The Houston Astros opened their final series of the year with a shutout win over the Chicago Cubs, taking Game 1 of the three game series, 3-0. The Astros threw a combined two-hitter on the efforts of four men.
Fernando Martinez started things off, opening the second inning with a solo home run. That was all Houston could manage that inning, but Martinez helped the Astros offense find their mark again in the fourth. Martinez reached on an infield single, then scored when Matt Dominguez roped a triple to left. Finally, Scott Moore added some insurance in the eighth when he knocked in Brandon Barnes, who had reached on a single.
Lucas Harrell picks up the win for Houston, going six innings while allowing only two hits and striking out seven. With the win he improves to .500 on the season, 11-11. Jose Valdez, Fernando Rodriguez and Wesley Wright all pitched in to close out the game without allowing a further hit.
Game 2 of the series is Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. CT.
