The Chicago Cubs had lost six of their last seven games heading into Monday night's contest with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ace Rich Harden's poise under pressure and some timely hitting from the Cubs' lineup helped the club grab a 3-1 win and move back to one game under .500. The Bucs had nine hits on the day, but were 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Pittsburgh mustered up just one run, a Jack Wilson RBI ground-out in the bottom of the 5th. Harden had nine Ks and just one walk en route to his fifth win of the year--and first since May 12.

The Cubs scored in three straight innings to go up 3-0 on Zach Duke and the Pirates by the 4th. Andres Blanco started off the scoring with an RBI single to center in the 2nd, Ryan Theriot made it 2-0 with a solo blast in the 3rd and Milton Bradley played Geovany Soto with an RBI double in the 4th. The three runs would be enough to get a win--and a much-needed win at that.

Pittsburgh has been kind to the Cubs, as they've won 20 of their last 25 games at PNC Park. They'll play two more contests at PNC before hosting the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend at Wrigley.