Chicago got another solid start from Carlos Zambrano and right fielder Tyler Colvin hit a three-run homer to pace the Cubs to a 7-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

Zambrano (9-6) went six innings, allowing two runs – one earned – on four hits while striking out three and walking three. The right-hander is now 6-0 since returning to the rotation after taking some time off to attend anger-management counseling.

Colvin put the Cubs ahead 4-2 with his homer in the seventh and Micah Hoffpauir followed that up with an RBI double to complete a four-run inning. Aramis Ramirez added some insurance with a two-run shot - his 23rd of the season - in the eighth.

Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter (15-7) lasted 6 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out six and walking one. He left with a cramp in his right hamstring.

Colby Rasmus had two hits and chipped in an RBI on a sacrifice fly for the Cardinals. Randy Winn also had a pair of hits.