MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers 2, Chicago Cubs 1

CHICAGO, May 28 (UPI) -- Ramon Troncoso struck out the last two batters with the bases loaded Thursday, preserving the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.

The Dodgers, owners of the best record in the majors, won their fourth straight and expanded their lead over San Diego to nine games in the National League West.

Los Angeles scratched out two runs over the first three innings and then relied on the pitching of starter Randy Wolf and reliever Troncoso to halt the Cubs' two-game winning streak.

Wolf (3-1) threw seven shutout innings before giving up a leadoff homer to Bobby Scales in the eighth. That brought on Troncoso, who recorded the last six outs for his third save. The ninth inning, however, was an adventure for the rookie.

He gave up a bunt single to Milton Bradley to open the ninth and Derrek Lee then reached on a bloop single to center. Both runners moved up on a ground out by Reed Johnson and Geovany Soto drew an intentional walk to load the bases.

Troncoso was left in the game to try to work his way out of trouble and he did so by striking out Scales and Jake Fox.

Rafael Furcal drove in the first Los Angeles run with a single and he scored the second on a ground out by Casey Blake in the third.