The comeback victory came one day after the Royals blew a two-run lead in the ninth in an 8-7 loss to Texas.
“This was a lot better,” manager Trey Hillman said. “It’s good to see us stay after it. We had some key at-bats late, and we had some better pitching.”
Jason Smith started the winning rally with a one-out walk. Angel Berroa and Alberto Callaspo followed with singles, which tied the game, before Mike Aviles grounded into a fielder’s choice. Teahen then lined his game-winning single into center.
ARMS RACE
Lefty starter John Bale overmatched the White Sox in his three innings by retiring nine of 10 hitters, including four strikeouts. Only one ball was hit out of the infield — a pop to short right by Brian Anderson.
Jorge De La Rosa, in contrast, had a tough 1 1/3 innings in which he allowed five hits and five runs while walking one batter and hitting another.
Yasuhiko Yabuta had his first scoreless appearance by pitching around a two-out double in the eighth before Joakim Soria worked a one-two-three ninth. Soria was the winner.
REGULAR GUYS
Joey Gathright turned his speed into a run in the third inning after reaching on a fielder’s-choice grounder. Gathright stole second, then stole third and came home on a throwing error by catcher Cole Armstrong.
Gathright also beat out a slow roller to second in the fifth inning for an RBI single before stealing his third base.
MOVES AND DEALS
Full-squad workouts opened Monday for 157 minor-league players, although 70 players were in attendance last week for the organization’s early camp.
The big-league club traditionally begins trimming its camp roster once the minor leaguers swing into full drills, but Hillman indicated no immediate cuts are expected.
“I need more time to evaluate a few guys,” he said, “and others who are here deserve more time to get a feel for the (big-league) experience.”
The Royals currently have 60 players in big-league camp.
INJURY UPDATES
Shortstop Angel Sanchez tested his sore groin in the morning workout by taking batting practice and limited infield drills. Lefty Mike Maroth experienced no further shoulder tightness in a pre-game bullpen session and will make his spring debut Thursday against the Diamondbacks.
Outfielders Justin Huber and Chris Lubanski returned to camp after missing Sunday because of the flu.
NOTABLES
•Damon Hollins hit a two-run homer in the sixth against ex-Royal Mike MacDougal. Hollins’ homer was his third extra-base hit in 10 at-bats.
•The Royals were six for 11 with runners in scoring position.
•Shortstop Tony Peña dropped Alexei Ramirez’s leadoff pop in the fourth and it led to an unearned run. It was Peña’s second error in four games.
ON DECK
Third baseman Alex Gordon told club officials that he’ll return to camp in time to make today’s trip to Tucson. Gordon left camp Sunday afternoon to attend his paternal grandfather’s funeral Monday in Lincoln, Neb.
Tyler Lumsden and Ryan Braun are scheduled to join Brett Tomko in making their spring debut in today’s game against the Rockies in Tucson, Ariz.
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