MLB: Chi. Cubs 3, St. Louis 2 (11 innings)

CHICAGO, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Henry Blanco's bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 11th inning Friday lifted the Chicago Cubs to a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

The victory gave the first-place Cubs a 5 1/2-game lead over Milwaukee in the NL Central Division, pending the outcome of the Brewers' game against Washington Friday night.

Chicago's Jim Edmonds battered his former team with solo homers in the second and seventh. His second homer tied the contest 2-2 with one out in the seventh.

Like Edmonds, both Ryan Theriot and Aramis Ramirez had two hits in Cubs' third win in a row.

The winner was closer Bob Howry (5-4).

St. Louis' Joe Mather had two hits, one a third inning solo homer. Adam Kennedy had two hits and one RBI, while Cesar Izturis also had two hits for the Cardinals, who have lost four of six.

The losing pitcher was closer Ryan Franklin (4-5).

The defeat left St. Louis 6 1/2 games back of the Cubs.