Hart’s pitching, four RBIS from Fukudome and Theriot lead Cubs past Astros 12-3

Hart pitches Cubs to win

CHICAGO — Kevin Hart won his third straight start, Jake Fox and Milton Bradley hit back-to-back homers and the Chicago Cubs beat the Houston Astros 12-3 Thursday for their 11th win in 14 games since the All-Star break.

Kosuke Fukudome, who reached base five times, and Ryan Theriot had four RBIs apiece for the Cubs. Chicago began the day one-half game behind St. Louis in the NL Central.

Hart (3-1), in only his fourth major league start, allowed six hits and three runs in six innings, including homers to Carlos Lee and Kaz Matsui.

The Cubs drove Russ Ortiz (3-6) out in a five-run third inning that started with consecutive homers from Fox and Bradley.