Sappelt leads Cubs over Astros 4-1

[September 11, 2012]  HOUSTON (AP) -- Dave Sappelt scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch and had three RBIs, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 4-1 win Monday night in a matchup of the teams with the worst records in the majors.

Sappelt, who was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Sept. 1, drove in his first run for the Cubs with a double to the left field corner to put Chicago up 1-0 in the second inning.

The game was tied 1-all in the sixth before Sappelt scored on a wild pitch by Fernando Rodriguez (1-10) that bounced in the dirt and rolled between catcher Jason Castro's legs.

Sappelt came through again in the seventh, knocking a double off the wall in center field just short of the home run line to score a pair of insurance runs.

The Cubs won their fourth straight, matching their season high.

Justin Maxwell tripled on a ball that rolled up onto Tal's Hill in center field to start Houston's fourth. Jason Castro tied it at 1l with a single to right field on a night when the Astros played with Minute Maid Park's retractable roof open for the first time since May 9.

Chicago starter Chris Volstad (3-10) allowed four hits and a run in five innings. Carlos Marmol gave up one hit in a scoreless ninth for his 19th save.

This was an ugly game which included 14 walks, two hit batters, three wild pitches and 24 left on base. By the time the 3 hour, 50 minute game ended, there were only few hundred fans left and most of them were chanting, "Let's go Cubbies!"

The Cubs missed several chances to score before finally taking the lead. Welington Castillo got things going in the fourth inning with a single to center field. Volstad singled with two outs before Joe Mather singled to left. Castillo raced toward home on the play, but left fielder J.D. Martinez's throw beat him to the plate to end the inning.

Houston starter Dallas Keuchel was lifted for Chuckie Fick in the fifth inning and he allowed a single by Darwin Barney before plunking Anthony Rizzo. His defense helped him out when the Astros turned a double play on a ball hit by Alfonso Soriano that left Barney at third. Fick intentionally walked Starlin Castro, but escaped the jam by striking out Castillo.

The Astros also missed opportunities in this one. Jimmy Paredes hit a stand-up triple to the corner of right field to start the fifth inning before two walks left the bases loaded with two outs. The Astros came away empty when Matt Dominguez grounded out.

Keuchel yielded six hits and a run with two walks in four innings in his first start since returning from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

NOTES: The Astros released RHP Francisco Cordero and purchased the contract of RHP Enerio Del Rosario before Monday's game. ... These teams continue the series on Tuesday when Houston's Jordan Lyles opposes Justin Germano.

[Associated Press; By KRISTIE RIEKEN]

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