Soto long ball sends game into extras, Cubs prevail

What a finish to the game last night in Chicago! With 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th Geovany Soto saves the day with a 3-run homer. This didn't allow Rich Harden to lose or get a decision. When the Cubs hit dingers they get great results. Fighting off the urgent attack from the Brewers showed the Cubs are capable of anything. Also hitting homeruns were Aramis Ramirez (26) and Jim Edmonds (19). The last time the Cubs came back from a 4-run deficit in the 9th inning with 2 outs was in May 2000. Another ironic tidbit about that is they were playing the Brewers! How about the the game-winning single up the middle by Derek Lee? A sweet finish to seal the comeback. Maybe this will be a big confidence boost for Lee to get him swinging back to his normal pace.

Allowing him back in the lineup Fukudome came up empty in the stunning victory yesterday, going 0-for-3. He'll eventually find his timing again at the plate. Lou has the option of sitting him with Reed Johnson, Felix Pie, and Mark DeRosa available to man the outfield position. I don't get it or fathom how he keeps on performing so well, but Jim Edmonds still is producing and making highlight plays in center. What has gotten into this guy since coming over from the Padres. It has to be the difference in atmosphere and of course playing at historic Wrigley Field! I haven't seen much playing time from the prospects. This would be a good time for them to get at-bats while the Cubs are on a roll.

As it shapes up the Cubs' magic number is 2. That makes me one game off as I predicted the Cubs only needed 95 wins to wrap up the NL Central. Whether the Cubs reach 100 or not it's fine either way because they'll prepare for the playoffs...maybe have a few days to rest and regroup on strategies. The bullpen looks to be getting in tune once again. Kerry Wood got extra work in last night to hold off the Brewers and received the decision to record his 5th win. Marmol, Wood, and Samardzija will be the key go-to-guys in the pen during the postseason. Their pitching could influence the outcomes of close games.

The Brewers and Astros have endured a rough week with the Cubs taking advantage of both meetings (Still can't feel good entirely about the Astros series, the players should've been with their families). The two games with Houston I assume will be made up at a later date. The 9 or 10 game cushion in the division is enough for the Cubs. Their biggest challenge left on the schedule is the Mets, who the Cubs meet for 4 games in New York after completing a weekend series against the Cardinals. It's possible the Cubs can help the Brewers with a few wins in Flushing so a playoff birth for the wildcard isn't out of the question. Then again I like the idea of seeing the Mets and Cubs hook up in the playoffs. Whatever happens the Cubs will be ready for any challenge.