Lester struck out seven over 6 2/3 innings and won his fourth straight decision. Cubs starting pitchers have been on a roll, and are 11-0 with a 1.61 ERA (19 earned runs over 106 1/3 innings) in the last 16 games since July 31.
Soler's homer highlighted a five-run first inning and came off Milwaukee's Jimmy Nelson, who is now winless in four starts against the Cubs. Ross connected off the right-hander with two outs in the third for his eighth homer of the season, the most since he belted nine in 2012.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
First things first: The Cubs sent 10 batters to the plate in the first.