Astros' Lance McCullers: Tough-luck loser to Rangers on Friday

McCullers (0-1) struck out seven and surrendered five hits, two earned runs and three walks over six innings in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Rangers.

Analysis:

The young right-hander paid dearly for his only mistake of the night, as the two-run double he gave up to Prince Fielder ended up being the difference in the game. Still, the effort was a marked improvement over McCullers' first start of the season, when he was blasted for five earned runs over 4.2 innings against the Red Sox. The 22-year-old was still shaky with his control -- as evidenced by him giving up a trio of walks for the second time in two starts -- but he was also able to induce 14 swinging strikes. He'll try his luck again at home next Thursday versus a dangerous Orioles lineup.