SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Royals right-hander Kyle Zimmer, MLB Pipeline's No. 2 Royals prospect, threw two shutout innings, but the Rangers scored a 6-2 win on Wednesday in the Cactus League opener for both teams at Surprise Stadium.
Zimmer gave up two hits, walked none and struck out two. His fastball sat around 94-95 mph. He said he had no butterflies starting the opening Spring Training game.
"Not really. I've had the stomach flu the last few days, so I've been more worried about keeping stuff down," Zimmer said. "Been crushing Pepto Bismol today."
Rangers starter Colby Lewis, a 17-game winner last season, made his first appearance in a game since having offseason surgery on his right knee and pitched two scoreless innings. He allowed a hit, two walks and got out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning by getting Christian Colon on a lineout to shortstop Elvis Andrus.
Lewis retired the side in order in the second inning with a performance that was the complete reverse of last spring. In his first start in the 2015 Cactus League, he allowed six runs, including three home runs, against the Royals.
Rangers right-hander Nick Tepesch, from Blue Springs, Mo., also pitched two scoreless innings. He missed all of last season after dealing with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and undergoing surgery to have a rib bone removed from his right side.
Rookie outfielder Nomar Mazara sparked the Rangers offense with three hits, including a three-run homer. Justin Ruggiano also went 2-for-2 with a double.
Prospects Jorge Bonifacio and Parker Morin homered for the Royals.
Rangers up next: The Rangers will have their top young players in the lineup when they face the Royals at 2:05 p.m. CT on Thursday in Surprise. The game will be aired in an exclusive audio webcast on texasrangers.com. Jurickson Profar, who hit a home run in the intrasquad game on Monday, will be starting at shortstop with Joey Gallo at third, Lewis Brinson in center and Nomar Mazara in left. Derek Holland will be on the mound for the Rangers.
Royals up next: The Royals and Rangers will be meet again at 2:05 p.m. CT on Thursday. Right-hander Edinson Volquez starts for the Royals. The game will be on the Royals Radio Network.