Cubs Snap Losing String, Take 3 of 4

After losing eight straight, the Cubbies finally roar and take three in a row from fellow NL cellar-dwellers Houston. But not before Houston's "Toy Cannon" fires a few rounds.

The Toy Cannon warms up en route to three dingers

Game 1: HOU 7, Cubs 5
W: Dierker (1-1)
L: Hands (0-1)
S: Coombs (1)

Jimmy Wynn, the diminutive Toy Cannon, is making a name with the Astros, striking for three homers (2,3,4,) and five ribbies in the win at Wrigley. The Cubs have plenty of chances to make their own firepower but leave 12 on base and can't quite catch up.

Game 2: Cubs 1, HOU 0
W: Nye (1-2)
L: Giusti (0-1)
S: Regan (1)

A great pitchers' duel, with 'Stros starter Dave Giusti striking out eight and only allowing five Cubs hits, as he had the palmball working. But the Cubs' Adolfo Phillips strikes for a solo homer in the eighth, his third, for the only score, to get out of manager Leo Durocher's doghouse.

Game 3:  Cubs 5, HOU 1 (Game 1 of doubleheader)
W: Niekro (2-2)
L: Wilson (2-2)

An easy complete game win for the knuckling Niekro, aided by a double, triple and two RBIs from the great Ron Santo.

Game 4: Cubs 6, HOU 0 (Game 2 of doubleheader)
W: Holtzman (1-0)
L: Lemaster (0-2)

The Cubs sweep the doubleheader with another masterful start, this one a three-hit, 8.1-inning shutout from Ken Holtzman, as Santo hits another double (4) and drives in two more.