Phoenix ? Chris Carter and Martin Moldonado each hit three-run homers, Wily Peralta threw six strong innings and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 9-2 on Thursday.

Ryan Braun was a late scratch for the Brewers due to lower back soreness. He had back surgery in the off-season and was slowly easing back into play (seven at-bats) without any setbacks before Thursday. Braun’s replacement, Eric Young Jr., hit a two-run homer.

“We’re just going to be cautious,” Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said of his approach to Braun. “He won’t be in there tomorrow. We’ll see for Saturday. I don’t think it’s a red flag. I’m not concerned. We’re just going to be overly cautious at this point. I anticipate him being in there on Saturday.”

Peralta, the Brewers’ No. 1 starter, had his best outing of the spring, allowing four hits and one run, a solo homer to Eric Hosmer. It was the third homer for Hosmer, who is now hitting .400.

“I’m right where I want to be. I feel strong, healthy and now you work to maintain it. That’s all you can ask for,” Hosmer said. “(Royals manager) Ned (Yost) does a great job of easing us back into shape. This is the first week we’re playing three games in a row and it feels just right.”

Reymond Fuentes added his third homer of the spring in the ninth inning for Kansas City. Starter Dillion Gee sailed through the first three innings before allowing the three-run homer to Moldonado in the fourth.

Starting time

Royals: Gee allowed three hits in four innings, getting into trouble in the fourth with two walks, an RBI single by Jonathan Villar and Moldonado’s home run to left center.

“I felt good early. That last inning I lost my release point and struggled with command,” Gee said. “I feel like I have thrown the ball better this spring than I have in other years. I’m healthy and feeling good where I’m at.”

Brewers: Peralta entered the game with an 11.70 ERA but had his best start by far, allowing four hits and striking out three.

Training room

Royals reliever Tim Collins will need Tommy John surgery for the second time.

The team said Thursday he tore his elbow tendon again while rehabbing. The Royals had been optimistic he would return in May. Then he experienced soreness while throwing recently and the team ordered an MRI.

The 26-year-old left-hander has not pitched since Game 6 of the 2014 World Series.