Fri Jul 11 17:09:39 2008

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Ramirez leads Cubs over Giants

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Aramis Ramirez broke a scoreless tie in the eighth with a three-run blast as Chicago bested San Francisco, 3-1, in the first installment of their weekend series at Wrigley Field.

Ryan Theriot went 2-for-4 with a run scored to help the Cubs win for the fourth time in five games.

Starter Jason Marquis put together his best start of the season, scattering three hits over seven scoreless innings while striking out four and walking two. He allowed only one runner to reach second base, and in his last two starts -- both against San Francisco -- he has allowed only two runs on seven hits in 14 innings.

Bob Howry (3-2) got the win after pitching a perfect eighth inning. Kerry Wood notched his 24th save despite running into some trouble in the ninth inning, allowing a run on two hits and a walk.

Matt Cain dominated the Cubs lineup, throwing seven innings on three hits and striking out nine while walking three. In two starts against the Cubs this year, Cain has shut out Chicago in 15 innings, allowing only five hits while striking out 19.

Tyler Walker (3-5) took the loss after allowing three runs on two hits -- including Ramirez's home run -- in the eighth inning.

Ray Durham was the only Giants player with two hits, going 2-for-4 with a run scored in San Francisco's fifth consecutive loss.

The Cubs broke through off Walker. Theriot led off with his second single of the day, and Mike Fontenot bunted him over to second. After Derrek Lee was intentionally walked, Ramirez blasted his 17th home run down the left field line to give Chicago a 3-0 lead.

The Giants answered in their final at-bat. Durham began by denting Wood with a double, and after Eugenio Velez walked, Bengie Molina cut the lead to two with an RBI single that put runners on the corners with nobody out.

Emmanuel Burriss was picked to run for Molina and stole second as Aaron Rowand struck out looking. With the tying run at second and one out, John Bowker flied out to right and Rich Aurilia grounded out to first to end the threat and the game.

Game Notes

The Cubs have not lost consecutive home games since March 31 and April 2 against Milwaukee...Chicago's 36-11 start at home is the best ever at Wrigley Field...The Giants are 22-25 since May 20, best in the NL West...San Francisco outfielder Randy Winn left the game in the third with a right knee contusion.