The Kansas City Royals picked up a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Surprise Stadium on Sunday in spring training action. Carter Jensen paced the offense, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. Kris Bubic worked 2.0 innings on the mound, allowing 1 earned run on 4 hits. Both clubs finished with 8 hits apiece in a closely contested battle. The Royals will take confidence from a well-rounded effort on both sides of the ball. Spring training is about building toward the regular season, and this was a step in the right direction.
Key Performers
Carter Jensen was the offensive highlight at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. His power was on full display throughout the game. The Royals will be hoping for more of the same as the spring continues.
Jonathan India also contributed, going 1-for-2 with an RBI, Isaac Collins chipped in, going 1-for-3 with a double, and Kameron Misner added to the attack, going 1-for-1. Multiple contributors at the plate made life difficult for the opposing pitching staff.
On the other side of the diamond, Akil Baddoo led the Brewers offense with a 1-for-3 with an RBI day. Luis Rengifo also contributed, going 1-for-3. Gary Sánchez added a 1-for-3 effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Royals pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Kris Bubic got the start, running into trouble, working 2.0 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 4 hits with three strikeouts. He threw 31 pitches in the outing. The coaching staff will review his performance as they continue mapping out the pitching plan for the regular season.
The bullpen was outstanding, combining for 7.0 scoreless innings while striking out nine. The Royals continue to sort through their relief options as they build their Opening Day bullpen. Every inning pitched in the spring is an opportunity for pitchers to make their case for a spot on the roster when the games start counting. Luinder Avila recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Michael Wacha stood out with 2.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out three. It was an impressive showing that could factor into roster decisions.
How It Happened
Brewers got on the board first with a run in the first inning. The Royals struck back with a run in the second. The Royals added a run in the fourth. The Royals tacked on a run in the fifth. The Royals spread their scoring across three different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. Both teams finished with 8 hits apiece, with both teams playing clean defense. A crowd of 7,160 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
The Royals will look to build on this positive performance as spring training winds down. With the regular season rapidly approaching, outings like this one provide confidence and continuity for a roster that is rounding into form. Every remaining exhibition game is another chance to sharpen the details before the games start counting for real.