Lilly strikes out nine in Cubs' win

CHICAGO (Reuters) - All-Star selection Ted Lilly struck out nine and the Chicago Cubs pounded the Milwaukee Brewers 8-2 on Sunday.

The loss dropped the Brewers into second place in the National League Central Division, a game behind St. Louis. The third-placed Cubs moved within 2- games of the Cardinals.

Lilly (8-6), who was named on the National League pitching staff on Sunday for the July 14 All-Star game, allowed two runs and nine hits in six-plus innings.

He is now 5-1 at home this season.

"This is such a great place to play," the left-hander told reporters after being cheered as he left the field.

He did not walk a batter for the seventh time this season.

"One of the things that enabled me to do that was that we had a little bit of a cushion," Lilly said.

"I'm going to be a little more aggressive in those situations knowing that the last thing you want to do when you have a lead like that is give guys free passes."

Derrek Lee drove in three runs for the Cubs, belting a two-run homer in the first inning and an RBI single in the fifth-inning.

"Any time you play in your division, it's an important game," Lee said. "We just want to finish the first half strong and take some momentum into the break."

Jake Fox also hit a two-run homer for the Cubs, connecting in the fifth.

Milwaukee's Mike Burns (1-2) was shelled for seven runs and nine hits in 4-2/3 innings.

The Brewers have now lost four of their last five games, dropping three out of four to the Cubs.

"It's disappointing," said Prince Fielder, who homered for the Brewers in the fourth. "(But) they're a good team and they play even better here (at Wrigley Field).

"Sometimes you have to tip your cap."

Outfielder Ryan Braun was more blunt.