Cubs hit 31 games over .500; lead back to 5

Result: Cubs 12, Pirates 3. The Cubs lead the NL Central by 5 games over Milwaukee, which was idle on Monday. The Cubs have the best record in the majors at 81-50, and are 31 games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 1984 season.

What happened: The Cubs roughed up Pittsburgh starter Jeff Karstens, the same pitcher who shut them out over six innings on August 1. Aramis Ramirez lined a three-run homer as the Cubs built a 5-0 lead after three. They blew it open with a five-run fifth inning. Kosuke Fukudome and Jim Edmonds each broke out of prolonged slumps. Fukudome went 3 for 4 with four RBIs. Edmonds clubbed two doubles and a triple. Derrek Lee, returning from a day off due to back spasms, came through with three hits as well. Lilly hurled seven solid innings, benefiting once again from generous run support. He struck out seven and gave up three runs over seven innings.

Up next: Cubs-Pirates again tonight at 6:05. Carlos Zambrano goes for the Cubs. Ian Snell for the Bucs. The Brewers and Cardinals start a two-game series tonight in St. Louis.