Astros' Lance McCullers Jr. Turns Back the Clock in Win Over Red Sox

The veteran pitcher looked dominant in his first start of the 2026 season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:35am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of navy, crimson, and goldenrod.McCullers' masterful pitching performance against the Red Sox showcases his ability to deconstruct and reconstruct his delivery in a dynamic, geometric fashion.New Orleans Today

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. turned in a vintage performance in his first start of the 2026 MLB season, allowing just one earned run on four hits and a walk while striking out nine batters over seven innings in an 8-1 win over the Boston Red Sox. McCullers, a 2017 All-Star, is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2025 season that saw him post a 6.51 ERA.

Why it matters

McCullers' strong outing is a positive sign for the Astros, who have had to lean heavily on their bullpen in the early going this season. The veteran right-hander is in the final year of a five-year, $85 million contract and is hoping to regain his All-Star form to help Houston make another playoff push.

The details

McCullers used his full repertoire of pitches to great effect, leaning most heavily on his sinker, which accounted for 34.4% of his pitches. He also mixed in a four-seam fastball, cutter, changeup, sweeper, and knuckle curve. Of his nine strikeouts, eight came on swings and misses, including two each against Red Sox hitters Roman Anthony and Trevor Story.

  • McCullers made his first start of the 2026 MLB season on March 31, 2026.

The players

Lance McCullers Jr.

A nine-year veteran starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Roman Anthony

The Boston Red Sox leadoff hitter who was one of McCullers' strikeout victims.

Trevor Story

The Boston Red Sox shortstop who was struck out twice by McCullers.

Jarren Duran

The Boston Red Sox designated hitter who was also struck out by McCullers.

Brian McTaggart

The Astros beat writer who noted that McCullers was the only Astros starter to complete six innings in the team's first five games.

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What they’re saying

“I would love to be good, not because I want to necessarily continue to play, but just because I would love to be good for this organization and this fan base in my last year here.”

— Lance McCullers Jr.

What’s next

McCullers will look to build on his strong season debut when he makes his next start for the Astros.

The takeaway

After an injury-plagued 2025 season, McCullers' dominant performance in his first start of 2026 is an encouraging sign that the veteran right-hander can regain his All-Star form and help the Astros make another playoff push in what could be his final season with the team.