RANGERS 8, ROYALS 5
at Surprise, Ariz.
Saturday, March 3

Rangers at the plate: Sammy Sosa had his first hit of the spring, a run-scoring single to center field in his first at-bat in the opening inning. He popped out and struck out in his next two at-bats before Joaquin Arias pinch-hit for him in the seventh.

Royals at the plate: Mark Teahen and John Buck both hit their first home runs of the spring, and Billy Butler went 2-for-3. Andres Blanco had three hits at the bottom of the order.

Rangers on the mound: No. 2 starter Vicente Padilla made his first start of the season and allowed one run on two hits and a walk with two strikeouts in two innings. He threw 46 pitches.

Royals on the mound: Odalis Perez, the Royals' No. 2 starter, also made his first start and allowed four runs on five hits and two walks in 1 1/3 innings. Eddie Yarnall took over and retired five straight hitters.

Cactus League records: Rangers 1-1; Royals 1-2.

Up next:The Rangers play the Royals for a third straight game Sunday at 2:05 p.m. CT at Surprise Stadium. Right-hander Brandon McCarthy makes his first start for the Rangers against Luke Hudson of the Royals. Sosa is expected to start in right field.