Soriano homers twice to set up Cubs win

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Alfonso Soriano homered twice to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 7-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, their eighth win in 10 games.

The lead-off hitter, who came off the disabled list at the start of this month, blasted home runs in his first two at-bats.

"I have my confidence back," Soriano told reporters after registering his eighth homer this season.

"A month ago, I didn't trust my hands. Now, I do. I stay back a little bit more and I see the ball better."

Since coming off the disabled list, Soriano is hitting .350 with six home runs and 17 RBIs.

Geovany Soto and Mark DeRosa also homered as the Cubs, who are setting the pace in the National League Central, beat the Pirates for the 10th successive time.

Rookie Sean Gallagher (1-0) secured his first major league win in his second start, holding Pittsburgh to one run and four hits in six innings.

Soriano set the tone for Chicago by connecting on Tom Gorzelanny's first pitch before blasting his second pitch in his second at bat to left-centre field.

"He's one of the best ballplayers in a game for a reason," said DeRosa, who also played with Soriano for the Texas Rangers.