Surprise, Ariz. ? Aaron Rowland drove in five runs for a Chicago White Sox split squad Wednesday in a 9-6 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

Rowand, trying to win the center-field job, is coming back from a dirt-bike accident in November 2002 that left him with a broken rib, broken shoulder blade and a bruised left shoulder. He hit .133 in 60 games with Chicago at the start of last season, then was sent to the minors. He was recalled on June 10 and hit .387 in limited action.

Rowand hit a two-run single in the first, an RBI single in the second and a two-run double in the fifth.

“I’m just trying to build day by day, trying to get better day by day, working counts, trying to prepare myself for the season as much as possible,” said Rowand, who is 8-for-13 this spring.

Royals starter Jeremy Affeldt allowed three runs, four hits and two walks in three innings. He isn’t bothered by the finger blister problems that have plagued him the past two years.

“My finger is good, no problems, no tenderness, no redness, nothing,” Affeldt said. “I felt my changeup was better, but I’m not satisfied. I don’t think I’m throwing my best right now. I’m not where I want to be pitching-wise.”

Joe Randa hit a two-run homer in the third to start the Royals’ comeback. Calvin Pickering singled home the tying run in the seventh and Rick Short’s sacrifice fly scored Alexis Gomez, who went 2-for-2, to put the Royals ahead 7-6.

David DeJesus’ double in the eighth scored Mendy Lopez and Wilton Guerrero, who had walked.

Notes: White Sox reserve INF Ruddy Yan left in the seventh with a gash over his right eye, an injury sustained during a play at second base. … Royals CF Carlos Beltran missed his second straight game because of soreness in his right forearm and elbow.

Chicago's Willie Harris slides safely into second base as kansas City's Desi Relaford reaches for the ball. Kansas City rallied for a 9-6 victory over the White Sox Wednesday at Surprise, Ariz.