WASHINGTON – Carlos Zambrano pitched five-hit ball over seven innings, Derrek Lee drove in three runs and the Chicago Cubs beat the Washington Nationals 7-0 Saturday night.

Zambrano (4-1) walked four and struck out five to improve to 86-56 for his career and help the Cubs snap a two-game skid. Since entering Chicago’s rotation for good on July 1, 2002, his 45 road victories rank second in the major leagues behind Johan Santana’s 48.

The right-hander, who has pitched seven innings in each of his four victories this year, improved to 6-2 lifetime against the Nationals. He had to work out of a jam in the seventh, striking out Ryan Zimmerman with runners on second and third before thrusting his right arm in the air.