Royals Close Out Series Against the Astros; Win 5-1

There were some minor distractions this morning as details of a trade for Johnny Cueto slowly began to emerge, but the Royals kept things rolling on the field as they were able to knock off the Astros to secure a series victory.

The Royals struck early in the bottom of the first with a four-run inning. Three singles in a row led things off to load the bases with no outs. Salvador Perez grounded out to score the first run of the game before Alex Rios grounded out to third to score another run. Omar Infante was then able to hit a two-out single to plate two more and the Royals had a 4-0 lead against one of the better pitchers in the American League and it was only the bottom of the first.

More from Kings of Kauffman

• KC Royals Rumors: Is a monster move in the cards?
• KC Royals Free Agent Hunt: 3 Tampa Bay pitchers
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The $25 million man
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Expectations met
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update

Houston added a run in the top of the second inning when Evan Gattis led off with a triple and was singled home by Colby Rasmus but Yordano Ventura was able to limit the damage and record three straight outs to keep the score at 4-1.

The Royals grabbed the run right back in the bottom of the inning when Lorenzo Cain blasted a two-out solo shot to push the score to 5-1.

The score stayed that way for the next seven innings as the Royals were able to keep the Astros at bay and pick up their 59th win of the season.

Ventura had a solid outing in his first start since his “demotion” and subsequent return from the minors. His line was 7 IP/6 H/1 ER/5 SO/0 BB and Franklin Morales and Luke Hochevar each hurled scoreless innings to help secure the victory.

The Royals begin a series against the Cleveland Indians tomorrow