Pinder powers offense with one of three A's homers
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Chad Pinder blasted a three-run homer, Matt Olson hit a towering solo blast and Andrew Lambo added a two-run shot, as the A's beat the Royals, 11-7, on Friday night at Surprise Stadium.
A's right-hander Jharel Cotton, likely the club's No. 3 starter, overmatched the Royals with 3 1/3 no-hit innings.
Cotton struck out five, including the side in the second inning. He walked Alex Gordon to lead off the bottom of the fourth, then struck out Mike Moustakas before exiting. Gordon scored after Cotton's departure, charging the right-hander with a run.
"That's always a plus," Cotton said of allowing no hits. "I don't want to say it was an easy outing, but it was easier than the [first] two, mentality-wise."
Right-hander Jason Hammel, likely the No. 3 or No. 4 starter in the Royals' rotation, went 2 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on three hits with three strikeouts. New Royals closer Kelvin Herrera made his second appearance this spring, and like his first outing, pitched a scoreless inning.
Peter O'Brien led Kansas City's offense with his fourth homer of the spring, while Lorenzo Cain added an RBI triple.
Royals infielder Raul Mondesi was involved in a collision at first base in the seventh inning, then left the game. The Royals announced he was removed as a precaution for a possible concussion. His status is listed as day to day.
"I haven't talked to the trainers, but he seemed OK," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "A little sore, but he was fine when he got to the dugout."
A's up next: Right-hander Andrew Triggs, battling for a spot in the back end of the A's rotation, will make his first start of the spring when the A's host the Rangers in a 12:05 p.m. PT contest at Hohokam Stadium on Saturday. Veteran relievers Ryan Madson (2 ER, 1 IP in one outing so far) and John Axford (0.00 ERA in 2 IP) are also scheduled to pitch.
Royals up next: Left-hander Jason Vargas, likely to be the No. 3 or No. 4 starter in the rotation, makes his third start this spring in a 2:05 p.m. CT start against the Indians in Goodyear on Saturday, live on MLB.TV. Veterans Al Alburquerque, Chris Withrow, Bobby Parnell and Brandon League are among those also expected to pitch -- all of whom are fighting for the one or two possible open bullpen spots.
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