It definitely was all good for Zambrano on Sunday night as he tossed the first no-hitter of his career during the Cubs' 5-0 win over the Houston Astros 5-0 at Milwaukee's Miller Park. The neutral-site game was made necessary by the effects of Hurricane Ike on Houston.

The most impressive thing about Zambrano was that he hadn't pitched since Sept. 2, when he took himself out of his start against the Astros at Wrigley Field because of shoulder problems. But his side work since then was good.

It was so good that Zambrano hit 98 mph in the first inning three times, as recorded by the scoreboard gun, and 99 once.

"I've seen him throw the ball like that, and that's the Zambrano we know," said catcher Geovany Soto.

"I'm a little confused," Zambrano said about his sudden recovery.

It was a huge game for the Cubs, who will need their ace for the playoff run. Manager Lou Piniella has set his rotation for the rest of the season, and Zambrano is scheduled to pitch Game 1 of the National League Division Series, if the Cubs make the playoffs.

CUBS 5, ASTROS 0: RHP Carlos Zambrano tossed the first no-hitter of his career and the first for the Cubs since 1972, when Milt Pappas no-hit the Padres. Zambrano walked one, struck out 10 and hit a batter. He threw 110 pitches, 73 strikes. LF Alfonso Soriano opened the game with his 28th homer. 1B Derrek Lee hit a two-run double in the Cubs' four-run third.