HOUSTON — In an exciting matchup on Friday night, Cam Smith made a significant impact in his debut game against the Cubs since his trade to the Astros, launching a three-run homer that helped Houston secure a 7-4 victory. Brandon Walter showcased his skills on the mound, pitching six impressive innings to achieve his first Major League Baseball win as the Astros continue their hot streak, extending their winning run to five games.
Yainer Diaz also contributed to Houston’s scoring spree with a three-run homer, further solidifying the team’s lead in the AL West. The Astros managed to strike early, scoring four runs in the third inning. This offensive burst was sparked by a sacrifice fly from Victor Caratini, which allowed Jose Altuve to score, and capped off by Diaz’s noteworthy 377-foot homer to left-center field.
Smith, who was a first-round pick by Chicago just last year and later joined the Astros in a trade that included Kyle Tucker, demonstrated his prowess with a formidable home run in the fourth inning. His sixth homer of the season landed off the left field façade, widening Houston’s lead to 7-0. Smith finished the game with two hits and two runs to his name.
Brandon Walter, a 28-year-old left-hander, delivered a commendable performance by allowing just one run on four hits, alongside five strikeouts. Closer Josh Hader took charge in the last moments, securing the final out and claiming his 22nd save of the season.
However, the game was not without its setbacks for Houston, as Jeremy Peña left in the fifth inning due to left rib soreness, a result of being hit by a pitch earlier in the game. The extent of Peña’s injury remains unclear.
On the Cubs’ side, Nico Hoerner hit a solo home run in the fifth, while Matt Shaw added to the scoreboard with a two-run double in the seventh and an additional RBI double in the ninth for Chicago, who leads the NL Central. Cubs starter Cade Horton struggled, allowing seven runs on eight hits, along with four walks over four innings.
In a twist, Kyle Tucker, who was part of the trade for Cam Smith, did not register a hit in his return to Houston. Despite this, he made a crucial defensive play in the first inning, throwing out Isaac Paredes at the plate to maintain a scoreless game.
A defining moment came when Hader coaxed Ian Happ into a center-field lineout, ending the game with Tucker, representing the tying run, waiting on deck.
Houston’s strong June performance continues with this victory, marking their second five-game winning streak in the month, pushing their season record to an MLB-best 18-6 for June.
Looking forward, the series will continue on Saturday as Cubs right-hander Colin Rea (4-3, 4.42 ERA) takes the mound against Houston’s Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 4.91), who is anticipated to return from a 15-day injured list.