Royals 2, Astros 0: Luke Hochevar turned in his best start of the season with 7 2/3 scoreless innings and Billy Butler homered as visiting Kansas City evened the series at a game apiece.

Alcides Escobar drove in a run and Jonathan Broxton earned his 17th save in 20 opportunities for the Royals, who have won six of eight.

Hochevar (4-7) had not won since May 12 but was sharp on Tuesday, striking out six and generating 10 groundouts. He allowed five hits while walking four.

Hochevar’s biggest trouble spot came in the eighth, when he walked a batter and surrendered a single with two outs. Aaron Crow came on and struck out Justin Maxwell to keep the shutout intact.

Wandy Rodriguez (6-5) was nearly as good for Houston, allowing two runs and six hits while walking two and striking out three in seven innings. The veteran left-hander made his biggest mistake in the first inning, when he left a 1-0 fastball over the inside corner to Butler, who took it out to deep left for his 13th home run.

Kansas City tacked on an insurance run in the third when Escobar’s two-out single scored Yuniesky Betancourt.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Maxwell made a leaping catch against the left-field wall in the sixth to rob extra bases from Escobar. … Royals 3B Mike Moustakas made a nice play in the infield, racing in from third base to catch a sacrifice bunt attempt in the air. … Kansas City top prospect Bubba Starling sat out season opener for Class A Burlington on Tuesday with an injured hamstring.