HAINES CITY, FLA. ? In a game that featured 23 runs, 30 hits, including 10 for extra-bases, and six errors, left-handed reliever Rick DeHart caught the attention of Kansas City Royals manager Tony Muser.

DeHart worked a perfect eighth inning and struck out Joe McEwing in the Royals’ 15-8 slugfest triumph over the New York Mets Tuesday. The Royals have won four straight and six of seven.

Royals shortstop Neifi Perez throws to first for a double play as the Mets' Mike Piazza is forced at second. The Royals defeated the Mets, 15-8, Tuesday in Haines City, Fla.

DeHart, an alum of Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., is one of several left-handers in camp the Royals are looking at for a bullpen spot.

“I think he put himself back in the race for me,” Muser said. “He threw extremely well. Nip (pitching coach Al Nipper) had a talk with him and DeHart was very impressive today.

“DeHart has gone out with intensity the last two times. You could see it in his eyes. He’s definitely in the mix. He’s got a good arm.”

DeHart pitched parts of three seasons with the Montreal Expos before having elbow surgery and missing the 2000 season.

Chuck Knoblauch, who had only three hits and two RBIs in his first seven games, went 3-for-4 with a double and drove in four runs for Kansas City.

“Knoblauch swung the bat very well,” Muser said. “He has a nice approach, not trying to pull the ball. I think he got into a pull mode last year.”

Knoblauch, who signed with the Royals as a free agent in December, hit only .250 in 2001 with the New York Yankees.

Rookie shortstop Angel Berroa, who hit a three-run homer in the fifth off reliever Dicky Gonzalez, also had four runs batted in for the Royals.