Houston, TX (Sports Network) – Carlos Zambrano labored into the sixth inning, but managed to extend his winning streak to a career-best 10 decisions, as the Chicago Cubs held off the Houston Astros, 9-5, in the rubber match of a three- game series.
Zambrano (2-0), who allowed seven hits and five runs over 5 2/3 innings, hasn’t lost since last June 25 on the road against the White Sox. The right- hander’s 15 victories against the Astros are the most among active hurlers.
Alfonso Soriano set the tone with a three-run homer in the first, part of a five-run opening inning against Wandy Rodriguez. Starlin Castro and Aramis Ramirez each had three hits and a run scored, while Jeff Baker went 2-for-5 with a two-run double in the first frame.
Rodriguez (0-2) was touched for nine hits and five runs over five innings.
A two-run homer by Matt Downs capped a five-run sixth, getting Houston within 6-5, but the Cubs scored three times in the ninth.