The Cubs controlled from the first pitch, riding Ben Brown's dominant start to a 7-1 victory over the Rangers at Globe Life Field. Chicago extended its winning streak to eight games behind four hitless innings from Brown and a late offensive surge that put the game away.
Brown was untouchable through four innings, allowing no hits while striking out three and walking one on 46 pitches. The right-hander carried a 1.82 ERA into the game and lowered it further with his scoreless effort. Javier Assad followed with 3.2 innings of one-hit relief to earn the win, improving to 3-1 with a 6.00 ERA.
The Cubs struck first when Happ singled to left, bringing Conforto home in the opening inning. Seiya Suzuki broke the game open in the fourth with a two-run homer to center field that traveled 419 feet, scoring Happ to make it 3-0. Michael Busch delivered the decisive blow in the seventh, doubling to left to score three runs as Bregman, Suzuki and Happ all crossed the plate.
Kumar Rocker struggled for Texas, lasting just 3.2 innings while allowing three runs on four hits and three walks. The right-hander struck out three but took the loss to fall to 1-4 with a 5.01 ERA. The Rangers managed their only run in the fifth when Justin Foscue singled to left, scoring Carter.
Chicago improved to 25-12 and maintained its hold on first place in the division. Texas fell to 17-19 after snapping a brief winning streak. Alex Bregman went 1-for-5 and remains two doubles away from 300 for his career.