SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Billy Butler hit a two-run homer in the first inning and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Texas Rangers 6-1 Sunday in the exhibition opener for both clubs.
Butler hit an 0-2 pitch from Colby Lewis over the fence in left-center field.
Lorenzo Cain, who went 2 for 2, opened the Royals’ four-run fifth with a double off left-hander Michael Kirkman.
Luis Mendoza, a candidate for a spot in the Royals’ rotation after leading the Pacific Coast League with a 2.18 ERA, went two scoreless innings. He allowed a single and walked one.
Mitch Moreland homered in the fifth off Sean O’Sullivan for the only Texas run.
Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler committed two errors in five innings.
