HOUSTON, May 23 (UPI) -- Jose Vizcaino's three-run homer capped a six-run first inning against Mark Prior Friday night and the Houston Astros held on to down the Chicago Cubs, 7-5.
Vizcaino's first homer of the season was a blast to right field that staked the Astros to a 6-0 lead. The Houston shortstop has recorded nine hits in his last 16 at bats. He has four hits in 13 career at bats against Prior (5-2), but entered the game with just four extra-base hits in 75 at bats this season.
The early cushion gave Houston's Scott Linebrink (1-1) room for error in his sixth career start. The 26-year-old righthander allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings with two walks and two strikeouts.
After Kirk Saarloos, Brad Lidge and Octavio Dotel each tossed a scoreless inning, Billy Wagner worked in and out of trouble in the ninth to notch his 13th save.
Prior surrendered seven runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out six in his worst outing of the season.
