HOUSTON, April 13 (UPI) -- Alfonso Soriano got Chicago going with a three-run homer in the first Wednesday and the Cubs outlasted Houston 9-5.
Chicago survived a five-run Houston sixth that was climaxed by a two-run home run from Matt Downs.
The Cubs also had a five-run inning to open the game. Jeff Baker produced a two-run double before Soriano hit his fourth homer of the year. Carlos Zambrano added a solo shot in the sixth for the Cubs.
After Houston rallied within one, Chicago put the game away with three in the ninth. Darwin Barney ignited the inning with an RBI double.
Carlos Zambrano (2-0) went 5 2/3 innings to get the win. He gave up all five Houston runs on seven hits.
Wandy Rodriguez (0-1) surrendered five runs on nine hits in five frames.
