Kansas City's Zack Greinke delivers against Houston. Greinke allowed just one run in five innings, but the Astros defeated the Royals, 4-2, in an exhibition game Friday night in Houston.

Houston ? Astros starter Woody Williams got an unexpected jolt when he took the mound at Minute Maid Park on Friday night for the first time since joining the team.

The 40-year-old right-hander, who grew up in Houston and is a longtime Astros fan, signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract in November to be the Astros’ No. 3 starter. He spent the 2006 season in San Diego.

“There was a little bit more emotion than a regular spring start,” he said. “I didn’t really feel anything until I got out there before I threw the first pitch. I was excited and couldn’t believe it was actually happening.”

Williams allowed three hits and two runs in four innings of Houston’s 4-2 win over Kansas City on Friday night.

He threw 63 pitches, 41 for strikes in the last tuneup before his first regular-season start scheduled for Wednesday against the Pirates.

“That’s the best I’ve felt all spring,” he said. “I think I’m right where I need to be.”

Astros manager Phil Garner agreed.

“Woody did a nice job,” he said.

Royals starter Zack Greinke allowed four hits and one run with six strikeouts in five innings.

“I was a little up in the zone,” he said. “You could tell how much I was up in the zone because (David) DeJesus was running after so many balls. They were hitting them pretty good. My defense played well behind me.”

Luke Scott, who’s vying with Jason Lane for the right field job, hit a two-run home run that put Houston ahead 4-2 in the eighth.

Houston reliever Rick White allowed one hit and no runs in one inning. Garner said he’s confident White has recovered from a slight groin injury he had earlier this spring.

Kansas City manager Buddy Bell said No. 2 starter Odalis Perez would be ready for his scheduled start Wednesday against Boston. Perez left Thursday’s game against the Rangers after three innings because of a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand.

“I think we’re going to have to be a little bit cautious with his pitch count and things like that and make sure we have somebody that’s ready in case he has problems early,” Bell said. “But we feel like he’s going to be able to start for us Wednesday.”

Bell said Perez told him he felt “a lot better” on Friday.

Note: Royals RHP Kenny Ray accepted his assignment and will report to Triple-A Omaha.