Surprise, Ariz. ? Chris George had a chance Friday to help his chances at earning a spot in the Kansas City rotation, but instead had a poor showing in the Royals’ 8-7 victory over a Milwaukee split squad.

George had worked four hitless innings in his previous start and held the Brewers hitless in the first two innings. He gave up a run on two hits in the third, and the Brewers sent 10 men to the plate in a five-run fourth, which included a three-run homer by Chad Moeller.

“He was doing good the first two innings and then he lost everything and got in trouble,” Royals manager Tony Pena said. “He lost command. It seemed like he tried to rush and make perfect pitches.”

With eight games remaining, the Royals have at least one vacancy in the rotation.

“It’s still open,” Pena said.

George gave up six runs on eight hits and walked two over four innings.

The Royals rallied with a five-run fifth, which was highlighted by a Joe Randa two-run double and a Juan Gonzalez RBI single.

Angel Berroa, the 2003 American League Rookie of the Year, led off the game with a home run off Ben Sheets, who took the loss.

Sheets gave up seven runs on seven hits and three walks in 41/3 innings.

Shawn Camp worked three scoreless innings, giving up just one hit and striking out three, to pick up the victory after George left. Jason Grimsley struck out all three batters he faced in the eighth, and Curtis Leskanic gave up a run in the ninth but picked up his first save.

Grammy Award-winning country music artist Garth Brooks flied out as a pinch hitter in the sixth. Brooks, who was in the Royals camp to bring awareness to his Touchem All Charity Foundation, said Friday was his final day in camp.

First baseman Mike Sweeney and promising left-hander Jimmy Gobble are the latest Royals to be slowed by injuries.

Sweeney was scratched because of stiffness in his lower back. Pena said Sweeney also would sit out today.

Gobble, who was 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in his first four spring training appearances, will miss his scheduled start today against Arizona because of an abdominal strain.

Sweeney has been plagued by back and neck injuries the past two years.

“We were fielding bunts and I twisted it,” Sweeney said. “I could have played, but Tony and (assistant trainer) Frank Kyte didn’t want me.”

Said Pena: “He felt a little twinge in there and I don’t take any chances. He’ll be fine.”

Gobble was not allowed to do any on-field activities Friday, but if he feels good today he might try to throw off the mound.

When Gobble, 22, complained of tightness in his right side Thursday, his bullpen session was quickly stopped.

“I let one go and it felt a little uncomfortable,” Gobble said. “I didn’t feel pain, but it is something that doesn’t feel right. It is something very minor that we want to knock it out right now.”

If the injury does not set him back, Gobble will open the season in Kansas City’s rotation.