Rookie Chris Sampson , in his first major league start, pitched seven innings of three-hit ball in leading the Astros to a 1-0 win Wednesday afternoon over the Cubs.
Sampson, called up from Round Rock less than a week ago, took the punch out of the Cubs bats with a heavy sinker that recorded 16 ground ball outs.
“I always expect myself to go out there and compete, succeed and work hard for my teammates,” said Sampson, a native of the Houston area. “I kept that same approach, just like I do every other start, in the minor leagues.” He had about 100 friends and family in the stands Wednesday and he put on a show, outdueling Cubs rookie starter Sean Marshall.
Dan Wheeler worked a hitless eighth and Brad Lidge pitched a perfect ninth for his 15th save.
The only run of the game was a solo bomb in the third by Brad Ausmus , his first of the year, as the Astros took two of three from the Cubs.
Chris Burke re-injured his shoulder on a swing and a miss in the third.
The Astros will host the Braves for a four game set starting tomorrow @ 7:05, Andy Pettitte vs. John Thompson.