Former Astro flamethrower Scott Elarton turned junkballer Royale mowed down the Astros with five perfect innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Astros 7-2 in the first game of the weekend series.
Trailing 4-0 in the sixth, starter Wandy Rodriguez was lifted for a pinch hitter just after Adam Everett broke up the perfecto with an infield single. Willy Taveras doubled and Craig Biggio hit a two-run single. Mike Lamb continued the rally with a single, but was picked off first by former Astro farmhand John Buck, who threw a laser from his knees catching Lamb off first.
That was it. Chris Sampson relieved and promptly allowed three runs in the seventh to put the game out of reach, giving Elarton his second win of the season.
Game two at 6:05, Taylor Buchholz vs. Bobby Keppel.