Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Cade Horton faced tough competition during his eighth start against the Houston Astros, resulting in an unfortunate outing. Although he had a solid 3.73 ERA coming into the game, he struggled early, allowing three runners in the first two innings but escaping unscathed. However, the third inning proved disastrous as he loaded the bases and gave up a sacrifice fly and a three-run homer to Yainer Diaz. By the end of the fourth inning, Horton had given up seven runs, raising his ERA to 4.80. Despite the setback, Cubs manager Craig Counsell remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of this experience for Horton, likening it to a playoff atmosphere. With the Cubs having traded Cam Smith to the Astros, the matchup held extra significance, showcasing the pressure of high-stakes games.