SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Brandon Wood hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 4-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday.
Wood, who hit 43 home runs in the minors in 2005, sent a one-out drive to the back of the left-field bullpen off Jake Brigham, the seventh Rangers pitcher.
Ian Kinsler had an RBI double and scored a run for the Rangers. Randy Wells, attempting to earn a spot in Texas’ rotation after having elbow surgery last year, allowed one run and three hits in two innings.
Royals rookie left-handed reliever Donnie Joseph struck out all three batters he faced in his debut. Ryan Verdugo worked around two walks in the ninth to earn the win.
