GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Alex Gordon and Salvador Perez hit home runs off Matt Latos in Kansas City’s five-run third inning, and the Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 on Thursday.
Gordon’s homer was his seventh of the spring, and Perez — who also doubled — hit his second, a three-run shot.
Joey Votto and Royals first baseman Billy Butler collided as Votto rounded first after hitting a ball off Ervin Santana into the left-field corner to drive in a run in the first inning. Votto was awarded second base as both men fell to the ground.
Santana pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the second by getting Votto to bounce to the mound to start a 1-2-3 double play. The right-hander allowed two runs and seven hits with a walk in four innings.
Latos finished the third then left the game, allowing five runs and nine hits with five strikeouts.
