Thursday, June 20, 2013

Cubs Sweep Astros to Continue NL Surge

The Cubs, recently moving into sole possession of second place in the NL, continue their surge by sweeping Houston, 3-0.

Chicago's Ernie Banks becomes the first 1968 Cubbie to hit 30 home runs (with Santo and Williams poised to join him soon). Houston's Jimmy Wynn hits a home run in each of the three games, putting him at 22 for the year. Chicago is now 75-64, while last-place Houston drops to 51-87.

Game 1: Cubs 4, Astros 2
W: Jenkins (19-9)
L: Dierker (10-11)
S: Regan (21)

"Mr Cub" drives in three, including a solo shot to left center for Banks' 30th home run. Fergie Jenkins wins his 19th but needs another great relief outing from Phil Regan to nail it down late.
Phil Regan is among the league leaders
with 22 saves and a sparkling 1.89 ERA.

Game 2: Cubs 3, Astros 2
W: Reynolds (3-0)
L: Wilson (8-17)
S: Regan (22)

Houston can't hold onto a 2-1 lead early, even as Astros pitcher Don Wilson and "Toy Cannon" Wynn both blast solo homers off Joe Niekro. In the eighth, Santo strokes a double, two batters are walked, and Randy "Rebel" Hundley (who goes four-for-four) and Don Kessinger single in two runs. Regan again nails it down after putting two on in the ninth.

Game 3: Cubs 9, Houston 1
W: Hands (12-11)
L: Lemaster (4-15)

A close one turns into a laugher late as Chicago scores six times in the bottom of the seventh off a hard-hit Denny Lemaster. The big  blow is a bases clearing single from Kessinger, who goes three-for-four and records his seventh triple in the process.

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