PEORIA, Ariz. ? Richie Sexson’s swing is coming along just fine.

Sexson hit a three-run home run, and former Royal Raul Ibanez added another three-run shot and finished with six RBIs as a Seattle split squad tied a Kansas City split squad, 15-15, on Wednesday.

Sexson hit a one-out shot to right field in the ninth inning, helping Seattle erase a 15-11 deficit. He doubled twice and singled, finishing 4-for-4, and also reached base after being hit by a pitch

It was a bizarre game, with the teams combining for 41 hits. Seattle rallied with four runs in the ninth, loading the bases with one out before Jamal Strong took a called third strike and Greg Dobbs flied to center.

The game was declared a tie because of time constraints.

Abraham Nunez and Chad Santos each hit three-run home runs for Kansas City, and Mike Sweeney added a solo shot. Ibanez hit his second homer this spring in the eighth for Seattle.

Lost in all the offense was a strong performance by Royals starter Runelvys Hernandez, who missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery. He looked solid in pitching 41/3 innings.

After completing his work, the right-hander was ecstatic about throwing 80 pitches for the first time in 18 months and equally thrilled that he’d used his curveball for the first time this spring.

“It was the old Runelvys Hernandez,” he said. “Inning by inning, I got stronger. I’m getting close. Right now, I feel so happy about that.”

Padres 7, Royals (ss) 6

Surprise, Ariz. — Ruben Gotay hit a three-run homer with one out in the ninth, helping K.C. rally. Gotay, who leads the Royals with five home runs and 15 RBIs this spring, homered off Akinori Otuska. Mark Teahen led off the inning with a single, and Alberto Castillo bunted him to second. After Aaron Guiel walked, Gotay homered on an 0-2 pitch to right.

Kyle Snyder, who pitched two scoreless innings, picked up the victory. Snyder has not allowed an earned run in 111/3 innings for the Royals.