Royals split squads lose to Angels, Reds

Royals split squads lose to Angels, Reds

Published Mar. 21, 2014 7:59 p.m. ET

ANGELS 7, ROYALS 3

TEMPE, Ariz. -- C.J. Wilson allowed three runs and struck out nine over 5 2/3 innings as the Los Angeles Angels defeated a Kansas City Royals split squad 7-3 on Friday.

Making his fifth spring training start, Wilson labored early during a 99-pitch outing.

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Raul Mondesi and Alex Gordon singled with one out in a four-hit first. Justin Maxwell singled in a run and Gordon scored on Chris Iannetta's passed ball.

Gordon, who had three hits, added an RBI single in the second.

Only one run was earned against Wilson, who gave up seven hits and two walks.

Kole Calhoun and Iannetta each hit their second homer of spring training. Iannetta hit a three-run drive in the second off Aaron Brooks, who allowed four runs -- three earned -- and four hits in two innings. It was the first Cactus League start for Brooks, who was sent to minor-league camp on March 10.

Calhoun connected off P.J. Walters leading off the fourth.

 

REDS 9, ROYALS 3

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Chris Heisey hit his sixth spring-training homer and tripled, helping the Cincinnati Reds beat a Kansas City Royals split squad 9-3 Friday.

Heisey, a backup outfielder, also made a perfect throw from the center-field wall to second baseman Kristopher Negron, who threw out Alcides Escobar trying to stretch an extra-base hit into a triple in the fifth.

"He's stayed with his approach. He's putting the barrel of the bat on the ball," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "I'm very impressed with Chris and the way he's handling himself. He really trusts that he has an approach that will work. Chris is at the point where he can be an everyday player. He is working very hard to get there."

Escobar played his first game since March 9 after recovering from a sore right forearm.

"Escobar hit a nice double and looked good in the field," Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Brett Marshall started in place of Homer Bailey, who threw a bullpen session and is expected to pitch in a minor-league game Sunday. Marshall allowed two runs, two hits and three walks in four innings with four strikeouts.

Royals starter James Shields gave up five runs and six hits in six innings with six strikeouts and no walks.

"He got his work in. He's ready to go," Yost said.

Negron hit a two-run homer in the third. Neftali Soto had a three-run homer in the eighth against Donnie Joseph, Soto's third home run of the spring.

Reds left fielder Skip Schumaker left the game holding his left arm in the seventh after diving to try for Angel Franco's liner, which landed for a double.

"These guys are playing so hard," Price said. "It was a hustle play, trying to keep the ball from getting into the gap. He represents everything we want to do here. I hope he's not out a long period of time because he is really important to our club."

STARTING TIME

Shields made his fifth spring start in preparation for his Opening Day start against the Detroit Tigers. Shields had allowed one run in 14 2/3 innings coming into the game with Cincinnati.

"He struggled with his command a little and had to work, which was good," Yost said. "We wanted him to throw 100 pitches. He reached all of his objectives."

TRAINER'S ROOM

Infielder Danny Valencia left in the sixth inning of Thursday's game against the Angels. He was hit on the left wrist by a pitch from Jared Weaver. X-rays were negative, but he has a bruise. ... Omar Infante is scheduled to resume throwing this afternoon.

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