MLB: Chi. Cubs 12, Houston 0

CHICAGO, July 29 (UPI) -- Randy Wells and Mitch Atkins combined on a six-hit shutout Wednesday, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 12-0 rout of the Houston Astros.

Wells (7-4) gave up the six hits in eight innings and Atkins pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.

Alfonso Soriano's lone hit, a three-run homer, highlighted a six-run first.

Andres Blanco and Aramis Ramirez hit solo homers.

Ramirez finished with two hits and two RBI.

Derek Lee and Jake Fox also had two RBI apiece, while Milton Bradley and Koyie Hill had two hits and one RBI each for the Cubs, who have won six of seven.

They moved into a tie for first in the NL Central with St. Louis.

Kaz Matsui had three of the six hits for the Astros, who have lost four of five.

Losing pitcher Mike Hampton (6-8) was torched for nine runs and eight hits in four innings.