Astros’ McCullers keeps up roll in front of home crowd

Houston right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. continued his strong spring with a dominant outing in front of his hometown fans.

McCullers, 24, a Tampa Jesuit High School product, blanked the New York Yankees on one hit and one walk and struck out five over 4 1/3 innings in the Astros’ 2-0 win Friday at Steinbrenner Field.

“My wife and I are like thirdgeneration Tampa, so everyone with blood resides here,” McCullers said. “We’re like the first people to branch off and move away from Tampa.”

The outing was the first time McCullers and World Series champion Houston faced the Yankees since his four-inning save to close out a Game 7 win in last year’s American League Championship Series.

For the spring, McCullers has allowed one run in 12 2/3 innings, with 15 strikeouts.