For nearly 6 innings, Houston starter Phil Niekro was untouchable. Niekro retired the 1st 17 Chicago Docs batters he faced before Jeff Kent’s 2-out double in the 6th. That opened up a 4-run two-out rally for Chicago, capped by Barry Bonds 2-run double. Chicago had 4 doubles and a walk, all with 2 outs. Meanwhile, the Houston Hoots offense stalled against Orel Hershiser. Hershiser finished with 3 runs and 6 hits allowed in 6 innings. Roy Oswalt pitched two scoreless innings of relief, and Billy Wagner collected his 3rd save in as many games, allowing a leadoff single to Rogers Hornsby before striking out the side in the 9th. Chicago finished in last place last season, but is 3-0 to start this year.