The Cubs turned a close game into a 7-3 win over Atlanta on Monday night, scoring four times in the sixth inning and protecting the lead with a clean finish.
Chicago's middle innings supplied the separation. The Cubs added four runs in the sixth after Atlanta had kept the game within one possession, then held the Braves scoreless over the final three frames. The win moved Chicago to 80-70.
The result keeps the Cubs in the National League wild-card picture and gives the lineup a useful answer after Atlanta had matched Chicago's early scoring. The Braves fell to 74-76.
Chicago returns Tuesday looking to turn the late-season margin into a series win.
The official event box score and recap are the source for the final score and standings records.
