Brooks ain’t goin’ down yet

Singer erupts for two hits, run in Royals scrimmage

? The Kansas City Royals beefed up their offense by signing free agents Juan Gonzalez, Matt Stairs and Benito Santiago to join a lineup that already included Mike Sweeney and Carlos Beltran.

So who was the offensive star in the Royals’ first intrasquad game Tuesday? Country music star Garth Brooks.

Brooks came off the bench for Kansas City and got two hits, including a single to lead off a three-run fourth inning off Royals right-hander Brad Voyles, helping his team rally for a 4-2 victory.

Brooks hit a ground ball single to right off Voyles, advanced to third on a Rich Thompson double and scored on a Wilton Guerrero ground out.

Brooks also was credited with a bad-hop hit down the third-base line off left-hander Jamie Cerda.

Royals manager Tony Pena said he would not have ruled the second one a hit.

“One is good enough,” Pena said with a laugh.

But Brooks, who played left field, also misplayed a David DeJesus fly into a two-run double.

“They should score that an error on me,” Brooks said. “It is killing me.”

Brooks, who graduated from Oklahoma State, also was elated that the Cowboys defeated Texas on Monday night to win the Big 12 Conference basketball championship.

He had a bet on the game with left-hander Greg Swindell, who went to Texas, with the loser forced to wear the other school’s clothing.

“He’ll look good in Oklahoma State colors,” Brooks said.

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May to throw today: Left-hander Darrell May has been slowed by a sore left groin, which has bothered him in previous spring trainings. May is scheduled to throw on the side today, and if all goes well will start the Friday exhibition game against the Rangers.

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Pitchers positive: Pena said he was “very, very happy” the way Jeremy Affeldt, Curtis Leskanic, Scott Sullivan and Jason Grimsley threw in the intrasquad game. Affeldt, who has been bothered by finger blisters, retired two batters on grounders to Desi Relaford and struck out Ken Harvey.

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Gobble returns: Jimmy Gobble, who was sick Monday, gave up a leadoff single to Angel Berroa, but retired the next three hitters on fly balls.