A five-run ninth wasn't enough to complete a comeback as the Royals dropped Monday's series-opener against the Astros 9-7 in Houston.
Jonathan Sanchez allowed four runs (three earned) over six innings and picked up the loss while Louis Coleman gave up five earned runs over two innings of relief.
Kansas City took a 1-0 lead in an RBI-single from Jeff Francoeur in the top of the first, but Houston scored two in the bottom frame and the Royals never led again. The Astros led 4-2 heading to the bottom of the eighth, and a five-run frame blew the game open. But closing out the game wasn't easy for Houston.
Eight singles and a sac fly brought home five runs in the top of the ninth off Houston reliever Brett Myers. But Xavier Cedeno came in with the bases loaded and two outs and got Mike Moustakas to foul out and end the game.
Alex Gordon led the Royals at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored.
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