Cubs' losing streak ends at 12

CHICAGO -- On a windy day at Wrigley Field, the fortunes finally blew in the Cubs' favor.

The Cubs stopped their 12-game losing streak yesterday, getting a boost from Alfonso Soriano's go-ahead home run to beat the Padres, 11-7.

"It's a big relief," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "It shows you sometimes how tough it is to win a major-league baseball game."

The Cubs' skid was their worst since they opened the 1997 season with 14 straight losses.

"I think now everybody is more relaxed," Soriano said. "You have to believe in this team because we're not that bad."

The gusts were blowing out at 35 mph on a 90-degree afternoon and the ball was flying. There were eight home runs, including four by each team and two from San Diego's Chase Headley. -- AP