John Buck belted his first home run of the spring and the Kansas City Royals pounded out 12 hits against the Texas Rangers in both teams’ final Cactus League game on Thursday. But it wasn’t enough for KC as the Royals dropped an 8-5 decision.
Starter and losing pitcher Mike Maroth lasted only 3 innings as the Rangers lit him up for 5 runs, all of them earned, on 6 hits. On a positive note, Alex Gordon leaves Arizona with a .308 batting average after going 2 for 2 with a run-scoring triple on Thursday.
The Royals now head north to Milwaukee where they’ll play the Brewers in an exhibition match Friday night. Brian Bannister goes to the mound against former Royals Jeff Suppan.
