Rangers tie Royals in spring opener

03/02/2006
Royals at the plate: Manager Buddy Bell used what appears to be his Opening Day lineup, but only for two plate appearances each, and they combined for three singles and three walks in 18 times up against three rookie pitchers. Benji Gil had an RBI triple and a run-scoring double in the ninth to lead the Royals' comeback from a 5-3 deficit.
Rangers at the plate: David Dellucci batted leadoff and reached base all three times, once on an error and twice on walks. He scored one run, and pinch-runner Adrian Brown, after stealing second, scored another run off the two walks. Phil Nevin hit a home run in his first spring at-bat.
Royals on the mound: Mark Redman started and retired five of seven hitters. One reached base on an error but was caught stealing, and Redman allowed the home run to Nevin. Jeremy Affeldt allowed two runs in an inning, but only one was earned.
Rangers on the mound: The fifth-starter competition opened strong. Josh Rupe pitched two scoreless innings, and Thomas Diamond went 1 2/3 innings without allowing a run, although Edison Volquez bailed him out of a two-out, two-on situation in the fourth.
Cactus League records: Royals 0-0 (one tie); Rangers 0-0 (one tie).


Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/