LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Kosuke Fukudome came through with an RBI single in the top of the ninth inning to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 5-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.

Fukudome was 2-for-4 with two RBIs on the day. He singled up the middle off Dodgers reliever Takashi Saito, scoring Ryan Theriot to break a 4-4 tie.

"Whenever I get a big hit and the team wins it's a good feeling," Fukudome told reporters.

Chicago closer Kerry Wood nailed down the game in a shaky 27-pitch ninth inning for his 17th save of the year.

Wood allowed a leadoff double to first baseman James Loney, then hit a batter and walked left fielder Juan Pierre to load the bases for Los Angeles with two outs. Wood struck out Matt Kemp to end the game.

"It was an exciting game, said Cubs manager Lou Piniella. "I've had all the fun I want for one evening."

The win was the Cubs' 10th in their last 11 games, taking their major-league leading record to 39-22.

Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Dempster pitched five innings, allowing three runs in the no decision. Dempster was looking for his eighth win of the year.

Reliever Bob Howry (2-2) got the win after pitching the eighth inning.

Los Angeles second baseman Jeff Kent hit solo home runs in the sixth and eighth innings. His second homer pulled the Dodgers into a 4-4 tie.

The slumping Dodgers have now lost 11 of their last 14 games. They fall to 28-32 on the season.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner, editing by Martin Petty)