WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Astros' starting pitching has been terrific this spring. One day after Justin Verlander struck out eight of the first 11 batters he faced en route to a dominant five-inning start, Dallas Keuchel retired the first 11 batters he faced in Saturday's 2-2 tie against the Nationals at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, including five strikeouts. He was pulled after 3 2/3 innings following a single by Bryce Harper.
Lance McCullers Jr., who's set to make his third start of the spring Sunday against the Mets, hasn't allowed a run in 4 2/3 innings, and Charlie Morton has thrown five scoreless innings in two starts.