Encouraging signs as Royals win

Associated Press

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Kansas City Royals got some encouraging signs on two fronts Wednesday in a 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Mike Sweeney, who missed the previous five games with soreness in his right oblique, returned to the lineup and went 1-for-4 with a double. and struck out.

''I feel great,'' said Sweeney, a four-time All-Star. ''I've never felt better. I'm hoping to keep this up for a full season, all the way through October.''

Sweeney has missed considerable time the past two seasons with back injuries, but said the soreness in his side was not related.

Zack Greinke, 0-1 with a 19.64 earned run average in his first two outings, pitched 3 2-3 shutout innings, allowing just a single to Jermaine Dye. He walked none, hit a batter and struck out three to earn the victory.

''Today was the first time I've gone out and pitched like in a regular-season game,'' said Greinke, the Royals' first pick in the 2002 draft.

White Sox starter Felix Diaz retired all nine batters he faced.

''That was very impressive,'' said White Sox third base coach Joey Cora, who was filling in for manager Ozzie Guillen.

Guillen missed the game to undergo a heart test. He was released from the hospital and is expected to be back in the dugout on Friday. The White Sox are off Thursday.