Cubs Maul Astros, Losers of Six Straight

Houston has now lost six straight games but still are managing a winning record at 10-9. The Cubs hitters mauled Astros pitching in the three game set at Wrigley. Chicago never had to go to its bullpen in all three games.

Game One: Cubs 12, HOU 4

W: Holtzman (2-2)
L: Griffin (0-1)

The Astros' young pitcher,  Tom Griffin, gave up 10 runs in the fourth inning as Chicago sent 16 batters to the plate. The inning only ended when Johnny Callison was thrown out at the plate.  Don Kessinger knocked in three and hit his first homer of the year, and Santo, Callison and Hickman drove in two each in the wild frame. The Cubs' Kenny Holtzman finally pitched a good game, going all nine.

Game Two: Cubs 7, HOU 0
W: Hands (3-1)
L: Bouton (1-2)

Jim "Ball Four" Bouton knuckles under to Cubs hitters, giving up all seven Cubs runs on 11 hits in five innings. Chicago's Bill Hands is his usual tough self, giving up 10 hits in nine innings but not allowing a run to cross the plate. Kessinger remained hot, driving in two more runs and singling three times.

Game Three: Cubs 8, HOU 2
W: Jenkins (3-1))
L: Dierker (1-1)

A marquee pitching matchup on paper between Fergie Jenkins and Larry Dierker turned into a Cubs rout. Dierker pitched well in seven innings, striking out six. But he was victimized by four Cubs runs in the first two innings, giving up two doubles and Ernie Bank's third homer of the year. Chicago tacked on three late runs in the eighth off Jack Billingham, as Jenkins cleared the bases with a double. Fergie struck out nine and only allowed two runs in his complete game win.