Jose Altuve homers and Framber Valdez tosses six shutout innings in
Astros' 2-0 win over Cubs
[June 30, 2025]
By ADAM SPOLANE
HOUSTON (AP) — Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and
Framber Valdez tossed six shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat
the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Sunday.
Altuve’s 13th home run of the season broke a scoreless tie in the fifth
inning. It was his first extra base hit in 34 at bats and the Astros'
only extra base hit of the game. |
Houston Astros' Jose Altuve celebrates in the dugout after hitting a
two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning of a
baseball game Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J.
Phillip) |
|
Valdez (9-4) struck out six while allowing five
hits and two walks. Only one man reached third base against him.
He exited with two on and nobody out in the seventh, but Bryan
Abreu replaced him and retired Michael Busch, Vidal Bruján and
Ian Happ to work out of trouble.
Abreu pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out four of the
six men he faced.
Josh Hader retired the side in order in the ninth inning to
convert on his franchise record 23rd straight save opportunity
to start the season.
Jameson Taillon (7-6) matched zeroes with Valdez until Altuve’s
home run on his 107th and final pitch of his outing. He struck
out four while giving up five hits and one walk over 4 2/3
innings.
The bullpen trio of Ryan Brasier, Ryan Pressly and Brad Keller
held the Astros to two hits over 3 1/3 innings.
Key Moment
Altuve’s fifth inning, two-run homer to break the scoreless tie.
Key Stat
The Astros are unbeaten in their last 11 series, dating back to
May 22, going 9-0-2 in that span.
Up Next
The Cubs open a three-game series against the Guardians on
Tuesday with LHP Matthew Boyd (7-3 2.65 ERA) against RHP Gavin
Williams (5-3 3.68 ERA).
The Astros open a three-game series at the Rockies on Tuesday
with LHP Colton Gordon (3-1 3.98 ERA) against RHP Chase
Dollander (2-8 6.06 EA).
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