For the second straight night the Cubs jumped out to a 2-0 lead against the Atlanta Braves and once again they blew that two run lead and played extra innings. This time however, the Cubs were able to come out on top with a 3-2 victory after pitch hitter Micah Hoffpauir singled in Derrek Lee for the winning run in the top of the 11th inning. I sure wasn’t expecting to see the Cubs pull this game off but they did. I was talking with our other blogger (Mike) late in the game and told him the only way the Cubs win this is with a solo home run. I’m glad I was wrong lol!

Once again the Cubs got a great performance out of their starting pitcher as Ted Lilly tossed seven strong innings. Lilly was pretty dominate as he struck out seven Braves and only walked one while giving up seven hits and one earned run. Even though Ted didn’t get the win, he pitched great and kept the team in the game as the offense struggled.

I know we all bagged on the bullpen after blowing the lead on Tuesday night but on Wednesday they actually got the job done. Carlos Marmol, Angel Guzman and Kevin Gregg pitched a combined four innings and they only allowed one total hit. Guzman pitched the ninth and tenth innings to earn the win while Gregg actually picked up the save which was his ninth of the season.

Mike Fontenot had the only other runs batted in besides the Hoffpauir game winning RBI. Fontenot delivered in the fourth inning with the bases loaded. Ryan Theriot and Kosuke Fukudome scored on a double by Mike that was hit to deep center field. Fontenot came up big with his bat and without that hit, the Cubs would have lost this game without a doubt.

So now the series is tied up a one game each and the rubber match is set to be played Thursday night. Carlos Zambrano finally made it to Atlanta after missing the teams chartered flight before the series started and will will be making the start tonight. He will face off against Jair Jurrjens who is 5-2 with a 2.59 ERA. Should be a fun game to watch tonight!

AP Photo/John Bazemore