MLB: Chicago Cubs 2, Pittsburgh 0

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PITTSBURGH, July 23 (UPI) -- Jeff Samardzija allowed only one hit over eight efficient innings Monday and the Chicago Cubs edged Pittsburgh 2-0.

Samardzija (7-8) yielded only a fourth-inning single to Andrew McCutchen. He threw 71 of his 99 pitches for strikes.

The right-hander allowed only one walk and struck out five while Carlos Marmol earned his 12th save for the Cubs, who snapped a three-game slide in taking the opener of a three-game set.

Alfonso Soriano drove in both Chicago runs with RBI doubles in the fourth and ninth innings.

Erik Bedard (5-11) was tagged with the loss despite striking out 11 over seven innings for the Pirates. He allowed only two hits while walking two.

The second-place Bucs entered the contest one-half game behind Cincinnati in the National League Central.