Vizcaino Keeps Astros Rolling

Houston Astro Manager Jimy Williams expects a lot from Jose Vizcaino, and the utility player has come through with clutch hits in two of the last three games.

Vizcaino hit a game-ending home run with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Astros over the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-1, Saturday.

The victory was Houston’s seventh in a row, the club’s longest winning streak in three seasons. The Astros won a club-record 12 in a row in September 1999.

“[Vizcaino is] always prepared. We always get the best out of him every time he plays, his best at-bats, his best fielding, his best everything. He’s the ultimate pro,” Williams said.

Vizcaino, who has started 12 games this season, hit a two-run single in the eighth inning Thursday night to put the Astros ahead.

“It’s not really that hard to come off the bench,” Vizcaino said. “I’ve been playing that way for four years and I’m always mentally prepared.”

Vizcaino hit his first homer since June 15 and his second since June 4, 1999.

Arizona 5, Philadelphia 4--Junior Spivey homered in the bottom of the ninth inning, and Erubiel Durazo hit his fourth home run in two games.

Spivey’s drive to left field against Jose Mesa (1-3) was estimated at 461 feet, the fourth-longest in the five-year history of Bank One Ballpark.

Curt Schilling, trying to become the season’s first nine-game winner, struck out 12 in eight innings but was lifted for a pinch-hitter with one out in the eighth and the score tied, 4-4.

New York 5, San Diego 2--Roberto Alomar hit a two-run homer in a four-run first inning at San Diego, and the Mets won their fifth in a row.

Shawn Estes (2-4) gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings to improve to 11-4 in his career against the Padres. He was struck twice by balls hit up the middle.

David Weathers and Scott Strickland each worked a scoreless inning of relief, and Armando Benitez pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save in as many chances.

Colorado 7, Atlanta 3--Denny Stark made his second strong start for Colorado and hit a two-run homer at Denver for his first career hit.

Jose Ortiz had four hits and Bobby Estalella drove in three runs, helping Colorado win for the eighth time in 12 games.

Stark (2-0), called up Monday from triple-A Colorado Springs, gave up one run and four hits, and struck out five in seven innings.

Kevin Millwood (2-5) hit his second career homer, but continued to struggle on the mound. He gave up seven runs--five earned--and seven hits in four innings for his fourth consecutive loss.

Cincinnati 7, St. Louis 3--Juan Encarnacion hit a two-run homer at St. Louis and the Reds ended the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak.

Jose Rijo (4-1) gave up two runs in five innings for the Reds, who lead the NL Central and the Cardinals by five games.

Encarnacion’s homer ended 17 consecutive scoreless innings by Matt Morris (6-3).

Milwaukee 3, Chicago 1--Jose Cabrera (2-4) pitched five scoreless innings at Milwaukee in his second career start, and the Brewers handed Chicago its ninth loss in a row.

Sammy Sosa batted with two men on base in the seventh inning but struck out on four pitches against reliever Luis Vizcaino.