Back to the Houston Astros Newsfeed

Astros strike first vs. Royals in Game 5

KANSAS CITY -- The Astros relied on their familiar power to take an early 2-0 lead against the host Royals on Wednesday night, on a two-run homer from Luis Valbuena in the second inning of a winner-take-all Game 5 in the American League Division Series.

After going down in order against Royals right-hander Johnny Cueto in the first inning, the Astros came to life in the second on a two-out infield single off the bat of Evan Gattis, who beat out a deep ground ball down the line to third baseman Mike Moustakas to bring Valbuena to the plate.