Will Smith, one of several candidates for the fifth slot in Kansas City's rotation, outpitched two Texas starters already assured spots as the Royals and Rangers tied 5-all in nine innings Friday in their spring training opener.
Smith, a left-hander who was 6-9 with a 5.32 ERA in 16 starts as a rookie last season, threw two perfect innings with a strikeout.
Rangers starter Derek Holland allowed a run and six hits in three innings. Alexi Ogando, returning from the bullpen to the rotation this season, permitted three runs in 1 1-3 innings, including a homer to Adam Moore.
Nelson Cruz and Yangeris Solarte homered for Texas.
Solarte's tying, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth followed Brandon Allen's two-out triple. The game was called after the inning ended.
