Carlos Zambrano came up big again for the Chicago Cubs.
The right-hander allowed two hits over eight innings, and the Cubs beat the Dodgers 7-3 Thursday in Los Angeles to avoid being swept for the first time this season.
"It was a very important game for us," Zambrano said. "Everybody here is ace. Everybody did a little bit to win the game."
The Cubs capitalized on Hideo Nomo's lack of control by turning three consecutive walks and four hits into six runs in the second inning.
"I haven't seen Nomo wild like he was today," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. "We got to take advantage because it doesn't happen very often."
As much as Nomo struggled, Zambrano dominated. Zambrano (4-1) has given up just one unearned run in his last 24 innings. He pitched a two-hitter against Colorado last Friday.
"I feel good," he said. "Everything is working. I'm more comfortable, more experienced, I know the league better. I just go out there and have fun."
Zambrano gave up an unearned run in the seventh inning and struck out 11, walked two and hit two batters. The Dodgers' hits came on Adrian Beltre's infield single in the second and Shawn Green's double with two outs in the sixth.
"He stayed focused and concentrated the entire game, which isn't easy with a 6-0 lead," Baker said.
Los Angeles added two runs in the ninth off Joe Borowski before LaTroy Hawkins entered with runners on first and third with two outs and got Cesar Izturis to fly to center for his second save.
Nomo (3-4) gave up six runs on three hits in 1 1/3 innings, walked three and struck out one.
"His command faltered in the second inning and that was the big issue," Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said. "When you're facing the likes of a Carlos Zambrano, to give them six runs in one inning is certainly a mountain to have to climb. And more times than not, you're not going to."
Nomo retired the Cubs in order in the first, then things went downhill. He gave up a leadoff single to Aramis Ramirez, followed by three consecutive walks. Nomo had an 0-2 count against Ramon Martinez before walking him on a 3-2 pitch to force in Ramirez. Paul Bako's bases-loaded RBI single gave Chicago a 2-0 lead.
Zambrano forced Bako at second base with a grounder to score Derrek Lee. Tom Goodwin's RBI single chased Nomo and made it 4-0.
"I was just trying to stay aggressive. I just couldn't hold them off," Nomo said. "But I don't really think I have a problem with mechanics. All I can do is keep working hard and try to do the best I can."
Pregame anthem singer Jose Lima replaced Nomo and retired Jose Macias before giving up a two-out, two-run double to Moises Alou. Ramirez struck out to end the inning.
Sammy Sosa took the day off, something Baker wants him to do occasionally.
"I told him how it made Barry (Bonds) better in San Francisco," Baker said.
The Dodgers scored in the seventh when Juan Encarncion reached on third baseman Ramirez's throwing error, advanced to second on a hit batter and third on a groundout, and scored on a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Olmedo Saenz.
Todd Hollandsworth grounded into a force play in the ninth inning for a 7-1 lead.
BREWERS 7, EXPOS 4: At Milwaukee, Doug Davis threw eight strong innings, and Milwaukee posted its third straight come-from-behind win over Montreal. Lyle Overbay extended his career-best hitting streak to 14 games.
BRAVES 6, CARDINALS 5: At St. Louis, J.D. Drew homered against his former team for the second straight day and Chipper Jones had three hits, helping Atlanta avoid a three-game sweep. Marcus Giles, Johnny Estrada and starter John Thomson each drove in a run for the Braves.
ROCKIES 7, PIRATES 5: At Denver, Shawn Estes followed the worst start of his career with 6 1/3 strong innings in the first traditional doubleheader at Coors Field. Estes (5-2) allowed a career-high nine earned runs Friday against the Cubs, but held the Pirates to two runs and three hits in 6 1/3 innings.
PIRATES 11, ROCKIES 2: In the second game, Oliver Perez pitched his second complete game of the year and Pittsburgh had a season-high 21 hits.
PHILLIES 4, GIANTS 3: At San Francisco, Jason Michaels homered for the first time this season, Vicente Padilla pitched 6 2/3 effective innings and drove in a run, and Philadelphia improved to 5-1 on its road trip. Ryan Madson worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth for his first career save.
MARLINS 3, ASTROS 2: At Houston, a mental mistake by Gold Glove catcher Brad Ausmus allowed Florida's the go-ahead run to score in the ninth inning.
After tying the score at 2-2, the Marlins loaded the bases with none out for Miguel Cabrera. He hit a grounder to third base, and Jose Vizcaino stepped on the bag for a forceout before throwing home. Ausmus took the throw at the plate and relayed to first, failing to realize he needed to tag the oncoming runner because of the force at third.
METS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 4: At Phoenix, Vance Wilson hit his first home run of the season, a three-run shot off Brandon Webb. Danny Garcia added his second homer of the year and Cliff Floyd had an RBI single in his return from the disabled list.