Astros 2, Cubs 1: Bregman’s blast and Houston pitching staff holds off Chicago

Sports Illustrated famously predicted that the Houston Astros would win the 2017 World Series. If that were to happen, it’s easy to assume that they would be facing the Chicago Cubs in said World Series.

It felt like we were seeing a preview of said series with two tightly fought games to start the series.

Alex Bregman continued his strong finish to the season with a home run in the third inning. Houston wasn’t done with getting runs after the blast.

Astros played a little NL baseball to manufacture a run. A bunt single from Jose Altuve and Yulieski Gurriel single put runners on the corner. A sacrifice bunt from Marwin Gonzalez scored Altuve.

The Cubs got one run back in the fourth with a walk from Jorge soler, a double from Miguel Montero, and a sacrifice fly by Willson Contreras.

Both teams continued to make great plays keep runs off the board. Jason Castro gunned down Wilson Contreras at second in the seventh on a steal attempt. Springer was thrown out at home by Jason Heyward in the seventh.

After a walk to Anthony Rizzo, Ken Giles shut down the Cubs for his 10th save.

Chris Devenski, Will Harris, and Luke Gregerson combined to pitch three scoreless innings. Saving the best for last, the Astros pitching staff was excellent on Saturday. Collin McHugh allowed just one run on two hits over five innings.