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Gordon, Salvy spark power surge in Cactus finale

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Nine different players knocked in runs on Wednesday as the Padres defeated the Royals, 9-5, in the Cactus League finale for both teams at the Peoria Sports Complex.

Kansas City pitcher James Shields, who will start Opening Day, was ambushed early, allowing seven runs on six hits in the first inning alone. He settled down thereafter, allowing one more hit over his last three innings.

In all, Shields allowed seven runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts in four innings.

San Diego pitcher Ian Kennedy, the No. 2 starter in the team's rotation, allowed three runs on six hits in two innings. His next start will come on Tuesday against the Dodgers.

Kennedy allowed consecutive home runs to Alex Gordon and Salvador Perez in the second innings. For Gordon, it was his third home run of the spring. For Perez, it was home run No. 4.

Perez was hit on the helmet behind his left ear with a pitch during the third inning. He stayed on the ground for a minute or so before leaving the game under his own power.

Royals head athletic trainer Nick Kenney reported that it was a "non-concussive head impact" and that no tests were planned for Perez.

"I'm really fine," Perez said through a team spokesman.

Alcides Escobar and Pedro Ciriaco, who went 2-for-3, also had RBI singles for the Royals.

Yonder Alonso had three hits for the Padres to raise his average to .426 this spring.

San Diego pitcher Robbie Erlin, the likely No. 5 starter, tossed four scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out six.

Up next: The Royals are finished in Arizona and have Thursday as their mandatory off-day prior to the opening of the season. They'll meet the Brewers in two exhibition games at Milwaukee on Friday night and Saturday afternoon before heading for Detroit and Monday's first game of the regular season. Jason Vargas is slated to start on Friday at 7:10 p.m. CT.

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter.
Read More: Kansas City Royals, James Shields, Salvador Perez, Alex Gordon