PADRES 7, ROYALS 6
at Surprise, Ariz.
Wednesday, March 28

Padres at the plate: Russell Branyan hit two home runs, bringing his spring total to six, and drove in four runs. He also hit a pair of home runs and had five RBIs on Tuesday against the Rangers. The Giles Brothers, Marcus and Brian, each collected two hits.

Royals at the plate: Mike Sweeney, who homered and doubled on Tuesday, had two hits, including a double, against the Padres. Ryan Shealy went 2-for-3, raising his Cactus League average to .305, and drove in a run.

Padres on the mound: David Wells, who was roughed up for seven runs and 10 hits by the White Sox in his previous start, held the Royals to two runs on six hits over six innings. Wells struck out three while not walking a batter.

Royals on the mound: In his final tuneup before Opening Day, Gil Meche allowed seven runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out three in six innings. Rule 5 Draft selection Joakim Soria worked a hitless seventh, walking one. Jimmy Gobble worked a flawless inning, striking out two.

Cactus League records: Padres 15-12-1; Royals 10-16

Up next: Odalis Perez will start on Thursday against the Rangers in the Royals' final 2007 Spring Training game at Surprise Stadium. Brandon McCarthy will start for the Rangers. The Padres will play two games on Thursday. Jake Peavy will start against the Mariners, who will pitch Sean White. Mike Thompson will start against the Diamondbacks, who will start Randy Johnson.