It looks like the Cubs will still be in search of a fifth starter while Andrew Cashner is on the DL. Left-handed reliever James Russell lasted under two innings in his first major league start Tuesday night at Houston, giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits in that time.
The pitchers who came on in relief only dug the hole for the Cubs deeper. The combination of Jeff Samardzija, Jeff Stevens, Marcus Mateo, and John Grabow combined to give up another six runs to the Astros.
A lack of hitting on the part of the Cubs ensured that Tuesday’s game was over almost before it started. Besides three hits for Marlon Byrd, most of the Cubs bats were silent — the team as a whole left 25 men on base. The only offense mustered came on a solo home run by Tyler Colvin, his second on the season, and an RBI from Starlin Castro, who had two hits on the night.
Brett Myers generally handled the Cubs well, pitching 7.0 innings while giving up only one run on eight hits. He also struck out five. Myers is now 11-3 against the Cubs over his career.
The teams will play the rubber match of the series on Wednesday evening at Minute Maid Park. First pitch in that game will be at 7:05 P.M., CDT.