Smyly didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Astros but recorded eight strikeouts and gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks over six innings.
The lefty continued his recent stretch of strong pitching, going at least six innings for the seventh straight outing while giving up two earned runs or less for the sixth time over that span. Smyly's eight strikeouts also served as his second-highest total in that category since July 1 and the effort brought nudged his ERA down for the seventh consecutive start. Although his chance at a fourth consecutive victory was lost when closer Alex Colome imploded in the ninth by giving up back-to-back homers, Smyly's season has undeniably taken a 360-degree turn for the better in the second half of the campaign.