Theriot drives in three, Zambrano goes five scoreless as Cubs beat Royals

Theriot, Zambrano lead Cubs past Royals

MESA, Ariz. — Ryan Theriot had a three-run double and Carlos Zambrano pitched five scoreless innings Saturday, leading a Chicago Cubs split squad to a 4-0 victory over a Kansas City Royals split squad.

Theriot, who withstood a challenge from 19-year-old prospect Starlin Castro to keep his shortstop job and also was named manager Lou Piniella’s leadoff hitter, raised his spring average to a baseball-best .533.

Zambrano allowed three hits, walked two and struck out four. The $91.5 million right-hander, who reported to camp in excellent shape after winning only nine times last season, has given up one run in nine innings after yielding five on March 10.

Edgar Osuna, a 22-year-old left-hander trying to win the No. 5 spot in Kansas City’s rotation, pitched three innings.