The Astros (84-69) not only extended their lead over the third-place Rangers (79-74) to five games, but they also claimed the rubber match in the 13-game season series with Texas. Houston moved a half-game ahead of Seattle (83-69) atop the division after the Mariners dropped a 7-5 decision to the host Kansas City Royals. Pena doubled leading off the bottom of the first, Carlos Correa hit an infield single, and Victor Caratini drew a two-out walk to load the bases. Astros starter Cristian Javier (2-3) delivered six innings of two-run ball. Javier responded by retiring nine consecutive batters following a two-out single from Joc Pederson in the third.