Soto Powers Cubs Past Pirates

Geovany Soto and Mike Fontenot hit two-run homers in Chicago's five-run sixth inning and the Cubs finished off a three-game sweep of Pittsburgh, winning 7-3 Thursday night to run their winning streak to five games. Soto had three extra-base hits, including two doubles, among his second career four-hit game.

Derrek Lee also drove in two runs despite not getting a hit as the Cubs won their sixth straight over the Pirates dating to last season. Jon Lieber got the decision by pitching 4 1-3 scoreless relief innings after starter Rich Hill needed 72 pitches to get through three innings, allowing three runs and three hits and walking four. (More MLB stories.)