Derrek Lee’s 10^th inning home run propelled the Cubs to a wild 9-8 win over the Marlins in a high scoring affair.

Chicago took an  8-5 lead heading into the bottom of the 9^th. Ronny Paulino’s 5^th home run of the year made it 8-6.

Chris Coghlan and Nick Johnson followed Paulino’s blast with singles bringing up Emilio Bonafacio as the go-ahead run. Bonafacio tripled to center bringing home both runs to tie the game at 8.

Lee’s blast in the top of the 10^th gave the Cubs a lead they would not relinquish. Aaron Heilman retired the Marlins in order in the bottom of the frame for his 1^st save of the season.

Chicago jumped out to a 6-0 lead against Burke Badenhop who was making his 2^nd start of the year. Badenhop couldn’t make it out of the second inning.

Aramis Ramirez plated 2 on a RBI double in the 1^st and drove in another on a single in the 2^nd. Lee’s 2^nd inning single scored a pair as well. The two sluggers combined to go 6 for 11 with 6 RBIs and 3 runs scored.

Ramirez left the game in the 10^th after being hit by a pitch from Leo Nunez (3-4).

Cubs’ starter Carlos Zambrano struggled early allowing 6 base runners and a pair of runs in 3 innings before leaving the game with back stiffness.

The Marlins slowly clawed back in the game scoring one run in the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th innings before making it a 6-5 game with a pair in the 5^th frame.

Chicago added insurance with a 2-RBI triple from Ryan Theriot in the 9^th.

The win keeps the Cubs .5 games behind the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central.