HOUSTON, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Aramis Ramirez belted a grand slam and Marlon Byrd drove in three runs Saturday in the Chicago Cubs' 8-3 victory over Houston.
Byrd drove in a run in each of the first two innings as the Cubs built up a 4-0 lead. Ramirez broke it open with his fourth-inning slam, allowing the Cubs to clinch their season-ending, three-game series against the Astros.
Carlos Zambrano (11-6) continued a late-season renaissance after returning from a suspension for his June 25 dugout blowup. The former all-star held Houston to three runs on three hits over 6 1/3 innings to go 8-0 in 10 starts since his return.
Houston starter J.A. Happ (6-4) was pounded for eight runs on eight hits in three innings of work.
Brett Wallace drove in two runs for Houston.
