Keuchel improves to 6-0 with 7 dominant innings against A's

A new ace is emerging out of the American League West.

Dallas Keuchel tossed seven innings yielding one unearned run while scattering six hits to lower his league-leading ERA to 1.67, as the Houston Astros cruised to a 6-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday afternoon.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

The lefty is now 8-0 in his last 11 starts dating back to last season. The eight-game winning streak is the longest active streak by a starter. His last loss was Aug. 21 of last year to the New York Yankees.

Keuchel is the first Astros starter to begin a season 6-0 or better since Roger Clemens went 9-0 to open the 2004 campaign. He joins Michael Wacha (6-0) and James Shields (5-0) as the only remaining undefeated starters this season.

Evan Gattis clubbed his eighth homer in the victory - a majestic two-run shot - to increase the team's league-leading total to 61.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

The Astros improved to 27-14 with the victory and have now won seven of their last eight contests.