MLB: Houston 5, Kansas City 4

HOUSTON, June 25 (UPI) -- Lance Berkman's two-run, sixth-inning homer Thursday boosted the Houston Astros to a 5-4 inter-league win over the Kansas City Royals.

Berkman homered twice among three hits and four RBI, with a two-run homer in the bottom of the second and became the third Astros with 1,000 RBI, joining Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell.

Carlos Lee walked before both of Berkman's homers. Kaz Matsui hit a fourth-inning sacrifice fly for the Astros, who averted a three-game sweep.

The winner was reliever Wesley Wright (2-1), while closer Jose Valverde earned his sixth save with a 1-2-3 ninth.

Kansas City's Mark Teahen had two hits and two RBI. Two runs scored on errors by Miguel Tejada and Humberto Quintero for the Royals, who have lost six of eight.

Losing pitcher Brian Bannister (5-5) gave up five earned runs and six hits in six innings, including both Berkman homers.