HOUSTON (AP) J.D. Martinez hit a two-run homer, Jordan Lyles pitched six effective innings and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Wednesday night.
James Shields (2-5) gave up just two runs on seven hits in seven inning for the Royals, but got just a George Kottaras RBI double in the third inning for run support.
Lyles (2-1) allowed one run and six hits in his 50th career game. Travis Blackley and Hector Ambriz each got three outs before Jose Veras pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save one night after the bullpen struggled in a 7-3 loss.
Houston took two of three from Kansas City for its fourth series win this season.
