Morning Box Scores: Cubs Beat Astros in 12, Sox Now Going Through Motions

By Tim Bearden in News on Sep 17, 2011 2:45PM

Cubs 4, Astros 3

The last thing the Cubs needed after a heartbreaking 11-inning loss in Cincinnati Thursday was another extra inning contest. Lucky for them Matt Garza took a lot of heat off the bullpen. Garza pitched nine-innings, but regular play wasn't enough to get the Cubs a "W" and saddled him with a no-decision. Marlon Byrd's walk-off single in the 12th inning was enough to score Starlin Castro and secured the victory for the Cubs.

Royals 7, White Sox 6

The White Sox, now that they're out of post-season contention, seem to be playing out the string, badly. Eric Hosmer, whom the Sox opted to pitch to after walking Billy Butler, sealed the Sox's fate on Friday with a game-winning RBI. That ninth-inning RBI is symbolism for a season of questionable decisions.