Kansas City, Mo. ? Nelson Cruz is a first-rate minor-league slugger. On Monday night, he showed the Royals he could do it at the major-league level, too.

Cruz had three hits including a three-run homer in his season debut, and the Texas Rangers beat Kansas City, 9-4.

“You call that sudden impact,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “I’m not thinking about the past. All that matters for Cruz is what he does from this point on.”

Cruz, promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma earlier in the day, homered in the third with Josh Hamilton and Marlon Byrd aboard. Cruz hit .342 with 37 home runs at Oklahoma and led the minors with a .693 slugging percentage.

Cruz always has been able to hit in the minors, but in his limited major-league experience had just a .231 average with 15 home runs in 145 games spread out over three seasons.

Cruz said he “definitely” feels that this is his time.

“I’m prepared for this,” he said. “I’ve been down there doing everything to be back. I’ve been seeing the ball really well. This game takes the pressure off and makes me more relaxed.”

Last July 28, Cruz was recalled from the minors and had two homers and five RBIs at Kansas City in his first game after being recalled from Oklahoma.

Cruz doubled in the second and singled in the fifth.

The Royals have lost eight of nine and 15 of 18.

Royals right-hander Gil Meche (10-10) gave up a career-high 14 hits, allowing five runs in 6 1â3 innings to lose for the first time since July 2.

He had been 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break.