4-Run 8th-Inning Rally Propels Astros in Series Opener vs. Royals

Astros Outlast Royals in Series Opener

The Houston Astros came from behind to defeat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 in the series opener on Friday night at Minute Maid Park.

Late-Inning Heroics

Trailing 5-2 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, the Astros rallied for four runs to take the lead.

Yordan Alvarez drove in two runs with a double, and Jeremy Peña followed with a game-tying RBI single.

Chas McCormick then delivered the go-ahead hit, a single that scored Peña.

Bullpen Delivers

The Astros bullpen turned in a solid performance, allowing just one run over the final four innings.

Bryan Abreu (1-1) picked up the win, while Rafael Montero earned his first save of the season.

Royals' Early Lead

The Royals took an early lead on a two-run home run by Bobby Witt Jr. in the first inning.

They added another run in the second on an RBI single by MJ Melendez.

The Astros cut the deficit to 3-2 in the third inning on a two-run double by Mauricio Dubón.

Offensive Outburst

Both teams combined for 21 hits in the game.

The Astros had 11 hits, led by Alvarez's 3-for-5 performance.

The Royals had 10 hits, with Witt Jr. and Melendez each going 2-for-4.

Injury Update

Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña left the game in the eighth inning with a left hand injury.

X-rays were negative, but Peña is considered day-to-day.

Up Next

The two teams will meet again in the second game of the series on Saturday night.

Lance McCullers Jr. will start for the Astros, while Brady Singer will take the mound for the Royals.