CHICAGO (AP) — Dansby Swanson hit a three-run homer during Chicago’s four-run first inning and the short-handed Cubs beat the Houston Astros 4-3 on Wednesday night.
Playing without Cody Bellinger, Chicago used Swanson’s big swing and a solid start by Jameson Taillon to earn its second straight win. It will try to sweep the three-game set against the struggling Astros on Thursday.
Taillon (2-0) allowed two runs, one earned, and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings on a chilly evening at Wrigley Field. The right-hander struck out four and walked two in his second start since he began the season on the injured list with a back strain.
“Before that back injury, I just really liked where we were at,” Taillon said, “and I feel like we were able to use that downtime as like, let’s stay on the straight and narrow, stay on the right path.”
Houston lost for the seventh time in eight games. It has scored a total of 21 runs during the slide.
AP PHOTOS: Russian kids ride sticks with a horse's head in hobby horsing competition
Villa boosts push for Champions League qualification with 3
Chicago police officer fatally shot overnight while heading home from work
Reds' bullpen picks up after injured starter leaves, beats the Angels 3
Lightning and Islanders searching for answers to rebound from 2
Korda 1 stroke back in suspended 3rd round of Chevron Championship as she chases 5th straight win
Satellite image analysis: Iranian attack damaged Israeli air base
Ohio lawmakers negotiate to assure Biden makes the state's fall ballot
8 shot, 2 men killed at a party in Memphis park
Carli Lloyd turns diplomat and takes a US message to kids in Greece
Chinese foreign minister arrives in Cambodia, Beijing's closest Southeast Asian ally