Houston ? Barry Bonds hit his 659th career home run Monday night, moving within one of Willie Mays for third place on the all-time list and helping San Francisco rally for a 5-4 victory over Houston.

San Francisco completed the comeback in the ninth against loser Octavio Dotel, now the Astros’ closer after the offseason trade of Billy Wagner to the Phillies. J.T. Snow’s sacrifice fly knocked in the go-ahead run.

Felix Rodriguez earned the win with a scoreless eighth, and Matt Herges pitched a perfect ninth for the save.

Brewers 8, Cardinals 6

St. Louis — Scott Podsednik drove in four runs, and Milwaukee opened the season by beating St. Louis, with President Bush watching from a box above home plate. It’s the first time the Brewers have been over .500 in two years. They haven’t finished with a winning record since 1992. Dave Burba earned the win with 12/3 hitless innings, and Dan Kolb worked the ninth for the save.

Cubs 7, Reds 4

Cincinnati — Corey Patterson homered, and Moises Alou doubled with the bases loaded, leading the defending NL Central champions over Cincinnati. Moises Alou hit a three-run double off loser Cory Lidle. Kerry Wood got the win, and Joe Borowski earned the save.

Pirates 2, Phillies 1

Pittsburgh — Kip Wells often was overpowering in working out of two big jams and outdueling Kevin Millwood, and Pittsburgh rode Craig Wilson’s homer and Tike Redman’s tiebreaking double to a victory over Philadelphia. Jose Mesa pitched the ninth for the save against his former club.

Padres 8, Dodgers 2

Los Angeles — Brian Lawrence allowed one run in five innings, and Phil Nevin hit a grand slam as revamped San Diego opened the season by beating the Dodgers. The Dodgers left 15 runners on base and hit into three double plays.