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Lance McCullers Jr.'s return from the injured list wasn't the triumphant homecoming the Houston Astros hoped for. In a lopsided 12-3 defeat against the Chicago Cubs, McCullers struggled mightily, surrendering seven runs in a disastrous fourth inning. But amidst the setback, McCullers also identified moments of progress and offered insights into what went wrong – and what went right – during the outing.

The Astros' offense couldn't keep pace with the Cubs' potent attack, but the focus post-game was squarely on McCullers' performance. After missing a significant chunk of time recovering from injury, the pressure was on to provide stability to the rotation. While the result wasn't ideal, McCullers' willingness to dissect his outing and pinpoint areas for improvement demonstrates a commitment to regaining his form.

The fourth inning proved to be the turning point, a sequence of events that quickly spiraled out of control. McCullers acknowledged a combination of factors contributed to the meltdown. "It was a confluence of things," he explained. "They were putting the ball in play, we weren't making the plays behind me, and I wasn't executing pitches the way I needed to." A series of singles, a costly error, and a timely double amplified the damage, leaving the Astros facing a significant deficit.

McCullers pinpointed a lack of consistent command as a major culprit. "I felt like I was just missing up a little bit too much," he stated. "And when you miss up, especially with good hitters, they're going to make you pay." He also noted that his fastball velocity wasn't quite where he wanted it to be, forcing him to rely on his secondary pitches more than anticipated. This, in turn, made him more predictable and easier to handle for the Cubs' hitters. The rust from his injury absence was undeniably a factor, hindering his ability to consistently hit his spots.

Despite the tough outing, McCullers wasn't solely focused on the negatives. He highlighted a few bright spots, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. "My slider felt really good today," he mentioned. "That's something I can build on." He also expressed satisfaction with his ability to remain composed and battle through adversity, even when things weren't going his way. These small victories, he believes, will contribute to his long-term success.

The Astros and McCullers know that one rough outing doesn't define a season. The focus now shifts to refining his command, regaining his peak velocity, and consistently delivering quality starts. With a dedicated approach to training and a willingness to learn from his mistakes, McCullers is confident he can overcome this setback and return to being a valuable asset for the Astros. The team will need his contributions as they navigate a challenging schedule and strive for a playoff berth. This loss serves as a valuable learning experience, providing a roadmap for improvement and a renewed determination to succeed.

The Astros coaching staff will undoubtedly work closely with McCullers to address these issues. Adjustments to his mechanics, a refined pitch selection strategy, and increased focus on consistency will be key to his resurgence. The journey back to top form won't be easy, but McCullers’ attitude and work ethic suggest he's well-equipped to handle the challenge.