Keuchel’s frustration continues to mount

HOUSTON — Regression is one thing, but Keuchel’s 2016 season is officially beyond that.

Frustration continues to mount for the Astros’ ostensible ace, whose struggles this season haven’t backed up a breakout 2015 campaign that culminated with an American League Cy Young Award.

It was all on display Sunday, as the Rangers hammered the lefty in a decisive five-run third inning en route to a 9-2 Astros loss and a sweep on Sunday in Minute Maid Park.

It’s become an all-too-familiar refrain for Houston. Keuchel struggling on the mound while Texas runs roughshod through the Lone Star Series.

Keuchel now sports an 8.75 ERA (23 ER/23 2/3 innings) in his last four starts against the Rangers, allowing 35 hits with a 1-3 mark in that span.

To listen to the lefty, the diagnosis is simple, if terse.

“Ball is up, in hitter’s counts,” Keuchel said. “They’ve done a good job of taking advantage of the mistakes pitchers throw. … I was the one that gave it up, so it’s very frustrating.”

But more materially on Sunday, it was about Keuchel’s execution with two outs, something that has eluded him all season. Texas scored four of its five runs in that third inning — and five of seven off Keuchel in total — with two down.

It’s an unfamiliar sight, given Keuchel’s …

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