Puig goes 3-for-3, homers as LA drops KC

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Yasiel Puig, the Dodgers' $42 million Cuban signee, slugged a two-run homer, singled twice, stole a base and scored three runs and Juan Uribe went 4-for-4 as Los Angeles handed the Kansas City Royals only their fourth loss of the spring Friday night, 8-1, in a split-squad game for both clubs at Camelback Ranch.

Stephen Fife, the Dodgers' starter, allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings with two walks and four strikeouts for the win.

Puig homered in the first inning off Kansas City starter Yordano Ventura after Mark Ellis was hit by a pitch.

In the third inning, Puig lined a one-hop single to right fielder Jeff Francoeur, then had to beat out Francoeur's strong throw to first base. Puig then stole second and was doubled home when Uribe's line drive was lost in the lights by Francoeur.

The Dodgers added a two-out run in the fourth inning when Brian Barden was hit with a pitch and Fife doubled him home.

The Royals scored in the fifth inning on a single by Willy Taveras and a two-out double by Alex Gordon that chased Fife.

The Dodgers scored three more in a three-error fifth inning, and again it was Puig starting the rally with a line shot up the middle for a single. Mark Ellis doubled home a run in the sixth.

Up next: Opening Day starter Clayton Kershaw remains on schedule Saturday by starting for the Dodgers against Texas and Matt Harrison in Surprise, Ariz., live on Gameday Audio at 1:05 p.m. PT. Despite a 5.54 ERA, Kershaw improved dramatically in his most recent start against Colorado. Including Saturday, Kershaw figures to make three more starts before opening the season against the Giants at home on April 1.