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.

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.

BREWERS: 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 SITE

The 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.

Brewers 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.

ROYALS: 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.

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.

Royals get shutout at Milwaukee 5-0

PITTSBURGH -- Tyler O'Neill hit a two-run double to end a no-hit bid started by Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller, and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied to beat the Pirates 5-4 Saturday night.

Keller threw 84 pitches over six no-hit innings and was pulled from the game leading 4-0, but the Cardinals scored five runs off relief pitchers Geoff Hartlieb and Sam Howard in the seventh. O'Neill broke up the no-hit bid and keyed the inning with his bases-loaded double against Howard (2-3).

St. Louis improved to 25-24 and is a game ahead of Cincinnati and Milwaukee for second place in the NL Central. The top two teams in each division advancing to the expanded postseason.

"Tonight was a microcosm of this group," Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. "Down 4-0, getting no-hit after six innings, it's not the most ideal conditions but this group thrives when there aren't ideal conditions. Our guys stayed mentally ready and scratched and clawed and did what it takes to get the job done."

The 24-year-old Keller spun a gem in his second start since missing six weeks with a strained left oblique, but was pulled well short of finishing it off. He walked two and hit O'Neill with a pitch before retiring his final 14 batters, finishing with six strikeouts.

Keller knew his chances of going nine innings were slim.

"I was thinking just go out there and get quick outs and go as deep as I can," he said. "I knew I had a no-hitter from the first batter. I had a few walks, but other than that, I was pretty pleased."

Hartlieb relieved in the seventh and promptly loaded the bases by walking Brad Miller and Paul DeJong and drilling Yadier Molina. Howard then came in and allowed O'Neill's line drive into the left field corner.

"I felt I had to do the job there and put the ball in play hard somewhere," O'Neill said. "It's time for us to make some noise. The guys are scrapping together and it's the mentality we're taking every day."

Keller entered with a 1-1 record and 5.06 ERA in three games. He was activated from the injured list Monday after being sidelined since Aug. 2.

After O'Neill got the Cardinals within 4-2, Dylan Carlson hit a sacrifice fly, and Kolten Wong and Tommy Edman delivered back-to-back RBI singles.

The rally took Kwang Hyun Kim off the hook for the loss after he allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings. Kim, in his rookie season with the Cardinals after 12 years in the Korea Baseball Organization, had made four consecutive starts in which he pitched at least five innings without allowing an earned run.

"Overall today wasn't good for me," Kim said. "Fortunately, the team won and that's what really matters."

Jake Woodford (1-0) retired the last two batters in the sixth and was credited with his first major league win. Genesis Cabrera notched his first save of the season by getting the last five outs.

The Pirates took a 2-0 lead on solo home runs by rookie Ke'Bryan Hayes in the first and Jose Osuna in the third.

Pittsburgh chased Kim during a two-run sixth. Colin Moran hit an RBI single and Jacob Stallings had a sacrifice fly to make it 4-0.

The Pirates fell to 15-37, the worst record in the major leagues.

Manger Derek Shelton said he gave no thought of sending Keller out for the seventh inning.

"Mitch Keller is way too important to the Pittsburgh Pirates," Shelton said. "He wasn't getting through nine. For him to go seven innings of a no-hitter? I mean no, it's not worth it."

Cardinals: Molina (bruised left wrist) left the game after seven innings but X-rays were negative. He was hit by a bat in the left wrist Tuesday on a catcher's interference call and was struck again in the same spot by Harlieb's fastball. ... RHP Giovanny Gallegos (strained right groin) could be activated Monday for the opener of a three-game home series against Kansas City. He had a bullpen session and took fielding practice prior to the game. ... RF Dexter Fowler (non-injury reason) could also return early next week. ... A final decision has not been made on who will take the rotation spot of RHP Dakota Hudson (right elbow tightness). LHP Austin Gomber would be in line to pitch Tuesday.

Pirates: SS Kevin Newman was helped off the field after being hit in the left knee in the ninth inning by Cabrera. Newman had X-rays but the results weren't immediately available.

Cardinals: Jack Flaherty (3-2, 5.52 ERA) starts Sunday in the last game of the five-game series. He allowed a career-worst nine runs in three innings in his previous start Tuesday at Milwaukee.

Pirates: Joe Musgrove (0-5, 5.74 ERA) has yet to win in six starts this season, including his first opening-day assignment.

Associated PressPITTSBURGH -- Tyler O'Neill hit a two-run double to end a no-hit bid started by Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller, and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied to beat the Pirates 5-4 Saturday night.Keller threw 84 pitches over six no-hit innings and was pulled from the game leading 4-0, but the Cardinals scored five runs off relief pitchers Geoff Hartlieb and Sam Howard in the seventh. O'Neill broke up the no-hit bid and keyed the inning with his bases-loaded double against Howard (2-3).St. Louis improved to 25-24 and is a game ahead of Cincinnati and Milwaukee for second place in the NL Central. The top two teams in each division advancing to the expanded postseason."Tonight was a microcosm of this group," Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. "Down 4-0, getting no-hit after six innings, it's not the most ideal conditions but this group thrives when there aren't ideal conditions. Our guys stayed mentally ready and scratched and clawed and did what it takes to get the job done."The 24-year-old Keller spun a gem in his second start since missing six weeks with a strained left oblique, but was pulled well short of finishing it off. He walked two and hit O'Neill with a pitch before retiring his final 14 batters, finishing with six strikeouts.Keller knew his chances of going nine innings were slim."I was thinking just go out there and get quick outs and go as deep as I can," he said. "I knew I had a no-hitter from the first batter. I had a few walks, but other than that, I was pretty pleased."Hartlieb relieved in the seventh and promptly loaded the bases by walking Brad Miller and Paul DeJong and drilling Yadier Molina. Howard then came in and allowed O'Neill's line drive into the left field corner."I felt I had to do the job there and put the ball in play hard somewhere," O'Neill said. "It's time for us to make some noise. The guys are scrapping together and it's the mentality we're taking every day."Keller entered with a 1-1 record and 5.06 ERA in three games. He was activated from the injured list Monday after being sidelined since Aug. 2.After O'Neill got the Cardinals within 4-2, Dylan Carlson hit a sacrifice fly, and Kolten Wong and Tommy Edman delivered back-to-back RBI singles.The rally took Kwang Hyun Kim off the hook for the loss after he allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings. Kim, in his rookie season with the Cardinals after 12 years in the Korea Baseball Organization, had made four consecutive starts in which he pitched at least five innings without allowing an earned run."Overall today wasn't good for me," Kim said. "Fortunately, the team won and that's what really matters."Jake Woodford (1-0) retired the last two batters in the sixth and was credited with his first major league win. Genesis Cabrera notched his first save of the season by getting the last five outs.The Pirates took a 2-0 lead on solo home runs by rookie Ke'Bryan Hayes in the first and Jose Osuna in the third.Pittsburgh chased Kim during a two-run sixth. Colin Moran hit an RBI single and Jacob Stallings had a sacrifice fly to make it 4-0.The Pirates fell to 15-37, the worst record in the major leagues.Manger Derek Shelton said he gave no thought of sending Keller out for the seventh inning."Mitch Keller is way too important to the Pittsburgh Pirates," Shelton said. "He wasn't getting through nine. For him to go seven innings of a no-hitter? I mean no, it's not worth it."TRAINER'S ROOMCardinals: Molina (bruised left wrist) left the game after seven innings but X-rays were negative. He was hit by a bat in the left wrist Tuesday on a catcher's interference call and was struck again in the same spot by Harlieb's fastball. ... RHP Giovanny Gallegos (strained right groin) could be activated Monday for the opener of a three-game home series against Kansas City. He had a bullpen session and took fielding practice prior to the game. ... RF Dexter Fowler (non-injury reason) could also return early next week. ... A final decision has not been made on who will take the rotation spot of RHP Dakota Hudson (right elbow tightness). LHP Austin Gomber would be in line to pitch Tuesday.Pirates: SS Kevin Newman was helped off the field after being hit in the left knee in the ninth inning by Cabrera. Newman had X-rays but the results weren't immediately available.UP NEXTCardinals: Jack Flaherty (3-2, 5.52 ERA) starts Sunday in the last game of the five-game series. He allowed a career-worst nine runs in three innings in his previous start Tuesday at Milwaukee.Pirates: Joe Musgrove (0-5, 5.74 ERA) has yet to win in six starts this season, including his first opening-day assignment.

Cardinals rally past Pirates 5-4 on Saturday

The Big Ten Conference announced its 2020 football schedule
on Saturday morning, outlining Nebraska’s eight-game regular-season slate,
beginning with an Oct. 24 matchup at Ohio State. 

All Big Ten teams will play eight games, including four home
games and four on the road. Nebraska will face each of the other six Big Ten
West schools, along with East Division crossover contests against preseason
top-10 foes Ohio State and Penn State.

Nebraska will welcome defending Big Ten West champ Wisconsin
to Lincoln on Halloween to open its home schedule at Memorial Stadium. In
addition to the home opener against the Badgers Nebraska will also host Penn
State (Nov. 14), Illinois (Nov. 21) and Minnesota (Dec. 12) in Lincoln. 

In addition to its road opener at Ohio State, Nebraska will
also make road trips to Northwestern (Nov. 7), Iowa (Nov. 28) and Purdue (Dec.
5). All Big Ten teams will play a ninth game on the weekend of Dec. 19 against
a crossover opponent to be determined. Television information and start times will
be announced at a later date, as well as any Friday or ‘special date games’. 

The Oct. 24 start date is the latest kickoff to a Nebraska
football season since 1892. The Big Ten announced earlier this week that all
football games this season will be played without fans.

<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/schedule">https://huskers.com/sports/football/schedule</a>

The Big Ten Conference announced its 2020 football schedule
on Saturday morning, outlining Nebraska’s eight-game regular-season slate,
beginning with an Oct. 24 matchup at Ohio State. All Big Ten teams will play eight games, including four home
games and four on the road. Nebraska will face each of the other six Big Ten
West schools, along with East Division crossover contests against preseason
top-10 foes Ohio State and Penn State.Nebraska will welcome defending Big Ten West champ Wisconsin
to Lincoln on Halloween to open its home schedule at Memorial Stadium. In
addition to the home opener against the Badgers Nebraska will also host Penn
State (Nov. 14), Illinois (Nov. 21) and Minnesota (Dec. 12) in Lincoln. In addition to its road opener at Ohio State, Nebraska will
also make road trips to Northwestern (Nov. 7), Iowa (Nov. 28) and Purdue (Dec.
5). All Big Ten teams will play a ninth game on the weekend of Dec. 19 against
a crossover opponent to be determined. Television information and start times will
be announced at a later date, as well as any Friday or ‘special date games’. The Oct. 24 start date is the latest kickoff to a Nebraska
football season since 1892. The Big Ten announced earlier this week that all
football games this season will be played without fans.2020 Nebraska Football Schedule<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/schedule">https://huskers.com/sports/football/schedule</a>--- NU Athletics ---

Nebraska's 2020 football schedule released

WEEK 4 CITY Savannah 23 (1-1, 1-0 MEC) Lafayette 21 (2-2, 1-1 MEC)

Benton 20 (1-3, 0-1 MEC) Kansas City Central 14 (2-2)

Bishop LeBlond 62 (1-3) Keytesville 32 (0-3)

Lee’s Summit 22 (2-2, 1-1 Suburban) Central 8 (1-3, 0-2 Suburban)

St. Joseph Christian (0-3) @ Scotland County (0-3) Canceled

AREA MEC St. Pius X 26 (4-0, 2-0 MEC) Maryville 14 (2-2, 1-1 MEC)

Cameron 48 (3-1, 1-1 MEC) Chillicothe 21 (0-4, 0-2 MEC)

KCI Mid-Buchanan 42 (4-0, 2-0 KCI) Lathrop 6 (0-2, 0-1 KCI)

East Buchanan 60 (3-0, 1-0 KCI) Hamilton 36 (2-2, 1-1 KCI)

Lawson 10 (1-2, 1-1 KCI) West Platte 6 (2-2, 1-1 KCI)

Plattsburg 29 (3-1, 1-1 KCI) North Platte 0 (0-4, 0-2 KCI)

GRC Gallatin 48 (2-2, 1-1 GRC) Polo 27 (1-3, 1-1 GRC)

South Harrison 36 (3-1, 2-0 GRC) Maysville 0 (1-3, 0-2 GRC)

Milan 39 (4-0, 2-0 GRC) Princeton 8 (1-2, 0-1 GRC)

Hallsville 46 Putnam County 0 (1-3, 0-1 GRC)

8-MAN North Andrew 60 (4-0) Stewartsville 18 (1-3)

Pattonsburg 78 (3-1) King City 46 (1-3)

South Holt/Nodaway Holt 52 (2-1) Platte Valley 8 (1-3)

Rock Port 50 (3-1) North-West Nodaway 28 (2-2)

Mound City 40 (4-0) Southwest Livingston 26 (3-1)

DeKalb (0-3) @ East Atchison (1-1) Canceled

WEEK 4 CITY Savannah 23 (1-1, 1-0 MEC) Lafayette 21 (2-2, 1-1 MEC)Benton 20 (1-3, 0-1 MEC) Kansas City Central 14 (2-2)Bishop LeBlond 62 (1-3) Keytesville 32 (0-3)Lee’s Summit 22 (2-2, 1-1 Suburban) Central 8 (1-3, 0-2 Suburban)St. Joseph Christian (0-3) @ Scotland County (0-3) CanceledAREA MEC St. Pius X 26 (4-0, 2-0 MEC) Maryville 14 (2-2, 1-1 MEC)Cameron 48 (3-1, 1-1 MEC) Chillicothe 21 (0-4, 0-2 MEC)KCI Mid-Buchanan 42 (4-0, 2-0 KCI) Lathrop 6 (0-2, 0-1 KCI)East Buchanan 60 (3-0, 1-0 KCI) Hamilton 36 (2-2, 1-1 KCI)Lawson 10 (1-2, 1-1 KCI) West Platte 6 (2-2, 1-1 KCI)Plattsburg 29 (3-1, 1-1 KCI) North Platte 0 (0-4, 0-2 KCI)GRC Gallatin 48 (2-2, 1-1 GRC) Polo 27 (1-3, 1-1 GRC)South Harrison 36 (3-1, 2-0 GRC) Maysville 0 (1-3, 0-2 GRC)Milan 39 (4-0, 2-0 GRC) Princeton 8 (1-2, 0-1 GRC)Hallsville 46 Putnam County 0 (1-3, 0-1 GRC)8-MAN North Andrew 60 (4-0) Stewartsville 18 (1-3)Pattonsburg 78 (3-1) King City 46 (1-3)Stanberry (3-0) @ Osceola (0-2) CanceledWorth County 56 (3-1) Albany 54 (0-3)South Holt/Nodaway Holt 52 (2-1) Platte Valley 8 (1-3)Rock Port 50 (3-1) North-West Nodaway 28 (2-2)Mound City 40 (4-0) Southwest Livingston 26 (3-1)DeKalb (0-3) @ East Atchison (1-1) Canceled

Area High School Football Scores - Friday, September 18

MILWAUKEE -- Jacob Nottingham hit a grand slam and Orlando Arcia added a three-run shot as the Milwaukee Brewers rallied from an early four-run deficit and beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Friday night.

Nottingham's two-out blast to left off Danny Duffy (3-4) capped a six-run rally in the fourth inning that put the Brewers ahead for good. The comeback had begun when Christian Yelich led off the fourth with his 150th career homer.

"You're just trying to fight right there," Nottingham said. "There's two outs, so you're just trying to get anybody across the board just to get something going. To be able to barrel that ball up and have it go over was awesome."

Kansas City's Salvador Perez went 4 of 5 with a homer, double, two runs and four RBI.

Drew Rasmussen (1-0) pitched one inning of scoreless relief to earn the win. Six Brewers relievers combined to pitch five innings and allow only one run.

Friday's game started the Brewers' final home series before they close the regular season with three games at Cincinnati and five at St. Louis. The Brewers (24-26) are chasing the Reds (26-26) and Cardinals (24-24) for second place in the National League Central behind the Chicago Cubs (31-20).

The top two teams in each division earn automatic playoff berths this season.

Kansas City took an early lead off Brewers starter Adrian Houser as the first three batters of the game all scored.

After Whit Merrifield singled and Adalberto Mondesi walked to open the game, Perez doubled them home. A one-out single by Hunter Dozier put runners on the corners.

Associated PressMILWAUKEE -- Jacob Nottingham hit a grand slam and Orlando Arcia added a three-run shot as the Milwaukee Brewers rallied from an early four-run deficit and beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Friday night.Nottingham's two-out blast to left off Danny Duffy (3-4) capped a six-run rally in the fourth inning that put the Brewers ahead for good. The comeback had begun when Christian Yelich led off the fourth with his 150th career homer."You're just trying to fight right there," Nottingham said. "There's two outs, so you're just trying to get anybody across the board just to get something going. To be able to barrel that ball up and have it go over was awesome."Kansas City's Salvador Perez went 4 of 5 with a homer, double, two runs and four RBI.Drew Rasmussen (1-0) pitched one inning of scoreless relief to earn the win. Six Brewers relievers combined to pitch five innings and allow only one run.Friday's game started the Brewers' final home series before they close the regular season with three games at Cincinnati and five at St. Louis. The Brewers (24-26) are chasing the Reds (26-26) and Cardinals (24-24) for second place in the National League Central behind the Chicago Cubs (31-20).The top two teams in each division earn automatic playoff berths this season.Kansas City took an early lead off Brewers starter Adrian Houser as the first three batters of the game all scored.After Whit Merrifield singled and Adalberto Mondesi walked to open the game, Perez doubled them home. A one-out single by Hunter Dozier put runners on the corners.When Dozier stole second, Nottingham's throw bounced into center field, allowing Perez to score from third.The Royals made it 4-0 when Perez singled home Mondesi in the third.Then it all fell apart in the fourth.After giving up Yelich's leadoff homer, Duffy allowed the Brewers' next three batters to reach as Ryan Braun singled, Jedd Gyorko walked and Keston Hiura singled to load the bases.Duffy issued a one-out walk to Arcia that cut the lead to 4-2, but seemed on the verge of getting out of the inning after striking out Luis Urias. That's when Nottingham delivered the Brewers' first grand slam of the season."That fourth inning can't happen, and unfortunately it's happened like four times this year," Duffy said. "Just big innings continuing to bite. The way it went down, I put our bullpen in a bad spot. I wish I would have executed better. It wasn't my night tonight."The Brewers extended the lead to 9-4 when Arcia homered to left center off Royals reliever Jake Newberry with two outs in the fifth."That two-out hit with men on base is enormous," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "That's a scenario it's felt like we'e been in quite a bit this year and that we haven't necessarily succeeded in frequently, but tonight we did."Perez homered in the ninth off Josh Hader to complete the scoring.Neither starter was effective.Houser gave up four runs -- two earned -- and five hits and two walks with two strikeouts in four innings. Duffy struck out five but yielded six earned runs, seven hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.Duffy was pitching for the first time since getting scratched from a scheduled start Tuesday after missing the Royals' team flight to Detroit.He said after Friday's game that his car hit a pothole, blowing out his right tires on his way to the airport."I addressed my team," Duffy said. "Every single one of them came up to me after and were like, `Dude we got you, we'll pick you up.' It's something that'll never happen again. ... It's not what leaders do."TRAINER'S ROOMROYALS: Kansas City manager Mike Matheny says there's a possibility outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler could play again this season. Soler hasn't played since Sept. 5 and has been dealing with a strained right oblique."He's at the secondary site getting work," Matheny said before the game. "We're just waiting to hear how today went, get a review of how he feels."BREWERS: Braun left the game with lower back tightness after hitting a single in the fourth inning. Braun has been dealing with a back issue all season.Counsell said Braun's back started to tighten up close to the start of the game."It was getting progressively worse, so we got him out of there," Counsell said. "But he helped us win the game, I feel like. We'll see how he is tomorrow."BREWERS COMPLETE TRADEThe Brewers acquired pitchers Brandon Ramey, Juan Geraldo and Israel Puello as part of the Aug. 31 trade that sent reliever David Phelps to the Philadelphia Phillies. When the trade was originally announced, the Phillies had received Phelps for three players to be named later.Milwaukee also released pitcher Jake Faria.UP NEXTThe Royals and Brewers continue their three-game series Saturday at Milwaukee. Kris Bubic (1-5, 4.50) starts for Kansas City, and Corbin Burnes (3-0, 1.98) pitches for Milwaukee.