Astros 6, Royals 3: Houston grinds out win in Kansas City

Yordan Alvarez's 3-run homer in the 8th inning lifts Houston past Kansas City

Astros improve to 7-3 on the season, while Royals fall to 4-6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Yordan Alvarez's 3-run homer in the 8th inning lifted the Houston Astros to a 6-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium. The Astros trailed 3-1 entering the 8th inning, but Chas McCormick led off the inning with a single and Jose Altuve followed with a walk. Alvarez then launched a 1-1 sinker from Amir Garrett over the wall in left-center field to give Houston a 4-3 lead. Alex Bregman added an RBI single later in the inning and Kyle Tucker hit a sacrifice fly to make it 6-3. The Astros' bullpen was outstanding, allowing just one hit over the final 4 1/3 innings. Ryne Stanek (1-0) got the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, while Rafael Montero picked up his second save of the season with a perfect 9th inning. Royals starter Brady Singer allowed just one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings, but he was charged with the loss after allowing two singles and a walk to start the 8th inning. The Astros have now won three of their last four games, while the Royals have lost three of their last four. Astros notes * Alvarez's home run was his fourth of the season. He now leads the team in RBIs with 13. * Altuve extended his hitting streak to nine games with an 0-for-4 night. * Stanek has not allowed a run in 6 1/3 innings this season. Royals notes * Singer has allowed just two runs in his last two starts, but he has taken the loss in both games. * Garrett has allowed six runs in just 3 1/3 innings this season. * The Royals are now 1-3 at home this season. Up next The Astros and Royals will wrap up their three-game series on Sunday afternoon. Lance McCullers Jr. will start for Houston, while Kris Bubic will start for Kansas City.