Wood returns as Cubs win

The right-hander pitched six innings in his first outing since April 30 but did not get the decision.

CHICAGO -- Kerry Wood returned, and the Chicago Cubs won again.

Wood threw six sharp innings in his first start in two months, and Todd Hollandsworth hit a run-scoring single in the ninth inning for a 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday that extended Chicago's winning streak to four.

Wood, who had not pitched since April 30 because of a strained right shoulder, allowed one run and two hits in six innings. He struck out nine, walked two and left after 91 pitches with a 2-1 lead.

"I wasn't trying to do too much," said Wood, whose velocity reached 97 mph. "I was putting my fastball pretty much where I wanted to. My slider was good early, and I dropped in a couple of good curveballs."

Chicago, which began the day 8 1/2 games behind first-place St. Louis in the National League Central, got its top two starters back within a span of four days. Mark Prior started Sunday's 2-0 win over the White Sox, his first appearance since a line drive broke a bone in his right elbow on May 27.

"We feel very good and confident we finally got out pitching staff back that we started with," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. "It builds everything. It's kind of like glue, putting pieces of a puzzle together. It's like having your whole army back. The name of the game is pitching. When you've got good pitching, you're got a chance to win a lot of ballgames."

Wood threw first-pitch strikes to 16 hitters and was consistently ahead in the count in outdueling Brewers ace Ben Sheets.

"It's nice to be back contributing, competing out there with my teammates and going through it with them," Wood said.

Wood no longer feels pain in his shoulder.

"It's a lot easier to pitch when you don't have anything bothering you," he said.

He gave up his only run in the fourth, when Bill Hall homered.

The Cubs designated reliever Joe Borowski for assignment.