Cubs 2-hit by Astros to reach 100 losses

[October 02, 2012]  CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Cubs got their 100th loss of the season when Lucas Harrell threw six shutout innings to lead the Houston Astros to a 3-0 win Monday night.

Four Houston pitchers combined on a two-hitter and Fernando Martinez homered for the third consecutive game. The Astros avoided their franchise-record 107th loss in the opener of their final series in the National League before they move to the American League next season.

The Cubs lost 100 games in a season for the first time since 1966 and were shut out for the 14th time this season. Chicago has lost more than 99 games twice, setting the franchise record of 103 losses in 1962 and 1966. The Cubs have dropped 12 of their last 14.

Houston has matched its franchise record for losses with 106, but the Astros have won four of their last five and are 14-14 since Sept. 1.

Harrell (11-11) struck out seven in six scoreless innings for his first victory since Aug. 14, which was also against the Cubs. He walked one and allowed two hits, a single by David DeJesus and a double by Anthony Rizzo. Harrell retired the last nine batters he faced.

Jose Valdez, Fernando Rodriguez and Wesley Wright did not allow a hit in the final three innings. Martinez's sixth home run was a leadoff shot off Jason Berken in the second inning for a 1-0 lead.

Matt Dominguez hit an RBI triple to left field in the fourth inning after Martinez singled. Left fielder Alfonso Soriano's throw home bounced past catcher Welington Castillo as Martinez scored for a 2-0 lead.

Scott Moore's RBI single in the eighth off Shawn Camp put the Astros ahead 3-0. Berken (0-3) allowed two runs in 4 2-3 innings in his final start of the season.

NOTES: According to STATS, LLC, the last time two teams with 100 losses or more played was Sept. 30, 1962. The Cubs were involved then, too -- they faced the New York Mets. Houston and Chicago are set to play Tuesday night. ... The Astros are playing their final series in the NL against the same team they played in the first game in franchise history. The Houston Colt .45s beat the Cubs 11-2 on April 10, 1962. The Astros are 374-328 against the Cubs, their most victories against any opponent. .Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro played in his 160th game and could play in all 162, which would make him the first Cub to play in all 162 games at shortstop. His 159 starts at shortstop surpassed the single-season franchise mark of 158 starts at shortstop set by Ivan DeJesus (1978) and Don Kessinger (1968). . Astros bench coach Joe Pettini left the team for the final series due to a death in his family and will be replaced on the bench by catching and advance scouting coordinator Matt Sinatro. .Cubs right-hander Chris Volstad (3-11, 6.64 ERA) will start Tuesday against Houston right-hander Bud Norris (6-13, 4.82).

[Associated Press]

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