As the start of the second half of the season kicked off, the Houston Astros picked up right where they left off. After defeating the New York Yankees in an exhilarating six-run ninth inning comeback going into the All-Star break, Houston used that momentum and defeated one of the American League’s best team in the Chicago White Sox by a score of 7-1.

The Astros improve their record to 43-22 in their last 41 games against teams that are .500 or better and have won five in a row against the White Sox this season outscoring them 34-9 during that stretch.

"It seems like they rise to the occasion," said Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker when asked about the record against some of the elite teams this season. "They know that we're facing good teams, and they love the competition, especially the good pitchers."

Starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. improved his record to 7-2 and silenced the dangerous bats of the White Sox by only allowing one run and striking out 10 batters on the night. McCullers has not allowed over two runs in his last six starts and has only given up 59 hits in his last 86.2 innings.

“I think my command has been growing since the season has gone on,” said McCullers who kept the White Sox to just two extra base hits in the game. “I have been watching a lot of film. Every day during the break [All-Star] I was watching film, getting my lifts in, playing catch, and trying to stay right. I felt like I found something with the breaking ball, and it was very good tonight. I feel like when I am in the zone and attacking, good things happen”

After being down 1-0 heading into the top of the third inning, Houston used a two-out bases loaded double from Yuli Gurriel to score two runs as the Astros took the lead and never relinquished it after that.

Outfielder Michael Brantley added a solo home run in the fifth inning and Houston increased their lead to six-runs in the seventh inning led by Myles Straw who hit a three-run double down the right field line to clear the bases.

That would be all the offense the Astros would need as relievers Bryan Abreu and Andre Scrubb only allowed one hit to end the game.

“I really believe in our offense,” said Brantley during his postgame press conference. “I think we have a great offense that makes adjustments throughout the entire game and does a great job of communicating.”