Kyle Davies got just he start he was looking for on Monday afternoon as he want to end spring training on a positive note as the Kansas City Royals prepare for the season opener on Thursday afternoon. Davies, who will begin the season as the Royals #3 pitcher, gave up just three hits over six innings as the Royals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 10-0. Davies struck out six, while walking just one batter.
Offensively the Royals were just as good at hitting as they were at pitching today, as the offense benefited from 17 hits, including four home runs.
In a four run second inning, Alex Gordon belted his sixth home run of the spring, while former Brewer Alcides Escobar hit his fifth as the Royals raced out early. Not to be outdone, Jeff Francoeur hit a solo home run in the third inning, and Kila Ka`aihue hit a deep three-run home run to center in the fifth inning as the Royals extended the lead to 8-0 after five.
Mike Aviles, Melky Cabrera, Billy Butler, Francoeur, and Chris Getz each provided two hits on the day as part of the 17 hit attack. The newest Royal, catcher Matt Treanor, was 0-4 in his debut.
Robinson Tejeda pitched two innings, and Joakim Soria one inning of solid relief as the Royals cruised to victory. Davies moved to 2-1, while Sam Narron took the loss for Milwaukee. Kansas City moves to 19-10, while Milwaukee fell to 17-11.
In the Cactus League standings, Kansas City now sit just half a game behind Colorado in the standings, and a half game ahead of the Grapefruit League's Minnesota Twins for best American League record.
Kansas City finishes up spring training tomorrow in Surprise as they face the Chicago White Sox. Bruce Chen will start for the Royals who will return to Kansas City after the game in anticipation of Thursday's opening game.