Morton allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out six over seven innings in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Tigers.
Morton's had a recurring problem this season when reaching the fifth and sixth, but there wasn't an issue in this one. He even made it through the seventh unscathed -- just the second time in 10 starts he's pitched that deep. Prior to Wednesday, opponents had posted a 1.143 OPS against Morton the third time through the order. Unfortunately, the Astros' bats couldn't take advantage of Morton's effectiveness, going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. The right-hander, who lowered his ERA to 4.06, makes his next start Monday on the road against the Twins.