ASTROS 5, ROYALS 3
at Houston
Saturday, March 31

Royals at the plate: Reggie Sanders' two-run double off Wandy Rodriguez in the sixth gave the Royals a 2-1 lead. John Buck led off the seventh with a double off Rick White and scored on Esteban German's single to center.

Astros at the plate: Chris Burke led off the fifth with a double off Brandon Duckworth and scored on Brad Ausmus' double to left-center. The Astros surged ahead in the seventh with four runs. Jason Lane knocked a solo homer off Ryan Braun. Eric Bruntlett hit a three-run shot to cap the inning.

Royals on the mound: Duckworth yielded one run on six hits with three strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings.

Astros on the mound: Rodriguez yielded two runs on 10 hits over six innings, issuing no walks while striking out two.

Spring Training records: Astros 18-11-1; Royals 11-18.

Up next: The Astros open the regular season on Monday against the Pirates. The game begins at 6:05 p.m. CT and will feature right-hander Roy Oswalt and Bucs lefty Zach Duke.

The Royals open at home against the Red Sox, beginning at 3:10 CT. Righty Gil Meche will face Boston right-hander Curt Schilling.