The Kansas City Royals played a pair of split-squad games on Tuesday, losing the first game 8-6 to the Seattle Mariners and the second game 5-3 to the Cincinnati Reds.

The first game featured an offensive battle in which Kansas City came up short. In the nightcap, the Royals' pitching kept them in the game. Despite the loss, the pitching staff recorded 16 strikeouts, including seven from Zack Greinke.

Utility man Nate Eaton was a focal point of Kansas City's offense in Game 1. He went 2 for 3 with an RBI double, a stolen base and a run. Maikel Garcia also had a solid day at the plate, going 1 for 3 with an RBI. And Jorge Bonifacio, a familiar face who is back with the Royals on a minor league deal, hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning.

In Game 2, the Royals' offense was held to three hits. Michael Massey continues to perform well at the plate (.375 average, three home runs, 10 RBIs), and he kept building on his strong spring with an RBI double.

Royals prospects Samad Taylor and Gavin Cross hit a pair of solo home runs to complete the scoring in game two.

Brad Keller started Game 1 and went 2.2 innings and allowed two earned runs, four hits and a walk while striking out two. Scott Barlow pitched a perfect inning.

Greinke got the start in Game 2. He pitched a stellar four innings and struck out seven, allowing just one hit — a solo home run by Tyler Stephenson.

Kansas City got four more reliable innings from its bullpen. Josh Staumont, Jackson Kowar and Richard Lovelady combined to allow zero runs, three hits and two walks while striking out seven.

The Reds spoiled the Royals' night by scoring four runs in the ninth against Zach Willeman and T.J. Sikkema, both of whom were summoned from minor league camp to help fill out the split-squad roster.

The Royals drop to 14-4 in the Cactus League. They are back in action Wednesday afternoon against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium.