The Houston Astros dropped their 2012 season finale to the Chicago Cubs, 5-4, on a Bryan LaHair walkoff single. The Astros finish the year with 107 losses, eclipsing the previous franchise high of 106, which was set last season.
Houston looked like it would avoid setting that record late in the game when Justin Maxwell hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to tie the game at four. However, reliever Hector Ambriz, who loaded the bases on two walks and a bunt single, allowed a line drive single to LaHair with two outs, which allowed the Cubs to avoid being swept at home to close out the season.
LaHair, who added a second-inning homer to go with his game-winning hit, was the Cubs' top offensive performer of the day. Maxwell, along with catcher Carlos Corporan, led the Astros with two hits apiece.
Starting pitcher Edgar Gonzalez was ineffective for the Astros, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks in just over three innings. Meanwhile, Cubs starter Travis Wood worked around five walks to give up just one run on three hits.