Dansby Swanson hit a three-run homer in the first inning as the short-handed Cubs managed to defeat the struggling Astros 4-3 on Wednesday night.
Without Cody Bellinger, the Cubs relied on Swanson’s impressive hit and a strong performance by Jameson Taillon to secure their second consecutive victory. They aim to complete the sweep of the three-game series against the Astros on Thursday.
Taillon (2-0) pitched well, allowing only two runs, one of which was earned, and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings on a chilly night at Wrigley Field.
Despite dealing with a back strain that placed him on the injured list at the start of the season, Taillon expressed satisfaction with his progress, stating, “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’s struggles continued, suffering their seventh loss in eight games. Their lineup changes, including moving Alex Bregman to the second spot between Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez, did not yield desired results. The Astros struggled with runners in scoring position, going 1 for 10, and left 10 runners on base.
Despite Altuve hitting a home run in the ninth inning, the Cubs’ Héctor Neris managed to secure the win, retiring Bregman, Alvarez, and Kyle Tucker for his second save in three opportunities.
Bellinger’s absence was highlighted, as he was placed on the 10-day injured list due to two fractured ribs on his right side sustained during Tuesday night’s series opener.
Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of Bellinger’s recovery, stating, “The doctors will come up with a plan,” manager Craig Counsell said, “and, like everything, he’s got to get symptom-free first and we’ll go from there.”
