Surprise, Ariz. ? Will Smith, one of several candidates for the fifth slot in Kansas City’s rotation, outpitched two Texas starters already assured spots as the Royals and Rangers tied 5-all in nine innings Friday in their spring training opener.

Smith, a left-hander who was 6-9 with a 5.32 earned-run average in 16 starts as a rookie last season, threw two perfect innings with a strikeout.

Rangers starter Derek Holland allowed a run and six hits in three innings. Alexi Ogando, returning from the bullpen to the rotation this season, permitted three runs in 1 1/3 innings, including a homer to Adam Moore.