Full Breakdown
Astros Sweep Extends Cubs' Losing Streak to Eight Games
5/25/2026, 12:35:31 PM
Core Event: Astros Complete Three-Game Sweep
On Sunday the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 8–5 at Wrigley Field, sealing a three-game series sweep. Christian Walker’s three-run homer and Jeremy Peña’s two-run single produced a five-run fifth inning that gave Houston a permanent lead. Cubs starter Shota Imanaga allowed all seven runs on seven hits.
Recent Performance and Rotation Health
The loss extends Chicago’s skid to eight games, the longest since 2022, and drops the Cubs to 29-24, 2½ games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. The offense ranks 28th in OPS and the pitching staff 28th in ERA. Right-hander Edward Cabrera entered the 15-day IL with a blister on his throwing-hand middle finger. The rotation also lacks rookie Cade Horton (Tommy John), Justin Steele (Tommy John recovery) and veteran Matthew Boyd (knee surgery).
Game Flow and Key Statistics
Chicago led 3–1 early via a Pete Crow-Armstrong sacrifice fly and a Nico Hoerner RBI single. Houston answered in the fifth with Walker’s three-run homer and Peña’s two-run single, then added solo shots from Jake Meyers and Nick Allen. Rookie Pedro Ramírez supplied an RBI double. Imanaga yielded seven runs on seven hits, raising his ERA to 4.04. AJ Blubaugh gave up Michael Busch’s homer; Nate Pearson earned his first save.
Management Remarks and Criticism
Manager Craig Counsell said the team must curb home runs and “withstand” the loss of starters until injured pitchers return. He noted the need for better execution on the mound. Third baseman Alex Bregman took responsibility for the offensive slump, calling for fewer empty plate appearances and improved execution.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On the pitching side, we’ve got to prevent homers better,” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
- “We’ve got guys returning in short order here, so we have to withstand that,” — Craig Counsell
- “Right now they’re getting into hitters’ counts, and they’re putting good swings on locations where they can hit the ball well,” Imanaga said. “I need to improve on that, and I think the next outing, even if they do put a good swing on it, trying to induce ground balls.” — Shota Imanaga, Cubs pitcher
- “I feel like it starts with me,” Alex Bregman said. “Too many empty plate appearances.” — Alex Bregman, Cubs third baseman
Upcoming Schedule
Chicago begins a seven-game road trip in Pittsburgh, then faces St. Louis. Houston opens its next series against Texas with right-hander Tatsuya Imai. The Cubs must stabilize rotation and offense to halt the skid and stay in wild-card contention.
