PITTSBURGH _ Jon Lester made amends Thursday night for his recent struggles.
Lester (13-5) scattered five hits over six innings, and Ian Happ hit a home run in the fourth inning that enabled the Cubs to seize a 1-0 victory over the Pirates and extend their lead in the National League Central to 3 { games over the idle Brewers.
Lester struck out eight and allowed only one runner to advance past first base.
That occurred with two out in the fifth, but Lester came back from a 3-0 count to strike out pitcher Ivan Nova.
Lester had an 8.65 ERA in his last seven starts, a large contrast from the first half of the season when he posted a 2.25 ERA in his first 17 starts and earned a spot on the National League All-Star team. This was Lester's first win since July 15 at San Diego.
Happ hit his 13th home run with one out in the fourth in front of several family members and friends.
Catcher Willson Contreras was shaken up at second base to end the top of the ninth but remained in the game.
Pedro Strop pitched the ninth to earn his 10th save. Strop struck out Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco before hitting David Freese with a pitch.
After a visit by pitching coach Jim Hickey, Strop induced Elias Diaz to hit a feeble grounder to first to end the game.
