Wells shuts down Astros, leads Cubs to 4-1 win

[September 02, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Randy Wells became the first Cubs rookie in 11 years to reach 10 wins with another strong outing against the Houston Astros, and Milton Bradley homered in Chicago's 4-1 victory Tuesday night.

In his previous two starts against Houston, Wells (10-7) pitched 14 scoreless innings. On Tuesday, he allowed just one unearned run and seven hits in 6 2-3 innings, striking out four and walking two.

Kerry Wood was the last Cubs rookie to win 10 games, in 1998. Wells is Chicago's first 10-game winner this season.

Cubs reliever John Grabow and Kevin Gregg each got two outs and closer Carlos Marmol pitched a scoreless ninth for his seventh save in 11 chances.

Tom Ricketts, who led the $845 million purchase bid for the Cubs and is expected to assume the most active ownership role, watched the game from front row seats near the Chicago dugout. Ricketts stood up and clapped after Bradley's home run.

Michael Bourn had three hits for the Astros, who have lost seven of their last nine games.

Aaron Boone was activated off the disabled list Tuesday, five month after the 36-year-old third baseman had open-heart surgery

"It's good to be in this position and back here after all that has gone through in my life this year. I'm excited about it," he said.

Astros manager Cecil Cooper said he will try to play Boone as soon as possible.

Bradley put the Cubs ahead with a solo shot off Astros starter Brian Moehler in the fourth inning. It was his 12th of the season.

Alfonso Soriano singled with one out in the fifth then Jeff Baker hit what Appeared to be an inning-ending double play, but shortstop Miguel Tejada made an errant throw to second, allowing Soriano to advance to third. Koyie Hill followed with an RBI single.

Moehler didn't get much help from his defense in the sixth inning either. After a leadoff single by Bradley, right fielder Hunter Pence dropped Derrek Lee's flyball on the warning track. Bradley went into third and Lee ended up at second on the error. Aramis Ramirez followed with a single to score Bradley and put the Cubs up 3-0.

Moehler (8-10) allowed three runs, two earned on six hits in 5 1-3 innings.

Kaz Matsui singled in the seventh inning, then stole second and was able to advance to third when Baker dropped the ball while covering second base. Matsui scored on Chris Coste's groundout.

With runners on first and third with one out in the eighth, Kosuke Fukudome lined an RBI double down the right-field line. Ramirez attempted to score from first but was easily thrown out at the plate.

With the Cubs not living up to expectations, there was plenty of available seats in the usually packed bleachers.

Soriano was back in the lineup after missing three straight games with a sore left knee. He was 1 for 3 before leaving for a pinch hitter in the eighth.

NOTES: The Cubs recalled utility man Micah Hoffpauir and right-handed reliever Justin Berg from Triple-A Iowa. The club also activated INF Andres Blanco from the 15-day disabled list. ... The Astros also activated right-hander reliever Doug Brocail (right strain shoulder) and left-hander reliever Wesley Wright (left shoulder strain) off the disabled list.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.