Bryant Powers Cubs to Win, Division Title Grows Near

Kris Bryant was the man, again, for the Chicago Cubs (90-50) on a night when they needed a shot of offense. His two run blast in the top of the fifth inning was all the Cubs needed behind the impressive outing by Jon Lester (16-4, 2.51 ERA). That home run was the key hit in the Cubs 2-0 win tonight (Box Score) against the Houston Astros.

The Cubs found themselves a bit perplexed, at times, against the pitching of Joe Musgrove and the Astros’ bullpen. They limited the Cubs to only five hits on the night. Every time the Cubs got a runner in scoring position they couldn’t get the runner home, going 0-for-5 on the night.

As good as it seemed the Astros pitching was, Jon Lester was right there, step for step. He allowed only seven hits on the night and only one extra base hit, holding the Astros to 0-for-5 with RISP.

Stats that matter

• Lester, who’s been incredible this season, keeps cruising – 7.0IP, 0R, 7H, 7Ks, 103 pitches
• Both Hector Rondon and Aroldis Chapman looked dominant – 2.0IP, 0R, 0H
• Bryant’s home run made all the difference – 1-for-3, 1R, 2RBI, 1BB, HR

Bottom line

This was a good win for the Cubs on a night when there wasn’t much offense from either side. The Cubs keep marching towards the inevitable National League Central crown. With this win, their magic number has slide to 7 games.

Next up

The Cubs and Astros go at is again on Saturday at 12:05 PM CT. John Lackey, who was bumped up by one day in the rotation by Joe Maddon, will get the start for the Cubs.