Astros 6, Cubs 1

Hero: Ted Lilly, if he is traded later this week, had the best final two outings by a Cubs pitcher before being dealt since Steve Trout in 1987. But Lilly had nothing to show for his efforts.

On Tuesday, Lilly allowed five hits in 5 2/3 innings while walking tree and striking out eight. He exited after issuing back-to-back two-out walks to Jeff Keppinger and Lance Berkman in the bottom of the sixth.

Trout pitched back-to-back complete-game shutouts at Wrigley Field in 1987 against San Diego on July 6 and Los Angeles on July 11 and was then traded by the Cubs to the New York Yankees on July 13 in exchange for Bob Tewksbury and a pair of minor leaguers.

Goat: Andrew Cashner (1-4) had his worst performance as a major leaguer as Houston torched him for six runs in the seventh inning. Cashner plunked a pair of batters, walked two others (one intentionally) and allowed a long grand slam to Berkman.

Key Play: Cashner plunked leadoff hitter Humberto Quintero on an 0-and-2 pitch in the bottom of the seventh.

Comments: Tyler Colvin continues to impress in the leadoff spot in the lineup. The rookie right fielder went 2-for-4 with a double and homer (his 16th of the season). Since he was installed at the top of the order on July 18, Colvin is 11-for-39 (.282) with four homers and nine runs scored. Colvin also had an outfield assist, pegging Angel Sanchez at third after Sanchez attempted to go from first to third on a Hunter Pence single in the seventh.

Houston starter Brett Myers (8-6), who improved to 9-3 lifetime against the Cubs, pitched a complete-game four-hitter while striking out 12. In three starts against the Cubs this season, Myers is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA, In 22 2/3 innings against the North Siders, the right-hander has allowed 17 hits while striking out 26 and walking four.

Next: Randy Wells (5-7, 4.07 ERA), who pitched well of late, starts Wednesday (CSN, 1:05 p.m.) for the Cubs (46-55) against Houston (41-59) right-hander Bud Norris (2-7, 6.08).

Wells is 2-1 in four July starts and has allowed just four earned runs in 28 2/3 innings (1.26 ERA). Wells, who worked seven shutout innings against St. Louis in his last start, has gone six or more innings in his last seven outings.

The 25-year-old Norris allowed four runs in six innings in a no-decision against Cincinnati his last time out, on Friday.