Astros top Cubs 7-4 on June 28, 2025, as Yainer Diaz & Cam Smith hit 3-run HRs. Brandon Walter shines, but an injury to Jeremy Peña looms. Read more!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Houston Astros just keep rolling. Powered by a pair of massive three-run homers from Yainer Diaz and Cam Smith, the 'Stros dismantled the Chicago Cubs 7-4 on Saturday night, extending their sizzling winning streak to five games. The victory further cemented their status as the hottest team in baseball, but a mid-game injury to shortstop Jeremy Peña left a cloud of concern over an otherwise triumphant evening at Minute Maid Park.
The Astros are an MLB-best 18-6 in June, extending their AL West lead to a commanding seven games.
The game was a tight affair until the Astros' offense exploded. In the third inning, Yainer Diaz stepped up and launched a three-run shot that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Not to be outdone, Cam Smith, facing his former team for the first time, delivered the knockout blow in the fourth with a three-run blast of his own. Smith's revenge game was perfect; he finished 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored, continuing a torrid stretch that has seen him bat .367 over his last 16 games. Diaz was just as impressive, going 3-for-4 on the night.
While the offense provided the fireworks, Brandon Walter delivered a stellar performance on the mound to keep the Cubs at bay. In six masterful innings, Walter allowed just one run on four hits while striking out five, looking every bit the composed veteran. His reward was a milestone achievement: his first career Major League win. The bullpen held the lead, with Josh Hader shutting the door in the ninth for his 22nd save of the season.
The only sour note of the night was the early departure of Jeremy Peña. After being hit by a pitch in the left side back in the second inning, the shortstop was removed from the game in the fifth with what the team described as left rib soreness. There was no immediate update on the severity of the injury, leaving fans to anxiously await news on a player who is a critical piece of the team's success both offensively and defensively.
The Astros will look to secure the series win against the Cubs tomorrow, but all eyes and ears will be waiting for an update on Jeremy Peña. While the team's dominance in June is undeniable, their ability to maintain this momentum could hinge on the health of their star shortstop. For now, it's another victory lap for a team firing on all cylinders.
