Cubs drop 8th straight, Astros sweep 8-5

Christian Walker hit a three-run homer to cap a five-run fifth inning and the Houston Astros completed a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs with an 8-5 victory on Sunday.

Jake Meyers and Nick Allen added solo shots for Houston, which has won three straight and four of five.

Michael Busch homered for Chicago as its skid reached eight games, its longest since a nine-game slide during the 2022 season. The Cubs have lost 12 of 14, including six straight at Wrigley Field after winning 15 in a row there.

Shota Imanaga (4-5) dropped his third straight after giving up all seven runs and seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts.

Cubs rookie infielder Pedro Ramirez made his first career start at second base a day after joining the club and doubled for his first career hit and RBI in the second. Pete Crow-Armstrong followed with a sacrifice fly and Nico Hoerner added an RBI single to give Chicago an early 3-1 lead.

Cubs haven’t named a starter for Monday afternoon’s game at Pittsburgh. RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (4-3, 3.96) is scheduled to start for the Pirates.



(AP Photo Paul Beaty)