It took until just the second game of spring training for the Kansas City Royals to provide some drama, as Kevin Kouzmanoff's two-run double with two-outs in the bottom of the ninth inning pushed the winning runs across as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Texas Rangers 7-6. It was the second consecutive day the Royals defeated the Rangers.
Things didn't start pretty for Royals starting pitcher Bruce Chen on the mound as he lasted just 1 2/3 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits.
For Kansas City, the Royals collected 13 hits as a team but Eric Hosmer was the only Kansas City player to collect two hits on the day.
Trailing 6-1 in the fifth, the Royals started the comeback on Alex Gordon's two-run home run off Rangers pitcher Mitch Stetter. Then with two-outs in the sixth, outfield prospect Derrick Robinson hit a two-run single, closing the gap to 6-5.
Chris Dwyer, Tim Collins, and Blake Wood pitched a combined four innings of scoreless baseball to close the game, allowing Kansas City to work themselves back into the game. Wood picked up the win.
Tuesday will bring a split squad game, as Luke Hochevar will face the San Diego Padres at home. The other group will be on the road in Goodyear to face the Cleveland Indians. Will Smith will start in that matchup.