Collins allows four runs in second spring outing

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Left-handed reliever Tim Collins, singled out for praise by Royals manager Ned Yost after his first outing last Saturday, gave up four runs in Monday's 9-7 loss to the White Sox.

Collins retired the first two batters he faced, then was tagged for four hits, although an error also was in the mix.

"What he's working on down here is getting that feel-and-touch down on that breaking ball without overthrowing it and still getting a good live break on it. And he ended up throwing two lazy curveballs and it ended up hurting him," Yost said. "But now is the time to get the feel for that pitch, because when he has it, it's a devastating curveball with a lot of depth and a lot of action to it. When he overthrows it is when it loses action and he bounces it and it's all over the place."

On the offensive side, Jarrod Dyson had two run-scoring singles and now has been on base six times -- three hits, three walks -- in eight trips to the plate.

"Dyson had a great game today. Two big hits against two tough left-handers. You can just see the progress that he's making every time he gets out there," Yost said.

Outfield prospect Jorge Bonifacio delivered a go-ahead single in the sixth inning and belted a two-run homer in the eighth.

"He's a player that we've liked ever since he's come into this organization and it's fun to watch him continue to grow and develop and we think he's going to be a good player," Yost said.