2014 ALCS CHAMPION KANSAS CITY ROYALS SPRING INTO ACTION FOR 2015 SEASON

SPRINGDALE, ARK. - Four months rested after the Kansas City Royals epic 2014 run as American League Champions, the Royals and 12 returning members of #TheNatural13 begin their 2015 journey with their eye on taking that final step. With two games already in at Surprise, Arizona, they began Spring Training 2015 with a "bang" taking back-to-back games from the Texas Rangers in a 13-2 victory on Wednesday, and then 5-4 victory yesterday.

Former 2010 Northwest Arkansas Natural, Eric Hosmer did not miss a beat. The first baseman went 2-3 with 3 RBI and a home run in the first game of spring, and followed up with a 1-2 effort on Thursday. Former Naturals Lorenzo Cain, Jarrod Dyson and Christian Colon each had a hit and an RBI in the contest as well.

Although not members of #TheNatural13, former 2014 Naturals Orlando Calixte, Lane Adams and Cheslor Cuthbert each logged an at-bat in the opening game of spring training as well. 2013 Naturals, and 2013 Texas League Home Run Derby Champion Matt Fields, replaced Hosmer at first base in the game and went 1-1 with a run scored. Former 2013 Natural Aaron Brooks started the Royals first game of spring, while former Naturals Scott Alexander, Louis Coleman and Buddy Baumann each logged a shutout inning in relief to close out the 13-2 victory.

The University of Arkansas Alum and former 2013 Natural Brett Eibner highlighted the Royals second spring training victory on Thursday. Eibner went 1-1 with a home run and a stolen base in the 5-4 victory for Kansas City. Former 2014 Natural Jorge Bonifacio also chipped in with an RBI single.

The Royals hit the road for the first time this spring on Friday as they play the Cleveland Indians at their home spring facility in Goodyear. Former 2013 Natural and the winning pitcher in Game 6 of the 2014 World Series, Yordano Ventura will make his spring debut. The Royals then return to Surprise tomorrow afternoon as they host the Cincinnati Reds, while former Natural Danny Duffy takes the hill.

For all the latest Spring Training updates and player spotlights, follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @nwanaturals throughout the year, and use #NaturalPastime for all of our up-to-date information on tickets, groups, promotions, roster, and team information.

Season 8 of Naturals baseball begins on Thursday, April 9, 2015 in Midland, Texas. The Naturals will open at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday, April 16 at 6:05 P.M. against the same Midland RockHounds, the Double-A Affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. 

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-