It only took two pitches for Isaac Paredes to decide the game for the Houston Astros, as he sent John Schreiber’s 0-1 pitch over the fence to defeat the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Tuesday, May 13 at Daikin Park.

Paredes fouled off Schreiber’s first pitch before sending a sweeper to left-center field, ending a tense deadlock that saw both starting pitchers go into the seventh inning. Houston’s Framber Valdez had his second gem against the Royals this season, going eight innings and allowing just one run, a single in the fifth inning to Freddy Fermin that scored Maikel Garcia. Valdez struck out seven and allowed six hits and a walk, while coaxing the Royals into three double-plays. Kris Bubic gave up a home run to Jeremy Peña in the sixth inning, but made his way into the seventh before the bullpen took over. Bubic allowed one run on six hits and one walk while striking out nine. Lucas Erceg was perfect in his 1.2 innings, striking out one and picking off an inherited runner in the seventh. Houston reliever Bryan Abreu got the win for retiring all three Royals batters in the ninth.

The loss, coupled with wins by Detroit and Cleveland, now have the Royals third in the AL Central, 3.5 games behind Detroit. The Royals will look to rebound Wednesday evening when Michael Lorenzen gets the start. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m., with pregame beginning at 6:30 p.m. on KMMO-FM 102.9.

The St Louis Cardinals were unable to extend their winning to ten games, as Mother Nature had other plans.  Tuesday’s game between the Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies was called off because of inclement weather.  A day-night doubleheader is set for Wednesday, with Erich Fedde getting the start for the matinee at 12:10 p.m. and Sonny Gray tabbed to start the second game at 5:15 p.m.