GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) – Erik Kratz homered off left-hander Tony Cingrani, who is trying to win one of the openings in Cincinnati’s rotation, and the split-squad Kansas City Royals beat the Reds 5-2 on Wednesday.

Cingrani, coming off shoulder problems last season, gave up three hits and a walk in three innings, including Kratz’s solo homer.

Left-hander Paul Maholm started for Cincinnati and allowed one hit in three scoreless innings, strengthening his bid for one of the three opening spots in the rotation. The Royals’ Jorge Bonifacio hit a two-run homer off reliever Sam LeCure in the eighth.

Joey Votto had a sacrifice fly off Joe Blanton, who gave up four hits and a run in three innings. Votto is working back from a thigh injury that sidelined him most of last season.