Cubs sweep Astros 4-3 on Swanson homer

Dansby Swanson hit a three-run homer during Chicago’s four-run first inning and the short-handed Cubs beat Houston.

Playing without Cody Bellinger, Chicago used Swanson’s big swing and a solid start by Jameson Taillon to earn its second straight win. It will try to sweep the three-game set against the struggling Astros on Thursday.

Taillon (2-0) allowed two runs, one earned, and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out four and walked two in his second start since he began the season on the injured list with a back strain.

Houston lost for the seventh time in eight games. It has scored a total of 21 runs during the slide.

Manager Craig Counsell went to insert pitcher Luke Little with one out in the seventh inning. But as the 6-foot-8 left-hander went through the usual check by umpires for pitchers coming into the game, he was told he had to swap out his glove.

“The issue was the American flag was on his glove,” Counsell said. “Pitchers' gloves, they're pretty strict about not having white on the pitchers' gloves. Apparently the flag had what could be a distraction to the hitter.”

The 23-year-old Little, a North Carolina native, said he has been using the same glove since Class A ball. After the issue was resolved, he retired each of the two batters he faced.




(AP Photo Ross D. Franklin)