Surprise, Ariz. ? Gil Meche pitched three shutout innings in his spring training debut with the Kansas City Royals, allowing two hits in an 8-6 victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday.

Meche was signed to a $55 million, five-year contract by the Royals after compiling a 55-44 record with a 4.65 earned-run average for the Seattle Mariners.

“I feel like it is going to be a big year for me to go out there and establish myself to where I want to be,” Meche said.”

Meche faced 12 batters, struck out one and walked one.

Red Sox 9, Boston College 1

At Fort Myers, Fla., Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up a leadoff double to a college junior before retiring his six remaining batters.

Phillies 6, Indians 4

At Clearwater, Fla., Ryan Howard homered in his first at-bat of spring training.

Angels 9, Cubs 6

At Mesa, Ariz., Gary Matthews Jr. homered.

Reds 5, Twins 2

At Fort Myers, Fla., Torii Hunter was hit in the head by a fastball from former teammate Kyle Lohse, but Minnesota’s center fielder apparently avoided serious injury.

Brewers (ss) 21, Giants 2

At Scottsdale, Ariz., Barry Bonds lost a fly ball in the sun and struck out.

Yankees 3, Devil Rays 1

At St. Petersburg, Fla., Andy Pettitte pitched two perfect innings in his first appearance since rejoining the Yankees.

Blue Jays 9, Red Sox 6, 10 inn.

At Fort Myers, Fla., J.D. Drew got his first hit in a Boston uniform.

Tigers 13, Astros 8

At Kissimmee, Fla., Jeremy Bonderman struck out three.

Mets 6, Cardinals 5

At Jupiter, Fla., Braden Looper threw three solid innings.

Braves 5, Pirates 4, 10 innings

At Kissimmee, Fla., Mike Gonzalez gave up a two-run homer to Brad Eldred.

Orioles 3, Marlins 0

At Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Erik Bedard threw two perfect innings.

Dodgers 12, Nationals 7

At Vero Beach, Fla., Jason Schmidt pitched two scoreless innings.

Athletics 7, Brewers (ss) 6

At Phoenix, Mike Piazza drove in two runs in his spring training debut.

Padres 3, Mariners 2

At Peoria, Ariz., Felix Hernandez allowed one run in two inning.

Diamondbacks 10, White Sox 3

At Tucson, Ariz., Chicago’s Jose Contreras gave up two runs and four hits in two innings.