The Houston Astros played a doubleheader on Thursday, with Lance McCullers Jr. taking the mound in Game 2. McCullers had a strong start to the 2026 season but has had some ups and downs along the way.
After the bullpen was heavily used in the first game, it was crucial for McCullers to cover as many innings as possible, and he did exactly that.
Houston got a major lift from him, as McCullers helped stabilize the game with a season-high six innings pitched. He allowed just two hits and struck out nine, turning in one of his better outings of the year.
It wasn’t completely smooth, though. McCullers issued four walks and ran into trouble in the fourth inning, where he gave up all three of his runs. But instead of letting things unravel, he settled back in and finished strong.
That mattered most. With the bullpen taxed from Game 1, Houston needed length from its starter, and McCullers delivered. He took pressure off the relievers and helped the Astros stay in control the rest of the way.
Even without perfect command, McCullers gave Houston a strong mix of quality innings, swing-and-miss stuff, and a steady presence on the mound.
In the end, his outing was exactly what the team needed in the middle of a long doubleheader. It wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t have to be. What mattered was giving the bullpen a break, keeping the game steady, and putting Houston in a position to finish strong.