SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Royals right-hander Ian Kennedy made his second start of the spring Tuesday, and his first start in which he truly tried to mix up his pitches.
The results were impressive: Kennedy, who is likely the Royals' No. 2 starter, threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings. He gave up three hits, walked none and struck out five in the Royals' 8-4 win over the Angels.
"You just try to come out with a game plan each start down here, and today was just go out and pitch," Kennedy said. "The first couple of outings and bullpens you're working on fastball command, and maybe throw in a curve once in a while.
"By the third or fourth start you start to mix it up as much as you can, throw more breaking stuff. I was happy with today because I kept most pitches down, too."
Kennedy was right on target with his pitch count, too, throwing 64. He was slated to throw 60-65 pitches.
"I usually don't have a problem reaching my pitch count," Kennedy said. "Really, each outing, I just worry about getting the pitch count right, and getting my ups and downs.
"It's just another check mark today."