The Astros franchise-record-tying 6-0 start was a distant memory by Thursday morning after the Royals took the first 3 games of a 4-game series at Minute Maid Park.

In the opener, Houston fell in 10 innings as reliever JP Howell took the loss. Starter Ian Kennedy allowed 3 runs on 5 hits with 2 Ks and 3 walks in 6 innings in his second start of the season.

Houston fell behind 7-0 in the 4th inning of game two before getting home runs from Domonic Brown, Carlos Correa and Charlie Barbour helped cut the deficit to 7-5 after 7.

The Astros could pull no closer and starter Scott Kazmir took his first loss of 2016. Kazmir was chased from the game after just 3.2 innings. Kazmir surrendered 7 runs on 10 hits while walking 2 and punching out just 1.

Game 3 was a marathon that would test the endurance of both clubs.

Chris Carter and Eric Gutierrez each hit their 2nd home run of the season but the Astros eventually lost again, 6-5 in 17 innings.

Starting pitcher Asher Wojciechowski went 6 innings. He allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits with 4 strikeouts and 3 walks in the no-decision.

Houston used 9 pitchers in the game and the loss eventually went to Kazmir who had started and lost game 2. The Astros were even forced to have Brett Oberholtzer, the scheduled starter for game 4, get loose in the bullpen in case the game went to an 18th inning.

Due to an extremely fatigued bullpen, Houston made a roster move after game 3, recalling pitcher Brad Peacock from AAA Fresno and optioning infielder Ronald Torreyes to Fresno.

A Jose Altuve inside-the-park home run helped Houston earn their first home win of the year in game 4, 3-1.

Brett Oberholtzer gave the bullpen some much-needed rest in the finale. Oberholtzer reserved his second win of the season, lasting 8 innings and allowing just 1 run on 4 hits with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.

Jesse Crain shut the door in the 9th for his 4th save of 2016 and the 100th of his career.

The Astros will close the 7-game opening home stand with a 3-game weekend series with the Detroit Tigers, before taking Monday off.

KC 5-11-0 F/10
HOU 3-4-0

KC 7-11-1
HOU 5-9-0

KC 6-13-1 F/17
HOU 5-17-2

KC 1-5-3
HOU 3-9-1

AL West Standings through Thursday, April 13, 2016:

Mariners 7-2
Astros 7-3
Angels 5-4
Athletics 4-6
Rangers 4-7