Zambrano Powers Cubs Past Astros
Pitcher Carlos Zambrano extended a franchise record with his 22nd career homer and ran his winning streak to 10 games, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 9-5 victory Wednesday night and a series win over the Houston Astros.
Alfonso Soriano's home run off Wandy Rodriguez (0-2) capped a five-run first inning for the Cubs. Zambrano's homer - his sixth against the Astros - made it 6-0 in the sixth.
Zambrano (2-0) pitched five scoreless innings before the Astros jumped on him for five runs in the sixth. Carlos Lee, Brett Wallace and Bill Hall each drove in a run in the inning before Matt Downs hit a two-run homer to cut the deficit to 6-5.
Chicago got three insurance runs on three hits off Wilton Lopez in the ninth.
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