Kyle Isbel's Lone Hit Drives in Three, Royals Fall to Astros

Royals Lose AL Wild Card Spot

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Royals' playoff hopes took a hit Wednesday, as they fell to the Astros, 5-3 at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals took an early 1-0 lead, but the Astros came back to take the lead in the top of the fifth inning on a three-run homer from Michael Brantley. Kyle Isbel's RBI single in the bottom of the fifth tied the game at 3-3. However, the Astros regained the lead and added another run in the top of the seventh.

The Royals managed just four hits off Astros starter Luis Garcia. Garcia pitched six innings, allowing three runs and three walks while striking out five. Cristian Javier pitched the final three innings to earn his second save of the season.

Missed Opportunities

The Royals had several chances to tie the game late, but they were unable to come up with the big hit. In the bottom of the seventh, Isbel hit a one-out double, but Bobby Witt Jr. and Hunter Dozier struck out to end the rally.

In the eighth inning, the Royals loaded the bases with one out, but MJ Melendez struck out and Nick Pratto grounded out to end the threat.

The loss dropped the Royals to 65-63 on the season. They are now one-and-a-half games behind the Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot.