=== Houston Astros Team Report - May 24 ===

(My Sportsbook) - Jose Vizcaino belted a three-run homer to lead the Houston Astros over the Chicago Cubs, 7-5, in the first of an important three-game set at Minute Maid Park Friday.

Morgan Ensberg scored two runs on two hits for the Astros, who posted a six- run first and held on for the victory. Houston now trails first-place Chicago by just one-half game in the NL Central.

Scott Linebrink (1-1) picked up his first major league win after yielding four runs on eight hits and two walks. He also posted two strikeouts and walked two. Billy Wagner struck out two in the ninth to earn his 13th save.

Getting the start for Houston Saturday is Tim Redding, who is 3-3 on the year with a 3.47 ERA in nine starts.

Redding suffered the loss to Philadelphia in his last outing Sunday after winning his previous three decisions. The righthander was touched for three runs on three hits in six innings, while walking five and striking out five.

Redding has made six career appearances -- three starts -- against the Cubs, posting a 1-1 mark with a 4.91 ERA.