Astros 8, Cubs 5: Walker's Three-Run Homer Caps Fifth-Inning Sweep Closer

The lead

May 24, 2026 - Chicago - The Houston Astros completed a three-game sweep with an 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, as Christian Walker's three-run homer capped a five-run fifth, Nick Allen added a solo shot and two RBIs, and Jake Meyers also went deep, per the Associated Press recap on CBS Sports.

Houston has won three straight and four of five while Chicago's skid reached eight games—its longest since a nine-game slide in 2022.

How the game turned

The Cubs jumped ahead 3-1 in the second on rookie Pedro Ramirez's first career hit and RBI double, a Pete Crow-Armstrong sacrifice fly, and Nico Hoerner's RBI single. Houston answered in the fifth when Jeremy Peña's two-run single gave the Astros the lead for good and Walker followed with a blast into the left-center bleachers.

Allen added a bloop RBI single in the ninth. Michael Busch homered for Chicago, but the Cubs have lost 12 of 14, including six straight at Wrigley after winning 15 in a row there.

Pitching and matchup notes

Peter Lambert (3-4) allowed three runs on five hits over five innings with five strikeouts and four walks, leaving the bases loaded in the second after fanning Michael Conforto. Nate Pearson worked the ninth for his first save.

Shota Imanaga (4-5) absorbed all seven runs and seven hits in a third straight loss. Yordan Alvarez, who left Saturday with back spasms, did not start but manager Joe Espada said he felt fine.

AthX Engine graded Houston at 14 team FP with Allen leading hitters at 13 hitting FP.

Bats that changed the board

Allen went 3-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs from the bottom of the order—a perfect complement to Walker's middle-inning damage. Peña's clutch single flipped the game before the long ball sealed it.

AthX Engine fantasy angle

Spread-out offense—homers from three different bats plus Allen's 13 hitting FP table-setter night—helped the Astros land 14 team FP without needing a single 20 FP bat. AthX Engine rewards that breadth on a full Sunday slate, separate from dynamic pricing.

What comes next

Houston opens at Texas with Tatsuya Imai (1-2, 8.31 ERA) on Monday night, per AP. Chicago heads to Pittsburgh for a Memorial Day matinee.

*Sources: MLB.com schedule, CBS Sports recap, AthX Engine scoring. Information only; not financial advice.*