-all.

With two outs in the ninth, Torres sent a long drive to left-center. A fan wearing a Dodgers jersey reached over the wall and caught the ball. Umpires ruled fan interference and gave Torres a double, a call confirmed on video replay. The fan immediately left the area.

Blake Treinen came in and intentionally walked Soto to get to Judge. He popped up to end the inning in a 1-for-5 performance that included three strikeouts.

The Dodgers broke through for a 1-0 lead in the fifth when Kiké Hernández tripled past Soto in right field and scored on Will Smith’s sacrifice fly.

The Yankees answered right back in the sixth. Soto singled leading off before Judge struck out swinging for the third time. Giancarlo Stanton followed with a 412-foot shot to left off Flaherty for his 17th career postseason homer. Stanton grew up in the nearby San Fernando Valley, not far from Flaherty’s hometown of Burbank.

Stanton, the American League Championship Series MVP, connected on a knuckle-curve that hung slightly at the bottom of the strike zone. His sixth homer in 11 games this postseason came off his bat at 116.6 mph.

After last weekend’s pennant-clinching win at Cleveland, Stanton said, “This ain’t the trophy I want. I want the next one.”

The Yankees then loaded the bases. Chisholm singled off Anthony Banda and stole second. After Rizzo struck out, Volpe was intentionally walked. Austin Wells reached on an infield single that Edman smothered with a dive to save a run before Verdugo struck out swinging against his former team.

Game 2 is Saturday evening at Dodger Stadium, with Yankees LHP Carlos Rodón pitching against $325 million rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman hit the first game-ending grand slam in World Series history with two outs in the 10th inning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 6-3 victory over the New York Yankees in a dramatic opener Friday night.Hobbled by a badly sprained ankle, Freeman homered on the first pitch he saw — an inside fastball from Nestor Cortes — and raised his bat high before beginning his trot as the sellout crowd of 52,394 roared.“I cannot believe what just happened,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “That’s what makes the Fall Classic a classic, right, because the stars come out and superstars make big plays, get big hits, in the biggest of moments. ... I’m speechless right now.”It was reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s game-ending homer that lifted Los Angeles over the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series at Dodger Stadium — one of the most famous swings in baseball lore.Gibson, sidelined by leg injuries, came off the bench and connected against Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley.Freeman, who missed three games during the National League playoffs because of the injury to his right ankle, didn’t have an extra-base hit this postseason until legging out a triple earlier on Friday.“Actually felt pretty good,” Freeman said. “The last six days we treated it really well. I’ve been feeling pretty good. Right when I ran out to give high-fives to my teammates, I felt pretty good, because that was the first time I ran all week. So, ankle’s good.”After the home run, Freeman ran over to his father.“I was just screaming in his face. I’m sorry, dad,” Freeman said, laughing. “He’s been there since I was a little boy, throwing batting practice to me every day. So this is a moment, it’s my dad’s moment.”In this much-hyped, star-studded World Series between two of baseball’s most storied and successful franchises, Game 1 certainly delivered. It was the third straight Series opener to go extra innings.“We can’t sit here and mope,” Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said. “Learn from it, where we can improve, and try to win the next one.”In the top of the 10th, Anthony Volpe grounded into a fielder’s choice to shortstop, scoring Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third after he stole two bases, to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead.The speedy Chisholm singled off Blake Treinen and then stole second. Following an intentional walk to Anthony Rizzo, Chisholm swiped third base uncontested as Treinen was slow to the plate with Max Muncy playing deep at third.Tommy Edman made a diving stop to his left on Volpe’s grounder, but couldn’t get it out of his glove at first. He tossed to second to get Rizzo out as Chisholm came flying home with the go-ahead run.But the Dodgers weren’t done.Gavin Lux walked against Jake Cousins with one out in the bottom of the 10th and went to second on Edman’s infield single to second. Defensive replacement Oswaldo Cabrera knocked down the ball with his glove but it leaked into the outfield.That brought up star slugger Shohei Ohtani, a left-handed hitter. Yankees manager Aaron Boone went to his bullpen again for Cortes, a lefty starter who hadn’t pitched since Sept. 18 because of an elbow injury.After missing the AL playoffs, Cortes was added to the World Series roster Friday.Left fielder Alex Verdugo made a running catch in foul territory to retire Ohtani. Verdugo’s momentum sent him tumbling over the low retaining wall, advancing both runners one base because by rule it became a dead ball when Verdugo wound up in the stands.With first base open, New York intentionally walked Mookie Betts to load the bases and set up lefty-on-lefty matchup of Cortes against Freeman.“I was on time for the heater,” Freeman said.His drive into the right-field pavilion sent Dodgers fans into a frenzy. It was the third walk-off homer in World Series history for a team that was trailing, following Gibson’s shot and Joe Carter’s drive for the Toronto Blue Jays that won the 1993 World Series against Philadelphia.“That’s stuff, you’re 5 years old in the backyard right there,” Freeman said. “That’s a dream come true, but it’s only one. We’ve got three more.”It’s the 12th time the Yankees and Dodgers are meeting in the World Series, the most frequent matchup in major league annals, but their previous October clash was 43 years ago.While the Dodgers are seeking their eighth title and second in five years, the Yankees are in the Fall Classic for the first time since winning No. 27 in 2009.The first Series with a pair of 50-home run hitters in Judge (58) and Ohtani (54) opened quietly as Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, and Jack Flaherty dueled through four scoreless innings. Judge struck out swinging in his first three at-bats before singling off Brusdar Graterol with two outs in the seventh.Ohtani was 0 for 3 before ripping a double off the right-field wall in the eighth. He raced to third on the play when second baseman Gleyber Torres mishandled Juan Soto’s throw, which became costly when Ohtani scored on a sacrifice fly by Betts that tied it 2-all.With two outs in the ninth, Torres sent a long drive to left-center. A fan wearing a Dodgers jersey reached over the wall and caught the ball. Umpires ruled fan interference and gave Torres a double, a call confirmed on video replay. The fan immediately left the area.Blake Treinen came in and intentionally walked Soto to get to Judge. He popped up to end the inning in a 1-for-5 performance that included three strikeouts.The Dodgers broke through for a 1-0 lead in the fifth when Kiké Hernández tripled past Soto in right field and scored on Will Smith’s sacrifice fly.The Yankees answered right back in the sixth. Soto singled leading off before Judge struck out swinging for the third time. Giancarlo Stanton followed with a 412-foot shot to left off Flaherty for his 17th career postseason homer. Stanton grew up in the nearby San Fernando Valley, not far from Flaherty’s hometown of Burbank.Stanton, the American League Championship Series MVP, connected on a knuckle-curve that hung slightly at the bottom of the strike zone. His sixth homer in 11 games this postseason came off his bat at 116.6 mph.After last weekend’s pennant-clinching win at Cleveland, Stanton said, “This ain’t the trophy I want. I want the next one.”The Yankees then loaded the bases. Chisholm singled off Anthony Banda and stole second. After Rizzo struck out, Volpe was intentionally walked. Austin Wells reached on an infield single that Edman smothered with a dive to save a run before Verdugo struck out swinging against his former team.UP NEXTGame 2 is Saturday evening at Dodger Stadium, with Yankees LHP Carlos Rodón pitching against $325 million rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Freeman hits 1st walk-off slam in World Series history as Dodgers top Yankees 6-3

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

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 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend 42 Garden City 6<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/jmrrw51t/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

Great Bend 42 Garden City 6

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 42, Garden City 6 Liberal 20, Hays 19 Dodge City 21, Wichita East 14 Central Kansas League Hoisington 52, Cimarron 19 Lakin 49, Larned 0 Cheney 28, Pratt 26 Andale 60, Hesston 14 Wichita Trinity 40, Nickerson 28 Hillsboro 21, Smoky Valley 16 Haven 39, Kingman 6 Halstead 54, Lyons 0 Other 11-Man Games Medicine Lodge 42, Ellinwood 22 Southeast of Saline 44, Ellsworth 8 Beloit 46, Beloit 12 Plainville 24, TMP 14 Sterling 41, Hutch-Trinity 18 Area 8-Man Games Ell-Saline 58, Central Plains 12 St. John 30, Macksville 28 LaCrosse 54, Ness City 8 South Gray 36, Kinsley 14 Fairfield 46, Stafford 34 Victoria 46, Hodgeman County 0 Kiowa County 70, Pratt-Skyline 24 Sylvan-Lucas 54, Washington County 0 Little River 56, Solomon 0 Area 6-Man Games Otis-Bison 62, Chase 6 Ingalls 66, Pawnee Heights 6

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 42, Garden City 6 Liberal 20, Hays 19 Dodge City 21, Wichita East 14 Central Kansas League Hoisington 52, Cimarron 19 Lakin 49, Larned 0 Cheney 28, Pratt 26 Andale 60, Hesston 14 Wichita Trinity 40, Nickerson 28 Hillsboro 21, Smoky Valley 16 Haven 39, Kingman 6 Halstead 54, Lyons 0 Other 11-Man Games Medicine Lodge 42, Ellinwood 22 Southeast of Saline 44, Ellsworth 8 Beloit 46, Beloit 12 Plainville 24, TMP 14 Sterling 41, Hutch-Trinity 18 Area 8-Man Games Ell-Saline 58, Central Plains 12 St. John 30, Macksville 28 LaCrosse 54, Ness City 8 South Gray 36, Kinsley 14 Fairfield 46, Stafford 34 Victoria 46, Hodgeman County 0 Kiowa County 70, Pratt-Skyline 24 Sylvan-Lucas 54, Washington County 0 Little River 56, Solomon 0 Area 6-Man Games Otis-Bison 62, Chase 6 Ingalls 66, Pawnee Heights 6

Area high school football scores - Week 8

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

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 </figure>Hoisington 52 Cimarron 19<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/yfvwxxh4/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

Hoisington 52 Cimarron 19

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238768373.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lakin 49 Larned 0<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/myeemwgr/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.