TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - The Los Angeles Angels are expecting big things from Ervin Santana again this season.

The right-hander recorded four outs in his first spring start Thursday, allowing two runs and two hits in the Angels' 8-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

``Ervin had a good downward angle on his pitches,' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``It was a good workout for him (but) his pitch count was a little bit high.'

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Santana went 17-10 with a 3.92 ERA last season, setting career highs for wins, complete games (four) and innings (222 2-3). He figures to be Los Angeles' No. 3 starter this year behind Jered Weaver and Dan Haren.

Santana walked one and struck out one against the Royals, finishing with 38 pitches.

Mitch Maier went 4 for 4 with two RBIs for Kansas City, which finished with 11 hits. Kila Ka'aihue had two hits and drove in a run.

``Mitch Maier was the star of the game,' Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Kyle Davies worked two innings in his second spring start for Kansas City. The right-hander allowed two runs and two hits.

``The off-speed stuff has been pretty good so far,' said Davies, who was 8-12 with a 5.34 ERA in 32 starts for the Royals in 2010. ``I commanded my delivery pretty good. I commanded the baseball very good. There were a couple of pitches that got away.'

Royals closer Joakim Soria made his first spring appearance, striking out two in a scoreless inning.