Cubs win 4th in a row as Dave Sappelt leads 4-1 victory over Astros

The Cubs won their fourth game in a row when they beat the Houston Astros 4-1 at Minute Maid Park Monday night.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs and allowed one run on four hits while striking out four batters and walking five over five innings pitched.  Volstad earned his third win of the season.

Dave Sappelt was hands-down the outstanding player of the game as he had a hand in all four Cubs runs and was 2-for-5.  His RBI double in the second inning put the Cubs on the board.  Then his two-run double in the seventh inning gave the Cubs a 4-1 lead, which was eventually the final score.

Dave Sappelt had a part in all four Cubs runs scored against the Astros on Monday night (photo from cubs.com)

Relief pitchers Miguel Socolovich, James Russell, Jaye Chapman and Shawn Camp held the Astros to just one hit and a walk over their three combined innings pitched.

By the ninth inning, there were more Cubs fans at Minute Maid Park than Astros fans.  Chants of "Let's Go Cubbies" could be heard as Carlos Marmol recorded his 19th save of the season.  Love it!

Tomorrow the Cubs and Astros will play the second game of the three-game series at 7:05pm CT.  Justin Germano will start for the Cubs and try for his third win this season.