Ogando struggles in first spring outing
Falling behind in count plagues righty as he allows four hits and two runs
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Third baseman Mike Moustakas had two hits and three RBIs and Billy Butler had three hits in leading the Royals to a 11-1 victory over the Rangers on Friday at Surprise Stadium.
Rangers starter Alexi Ogando went two innings and allowed two runs on four hits. He did not walk a batter, struck out one and threw 34 pitches.
"You've got to throw first-pitch strikes," Ogando said. "You have to attack and be aggressive. I got behind in the counts to a lot of hitters I faced. It was my first outing. I'm healthy, that's the most important thing."
James Shields threw one scoreless inning for the Royals, setting down the side in order on 10 pitches. He threw another 20 pitches in the bullpen afterward. Moustakas also drew a walk for the second straight day and was on base three times. Alex Gordon and Norichika Aoki both had two hits as the Royals had 16 on the afternoon.
Jose Contreras, in Rangers camp on a Minor League contract, allowed four runs in the third inning and Cory Burns allowed three runs in the fifth.
Up next: Martin Perez pitches on Saturday against the Athletics at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Veteran relievers Neal Cotts and Jason Frasor are also expected to make their Cactus League debuts if the weather holds. Perez is scheduled to pitch two innings.