Lance McCullers Jr. Sees Impressive Home Streak Snapped

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. surrendered five runs (four earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings during Monday's home loss to the Seattle Mariners.

The outing marked the first time that the 23-year-old hurler allowed three or more runs in a start at Minute Maid Park, snapping a streak of 27 straight without doing so to start his career, per ESPN Stats & Info. It's the longest streak to begin a career since 1893.

McCullers burst onto the scene as a rookie with the Astros in 2015, posting a 3.22 ERA with 129 strikeouts over 125.2 innings during 22 major league starts. His 2016 campaign was shortened on both ends by shoulder injuries, but he pitched well when healthy. He matched the 3.22 ERA and upped his strikeout rate.

Another strong start to the 2017 season—including a 7-2 first-half record—earned McCullers his first All-Star nomination. Unfortunately, a lower back injury forced him to miss the festivities and instead endure his first stint on the new 10-day disabled list.

McCullers hasn't enjoyed much success in his starts both preceding and following the DL stint. Over just nine innings combined between the two outings, he has allowed 11 runs (nine earned) and has seen his ERA jump from 2.69 to 3.28.

Despite his recent struggles, Houston continues to roll along, possessing the best record (62-31) in the American League and second-best mark in MLB. McCullers will attempt to get back on track in his next scheduled start Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles.