KISSIMMEE, FLA. ? Jeff Bagwell and Geoff Blum hit two-run homers to help the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals, 9-7, Saturday.

Brian Hunter had four hits and Tripp Cromer hit a solo home run for the Astros.

Adam Everett, competing with Julio Lugo for the Astros’ starting job at shortstop, was 2-for-3 with one RBI.

Starting pitcher Wade Miller was 2-for-3 with two RBIs. He allowed five hits and one run over six innings to improve to 3-1 this spring.

Bagwell, who finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored, connected in the first inning.

The Astros led 9-3 going into the ninth. Closer Billy Wagner allowed three hits and four runs with one walk before Jim Mann came in to get the final two outs. Chris George (0-2) took the loss.