The Houston Astros<\/a> defeated the Chicago Cubs<\/a>, 3\u20132, on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field after Christian Walker<\/a> delivered two home runs. Additionally, Astros pitching limited the Cubs to only three hits.<\/p>\n Walker accounted for every Astros run, with two home runs and three RBI. Meanwhile, Astros pitchers tossed a combined shutout and consistently prevented the Cubs from generating offensive momentum. As a result, the Astros opened the series with a complete performance on both sides of the field.<\/p>\n The Astros wasted little time creating offense against Cubs starter Colin Rea<\/a> during the first inning. After Yordan Alvarez<\/a> worked a walk with two outs, Walker launched a two-run home run into left-center field to immediately give the Astros an early advantage. <\/span>Astros pitching quickly answered during the bottom half, as Pete Crow-Armstrong<\/a> and Michael Busch<\/a> both struck out swinging.<\/span><\/p>\n The Astros kept control of the game through the middle innings by consistently attacking the strike zone and limiting hard contact.<\/span><\/p>\n The Cubs created their best scoring opportunity during the third inning after Mois\u00e9s Ballesteros<\/a> walked and Dansby Swanson<\/a> singled. However, Miguel Amaya<\/a> grounded into a double play before C\u00e9sar Salazar<\/a> threw out Pete Crow-Armstrong attempting to steal second base. Consequently, the Astros escaped the inning without allowing a run.<\/span><\/p>\n Walker delivered another massive swing during the fourth inning. He launched his second home run of the afternoon into left-center field, extending the Astros lead to 3\u20130 and shifting momentum further toward the Astros.<\/span><\/p>\n Walker finished as the offensive difference-maker for the Astros, producing all three runs with his two home runs. Although the Astros recorded five hits, Walker\u2019s power provided enough offense throughout the afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n Astros pitching continued dominating the Cubs lineup during the later innings. Michael Conforto<\/a> and Seiya Suzuki<\/a> both struck out swinging during the fifth inning.<\/span><\/p>\n The Astros relief unit preserved the victory late in the game. Steven Okert<\/a>, Enyel De Los Santos<\/a>, and Bryan King<\/a> combined to keep the Cubs scoreless across the final innings.<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, the Astros defense supported the pitching staff throughout the afternoon. Salazar erased a stolen-base attempt during the third inning, and Brice Matthews<\/a> and Walker converted several important defensive outs.<\/span><\/p>\n The Cubs recorded their third and final hit during the ninth inning after Alex Bregman<\/a> lined a single into center field. However, Michael Busch lined to left moments later, ending the game and securing the Astros victory.<\/span><\/p>\n Walker completely changed the game offensively with two home runs and three RBI. Additionally, he produced every Astros run during the victory.<\/p>\n The Astros allowed only three hits across nine scoreless innings.<\/p>\n Astros defenders converted key outs throughout the afternoon. C\u00e9sar Salazar also gunned down Pete Crow-Armstrong attempting to steal second base.<\/p>\n The Astros recorded only five hits during the victory. Additionally, several innings ended quickly after limited baserunner opportunities.<\/p>\n Astros hitters recorded multiple strikeouts during the later innings. Consequently, they struggled to add insurance runs late in the game.<\/p>\n Walker accounted for all three Astros runs during the game. Meanwhile, the remainder of the lineup produced limited offensive output.<\/p>\n The Astros will conclude the series against the Cubs Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Right-hander Peter Lambert<\/a> (2\u20134, 3.57 ERA) will take the hill for the Astros against Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga<\/a> (4\u20134, 3.38 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 pm Central.<\/p>\nAstros \u2013 Cubs Game Summary<\/h3>\n
What Went Right for the Astros<\/h3>\n
Christian Walker<\/h4>\n
Limited Hard Contact<\/h4>\n
Defense<\/h4>\n
What Went Wrong for the Astros<\/h3>\n
Offense Generated Limited Traffic<\/h4>\n
Strikeouts Continued Late<\/h4>\n
Production Came Primarily from Walker<\/h4>\n
Quick Hits<\/h3>\n
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What\u2019s Next<\/h3>\n
Main Photo:<\/h4>\n