PITTSBURGH — The Chicago Cubs waited a long time for Nomar Garciaparra to get healthy and start hitting.

Garciaparra, who missed most of the season with a groin injury, hit his fourth homer in six games and Waipahu High alum Jerome Williams pitched four-hit ball into the eighth inning as Chicago beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-0, yesterday to complete a three-game sweep.

"After you have the injuries and that stuff, it's just good to get out there playing," Garciaparra said.

Garciaparra did not hit his first home run until Aug. 9 after spending April 21 to Aug. 5 on the disabled list. He connected leading off the second inning yesterday and finished 2 for 4 with his sixth home run.

Williams (5-7) combined with three relievers on a four-hitter. The right-hander, who had lost four of five decisions and got only five outs in his previous start against the Dodgers, walked two and struck out five in 7 1/3 innings.

"I was very pleased," manager Dusty Baker said. "He had his control today and was changing speed."

Williams was asked what he thought he did well.

"Everything," said the 23-year-old who came over from San Francisco in a midseason trade. "Concentration, number one, and getting the ball over the plate where I wanted to."