Cubs on a Roll at Home

The way the Chicago Cubs are playing these days, home runs are secondary for Sammy Sosa.

Sosa hit two of Chicago’s five home runs and drove in five runs as the Cubs beat the Minnesota Twins, 11-4, Saturday for their 12th consecutive home victory.

“When you’re on a first-place team, your way of thinking is not about home runs but about the team effort,” Sosa said. “I know we’re playing to win a division. When you’re in that situation, you’ve got to be ready to sacrifice.

“I know the home runs are going to come.”

The winning streak is the Cubs’ longest at Wrigley Field since taking 14 in a row in 1936. The Cubs have won 19 of 24 overall.

Chicago hit three first-inning home runs off Brad Thomas (0-1), taking advantage of a 9 mph wind blowing out. Eric Young hit a leadoff shot, Sosa had a two-run homer and Ricky Gutierrez hit a solo blast.

“Thomas didn’t have time,” Cub Manager Don Baylor said. “We jumped on him right away. He never had a chance to get into rhythm. With the wind blowing out, this is a tough place to pitch.

The Cubs last hit five homers in a game May 8, 2000, against Milwaukee.

Jon Lieber (7-4) gave up four runs and nine hits in seven innings. He walked none and struck out seven.

“People are starting to realize we’re for real,” said Lieber, who has won four of five starts. “We’ve played a lot of tough ballgames against good teams.”

The Twins have lost three in a row--matching their season long--and seven of 11.