The Houston Astros used the long ball and a strong pitching performance to pounce on the Chicago Cubs, 10-1 to even the three-game series at Wrigley Field.
After struggling with just four hits in their loss on Monday, the Astros bounced back in a big way at the plate with 14 hits including three home runs. Third baseman Brett Wallace hit a three-run home in the third inning and then left fielder Fernando Martinez added another three-run blast to blow the game open as part of a five-run sixth inning for Houston.
The excess runs were more than enough for Houston starter Lucas Harrell (10-8). The right-hander gave up just one run in eight innings on the mound, scattering six hits and striking out seven.
Chicago starter Chris Volstad (0-9) was tagged with the loss, keeping the big right-hander without a win this season.
The two teams finish up the series on Wednesday starting at 1:20 p.m. CT.
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