Geovany Soto drove in two runs and Ryan Theriot homered to lead the Chicago Cubs past the Houston Astros, 5-1, on Monday.
Alfonso Soriano added an RBI double and Carlos Silva pitched five strong innings for the Cubs, who were coming off a heartbreaking loss in extra innings against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.
Trailing 1-0 after Lance Berkman’s RBI single in the first, Soto followed a walk and a double with a double of his own, driving a shot into left field off Wesley Wright that scored Marlon Byrd and Alfonso Soriano to put the Cubs on top.
Chicago added two more off Wright (0-1) in the third on when Derrek Lee scored on a fielder’s choice and Soriano doubled home Byrd. Theriot completed the scoring in the sixth with his first homer of the season.
Silva (10-4) was in control for most of the night, allowing one run on five hits while walking one and striking out four. He was removed after five innings despite having reached only 90 pitches.
Three relievers bridged the gap to closer Carlos Marmol, who pitched a scoreless ninth for his 19th save.
Chi. Cubs | Houston | |
Carlos Silva | Player | Wesley Wright |
Win | W/L | Loss |
5.0 | IP | 5.0 |
4 | Strikeouts | 4 |
5 | Hits | 8 |
1.80 | ERA | 7.20 |
Chi. Cubs | Houston | |
Ryan Theriot | Player | Chris Johnson |
2 | Hits | 2 |
1 | RBI | 0 |
1 | HR | 0 |
5 | TB | 2 |
.500 | Avg | .500 |