MLB: Chicago Cubs 9, Pittsburgh 4

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Kosuke Fukudome and Geovany Soto each had two-run doubles in Chicago's seven-run first inning Tuesday when the Cubs beat Pittsburgh 9-4.

Aramis Ramirez added a two-run single for the Cubs.

Chicago pitcher Ryan Dempster (9-8) earned the win after he allowed four runs on eight hits through 6 1/3 innings.

The Cubs are 7 1/2 games behind Colorado in the NL wild-card race.

Garrett Jones homered and drove in two runs for the Pirates, who have lost 11 of their last 12 games.

Zach Duke (10-14) was charged with the loss.