By The Associated Press

NEW YORK - David Cone turned back the clock and surprising Montreal, pitching five impressive innings in his first game since 2001 and leading New York to the victory.

At age 40, Cone's comeback start was everything he and the Mets could've hoped for. Throwing every sort of breaking ball from all different angles, he held the Expos to two singles - both by pitcher Tomo Ohka (0-1) - while striking out five and walking three.

The Expos came into Shea Stadium after sweeping the Braves in Atlanta.

Mo Vaughn hit his first homer of the season and an RBI single.

Astros 6, Cardinals 5, 12 innings

ST. LOUIS - Brad Ausmus hit a grand slam in the first inning and a solo shot in the 12th off Russ Springer (0-1) to lead Houston over St. Louis.

With two runners on in the bottom of the 12th, Brad Lidge struck out Albert Pujols on a 3-2 pitch and Ausmus threw out Fernando Vina trying to steal third to end it.

Jim Edmonds went 4-for-4 with two home runs, two doubles and his first four RBIs of the season to bring the Cardinals back from a five-run first-inning deficit. Pujols also homered.

Ricky Stone (1-0) worked a scoreless 11th inning, and Lidge got three outs for his first career save.

Braves 12, Marlins 7

ATLANTA - Andruw Jones hit a three-run homer and Atlanta went on to score seven runs in the seventh inning to win its first game of the season.

The Braves started the season with three losses, getting outscored 17-2 during a sweep by Montreal. After 11 straight division titles, Atlanta was mired in its worst start since 1988.

That changed in the course of one inning, with the Braves taking out all their frustration on Marlins relievers Blaine Neal and Vladimir Nunez (0-1).

Roberto Hernandez (1-0) got the win and John Smoltz earned his first save.

Pirates 9, Phillies 1

PHILADELPHIA - Reggie Sanders hit a grand slam for his fourth homer in four games, and Pittsburgh ruined Jim Thome's home debut, beating Philadelphia before a sellout crowd of 59,269 in the final opener at Veterans Stadium.

Pittsburgh swept a season-opening three-game series against the Reds, spoiling Cincinnati's debut of Great American Ball Park. The Pirates' 4-0 start is their best since 1993.

Jeff Suppan (1-0) allowed one run and three hits in six innings in his Pirates debut.

Phillies starter Joe Roa (0-1) gave up six runs in two innings.

Giants 7, Brewers 5

MILWAUKEE - J.T. Snow's infield single off shortstop Royce Clayton's glove drove in two runs in the eighth and San Francisco overcame a three-homer inning to beat Milwaukee in its home opener.

Snow drove in four runs and Barry Bonds hit his second homer to keep the Giants unbeaten and the Brewers winless in four games. Both clubs are repeating their season-opening pattern of last year, when the NL champion Giants opened 6-0 and the Brewers dropped nine of their first 11.

Jose Cruz Jr. tied it at 5 with a one-out homer off Luis Vizcaino (0-1). Snow then singled with the bases loaded.

Jim Brower (1-0) got the win.

Rockies 2, Diamondbacks 1

DENVER - Shawn Chacon retired the first 16 batters and Colorado got a home run from Chris Stynes to win its home opener.

Chacon (1-0) allowed one run and two hits in seven innings, striking out eight. Arizona didn't have baserunner until Chad Moeller's double with one out in the sixth.

Todd Helton had an RBI single for the Rockies against former Arizona closer Byung-Hyun Kim (0-1), who moved into the rotation this season.

Steve Finley homered for Arizona's run.