Ian Kennedy went seven innings and struck out 11 as the Royals slowed down the Houston Astros, with a 6-1 win on Sunday.  The Royals ended the Astros seven-game win streak and Kennedy provided much needed rest for a pitching staff that was taxed after two blowout losses earlier in the series.  Kennedy allowed the one run on only three hits and a walk.

Kendrys Morales hit two home runs, Cheslor Cuthbert hit a two-run shot against Doug Fister (8-4) in a five-run seventh and Lorenzo Cain had three of the Royals’ 13 hits.  The Royals also ended Fister’s personal seven-game win streak over his last ten starts.

Kennedy’s 11 strikeouts were one off of his career high.  He basically baffled the Astros with two pitches.

“That’s kind of what pitching is, make everything look like a fastball. My curveball today was better than it has been. I was just throwing fastball, curveball for the most part of the game. My slider when I needed it was down and had some good break. I threw it in some good counts.”

Kennedy’s gem came after Royals starters Edinson Volquez and Chris Young lasted a total of 3 1/3 innings in Friday and Saturday’s blowout losses.