The Royals took a 3-2 lead into the sixth but couldn’t hold it, dropping a 5-3 loss to Houston in Cocoa.

After the Astros scored two runs in the first, the Royals scored single runs in the second, fourth, and fifth innings. Shortstop Jerry Adair drove in one of the runs and also led the Kansas City offense with three hits. Third baseman Luis Alcaraz had two hits and also drove in one run. And pitcher Dick Drago also drove in one run with a single. But the Royals were held hitless for the last three innings by Astros pitcher Dan Schneider.

Drago gave up three hits and two runs in three innings on the mound. Roger Nelson allowed five hits and two runs in his three innings of work.

Today’s birthdays: Eric Rasmussen (1952), Sean Berry (1966)