Major League Basbeall: Astros 11, Royals 3
HOUSTON After beginning a three-game series here with a win over the best team in baseball, the Royals couldnt retain momentum against the Astros. They lost 11-3 on Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park, dropping their second game in a row after starting pitcher Jason Hammel imploded in the second inning.
Astros infielder Yuli Gurriel led off the frame with a double. Then, as the 10th batter of the inning, he lifted a 92-mph fastball thrown in on his hands to the Crawford Boxes in left field for a grand slam.
The home run capped an eight-run frame in which Hammel tossed 34 pitches to 11 batters, was on the short end of a catchers interference that allowed a run to score, gave up two-run single to Jose Altuve and issued three walks.