The Royals opened up Cactus League play in Surprise, Arizona with the American League Champion Texas Rangers. Billy Butler singled in two runs and even stole a base, as the Royals beat the Rangers 4-2. Jeff Francouer, who played with the Rangers in the World Series homered.
Rangers starter C.J. Wilson gave up two runs in two innings, giving up three ground ball singles in the first inning that led to two runs. Billy Butler had a two-run single in the Royals’ first inning rally before Wilson shut down six straight hitters.
Butler talks about manager Ned Yost giving him the green light on the base paths. Billy Butler and stealing bases and getting his timing down
Jeff Francoeur, who played in the World Series with the Rangers before signing with the Royals in the offseason, hit a solo home run off Dave Bush in the fourth inning.
Royals starting pitchers Kyle Davies and Bruce Chen pitched two scoreless innings apiece. Davies allowed just one infield single and struck out three. Chen gave up a double to Julio Borbon and a walk in his two scoreless innings.
On Monday, Vin Mazzaro, who came from the A’s in the trade for outfielder David DeJesus makes his first start for the Royals as they face the Rangers again.