Chicago ? If Mark Prior had an ounce of uncertainty about his ability to win games, Cubs manager Dusty Baker is hoping it is gone now.

Prior won his first game of the year, allowing two earned runs in 52â3 innings, and the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, 7-5, on Saturday.

Making the eighth start of another season shortened by injuries, Prior (1-5) struck out five while giving up five hits and three walks and hitting a batter. The right-hander won for the first time since Sept. 10, 2005 at San Francisco.

“You get that victory, that’s a huge step. I’m sure his confidence is better. Not to say it wasn’t before, but certainly guys can hide and mask things, but he’s used to winning, and when you are not winning it has to affect you some kind of way. So I’m hoping his first win is the first of many to come,” Baker said.

Prior began the season on the disabled list because of a sore shoulder, came off it June 18 and went 0-4 in four starts. He went back on the DL on July 9 because of a strained left oblique muscle.

Astros 9, Diamondbacks 3

Phoenix – One day after his 44th birthday, Roger Clemens earned his 344th career victory. Brad Ausmus hit his third career grand slam, and Clemens scattered eight hits over seven innings.

Rockies 2, Giants 1, 11 innings

San Francisco – Clint Barmes’ RBI single in the 11th inning lifted Colorado. Jeremy Affeldt (1-0) pitched two innings to pick up his first NL win. Brian Fuentes pitched the 11th for his 22nd save in 26 chances.

Cardinals 4, Brewers 3

St. Louis – Albert Pujols hit his first home run in 10 games to help St. Louis end its second eight-game losing streak of the season.

Padres 6, Nationals 3

San Diego – Mike Cameron hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the seventh, and Mike Piazza and Adrian Gonzalez each drove in two runs.

Dodgers 10, Marlins 2

Miami – Rafael Furcal hit a three-run double, Chad Billingsley struck out seven in six strong innings, and Los Angeles won its eighth straigh.

Mets 4, Phillies 3

New York – Endy Chavez hit a two-run double in a three-run sixth inning to help Tom Glavine to his first win since June.

Reds 8, Braves 6

Cincinnati – Brandon Phillips homered twice and drove in four runs.