Cubs 3, Dodgers 0

Hero: Ryan Dempster (3-4) won for the first time since April 23 and ended a stretch in which he posted four losses and a no-decision. Dempster worked eight shutout innings. He allowed just three hits, walked one, struck out seven, and retired the final 13 batters he faced. Only four Dodgers reached base - two in the first inning and two more in the fourth.

Goat: Alfonso Soriano (0-for-3) struck out in the fifth with runners on the corners and one out as the Cubs squandered a golden scoring opportunity. He also rolled into a double play in the eighth.

Key Plays: Derrek Lee (3-for-3) turned in his best performance of the season and drove in all three Cubs runs. His RBI single in the sixth off Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw (4-3) snapped a scoreless tie. He added a two-run homer in the eighth off reliever Ramon Troncoso.

Comment: The Cubs (22-24), winners of seven of their last nine, are now just four games out in the NL Central after leaders Cincinnati and St. Louis both lost one-run contests Tuesday. Cubs starting pitchers have posted a 3.86 ERA and rank sixth in the National League in that category, trailing San Diego (2.95), St. Louis (3.09), San Francisco (3.22), Florida (3.76), and Philadelphia (3.85).

Next: The Cubs will try to equal their season high with a fourth straight victory Wednesday (WGN, 7:05 p.m.) as Tom Gorzelanny (2-4, 3.09 ERA) opposes Los Angeles right-hander Chad Billingsley (5-2, 3.66).