MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PREVIEWS

Far and away the worst team in the major leagues a year ago, Houston has conceded that dubious distinction to its National League Central rival from Chicago. The Cubs’ record of 26-49 is not only the worst in baseball this year, but also the third-worst after 75 games in the franchise’s sad history. The Astros, who squandered a late lead in a 7-3 loss to San Diego on Thursday, won three straight home games over Chicago in May.

The Cubs have struggled in nearly every area, ranking near the bottom of the NL in both runs scored and runs allowed. Houston has — with the exception of Chicago — the worst road record in the majors at 9-25. The young Astros continue to struggle with their pitching, but the offense has improved thanks in part to the middle infield combination of 2B Jose Altuve and SS Jed Lowrie.

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