Surprise, Ariz. ? Left-hander Chris George, who is trying to regain a berth in the Kansas City rotation after going back to the minors last July, gave up a home run to Hank Blalock, but retired the final seven batters he faced as the Royals beat the Texas Rangers, 12-7, Tuesday.

Blalock homered on George’s first pitch. George allowed back-to-back singles to Alfonso Soriano and Brad Fullmer after Blalock’s homer, but nothing after that.

“I really wasn’t unhappy with my first inning, just my first pitch,” George said of the fastball. “I didn’t have to turn around to watch it. He got all of it.”

George made the Royals out of spring training last year and won nine games, but a 7.11 earned run average got him optioned to Class AAA Omaha in July.

Ken Harvey led the Royals’ offense, going 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, while David DeJesus went 2-for-3 with two doubles. Joe Randa also had two hits and drove in a pair of runs.

The Royals stroked 18 hits, including six doubles and a Carlos Beltran triple. Rangers starter Kenny Rogers faced 20 batters and allowed 11 to reach base — 10 hits and one walk — in 31/3 innings. Rogers was charged with seven runs — six earned — and took the loss.

“Some of the base hits he gave up made you shake your head, but that’s the way it goes,” Rangers manager Buck Showalter said.

Rangers catcher Rod Barajas went 3-for-4 with a home run and double and drove in four runs.

“I’ve been working my tail off with Rudy (Jaramillo, Rangers hitting coach),” Barajas said. “Rudy is one of the best. He’s got me seeing the ball and just reacting. I got a couple of good pitches to hit and just took advantage.”

Kansas City's Chris George delivers a pitch against Texas. The Royals defeated the Rangers, 12-7, Tuesday in an exhibition game at Surprise, Ariz.

Said Showalter on Barajas, “Nothing we didn’t know or weren’t expecting. He’s got a lot of offensive potential and is a pretty good catcher.”

Notes: The Rangers optioned infielder Jason Bourgeois to Class AA Frisco and have 49 players in camp, including 14 nonroster invitees. … Royals right-hander Brad Voyles cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Omaha. They have 46 players in camp.