KEY FACTOR

Randy Wolf allowed one run on three hits through four innings. But the seven hitters he faced in the fifth all reached base and six scored to trigger the rout.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Carlos Zambrano: After losing 1-0 decisions the past two times he faced the Padres, he took matters into his own hands with a pair of hits to go with seven innings during which he allowed three runs on six hits.

Offense: Soriano hit a two-run homer in the fifth to put the Cubs ahead then opened the five-run sixth with a double.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE

Members of the Chicago media packed the Padres crowded clubhouse at Wrigley Field yesterday to speak with such local luminaries as Greg Maddux and Michael Barrett.

But the player drawing the biggest crowd was Tadahito Iguchi, who was the second baseman on the White Sox 2005 World Series champions. Of course, the entourage around Iguchi's cubicle included the Japanese media who routinely follow Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.

“Getting off the plane last night triggered memories,” said Iguchi through translator David Yamamoto.

“And I always enjoyed playing here at Wrigley Field, which has a very unique historical significance.”

Iguchi has a .300 average (15-for-50) at Wrigley Field.

WHO'S HOT

Jim Edmonds: The center fielder released by the Padres last week could sign with the Cubs before San Diego leaves town. Center at Wrigley Field is not as spacious as at Petco Park.

Derrek Lee: Another former Padre has an 11-game hitting streak going with a 2-for-4 last night.

WHO'S NOT

Sean Henn: New Padres reliever charged with five runs in 1 2/3 innings on three walks and three hits, although one of the hits and three of the runs scored came on the Kevin Kouzmanoff-Adrian Gonzalez gaffe in the sixth.

Randy Wolf: Left-hander has gone from a 1.42 ERA to a 5.16 in five starts (23 runs on 35 hits in 26 1/3 innings).

– BILL CENTER