For the second time in three days, an ineffective performance from a Houston Astros starter taxed their bullpen and produced an early deficit they could not overcome. The Kansas City Royals scored seven runs in the first three innings Monday against rookie Ryan Gusto and averted a late meltdown to hand the Astros a 7-5 loss in the opener of a three-game series at Daikin Park.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Royals were able to hang on to open their series over the Astros with a road win on Monday night. Michael Wacha (3-4) had another strong outing on the mound. He went 6.1 innings, allowing eight hits and two runs with two walks and three strikeouts to go along with the win.

Michael Massey had a big game, Michael Wacha was once again solid, and the top third of the lineup accrued a combined seven hits to send the Astros back to earth in a 7-5 Royals victory down in Houston.