MLB Highlights: Kumar Rocker, Ian Happ, and Pete Crow-Armstrong Top Plays

The Chicago Cubs defeated the Texas Rangers 7-1 on May 8, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, extending their current winning streak to 10 games. This victory marks the second time the Cubs have achieved a 10-game winning streak this season, following a previous run that lasted from April 14 to April 24.

The Cubs opened their nine-game road trip with a dominant offensive performance and a disciplined pitching effort, while the Rangers suffered their eighth loss in their last 11 games.

Chicago established an early lead in the first inning. Michael Conforto hit a ground-rule double with one out, eventually scoring on a two-out single to left field by Ian Happ. The RBI single by Happ also extended his current on-base streak to 29 games.

The Cubs expanded their lead in the fourth inning. Ian Happ led off the frame with a walk before Seiya Suzuki delivered a two-run home run. Suzuki, who hit his seventh home run of the season on the play, capped an eight-pitch at-bat by hitting a sinker from Texas pitcher Kumar Rocker over the center-field wall.

The Rangers attempted to respond in the fifth inning. Pinch-hitter Justin Foscue hit an RBI single to trim the deficit to 3-1, though the rally was limited as the Cubs maintained control of the game.

In the sixth inning, Pete Crow-Armstrong regained a three-run advantage for Chicago by hitting an RBI ground-rule double. The hit allowed Crow-Armstrong to reach base safely for the 12th consecutive game.

The Cubs provided the final blow in the seventh inning when Michael Busch hit a three-run double into the left-center field gap. Busch had previously scored on Crow-Armstrong’s double in the sixth.

Pitching Performances

Ben Brown made his first start of the season, stepping in for Matthew Boyd, who underwent surgery on his left meniscus on the morning of May 7, 2026. Brown pitched four scoreless innings, allowing no hits and recording three strikeouts.

Ryan Rolison relieved Brown but struggled immediately, walking the first two batters he faced. Rolison allowed the Rangers’ lone run on a one-out RBI single to Justin Foscue before being replaced.

Javier Assad earned the win, improving his record to 3-1. Assad pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings, yielding only one hit while retiring the final two batters of the fifth inning and maintaining the shutout through the end of his appearance.

The Rangers’ starter, Kumar Rocker, struggled throughout his outing. Rocker took his third loss in three starts, allowing three runs on four hits with three walks over 3 2/3 innings. His performance on May 8 contributed to a May ERA of 12.71, bringing his overall season ERA to 5.01.

Texas managed only two hits during the contest. Cal Quantrill also appeared in relief for the Rangers, though he surrendered the RBI double to Crow-Armstrong in the sixth inning.

Team Momentum

The victory solidifies a period of high performance for the Cubs, who have now twice reached the 10-game winning milestone in the early stages of the 2026 season. The combination of a high on-base percentage from Happ and the power hitting of Suzuki has fueled the team’s recent success.

Conversely, the Rangers continue to struggle with consistency. The loss on May 8 is part of a broader slump for Texas, which has seen the team lose eight of its last 11 matchups.

The Cubs will continue their nine-game road trip following the win in Arlington.