At some point, the Astros need to beat the best pitching again. On Thursday, there was just a lifeless lineup in a lifeless stadium.
There was no walk-off or much else redeeming for the Astros outside of Collin McHugh’s start opposite Rays All-Star Chris Archer in a 1-0 loss at Minute Maid Park, where Archer had full control over a lineup that typically makes opponents work at least a tiny bit harder.
Colby Rasmus’ single to start the fifth inning was the Astros’ lone hit as Archer struck out 11 and allowed just two base runners in a complete game.