MLB Scores: Cubs 14, Astros 6

Six runs would have won Houston 47 of the 76 games they played before Sunday. Houston has only scored six or more runs 18 times this season.

Getting to that mark should have meant a series win in Wrigleyville, but it didn't. That's because Jordan Lyles, who seemed to be turning into the "ace" of this staff, absolutely imploded in his five innings on the mound. After he left, the bullpen did bullpen things and Houston was on its way to a 14-6 blowout loss.

Twice last season, Lyles gave up at least eight runs while still pitching five innings. His old big inning troubles cropped up again, as the 22-year old gave up four runs in the bottom of the third. The biggest blow there was Nate Schierholtz's two-run single that scored Luis Valbuena and Jeff Samardzija.

Lyles gave up another three runs in the bottom of the fifth, with Anthony Rizzo, Ryan Sweeny and Darwin Barney each picking up RBI hits. After that, things got a little nuts, with multiple relievers giving up multiple big innings.

At least the offense wasn't terrible. Chris Carter had a four-hit game, going 4 for 5 with three doubles, two runs scored, two RBIs and only one strikeout. Jason Castro also had a nice day, going 3 for 5 with a pair of doubles.

Other than that, though, this was a disappointing showing for the end of a series. With another old NL Central nemesis on tap for this week (the Cardinals), Houston isn't inspiring confidence that they can make a good showing.