HOUSTON -- The Astros hit the midpoint of their regular-season schedule Wednesday night on a 96-win pace, but they're reeling after the Orioles stormed Minute Maid Park and swept three games, capped by a 5-2 win. It was a shocking turn of events, considering Houston enjoyed a dominant three-game sweep in Baltimore a week earlier.

After winning 11 consecutive games -- and averaging 8.5 runs per game during that streak -- the Astros have lost five of six games to the Tigers and Orioles, including four straight. That’s their longest losing streak since they lost four in a row from May 21-25, and they've now been swept by the Rockies, Rangers, Tigers and Orioles this season.

• Box score

“It’s frustrating,” Houston manager Dusty Baker said. “I don’t think this series we played down to the competition. They hit us all over the park. … They’re better than they’re playing, than their record indicates. … No explanation. They just beat us. Anybody in this league can beat anybody.”

The Astros’ bullpen took much of the scrutiny in losses to the Orioles on Monday and Tuesday, but Houston’s struggling offense was the culprit Wednesday. The Astros were held to five hits and had only 22 in the three-game series -- 20 singles and two doubles. They’ve hit one homer over the past six games.

“They’re fatigued,” Baker said of his offense. “It seems like we’re just a hair off, a bit late.”

Astros starter Luis Garcia gave up a season-high four earned runs -- all in a 44-pitch first inning that saw pitching coach Brent Strom get ejected for arguing balls and strikes. The Astros’ offense managed only two runs in 4 1/3 innings against O's starter Matt Harvey, who entered the game with a 7.54 ERA.

Through 81 games, here’s a closer look at the Astros:

What’s gone right
Despite stumbling in recent days, the Astros still lead the AL West by a half-game over the A’s and are on a pace to win 96 games, which means they’re still among AL royalty. They’ve struggled to beat some lesser teams (going 19-17 against teams with losing records), but they are 29-16 against teams with winning marks.

Houston's offense remains one of MLB's most dangerous, with a potent top seven in the order when healthy. Five players -- Carlos Correa (.916), Yuli Gurriel (.907), Yordan Alvarez (.884), Michael Brantley (.875) and Jose Altuve (.875) -- have an OPS of .875 or better, while Kyle Tucker and Myles Straw have overcome slow starts. Alex Bregman has been out nearly a month due to a left quadriceps strain and had a .787 OPS in 59 games.

Perhaps the biggest positive of the first 81 games has been the starting pitching. A spring injury to Framber Valdez prompted the Astros to sign veteran Jake Odorizzi, then Valdez returned quicker than expected. Zack Greinke remains a solid starter, and Garcia has proven to be legit. Lance McCullers Jr. has pitched well, despite some health issues, while Odorizzi overcame an early-season injury and a disjointed start to the season.

What’s gone wrong
Injuries have decimated Houston's bullpen, which was already a huge question mark coming into the season. Veteran Pedro Báez -- the Astros' biggest offseason pitching acquisition prior to the Odorizzi signing in March -- has been out all season while battling a COVID-19 diagnosis and then right shoulder soreness. Veteran Joe Smith, who didn't play in 2020, has struggled and has been on the IL for nearly a month.

The Astros were banking on young relievers Andre Scrubb, Enoli Paredes and Blake Taylor to duplicate their solid rookie campaigns of a year ago -- which came in front of no fans -- but they’ve all dealt with health problems and on-field growing pains. Bryan Abreu (left calf strain) has been out more than a month with an injury as well. Starting pitcher José Urquidy has landed on the IL twice with a right shoulder issue.

Houston could get Abreu, Paredes and Smith back soon, and rehabbing Josh James could help the club in the second half. There is no timetable on Báez, which means Houston will likely be in the market to add a relief pitcher at the July 30 Trade Deadline. Closer Ryan Pressly has been the lone bright spot in the bullpen, but he needs help.

Bregman’s quad strain, sustained June 16, has left a big hole in the lineup and on the field, where he plays a high-quality third base. And his injury came only days after utility infielder Aledmys Díaz fractured his left hand. Infielders Robel García and Abraham Toro have had their moments in the duo's absence, but Bregman is an AL MVP-caliber player when healthy. He could be back after the All-Star break.

“We just have to stay healthy,” Baker said.