Cubs get strong start from Assad, beat Giants 5-1

Michael Busch hit a three-run homer into McCovey Cove beyond right field in the fifth inning to back Javier Assad’s strong start on the mound, and the Chicago Cubs beat the San Francisco Giants 5-1 on Friday night.

Busch’s drive was the 176th splash hit at Oracle Park, 68th by an opponent and fourth by a Cubs player — first since Joc Pederson in 2021.

Assad (4-1) struck out five, walked one and allowed three hits over six innings to win his third straight decision spanning seven starts.

Giants starter Landen Roupp (5-7) was tagged for four runs on four hits over 4 2/3 innings.

RHP Ben Brown (2-2, 1.74 ERA) pitches the middle game for Chicago opposite Giants RHP Trevor McDonald (2-3, 4.15).



(AP Photo Scott Marshall)