MESA, Ariz. (AP) - Jason Hammel threw four scoreless innings and Anthony Rizzo reached base three times Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3.
Hammel came in with a 10.80 ERA in his previous two outings totaling five innings, but had good downward action and fastball command against the Royals.
The right-hander allowed two hits and struck out three in his longest outing of the spring after he allowed nine hits and walked three in his previous two appearances.
"It's spring training coming together," Hammel said. "As long as you don't get frustrated and beat yourself up the first couple weeks of spring and expect results because you are still somewhat getting into shape, you'll be OK. Things felt like it clicked today."
Royals starter Danny Duffy was nearly as good, other than a tough third inning in which he hit a batter and walked two, including Starlin Castro to force in the first run of the game.
"I was pretty happy with everything," he said. "There are things you have to get ready for in the season. It might be a pitch to certain kind of hitter or whatever it maybe. I'm trying to control the front and back of the plate this year."
Duffy got two quick outs to start the inning before giving up the run.
"He did a great job of limiting the damage after the bases loaded giving up one," Royals manager Ned Yost said.
Rizzo was hit by a pitch and singled twice, including a RBI shot to right-center off Royals reliever Wade Davis in the fifth.
Lorenzo Cain two doubles, including one that drove in a run in the sixth.
"Cain is really swinging the bat well," Yost said. "He's on everything right now."
Omar Infante had two singles in three at-bats for the Royals, while Lane Adams came off the bench to hit his first home run of the spring. Infante was the designated hitter again. He has yet to play in the field during the Cactus League because of a sore right elbow.
"He's extending it and he's progressing," Yost, who hopes Infante plays at least 10 games in the field, said. "We'll just have to keep checking on how he's doing and when he'll be ready."
Notes: Royals left fielder Alex Gordon, who had right wrist surgery in the offseason, played in minor intrasquad game and went 3-for-6 with a double and home run. ... The Royals will face the Brewers today in Surprise, Ariz.