ROYALS 7, RANGERS 5
at Surprise, Ariz.
Thursday, March 29

Rangers at the plate: Sammy Sosa returned to the Rangers lineup after missing three games because of a stomach virus and hit his fifth Spring Training homer. That's the most by a Ranger this spring. Minor Leaguer Casey Benjamin hit a two-run dinger in the sixth inning.

Royals at the plate: Ross Gload hit a home run for the Royals, his second of the spring, in the second inning. Mike Sweeney hit a two-run homer in the sixth, also his second Cactus League home run. Mark Teahen drilled a three-run shot in Kansas City's four-run eighth.

Rangers on the mound: Brandon McCarthy finished the spring strong, allowing three runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out four and did not walk a batter. Ron Mahay replaced him and retired four straight hitters.

Royals on the mound: Kansas City starter Odalis Perez left the game after three innings, allowing one run on two hits. He struck out one while not issuing a walk. Closer Octavio Dotel allowed three runs in the sixth inning.

Cactus League records: Royals 11-16; Rangers 15-11

Up next: The Royals will travel to Houston to play the Astros at 7:05 p.m. CT on Thursday at Minute Maid Park. Zack Greinke will pitch for Kansas City against Woody Williams. The Rangers will play the Brewers at 7:05 p.m. in Frisco, with Robinson Tejeda pitching against Jeff Suppan.