HOUSTON, April 3 (UPI) -- Roy Oswalt pitched eight shutout innings and Craig Biggio scored the game's only run on a wild pitch Monday as Houston nipped Florida, 1-0.
Oswalt (1-0) allowed five hits, struck out eight and walked one for the Astros, who began defense of their first National League pennant.
Willy Taveras had two hits for Houston, which won the National League last year as the wild card entry only to eventually get swept by the Chicago White Sox in the World Series.
Rookie Jeremy Hermida was the only Marlin to reach base twice, going 1-for-3 with a walk. Miguel Cabrera, the only 2005 Opening Day starter to survive the club's offseason fire sale and start this season opener, ended 1-for-4 as the club wasted the effort of starter Dontrelle Willis.
Willis allowed just one hit, striking out three and walking three, in five shutout innings.
