Astros Edge Cubs Behind Altuve’s Homer and Valdez’s Arm

Jose Altuve delivered the swing, and Framber Valdez took care of the rest as the Houston Astros topped the Chicago Cubs 2-0 Sunday afternoon in a pitcher’s duel in H-Town.

Altuve launched a two-run homer in the fifth to break a scoreless tie, his 13th of the season, while Valdez worked six shutout innings, striking out six and allowing just five hits. The Cubs threatened in the seventh, but Bryan Abreu came in to extinguish the rally before handing it over to closer Josh Hader.

Hader secured his 23rd straight save to start the season—a franchise record—by retiring the side in order in the ninth. Jameson Taillon pitched well for Chicago but was tagged with the loss after surrendering the Altuve homer on his final pitch.

The win kept Houston unbeaten in their last 11 series, and the Cubs now turn their attention to a midweek matchup with Cleveland.