If right-hander Sean Gallagher wants to stay in the rotation, he didn't hurt his case in Friday's 7-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Gallagher turned in six good innings, giving up four hits and one run, and manager Lou Piniella said he sees no reason Gallagher can't stay. The Cubs are getting good work from their top three starters, Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly and Ryan Dempster.

"It's pretty simple: If you're pitching well and getting people out, you're going to get the ball," Piniella said.

The back end of the rotation could use some help. Left-hander Rich Hill was sent to Class AAA Iowa (Des Moines) earlier this month. Righty Jason Marquis has struggled most of the year, and Jon Lieber was shelled in his one start.

Another factor plays in to the Cubs' rotation roulette: Lilly is the lone lefty in the rotation, and Piniella ideally would like one more.

For that reason, the Cubs will closely watch the progress of both Hill and lefty Sean Marshall in the minor leagues. Hill is pitching well but likely will get several more starts at Iowa. Marshall is being "stretched out" in Iowa's rotation after working as a reliever for the big club.

CUBS 7, PIRATES 4: Left fielder Alfonso Soriano hit two homers, including his third leadoff homer of the year. Catcher Geovany Soto and right fielder Mark DeRosa also hit homers. Rookie Sean Gallagher (1-0) turned in a quality start, with six innings of four-hit, one-run ball for his first big-league victory. Kerry Wood worked the ninth for his ninth save. The Cubs beat the Pirates for the seventh time in seven tries. They're 10 games over .500 (26-16) for the first time this season.

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