MESA, Ariz. (AP) Eric Hosmer hit a two-run double to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 in a game between split squads Monday.
Hosmer’s double in the sixth inning was followed by an RBI single by Salvador Perez.
“As a hitter you feel better and better each day and you feel better in the box,” Hosmer said. “The first couple of days are a little tough just getting timing down. The body feels good and everything feels good at the plate.”
Addison Russell hit his second homer this spring, a two-run shot for the Cubs.
“I took imitative in the offseason and took it pretty serious and stayed in the gym,” he said. “I listened to the body and my swing feels fine. I am not trying to generate more power. It’s the (timing on the) kick or I am barreling the ball more often.”
Royals starter Kris Medlen pitched two innings in his spring debut, striking out three.
“All three pitches were there and worked on my fastball location, jumping ahead with first strike and just being aggressive,” Medlen said.
Cubs starter Jason Hammel allowed one hit in his two-inning effort.
STARTING TIME
Cubs: Hammel has changed up his delivery since the end of last season and is still getting a feel for it.
“If you look at the video I have more a shoulder and hip turn,” he said. “The windup timing is a little off. From the stretch, I feel pretty good and on line with it.”
Royals: Medlen was so strong and efficient in his two-inning stint that he went down to the bullpen afterward to throw some additional pitches.
“I threw eight, 10 more pitches trying to get the number up in terms of getting the work in,” he said. “I did some shoulder stuff and got some cardio in.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Cubs: Third baseman Tommy LaStella left the game after the first inning because of right calf soreness. He didn’t get a fielding opportunity or an at-bat in the game.
UP NEXT
Cubs: Chicago sends out right-hander Kyle Hendricks at home against the Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers.
Royals: Edison Volquez takes the ball at home against Jordan Lyles and the Colorado Rockies.
KEEP IT ROLLING
The Royals have had a lot of contributions from their big league arms in the early going of spring so far.
“Our big guys (pitchers) have all looked fine so far,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “They all are right where we want them to be at this point in spring training.”
LINING UP THE ARMS
The Cubs bullpen has a good trio to the end the game in Justin Grimm, Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon, but the depth goes even further with Adam Warren, Trevor Cahill and Clayton Richard.
“There’s a lot of versatility among the group and you can rest guys,” manager Joe Maddon said. “The big thing would be not to abuse or overuse them, especially early.”
