LET’S KEEP IT THIS WAY: The Cubs have not been swept at home by the Astros since May 30-June 1, 2011, when they lost by 12-7, 7-3 and 2-1. This is the just the eighth series between the teams at Wrigley Field since then. In one, 2012, the Cubs lost the first two games, both by 3-0, then won the third, 5-4. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)

Astros DH Yordan Alvarez, a three-time All-Star who has 15 home runs, left Saturday's 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs in the middle of an at-bat in the sixth inning because of back spasms, but Houston manager Joe Espada said the slugger "feels better.