Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh allowed just two runs in four innings Thursday against the Mets, but he still dropped to 0-2 during a 3-1 loss. McHugh allowed four hits and no walks, while striking out three.
McHugh, who threw 43 of 62 pitches for strikes, gave up solo home runs to Michael Cuddyer in the second inning and Curtis Granderson in the fourth inning.
“I feel much better today,” McHugh said, per the Houston Chronicle. “I feel like all my pitches were there to an extent. I did some good things out there today.
“I worked on my breaking ball, got it a little bit tighter, a little bit sharper at times and was able to execute some pitches that I’ve had trouble with earlier in the spring. We’re working our way toward the season, definitely making some good changes and getting some momentum.”
McHugh has a 5.56 ERA through four spring starts. He has 12 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings.
“I feel like I’m getting a little bit better, working on refining things a little bit more each outing,” he said. “I think with two or three more outings left to go I think we’re making good progress. …
“When you got out and you’re pumping the zone full of strikes with all your pitches you got to feel good about it. That’s what we’re doing today. That’s what we’re working on.”