Houston AstrosvsChicago Cubs
HOU 8/CHC 5
Things to say
Astros beat the Cubs 8-5 at Wrigley on Sunday.
01
opener
Astros took it 8-5 at Wrigley. Houston's been scuffling at 23-31 but the bats finally showed up on a getaway day. Cubs bullpen had no answers.
02
key player
Houston's lineup got into the Cubs starter early — heart of the order did the damage, you could see it coming after the second time through.
03
hot take
Cubs manager went to the pen way too early. You're at home, you ride your starter another inning there.
04
deep cut
Wrigley wind was blowing out — that park plays totally different when the flags point to center. Half those runs don't score on a calm day.
05
exit
Astros need to string a few of these together if they want to claw back in the AL West. Long season though.
The recap
Astros went into Wrigley and just took it, 8-5. Houston's bats woke up against Chicago's starter, and once they got into his stuff the lineup turned over and the damage piled up fast.
Counsell went to the pen too early and it backfired, Houston tacked on the cushion they needed. Cubs drop to 29-24, Astros climb to 23-31 and finally look like they're stringing at-bats together.