KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Salvador Perez and Franchy Cordero hit two homers and drove in five runs apiece, and the out-of-contention Kansas City Royals proceeded to pummel the playoff-chasing St. Louis Cardinals 12-3 in their series finale Wednesday night.

The Cardinals (27-26) remain 3 1/2 games back of first-place Chicago in the NL Central after the Cubs lost to Pittsburgh earlier in the day, but they had their edge for the No. 2 spot in the division nearly wiped out. The Reds (29-28) beat the Brewers (27-28) in their series finale to close within percentage points of St. Louis headed toward a pivotal final weekend.

Both of Perez's homers came off Carlos Martinez (0-3), who departed with a strained lower back with two runners on and nobody out in the sixth. Seth Elledge inherited a 1-0 count against Cordero, who had just returned from a wrist injury, and he crushed his first homer of the year two pitches later to extend the Kansas City lead.

Cordero added a solo shot off Kodi Whitley in the seventh for his second career multi-homer game.

Danny Duffy (4-4) allowed Dexter Fowler's single in the fifth inning and loaded the bases in the sixth, but reliever Scott Barlow retired pinch-hitter Brad Miller to preserve a 6-1 lead. The Royals' bullpen handled the Cardinals the rest of the way to give Kansas City its first rubber-game win in six tries this season.

Duffy allowed six hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings. Martinez gave up eight runs on nine hits and two walks in five-plus.

Cincinnati finishes with three games against Minnesota, while the weary Cardinals welcome Milwaukee for five games in four days beginning Thursday night. If needed to determine who makes the postseason or home-field advantage, St. Louis also faces two potential makeup games against Detroit on Monday.

At least the Cardinals won't have to face Perez again.

The hot-hitting Royals catcher sent the first pitch he saw from Martinez an estimated 437 feet to center field for a two-run homer. Two innings later, he crushed a 1-0 offering an estimated 435 feet to left for a three-run shot. It was the sixth career multi-homer game for Perez, who is hitting .358 for the season, and the third with five RBI.

OF Bubba Starling (back spasms) and RHP Kyle Zimmer (elbow pain) were placed on the injured list. Cordero and LHP Mike Montgomery (lat strain) returned from rehab assignments. RHP Jakob Junis was recalled from the alternate training site and INF/OF Erick Mejia was optioned there. RHP Matt Harvey (lat strain) was transferred to the 45-day IL.

Cardinals RHP Dakota Hudson (flexor tendon) was examined by team medical director Dr. George A. Paletta Jr. and will seek a second opinion. Hudson was 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA when he was shut down for the season.

"I don't think we're in a place where we're going public with (the results)," said manager Mike Shildt, who declined to say whether surgery will be needed. "Not trying to be coy. There's just some semantics here from a timing standpoint. He did see Dr. Paletta and all the imaging has been looked at and he's aware of what's going on."

RHP Austin Gomber earned the potentially crucial Sunday start against Milwaukee in the Cardinals' final scheduled regular-season game. Gomber took Hudson's place against Kansas City on Tuesday night and pitched six innings of four-hit ball.

Cardinals: LHP Kwang Hyun Kim (2-0, 1.59 ERA) starts against the Brewers on Thursday night at Busch Stadium.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (1-6, 3.97) goes Thursday night to open a season-ending four-game set against Detroit at Kauffman Stadium.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Salvador Perez and Franchy Cordero hit two homers and drove in five runs apiece, and the out-of-contention Kansas City Royals proceeded to pummel the playoff-chasing St. Louis Cardinals 12-3 in their series finale Wednesday night.The Cardinals (27-26) remain 3 1/2 games back of first-place Chicago in the NL Central after the Cubs lost to Pittsburgh earlier in the day, but they had their edge for the No. 2 spot in the division nearly wiped out. The Reds (29-28) beat the Brewers (27-28) in their series finale to close within percentage points of St. Louis headed toward a pivotal final weekend.Both of Perez's homers came off Carlos Martinez (0-3), who departed with a strained lower back with two runners on and nobody out in the sixth. Seth Elledge inherited a 1-0 count against Cordero, who had just returned from a wrist injury, and he crushed his first homer of the year two pitches later to extend the Kansas City lead.Cordero added a solo shot off Kodi Whitley in the seventh for his second career multi-homer game.Danny Duffy (4-4) allowed Dexter Fowler's single in the fifth inning and loaded the bases in the sixth, but reliever Scott Barlow retired pinch-hitter Brad Miller to preserve a 6-1 lead. The Royals' bullpen handled the Cardinals the rest of the way to give Kansas City its first rubber-game win in six tries this season.Duffy allowed six hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings. Martinez gave up eight runs on nine hits and two walks in five-plus.Cincinnati finishes with three games against Minnesota, while the weary Cardinals welcome Milwaukee for five games in four days beginning Thursday night. If needed to determine who makes the postseason or home-field advantage, St. Louis also faces two potential makeup games against Detroit on Monday.At least the Cardinals won't have to face Perez again.The hot-hitting Royals catcher sent the first pitch he saw from Martinez an estimated 437 feet to center field for a two-run homer. Two innings later, he crushed a 1-0 offering an estimated 435 feet to left for a three-run shot. It was the sixth career multi-homer game for Perez, who is hitting .358 for the season, and the third with five RBI.ROYALS MOVESOF Bubba Starling (back spasms) and RHP Kyle Zimmer (elbow pain) were placed on the injured list. Cordero and LHP Mike Montgomery (lat strain) returned from rehab assignments. RHP Jakob Junis was recalled from the alternate training site and INF/OF Erick Mejia was optioned there. RHP Matt Harvey (lat strain) was transferred to the 45-day IL.HUDSON UPDATECardinals RHP Dakota Hudson (flexor tendon) was examined by team medical director Dr. George A. Paletta Jr. and will seek a second opinion. Hudson was 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA when he was shut down for the season."I don't think we're in a place where we're going public with (the results)," said manager Mike Shildt, who declined to say whether surgery will be needed. "Not trying to be coy. There's just some semantics here from a timing standpoint. He did see Dr. Paletta and all the imaging has been looked at and he's aware of what's going on."GOMBER GETS BALLRHP Austin Gomber earned the potentially crucial Sunday start against Milwaukee in the Cardinals' final scheduled regular-season game. Gomber took Hudson's place against Kansas City on Tuesday night and pitched six innings of four-hit ball.UP NEXTCardinals: LHP Kwang Hyun Kim (2-0, 1.59 ERA) starts against the Brewers on Thursday night at Busch Stadium.Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (1-6, 3.97) goes Thursday night to open a season-ending four-game set against Detroit at Kauffman Stadium.

Perez, Cordero power Royals to 12-3 rout of Cardinals

Harrison Butker made history on Sunday with a pair of 58-yard field goals - the latter of which won the game in overtime for the Kansas City Chiefs - and his efforts are being rewarded with some hardware.

Butker was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week on Wednesday following his stellar performance, which saw him match the franchise record for field goal distance not once, but twice. Only Nick Lowery, who connected from exactly 58 yards twice in his career, had ever hit from that distance in a Chiefs' uniform prior to Butker's efforts on Sunday.

His second 58-yarder, which won the game for Kansas City, made him just the second kicker in NFL history to convert multiple attempts of 58+ yards in a single game. It's also worth mentioning that Butker hit the game-winner three times due to various factors nullifying the previous two kicks, making his composure all the more remarkable.

Butker also connected on a 30-yard field goal as time expired to send the game to overtime.

This marks Butker's fourth AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Award and his first since Week 9 of last season. The four-year veteran already owns the NFL record for total points through three career seasons (426), and following his performance on Sunday, it's safe to say there are plenty of more records on the horizon for Butker.

Harrison Butker made history on Sunday with a pair of 58-yard field goals - the latter of which won the game in overtime for the Kansas City Chiefs - and his efforts are being rewarded with some hardware.Butker was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week on Wednesday following his stellar performance, which saw him match the franchise record for field goal distance not once, but twice. Only Nick Lowery, who connected from exactly 58 yards twice in his career, had ever hit from that distance in a Chiefs' uniform prior to Butker's efforts on Sunday.His second 58-yarder, which won the game for Kansas City, made him just the second kicker in NFL history to convert multiple attempts of 58+ yards in a single game. It's also worth mentioning that Butker hit the game-winner three times due to various factors nullifying the previous two kicks, making his composure all the more remarkable.Butker also connected on a 30-yard field goal as time expired to send the game to overtime.This marks Butker's fourth AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Award and his first since Week 9 of last season. The four-year veteran already owns the NFL record for total points through three career seasons (426), and following his performance on Sunday, it's safe to say there are plenty of more records on the horizon for Butker.--- Chiefs ---

Chiefs' Butker named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cody Thorn, The Examiner; Dave Kvidahl, STLHighschoolsports.com; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Brandon Zenner, The St. Joseph News-Press; J.B. Connoley, KRES radio; Matt King, The Daily Journal; Jason Peake, SOMOSports.com; Brian Rosener, Poplar Bluff Daily American Republic.

**Only teams that have played games this season are eligible for rankings.**

CLASS 6 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Raymore-Peculiar (9), 4-0, 99 2. Liberty (1), 4-0, 88 3. Nixa, 4-0, 81 4. Rockhurst, 2-2, 62 5. Francis Howell, 2-1, 48 6. Lee’s Summit West, 3-1, 41 7. Holt, 3-0, 38, 8. Joplin, 2-2, 35 9. Fox, 4-0, 21 10. Rock Bridge, 4-0, 17

Also receiving votes: Kickapoo (3-1), 13; Lee’s Summit North (2-2), 7

CLASS 5 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Carthage (6), 3-0, 96 2. Webb City (2), 3-1, 87 3. Jackson (2), 4-0, 81 4. Grain Valley, 4-0, 60 5. North Kansas City, 3-1, 54 6. Battle, 2-1, 44 7. Platte County, 3-1, 31 8. Fort Zumwalt North, 3-1, 28 T9. Farmington, 4-0, 22 T9. Ozark, 3-1, 22

Also receiving votes: Raytown (3-1), 11; Belton (3-0), 9; Washington (3-1), 5

CLASS 4 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Jefferson City Helias (6), 4-0, 94 2. West Plains (3), 4-0, 93 3. Hannibal (1), 3-0, 64 4. Bolivar, 3-1, 60 5. Smithville, 3-1, 57 6. Festus, 4-0, 55 7. Lincoln College Prep, 2-1, 41 8. Moberly, 4-0, 27 9. St. Dominic, 3-1, 25 10. Winnetonka, 4-0, 23

Also receiving votes: Center (3-1), 4; Savannah (1-1), 4; Kearney (2-2), 2; Warrensburg (3-1), 1

CLASS 3 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Blair Oaks (7), 4-0, 97 2. Odessa (2), 4-0, 91 3. Mt. Vernon, 4-0, 74 4. Valle Catholic (1), 4-0, 73 5. Kennett, 4-0, 42 T6. Cassville, 3-1, 38 T6. Centralia, 3-0, 38 8. Oak Grove, 3-1, 33 9. Buffalo, 4-0, 26 10. Southern Boone, 3-1, 20

Also receiving votes: Park Hills Central (2-0), 8; St. Francis Borgia (2-2), 6; Maryville (2-2), 4

CLASS 2 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Palmyra (5), 4-0, 94 2. Lafayette County (2), 4-0, 84 3. Lamar (1), 3-1, 70 4. Lutheran St. Charles (1), 3-1, 69 5. St. Pius X (1), 4-0, 56 6. Clark County, 3-1, 54 7. Butler, 4-0, 28 8. Lexington, 4-0, 25 9. Monroe City, 3-1, 23 10. Duchesne, 3-1, 22

Also receiving votes: Warsaw (3-0), 18; Highland (3-1), 3; New Madrid County Central (3-1), 3; East Prairie (3-1), 1

CLASS 1 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Mid-Buchanan (8), 4-0, 97 2. Hayti (1), 3-0, 81 3. Thayer (1), 3-1, 78 4. Milan, 4-0, 64 5. Windsor, 4-0, 57 6. Westran, 4-0, 40 7. East Buchanan, 3-0, 39 8. Marionville, 4-0, 31 9. Adrian, 3-1, 18 10. Skyline, 3-1, 17

Also receiving votes: Marceline (3-1), 10; Crest Ridge (3-1), 4; South Harrison (3-1), 4; Cabool (3-1), 3; Lockwood (3-1), 3; Harrisburg (2-2), 2; Pierce City (3-1), 2

Missouri Media football rankingsStatewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cody Thorn, The Examiner; Dave Kvidahl, STLHighschoolsports.com; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Brandon Zenner, The St. Joseph News-Press; J.B. Connoley, KRES radio; Matt King, The Daily Journal; Jason Peake, SOMOSports.com; Brian Rosener, Poplar Bluff Daily American Republic.**Only teams that have played games this season are eligible for rankings.**First-place votes in parenthesis.CLASS 6 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Raymore-Peculiar (9), 4-0, 99 2. Liberty (1), 4-0, 88 3. Nixa, 4-0, 81 4. Rockhurst, 2-2, 62 5. Francis Howell, 2-1, 48 6. Lee’s Summit West, 3-1, 41 7. Holt, 3-0, 38, 8. Joplin, 2-2, 35 9. Fox, 4-0, 21 10. Rock Bridge, 4-0, 17Also receiving votes: Kickapoo (3-1), 13; Lee’s Summit North (2-2), 7CLASS 5 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Carthage (6), 3-0, 96 2. Webb City (2), 3-1, 87 3. Jackson (2), 4-0, 81 4. Grain Valley, 4-0, 60 5. North Kansas City, 3-1, 54 6. Battle, 2-1, 44 7. Platte County, 3-1, 31 8. Fort Zumwalt North, 3-1, 28 T9. Farmington, 4-0, 22 T9. Ozark, 3-1, 22Also receiving votes: Raytown (3-1), 11; Belton (3-0), 9; Washington (3-1), 5CLASS 4 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Jefferson City Helias (6), 4-0, 94 2. West Plains (3), 4-0, 93 3. Hannibal (1), 3-0, 64 4. Bolivar, 3-1, 60 5. Smithville, 3-1, 57 6. Festus, 4-0, 55 7. Lincoln College Prep, 2-1, 41 8. Moberly, 4-0, 27 9. St. Dominic, 3-1, 25 10. Winnetonka, 4-0, 23Also receiving votes: Center (3-1), 4; Savannah (1-1), 4; Kearney (2-2), 2; Warrensburg (3-1), 1CLASS 3 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Blair Oaks (7), 4-0, 97 2. Odessa (2), 4-0, 91 3. Mt. Vernon, 4-0, 74 4. Valle Catholic (1), 4-0, 73 5. Kennett, 4-0, 42 T6. Cassville, 3-1, 38 T6. Centralia, 3-0, 38 8. Oak Grove, 3-1, 33 9. Buffalo, 4-0, 26 10. Southern Boone, 3-1, 20Also receiving votes: Park Hills Central (2-0), 8; St. Francis Borgia (2-2), 6; Maryville (2-2), 4CLASS 2 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Palmyra (5), 4-0, 94 2. Lafayette County (2), 4-0, 84 3. Lamar (1), 3-1, 70 4. Lutheran St. Charles (1), 3-1, 69 5. St. Pius X (1), 4-0, 56 6. Clark County, 3-1, 54 7. Butler, 4-0, 28 8. Lexington, 4-0, 25 9. Monroe City, 3-1, 23 10. Duchesne, 3-1, 22Also receiving votes: Warsaw (3-0), 18; Highland (3-1), 3; New Madrid County Central (3-1), 3; East Prairie (3-1), 1CLASS 1 Rank, team, Rec., Pts. 1. Mid-Buchanan (8), 4-0, 97 2. Hayti (1), 3-0, 81 3. Thayer (1), 3-1, 78 4. Milan, 4-0, 64 5. Windsor, 4-0, 57 6. Westran, 4-0, 40 7. East Buchanan, 3-0, 39 8. Marionville, 4-0, 31 9. Adrian, 3-1, 18 10. Skyline, 3-1, 17Also receiving votes: Marceline (3-1), 10; Crest Ridge (3-1), 4; South Harrison (3-1), 4; Cabool (3-1), 3; Lockwood (3-1), 3; Harrisburg (2-2), 2; Pierce City (3-1), 2

Missouri High School football media rankings released; Mid-Buch now No. 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Austin Gomber tossed six innings of four-hit ball in a crucial spot start and St. Louis capitalized on some erratic pitching from Brady Singer, beating the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Tuesday night.

The Cardinals, who trail the Chicago Cubs by 3 1/2 games in the NL Central, improved to 27-25 by evening their series with their cross-state rivals. They also built the slightest of cushion in the race for the No. 2 spot in the division after Milwaukee (28-28) eked out a win over Cincinnati (27-27) earlier in the evening.

Gomber (1-1), who dealt with biceps tendinitis throughout last season, earned his first win since beating Atlanta on Sept. 18, 2018. He struck out three without a walk while blanking an opponent for the 11th time in 13 appearances.

Dylan Carlson had two RBI while finishing a homer shy of the cycle. Brad Miller, Tommy Edman and Kolten Wong also drove in runs as the Cardinals, who are playing a brutal finishing stretch after an early outbreak of COVID-19 ransacked their schedule, took another weary step toward their second straight postseason appearance.

Singer, who carried a 14-inning scoreless streak into the game, had trouble finding the plate all night. He walked two in the first inning, then walked the first two batters of the second, when Carlson's double brought them home. Wong made it 3-0 later in the inning.

Singer (3-5) wound up walking five in three-plus innings, throwing just 44 of 81 pitches for strikes.

That led to an ugly ending to the 50th birthday of Royals manager Mike Matheny, who took umbrage with what he thought was the squeezing of his young pitcher by plate umpire Manny Gonzalez. Matheny expressed his displeasure while making a pitching change in the fourth inning and was immediately tossed from the game.

With no fans in the ballpark, Matheny's rising voice could be heard all the way into the upper deck.

The Cardinals wore the gray road uniforms of the 1930 St. Louis Stars and the Royals donned the home cream uniforms of the 1945 Kansas City Monarchs to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues.

The Stars featured such players as "Cool Papa" Bell, John "Mule" Suttles and Willie Wells while Jackie Robinson played for the Monarchs before breaking baseball's color barrier by signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers for the 1947 season.

Right-hander Dakota Hudson, who left his start last week against Pittsburgh with elbow soreness, was shut down for the season when the Cardinals transferred him to the 45-day injured list. The original diagnosis was a "flexor tendon issue," Cardinals president John Mozeliak said, but Hudson will see team medical director Dr. George A. Paletta Jr. soon.

"Our doctors have reviewed the MRI but you still want to do the normal consultation," Mozeliak said, when asked whether surgery could be needed. "Until that happens, no decision has been made on next steps."

The Cardinals activated reliever Kodi Whitley, who had been dealing with elbow soreness after a bout with COVID-19, and sent pitcher Junior Fernandez to their alternate training site in corresponding roster moves.

Cardinals RHP Carlos Martinez (0-1, 2.37 ERA) tries to rebound from a rough outing in Pittsburgh, when he allowed five runs but just one earned over 3 2/3 innings, when he faces Royals LHP Danny Duffy (3-4, 5.01 ERA) on Wednesday night.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Austin Gomber tossed six innings of four-hit ball in a crucial spot start and St. Louis capitalized on some erratic pitching from Brady Singer, beating the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Tuesday night.The Cardinals, who trail the Chicago Cubs by 3 1/2 games in the NL Central, improved to 27-25 by evening their series with their cross-state rivals. They also built the slightest of cushion in the race for the No. 2 spot in the division after Milwaukee (28-28) eked out a win over Cincinnati (27-27) earlier in the evening.Gomber (1-1), who dealt with biceps tendinitis throughout last season, earned his first win since beating Atlanta on Sept. 18, 2018. He struck out three without a walk while blanking an opponent for the 11th time in 13 appearances.Dylan Carlson had two RBI while finishing a homer shy of the cycle. Brad Miller, Tommy Edman and Kolten Wong also drove in runs as the Cardinals, who are playing a brutal finishing stretch after an early outbreak of COVID-19 ransacked their schedule, took another weary step toward their second straight postseason appearance.Singer, who carried a 14-inning scoreless streak into the game, had trouble finding the plate all night. He walked two in the first inning, then walked the first two batters of the second, when Carlson's double brought them home. Wong made it 3-0 later in the inning.Singer (3-5) wound up walking five in three-plus innings, throwing just 44 of 81 pitches for strikes.That led to an ugly ending to the 50th birthday of Royals manager Mike Matheny, who took umbrage with what he thought was the squeezing of his young pitcher by plate umpire Manny Gonzalez. Matheny expressed his displeasure while making a pitching change in the fourth inning and was immediately tossed from the game.With no fans in the ballpark, Matheny's rising voice could be heard all the way into the upper deck.NEGRO LEAGUES SALUTEThe Cardinals wore the gray road uniforms of the 1930 St. Louis Stars and the Royals donned the home cream uniforms of the 1945 Kansas City Monarchs to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues.The Stars featured such players as "Cool Papa" Bell, John "Mule" Suttles and Willie Wells while Jackie Robinson played for the Monarchs before breaking baseball's color barrier by signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers for the 1947 season.CARDINALS MOVESRight-hander Dakota Hudson, who left his start last week against Pittsburgh with elbow soreness, was shut down for the season when the Cardinals transferred him to the 45-day injured list. The original diagnosis was a "flexor tendon issue," Cardinals president John Mozeliak said, but Hudson will see team medical director Dr. George A. Paletta Jr. soon."Our doctors have reviewed the MRI but you still want to do the normal consultation," Mozeliak said, when asked whether surgery could be needed. "Until that happens, no decision has been made on next steps."The Cardinals activated reliever Kodi Whitley, who had been dealing with elbow soreness after a bout with COVID-19, and sent pitcher Junior Fernandez to their alternate training site in corresponding roster moves.UP NEXTCardinals RHP Carlos Martinez (0-1, 2.37 ERA) tries to rebound from a rough outing in Pittsburgh, when he allowed five runs but just one earned over 3 2/3 innings, when he faces Royals LHP Danny Duffy (3-4, 5.01 ERA) on Wednesday night.--- Associated Press ---

Royals get blanked by Cardinals Tuesday 5-0

St. Joseph, Mo. — Missouri Western State University, the University of Nebraska-Kearney and Pittsburg State University have announced today (Sept. 22) a non-conference scheduling alliance that will allow the three Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association member institutions to play a partial 2020 football schedule beginning in late October.

The "scheduling alliance" was created following the cancellation of the 2020 football season by the MIAA and the 2020 NCAA Division II fall championships by the NCAA to create an avenue for the Griffons, Lopers and Gorillas to play a limited number of games this fall. 

The three schools move forward with the health and safety of their student-athletes, coaches and fans as the No. 1 priority.

In the scheduling alliance, MWSU, UNK and Pitt State will each play two games against one another while filling out the remainder of their schedules with other NCAA-II and FCS institutions.

Pitt State will host UNK in Pittsburg on Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. The Gorillas and MWSU will face one another at St. Joseph on Nov. 7 at 3 p.m., while the Lopers and Griffons will meet at Kearney at 1 p.m. on Nov. 21.

MWSU will travel to Conway, Ark., on Oct. 31 to face FCS member Central Arkansas at 3 p.m. and will travel to Canyon, Texas to take on West Texas A&amp;M on Nov. 14 (time TBA).

Pitt State has additional non-conference match-ups scheduled Nov. 14 at Nacogdoches, Texas against FCS member Stephen F. Austin (4 p.m.) and Nov. 28 at Canyon, Texas against D2 member West Texas A&amp;M (time TBA).

UNK has additional non-conference match-ups scheduled Nov. 7 in Kearney against Chadron State (time TBA) and Nov. 14 at Rapid City, S.D., against South Dakota Mines at 2 p.m.

2020 MWSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Oct. 31 at Central Arkansas Nov. 7 vs. Pittsburg State Nov. 14 at West Texas A&amp;M Nov. 21 at Nebraska-Kearney

St. Joseph, Mo. — Missouri Western State University, the University of Nebraska-Kearney and Pittsburg State University have announced today (Sept. 22) a non-conference scheduling alliance that will allow the three Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association member institutions to play a partial 2020 football schedule beginning in late October.The "scheduling alliance" was created following the cancellation of the 2020 football season by the MIAA and the 2020 NCAA Division II fall championships by the NCAA to create an avenue for the Griffons, Lopers and Gorillas to play a limited number of games this fall. The three schools move forward with the health and safety of their student-athletes, coaches and fans as the No. 1 priority.In the scheduling alliance, MWSU, UNK and Pitt State will each play two games against one another while filling out the remainder of their schedules with other NCAA-II and FCS institutions.Pitt State will host UNK in Pittsburg on Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. The Gorillas and MWSU will face one another at St. Joseph on Nov. 7 at 3 p.m., while the Lopers and Griffons will meet at Kearney at 1 p.m. on Nov. 21.MWSU will travel to Conway, Ark., on Oct. 31 to face FCS member Central Arkansas at 3 p.m. and will travel to Canyon, Texas to take on West Texas A&amp;M on Nov. 14 (time TBA).Pitt State has additional non-conference match-ups scheduled Nov. 14 at Nacogdoches, Texas against FCS member Stephen F. Austin (4 p.m.) and Nov. 28 at Canyon, Texas against D2 member West Texas A&amp;M (time TBA).UNK has additional non-conference match-ups scheduled Nov. 7 in Kearney against Chadron State (time TBA) and Nov. 14 at Rapid City, S.D., against South Dakota Mines at 2 p.m.MWSU will travel to Conway, Ark., on Oct. 31 to face FCS member Central Arkansas at 3 p.m. and will travel to Canyon, Texas to take on West Texas A&amp;M on Nov. 14 (time TBA).2020 MWSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Oct. 31 at Central Arkansas Nov. 7 vs. Pittsburg State Nov. 14 at West Texas A&amp;M Nov. 21 at Nebraska-Kearney--- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western announces 4-game fall football schedule



KANSAS CITY, Mo. (September 22, 2020) -&nbsp;The MIAA COVID-19 Task Force has prepared a Return To Competition Game Plan. The document provides recommendations and requirements for member schools to implement as the Association prepares for the return of competition this fall and winter on MIAA Campuses.

The Task Force developed the Return To Competition Game Plan through the MIAA’s partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/f320d31e-4b27-4890-9985-31846700284d?elinkdata=150354" target="_blank">U.S. Council For Athletes Health</a>&nbsp;and other higher education association resources along with a collection of best practices and suggestions from local and state agencies.&nbsp;

A few highlights include COVID-19 screening and testing protocols for practices and competitions. It also covers general guidelines and recommendations for facilities, fans, teams, media, student-athletes, coaches, officials, and game day staff.&nbsp;

The Return To Competition Game Plan document was made available to member institutions last week, and it will continue to be monitored by the Task Force and Conference Office Staff. Changes and updates to the document will be edited as necessary per medical and scientific advancements.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (September 22, 2020) -&nbsp;The MIAA COVID-19 Task Force has prepared a Return To Competition Game Plan. The document provides recommendations and requirements for member schools to implement as the Association prepares for the return of competition this fall and winter on MIAA Campuses.The Task Force developed the Return To Competition Game Plan through the MIAA’s partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/f320d31e-4b27-4890-9985-31846700284d?elinkdata=150354" target="_blank">U.S. Council For Athletes Health</a>&nbsp;and other higher education association resources along with a collection of best practices and suggestions from local and state agencies.&nbsp;A few highlights include COVID-19 screening and testing protocols for practices and competitions. It also covers general guidelines and recommendations for facilities, fans, teams, media, student-athletes, coaches, officials, and game day staff.&nbsp;The Return To Competition Game Plan document was made available to member institutions last week, and it will continue to be monitored by the Task Force and Conference Office Staff. Changes and updates to the document will be edited as necessary per medical and scientific advancements.--- MIAA Press Release ---

MIAA prepares Return To Competition document

Benton and Lafayette High Schools have canceled their football games this Friday, as both teams have low numbers due to contact tracing amid COVID-19 cases within the school district.

Benton was scheduled to host Savannah this week, while Lafayette was set to take on crosstown rival Central High School on Friday.

Instead of not playing a game this week, Central and Savannah have now agreed to play this Friday at Savannah High School.

This announcement came before Benton principal Beery Johnson said Monday night that BHS is moving to remote learning from September 22nd through October 5 due to multiple positive cases among staff members, and a significant number of staff and students who have to quarantine.

Benton and Lafayette High Schools have canceled their football games this Friday, as both teams have low numbers due to contact tracing amid COVID-19 cases within the school district.Benton was scheduled to host Savannah this week, while Lafayette was set to take on crosstown rival Central High School on Friday.Instead of not playing a game this week, Central and Savannah have now agreed to play this Friday at Savannah High School.This announcement came before Benton principal Beery Johnson said Monday night that BHS is moving to remote learning from September 22nd through October 5 due to multiple positive cases among staff members, and a significant number of staff and students who have to quarantine.

Benton & Lafayette cancel football games this Friday

St. Joseph, Mo. - Griffon Football is back. 

As announced today by the University of Central Arkansas, the Missouri Western State University Griffons will meet the Bears on Homecoming in Conway, Arkansas on October 31st, 2020 at 3:00 pm.  

"Since March, we have been completely focused on any and all solutions to put our student-athletes safely back on the field," said Dr. Josh Looney, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics. "We have remained ready and we are thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity for our football team. This would not be possible without campus leadership and the incredible external support we have received in order to take this next step toward competition."

Central Arkansas is an NCAA DI FCS institution from the Southland Conference. The Bears are currently 1-1 on the season and were the first NCAA football program to compete in 2020, appearing on ESPN August 29th. MWSU head football coach Matt Williamson served as the defensive coordinator for UCA from 2010-2013.  

"I don't really have the words to describe how excited we are right now,"  said Williamson. "We have been successfully practicing since late August in a much different environment just to be ready to go at any time. We are thankful for Central Arkansas to provide us with the opportunity to officially get back on the field. We will be ready October 31st."

The announcement comes more than a month after the MIAA announced the suspension of fall sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While discussions are still ongoing for MIAA spring volleyball and soccer schedules, the league has since canceled conference scheduling for cross country and football. Missouri Western's 17 NCAA teams have been practicing since late August, following strict protocols instituted by the campus, local health policy and the NCAA's Resocialization of Sport guidelines.

Missouri Western is working to finalize an abbreviated fall football schedule that includes NCAA DII opponents. An announcement is expected to be made in the coming days.  

St. Joseph, Mo. - Griffon Football is back. As announced today by the University of Central Arkansas, the Missouri Western State University Griffons will meet the Bears on Homecoming in Conway, Arkansas on October 31st, 2020 at 3:00 pm. "Since March, we have been completely focused on any and all solutions to put our student-athletes safely back on the field," said Dr. Josh Looney, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics. "We have remained ready and we are thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity for our football team. This would not be possible without campus leadership and the incredible external support we have received in order to take this next step toward competition."Central Arkansas is an NCAA DI FCS institution from the Southland Conference. The Bears are currently 1-1 on the season and were the first NCAA football program to compete in 2020, appearing on ESPN August 29th. MWSU head football coach Matt Williamson served as the defensive coordinator for UCA from 2010-2013. "I don't really have the words to describe how excited we are right now," said Williamson. "We have been successfully practicing since late August in a much different environment just to be ready to go at any time. We are thankful for Central Arkansas to provide us with the opportunity to officially get back on the field. We will be ready October 31st."The announcement comes more than a month after the MIAA announced the suspension of fall sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While discussions are still ongoing for MIAA spring volleyball and soccer schedules, the league has since canceled conference scheduling for cross country and football. Missouri Western's 17 NCAA teams have been practicing since late August, following strict protocols instituted by the campus, local health policy and the NCAA's Resocialization of Sport guidelines.Missouri Western is working to finalize an abbreviated fall football schedule that includes NCAA DII opponents. An announcement is expected to be made in the coming days. --- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons to play football this fall; open at Central Arkansas on Halloween

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Maikel Franco hit the go-ahead single with two outs in the sixth inning, the Kansas City bullpen shut down the St. Louis Cardinals from the fourth inning on, and the Royals rallied for a 4-1 victory over their cross-state rivals Monday night.

Alex Gordon and Jorge Soler also drove in runs for the Royals, who returned for their final homestand after getting swept in Milwaukee, and were starting off with a playoff contender in the Cardinals that had won four straight games.

It didn't matter to Carlos Hernandez, making his second career start, and a stout bullpen. The Royals starter allowed one run over 3 2/3 innings before giving way to Jake Newberry, Scott Barlow, Josh Staumont (2-1) and Jesse Hahn, who combined to allow one hit -- a two-out single by Paul Goldschmidt -- without a walk over the next 4 1/3 innings.

Greg Holland worked around a leadoff single in the ninth for his sixth save.

Franco's two-run single down the right-field line off Adam Wainwright (5-2) was enough to spoil an otherwise solid night by the longtime Cardinals starter. He wound up allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings.

The Interstate 70 rivals played to a draw through five innings in wildly different fashions.

The Cardinals leaned on Wainwright, their 39-year-old workhorse, who faced the minimum number of batters through the first five innings. The Royals countered with a parade of relievers that seemed ever-stingier as the innings wore on.

How each team produced its lone early run was different, too.

The Cardinals took advantage of one mighty swing from Matt Carpenter, who sent the 3-1 offering from Hernandez nearly 440 feet into the fountains in right . The Royals answered with small ball in the fifth, stringing together a single, a double and a chopping fielder's choice from Gordon that knotted the game 1-all.

The Cardinals activated OF Dexter Fowler and RHP Giovanny Gallegos from the injured list before the game. Fowler had been out since Sept. 2 to deal with a stomach ailment that required a medication regimen that would have made him more vulnerable to the coronavirus should he become exposed. Gallegos was sidelined by a groin injury.

OF Justin Williams and RHP Nabil Crismatt were optioned to the club's alternate training site and RHP Roel Ramirez was designated for assignment to create space on the roster.

The Royals reinstated Soler from the injured list before the game and optioned infielder Kelvin Gutierrez to their alternate training site. Soler was hitting .235 with eight homers and 22 RBI before hurting his oblique on Sept. 5.

RHP Brady Singer (3-4, 4.14 ERA) tries to build on a 14-inning scoreless streak covering his last two starts when the Royals continue their series against St. Louis. It is the sixth-longest active streak in the majors. The Cardinals go with LHP Austin Gomber (0-1, 2.37) , who pitched in relief of injured starter Dakota Hudson on Thursday night in Pittsburgh.

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Maikel Franco hit the go-ahead single with two outs in the sixth inning, the Kansas City bullpen shut down the St. Louis Cardinals from the fourth inning on, and the Royals rallied for a 4-1 victory over their cross-state rivals Monday night.Alex Gordon and Jorge Soler also drove in runs for the Royals, who returned for their final homestand after getting swept in Milwaukee, and were starting off with a playoff contender in the Cardinals that had won four straight games.It didn't matter to Carlos Hernandez, making his second career start, and a stout bullpen. The Royals starter allowed one run over 3 2/3 innings before giving way to Jake Newberry, Scott Barlow, Josh Staumont (2-1) and Jesse Hahn, who combined to allow one hit -- a two-out single by Paul Goldschmidt -- without a walk over the next 4 1/3 innings.Greg Holland worked around a leadoff single in the ninth for his sixth save.Franco's two-run single down the right-field line off Adam Wainwright (5-2) was enough to spoil an otherwise solid night by the longtime Cardinals starter. He wound up allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings.The Interstate 70 rivals played to a draw through five innings in wildly different fashions.The Cardinals leaned on Wainwright, their 39-year-old workhorse, who faced the minimum number of batters through the first five innings. The Royals countered with a parade of relievers that seemed ever-stingier as the innings wore on.How each team produced its lone early run was different, too.The Cardinals took advantage of one mighty swing from Matt Carpenter, who sent the 3-1 offering from Hernandez nearly 440 feet into the fountains in right . The Royals answered with small ball in the fifth, stringing together a single, a double and a chopping fielder's choice from Gordon that knotted the game 1-all.CARDINALS MOVESThe Cardinals activated OF Dexter Fowler and RHP Giovanny Gallegos from the injured list before the game. Fowler had been out since Sept. 2 to deal with a stomach ailment that required a medication regimen that would have made him more vulnerable to the coronavirus should he become exposed. Gallegos was sidelined by a groin injury.OF Justin Williams and RHP Nabil Crismatt were optioned to the club's alternate training site and RHP Roel Ramirez was designated for assignment to create space on the roster.ROYALS MOVESThe Royals reinstated Soler from the injured list before the game and optioned infielder Kelvin Gutierrez to their alternate training site. Soler was hitting .235 with eight homers and 22 RBI before hurting his oblique on Sept. 5.UP NEXTRHP Brady Singer (3-4, 4.14 ERA) tries to build on a 14-inning scoreless streak covering his last two starts when the Royals continue their series against St. Louis. It is the sixth-longest active streak in the majors. The Cardinals go with LHP Austin Gomber (0-1, 2.37) , who pitched in relief of injured starter Dakota Hudson on Thursday night in Pittsburgh.

Royals win series opener against St. Louis 4-1

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced Monday that Kansas State’s October 3 Big 12 home opener against Texas Tech will kick off at 2:30 p.m. and be televised by FS1.

The Wildcats are in search of their fifth-straight win over the Red Raiders, which would be the most for K-State in the series. Kansas State has won eight of the last nine meetings overall and four-straight in Manhattan.

Kansas State opens Big 12 play this Saturday by traveling to Norman to face No. 3 Oklahoma. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. and be televised by FOX.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced Monday that Kansas State’s October 3 Big 12 home opener against Texas Tech will kick off at 2:30 p.m. and be televised by FS1.The Wildcats are in search of their fifth-straight win over the Red Raiders, which would be the most for K-State in the series. Kansas State has won eight of the last nine meetings overall and four-straight in Manhattan.Kansas State opens Big 12 play this Saturday by traveling to Norman to face No. 3 Oklahoma. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. and be televised by FOX.--- K-State Athletics ---

K-State Big 12 home opener against Texas Tech to kick at 2:30 p.m.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawks will take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, October 3 at 2:30 p.m. CT, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday. The game will air on either ABC or ESPN live from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

The game will be Kansas’ second Big 12 Conference matchup of the season, as the Jayhawks travel to Waco, Texas to take on the Baylor Bears on Saturday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m., CT on ESPNU.

The meeting between Kansas and Oklahoma State will be the 71st matchup between the two teams, dating back to the first game on October 13, 1923. Oklahoma State holds the series advantage, 38-29-3, while also leading in Lawrence, 21-15-1.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawks will take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, October 3 at 2:30 p.m. CT, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday. The game will air on either ABC or ESPN live from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.The game will be Kansas’ second Big 12 Conference matchup of the season, as the Jayhawks travel to Waco, Texas to take on the Baylor Bears on Saturday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m., CT on ESPNU.The meeting between Kansas and Oklahoma State will be the 71st matchup between the two teams, dating back to the first game on October 13, 1923. Oklahoma State holds the series advantage, 38-29-3, while also leading in Lawrence, 21-15-1.--- KU Athletics ---

KU football game vs. Oklahoma State set for 2:30 p.m. kick

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Harrison Butker wasn't nervous about his third attempt to kick a game-winning field goal in overtime for the Kansas City Chiefs. After a false start and Los Angeles Chargers timeout, Butker was determined to end it.

Butker connected from 58 yards with 1:55 remaining in overtime to give the Chiefs a 23-20 victory on Sunday. The defending Super Bowl champions survived a superlative NFL debut by Chargers rookie Justin Herbert, who threw for 311 yards, becoming the ninth player since the merger to top 300 in his first game.

Butker's game-winner was his third field goal of the day and his second from 58 yards, which tied a Chiefs record for distance. He is the second kicker in NFL history to make a pair from 58 in the same game.

In overtime, Butker sent the ball through the uprights from 53 yards, but Kansas City was called for a false start. Then the Chargers called timeout, giving him a rehearsal kick from 58 before the one that counted.

"To have two practice kicks is only going to help you," Butker said. "I got a little bit more angry with every kick because I was trying to finish it off. I felt more confident on the last one. I slowed down my leg swing and hit a better ball."

Kansas City (2-0) has won 11 straight dating back to last season, including playoffs. Four of its last five wins have been rallies from double-digit deficits.

The Chiefs -- who beat the Chargers for the 12th time in the last 13 meetings -- didn't lead until Butker's game-winner. They trailed 17-6 midway through the third quarter before tying it at 17 early in the fourth. After LA went on a 10-minute drive to go up 20-17 on Michael Badgley's second field goal of the day, the Chiefs marched back into Butker's range, where he drilled one from 30 to force overtime.

Playing their first game at the new SoFi Stadium, which they share with the Rams, the Chargers (1-1) won the coin toss in overtime but went three-and-out. The Chiefs got the ball at their 21 and went 39 yards in 13 plays.

"This wasn't a thing of beauty, but there are going to be times like this where things aren't working and you have to be aggressive," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "We beared down and made big plays down the stretch. Our defense stepped up and put the hammer down to give us a chance to win."

Patrick Mahomes completed less than half of his passes in the first half for only the third time in his career but rallied to finish 27 of 47 for 302 yards and two touchdowns. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Mahomes has won six straight games when trailing by double digits, including playoffs, which is a record for NFL QBs.

Tyreek Hill (five catches, 99 yards) and Travis Kelce (nine receptions, 90 yards) each had TD receptions.

Hill didn't have a catch in the first half but he made an impact in the fourth quarter with a 54-yard touchdown. Mahomes rolled left and connected with Hill, who got separation from defensive backs Nasir Adderley and Chris Harris Jr., caught it in stride at the LA 6, tripped at the 3 and lunged into the end zone. The Chiefs converted the 2-point conversion to tie it at 17 with 12:58 remaining.

"We game planned for that play and I wanted to do it earlier. I put it as far as I could and he made the catch in double coverage," Mahomes said.

Added Hill: "He kind of overthrew me because I had to lean to get it but it was still a good ball."

Mahomes was 18 of 25 for 222 yards and a touchdown on the final four drives, which resulted in a TD and three field goals. He also had four runs for 29 yards, including a 22-yard scramble on third-and-21 late in regulation to put the Chiefs into field goal range.

Herbert was 22 of 33 for 311 yards with a touchdown and interception. He got the call after Tyrod Taylor re-aggravated a rib injury during pregame warmups. Coach Anthony Lynn said he found out just before the coin toss that Taylor was unable to play and that Taylor was taken to a hospital with difficulty breathing. The Chargers said after the game that Taylor was released from the hospital.

Herbert ran it in from 4 yards out on his first drive and then had a 14-yard bullet to Jalen Guyton with 2:30 remaining in the first half to give the Chargers a 14-6 lead at halftime.

Herbert is the first player since Bob Clatterbuck of the New York Giants in 1954 to pass and run for a TD in the first half of his debut. Herbert also joined Cam Newton and Otto Graham as the only QB's to throw for 300 yards and have a rushing TD in their first game.

"I was really excited," Herbert said. "This is something I've waited for my entire life, and sure it didn't end the way we wanted to, but we made some big plays along the way."

Austin Ekeler had 148 scrimmage yards, including 93 rushing, and Keenan Allen caught seven passes for 96 yards.

Chiefs: Defensive end Frank Clark (illness), cornerback Antonio Hamilton (groin) and running back Darrel Williams (ankle) left the game.

Chargers: OT Bryan Bulaga suffered a knee injury during the first quarter and did not return. Defensive end Justin Jones (shoulder) and safety Jalen Watkins (groin) were injured in the second half.

Chiefs: Travel to Baltimore for a matchup of the last two NFL MVPs on Monday, Sept. 28. Mahomes has won both games against reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

Chargers: Host the Carolina Panthers next Sunday. Los Angeles is 8-4 against NFC teams under coach Anthony Lynn.

Associated PressINGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Harrison Butker wasn't nervous about his third attempt to kick a game-winning field goal in overtime for the Kansas City Chiefs. After a false start and Los Angeles Chargers timeout, Butker was determined to end it.Butker connected from 58 yards with 1:55 remaining in overtime to give the Chiefs a 23-20 victory on Sunday. The defending Super Bowl champions survived a superlative NFL debut by Chargers rookie Justin Herbert, who threw for 311 yards, becoming the ninth player since the merger to top 300 in his first game.Butker's game-winner was his third field goal of the day and his second from 58 yards, which tied a Chiefs record for distance. He is the second kicker in NFL history to make a pair from 58 in the same game.In overtime, Butker sent the ball through the uprights from 53 yards, but Kansas City was called for a false start. Then the Chargers called timeout, giving him a rehearsal kick from 58 before the one that counted."To have two practice kicks is only going to help you," Butker said. "I got a little bit more angry with every kick because I was trying to finish it off. I felt more confident on the last one. I slowed down my leg swing and hit a better ball."Kansas City (2-0) has won 11 straight dating back to last season, including playoffs. Four of its last five wins have been rallies from double-digit deficits.The Chiefs -- who beat the Chargers for the 12th time in the last 13 meetings -- didn't lead until Butker's game-winner. They trailed 17-6 midway through the third quarter before tying it at 17 early in the fourth. After LA went on a 10-minute drive to go up 20-17 on Michael Badgley's second field goal of the day, the Chiefs marched back into Butker's range, where he drilled one from 30 to force overtime.Playing their first game at the new SoFi Stadium, which they share with the Rams, the Chargers (1-1) won the coin toss in overtime but went three-and-out. The Chiefs got the ball at their 21 and went 39 yards in 13 plays."This wasn't a thing of beauty, but there are going to be times like this where things aren't working and you have to be aggressive," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "We beared down and made big plays down the stretch. Our defense stepped up and put the hammer down to give us a chance to win."Patrick Mahomes completed less than half of his passes in the first half for only the third time in his career but rallied to finish 27 of 47 for 302 yards and two touchdowns. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Mahomes has won six straight games when trailing by double digits, including playoffs, which is a record for NFL QBs.Tyreek Hill (five catches, 99 yards) and Travis Kelce (nine receptions, 90 yards) each had TD receptions.Hill didn't have a catch in the first half but he made an impact in the fourth quarter with a 54-yard touchdown. Mahomes rolled left and connected with Hill, who got separation from defensive backs Nasir Adderley and Chris Harris Jr., caught it in stride at the LA 6, tripped at the 3 and lunged into the end zone. The Chiefs converted the 2-point conversion to tie it at 17 with 12:58 remaining."We game planned for that play and I wanted to do it earlier. I put it as far as I could and he made the catch in double coverage," Mahomes said.Added Hill: "He kind of overthrew me because I had to lean to get it but it was still a good ball."Mahomes was 18 of 25 for 222 yards and a touchdown on the final four drives, which resulted in a TD and three field goals. He also had four runs for 29 yards, including a 22-yard scramble on third-and-21 late in regulation to put the Chiefs into field goal range.HERBERT'S DEBUTHerbert was 22 of 33 for 311 yards with a touchdown and interception. He got the call after Tyrod Taylor re-aggravated a rib injury during pregame warmups. Coach Anthony Lynn said he found out just before the coin toss that Taylor was unable to play and that Taylor was taken to a hospital with difficulty breathing. The Chargers said after the game that Taylor was released from the hospital.Herbert ran it in from 4 yards out on his first drive and then had a 14-yard bullet to Jalen Guyton with 2:30 remaining in the first half to give the Chargers a 14-6 lead at halftime."He played his tail off," Mahomes said.Herbert is the first player since Bob Clatterbuck of the New York Giants in 1954 to pass and run for a TD in the first half of his debut. Herbert also joined Cam Newton and Otto Graham as the only QB's to throw for 300 yards and have a rushing TD in their first game."I was really excited," Herbert said. "This is something I've waited for my entire life, and sure it didn't end the way we wanted to, but we made some big plays along the way."Austin Ekeler had 148 scrimmage yards, including 93 rushing, and Keenan Allen caught seven passes for 96 yards.INJURIESChiefs: Defensive end Frank Clark (illness), cornerback Antonio Hamilton (groin) and running back Darrel Williams (ankle) left the game.Chargers: OT Bryan Bulaga suffered a knee injury during the first quarter and did not return. Defensive end Justin Jones (shoulder) and safety Jalen Watkins (groin) were injured in the second half.UP NEXTChiefs: Travel to Baltimore for a matchup of the last two NFL MVPs on Monday, Sept. 28. Mahomes has won both games against reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.Chargers: Host the Carolina Panthers next Sunday. Los Angeles is 8-4 against NFC teams under coach Anthony Lynn.

Butker's 58-yard FG in OT caps off Chiefs comeback win at LA

MILWAUKEE -- Daniel Vogelbach belted a pair of homers and drove in all five runs as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Sunday to sweep the three-game interleague matchup.

Vogelbach, claimed by the Brewers off waivers earlier this month, hit a two-run home run to straightaway center with two outs in the first off Brad Keller (4-3). He blasted a three-run opposite-field shot to chase Keller in the sixth. Vogelbach has three home runs since joining the Brewers and five on the season.

"You want to come to the ballpark and do your part every day," Vogelbach said. "I'm a very competitive person and I don't like losing. It's a winning atmosphere here and a winning culture. A lot of times you raise your level of play to the people around you."

Vogelbach had a chance to do even more damage but struck out with the bases loaded in the seventh in a seven-pitch at-bat but Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell wasn't complaining.

"He's probably doing more than you'd ever expect," Counsell said. "There's a little edge to him that's been really positive for us. Men on base, huge hits in huge spots."

Milwaukee closed out the regular-season schedule at Miller Park in what was possibly the final home game in a Brewers uniform for Ryan Braun, the 2007 NL Rookie of the Year and the 2011 MVP who has spent his entire 14-year career with the franchise. Braun, who will turn 37 in November, is in the final guaranteed year of a five-year, $105-million contract extension signed in 2011.

Braun went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. He legged out an infield hit in his final at-bat.

"It was definitely a little bit more emotional than a typical game would be, certainly," Braun said. "Trying to take it all in. It would have obviously been a completely different experience had the fans been here."

The Brewers improved to 26-26 with their fourth consecutive win and reached the .500 mark for the first time since they were 11-11.

Josh Lindblom (2-3), who was reinstated from the bereavement list prior to the start of the game, turned in another effective outing for the Brewers. He gave up one run and three hits in 5 1/3 innings, with two strikeouts and no walks.

Lindblom tossed five shutout innings on Monday in a no-decision against St. Louis and also made two scoreless relief appearances between starts.

Lindblom said he'd been away from the team due his wife dealing with an unspecified medical emergency.

"It was a hard week," Lindblom said. "There was nothing superhuman about my focus today. To go out there for three and a half hours, that's a mental break for me from everything else that is going on."

Josh Hader retired the lone batter he faced to notch his 10th save in 12 tries after Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the ninth off Brent Suter to cut the lead to 5-3.

The Royals plated their first run in the sixth on Whit Merrifield's RBI groundout.

Keller, who pitched a five-hit shutout in an 11-0 win in his previous start on Sept. 13 against Pittsburgh, gave up five hits and five runs in five innings.

Royals: 2B Nicky Lopez was briefly shaken up after Christian Yelich slid into his left leg while breaking up a double-play attempt in the first. Lopez remained in the game.

BREWERS: Placed OF Ben Gamel on 10-day injured list with a left quadriceps injury. .Braun, who has been dealing with lower back stiffness, started at DH with Vogelbach playing first.

The Brewers played their final regular-season home game at Miller Park, but not the final game in which the club will be the "home" team on the field. Milwaukee will bat second in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Friday at St. Louis, but for statistical purposes the contest will be counted as a road game. This is the make-up of the final game of the series that had been slated at Miller Park on Aug. 2 that was postponed after positive Covid-19 tests among the Cardinals team.

Although Braun insists that he hasn't made a decision yet about whether he will retire, he was in a rather nostalgic mood after the game.

"I really want to take the time to get away from it and reflect on the season and see what the sport itself looks like and see what the world looks like," Braun said. "This year has been such a unique and challenging year in so many ways. Being a parent and being a husband, my family is my top priority in life and at some point, as the kids get older, I just don't enjoy being away from them at all. That's the biggest reason."

He said many sentimental moments ran through his mind as he looked around Miller Park. "Thinking about the celebrations, thinking about the big home runs," he said. "I look back and it feels like 14 years have gone by in the blink of an eye."

Royals: RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-0, 3.86) will make his second career start with Kansas City opening a three-game set at home against St. Louis. Hernandez didn't earn a decision in his first career outing, a Royals' 7-4 win over Pittsburgh on Sept. 12, in which he allowed three runs on three hits, all solo homers, in three innings.

Brewers: RHP Brandon Woodruff (2-4, 3.45) will take the mound as Milwaukee begins a three-game series at Cincinnati. Woodruff is 3-2 with a 4.25 ERA in seven career games (five starts) against the Reds.

Associated PressMILWAUKEE -- Daniel Vogelbach belted a pair of homers and drove in all five runs as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Sunday to sweep the three-game interleague matchup.Vogelbach, claimed by the Brewers off waivers earlier this month, hit a two-run home run to straightaway center with two outs in the first off Brad Keller (4-3). He blasted a three-run opposite-field shot to chase Keller in the sixth. Vogelbach has three home runs since joining the Brewers and five on the season."You want to come to the ballpark and do your part every day," Vogelbach said. "I'm a very competitive person and I don't like losing. It's a winning atmosphere here and a winning culture. A lot of times you raise your level of play to the people around you."Vogelbach had a chance to do even more damage but struck out with the bases loaded in the seventh in a seven-pitch at-bat but Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell wasn't complaining."He's probably doing more than you'd ever expect," Counsell said. "There's a little edge to him that's been really positive for us. Men on base, huge hits in huge spots."Milwaukee closed out the regular-season schedule at Miller Park in what was possibly the final home game in a Brewers uniform for Ryan Braun, the 2007 NL Rookie of the Year and the 2011 MVP who has spent his entire 14-year career with the franchise. Braun, who will turn 37 in November, is in the final guaranteed year of a five-year, $105-million contract extension signed in 2011.Braun went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. He legged out an infield hit in his final at-bat."It was definitely a little bit more emotional than a typical game would be, certainly," Braun said. "Trying to take it all in. It would have obviously been a completely different experience had the fans been here."The Brewers improved to 26-26 with their fourth consecutive win and reached the .500 mark for the first time since they were 11-11.Josh Lindblom (2-3), who was reinstated from the bereavement list prior to the start of the game, turned in another effective outing for the Brewers. He gave up one run and three hits in 5 1/3 innings, with two strikeouts and no walks.Lindblom tossed five shutout innings on Monday in a no-decision against St. Louis and also made two scoreless relief appearances between starts.Lindblom said he'd been away from the team due his wife dealing with an unspecified medical emergency."It was a hard week," Lindblom said. "There was nothing superhuman about my focus today. To go out there for three and a half hours, that's a mental break for me from everything else that is going on."Josh Hader retired the lone batter he faced to notch his 10th save in 12 tries after Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the ninth off Brent Suter to cut the lead to 5-3.The Royals plated their first run in the sixth on Whit Merrifield's RBI groundout.Keller, who pitched a five-hit shutout in an 11-0 win in his previous start on Sept. 13 against Pittsburgh, gave up five hits and five runs in five innings.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: 2B Nicky Lopez was briefly shaken up after Christian Yelich slid into his left leg while breaking up a double-play attempt in the first. Lopez remained in the game.BREWERS: Placed OF Ben Gamel on 10-day injured list with a left quadriceps injury. .Braun, who has been dealing with lower back stiffness, started at DH with Vogelbach playing first.HOME ON THE ROADThe Brewers played their final regular-season home game at Miller Park, but not the final game in which the club will be the "home" team on the field. Milwaukee will bat second in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Friday at St. Louis, but for statistical purposes the contest will be counted as a road game. This is the make-up of the final game of the series that had been slated at Miller Park on Aug. 2 that was postponed after positive Covid-19 tests among the Cardinals team.BRAUN REFLECTSAlthough Braun insists that he hasn't made a decision yet about whether he will retire, he was in a rather nostalgic mood after the game."I really want to take the time to get away from it and reflect on the season and see what the sport itself looks like and see what the world looks like," Braun said. "This year has been such a unique and challenging year in so many ways. Being a parent and being a husband, my family is my top priority in life and at some point, as the kids get older, I just don't enjoy being away from them at all. That's the biggest reason."He said many sentimental moments ran through his mind as he looked around Miller Park. "Thinking about the celebrations, thinking about the big home runs," he said. "I look back and it feels like 14 years have gone by in the blink of an eye."UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-0, 3.86) will make his second career start with Kansas City opening a three-game set at home against St. Louis. Hernandez didn't earn a decision in his first career outing, a Royals' 7-4 win over Pittsburgh on Sept. 12, in which he allowed three runs on three hits, all solo homers, in three innings.Brewers: RHP Brandon Woodruff (2-4, 3.45) will take the mound as Milwaukee begins a three-game series at Cincinnati. Woodruff is 3-2 with a 4.25 ERA in seven career games (five starts) against the Reds.

Royals get swept by Brewers after 5-3 loss Sunday

PITTSBURGH -- Yadier Molina hit a two-run homer and Jack Flaherty struck out 11 as the St. Louis Cardinals kept their hold on a postseason spot with a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

Molina's home run to the bleachers in left field came in the seventh inning off Derek Holland and extended St. Louis' winning streak to a season-high four games. The Cardinals had been shut out by Joe Musgrove over the first six innings.

Flaherty (4-2) allowed only one run and two hits in six innings while walking two. It was his ninth career double-digit strikeout game.

Flaherty had been tagged for a career-worst nine runs in three innings in his previous start Tuesday at Milwaukee. He said he made some slight changes to his throwing mechanics between starts.

"It's a game of continuous adjustments and there was obviously a lot to improve on after the last one," Flaherty said. "I had a good week of work of getting together with guys and seeing what adjustments we could make."

The Cardinals (26-24) hold a one-game lead on Cincinnati (27-27) and Milwaukee (26-26) for second place in the NL Central with one week left in the regular season. The top two finishers in each division gain berths in the expanded postseason during this pandemic-affected season.

"It's a grind but we're concentrating on ourselves and we try to do the best we can," Molina said. "Right now, we're finding a way to get wins It's a weird year, but we hope it's going to be a special year and we'll be the COVID World Series champs."

Musgrove also had 11 strikeouts -- a career high -- in six innings but remained winless in seven starts this season. He gave up three hits and one walk.

That came a day after Pirates rookie Mitch Keller pitched six shutout innings.

"He had really good stuff," Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said of Musgrove. "I mean that's back-to-back that starts from our starters executing all their pitches, pretty much been in complete control. So, really positive where we're building towards the end of the year."

Matt Carpenter singled in the St. Louis seventh off Holland (1-3) and Molina hit his fourth homer of the year.

A night earlier, Molina left the game after being on the left wrist by a pitch. The nine-time All-Star was also hit in nearly the same spot Tuesday by a swing while behind the plate.

Yet the 38-year-old was back in the lineup.

"He's a special player," St. Louis. manager Mike Shildt said. "He's still playing and he's going to continue to play. Today, he stepped up, was clearly banked up, but he's a winning player and winners find solutions."

Pittsburgh scored its run in the fourth inning. Bryan Reynolds hit a leadoff double, moved to third on Adam Frazier's sacrifice bunt and scored on Colin Moran's sacrifice fly.

That was the only inning in which the Pirates had a runner in scoring position.

St. Louis squandered a leadoff double by Dylan Carlson in the third inning and a one-out double by Paul Goldschmidt in the sixth.

By pitching Sunday, Miller's $12 million option for next season vested. He is the final guaranteed season of the two-year, $25 million contract he signed I free agency.

"It's been on my mind at times, but I've done everything in my control to just ignore it and worry about pitching," he said. "I've been very fortunate in this game that the financial situation is something that's pretty far back in my mind."

The Pirates traded three minor league pitchers as part of separate transactions, including shipping RHP Joel Cesar to the Philadelphia Phillies to complete the Aug. 26 deal for LHP Austin Davis.

LHP Domingo Robles was traded to the Cardinals and RHP Connor Loeprich was sent to the Baltimore Orioles. The Pirates received international bonus pool money in those trades.

Cardinals: RHP John Gant (right groin discomfort) pitched a scoreless eighth inning in his first action in a week. . LHP Austin Gomber will take the rotation spot of RHP Dakota Hudson (right elbow tightness), who is out for the rest of the season.

Pirates: INF Kevin Newman is out for the remainder of the season because of a contusion to the peroneal nerve of his right knee. He was placed on the 10-day injured list a day after being hit by a pitch. OF Jason Martin was recalled from the alternate training site.

Cardinals: Open a three-game series against the Royals at Kansas City on Monday night. RHP Adam Wainwright (5-1, 2.87 ERA) faces rookie RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-0, 3.86 ERA).

Pirates: Remain home to play the Chicago Cubs in a four-game series. Rookie RHP JT Brubaker (1-2, 4.79 ERA) will start against LHP Jon Lester (2-2, 4.91 ERA) in the opener.

Associated PressPITTSBURGH -- Yadier Molina hit a two-run homer and Jack Flaherty struck out 11 as the St. Louis Cardinals kept their hold on a postseason spot with a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.Molina's home run to the bleachers in left field came in the seventh inning off Derek Holland and extended St. Louis' winning streak to a season-high four games. The Cardinals had been shut out by Joe Musgrove over the first six innings.Flaherty (4-2) allowed only one run and two hits in six innings while walking two. It was his ninth career double-digit strikeout game.Flaherty had been tagged for a career-worst nine runs in three innings in his previous start Tuesday at Milwaukee. He said he made some slight changes to his throwing mechanics between starts."It's a game of continuous adjustments and there was obviously a lot to improve on after the last one," Flaherty said. "I had a good week of work of getting together with guys and seeing what adjustments we could make."The Cardinals (26-24) hold a one-game lead on Cincinnati (27-27) and Milwaukee (26-26) for second place in the NL Central with one week left in the regular season. The top two finishers in each division gain berths in the expanded postseason during this pandemic-affected season."It's a grind but we're concentrating on ourselves and we try to do the best we can," Molina said. "Right now, we're finding a way to get wins It's a weird year, but we hope it's going to be a special year and we'll be the COVID World Series champs."Musgrove also had 11 strikeouts -- a career high -- in six innings but remained winless in seven starts this season. He gave up three hits and one walk.That came a day after Pirates rookie Mitch Keller pitched six shutout innings."He had really good stuff," Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said of Musgrove. "I mean that's back-to-back that starts from our starters executing all their pitches, pretty much been in complete control. So, really positive where we're building towards the end of the year."Matt Carpenter singled in the St. Louis seventh off Holland (1-3) and Molina hit his fourth homer of the year.A night earlier, Molina left the game after being on the left wrist by a pitch. The nine-time All-Star was also hit in nearly the same spot Tuesday by a swing while behind the plate.Yet the 38-year-old was back in the lineup."He's a special player," St. Louis. manager Mike Shildt said. "He's still playing and he's going to continue to play. Today, he stepped up, was clearly banked up, but he's a winning player and winners find solutions."Pittsburgh scored its run in the fourth inning. Bryan Reynolds hit a leadoff double, moved to third on Adam Frazier's sacrifice bunt and scored on Colin Moran's sacrifice fly.That was the only inning in which the Pirates had a runner in scoring position.St. Louis squandered a leadoff double by Dylan Carlson in the third inning and a one-out double by Paul Goldschmidt in the sixth.OPTION TRIGGEREDBy pitching Sunday, Miller's $12 million option for next season vested. He is the final guaranteed season of the two-year, $25 million contract he signed I free agency."It's been on my mind at times, but I've done everything in my control to just ignore it and worry about pitching," he said. "I've been very fortunate in this game that the financial situation is something that's pretty far back in my mind."LOTS OF TRADESThe Pirates traded three minor league pitchers as part of separate transactions, including shipping RHP Joel Cesar to the Philadelphia Phillies to complete the Aug. 26 deal for LHP Austin Davis.LHP Domingo Robles was traded to the Cardinals and RHP Connor Loeprich was sent to the Baltimore Orioles. The Pirates received international bonus pool money in those trades.TRAINER'S ROOMCardinals: RHP John Gant (right groin discomfort) pitched a scoreless eighth inning in his first action in a week. . LHP Austin Gomber will take the rotation spot of RHP Dakota Hudson (right elbow tightness), who is out for the rest of the season.Pirates: INF Kevin Newman is out for the remainder of the season because of a contusion to the peroneal nerve of his right knee. He was placed on the 10-day injured list a day after being hit by a pitch. OF Jason Martin was recalled from the alternate training site.UP NEXTCardinals: Open a three-game series against the Royals at Kansas City on Monday night. RHP Adam Wainwright (5-1, 2.87 ERA) faces rookie RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-0, 3.86 ERA).Pirates: Remain home to play the Chicago Cubs in a four-game series. Rookie RHP JT Brubaker (1-2, 4.79 ERA) will start against LHP Jon Lester (2-2, 4.91 ERA) in the opener.

Molina homers, Flaherty fans 11 as Cardinals top Pirates 2-1

MILWAUKEE -- Corbin Burnes threw six solid innings of four-hit ball, Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer in Milwaukee's four-run eighth inning and the Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 Saturday night.

With the win, Milwaukee moved into a tie with the Cincinnati Reds, one game behind second-place St. Louis in the NL Central. The top two teams in each division qualify for the postseason.

"It's cliche. It's simple, but you win games, and you feel pretty good about your chances," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said after his team matched their season-high with three consecutive victories. "We've just got to keep doing it."

Burnes continues as the best starting pitcher on the Brewers' staff. He is 4-0 in his last five starts, with 47 strikeouts and six walks in that span. Against the Royals, he struck out nine.

"It's always nice to play meaningful baseball this late in September," Burnes said. "I think we're still a game out of the postseason or whatever it may be, but just to know that if you win two, three, four in a row -- rattle a couple of wins, you're in the postseason."

The Royals best scoring chance against Burnes came with two out in the second when they got a runner to third. Burnes caught Ryan O'Hearn looking at a called third strike to get out of the jam.

"That was pretty good stuff today," Royals manager Mike Matheny said of Burnes. "Life on the fastball. You can tell he had some deception. He was hiding the ball well. The cutter he was throwing backdoor to lefties, and chasing righties off the plate."

Braun foiled Matheny's strategy of issuing an intentional walk to Christian Yelich with two out and a runner already on. Braun followed with his 351st home run. He had left Friday night's game with low back tightness and was a game-time decision.

Devin Williams retired the side in order in the seventh and eighth, including four strike outs. He has 47 strikeouts in 23 innings of relief.

Associated PressMILWAUKEE -- Corbin Burnes threw six solid innings of four-hit ball, Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer in Milwaukee's four-run eighth inning and the Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 Saturday night.With the win, Milwaukee moved into a tie with the Cincinnati Reds, one game behind second-place St. Louis in the NL Central. The top two teams in each division qualify for the postseason."It's cliche. It's simple, but you win games, and you feel pretty good about your chances," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said after his team matched their season-high with three consecutive victories. "We've just got to keep doing it."Burnes continues as the best starting pitcher on the Brewers' staff. He is 4-0 in his last five starts, with 47 strikeouts and six walks in that span. Against the Royals, he struck out nine."It's always nice to play meaningful baseball this late in September," Burnes said. "I think we're still a game out of the postseason or whatever it may be, but just to know that if you win two, three, four in a row -- rattle a couple of wins, you're in the postseason."The Royals best scoring chance against Burnes came with two out in the second when they got a runner to third. Burnes caught Ryan O'Hearn looking at a called third strike to get out of the jam."That was pretty good stuff today," Royals manager Mike Matheny said of Burnes. "Life on the fastball. You can tell he had some deception. He was hiding the ball well. The cutter he was throwing backdoor to lefties, and chasing righties off the plate."Braun foiled Matheny's strategy of issuing an intentional walk to Christian Yelich with two out and a runner already on. Braun followed with his 351st home run. He had left Friday night's game with low back tightness and was a game-time decision.Devin Williams retired the side in order in the seventh and eighth, including four strike outs. He has 47 strikeouts in 23 innings of relief.Drew Rasmussen, who picked up his first major-league win with an inning of relief in Friday night's 9-5 win, retired the side in order in the ninth to preserve the shutout.Jacob Nottingham's two-base hit off Royals reliever Scott Barlow in the eighth tacked on a big insurance run. Orlando Arcia singled and took third on Barlow's errant pickoff throw.Kris Bubic (1-6) allowed just a hit and an unearned run in 5 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old left-hander struck out seven, but tied his season-high with four walks, including two in the third that led to the Brewers' only run."His best, his best, yet," Matheny said of Bubic's pitching effort. "That's just one of those indicators of things to come, where he's controlling the strike zone with the fastball early on. That was, without question, the best breaking ball he's had so far."Luis Urias walked and scored on a throwing error by second baseman Nicky Lopez. Shortstop Adalberto Mondesi got in the way as Lopez fielded Avisail Garcia's roller up the middle. Lopez stepped on second, but then threw wildly to first."Either one of them make that play, if they communicate to each other," Matheny said of Mondesi and Lopez's miscommunication.TRAINER'S ROOMBREWERS: Braun left Friday night's game with lower back tightness after hitting a single in the fourth inning. Braun has battled a lower back issue all season. However, he felt good enough for manager Craig Counsell to pencil him in at DH in Saturday's game.POSITIVE COVID-19 TESTS AT BREWERS ALTERNATE SITEThe Brewers had two players and a staff member test positive for the coronavirus at their alternate training site in Appleton, Wisconsin. Milwaukee president of baseball operations David Stearns confirmed the positive results and said they shouldn't impact the major league team. Teams are using alternate training sites this season to keep reserve players sharp because the minor league season was canceled due to the pandemic. Stearns said the positive tests came Monday and did not name the two players or the staff member. Players must give their permission for their names to be revealed after positive tests.MURPHY TO MAKE ROAD TRIPBrewers bench coach Pat Murphy, 61, returned to the club Friday, almost seven weeks after suffering a heart attack during a team workout at Miller Park on Aug. 1. He will travel with the team on its season-ending road trip to Cincinnati and St. Louis.UP NEXTROYALS: RHP Brad Keller (4-2, 2.06 ERA) looks to make his eighth start of the season just as solid as his previous outing, a five-hit shutout and an 11-0 win Sept. 13th against Pittsburgh.BREWERS: RHP Josh Lindblom (1-3, 5.26 ERA) comes off the bereavement list for his ninth start of the season and first against the Royals.