MLB: Chi. Cubs 7, Pittsburgh 4

CHICAGO, May 16 (UPI) -- Alfonso Soriano homered twice and knocked in four runs Friday to power the Chicago Cubs past Pittsburgh 7-4.

It was the first time this season that the veteran slugger has hit more than one round-tripper in the same contest.

Soriano hit the first pitch by Pittsburgh starter Tom Gorzelanny (3-4) in the bottom of the first inning into the left-field stands and launched a three-run blast in the second.

Chicago's Geovany Soto and Mark DeRosa added solo homers.

Aramis Ramirez had one RBI while Soto and DeRosa also had two hits for the NL Central Division-leading Cubs, who have won eight of their last 10 home games against Pittsburgh and rose to 7-0 in the season series.

In his first major league win, Sean Gallagher (1-0) gave up an earned run and four hits in six innings. Closer Kerry Wood recorded his ninth save.

Pittsburgh got a two-run homer from Doug Mientkiewicz, a solo shot by Jason Bay and an RBI single by Xavier Nady.