HOUSTON (AP) -- Brian Bixler drove in a career-high three runs on
three hits, including his first career homer, and Justin Maxwell
and Brian Bogusevic also homered as the Houston Astros held off the
Kansas City Royals for a 9-7 win Monday night.

J.A. Happ (5-7) yielded four hits and two runs in 6-plus innings
to break a four-game losing streak. It was his first start since
allowing 11 hits and eight runs -- both career highs -- in Houston's
10-0 loss to San Francisco in which Matt Cain threw a perfect game.

Maxwell hit a two-run homer after Bogusevic's solo shot in
Houston's five-run eighth inning.

Jonathan Sanchez (1-3) allowed six hits and four runs in six
innings in his second start since a month-long stint on the
disabled list with tendinitis in his left biceps.