Chances pass by Astros against Cubs

HOUSTON — An Astros offense that had been chugging along, scoring at least four runs in eight consecutive games for the first time since 2011, tried to push the envelope on the bases against Cubs starter Jon Lester but saw only one runner get past second base in Friday’s 2-0 loss at Minute Maid Park.

Houston, which is without cleanup hitter Carlos Correa (shoulder inflammation) and is dealing with a struggling Jose Altuve (9-for-61), was shut out for the seventh time this season, though the hitters certainly had their chances.

“Obviously, any time your four-hitter’s not in the lineup, it puts some stress on you, but like we said before, the next guy [comes] up and we’ve got to get it done,” designated hitter George Springer said.

The Astros, who went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, put the leadoff man on base in the second, fourth, fifth and sixth innings but couldn’t mount any sort of rally against Lester, who threw seven scoreless frames.

“We did have some chances,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Lester’s a good pitcher and he has a way of finding himself out of …

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