MLB batters smash record of home runs in a season

NEW YORK (AP) — Major league batters finished with 6,776 home runs, shattering the previous record of 6,105 set two years ago.

Dominic Smith hit the final long ball of the season, a three-run drive in the 11th inning Sunday off Atlanta’s Grant Dayton that lifted the New York Mets over the NL East champion Braves 7-6.

Oakland’s Steven Piscotty started the barrage on March 20 in Tokyo against Seattle’s Marco Gonzales, the sixth batter of the season.

This year’s total was 11% above the old record and 21% higher than last year’s 5,585.

Minnesota hit three home runs Sunday to establish the big league team record with 307, one more than the Yankees. The previous mark of 267 was set last year by New York. This year’s Yankees became the first team with 14 players reaching double-digits in home runs.

“I don’t think anybody will ever forget the ‘Bomba Squad,’” first-year Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said.

Major League Baseball has asked for more scientific tests on baseballs, and Commissioner Rob Manfred expects to have results after the World Series.

Strikeouts set a record for the 12th consecutive season at 42,823, up 4% from 41,207 last year and 33% from 32,189 in 2007. A year after strikeouts exceeded hits for the time, by 189 (41,018 hits), the gap grew to 783 (42,040 hits).

The big league batting average rose four percentage points .252, a year after dropping to its lowest level since 1972, the season before the American League adopted the designated hitter.

Tim Anderson became only the third Chicago White Sox player to win an AL batting title and injured Milwaukee star Christian Yelich wound up as the National League’s first repeat champion in two decades.

Anderson went 0 for 2 Sunday and finished at .335, eight points ahead of the Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu. Anderson joined Luke Appling (1936, ‘43) and Frank Thomas (‘97) as White Sox batting champions.

“It’s such a huge accomplishment,” said the 26-year-old Anderson, who hit .240 last year. “To think where I was when I first came here to where it is now. I just came in and continued to work. It’s such an unbelievable moment for me.”

Yelich wound up at .3292, just ahead of Arizona’s Ketel Marte’s .3286, as neither made it to the season’s final weekend. Yelich’s season ended when he broke his right kneecap by fouling a pitch of it on Sept. 10. Marte has not played since Sept. 17 due to lower back inflammation.

Yelich won at .326 last year and became the NL’s first back-to-back batting leader since Colorado’s Larry Walker in 1998 and ‘99, which started a run of three titles in four years. The closest NL race was in 2003, when Albert Pujols of St. Louis beat Todd Helton of Colorado .35871 to .35849.

The New York Mets’ Pete Alonso became the first rookie since the modern era began in 1900 to lead the major leagues in home runs, hitting 53. Jorge Soler hit his 48th Sunday to become the Royals’ first home run champion. He finished three ahead of the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, who last played Sept. 7 because of a right foot injured that required surgery.

Washington’s Anthony Rendon led the major leagues with 126 RBIs and José Abreu of the White Sox topped the AL with 123.

Houston’s Justin Verlander led the major leagues with 21 wins and teammate Gerrit Cole earned his 20th victory on the final day by winning his 16th straight decision. Boston’s Eduardo Rodríguez was in line for his 20th win before Matt Barnes blew an eighth-inning lead Sunday against Baltimore.

Cole led the major leagues with 326 strikeouts and Verlander had 300, the first teammates to reach the figure in the same season since Arizona’s Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in 2002. Cole had 21 double-digit strikeout games, the most since Johnson in 2001, and became the first pitcher to strike out 300 with no complete games.

“I never really envisioned the numbers or anything,” Cole said. “I envisioned getting better, and I did.”

Jacob deGrom of the Mets led the NL for the first time with 255.

Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Los Angeles Dodgers won his first ERA title at 2.32. Cole led the AL at 2.50, just ahead of Verlander’s 2.58.

Houston (107), the Dodgers (106), the Yankees (103) and Minnesota (101) became the first four teams to win 100 games in the same season. Detroit (114), Baltimore (108), Miami (105) and Kansas City (103) became the second set of four teams to lose 100 in the same year and the first since Tampa Bay, Detroit, Milwaukee and Kansas City in 2002.

San Diego’s Kirby Yates led the major league with 41 saves and Houston’s Roberto Osuna topped the AL with 38.

Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. had 37 stolen bases, the lowest total for an NL leader since Maury Wills’ 31 for the 1961 Los Angeles Dodgers. Seattle’s Mallex Smith led the AL with 46.

Recreation flag football box score

Thursday’s scores

1st-2nd grade div.

Piqua State Bank 24

C.L.O. 6

TDs for Piqua: Axtin Christensen, 1 TD; Cade Curry, 2 TDs ; Jaxen Raines, 1 TD ; Jaxen Mueller, 1 TD. TDs for C.L.O.: Dominic Cauveren, 1 TD.

 

Iola Pharmacy 19

A&W Restaurant 0

TDs for Iola Pharmacy: 3 TDs.

 

3rd-5th grade div.

Shaughnessy Construction 12

Hammerson Ready Mix 36

TDs for Shaughnessy: Evan Boeken, 1 TD; Colton Thompson, 1 TD. TDs for Hammerson: Noah Anderson, 1 TD; Corbin Bowers, 4 TDs. 

 

Iola Insurance 24

Hammerson Ready Mix 15

TDs for Insurance: Ruger Boren, 2 TDs; Bentley Wing-Berg, 2 TDs. TDs for Hammerson: Noah Anderson, 2 TDs; Corbin Bowers, 1 TD.

 

Nelson Quarries 40

Iola Register 0 

TDs for Nelson Quarries: Reed clift, 1 TD; Braxtin Martin, 3 TDs; Ty Shaughnessy, 1 TD; Aiden Vogel, 1 TD.

 

Iola Insurance 13

Shaughnessy Construction 9

TDS for Insurance: Ruger Boren, 1 TD; Joshua Wanker, 1 TD. TDs for Shaughnessy: Lukey Boeken, 1 TD. 

Wildcats face big test against Oklahoma State tonight

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Coming off of its bye week, No. 24 Kansas State goes on the road Saturday to play Oklahoma State in what will be new head coach Chris Klieman’s first Big 12 matchup.

The Wildcats improved to 3-0 with a 31-24 come-from-behind victory over Mississippi State on Sept. 14. The week off was a help.

“It was good for us from a staff’s point of view to evaluate where we are, what we feel we can do with the group of guys we have,” said Klieman, who won four FCS national championships in five years at North Dakota State before replacing Bill Snyder in December. “Where do we see our strengths, where do we see our weaknesses? (We) try to work on all those weaknesses, emphasize the strengths. We try to see where we’re thin at positionally. This is only going to be game four, but we’re still pretty new with our program.”

For Oklahoma State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12), coming off a disappointing 36-30 loss at No. 11 Texas last week, the goal is just to get back to work against another strong conference opponent.

Coach Mike Gundy’s team ranks 11th in the nation in total offense (533.8 yards per game) and 12th in scoring (44.5 points per game), but faces a challenge. The K-State defense is ninth in the country in total defense, allowing just 256 yards and 12.7 points per game.

“We’re playing a good football team this week,” Gundy said. “The defense has played really well. The defense is pressure, lot of man-coverage and blitzing style, so we’ll have our work cut out for us.”

SWITCHING SIDES

First-year Oklahoma State offensive line coach Charlie Dickey spent the previous 10 seasons at K-State and knows the Wildcats’ linemen well, but neither team believes that gives the Cowboys much of an advantage.

“Charlie’s got his hands full trying to get our guys lined up,” Gundy said. “We have so much video now. I think you can get more out of that. I don’t know how much that factors into the game.”

Klieman agreed: “It’s still comes down to who’s the better player that you’re going across from.”

IT IS BETTER TO

 RECEIVE

Oklahoma State receiver Tylan Wallace entered the week ranking fourth in the nation with 473 receiving yards (on 20 receptions) and tied for second with six receiving touchdowns. That is actually three spots lower than he was last week, when he topped everyone, but after making five catches for 83 yards against Texas, he dropped a bit.

“I will say that I was surprised that they were willing to be that protective of (Wallace),” Gundy said of the Texas defense, “but they sold out in stopping him.”

ACCURACY

After 10-of-18 passing for 123 yards against Mississippi State, including the game-winning 15-yard touchdown toss to Dalton Schoen with 5:37 remaining, K-State quarterback Skylar Thompson has completed 67.9% of his throws this year. That’s fifth in the Big 12 and 30th overall.

WORKHORSE HUBBARD

Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard not only leads the nation in rushing (642 yards0 and rushing touchdowns (9), but he also has the most carries (103). In the season-opening 52-36 win over Oregon State, he ran 32 times and against Texas, he rushed 37 times, totals that Gundy admitted was more than he was comfortable with.

“That is five more than I thought was too many before,” Gundy said of Hubbard’s workload last week. “It has been a conversation and we want to keep him healthy. We want him to be fresh but he is clearly the best runner. We do what we think we need to do to score the most points.”

GROUND GAME

Kansas State may not have an individual rusher among the nation’s leaders like Hubbard, but the Wildcats rank seventh in the country with an average of 280 yards per game on the ground (OSU is 10th). K-State is led by James Gilbert with 277 yards and three touchdowns on 40 rushes, following by Jordon Brown with 154 yards and three TDs on 20 carries and Harry Trotter with 97 yards and two scores on 24 carries.

Trails walk is Sunday

A walk along the Lehigh Portland Trails this weekend will give nature lovers a chance to learn about local flora and fauna.

The nature walk begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the eastern trailhead. The walk is part of a local celebration of National Public Lands Day.

Attendees can explore parts of the trails they may not have discovered before, organizer Randy Rasa said. He’ll share his interest in native plants and talk about the diversity of the site — wildflowers, prairie grasses, trees, insects, birds, reptiles and more — and how they all interact and complement each other.

Wildcats face big test against Oklahoma State tonight

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Coming off of its bye week, No. 24 Kansas State goes on the road Saturday to play Oklahoma State in what will be new head coach Chris Klieman’s first Big 12 matchup.

The Wildcats improved to 3-0 with a 31-24 come-from-behind victory over Mississippi State on Sept. 14. The week off was a help.

“It was good for us from a staff’s point of view to evaluate where we are, what we feel we can do with the group of guys we have,” said Klieman, who won four FCS national championships in five years at North Dakota State before replacing Bill Snyder in December. “Where do we see our strengths, where do we see our weaknesses? (We) try to work on all those weaknesses, emphasize the strengths. We try to see where we’re thin at positionally. This is only going to be game four, but we’re still pretty new with our program.”

For Oklahoma State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12), coming off a disappointing 36-30 loss at No. 11 Texas last week, the goal is just to get back to work against another strong conference opponent.

Coach Mike Gundy’s team ranks 11th in the nation in total offense (533.8 yards per game) and 12th in scoring (44.5 points per game), but faces a challenge. The K-State defense is ninth in the country in total defense, allowing just 256 yards and 12.7 points per game.

“We’re playing a good football team this week,” Gundy said. “The defense has played really well. The defense is pressure, lot of man-coverage and blitzing style, so we’ll have our work cut out for us.”

SWITCHING SIDES

First-year Oklahoma State offensive line coach Charlie Dickey spent the previous 10 seasons at K-State and knows the Wildcats’ linemen well, but neither team believes that gives the Cowboys much of an advantage.

“Charlie’s got his hands full trying to get our guys lined up,” Gundy said. “We have so much video now. I think you can get more out of that. I don’t know how much that factors into the game.”

Klieman agreed: “It’s still comes down to who’s the better player that you’re going across from.”

IT IS BETTER TO RECEIVE

Oklahoma State receiver Tylan Wallace entered the week ranking fourth in the nation with 473 receiving yards (on 20 receptions) and tied for second with six receiving touchdowns. That is actually three spots lower than he was last week, when he topped everyone, but after making five catches for 83 yards against Texas, he dropped a bit.

“I will say that I was surprised that they were willing to be that protective of (Wallace),” Gundy said of the Texas defense, “but they sold out in stopping him.”

ACCURACY

After 10-of-18 passing for 123 yards against Mississippi State, including the game-winning 15-yard touchdown toss to Dalton Schoen with 5:37 remaining, K-State quarterback Skylar Thompson has completed 67.9% of his throws this year. That’s fifth in the Big 12 and 30th overall.

WORKHORSE HUBBARD

Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard not only leads the nation in rushing (642 yards0 and rushing touchdowns (9), but he also has the most carries (103). In the season-opening 52-36 win over Oregon State, he ran 32 times and against Texas, he rushed 37 times, totals that Gundy admitted was more than he was comfortable with.

“That is five more than I thought was too many before,” Gundy said of Hubbard’s workload last week. “It has been a conversation and we want to keep him healthy. We want him to be fresh but he is clearly the best runner. We do what we think we need to do to score the most points.”

GROUND GAME

Kansas State may not have an individual rusher among the nation’s leaders like Hubbard, but the Wildcats rank seventh in the country with an average of 280 yards per game on the ground (OSU is 10th). K-State is led by James Gilbert with 277 yards and three touchdowns on 40 rushes, following by Jordon Brown with 154 yards and three TDs on 20 carries and Harry Trotter with 97 yards and two scores on 24 carries.

Court report

DISTRICT COURT

Judge Daniel Creitz

Civil cases filed:

Sigg Financial Services LLC vs. Michael A. and Kayla M. McGuire

Jamie Martin vs. Heather Martin, divorce

Jason L. Maley vs. Leslie Floyd, protection from stalking

Jason L. Maley vs. Tiff Young, protection from stalking

Jason L. Maley vs. Winona Leslie, protection from stalking

Marriage licenses issued:

Clark W.L. Hendry and Johanna Northcutt

Dalton Houk and Nina C. Froggatte

 

MAGISTRATE COURT

Judge Tod Davis

Convicted of no seat belt and fined $30:

Ron L. Miller, Bronson

Erika J. Whittet, Tulsa, Okla.

Sam E. Willard, Humboldt

Courtney S. Adams, Iola

Dalton R. Peterson, Iola

Mercedes L. Williams, Iola

Matthew J. Reeder, Humboldt

James R. Brewer, Kincaid

Christina D. Brewer, Kincaid

Steven E. Heck, Thayer

Mary R. Payne, Kincaid

Convicted of speeding:

Darryl E. Anderson, Kincaid, 90/65, $258

Zachary D. Nolen, Iola, 75/65, $153

Tyler J. Pollett, Iola, 86/65, $222

Dylan W. Young, Colony, 75/65, $153

Chanel R. Colon, Gardner, 75/65, $153

Gary L. Conley, Lenexa, 75/65, $153

Andrew A. Foerster, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., 80/65, $183

Nehda S. Tooyserkani, Raytown, Mo., 86/65, $222

Sheldon A. Swan, Kansas City, Mo., 79/65, $177

Michael A. Packard, Independence, 76/65, $159

Emily U. Pan, Kansas City, Mo., 79/65, $177

Quanah L. Gardipee, Houck, Ariz., 79/65, $177

Wayne A. West II, Tulsa, Okla., 75/65, $153

Thomas L. Batten, Olathe, 75/65, $153

Skyler J. Estes, Independence, 75/65, $153

Garrett R. D. Woun, Thayer, 88/65, $362

Marvin E. Baldwin Jr., Osawatomie, 92/65, $276

Cynthia M. Sunell, Fort Scott, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, $303

Convicted as follows:

Mary R. Payne, Kincaid, no child passenger restraint, $168

Adam J. Welch, Humboldt, no valid license, $228

Sierra R. Healy, Spring Hill, driving while suspended, $1,713, 6 months jail suspended, 12 months probation

Ruben Adame Rodriguez, Beasley, Texas, no driver’s license, $228

Thomas L. Batten, Olathe, no registration, $120

Cases deferred with fines assessed:

Andrew B. Drury, Iola, DUI, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, $2,183

Failed to appear:

Tawanda L. Roby, Plano, Texas, 93/65

Barbara Wilson, Springfield, Mo., driving while suspended

Kenneth L. Gore III, Iola, no driver’s license, no insurance

Amber L. McDaniel, Owasso, Okla., no registration, no insurance, no driver’s license

Criminal cases filed:

Christopher W. Hibbs, Iola, vehicular burglary, theft, criminal use of a financial card

Sharon J. Lindsey, Iola, criminal damage

Dylan R. Sparks, Springfield, Mo., possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Matthew H. Killion, Chanute, two counts of violation of a protection order

Christin L. Menan, Gas, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

Joel W. Curry, Iola, two counts of battery

Michael B.L. Mallory, Iola, theft, criminal damage

Alicia A. Ellis, Iola, possession of stolen property

Wesley L. Dietrich, Iola, possession of stolen property

Contract cases filed:

Midland Funding LLC vs. Elijah Rubins

Midland Funding LLC vs. Ashlee Trester

Midland Funding LLC vs. Cameron Shifflett

Discover Bank vs. Barbara S. Mannon

Citibank N.A. vs. Stephen F. Norman

Small Claims filed:

The Iola Register Inc., vs Moon’s Hometown Market

 

IOLA MUNICIPAL COURT

Judge Patti Boyd

Convicted as follows with fines assessed:

Misty D. Beatty, Iola, possession of drug paraphernalia, $315, probation ordered

Sam E. Willard, Humboldt, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, speeding 50/30, $665, probation ordered

Masons offer essay contest to students

An essay contest open to area high school juniors and seniors will examine community service.

The contest is sponsored by the Kansas Masonic Foundation, and looks at how the students feel about community service and volunteer work, particularly if that work is required.

Does it foster good citizenship and cultivate compassion, or is it forced volunteerism?

Students are asked to give their points of view and convince readers to support their position, regardless of which side they support.

Essay forms are available online by visiting kansasmasonic.foundation, then clicking on “Programs” and “Kansas Masonic Scholarships.”

A combined $12,000 in prize money is up for grabs, including $4,000 to the first-place winner.

Essays must be submitted by Nov. 1.