KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — There were nearly 34,000 offensive plays run in the NFL last season and exactly 11 that included four tight ends.

The Chiefs could reach that number — or double or triple it — all by themselves this season.

The two-time defending AFC champions have long toyed with exotic personnel packages, a byproduct of the creative offensive mind of coach Andy Reid. They even kept four tight ends on the roster last year, though Ricky Seals-Jones played only six snaps all season and never with Travis Kelce and the rest of his cohorts on the field.

But the Chiefs foreshadowed the actual use of what teams refer to as a "14 package" — one running back and four tight ends — in their preseason finale against Minnesota, when Patrick Mahomes tossed a TD pass to Blake Bell at the goal line.

"Having those tight ends on the field that can run, block and catch, and then the offensive line that we've built here and how they're able to run the ball — I think that's going to put some defenses in some very tough positions," Mahomes said.

As if the Chiefs don't cause defenses enough problems.

The Patriots were among the first teams to regularly use a four-tight end look in 2015, when they paired Scott Chandler and Michael Williams with Rob Gronkowski and Michael Hoomanawanui.

But even then, the look was designed primarily for use at the goal line, where the extra tight ends could serve as blockers to get a running back into the end zone.

The Chiefs are taking the personnel grouping to another level.

Kelce is already one of the league's best pass-catching tight ends, and the Chiefs selected another pass-catcher in Duke's Noah Gray in April's draft. They've joined Bell, a former college quarterback with marvelous hands, and Jody Fortson, who also played quarterback before spending most of his career at wide receiver and only recently becoming a tight end.

In other words, the Chiefs have four tight ends with soft hands, each capable of catching passes downfield.

The problem that creates for defenses is simple: "They either have to put a lot of people on the field to stop the run," Mahomes explained, "or they have to find a way to stop those guys who can catch the ball like a receiver."

The only downside? Keeping four tight ends on game day means losing a backup player at another position.

"We were already dangerous before I was activated. I think we just got a little more dangerous, to be honest with you," Fortson said. "It gives us the opportunity to form a lot of looks and create so many mismatches. It's going to be fun."

Not for Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski, who gets the first crack at solving the riddle when the Browns visit the Chiefs on Sunday for a rematch of their divisional-round playoff game.

Coincidentally, the Browns ran two of those 11 plays across the entire league last season in which a team had four tight ends on the field.

They weren't the Chiefs' tight ends, though.

"We're just keeping the best players. They do have roles. They deserved their roster spots," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. "And obviously to us, we've been looking for a third or fourth tight end. To get Blake in the offseason, draft Noah, have Jody have such a great camp — we've been on the other side knowing what it takes to have great tight ends."

Now, even though the Chiefs can unleash their four tight ends anywhere on the field, the very nature of the set means it's most damaging in short-yardage situations. And that includes along the goal line, where despite all of their firepower the Chiefs were a middling 58.9% in scoring red zone touchdowns last season.

"You want to be flexible," Mahomes said. "You want to be able to throw changeups at the defenses."

Four tight ends? That just might be the ultimate off-speed pitch.

"We have a lot of mismatch problems," Kelce said. "We have great athletes, especially the two young guys coming up and being very professional early on in their career, taking notes and figuring things out. It's going to be fun."

NOTES: FS Tyrann Mathieu remained in the COVID-19 protocol Wednesday. He needs to return two negative tests 24 hours apart before Sunday to be cleared to play against Cleveland. "If he can go, he'll go. If he can't, he can't," Reid said. "I'm told his tests are getting better." ... DE Frank Clark (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday. C Austin Blythe (sports hernia) remained out. ... RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) said he could have played in the Chiefs' preseason finale but stayed out as a precaution. "I'm 100 percent healthy and right now I'm ready to go," he said.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — There were nearly 34,000 offensive plays run in the NFL last season and exactly 11 that included four tight ends.The Chiefs could reach that number — or double or triple it — all by themselves this season.The two-time defending AFC champions have long toyed with exotic personnel packages, a byproduct of the creative offensive mind of coach Andy Reid. They even kept four tight ends on the roster last year, though Ricky Seals-Jones played only six snaps all season and never with Travis Kelce and the rest of his cohorts on the field.But the Chiefs foreshadowed the actual use of what teams refer to as a "14 package" — one running back and four tight ends — in their preseason finale against Minnesota, when Patrick Mahomes tossed a TD pass to Blake Bell at the goal line."Having those tight ends on the field that can run, block and catch, and then the offensive line that we've built here and how they're able to run the ball — I think that's going to put some defenses in some very tough positions," Mahomes said.As if the Chiefs don't cause defenses enough problems.The Patriots were among the first teams to regularly use a four-tight end look in 2015, when they paired Scott Chandler and Michael Williams with Rob Gronkowski and Michael Hoomanawanui.But even then, the look was designed primarily for use at the goal line, where the extra tight ends could serve as blockers to get a running back into the end zone.The Chiefs are taking the personnel grouping to another level.Kelce is already one of the league's best pass-catching tight ends, and the Chiefs selected another pass-catcher in Duke's Noah Gray in April's draft. They've joined Bell, a former college quarterback with marvelous hands, and Jody Fortson, who also played quarterback before spending most of his career at wide receiver and only recently becoming a tight end.In other words, the Chiefs have four tight ends with soft hands, each capable of catching passes downfield.The problem that creates for defenses is simple: "They either have to put a lot of people on the field to stop the run," Mahomes explained, "or they have to find a way to stop those guys who can catch the ball like a receiver."It almost seems unfair.The only downside? Keeping four tight ends on game day means losing a backup player at another position."We were already dangerous before I was activated. I think we just got a little more dangerous, to be honest with you," Fortson said. "It gives us the opportunity to form a lot of looks and create so many mismatches. It's going to be fun."Not for Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski, who gets the first crack at solving the riddle when the Browns visit the Chiefs on Sunday for a rematch of their divisional-round playoff game.Coincidentally, the Browns ran two of those 11 plays across the entire league last season in which a team had four tight ends on the field.They weren't the Chiefs' tight ends, though."We're just keeping the best players. They do have roles. They deserved their roster spots," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. "And obviously to us, we've been looking for a third or fourth tight end. To get Blake in the offseason, draft Noah, have Jody have such a great camp — we've been on the other side knowing what it takes to have great tight ends."Now, even though the Chiefs can unleash their four tight ends anywhere on the field, the very nature of the set means it's most damaging in short-yardage situations. And that includes along the goal line, where despite all of their firepower the Chiefs were a middling 58.9% in scoring red zone touchdowns last season."You want to be flexible," Mahomes said. "You want to be able to throw changeups at the defenses."Four tight ends? That just might be the ultimate off-speed pitch."We have a lot of mismatch problems," Kelce said. "We have great athletes, especially the two young guys coming up and being very professional early on in their career, taking notes and figuring things out. It's going to be fun."NOTES: FS Tyrann Mathieu remained in the COVID-19 protocol Wednesday. He needs to return two negative tests 24 hours apart before Sunday to be cleared to play against Cleveland. "If he can go, he'll go. If he can't, he can't," Reid said. "I'm told his tests are getting better." ... DE Frank Clark (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday. C Austin Blythe (sports hernia) remained out. ... RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) said he could have played in the Chiefs' preseason finale but stayed out as a precaution. "I'm 100 percent healthy and right now I'm ready to go," he said.

🏈 Chiefs toying with four-tight end sets as opener approaches

WAKEENEY -&nbsp;The TMP-Marian volleyball team won twice Tuesday at the Trego triangular. 

The Monarchs defeated the host Golden Eagles
25-11, 27-25 then knocked off Stockton 25-10, 25-10. 

WAKEENEY -&nbsp;The TMP-Marian volleyball team won twice Tuesday at the Trego triangular. The Monarchs defeated the host Golden Eagles
25-11, 27-25 then knocked off Stockton 25-10, 25-10. TMP is now 8-2 on the season.

🏐 Monarchs 2-0 in WaKeeney

LINDSBORG - The Hays High volleyball team went 0-2 at the Smoky Valley triangular Tuesday.

The Indians lost 25-12, 28-26 to Smoky Valley and 25-21, 22-25, 19-25 to state ranked Nickerson.

LINDSBORG - The Hays High volleyball team went 0-2 at the Smoky Valley triangular Tuesday.The Indians lost 25-12, 28-26 to Smoky Valley and 25-21, 22-25, 19-25 to state ranked Nickerson.

🏐 HHS goes 0-2 in Lindsborg

SALINA -&nbsp;The Hays High girls’ golf team finished third at Tuesday's Salina Central Lady Stangs Golf Tournament at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. 

Sophomore Evyn Cox led the Indians with an 84 and tied for second. Freshman Jaycee Oakley shot a 93 and places seventh.

Lindsey Warsnack of Newton shot a 79 and won the individual title.

SALINA -&nbsp;The Hays High girls’ golf team finished third at Tuesday's Salina Central Lady Stangs Golf Tournament at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. Sophomore Evyn Cox led the Indians with an 84 and tied for second. Freshman Jaycee Oakley shot a 93 and places seventh.Lindsey Warsnack of Newton shot a 79 and won the individual title.

⛳ HHS third at Salina Central Invite

HESSTON -&nbsp;The TMP girls’ golf team finished third at the
Hesston Fall State Preview Tuesday at the Hesston Golf Course. 

The Monarchs didn't have anyone finish in the top-10. They were led by Ella Brummer who shot a 101.

Hesston will host the 3A state tournament later this fall.

HESSTON -&nbsp;The TMP girls’ golf team finished third at the
Hesston Fall State Preview Tuesday at the Hesston Golf Course. The Monarchs didn't have anyone finish in the top-10. They were led by Ella Brummer who shot a 101.Hesston will host the 3A state tournament later this fall.

⛳ Monarch girls third in Hesston

MAIZE -&nbsp;The shorthanded TMP-Marian boys soccer team lost their opener at the Maize South Tournament 12-0 to the host Mavericks. 

The Monarchs were down two players and played the match with only nine.

MAIZE -&nbsp;The shorthanded TMP-Marian boys soccer team lost their opener at the Maize South Tournament 12-0 to the host Mavericks. The Monarchs were down two players and played the match with only nine.

⚽ Monarchs shutout at Maize South opener

GREAT BEND -&nbsp;The Hays High girls tennis teams edged Dodge City
by two points (21-19) to win Tuesday's Great Bend Invitational. 

The Indians Morgan Shorb went 3-0 and won No. 1 singles. Shorb defeated Laura Daniel of Great Bend (8-3), Ella McNett of Larned (8-5) and Andrea Morales of Dodge City (8-6).

The No. 2 Doubles team of Mallory Henderson and Jersey Johnson also went 3-0 and finished first. They defeated Tania Molina/Danica Stickland (8-5), Arianna Hemken/Breanna Hemken (8-3) and Olivia Buddy/Annicka Henderson of Dodge City (8-4).

The No. 1 doubles team of Caroline Robben and Sage Zweifel went 2-1 and finished runner-up. They defeated Samantha Mayers/Taylor Lashley of Great Bend (8-5) and Kathryn Holt/Abby Holt of Larned (8-4) before losing 8-4 to Becca Unruh and Michaela Mink of Dodge City.

Allyson Werth finished 0-3 at No. 2 Singles.

GREAT BEND -&nbsp;The Hays High girls tennis teams edged Dodge City
by two points (21-19) to win Tuesday's Great Bend Invitational. The Indians Morgan Shorb went 3-0 and won No. 1 singles. Shorb defeated Laura Daniel of Great Bend (8-3), Ella McNett of Larned (8-5) and Andrea Morales of Dodge City (8-6).The No. 2 Doubles team of Mallory Henderson and Jersey Johnson also went 3-0 and finished first. They defeated Tania Molina/Danica Stickland (8-5), Arianna Hemken/Breanna Hemken (8-3) and Olivia Buddy/Annicka Henderson of Dodge City (8-4).The No. 1 doubles team of Caroline Robben and Sage Zweifel went 2-1 and finished runner-up. They defeated Samantha Mayers/Taylor Lashley of Great Bend (8-5) and Kathryn Holt/Abby Holt of Larned (8-4) before losing 8-4 to Becca Unruh and Michaela Mink of Dodge City.Allyson Werth finished 0-3 at No. 2 Singles.

🎾 Hays High wins Great Bend tournament

BALTIMORE (AP) — Cedric Mullins homered for the third consecutive game and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Tuesday night.

DJ Stewart and Austin Hays also connected for Baltimore, which evened the four-game series at one apiece.

“I did like how we swung the bat early,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Nice job of scoring first and getting the lead for our young pitching staff.”

Orioles right-hander Mike Baumann, rated the team’s No. 10 prospect, was promoted from Triple-A Norfolk prior to the game and made his major league debut in the fifth inning. Baumann (1-0) retired 11 of the 14 batters he faced.

“I didn't really know what the moment would be like,” Baumann said. “There was a lot of adrenaline, everything was just kind of a blur. Looking back on it, I don't even know if I remember much of what happened on the mound. Just the feeling of walking off the field after, hearing the fans, that was a cool moment. It was definitely something to remember.”

Carlos Santana hit his 19th home run for the Royals, who are 9-4 in their last 13 road games after going 19-37 in their first 46. Kansas City left nine runners on base, its most since Aug. 27 at Seattle (also nine).

The Orioles took a 4-0 lead against rookie Jackson Kowar (0-3) on an RBI single by Anthony Santander, a fielder’s choice by Hays and a two-run homer by Stewart that was just out of the reach of center fielder Michael A. Taylor, who crashed into the wall.

Kowar allowed six runs and five hits with seven strikeouts and four walks over six innings.

“He did a good job of staying in the game by pitching a very uncharacteristic game for him,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He used the slider more than he has ever used in his life. He couldn’t execute the fastball like he wanted to.”

A two-out bloop single by Nicky Lopez cut the lead to 4-1 in the third against Orioles rookie Alexander Wells, who made his fourth start of the season. Wells gave up two runs and five hits with two strikeouts and two walks over four innings.

Hays responded in the bottom half with a two-run shot that extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games. The Orioles did not manage another hit until Mullins led off the seventh with his 27th homer.

The Royals scored their third run on an error by third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez on a grounder by Taylor in the eighth.

Orioles: RHP Manny Barreda had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk. RHP Zack Burdi was optioned to the Tides.

Orioles: Jorge López’s sprained right ankle is a potentially season-ending injury, according to Hyde. López was injured attempting to cover first base during Monday’s game. … 1B/DH Trey Mancini missed his second straight game with general soreness. … SS Ramón Urías was also held out of the lineup with soreness in his upper right leg. … LHP Bruce Zimmermann (sprained right ankle) is scheduled to throw in the bullpen in the next couple of days.

Royals: LHP Mike Minor (8-12, 5.25 ERA) is winless in his past six starts, going 0-4 with a 4.98 ERA during that stretch.

Orioles: Matt Harvey (6-14, 6.28 ERA) will make his 28th start of the season. “We’ve gone start-to-start with Harvey here for the last four or five starts,” Hyde said. “Anything he’s given us this second half has been a bonus.”

BALTIMORE (AP) — Cedric Mullins homered for the third consecutive game and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Tuesday night.DJ Stewart and Austin Hays also connected for Baltimore, which evened the four-game series at one apiece.“I did like how we swung the bat early,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Nice job of scoring first and getting the lead for our young pitching staff.”Orioles right-hander Mike Baumann, rated the team’s No. 10 prospect, was promoted from Triple-A Norfolk prior to the game and made his major league debut in the fifth inning. Baumann (1-0) retired 11 of the 14 batters he faced.“I didn't really know what the moment would be like,” Baumann said. “There was a lot of adrenaline, everything was just kind of a blur. Looking back on it, I don't even know if I remember much of what happened on the mound. Just the feeling of walking off the field after, hearing the fans, that was a cool moment. It was definitely something to remember.”Carlos Santana hit his 19th home run for the Royals, who are 9-4 in their last 13 road games after going 19-37 in their first 46. Kansas City left nine runners on base, its most since Aug. 27 at Seattle (also nine).The Orioles took a 4-0 lead against rookie Jackson Kowar (0-3) on an RBI single by Anthony Santander, a fielder’s choice by Hays and a two-run homer by Stewart that was just out of the reach of center fielder Michael A. Taylor, who crashed into the wall.Kowar allowed six runs and five hits with seven strikeouts and four walks over six innings.“He did a good job of staying in the game by pitching a very uncharacteristic game for him,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He used the slider more than he has ever used in his life. He couldn’t execute the fastball like he wanted to.”A two-out bloop single by Nicky Lopez cut the lead to 4-1 in the third against Orioles rookie Alexander Wells, who made his fourth start of the season. Wells gave up two runs and five hits with two strikeouts and two walks over four innings.Hays responded in the bottom half with a two-run shot that extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games. The Orioles did not manage another hit until Mullins led off the seventh with his 27th homer.The Royals scored their third run on an error by third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez on a grounder by Taylor in the eighth.MOVESOrioles: RHP Manny Barreda had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk. RHP Zack Burdi was optioned to the Tides.TRAINER’S ROOMOrioles: Jorge López’s sprained right ankle is a potentially season-ending injury, according to Hyde. López was injured attempting to cover first base during Monday’s game. … 1B/DH Trey Mancini missed his second straight game with general soreness. … SS Ramón Urías was also held out of the lineup with soreness in his upper right leg. … LHP Bruce Zimmermann (sprained right ankle) is scheduled to throw in the bullpen in the next couple of days.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Mike Minor (8-12, 5.25 ERA) is winless in his past six starts, going 0-4 with a 4.98 ERA during that stretch.Orioles: Matt Harvey (6-14, 6.28 ERA) will make his 28th start of the season. “We’ve gone start-to-start with Harvey here for the last four or five starts,” Hyde said. “Anything he’s given us this second half has been a bonus.”

⚾ Royals fall to Orioles

CLASS 6A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
DERBY (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OLATHE NORTH (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BLUE VALLEY NORTH (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
JUNCTION CITY (1-0)

CLASS 5A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MILL VALLEY (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BISHOP CARROLL (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA NORTHWEST (0-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MAIZE (1-0)

&nbsp; CLASS 4A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BISHOP MIEGE (0-1) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. JAMES ACADEMY (0-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ANDOVER CENTRAL (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BUHLER (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MCPHERSON (1-0)

CLASS 3A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ANDALE (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA COLLEGIATE (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
FRONTENAC (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CHENEY (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HOLTON (1-0)

CLASS 2A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ROSSVILLE (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SILVER LAKE (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
NEMAHA CENTRAL (0-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BELOIT (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
GARDEN PLAIN (1-0)

CLASS 1A RANKINGS| 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OLPE (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SMITH CENTER (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
INMAN (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SEDGWICK (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
PLAINVILLE (1-0)

CLASS 8M-I RANKINGS| 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
LITTLE RIVER (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MADISON (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CANTON-GALVA (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA CO. (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HILL CITY (1-0)

CLASS 8M-II RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HANOVER (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
VICTORIA (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
THUNDER RIDGE (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
AXTELL (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
FRANKFORT (1-0)

CLASS 6A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
DERBY (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OLATHE NORTH (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BLUE VALLEY NORTH (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
JUNCTION CITY (1-0) CLASS 5A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MILL VALLEY (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BISHOP CARROLL (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA NORTHWEST (0-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MAIZE (1-0)&nbsp; CLASS 4A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BISHOP MIEGE (0-1) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. JAMES ACADEMY (0-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ANDOVER CENTRAL (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BUHLER (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MCPHERSON (1-0)CLASS 3A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ANDALE (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA COLLEGIATE (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
FRONTENAC (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CHENEY (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HOLTON (1-0) CLASS 2A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ROSSVILLE (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SILVER LAKE (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
NEMAHA CENTRAL (0-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BELOIT (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
GARDEN PLAIN (1-0)CLASS 1A RANKINGS| 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OLPE (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SMITH CENTER (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
INMAN (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SEDGWICK (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
PLAINVILLE (1-0)CLASS 8M-I RANKINGS| 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
LITTLE RIVER (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MADISON (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CANTON-GALVA (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA CO. (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HILL CITY (1-0)CLASS 8M-II RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HANOVER (1-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
VICTORIA (1-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
THUNDER RIDGE (1-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
AXTELL (1-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
FRANKFORT (1-0)

🏈Kpreps week 2 rankings

🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

WACO, Texas – Fort Hays State Football continues to receive votes in the AFCA Top 25 Poll despite a loss in its 2021 season opener last week. The Tigers fell to No. 4 ranked Northwest Missouri State in a tight battle in Hays by a score of 15-7. The MIAA continues to have two teams represented in the Top 25, though there has been a switch out of teams for the conference's second occupant of a Top 25 spot. Northwest Missouri State holds this week at No. 4 in the nation after the top three ranked teams also won their season openers. Central Missouri, which started the season at No. 13 in the preseason rankings, drops out of the Top 25 this week after a loss in its season opener with Pittsburg State. Jumping into the Top 25 is Pittsburg State at No. 23 by virtue of their win over a ranked opponent. The Gorillas were receiving votes in the poll to start the season. Fort Hays State is among four MIAA teams referenced in the receiving votes section as it joins Nebraska-Kearney, Central Missouri, and Washburn. Below is the AFCA Top 25 Poll for September 7, 2021. 1. West Florida (28) 1-0 2. Ferris State (Mich.) (1) 1-0 3. Minnesota State 1-0 4. Northwest Missouri State 1-0 5. Valdosta State (Ga.) 1-0 6. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) (1) 1-0 7. Texas A&amp;M-Commerce 1-0 8. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 1-0 9. Colorado School of Mines 1-0 10. Notre Dame (Ohio) 1-0 11. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 1-0 12. Indianapolis (Ind.) 1-0 13. Shepherd (W.Va.) 1-0 14. Grand Valley State (Mich.) 0-0 15. Indiana (Pa.) 0-0 16. Tiffin (Ohio) 1-0 17. Harding (Ark.) 1-0 18. Kutztown (Pa.) 1-0 19. Colorado St.-Pueblo 0-1 20. Minnesota-Duluth 1-0 21. Wingate (N.C.) 1-0 22. Angelo State (Texas) 1-0 23. Pittsburg State (Kan.) 1-0 24. West Georgia 1-0 25. Bowie State (Md.) 0-1 Receiving Votes: Delta St. (Miss.), 46; Augustana (S.D.), 34; Tusculum (Tenn.), 33; Henderson St. (Ark.), 31; West Texas A&amp;M, 27; Nebraska-Kearney, 25; Central Missouri, 24; West Alabama, 21; Truman St. (Mo.), 15; Bentley (Mass.), 12; Midwestern St. (Texas), 11; Ashland (Ohio), 7; Charleston (W.Va.), 5;&nbsp;Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 5; West Chester (Pa.), 5; Washburn (Kan.), 4; California (Pa.), 3; Lindenwood (Mo.), 2; Virginia Union, 2; Carson-Newman (Tenn.), 1; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 1; UT-Permian Basin (Texas), 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631047363135.jpeg" alt="Ty Copper (Wamego redshirt freshman) vs. NW Missouri State (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Tylee Biera)" />
 <figcaption>Ty Copper (Wamego redshirt freshman) vs. NW Missouri State (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Tylee Biera)</figcaption>
 </figure>WACO, Texas – Fort Hays State Football continues to receive votes in the AFCA Top 25 Poll despite a loss in its 2021 season opener last week. The Tigers fell to No. 4 ranked Northwest Missouri State in a tight battle in Hays by a score of 15-7. The MIAA continues to have two teams represented in the Top 25, though there has been a switch out of teams for the conference's second occupant of a Top 25 spot. Northwest Missouri State holds this week at No. 4 in the nation after the top three ranked teams also won their season openers. Central Missouri, which started the season at No. 13 in the preseason rankings, drops out of the Top 25 this week after a loss in its season opener with Pittsburg State. Jumping into the Top 25 is Pittsburg State at No. 23 by virtue of their win over a ranked opponent. The Gorillas were receiving votes in the poll to start the season. Fort Hays State is among four MIAA teams referenced in the receiving votes section as it joins Nebraska-Kearney, Central Missouri, and Washburn. Below is the AFCA Top 25 Poll for September 7, 2021. 1. West Florida (28) 1-0 2. Ferris State (Mich.) (1) 1-0 3. Minnesota State 1-0 4. Northwest Missouri State 1-0 5. Valdosta State (Ga.) 1-0 6. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) (1) 1-0 7. Texas A&amp;M-Commerce 1-0 8. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 1-0 9. Colorado School of Mines 1-0 10. Notre Dame (Ohio) 1-0 11. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 1-0 12. Indianapolis (Ind.) 1-0 13. Shepherd (W.Va.) 1-0 14. Grand Valley State (Mich.) 0-0 15. Indiana (Pa.) 0-0 16. Tiffin (Ohio) 1-0 17. Harding (Ark.) 1-0 18. Kutztown (Pa.) 1-0 19. Colorado St.-Pueblo 0-1 20. Minnesota-Duluth 1-0 21. Wingate (N.C.) 1-0 22. Angelo State (Texas) 1-0 23. Pittsburg State (Kan.) 1-0 24. West Georgia 1-0 25. Bowie State (Md.) 0-1 Receiving Votes: Delta St. (Miss.), 46; Augustana (S.D.), 34; Tusculum (Tenn.), 33; Henderson St. (Ark.), 31; West Texas A&amp;M, 27; Nebraska-Kearney, 25; Central Missouri, 24; West Alabama, 21; Truman St. (Mo.), 15; Bentley (Mass.), 12; Midwestern St. (Texas), 11; Ashland (Ohio), 7; Charleston (W.Va.), 5;&nbsp;Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 5; West Chester (Pa.), 5; Washburn (Kan.), 4; California (Pa.), 3; Lindenwood (Mo.), 2; Virginia Union, 2; Carson-Newman (Tenn.), 1; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 1; UT-Permian Basin (Texas), 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 FHSU continues to receive votes in AFCA Top 25 poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State senior Robbie Schmidt&nbsp;has been named MIAA men's cross country athlete of the week, announced Tuesday by the league office. Schmidt took home the individual title at the UNK Invitational on Friday (Sept. 3) after navigating the six-kilometer course in 18:05.3, nearly five seconds faster than second place. He bested a field of 42 athletes that took to the course at Meadowlark Hills Golf Course in Kearney, Neb. The Topeka, Kan. native sat in fifth place at the two-kilometer mark, a full 13 seconds behind the leader. But the senior closed that gap to just under three seconds at the four-kilometer pole before taking the lead late in the race. He averaged 4:51.0 per mile during the race. Schmidt and the rest of the Tigers will return to the course later this month when they travel to Denver, Colo. for the&nbsp;Roadrunner Invitational on September 17. The men's eight-kilometer race at Washington Park is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. MT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631047244509.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State senior Robbie Schmidt&nbsp;has been named MIAA men's cross country athlete of the week, announced Tuesday by the league office. Schmidt took home the individual title at the UNK Invitational on Friday (Sept. 3) after navigating the six-kilometer course in 18:05.3, nearly five seconds faster than second place. He bested a field of 42 athletes that took to the course at Meadowlark Hills Golf Course in Kearney, Neb. The Topeka, Kan. native sat in fifth place at the two-kilometer mark, a full 13 seconds behind the leader. But the senior closed that gap to just under three seconds at the four-kilometer pole before taking the lead late in the race. He averaged 4:51.0 per mile during the race. Schmidt and the rest of the Tigers will return to the course later this month when they travel to Denver, Colo. for the&nbsp;Roadrunner Invitational on September 17. The men's eight-kilometer race at Washington Park is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. MT).&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏃‍♂️ FHSU's Schmidt MIAA men's cross country Athlete of the Week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After a pair of shutout victories to open the 2021 season, the Fort Hays State Women's Soccer team moved into the receiving votes section of the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday. The MIAA currently has three teams represented in the Top 25 and a pair of teams receiving votes (FHSU included). Central Missouri, which started the season unranked, is No. 7 in the first regular season poll. Emporia State, also unranked to start the season, jumped to No. 15. Missouri Western slipped down one spot to No. 24 from its preseason ranking of 23. Fort Hays State and Central Oklahoma are the MIAA schools among the receiving votes section. Central Missouri, Emporia State, Missouri Western, and Fort Hays State are among seven MIAA schools that started the 2021 season 2-0. Below is the United Soccer Coaches Women's Division II Top 25 Poll. 1. Flagler College 1-0-0 2. Dallas Baptist 2-0-0 3.Grand Valley State 2-0-0 4. Florida Tech 2-0-0 5. Sonoma State 2-0-0 6. College Of Saint Rose 2-0-0 7. Central Missouri 2-0-0 8. Kutztown&nbsp; 2-0-0 9. West Florida 2-0-0 10. Northwest Nazarene 1-0-0| 11. Lenoir-Rhyne 1-0-0 12. UIndy 2-0-0 13. Westminster College (Utah) 2-0-0 14. Indiana-Pennsylvania 1-0-0 15. Emporia State&nbsp; 2-0-0 16. Columbus State&nbsp; 2-0-0 17. Southern New Hampshire 2-0-0 18. Western Washington 1-0-1 19. Angelo State 2-0-0 20. Findlay 1-1-0 21. Colorado School Of Mines 1-0-1 22. McKendree 1-0-1 23. West Alabama 1-0-1 24. Missouri Western State 0-0-0 25. Lee 1-0-0 Receiving Votes: Drury, Central Oklahoma, Lock Haven, Seattle Pacific,&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Concord, Molloy College, Mississippi College, Ferris State, Frostburg State, Edinboro, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After a pair of shutout victories to open the 2021 season, the Fort Hays State Women's Soccer team moved into the receiving votes section of the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday. The MIAA currently has three teams represented in the Top 25 and a pair of teams receiving votes (FHSU included). Central Missouri, which started the season unranked, is No. 7 in the first regular season poll. Emporia State, also unranked to start the season, jumped to No. 15. Missouri Western slipped down one spot to No. 24 from its preseason ranking of 23. Fort Hays State and Central Oklahoma are the MIAA schools among the receiving votes section. Central Missouri, Emporia State, Missouri Western, and Fort Hays State are among seven MIAA schools that started the 2021 season 2-0. Below is the United Soccer Coaches Women's Division II Top 25 Poll. 1. Flagler College 1-0-0 2. Dallas Baptist 2-0-0 3.Grand Valley State 2-0-0 4. Florida Tech 2-0-0 5. Sonoma State 2-0-0 6. College Of Saint Rose 2-0-0 7. Central Missouri 2-0-0 8. Kutztown&nbsp; 2-0-0 9. West Florida 2-0-0 10. Northwest Nazarene 1-0-0| 11. Lenoir-Rhyne 1-0-0 12. UIndy 2-0-0 13. Westminster College (Utah) 2-0-0 14. Indiana-Pennsylvania 1-0-0 15. Emporia State&nbsp; 2-0-0 16. Columbus State&nbsp; 2-0-0 17. Southern New Hampshire 2-0-0 18. Western Washington 1-0-1 19. Angelo State 2-0-0 20. Findlay 1-1-0 21. Colorado School Of Mines 1-0-1 22. McKendree 1-0-1 23. West Alabama 1-0-1 24. Missouri Western State 0-0-0 25. Lee 1-0-0 Receiving Votes: Drury, Central Oklahoma, Lock Haven, Seattle Pacific,&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Concord, Molloy College, Mississippi College, Ferris State, Frostburg State, Edinboro, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⚽ FHSU women receiving votes in United Soccer coaches poll

If you missed today's Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown, you can listen to it in it's entirety right here.

Tiger Talk airs Monday's at 12:15 on KAYS (1400-AM, 94.3-FM).

If you missed today's Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown, you can listen to it in it's entirety right here.Tiger Talk airs Monday's at 12:15 on KAYS (1400-AM, 94.3-FM).<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Sep 7, 2021)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ftpmt-10d431a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State student-athletes Reilly Madden and Deonna Wellbrock&nbsp;received MIAA Women's Soccer Athlete of the Week honors on Tuesday (Sept. 7) for their efforts in a pair of home matches to start the 2021 season last week. They helped the Tigers to shutout victories over Augustana and Sioux Falls of the Northern Sun Conference. Madden was named Defender of the Week, and Wellbrock was named Co-Goalkeeper of the Week. Madden helped the Tigers produce two clean sheets to open up the 2021 season at home. She played all 90 minutes in both contests. She helped the Tiger defense limit Augustana to eight shots overall in the season opener, then helped the Tigers limit Sioux Falls to just two shots. She picked up two points for week by providing a pair of assists on the two goals for FHSU against Sioux Falls, both on plays that produced double assists. Wellbrock recorded two shutout victories in goal for FHSU at home this past weekend. She had to make seven saves in the win over Augustana and then just one against Sioux Falls. She faced a total of 10 shots for the week with eight of those shots being on goal. Madden and Wellbrock join Kaili Campbell from Missouri Western (Offensive Athlete of the Week) and Central Missouri's Lindsey Johnson (Co-Goalkeeper of the Week)&nbsp;as the weekly honorees from the conference office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631042324196.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State student-athletes Reilly Madden and Deonna Wellbrock&nbsp;received MIAA Women's Soccer Athlete of the Week honors on Tuesday (Sept. 7) for their efforts in a pair of home matches to start the 2021 season last week. They helped the Tigers to shutout victories over Augustana and Sioux Falls of the Northern Sun Conference. Madden was named Defender of the Week, and Wellbrock was named Co-Goalkeeper of the Week. Madden helped the Tigers produce two clean sheets to open up the 2021 season at home. She played all 90 minutes in both contests. She helped the Tiger defense limit Augustana to eight shots overall in the season opener, then helped the Tigers limit Sioux Falls to just two shots. She picked up two points for week by providing a pair of assists on the two goals for FHSU against Sioux Falls, both on plays that produced double assists. Wellbrock recorded two shutout victories in goal for FHSU at home this past weekend. She had to make seven saves in the win over Augustana and then just one against Sioux Falls. She faced a total of 10 shots for the week with eight of those shots being on goal. Madden and Wellbrock join Kaili Campbell from Missouri Western (Offensive Athlete of the Week) and Central Missouri's Lindsey Johnson (Co-Goalkeeper of the Week)&nbsp;as the weekly honorees from the conference office.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⚽ FHSU's Madden, Wellbrock earn MIAA Athlete of the Week honors

BALTIMORE (AP) — Andrew Benintendi hit a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, then reached above the left field wall to take away a potential tying home run in the ninth, sending the Kansas City Royals over the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 Monday.

Hanser Alberto homered against his former team to help the Royals win in their first visit to Camden Yards since August 2019.

Salvador Perez tied it at 2 with a bloop single in the eighth for the Royals. Benintendi provided the lead with an RBI hit off Cole Sulser (4-4).

Anthony Santander led off the Orioles ninth with a high fly that Benintendi caught, plucking the ball just above the fence. Scott Barlow gave up a two-out single to pinch-hitter DJ Stewart before striking out Jahmai Jones to earn his 11th save.

Royals deliver Domingo Tapia (2-0) got the win after throwing 1 2/3 hitless innings.

Cedric Mullins homered for the second consecutive day and has a team-high 26 for the Orioles, who fell to 1-79 when trailing after eight innings.

Jorge Lopez relieved in the seventh for Baltimore and had to leave the game after facing just one batter when he injured his right ankle trying to cover first base on a soft grounder. He was awaiting further testing to gauge the extent of the injury.

The Orioles took a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI single by Austin Hays off Royals starter ​​Kris Bubic, the team's first-round pick in 2018 out of Stanford University. Hays extended his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games and he has nine RBIs over that stretch.

Alberto, who played for Baltimore the past two seasons, made it 1-all in the fifth with a towering home run into the Kansas City bullpen off Zac Lowther. Recalled from Triple-A Norfolk earlier in the day. Lowther allowed one run and three hits with two strikeouts and two walks over six innings in his second major league start

Mullins responded with a two-out solo shot in the bottom half that gave the Orioles the lead.

The Orioles optioned RHP Dusten Knight to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for Lowther.

Orioles: SS Ramón Urías was held out of the lineup and is day-to-day with recurring soreness in his upper right leg. Urías came out of Sunday's game against the Yankees. Urias is batting .273 with seven homers and 36 RBIs over 77 games.

Rays: Jackson Kowar (0-2, 9.82 ERA) will make his second start since being recalled when rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players. The rookie did not get a decision on Sept. 1 in a 5-3 loss to Cleveland after allowing two runs and five hits with six strikeouts over six innings.

Orioles: Manager Brandon Hyde has not named a starter for Tuesday night's game. "Honestly, our pitching right now is a day-to-day, series-to-series thing," Hyde said.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Andrew Benintendi hit a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, then reached above the left field wall to take away a potential tying home run in the ninth, sending the Kansas City Royals over the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 Monday.Hanser Alberto homered against his former team to help the Royals win in their first visit to Camden Yards since August 2019.Salvador Perez tied it at 2 with a bloop single in the eighth for the Royals. Benintendi provided the lead with an RBI hit off Cole Sulser (4-4).Anthony Santander led off the Orioles ninth with a high fly that Benintendi caught, plucking the ball just above the fence. Scott Barlow gave up a two-out single to pinch-hitter DJ Stewart before striking out Jahmai Jones to earn his 11th save.Royals deliver Domingo Tapia (2-0) got the win after throwing 1 2/3 hitless innings.Cedric Mullins homered for the second consecutive day and has a team-high 26 for the Orioles, who fell to 1-79 when trailing after eight innings.Jorge Lopez relieved in the seventh for Baltimore and had to leave the game after facing just one batter when he injured his right ankle trying to cover first base on a soft grounder. He was awaiting further testing to gauge the extent of the injury.The Orioles took a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI single by Austin Hays off Royals starter ​​Kris Bubic, the team's first-round pick in 2018 out of Stanford University. Hays extended his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games and he has nine RBIs over that stretch.Alberto, who played for Baltimore the past two seasons, made it 1-all in the fifth with a towering home run into the Kansas City bullpen off Zac Lowther. Recalled from Triple-A Norfolk earlier in the day. Lowther allowed one run and three hits with two strikeouts and two walks over six innings in his second major league startMullins responded with a two-out solo shot in the bottom half that gave the Orioles the lead.MOVESThe Orioles optioned RHP Dusten Knight to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for Lowther.TRAINER'S ROOMOrioles: SS Ramón Urías was held out of the lineup and is day-to-day with recurring soreness in his upper right leg. Urías came out of Sunday's game against the Yankees. Urias is batting .273 with seven homers and 36 RBIs over 77 games.UP NEXTRays: Jackson Kowar (0-2, 9.82 ERA) will make his second start since being recalled when rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players. The rookie did not get a decision on Sept. 1 in a 5-3 loss to Cleveland after allowing two runs and five hits with six strikeouts over six innings.Orioles: Manager Brandon Hyde has not named a starter for Tuesday night's game. "Honestly, our pitching right now is a day-to-day, series-to-series thing," Hyde said.

⚾ Benintendi, Salvy spark eighth-inning rally in Royals' victory over Orioles

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs remained without All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu after his positive test for COVID-19 as the two-time defending AFC champions began preparing Monday for their season opener against the Cleveland Browns.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said that Mathieu, who was vaccinated against the virus, remained in the league's protocol, which means he had yet to return two negative tests taken 24 hours apart. That is the requirement for vaccinated players who are asymptomatic to return to their teams under the NFL rules released in July.

"We just have to wait that out and see where he's at," Reid said. "I'll know more as we go on."

The Chiefs are off Tuesday before returning for their first on-field work of game week Wednesday. They will also have a full practice Thursday before their typical quick Friday practice and Saturday walk-through, which means there is still a chance Mathieu will be able to join the Chiefs before the Browns visit Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

Mathieu starts in the base defense alongside Daniel Sorensen. And while the Chiefs have a pair of capable backups in Juan Thornhill and Armani Watts, Mathieu is the leader of a secondary that has become one of their defensive strengths.

He is coming off his second straight All-Pro season, and possibly the best of his career, picking off a career-high six passes with 62 tackles and three for loss. One of those interceptions came in a divisional playoff win over the Browns in January.

Asked where the Chiefs stood on vaccinations as a whole, Reid replied: "We're right at the top."

"There are not many that are not vaccinated, I'll just put it that way," Reid said. "I'm not sure what we're supposed to say and not say, but we're right at about 100 percent."

The Chiefs already are missing middle linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who landed on injured reserve with a toe injury sustained in their preseason finale. The IR designation means Gay will miss at least the first three games of the season.

The Chiefs used their initial pick in April's draft to take Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton in the second round, and now he is in line for more playing time Sunday. The Chiefs will also turn to Ben Niemann, who has appeared in 45 games as a backup over the past three seasons, to fill in alongside veteran linebacker Anthony Hitchens.

"Nick had a good preseason," Reid said. "He's worthy of stepping in there and playing. He'll get some play time for sure."

The Chiefs are expecting a sellout crowd at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday after the pandemic limited them to 22% of capacity, or about 16,000 fans, throughout last season.

That could be a big bonus for the Chiefs given they'll be playing a team that is expected to mount one of the biggest challenges to their AFC throne.

"Listen, I'm probably speaking for all of us that after watching this weekend with the college games, it was pretty amazing. I had goosebumps," Reid said.

"You watch that and the people were into it. I almost felt like they were let out of a camp somewhere and, ‘Oh man, we have freedom again here,' where we can go to these games. It was very exciting. I look forward to Arrowhead Stadium being just as exciting as its ever been and maybe a little more."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs remained without All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu after his positive test for COVID-19 as the two-time defending AFC champions began preparing Monday for their season opener against the Cleveland Browns.Chiefs coach Andy Reid said that Mathieu, who was vaccinated against the virus, remained in the league's protocol, which means he had yet to return two negative tests taken 24 hours apart. That is the requirement for vaccinated players who are asymptomatic to return to their teams under the NFL rules released in July."We just have to wait that out and see where he's at," Reid said. "I'll know more as we go on."The Chiefs are off Tuesday before returning for their first on-field work of game week Wednesday. They will also have a full practice Thursday before their typical quick Friday practice and Saturday walk-through, which means there is still a chance Mathieu will be able to join the Chiefs before the Browns visit Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.Mathieu starts in the base defense alongside Daniel Sorensen. And while the Chiefs have a pair of capable backups in Juan Thornhill and Armani Watts, Mathieu is the leader of a secondary that has become one of their defensive strengths.He is coming off his second straight All-Pro season, and possibly the best of his career, picking off a career-high six passes with 62 tackles and three for loss. One of those interceptions came in a divisional playoff win over the Browns in January.Asked where the Chiefs stood on vaccinations as a whole, Reid replied: "We're right at the top.""There are not many that are not vaccinated, I'll just put it that way," Reid said. "I'm not sure what we're supposed to say and not say, but we're right at about 100 percent."The Chiefs already are missing middle linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who landed on injured reserve with a toe injury sustained in their preseason finale. The IR designation means Gay will miss at least the first three games of the season.The Chiefs used their initial pick in April's draft to take Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton in the second round, and now he is in line for more playing time Sunday. The Chiefs will also turn to Ben Niemann, who has appeared in 45 games as a backup over the past three seasons, to fill in alongside veteran linebacker Anthony Hitchens."Nick had a good preseason," Reid said. "He's worthy of stepping in there and playing. He'll get some play time for sure."The Chiefs are expecting a sellout crowd at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday after the pandemic limited them to 22% of capacity, or about 16,000 fans, throughout last season.That could be a big bonus for the Chiefs given they'll be playing a team that is expected to mount one of the biggest challenges to their AFC throne."Listen, I'm probably speaking for all of us that after watching this weekend with the college games, it was pretty amazing. I had goosebumps," Reid said."You watch that and the people were into it. I almost felt like they were let out of a camp somewhere and, ‘Oh man, we have freedom again here,' where we can go to these games. It was very exciting. I look forward to Arrowhead Stadium being just as exciting as its ever been and maybe a little more."

🏈 Chiefs still without Mathieu due to COVID as Week 1 work begins

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's soccer team jumped into the win column on Sunday (Sept. 5), holding on to defeat MSU Denver by a score of 1-0. The Tigers scored in the first half and were able to hold off the Roadrunner attack for the entire second half posting their first clean sheet of the season.

The lone Tiger score came at the 25th&nbsp;minute of action where a cross from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6272">Michael Samuel</a>&nbsp;found the head of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6265">Theo Bennetts</a>, which soared into to the top left corner of the goal. The Tigers outshot the Roadrunners 10-7. The FHSU defense was rock solid and made it so keeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6244">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;had to only save two shots for his first win of the season.

Next week the Tigers head to Kansas City for a pair of non-conference matches with Maryville (Sept. 8) and Rockhurst (Sept. 12). The match with Maryville on Wednesday will be on neutral ground at Swope Soccer Village, while the contest later in the week is a true road contest at Rockhurst University just a few miles to the west of where the Tigers will play their neutral match.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630889233479.jpeg" alt="Theo Bennetts scores the Tigers lone goal vs. MSU Denver Sunday (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Theo Bennetts scores the Tigers lone goal vs. MSU Denver Sunday (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's soccer team jumped into the win column on Sunday (Sept. 5), holding on to defeat MSU Denver by a score of 1-0. The Tigers scored in the first half and were able to hold off the Roadrunner attack for the entire second half posting their first clean sheet of the season.The lone Tiger score came at the 25th&nbsp;minute of action where a cross from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6272">Michael Samuel</a>&nbsp;found the head of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6265">Theo Bennetts</a>, which soared into to the top left corner of the goal. The Tigers outshot the Roadrunners 10-7. The FHSU defense was rock solid and made it so keeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6244">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;had to only save two shots for his first win of the season.Next week the Tigers head to Kansas City for a pair of non-conference matches with Maryville (Sept. 8) and Rockhurst (Sept. 12). The match with Maryville on Wednesday will be on neutral ground at Swope Soccer Village, while the contest later in the week is a true road contest at Rockhurst University just a few miles to the west of where the Tigers will play their neutral match.FHSU Athletics

⚽ Tiger men bounce back with win over Roadrunners

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women's Soccer moved to 2-0 on the season with their second-straight shutout to open 2021. The Tigers knocked off Sioux Falls at FHSU Soccer Stadium, holding the visiting Cougars to just two shots in the match. The Tigers did all of their offensive damage in the first half on goals by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6229">Jordan Thompson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6225">Amanda Rapaduski</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6216">Emily Hutchings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6220">Reilly Madden</a>&nbsp;provided assists on both goals. Thompson's occurred in the 37th&nbsp;minute on a pair of through passes from Madden and Hutchings that she put home just in front of the keeper in the box. Just under five minutes later in the 42nd&nbsp;minute, Hutchings and Madden swung a pair of passes around left to where Rapaduski rifled a ball into the upper left corner from about 30 yards out. The Tiger defense helped keep pressure off of goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6231">Deonna Wellbrock</a>, who picked up her second straight shutout victory of the weekend. She only needed to make one save to keep the Cougars out of the net. Meanwhile, the Tiger offensive attack countered with 25 shots to the Cougars' two in the match. Alexis Wemhoff of Sioux Falls allowed the two first half goals to FHSU and then yielded keeper duties to Holli Knudsen the rest of the way. Wemhoff made seven saves and Knudsen added three. FHSU put 13 shots on target in the game. Next week, the Tigers head to Colorado for a pair of non-conference matches with Colorado Christian and CSU-Pueblo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630888985697.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women's Soccer moved to 2-0 on the season with their second-straight shutout to open 2021. The Tigers knocked off Sioux Falls at FHSU Soccer Stadium, holding the visiting Cougars to just two shots in the match. The Tigers did all of their offensive damage in the first half on goals by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6229">Jordan Thompson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6225">Amanda Rapaduski</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6216">Emily Hutchings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6220">Reilly Madden</a>&nbsp;provided assists on both goals. Thompson's occurred in the 37th&nbsp;minute on a pair of through passes from Madden and Hutchings that she put home just in front of the keeper in the box. Just under five minutes later in the 42nd&nbsp;minute, Hutchings and Madden swung a pair of passes around left to where Rapaduski rifled a ball into the upper left corner from about 30 yards out. The Tiger defense helped keep pressure off of goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6231">Deonna Wellbrock</a>, who picked up her second straight shutout victory of the weekend. She only needed to make one save to keep the Cougars out of the net. Meanwhile, the Tiger offensive attack countered with 25 shots to the Cougars' two in the match. Alexis Wemhoff of Sioux Falls allowed the two first half goals to FHSU and then yielded keeper duties to Holli Knudsen the rest of the way. Wemhoff made seven saves and Knudsen added three. FHSU put 13 shots on target in the game. Next week, the Tigers head to Colorado for a pair of non-conference matches with Colorado Christian and CSU-Pueblo.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⚽ Tiger women post second straight shutout at home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Brady Singer tossed seven scoreless innings and Salvador Perez hit another home run as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 6-0 on Sunday.

Singer (4-9) matched his season high with seven innings and allowed four hits with no walks and struck out six. It was the third time this season that Singer has issued no walks.

“I think throughout the game the command actually got better,” Singer said. “I struggled with my slider early in the game but I figured that out throughout the game. I threw a few changeups that kept them off the other stuff.”

Singer has struggled developing his changeup as a third pitch. But Royals manager Mike Matheny said it’s days like Sunday that might cause him to think he doesn’t need a third pitch.

“That was probably the best fastball he’s had all season,” Matheny said. “The movement and location—he found it and he kept it down. There was only pitch that I remember him climbing the zone. You could tell by some of their reactions how much late movement he had. That’s an example of why a guy gets away from a third pitch."

Perez had his third home run of the series, eighth in the last 11 games and 41st of the season. He’s second in the majors behind Shohei Ohtani.

Dylan Cease (11-7) took the loss. He gave up four runs and four hits in five innings. He walked three and struck out nine.

“I mostly just tip my cap,” Cease said of Perez. “It could have been a little more off the plate, but it was a decent pitch. It’s just a good piece of hitting.”

Perez left little doubt on his home run in the first, blasting it 448 feet to the opposite field. According to Statcast, it was the fifth-longest opposite-field home run since 2015. Perez now has 193 home runs in his career, tied for third with Amos Otis in franchise history.

“Most of us could stand in right field with a fungo and not hit it up there,” Matheny said. “When it came off the bat it just looked different. I don’t know how else to say it. I’m sure glad he’s on our side.”

The three-run homer gave Perez 102 RBIs this year. It was also his 20th homer since the All-Star break. Perez has 22 home runs at home, the most in the majors this season.

Even when Perez grounded out it was productive. With one out and Nicky Lopez on first in the third inning, Perez grounded slowly to third. The throw from Yoan Moncada was low and wasn’t handled by first baseman Gavin Sheets. As it rolled past Sheets, Perez inadvertently kicked it down the line, allowing Lopez to score.

Adalberto Mondesi led off the bottom of the sixth with a single. He then stole second and third before scoring on a Hunter Dozier sacrifice fly to right. Whit Merrifield then singled in Edward Olivares for the Royals’ sixth run.

Royals catcher Cam Gallagher, who left Saturday’s game with left knee inflammation, was placed on the 10-day Injured List. Sebastian Rivero had been called up prior to Saturday’s game in case Perez couldn’t go after taking a ball off the throat Friday night. Taking Gallagher’s roster spot is RHP Tyler Zuber who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

The White Sox have Monday off before resuming a six-day road trip Tuesday in Oakland. Chicago has not determined a starter for the first game of the series, while Oakland will send RHP James Kaprielian (7-4, 3.87 ERA) to the mound.

The Royals head to Baltimore to begin a four-game series with the Orioles with a Labor Day matinee. Kris Bubic (4-6, 5.16 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City. Baltimore has not announced a starter.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Brady Singer tossed seven scoreless innings and Salvador Perez hit another home run as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 6-0 on Sunday.Singer (4-9) matched his season high with seven innings and allowed four hits with no walks and struck out six. It was the third time this season that Singer has issued no walks.“I think throughout the game the command actually got better,” Singer said. “I struggled with my slider early in the game but I figured that out throughout the game. I threw a few changeups that kept them off the other stuff.”Singer has struggled developing his changeup as a third pitch. But Royals manager Mike Matheny said it’s days like Sunday that might cause him to think he doesn’t need a third pitch.“That was probably the best fastball he’s had all season,” Matheny said. “The movement and location—he found it and he kept it down. There was only pitch that I remember him climbing the zone. You could tell by some of their reactions how much late movement he had. That’s an example of why a guy gets away from a third pitch."Perez had his third home run of the series, eighth in the last 11 games and 41st of the season. He’s second in the majors behind Shohei Ohtani.Dylan Cease (11-7) took the loss. He gave up four runs and four hits in five innings. He walked three and struck out nine.“I mostly just tip my cap,” Cease said of Perez. “It could have been a little more off the plate, but it was a decent pitch. It’s just a good piece of hitting.”Perez left little doubt on his home run in the first, blasting it 448 feet to the opposite field. According to Statcast, it was the fifth-longest opposite-field home run since 2015. Perez now has 193 home runs in his career, tied for third with Amos Otis in franchise history.“Most of us could stand in right field with a fungo and not hit it up there,” Matheny said. “When it came off the bat it just looked different. I don’t know how else to say it. I’m sure glad he’s on our side.”The three-run homer gave Perez 102 RBIs this year. It was also his 20th homer since the All-Star break. Perez has 22 home runs at home, the most in the majors this season.Even when Perez grounded out it was productive. With one out and Nicky Lopez on first in the third inning, Perez grounded slowly to third. The throw from Yoan Moncada was low and wasn’t handled by first baseman Gavin Sheets. As it rolled past Sheets, Perez inadvertently kicked it down the line, allowing Lopez to score.Adalberto Mondesi led off the bottom of the sixth with a single. He then stole second and third before scoring on a Hunter Dozier sacrifice fly to right. Whit Merrifield then singled in Edward Olivares for the Royals’ sixth run.TRAINING ROOMRoyals catcher Cam Gallagher, who left Saturday’s game with left knee inflammation, was placed on the 10-day Injured List. Sebastian Rivero had been called up prior to Saturday’s game in case Perez couldn’t go after taking a ball off the throat Friday night. Taking Gallagher’s roster spot is RHP Tyler Zuber who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTThe White Sox have Monday off before resuming a six-day road trip Tuesday in Oakland. Chicago has not determined a starter for the first game of the series, while Oakland will send RHP James Kaprielian (7-4, 3.87 ERA) to the mound.The Royals head to Baltimore to begin a four-game series with the Orioles with a Labor Day matinee. Kris Bubic (4-6, 5.16 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City. Baltimore has not announced a starter.

⚾ Salvy homers again, Singer fires seven shutout innings in Royals' win over White Sox

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yasmani Grandal went 3 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs as the Chicago White Sox built a big lead and then held off Salvador Perez and the Kansas City Royals 10-7 Saturday night.

Perez hit two homers, including his 40th of the season, and drove in five runs. His homer total is second in the majors — Shohei Ohtani of the Angels hit his 43rd on Saturday night.

Luis Robert homered and tied a career high with four hits for the AL Central-leading White Sox, who led 9-3 in the fifth inning.

Manager Tony La Russa was more impressed with Robert’s defense in center field.

“Some people will say it’s instinctive, but he must have, at an early age, shagged a lot of balls. When the batter is starting to swing he’s already moving."

“Then he’s got the speed. Some of those balls should be in the gap and he’s picking them," he said.

Craig Kimbrel (3-4) got the win in relief. Liam Hendriks earned his 32nd save.

La Russa said it was an easy decision to bring in Kimbrel to start the seventh.

“If somebody gets on base, Perez is up,” he said. “Craig had to be the guy to face him. That was the inning of decision."

“A lot of theater there in that inning. What Salvador did with those two homers made that game a very tough one for us to win," he said..

Daniel Lynch (4-4) allowed six runs in 2.2 innings.

The White Sox hit a pair of long home runs in the first inning. Robert launched a 452-foot drive to left center and Grandal hit a 425-foot shot for a 3-0 lead.

“We feed off each other,” Grandal said of the club’s relentless offense. “We’re definitely hunting out there. We make sure we keep riding that wave as high as we can. Every time we do that, good things happen.”

Chicago scored three more in the third on a wild throw by catcher Cam Gallagher, an RBI single by Grandal and a sacrifice fly from Leury Garcia.

Perez hit a two-run homer in the third. It was the 191st career home run for the All-Star catcher, breaking a tie with Alex Gordon for fourth all-time in franchise history.

Jose Abreu had an RBI double for his 500th career extra-base hit and Grandal had a sacrifice fly in the fourth for an 8-3 lead.

Perez hit his second homer of the game, a three-run drive that cut the deficit to 9-6 in the fifth. He has 12 career multihomer games, six this season.

“I see a great hitter. I see a hitter that has to be talked about as one of, if not the most dangerous hitter in the league,” manager Mike Matheny said. “I see how he’s gone about these at bats, doing it in the big situations. It was one of those days when we thought about giving him a day off. The next thing you know he does something that continues to amaze us.”

Carlos Santana led off the Royals sixth with his 18th home run, his first since July 24.

Royals: Perez, who was hit in the throat with an errant pitch Friday night, originally was scheduled to catch again on Saturday. Matheny said the chest protector was causing him discomfort during warmups so he was switched to designated hitter. Matheny, who played 13 seasons as a catcher, said Perez looked concerned with not being able to catch his breath immediately after getting hit.

With Perez unable to catch, the Royals recalled C Sebastian Rivero from Triple-A Omaha and optioned RHP Tyler Zuber.

RHP Dylan Cease (11-6, 3.82 ERA) starts for the White Sox against RHP Brady Singer (3-9, 4.87 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yasmani Grandal went 3 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs as the Chicago White Sox built a big lead and then held off Salvador Perez and the Kansas City Royals 10-7 Saturday night.Perez hit two homers, including his 40th of the season, and drove in five runs. His homer total is second in the majors — Shohei Ohtani of the Angels hit his 43rd on Saturday night.Luis Robert homered and tied a career high with four hits for the AL Central-leading White Sox, who led 9-3 in the fifth inning.Manager Tony La Russa was more impressed with Robert’s defense in center field.“Some people will say it’s instinctive, but he must have, at an early age, shagged a lot of balls. When the batter is starting to swing he’s already moving."“Then he’s got the speed. Some of those balls should be in the gap and he’s picking them," he said.Craig Kimbrel (3-4) got the win in relief. Liam Hendriks earned his 32nd save.La Russa said it was an easy decision to bring in Kimbrel to start the seventh.“If somebody gets on base, Perez is up,” he said. “Craig had to be the guy to face him. That was the inning of decision."“A lot of theater there in that inning. What Salvador did with those two homers made that game a very tough one for us to win," he said..Daniel Lynch (4-4) allowed six runs in 2.2 innings.The White Sox hit a pair of long home runs in the first inning. Robert launched a 452-foot drive to left center and Grandal hit a 425-foot shot for a 3-0 lead.“We feed off each other,” Grandal said of the club’s relentless offense. “We’re definitely hunting out there. We make sure we keep riding that wave as high as we can. Every time we do that, good things happen.”Chicago scored three more in the third on a wild throw by catcher Cam Gallagher, an RBI single by Grandal and a sacrifice fly from Leury Garcia.Perez hit a two-run homer in the third. It was the 191st career home run for the All-Star catcher, breaking a tie with Alex Gordon for fourth all-time in franchise history.Jose Abreu had an RBI double for his 500th career extra-base hit and Grandal had a sacrifice fly in the fourth for an 8-3 lead.Perez hit his second homer of the game, a three-run drive that cut the deficit to 9-6 in the fifth. He has 12 career multihomer games, six this season.“I see a great hitter. I see a hitter that has to be talked about as one of, if not the most dangerous hitter in the league,” manager Mike Matheny said. “I see how he’s gone about these at bats, doing it in the big situations. It was one of those days when we thought about giving him a day off. The next thing you know he does something that continues to amaze us.”Carlos Santana led off the Royals sixth with his 18th home run, his first since July 24.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Perez, who was hit in the throat with an errant pitch Friday night, originally was scheduled to catch again on Saturday. Matheny said the chest protector was causing him discomfort during warmups so he was switched to designated hitter. Matheny, who played 13 seasons as a catcher, said Perez looked concerned with not being able to catch his breath immediately after getting hit.ROSTER MOVESWith Perez unable to catch, the Royals recalled C Sebastian Rivero from Triple-A Omaha and optioned RHP Tyler Zuber.UP NEXTRHP Dylan Cease (11-6, 3.82 ERA) starts for the White Sox against RHP Brady Singer (3-9, 4.87 ERA).

⚾ Salvy carries Royals' offense, Lynch struggles early in loss to White Sox

PUEBLO, Colo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team posted another 1-1 day&nbsp;on Saturday (Sept. 4), knocking off UMary in straight sets after falling to Chadron State during the final day of&nbsp;the Steel City Showcase. The Tigers and Chadron State both finished the opening weekend with a 2-2 record, while UMary is now 1-3. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6106">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;had two strong performances on the day, totaling 14 kills and seven blocks between the two contests. Fort Hays State will return home to host the 2021 FHSU Tiger Classic next Friday and Saturday (Sept. 10-11). Action will begin at 10 a.m. on two courts, with the Tigers playing at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day.

Fort Hays State 3, UMary 0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-20) The Tigers took care of business in the weekend finale, leading wire-to-wire in both the first and second sets. After opening up a 13-5 lead in the first frame, FHSU scored seven-straight points to build the advantage to 20-5. Ellis and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6208">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;combined for back-to-back blocks at the end of the run before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6107">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>&nbsp;dropped in the final kill to seal a 25-10 win in set one. Fort Hays State scored on seven-consecutive rallies again in the second set, this time taking the first seven points to take command right away.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6112">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;got things going with a kill before Ellis added to her total with a kill.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6111">Isabelle Reynolds</a>&nbsp;followed with a solo block before Olson joined the party with a kill. Two Marauder miscues and a Reynolds kill capped off the run. UMary went on a small run late in the set, but the Tiger lead was more than enough.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6237">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;ended the frame with back-to-back service aces, giving FHSU a 2-0 lead. UMary finally took a lead in the third set, leading as late as 7-9 before the Tigers regained control. Three-straight points helped FHSU take the lead before a 4-0 run gave the Tigers the lead for good. The Marauders were within one point late in the set, 20-19, but the Tigers secured five of the final six points to secure the set and match. The Tigers hit .313 in the match while holding UMary to a -.011 attack rate. The Tigers hit an astounding .520 in the opening frame thanks to 15 kills and just two errors on 25 swings. Ellis totaled eight kills on 13 attempts while adding five blocks in the win. Tinder also totaled eight kills while adding one block and six digs. Olson contributed six kills, four blocks and four digs while Reynolds recorded five kills, two service aces, two blocks and a team-high 11 digs. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6108">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;totaled 20 assists, with Felix adding 10 assists and two service aces.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6105">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;tallied five assists and nine digs in the victory. Chadron State 3, Fort Hays State 0 (21-25, 17-25, 16-25) The Tigers kept things close for much of the first set against Chadron State, trailing by just one as late as 22-21 before the Eagles scored the final three points to take the win. FHSU then led 11-10 in the second set before a 9-0 Chadron State run took the wind out of the Tiger sails. Fort Hays State continued to battle in the third set before CSC completed the sweep with a 25-16 win. Reynolds, Ellis and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6236">Jaysa Wichers</a>&nbsp;all recorded six kills against Chadron. Reynolds added one service ace and five digs, while Ellis totaled two blocks and Wichers tossed up three assists. Eshbaugh and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6104">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;both contributed five kills and two blocks. Glowacz led the team with 14 assists while Daffer recorded a team-high 12 digs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PUEBLO, Colo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team posted another 1-1 day&nbsp;on Saturday (Sept. 4), knocking off UMary in straight sets after falling to Chadron State during the final day of&nbsp;the Steel City Showcase. The Tigers and Chadron State both finished the opening weekend with a 2-2 record, while UMary is now 1-3. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6106">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;had two strong performances on the day, totaling 14 kills and seven blocks between the two contests. Fort Hays State will return home to host the 2021 FHSU Tiger Classic next Friday and Saturday (Sept. 10-11). Action will begin at 10 a.m. on two courts, with the Tigers playing at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day.Fort Hays State 3, UMary 0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-20) The Tigers took care of business in the weekend finale, leading wire-to-wire in both the first and second sets. After opening up a 13-5 lead in the first frame, FHSU scored seven-straight points to build the advantage to 20-5. Ellis and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6208">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;combined for back-to-back blocks at the end of the run before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6107">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>&nbsp;dropped in the final kill to seal a 25-10 win in set one. Fort Hays State scored on seven-consecutive rallies again in the second set, this time taking the first seven points to take command right away.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6112">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;got things going with a kill before Ellis added to her total with a kill.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6111">Isabelle Reynolds</a>&nbsp;followed with a solo block before Olson joined the party with a kill. Two Marauder miscues and a Reynolds kill capped off the run. UMary went on a small run late in the set, but the Tiger lead was more than enough.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6237">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;ended the frame with back-to-back service aces, giving FHSU a 2-0 lead. UMary finally took a lead in the third set, leading as late as 7-9 before the Tigers regained control. Three-straight points helped FHSU take the lead before a 4-0 run gave the Tigers the lead for good. The Marauders were within one point late in the set, 20-19, but the Tigers secured five of the final six points to secure the set and match. The Tigers hit .313 in the match while holding UMary to a -.011 attack rate. The Tigers hit an astounding .520 in the opening frame thanks to 15 kills and just two errors on 25 swings. Ellis totaled eight kills on 13 attempts while adding five blocks in the win. Tinder also totaled eight kills while adding one block and six digs. Olson contributed six kills, four blocks and four digs while Reynolds recorded five kills, two service aces, two blocks and a team-high 11 digs. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6108">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;totaled 20 assists, with Felix adding 10 assists and two service aces.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6105">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;tallied five assists and nine digs in the victory. Chadron State 3, Fort Hays State 0 (21-25, 17-25, 16-25) The Tigers kept things close for much of the first set against Chadron State, trailing by just one as late as 22-21 before the Eagles scored the final three points to take the win. FHSU then led 11-10 in the second set before a 9-0 Chadron State run took the wind out of the Tiger sails. Fort Hays State continued to battle in the third set before CSC completed the sweep with a 25-16 win. Reynolds, Ellis and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6236">Jaysa Wichers</a>&nbsp;all recorded six kills against Chadron. Reynolds added one service ace and five digs, while Ellis totaled two blocks and Wichers tossed up three assists. Eshbaugh and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6104">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;both contributed five kills and two blocks. Glowacz led the team with 14 assists while Daffer recorded a team-high 12 digs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 FHSU picks up another split in Colorado

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Skylar Thompson set the tone for Kansas State when the quarterback put his left shoulder down and bulled into the end zone for the first of his two touchdown runs as the Wildcats opened the season with a 24-7 win over Stanford on Saturday.

Thompson, who later had a 13-yard TD run, opened the scoring when he knocked cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly to the ground on a 6-yard TD run in the first quarter.

“There’s a lot that went into that touchdown, a lot that people didn't see, and a lot of time spent on my own,” Thompson said. “In the midst of a situation that once seemed very dark and stormy, to see the fruit fall from the tree, to see the sun shine a little bit and to take a deep breath ... It all worked out and everything happened for a reason."

Thompson missed most of last season after he injured his throwing (right) shoulder in the third game. But he returned for his sixth year in the K-State program because of his love of the game and the desire for a better finish, taking advantage of the extra season of eligibility received amid the pandemic.

Deuce Vaughn sprinted 59 yards for a touchdown on and a third-and-13 play. He finished with 124 yards rushing on 13 carries for the Wildcats, who finished last season with a five-game losing streak, and is glad to have back Thompson, who he described as fantastic and smart player.

“He’s unbelievable as a football player and unbelievable as a person," Vaughn said.

Stanford was down 24-0 before Tanner McKee's 14-yard touchdown pass to Brycen Tremayne with 3:16 left on its last offensive snap. The Cardinal, who last year won the last four games of their pandemic-shortened 4-2 season, have played 177 games since last being shut out, a 42-0 loss to Southern Cal on Nov. 4, 2006.

“This game was not indicative of how hard we've played, how hard we’ve practiced and how well we practiced,” David Shaw said after his 11th opener at Stanford's coach. “Disappointing to me that we didn't go out there and execute better."

On the possession before Thompson's first TD, Kelly had an impressive interceptio n in the end zone, leaping and reaching back over Phillip Brooks and then managing to get one foot down inbounds. But Stanford went three-and-out, setting up the two-play TD drive. Thompson found a wide-open Brooks for a 56-yard pass to the 6.

Thompson, who finished 9-of-14 passing for 144 yards and ran 10 times for 33 yards, didn't initially realize that it was Kelly he ran through on his first touchdown.

“Everything happened so fast,” Thompson said. “I didn't even realize it until after the fact, and I kind of smiled about it a little bit.”

There were only 97 offensive snaps in the game — 52 for Stanford and 45 for Kansas State.

“It's kind of refreshing as a defensive coach to see that,” K-State head coach Chris Klieman said.

Stanford: With quarterback Davis Mills now in the NFL, Stanford used both 6-foot-6 sophomore McKee and senior Jack West. McKee finished 15-of-18 passing for 118 yards. West started was 8 of 12 for 76 yards with two interceptions, one pick coming right after completions of 27 and 15 yards. The Cardinal finished with only 233 total yards.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Skylar Thompson set the tone for Kansas State when the quarterback put his left shoulder down and bulled into the end zone for the first of his two touchdown runs as the Wildcats opened the season with a 24-7 win over Stanford on Saturday.Thompson, who later had a 13-yard TD run, opened the scoring when he knocked cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly to the ground on a 6-yard TD run in the first quarter.“There’s a lot that went into that touchdown, a lot that people didn't see, and a lot of time spent on my own,” Thompson said. “In the midst of a situation that once seemed very dark and stormy, to see the fruit fall from the tree, to see the sun shine a little bit and to take a deep breath ... It all worked out and everything happened for a reason."Thompson missed most of last season after he injured his throwing (right) shoulder in the third game. But he returned for his sixth year in the K-State program because of his love of the game and the desire for a better finish, taking advantage of the extra season of eligibility received amid the pandemic.Deuce Vaughn sprinted 59 yards for a touchdown on and a third-and-13 play. He finished with 124 yards rushing on 13 carries for the Wildcats, who finished last season with a five-game losing streak, and is glad to have back Thompson, who he described as fantastic and smart player.“He’s unbelievable as a football player and unbelievable as a person," Vaughn said.Stanford was down 24-0 before Tanner McKee's 14-yard touchdown pass to Brycen Tremayne with 3:16 left on its last offensive snap. The Cardinal, who last year won the last four games of their pandemic-shortened 4-2 season, have played 177 games since last being shut out, a 42-0 loss to Southern Cal on Nov. 4, 2006.“This game was not indicative of how hard we've played, how hard we’ve practiced and how well we practiced,” David Shaw said after his 11th opener at Stanford's coach. “Disappointing to me that we didn't go out there and execute better."On the possession before Thompson's first TD, Kelly had an impressive interceptio n in the end zone, leaping and reaching back over Phillip Brooks and then managing to get one foot down inbounds. But Stanford went three-and-out, setting up the two-play TD drive. Thompson found a wide-open Brooks for a 56-yard pass to the 6.Thompson, who finished 9-of-14 passing for 144 yards and ran 10 times for 33 yards, didn't initially realize that it was Kelly he ran through on his first touchdown.“Everything happened so fast,” Thompson said. “I didn't even realize it until after the fact, and I kind of smiled about it a little bit.”NOT A LOT OF PLAYSThere were only 97 offensive snaps in the game — 52 for Stanford and 45 for Kansas State.“It's kind of refreshing as a defensive coach to see that,” K-State head coach Chris Klieman said.THE TAKEAWAYStanford: With quarterback Davis Mills now in the NFL, Stanford used both 6-foot-6 sophomore McKee and senior Jack West. McKee finished 15-of-18 passing for 118 yards. West started was 8 of 12 for 76 yards with two interceptions, one pick coming right after completions of 27 and 15 yards. The Cardinal finished with only 233 total yards.“We can make plays with both quarterbacks, we’ve been doing that in camp,” Tremayne said.“Some good, some bad for both," Shaw said. "Both guys throughout training camp practiced extremely well.”Kansas State: The opener was a boost for the Wildcats defense after allowing at least 32 points six times last year, including 45 and 69 points in games over the last month of the season. Klieman was encouraged by the three-man defensive fronts his team has been working on for the past eight months.IN AN NFL STADIUMThe game was initially supposed to be played in Manhattan, but Kansas State agreed to move it to the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. The announced crowd for the kickoff classic at AT&amp;T Stadium was 28,668, well below the listed capacity of 80,000.UP NEXTStanford: The Cardinal will be back in their home state of California, but will play their sixth consecutive road game dating back to last season, at Southern Cal on Saturday.Kansas State: The Wildcats will be back in Kansas to play at home against FCS team Southern Illinois next Saturday.

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