It was the best start of the season for Zambrano (10-3), who struck out five and did not walk a batter. He retired the first four batters he faced, gave up Adam Dunn's 23rd homer of the year, and then set down the next 20.

Carlos Marmol came on in the ninth and loaded the bases on a single and two walks before Kerry Wood recorded the final out for his 23rd save.

The Cubs won their third straight, getting two RBI from Aramis Ramirez on a homer in the sixth and a double in the eighth.

The loss went to Johnny Cueto (7-9), who was locked in a tie game until giving up the go-ahead home run by Ramirez.

Cincinnati lost its second straight on the heels of a four-game sweep of Washington.