The Gist: 'Bout Time

After coming out the victor only one time in their last eight extra inning opportunities, The Cubs pulled this one out. Blunders by both second baseman came at critical times, but it hurt The Giants the most. Mike Fontenot's inability to get to what would have (most likely) been an inning ending double play didn't come back to haunt The Cubs. Luckily Marmol was able to overcome it and force extra innings. In the 10th, Giant second baseman, Rich Aurilia, booted a ball hit by Jason Kendall, allowing pinch runner, Felix Pie, to score the go ahead run. Newly recalled Hank White put down an excellent bunt on a suicide squeeze to score Fontenot. Cubs win, Cubs win. 4-2 in ten innings.

Much like last night, it was a pitcher's duel up until the end. Barry Zito went 8 innings, allowing two runs on five hits. Equally impressive, Rich Hill allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings, striking out ten. Dempster came on to work an efficient 10th for his 20th save of the year. Not a whole lot of action unless you like lefties throwing 68mph curves, but it was a big win nonetheless. We've now got this series won with the chance to sweep tomorrow. Tomorrow's game (2:30pm CST) has Chaz Z (14-9, 3.86) against Matt Cain (5-13, 3.78). Back-handed high fives all around!