Starting pitcher Derek Holland #45 of the Texas Rangers throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the spring training game at Surprise Stadium on February 22, 2013 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

SURPRISE, AZ (AP) – 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.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Also Check Out:

• Disabled Weatherford Man Files Lawsuit Against Six Flags
• Escaped Prisoner Shot & Killed By Law Enforcement
• Dueling Bobcats Caught On Video In Carrollton
• Dermatologists Share Anti-Aging Secrets
• “Sexually Suggestive” Exercises Center of LA Fitness Lawsuit