Sam McWilliams’ spring training debut with Royals a mixed bag

The six-run first inning, without the help of mainstays such as Alex Gordon, Salvador Perez, Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi set the tone for the Royals’ second straight Cactus League victory to start spring training.

Catcher Meibrys Viloria, who got called up from Single-A Wilmington to the majors in September of last season, hit a three-run first-inning home run and jack-of-all-trades infielder/outfielder Chris Owings hit a solo homer in the fifth inning of a 14-5 win over the Oakland Athletics in front of 4,273 at Hohokam Park.

Don't have a KC Star subscription? Help support our sports coverage

If you already subscribe to The Star, thanks for your support. If not, our digital…