Guzman, Witt Jr. guide Royals to 5-3 comeback win over Reds

The Royals continued their hot start to spring training with a come-from-behind 5-3 victory over the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday night.

Danny Duffy made his spring debut starting the ballgame for the Royals. Early in the first, Mike Moustakas got the best of his old teammate as the former Royals’ star ripped an RBI single to put the Reds on the board. Duffy lasted two solid innings, allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out three.

Ryan O’Hearn connected for a solo shot off of Sonny Gray for his second homer of the spring, tying the game at 1-1 in the second.

Ervin Santana made his first appearance in a Royals uniform since he pitched in Kansas City in 2013. The veteran came on in relief of Duffy and gave up a pair of runs on three hits while striking out a pair of Reds over two innings of work.

In the fourth, Andrew Benintendi collected a double for his first hit of the spring. Fellow newcomer Hanser Alberto laced a single, scoring Benintendi to pull the Royals within one run of the Reds.

The Royals capitalized on a Reds’ defensive miscue in the seventh inning. With two outs, Edward Olivares reached on an error and Kelvin Gutierrez extended the inning with a single. Jeison Guzman laid down a perfect bunt that scored Olivares and tied the game.

An inning later, the Royals once again took advantage of a crucial defensive blunder by the Reds.

With two outs and the bases empty, Star prospect Bobby Witt Jr. ripped a ball to left and it was misplayed by the Reds’ left fielder Errol Robinson. Witt Jr. showcased his speed and was able to round the bases and score, putting the Royals up 4-3. The very next batter, Nick Pratto took an easier approach, clearing the fence for a solo home run to extend the Royals’ lead.

Jesse Hahn, Jon Heasley, Jake Brentz, Collin Snider and Jake Newberry pitched an inning each out of the bullpen and combined to allow just two hits and no runs over the final five innings.

The Royals return home to Suprise Stadium tomorrow for a 2:05 pm matchup against the defending champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers.