Surprise, Ariz. ? Gil Meche’s back feels better, which is great news for the Kansas City Royals.

Meche threw 55 pitches Wednesday, and Kansas City beat the Seattle Mariners, 9-2, behind homers by Billy Butler and Mitch Maier.

Meche was making only his second Cactus League start after being slowed by back spasms. He tossed 21/3 innings, allowing two runs, five hits and two walks. The right-hander last worked in a “B” game Friday against Texas.

“I felt like I improved from my last start just as far as arm speed and stuff,” Meche said. “I hit a wall in the third. I got a little tired. I threw a lot of pitches in the second. I saw some progress. My curveball was a little bit sharper. Most of all my fastball was a little better until I got tired in the third. I had an idea I’d be a little gassed going back out there. It is only going to help me, kind of breaking down and getting tired. I’m trying to build up some arm strength.”

He said he had “no problem” with his back.

“I’m not feeling it whatsoever,” Meche said. “I don’t think that’s an issue anymore. It’s just a matter of building from here on out and getting ready. I’ve got four or five starts left. Obviously, the stamina is the most important thing to build before we get out of here. I’m running and lifting, getting back to doing things I normally want to do but I couldn’t do with my back two weeks ago.”