Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Geovany Soto was 2-for-3 with three runs batted in, as the Chicago Cubs took advantage of a patchwork Baltimore pitching performance with a 7-4 victory at Wrigley Field.

Jim Edmonds homered and drove in two runs, and Aramis Ramirez accounted for two hits with an RBI for Chicago, which has won four of its last five overall and 15 of 16 at home.

Ted Lilly (8-5) pitched well as the starter, allowing a pair of two-run homers from Jay Payton for Baltimore's only runs, on five hits and two walks while fanning four over seven innings.

"I thought early in the game we might have gotten to him," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said of Lilly. "He seemed to get better as the game went on. We know the back end of their bullpen obviously is very good."

Luke Scott had two hits and scored once for Baltimore, which has dropped three of four.

Matt Albers (3-3) was charged with four runs, three hits and a walk in just a third of an inning in taking the loss. Albers was starting for Brian Burres, who was scratched due to a stomach ailment, but then had to leave with a shoulder injury.

The Orioles had a whirlwind first inning, allowing four runs and using two pitchers to get through the frame. Albers took the hill in place of Burres but failed to retire all but one of the first five Cub batters including a run-scoring single from Ramirez. He was eventually forced from the game with an injury and the bases loaded. Lance Cormier entered and Soto ripped a two- run single to left, and Mark DeRosa followed with an RBI single to right for a 4-0 lead.

"It's just an unfortunate situation," Trembley remarked of Albers' injury after replacing Burres. "We came in short-handed with our pitching."

The O's got two back in the second on a Payton two-out homer to center field. Ramon Hernandez walked with one out in front of Payton.

The Cubs were back at it in the second, loading the bases on two singles and a walk with one out. Edmonds grounded into a force out at second, plating one and Soto followed with a single up the middle scoring another. DeRosa walked to load the bases again, but Mike Fontenot ended the inning on a groundout.

Payton gave Baltimore another lift in the fourth, blasting his second two-run homer, this time to right field. Scott singled to center in front of Payton.

Ryan Bukvich came on for Cormier in the fourth and Edmonds took his second pitch out to right-center for a leadoff homer.

"Now he's starting to supply some punch," Cubs skipper Lou Pinella said of Edmonds. "He gives you a good at-bat. He knows the strike zone. He's hitting the ball out of the ballpark. It's something we really need, especially with all the injuries we have."

The Baltimore bats went cold thereafter and Kerry Wood put an exclamation point on the win by striking out the side in the ninth for his 20th save.