7/8 Morning Marquee: Cubs lose, Altuve sets Astros record

On a night when the Cubs fell to the Reds late at Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark, the talented second baseman for the Houston Astros, Jose Altuve, led his club to a series-opening win over the Texas Rangers, tying, then breaking the Astros’ record for most hits prior to the All-Star Break.

He also swiped his 39th base of the season – extending his streak of successful steals to 26 in a row – a testament to the multifaceted approach Altuve plays the game with day in and day out. In other news, Matt Adams clubbed a walk-off homer to lift St. Louis over Pittsburgh at home – the first walk-off home run of the Mike Matheny era, the Orioles blasted three homers in the 11th inning to top the Nationals and the Angels are still flying high, despite losing ace Jered Weaver.

The Cubs hung with Cincinnati for much of the game, but a late push by the Reds proved to be too much as Edwin Jackson lost his ninth game of the year. On a positive note, first baseman and All-Star hopeful Anthony Rizzo clubbed his team-leading 18th homer of the season in the loss.

Here’s the latest from around the league:

“Rizzo homers as Cubs drop opener to Reds” – Cubbies Crib

“Davis homers to fuel six-run 11th in Orioles’ win” – ESPN

“After scoreless duel, Cards walk-off with win” – MLB

“Former Cub Prior inducted into USC Hall of Fame” – Cubbies Crib