Samardzija strikes out 11, Cubs beat Astros 7-1

CHICAGO (AP) — Jeff Samardzija struck out a career high-tying 11 in seven innings and the Chicago Cubs beat the Houston Astros 7-1 on Monday night.

Darwin Barney and Alfonso Soriano hit two-run homers and Anthony Rizzo had four hits for the Cubs.

Chicago won for just the second time in 13 games. The Astros have lost 25 of its last 27 road games.

The crowd of 31,452 was the smallest of the season at Wrigley Field.

Samardzija (8-10) allowed one run and four hits. He also fanned 11 at Atlanta on July 2.

The Astros, who have the worst record in the majors, got their run on the first career homer by rookie Brandon Barnes, a pinch-hit shot in the sixth.

Armando Galarraga (1-2) was tagged for five runs on seven hits.