Wilson Is Huge Hit in Cardinals Debut

Preston Wilson barely made his morning flight. The St. Louis Cardinals were glad he did.

Wilson was a smash in his first game for the Central Division leaders, hitting one of the Cardinals’ six home runs Friday in an 11-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

“I made it to my flight at 5:58 for a 6 o’clock flight,” Wilson said. “I got to the stadium, signed the papers and got to work.”

Wilson had nine home runs and 55 runs batted in when Houston waived him Tuesday. He signed earlier in the day with the Cardinals and helped them end a 10-game losing streak in Chicago this season -- seven to the Cubs and three against the White Sox.

“Things happen for a reason,” Wilson said. “Maybe I’m here for a good reason.”

Wilson started in right field, had two hits and stole a base.

“It’s the kind of first impression you want to make,” Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa said. “He did so many good things and gave us a lift.”

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ROUNDUP

Washington 6, at Philadelphia 4: Alfonso Soriano became the third player in major league history to have at least four seasons of 30 homers and 30 stolen bases. He led off the game with his 39th homer and stole his 30th base in the second inning. Only Bobby and Barry Bonds have reached those numbers five times.

Atlanta 6, at Florida 1: Tim Hudson (10-10) pitched 7 2/3 innings, departing after an injury to plate umpire Jerry Layne caused a 13-minute delay. Layne was hurt when the barrel of a shattered bat hit him in the side of the head. He had a bruised jaw, and X-rays were negative.

at New York 6, Colorado 3: Steve Trachsel (12-5) won his fourth consecutive start. He worked seven innings, yielding seven hits as he tied Tom Glavine for the club lead in wins.

Pittsburgh 7, at Cincinnati 3: Xavier Nady hit his first home run in 15 games since being acquired from the Mets, a three-run shot that helped beat the Reds.

at Milwaukee 3, Houston 2: Prince Fielder singled to right on the first pitch from reliever Dan Wheeler in the ninth inning, driving in Jeff Cirillo with the winning run.

at San Diego 8, Arizona 2: Woody Williams won his second consecutive start and Dave Roberts had three RBIs as the Padres stopped a four-game losing streak.