Chi. Cubs 4, Atlanta 1

Cubs 4, Braves 1: Luis Valbuena’s bases-loaded double in the seventh snapped a tie, leading visiting Chicago to its sixth victory in seven games.

Chicago starter Jeff Samardzija (6-7) struck out a career-high 11 in seven innings, allowing just four hits and one run with one walk. Chicago has won a season-high four games in a row.

Valbuena broke up a pitchers' duel by lining his second double of the game to deep right field, scoring Bryan LaHair, Steve Clevenger and Darwin Barney to put the Cubs ahead 4-1.

Anthony Rizzo belted his second homer in six games leading off the top of the fourth, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta’s Dan Uggla reached on an infield single with two outs in the second for the Braves first hit. Atlanta did not record another hit until Michael Bourn’s double to left with two outs in the sixth. Martin Prado followed with a single to left, scoring Bourn and tying the game at 1.

LaHair and Clevenger singled to start the seventh. Barney then walked to load the bases and set the stage for Valbuena’s three-run double.

Braves starter Tommy Hanson (9-5) pitched well despite losing for the first time since May 28. He allowed seven hits and four runs in seven innings, with one walk and eight strikeouts. Atlanta has dropped six of its past nine.

James Russell pitched the ninth for his second save.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Braves fell to 0-11 in Monday games this season. … Samardzija improved to 2-0 against Atlanta this season. He held the Braves to just one run on five hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings on May 7 at Wrigley Field. … Chipper Jones doubled leading off the seventh, extending his hitting streak to nine games.

• Atlanta will play their next game at home against Chi. Cubs. The Braves have a W/L % of .585 after a win and .447 after a loss.
• Chi. Cubs will play their next game on the road against Atlanta. The Cubs have a W/L % of .400 after a win and .367 after a loss.