Ailing Cubs score 14 in first two innings en route to 15-run victory

See what happens when the Phillies leave town?

The Cubs had decidedly better luck against western Pennsylvania on Friday in a 17-2 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates before a season-high crowd of 41,619 at Wrigley Field.

This one was over quickly. The Cubs scored 4 in the first, with 3 coming home on Kosuke Fukudome's homer.

They put a 10-spot on the board in the second, sending 15 men to the plate, with Derrek Lee driving in 3 of his 7 runs in 2 plate appearances. He walked with the bases loaded his first time up in the second and doubled home 2 more a few minutes later.

"It was fun," said Lee. "I think this team needed it."

Lee cited the defending world-champion Phillies beating on the Cubs for three games to extend their losing streak to five games entering Friday's mismatch with the last-place Pirates.

"We've turned the page," Lee said. "We have to do the same thing tomorrow - turn the page and be ready to play a good game tomorrow. Obviously, it was a rough couple weeks for us. We didn't play well. But you've got to keep at it and keep plugging."

The Cubs outhit the Bucs 18-7, with every starter getting at least 1 hit and Lee tying his career best with the 7 RBI.

Manager Lou Piniella was asked if a victory like Friday's can take a little of the pressure off.

"Not pressure, but we had lost five in a row, and it's nice to end the losing streak, I can tell you that," said Piniella, whose club improved to 59-55. "Yeah, look, you got to get off the schneid, and we were on the schneid there for five games. It was good to see us score runs."

The main beneficiary was starting pitcher Randy Wells, who chipped in at the plate with a single, a double and a walk.

Wells (9-5, 3.01 ERA) rebounded from last Sunday's rough outing at Colorado with 6 innings of 7-hit, 2-run ball. The biggest thing for Wells is that he didn't let down after his club gave him a 2-touchdown lead.

Lee came out after his 3-run double in the fourth inning. He enjoyed his second 7-RBI game this season but wasn't looking to stay in there and pad his total after coming up with the bases loaded three times.

"No, I wanted to be fresh for tomorrow," he said. "I think it was 17-2 or something when I came out. I figured we had that one pretty much wrapped up."

Lee also had plenty of time to visit with the Pirates on the basepaths. So what were they saying?

"They were saying, 'Uncle. It's too hot for us to be out here,' " Lee said.

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