Gerardo Parra Parra hits two-run homer for Diamondbacks in 4-3 win over Royals

Parra hits two-run homer for Diamondbacks

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Gerardo Parra hit a two-run homer, Edwin Jackson pitched effectively into the sixth inning in his final spring tuneup and an Arizona Diamondbacks split-squad beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 Thursday.

Jackson, who will start the second game of the season April 6 against San Diego, threw 96 pitches — 52 for strikes — in 5 2-3 innings, giving up three run on five hits and four walks. Parra’s home run in the seventh with Taylor Harbin aboard was his first of spring training.

Mike Aviles doubled and scored on Yuniesky Betancourt’s triple with two outs in the fourth for Kansas City’s first run.