Archer, who threw 98 pitches, walked Jose Altuve to lead off the first then didn't allow another baserunner until Colby Rasmus led off the fifth with the Astros' first hit. He retired 26 of 27 batters following the Altuve walk.
Astros starter Collin McHugh pitched well in defeat, allowing one run, five hits and two walks in seven innings. He has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 11 of his last 12 outings, going 7-4 in that span.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
McHugh on the spot defensively: McHugh pitched well in defeat, and he made a pair of eye-popping defensive plays in the fourth.