64 Lucas Harrell, SP

Although he ended up as the tough-luck loser Sunday against the Pirates, Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell -- who allowed a run in seven innings -- was happy with his performance.

"(Sunday) was the first game this year where I really dominated both sides of the plate with my sinker," Harrell said to the Houston Chronicle. "(Carlos) Corporan and I had a great game plan. He did his homework, and I just followed along with his plan. I didn’t shake off much and just kind of rolled with it. The defense played great behind me."

Harrell, who has allowed an earned run in six starts, didn't allow a hit until Pedro Alvarez's solo home run in the fifth inning. Corporan said the key was making sure Harrell relied on his sinker.

"Down, in and away. Basically that’s it. I think he could’ve pitched (Monday) if he wanted," said Corporan, who only called a few curveballs.

Astros starter Lucas Harrell allowed four hits and a walk over seven innings but it wasn't enough in a 1-0 loss to Jeff Locke and the Pirates.

Pittsburgh combined for a three-hitter to leave Harrell (3-5) with the loss, his third straight since winning three in a row. He struck out three and his only mistake was a solo homer to Pedro Alvarez in the fifth inning. 

Harrell has allowed one earned run in six of his 10 starts this season and two or fewer runs in seven of his 10 outings. But he's also allowed five or more runs in each of his other three starts. 

Harrell makes his next scheduled start Saturday against Oakland. 

The Astros have moved starting pitcher Lucas Harrell's next start to Sunday against Pittsburgh, MLB.com reports. 

Harell last started on Tuesday, so he'll be on regular rest. He has a brutal 5.11 ERA and even 1.0 K/BB in nine starts.

Astros starter Lucas Harrell had a 2-0 lead on Tuesday night in Detroit heading into the bottom of the fifth inning. Before finishing five frames, his lead was gone.

Harrell allowed three runs in the fifth and two more without recording an out in the sixth and took the loss to fall to 3-4 with a 5.11 ERA. Harrell allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings with only one strikeout.

Harrell, who threw 98 pitches, had given up just one run over five frames his last time out against the Angels, but took a no-decision. He's 0-2 in his last three outings since winning three straight from April 19-29.

The Houston starter is scheduled to make his next appearance Monday against Kansas City.