HOUSTON (AP) — Ian Kennedy threw seven strong innings, Eric Hosmer hit a two-run double during a five-run sixth and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 6-2 on Thursday night.

Kennedy (2-0) started with five hitless innings and retired 14 straight before Carlos Gomez’s leadoff single to center in the sixth. Kennedy struck out seven and allowed a run on two hits and two walks.

Mike Moustakas hit a solo homer in the first and went 2 for 4 with a walk.

Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Alex Gordon and Omar Infante each had two hits and the Royals set a season high with 13 hits. The defending World Series champs are 7-2 after winning the final three games of the four-game set with the Astros.

Doug Fister (1-1) pitched well until the sixth. He allowed six runs over 5 2/3 innings.

Wade Davis got two outs for his fourth save.

— Associated Press —