The Cubs finished a disapointing first home stand in a lousy fashion. They lost 3-2 in ten innings to the lowly Houston Astros. In doing so,they blew a 2-0 lead, wasted a nice effort by Ryan Dempster, lost two of three to the same Astros who came to town 1-9, and ended the first two home series 3-3. Dempster left in the eigth inning with a 2-0 lead,but gave up a single to Tommy Manzella and he walked Michael Bourn with two gone. Carlos Marmol tried to get a four out save, but he yielded a run scoring single to Jeff Keppinger whicch made it 2-1. Marmol blew the save in the top of the ninth by giving up a one out single to Hunter Pence(who stole second),and a run scoring double down the RF line by Cub killer Geoff Blum.Sean Marshall(0-1)started the 10th and gave up a leadoff pinch double to RF by Jason Michaels who was bunted to third by Bourn. After Keppinger was walked intentionally, Pedro Feliz lifted the game winning sa fly to deep enough CF. Matt Lindstrom struck out the side in the Cub tenth around a two out single by Byrd for his second save,both against the Northsiders.The Cubs only runs off Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez came in the botto of the third when Jeff Baker walked,Geovany Soto singled him to second,and Dempster bunted them to second and third. After Ryan Theriot bounced back to the mound, Marlon Byrd bounced a two run single between short and third.The Cubs were blanked the rest of the day.

NOTES—Attendance on a chilly day was 39,506…..Tim Byrdak(1-0) got the win in relief…..The Cubs start a seven game road trip Monday night with the first of four against the Mets at Citi Field with Randy Wells(1-0)opposing Jonathan Niese(0-1).The Cubs then play three net weekend with the Brewers at Miller Park.

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