Surprise, Ariz. ? Ervin Santana struck out seven in four innings, Billy Butler and Salvador Perez hit run-singles, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners, 4-2, Wednesday to improve their spring training record to 14-2.

Santana, acquired from the Los Angeles Angels during the offseason, allowed his only run on Carlos Truinfel’s third-inning homer. Santana gave up two hits and threw 35 of 53 pitches for strikes.

Note: RHP Luke Hochevar, the first player picked in the 2006 amateur draft and the Royals’ 2011 opening-day starter, has been sent to the bullpen, failing in his attempt to earn the final rotation slot. Hochevar had a 6.75 ERA in three appearances, allowing six runs, nine hits, two homers and two walks in eight innings. LHP Bruce Chen and RHP Luis Mendoza remain the leading candidates to be the No. 5 starter.