Aramis Ramirez hit his second three-run homer of the game right after a costly Pittsburgh error to help the Cubs beat the Pirates 13-8 on a wild and windy Friday, strengthening their hold on first place in the NL Central. The Cubs, who began the day with a 1 1/2 -game lead over Milwaukee, hit four homers and withstood a shaky start from Jason Marquis to send the Pirates to their seventh straight loss. The Brewers, who played Friday night at Atlanta, had 10 games remaining while the Cubs have eight.