Looking to rebound from just their second loss this spring, the Kansas City Royals collectivelly stepped up the offense and posted 17 hits on the way to a 8-3 win over American League Central Division foe, the Chicago White Sox. Kansas City improves to 6-2, while the White Sox fell to just 1-6.
The Royals got started early, as a Lorenzo Cain double scored leadoff hitter Gregor Blanco in what eventually became a three run first inning. Chicago was able to answer with with one run in the bottom half when Alexei Ramirez doubled and came around to score on an Adam Dunn single, off Royals starter Luke Hochevar. Hochevar, the likely Opening Day starter for Kansas City, was solid through his three innings of work, giving up just the one run on three hits.
The same could not be said for White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle who gave up nine hits and five runs in three innings pitched. Kansas City was able to score twice in the third off Buehrle on RBI's by both Clint Robinson and David Lough. Robinson collected two hits on the day, as did Salvador Perez, and Lance Zawadzki. Zawadzki would go on to a hit a home run in the fourth inning. Mike Aviles lead the Royals Sunday with three hits while scoring twice.
After three solid scoreless innings pitched by the combination of Mike Montgomery and Greg Holland, Pedro Feliz connected for his second home run of the spring off Tony Pena (no, not that Tony Pena), pushing the Royals lead to 8-1 at that juncture in the seventh inning. Blake Wood and Aaron Crow each gave up a run in the late innings, but overall the Royals pitching staff was pretty solid scattering 11 hits, giving up just three runs, while striking out six and walking just two.
Tomorrow brings the first split squad day for Kansas City, meaning the Royals will be playing two games on the day. The first game in the afternoon will be at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks, while the second game (and first night game of the spring), will be put the Royals up against the San Diego Padres in Peoria. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more updates.
Full boxscore can be found here.