Kansas City closed the 2025 season in style, beating Oakland 9-2 to finish 82-80. The offense clicked early and late, with Massey piling up four hits and Jensen delivering a three-hit night, including a 482-foot homer—the longest by a Royal in the Statcast era. Back-to-back seventh-inning shots from Yastrzemski and Jensen punctuated the onslaught, and Witt Jr. capped the burst with a two-run double as KC pulled away. Ragans logged 4.1 innings with eight strikeouts, and the bullpen sealed it for a momentum boost into 2026.

Two-time champions vibe aside, this win underscored organizational depth: Massey and Jensen carried the offense, Ragans brushed off a pitch-count, and a late Yastrzemski blast kept KC's bats hot. It was a definitive send-off to a season of gritty wins and learning moments, signaling that the Royals can build on this foundation next year.

Kansas City needs two wins to finish above .500 after a walk-off loss left little room for error against Oakland. Morales, 22, takes the ball for the A's in his ninth big-league start, carrying a high ceiling but recent control issues. Wacha returns for Kansas City after a concussion layoff, aiming to rebound from a rough late season. KC shakes up the lineup—Caglianone sits, Kurtz leads off, Frazier patrols left—as Rave and Massey audition for 2026 while the Royals seek a rare road win to close the year.

This week's Top 5 Plays highlights some fantastic performances from the Four States area, showcasing resilience, talent, and extraordinary athleticism. Starting with the Joplin Outlaws, who made a remarkable comeback against Fort Smith, scoring three consecutive RBIs to turn a 4-0 deficit into a 9-6 victory. Kansas City Royals' John Rave also shone with a stunning outfield catch, defying collision to secure an out against the Miami Marlins.

Pitcher Walker Sweet was a standout for Joplin, dominating the mound with nine strikeouts over five scoreless innings. Meanwhile, the Joplin High School baseball team’s solid play was evident as they secured a victory through teamwork and determination. As the week wraps up, these highlights remind us that sports are not just about winning but also about the moments that inspire us all.