Houston (westernkansasnews.com)–It was a valiant comeback effort last night for the Kansas City Royals, as they scored five runs in their last at bat, but fell two runs short to the Houston Astros 9-7 in the series opener. Yuniesky Betancourt and Billy Butler each drove in a pair of runs for the Royals in the loss. Jonathan Sanchez gave up three earned runs in six innings, and took the loss. Kansas City and Houston will resume their three-game series tonight at Minute Maid Park with a 7:05 first pitch. It will be Luke Hochevar getting the start for the Royals, while the Astros will send veteran Wandy Rodriguez to the mound.