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Lee, Soto help Soriano-less Cubs rout Reds

Apr 17, 2008 - 5:17 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Alfonso Soriano had a good seat to watch his teammates' offensive exploits.

Derrek Lee homered and Geovany Soto drove in two runs during a six-run third inning as the Chicago Cubs posted a 12-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Mark DeRosa and Kosuke Fukudome each had two RBI for the Cubs, who were not lacking for offense despite missing Soriano. The left fielder was placed on the disabled list earlier Wednesday with a strained right calf.

"We're going to miss Alfonso," Chicago's Aramis Ramirez said. "He's a superstar. But DeRosa really is amazing. He can play almost any position, and play it well, so we'll be OK until Soriano gets back."

Even Carlos Zambrano (2-1) got in on the act offensively, driving in a run while throwing seven strong innings. The righthander allowed just two runs and eight hits with five strikeouts and one walk.

"I was feeling good today," Zambrano said. "I was able to locate my fastball. My breaking ball was good today."

One of the better hitting pitchers in baseball, Zambrano got his manager off his back by getting his first hit of the season.

"Lou (Piniella) was telling me yesterday, 'When you going to get a hit this year?'" Zambrano said. "I was hitting .000, now I'm hitting .250."

"I've been getting on Z about his hitting," Piniella admitted. "I told him he's a BP (batting practice) hitter."

Counterpart Josh Fogg (1-2) had far less success on the mound. Chicago wasted little time in jumping all over Fogg, who allowed nine runs and seven hits in two-plus innings.

"This is a tough ballpark and we're playing a tough team," Fogg said. "But when you throw (lousy) like I did, your team has no chance."

"The wind was blowing out tonight, but that wasn't a factor," said Reds manager Dusty Baker, who spent four years as the Cubs' manager. "The Cubs were hitting line drives everywhere. I take a lot of credit for this loss."

After the Cubs loaded the bases in the first, Fukudome drilled a two-run double down the right field line. DeRosa then plated a pair with a double to left, capping the four-run frame.

The Reds sliced the deficit to 4-1 on an RBI double by rookie Joey Votto in the next inning, but the Cubs continued to pound Fogg.

Chicago sent 12 men to the plate during the six-run third, which was highlighted by Lee's leadoff home run and Soto's two-run double to left-center, which chased Fogg from the game.

Lee has six home runs thus far this season. Last year, it took him until June 1 to hit his first.

"He's really in a nice groove," Piniella said. "He's zoned in. The ball's jumping off his bat. We've been somewhat inconsistent (offensively) this year, but it is getting better. We're putting runs on the board."

Adam Dunn homered and Jeff Keppinger drove in a run for the Reds, who have lost five straight.