ASTROS 6, ROYALS 4
at Houston
Saturday, April 1

Royals at the plate: The Royals had little luck against right-hander Taylor Buchholz, who limited Kansas City to five hits over seven innings. The Royals loaded the bases in the third with one out, but were unable to score when Reggie Sanders struck out and Matt Stairs grounded to second. The Royals plated four runs in the eighth, on RBI singles by Chris Lubanski, Damaso Espino and Adam Keim.

Astros at the plate: Morgan Ensberg was 2-for-4 with a solo homer to lead off the second frame. He also doubled in the third. Craig Biggio doubled and scored in the third, on Willy Taveras' double that bounced barely fair past first base. Eric Munson homered in the sixth.

Royals on the mound: Left-hander Jeremy Affeldt allowed five runs on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts over five innings. He threw 72 pitches, 47 for strikes.

Astros on the mound: Buchholz, the Astros' projected fifth starter, pitched seven shutout innings, allowing five hits, walking none and striking out six. He threw 103 pitches, 68 for strikes. Fernando Nieve yielded three runs over 2/3 of an inning in the eighth.

Records: Astros 11-19; Royals 17-10.