Astros Extend Win Streak to 5 Games with 7-4 Victory Over Cubs

Introduction to the Game

HOUSTON (AP) — Cam Smith hit a three-run homer in his first game against the Cubs since being traded to Houston and Brandon Walter threw six solid innings in his first MLB victory as the Astros beat Chicago 7-4 on Friday night.

The Game’s Turning Points

Yainer Diaz added a three-run homer as AL West-leading Houston extended its winning streak to five games. The Astros scored four runs in the third off Cubs starter Cade Horton (3-2), with Jose Altuve scoring on a sacrifice fly by Victor Caratini before Diaz capped the inning with his 377-foot shot to left-center.

Notable Performances

Smith, a first-round draft selection by Chicago last year was acquired by the Astros in the offseason as part of the deal for Kyle Tucker, extended Houston’s lead to 7-0 in the fourth with his home run off the left field façade, his sixth of the season. Smith had two hits and scored two runs. Walter (1-1), a 28-year-old left-hander, allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts. Josh Hader got the final out for his 22nd save.

Injuries and Setbacks

Jeremy Peña exited in the fifth with left rib soreness. He was hit by a pitch in his left side in the second. There was no immediate word on the extent of his injury. Nico Hoerner hit a solo home run in the fifth, and Matt Shaw added a two-run double in the seventh and an RBI double in the ninth for NL Central-leading Chicago.

Post-Game Analysis

Horton allowed seven runs on eight hits with four walks in four innings. Tucker was hitless in his return to Houston. He kept the game scoreless in the first, throwing Isaac Paredes out at the plate to end the frame.

Key Moment

Hader inducing a lineout to center by Ian Happ to end it with Tucker, representing the tying run, on deck.

Key Stat

Houston has its second five-game winning streak for the month of June, and improved to an MLB-best 18-6 this month.

Up Next

Cubs RHP Colin Rea (4-3, 4.42 ERA) starts the second game of the three-game series Saturday. Houston has not named a starter.

Conclusion

The Astros’ victory over the Cubs marks their fifth consecutive win, solidifying their lead in the AL West. With notable performances from Cam Smith and Yainer Diaz, and a solid outing from Brandon Walter, the Astros are looking strong heading into the next game of the series.

FAQs

• Q: Who hit a three-run homer for the Astros?
  • A: Cam Smith and Yainer Diaz both hit three-run homers.
• Q: What is the current win streak of the Astros?
  • A: The Astros have extended their winning streak to five games.
• Q: Who will start for the Cubs in the next game?
  • A: Cubs RHP Colin Rea (4-3, 4.42 ERA) will start the second game of the series.
• Q: What is the status of Jeremy Peña’s injury?
  • A: Jeremy Peña exited the game with left rib soreness, but there is no immediate word on the extent of his injury.