Astros falter in the heat at Wrigley

Tough way to see the two game winning streak come to an end as the Astros couldn’t overcome a four run fifth inning by the Cubs dropping the series opener 4-2. Bud Norris took the loss in this one, seeing his season record drop to 5-7. He ended up pitching 6.1 innings, giving up four runs and striking out five. The home run ball once again did in Astros’ pitchers as Norris gave up three of his runs on the long ball. Alfonso Soriano hit a solo shot to get the scoring started and then Aramis Ramirez added a two run shot later in the inning.

It is tough to win games when you three, four, and five hitters go a combined 1-10, with Brett Wallace getting the lone hit. Hunter Pence went 0-4 on the day and Lee added a 0-3 but did get a walk that he eventually scored on. Michael Bourn continues his hot hitting, going 3 for 5 with an RBI and two stolen bases. Over the last week, Bourn has hit .379 with four RBI but the stolen bases were the first ones since July 1st. Even with the slump, Bourn still has the major league lead in the category.

I can’t end the game recap without talking about Mighty Mouse, the rookie second baseman Jose Altuve. He has extended his hitting streak to two games, going 1-3 with one strikeout, since being called up on Wednesday. The Astros will play another afternoon game tomorrow at Wrigley Field as Wandy Rodriguez will take the mound for the Astros.