GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Dodgers got the rebound start they wanted from left-hander Alex Wood, but it was the defending World Series champion Royals posting the 5-1 victory on Thursday at Camelback Ranch.
The Royals scored four times in the fifth inning against reliever J.P. Howell. The big blow was Kendrys Morales' two-run homer, his first of the spring. Angel Franco, who went 2-for-4, got the Royals on the board with an RBI single in the second.
Wood, after missing a start because of what he called abnormal tightness in his left forearm, breezed through three innings, allowing a run on four hits with a walk and a strikeout.
"It felt good, it was good," Wood said. "I had one goal and that was to be efficient, which was a little different from the last time out. I was happy I was able to do that."

Royals starter Kris Medlen worked four innings of one run, three-hit ball with four strikeouts and zero walks.

"I felt it was similar to my last start," Medlen said. "I had to get used to the mound. I was able to make the adjustment. The hits I gave up for runs were strikes, on 0-2 and 1-2. I just tried to pound the zone.
"This whole spring, I have felt like myself. Last year, I felt fine physically, but was trying to get a feel. Now I have that feel."
The Dodgers' run came off Medlen in the first inning when Joc Pederson doubled with two out and scored on Scott Van Slyke's single. Van Slyke went 2-for-3.
Up next for Royals: Right-hander Dillon Gee will get the start on Friday night as the Royals have split-squad games in San Antonio (5:05 p.m. CT) against the Rangers on MLB.TV and at Surprise (3:05 p.m. CT) vs. the Angels. Right-hander Miguel Almonte will take the mound against the Angels in the afternoon. Fans can listen to the action in that one on Gameday Audio.
Up next for Dodgers: Right-hander Brandon Beachy will start at 1:10 p.m. PT on Friday against the D-backs at Salt River Fields. Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick is scheduled to make his first spring start in the field. Kendrick was the DH in two games this week after recovering from a strained right groin. Watch the game live on MLB.TV.