CHICAGO — Christian Walker hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning as the Houston Astros defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-5 on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep at Wrigley Field. The victory extended the Cubs’ losing streak to eight games, their longest since a nine-game slide during the 2022 season.

Walker’s homer was his 14th of the season and capped a five-run fifth inning that gave Houston control of the game. Jeremy Peña delivered a two-run single in the same inning to put the Astros ahead for good. Jake Meyers and Nick Allen also homered for Houston, while Allen added a bloop RBI single in the ninth.

Chicago starter Shota Imanaga (4-5) allowed seven runs and seven hits over six innings while issuing one walk and recording six strikeouts. His earned run average rose from 3.38 to 4.04, and he dropped his third consecutive decision. Reliever AJ Blubaugh surrendered a home run to Michael Busch, who accounted for one of Chicago’s five runs.

The Cubs initially led 3-1 after two innings, fueled by Pedro Ramirez’s first career hit—a run-scoring double—and RBI contributions from Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Ramirez, a rookie infielder, made his first career start at second base one day after joining the club.

Peter Lambert (3-4) took the loss for Chicago after giving up three runs on five hits over five innings, walking four and striking out five. He stranded the bases loaded in the second inning by striking out Michael Conforto. Nate Pearson worked the ninth inning for Houston to record his first save.

Houston outfielder Yordan Alvarez was absent from the lineup after exiting Saturday’s game with back spasms. Manager Joe Espada said Alvarez was not feeling any lingering effects from the injury.

Chicago, which was 15 games over .500 as of May 8, has gone 2-12 since then. The Cubs have lost 12 of their last 14 games and were swept in back-to-back home series after previously winning 15 straight at Wrigley Field. They now hold a 29-24 record, placing them 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central and one game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the third wild card spot. During their current skid, the Cubs’ offense ranks 28th in OPS and their pitching staff ranks 28th in ERA.