Hosmer homers, drives in four for Royals in loss

PHOENIX (AP) — Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes went hitless in his second game of the spring for the Oakland Athletics, who overcame Eric Hosmer’s homer, double and four RBIs to beat the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Cespedes, who created a stir a day earlier by homering in his first game since signing a $36 million contract with Oakland, flied out, lined out and struck out in three at-bats. He also drew his second walk in two games.

Hosmer hit a two-run homer and drove in two more with an opposite field double to left.

The A’s trailed 8-7 in the bottom of the eighth when Eric Sogard hit a three-run double to right-center.

A’s starter Tommy Milone, a leading candidate for one of the vacant spots in the rotation, gave up two runs in 3 2-3 innings.

Royals starter Bruce Chen bounced back for a rough first start to give up one run in three innings.