Houston Astros Beat the Oakland A’s 6-1

Collin McHugh improved his season record to 2-0 by striking out 11 Oakland A’s allowing one run on six hits in 5 and 2/3 innings of work, leading the Houston Astros to a 6-1 win at Minute Maid Park Wednesday.

McHugh (2-0) struck out the side in the first inning and had two strikeouts in the second, third, fourth and fifth innings, but he was pulled after throwing 102 pitches without pitching deep enough to get a quality start.

Shortstop Jed Lowrie gave McHugh all of the help he needed offensively hitting a two-run homer in the first inning and had an RBI double in the third to give the Astros a 3-1 lead.

Lowrie finished the night 2-for-3 at the plate with three RBI.

A's starter Drew Pomeranz (1-1) gave up four runs and six hits in five-plus innings in taking the loss.

McHugh's 11 strikeouts were one off his career high, which he set when he whiffed 12 in 6 2/3 innings during his Astros debut at Seattle last April 22. McHugh has won nine consecutive decisions dating back to Aug. 12 of last year, becoming the first Astros pitcher since Roy Oswalt (2006-07) to win nine decisions in a row.

"I had a pretty good breaking ball tonight, which helped getting in two-strike counts," McHugh said. "You throw it down there and see if they chase."

The Astros have an off-day Thursday before opening a three-game series against the Angels at Minute Maid Park beginning Friday at 7:10 p.m. CST. Veteran right-hander Roberto Hernandez will make his second start of the season for the Astros.