In the bottom of the second inning of Kansas City’s 3-2 win over the Rangers in their six-inning Cactus League opener on Sunday, the Royals saw what they hope their lineup can do all season.
After Nicky Lopez, playing shortstop to open exhibition games, singled to right field, Whit Merrifield put two on base with a slow single to third. Then left fielder Andrew Benintendi turned a long plate appearance into a walk to load the bases for first baseman Carlos Santana — the exact scenario the Royals had in mind when they acquired Benintendi and signed Santana this offseason.
But because it was Spring Training in 2021, the Rangers were able to end the inning there, with two outs, because right-hander Nick Vincent had reached his pitch count.
Royals reliever Wade Davis allowed one hit, but he got a 1-2-3 inning when center fielder Bubba Starling threw out Jason Martin trying to take second on his single.