MLB: Chicago Cubs 6, St. Louis 3

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ST. LOUIS, July 31 (UPI) -- Marlon Byrd's two-run single capped a four-run sixth inning Sunday, propelling the Chicago Cubs to a 6-3 victory over St. Louis.

The Cubs broke a scoreless tie in the sixth when Koyie Hill walked, went to second on a sacrifice and to third on Reed Johnson's single. Starlin Castro followed with a double to score Hill.

After Aramis Ramirez walked to load the bases, Carlos Pena drew another base on balls from Jake Westbrook (9-5) for a 2-0 lead and Byrd then followed his decisive two-run single.

The Cardinals rebounded with a three-run homer from Lance Berkman in the bottom of the frame, but could come no closer.

Chicago's Alfonso Soriano added a two-run clout in the ninth for some insurance and the Cubs salvaged one win in a three-game series at Busch Stadium.

Ryan Dempster (8-8) earned the victory, allowing three runs on seven hits over six-plus innings, walking one and fanning six.

Westbrook was touched for four runs on three hits in a six-inning effort for the Cardinals, who fell 2 1/2 games behind first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central.