Mike Moustakas, Billy Butler Lead Royals to First Win of Spring Training

Feb 24, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals infielder Mike Moustakas poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe it is only the second game of the Cactus League schedule, but for Mike Moustakas and the Royals, it was a step in the right direction.

Moustakas was 2-2 with three RBIs and Billy Butler was 3-3 with an RBI as the Royals offense exploded against the Texas Rangers, leading to an 11-1 victory. Moustakas kicked off the scoring with a two run double in the top of the second against starter Alexi Ogando, giving the Royals the early 2-0 lead.

Kansas City blew the game open in the third. In what may become a familiar inning when the team comes north, the Royals scored four times on two singles, a double and a wild pitch, keeping the pressure on the Rangers defense. A bases loaded walk and a two run single off the bat of Christian Colon lead to a three run fifth.

Texas scored their only run in the bottom of the sixth on a Brett Lillibridge RBI single.

James Shields pitched the first inning, recording three groundouts on ten pitches. On the day, Royals pitchers game up a total of six hits. Jason Adam struggled in his two innings, giving up the only run for the Rangers on three hits and two walks.

Yes, it is only one game, and there is still a long way to go before the start of the regular season, but for one day, the Royals offense produced as imagined. Hopefully, this can be a precursor to how the Royals will perform during the regular season.