Dansby Swanson’s home run propels Cubs to 4-3 win over struggling Stars originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
Dansby Swanson hit a three-run homer during Chicago’s four-run first inning and the Cubs beat the Houston Astros 4-3 on Wednesday night.
Playing without Cody Bellinger, Chicago took advantage of Swanson’s big swing and a solid start from Jameson Taillon to earn their second straight victory. Will try to win the three-game set against the struggling Astros on Thursday.
Taillon (2-0) allowed two runs, one earned run and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out four and walked two in his second start since beginning the season on the injured list with a back strain.
Houston lost for the seventh time in eight games. He scored a total of 21 runs during the slide.
Coach Joe Espada tried to stimulate his lineup by moving Alex Bregman to the second spot between Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez. But the Astros went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base.
Altuve opened the ninth with a shot to left against Héctor Neris for his sixth home run. But Neris retired Bregman, Alvarez and Kyle Tucker for his second save in three opportunities.
Bellinger was placed on the 10-day injured list with two fractured ribs on his right side. The center fielder was injured during Tuesday night’s series opener.
There is still no information on a timetable for his return.
“The doctors will come up with a plan,” manager Craig Counsell said, “and like everything, he needs to be symptom free first and we’ll go from there.”
Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ picked Chicago in the first game against Spencer Arrighetti. Michael Busch hit a sacrifice fly and Christopher Morel walked before Swanson hit a two-out drive to left field for his third home run.
Arrighetti (0-3) was eliminated with two outs in the fourth. The right-hander allowed seven hits, struck out seven and walked two in his third major league start.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Astros: LHP Framber Valdez (elbow soreness) threw about 40 pitches during a bullpen session. “He came off the mound feeling good,” Espada said. Valdez remains in line to start this weekend during a two-game series against Colorado in Mexico City. … RHP Cristian Javier (neck discomfort) played at Houston. “The doctor saw him and it looks like he’s getting better,” Espada said.
Cubs: RHP Kyle Hendricks is taking pills to help with inflammation caused by his lower back strain. He is also receiving treatment and playing ball to help keep his arm moving. He is not too worried about the injury. “It made sense to give myself time to calm down, get out of there and give myself a chance to get back to 100 percent,” he said. … OF Seiya Suzuki (right oblique strain) has resumed baseball activities.
NEXT
Houston right-hander Justin Verlander (1-0, 3.00 ERA) is making his second start since missing the start of the season with shoulder inflammation. Right-hander Javier Assad (2-0, 2.11 ERA) takes over for Chicago.
