HOUSTON — Carlos Zambrano tossed six sharp innings to get his first opening-day win in five chances, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Monday night.

Zambrano allowed one run and five hits in his first start against Houston since his no-hitter on Sept. 14 in Milwaukee. That game was played at Miller Park after Hurricane Ike damaged the Houston-area.

Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez homered off Houston's Roy Oswalt and Mike Fontenot had three hits for Chicago.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said before the game that the 27-year-old Zambrano would get too nervous and excited on opening day in years past. But things were different this time around. He struck out six and walked three in a strong performance.