The KC Royals used a four-run 1st inning to beat the visiting SD Padres, 6-2.
Cheslor Cuthbert at the plate during spring training 2016 (Jen Nevius).
The bottom of the first started with Paulo Orlando being hit by a pitch to start the inning. Padres starter Jered Weaver followed with two strikeouts before hitting Salvador Perez, who was playing in his first game since returning from the World Baseball Classic and injuring both his knee and elbow.
Brandon Moss followed with an RBI double to put the Royals on the board and Cheslor Cuthbert drove in two more with a double. Whit Merrifield followed with an RBI single to chase Weaver from the game.
That was more than enough for Royals starter Nate Karns, who scattered four hits over six scoreless innings. He struck out nine and induced five ground outs. Karns only threw 73 pitches, 54 for strikes.
Travis Wood and Kelvin Herrera each allowed a run in their inning of work (allowing a combined five hits), though both struck out two. Lefty Mike Minor struck out two in his perfect 9th inning.
On offense for the Royals, Mike Moustakas hit a solo home run in the 2nd inning. Cuthbert hit a solo homer in the sixth (his first this spring), while going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs. He also played great defense at first base. Perez was the DH and went 0-for-3 with a run scored. He also grounded into a double play.
Next up for the Royals is an off day. They are back in action on Friday when they play in Peoria against Seattle. Danny Duffy is expected to return from the WBC to start. Chris Young, who was scratched from today’s outing due to neck stiffness, is expected to pitch. Perez should catch.
