Soriano blast helps lift Cubs over Astros

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Chicago Cubs scored five runs in the seventh inning to rally for an 11-7 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday, the home side battling back to secure the win after blowing a big early lead.

Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano delivered a three-run home run, his 20th of the season, to break open a 7-7 tie and help the National League-leading Cubs (68-46) record their eighth win in 10 games.

"He (Soriano) is a huge part of who were are," Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa told reporters.

"I don't want to say he's our spark plug, because he bombs the ball out of the park. But at the same time, he gets us going."

After falling behind 6-1, it was the Astros who got going in the middle of the game with two runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

The early part of the rally chased Chicago starter Rich Harden from the game after 5 2/3 innings, having allowed five runs on eight hits.

Bob Howry came on in relief, only for Astros left-fielder Carlos Lee to hit a two-run blast in the seventh that provided Houston with a temporary 7-6 advantage.

It was Lee's 26th homer of the year and although it gave the visitors a sniff of victory, Houston's relievers let the game get away.

Chris Sampson allowed three runs in 1 1/3 innings while Doug Brocail gave up two runs over a similar span of action.

"Sometimes, when you don't have good command and you don't make quality pitches it'll hurt you," Houston manager Cecil Cooper said.

DeRosa finished 3-for-5, adding a two-RBI double in the first inning. First baseman Derrek Lee had four hits and two runs.

Center fielder Darin Erstad turned in a 4-for-4 day for the Astros (54-58), who had won four straight coming into the contest.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)