Surprise, Ariz. ? James Shields threw a perfect inning, and Mike Moustakas drove in three runs as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Texas Rangers, 11-1, on Friday.

Shields, who can become a free agent after this season, needed only 10 pitches to get three quick groundouts.

“For me, it’s the ups and downs, it’s what you’ve got to get used to as a starter,” Shields said. “You heat up and cool down, heat up and cool down. We don’t practice that.

“The pitches don’t really matter as much. I went to the bullpen and threw an extra 20 pitches to get my pitch count up. It’s all about pacing yourself,” he said.

Shields said in his next outing he would probably throw 45 pitches and three innings.

Moustakas, who batted only .233 with 42 RBIs last year, hit a two-run double in the second inning off Alexi Ogando and an RBI single off Jose Contreras in the third.

“It’s just spring, and we’re working on some stuff to iron some things out,” Moustakas said. “The results are second right now in spring training, although it’s always good to have them. It’s a little bit of a confidence boost. The work is translating right now from out early in the mornings to the games.”

Starting time

Royals: Left-hander Jason Vargas, a free agent signed to a four-year $32 million contract in November, will make his first start today against San Diego.

Trainer’s room

Royals: Reliever Louis Coleman is being held out of early exhibition games after bruising a finger in fielding practice. He is throwing bullpens, but the club is being cautious.

Kidding around

Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar left to be with wife Francys, who is expecting the couple’s first child.