Vizcaino Is Clutch in the Pressure

Jose Vizcaino learned how to hit in clutch situations during his time with the New York Yankees.

Vizcaino put that knowledge to good use Thursday night at Houston when he hit a three-run homer to cap a four-run rally in the eighth inning as the Astros defeated St. Louis, 6-3, to end the Cardinals’ eight-game winning streak.

Vizcaino has been with seven teams, including the Yankees in 2000, before coming to Houston in 2001. Vizcaino drove in the winning run in Game 1 of the 2000 World Series as the Yankees went on to win the championship that season.

“I like to have pressure situations,” Vizcaino said. “I learned that attitude in New York. That’s the attitude they all have there. Different guys always come through for them. I’ve had that attitude ever since then.”

Vizcaino, who had a season-high four runs batted in, hit his fifth homer of the season, and his second game-winner. He had a game-ending homer against Pittsburgh May 18.

“He has had a lot of big hits for us this season,” Manager Jimy Williams said. “He always practices like he’s trying to make the team. He has honest enthusiasm and I think the players around him pick up on that. He’s had a very, very strong year for us.”

Houston, which closed within 5 1/2 games of the National League Central leader, trailed, 3-2, in the eighth when Craig Biggio homered off Dave Veres (5-8) leading off.

Jeff Bagwell singled with one out, and Mike Crudale relieved and walked Mark Loretta before giving up the home run to Vizcaino.

Cincinnati 15, Chicago 12--Todd Walker had four hits and four RBIs, including a tiebreaking three-run double in the eighth inning that propelled the Reds at Cincinnati.

Chicago outhit the Reds, 22-17, the Cubs’ most since collecting 24 against Houston on Aug. 20.

Trailing, 11-10, Cincinnati tied it in the eighth on a wild pitch by Kyle Farnsworth (3-6) with a runner on third before Walker’s bases-loaded double gave the Reds the lead. Walker is 20 for 35 during an eight-game hitting streak.

John Reidling (2-2) struck out the last batter in the eighth, and Scott Williamson got his third save.

New York 8, Montreal 2--Jeromy Burnitz homered twice and had three RBIs and Mo Vaughn hit a two-run homer at Montreal as Jason Middlebrook (2-3) won his Met debut.

New York has won nine of 11 after losing 17 of 20.

A late addition to the starting lineup, Vaughn hit his 22nd homer of the season off Tomo Ohka (13-8) after Roberto Alomar’s one-out single in the fourth to put the Mets up, 3-0.

Burnitz hit his 16th homer after Edgardo Alfonzo’s one-out single in the seventh to chase Ohka. Burnitz and Jason Phillips hit consecutive homers in the ninth off reliever T.J. Tucker.

Philadelphia 6, Florida 1--Joe Roa came within three outs of his first shutout and Jimmy Rollins’ bases-loaded triple sparked a five-run third inning to lead the Phillies at Philadelphia.

Roa (4-3), who was 14-0 with a 1.86 earned-run average in triple A after being released by the Marlins in spring training, gave up eight hits and no walks in eight-plus innings. Michael Tejera (8-8) had his shortest outing of the year, giving up six runs--four earned--and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings.