Smith and Diaz hit three-run homers as Astros top Cubs 7-4

Yainer Diaz and Cam Smith each blasted three-run homers, and Brandon Walter earned his first career victory as the Houston Astros opened their three-game interleague series against the Chicago Cubs with a 7–4 win on Friday.

The Astros continued their impressive form, extending their victory streak to five matches with early offensive dominance against Cubs' right-hander Cade Horton (3-2). Their home record has been remarkable, winning 18 of their last 22 games at home, including nine consecutive victories.

In the initial innings, Horton managed to avoid trouble, primarily due to excellent defensive plays from outfielders Kyle Tucker and Ian Happ.


Tucker, who had previously played for Houston before being traded to the Cubs, prevented Isaac Paredes from scoring in the first inning with a precise throw to catcher Carson Kelly after fielding Jake Meyers' single.

Paredes, who came to the Astros as part of the Tucker trade, hit a low line drive with loaded bases in the second inning, but Happ's catch ended the threat. However, Houston successfully loaded the bases against Horton in the third inning with no outs.

Victor Caratini's sacrifice fly to centre field brought Jose Altuve home, giving Houston a 1-0 advantage. Subsequently, Diaz struck his 10th homer of the season, sending a first-pitch sweeper 377 feet to left-centre, extending the lead to 4-0. In the following inning, Smith, another former Cubs player acquired in the Tucker trade, contributed significantly.

After one-out singles from Paredes (2-for-5) and Altuve, Smith hit his sixth homer of the season, launching a first-pitch fastball 398 feet to left-centre, increasing the lead to 7-0. Smith performed excellently against his former team, going 2-for-2 with two walks and three RBIs.

Horton struggled through four innings, conceding seven runs on eight hits and four walks, managing only two strikeouts.

Walter (1-1) effectively managed Dansby Swanson's leadoff triple in the second inning and allowed only one run via Nico Hoerner's homer in the fifth. He completed six innings, giving up five hits and securing five strikeouts.

Cubs' Matt Shaw contributed with a two-run double in the seventh and an RBI double in the ninth, necessitating Houston to bring in closer Josh Hader, who secured his 22nd save by getting the final out.