Royals blast Rangers in spring opener

Pitchers: Colby Lewis allowed six runs on five hits, including three consecutive homers, before recording the game’s first out. Alex Claudio recorded two strikeouts and gave up a hit in his one inning of work. Yovani Gallardo allowed four earned runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings, but his defense did him no favors with multiple misplayed balls.

Hitters: Ryan Ludwick homered to left-center in his first at-bat of the spring. Shin-Soo Choo drove in a run with a single through the right side in the third. Carlos Corporan added a double in the fifth. The Rangers were 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

Notable: Choo made a long, running catch in right field in the second. ... Lewis threw 36 pitches (20 strikes) in his lone inning. ... LF Ryan Rua misplayed a fly ball (or lost it in the sun) in the third, leading to a double. ... SS Hanser Alberto had a single and four assists, including a nifty stop near second base.

This story was originally published March 4, 2015 at 5:43 PM with the headline "Royals blast Rangers in spring opener."