True American Heroes.

I… don’t even know what to say about this game. I kind of want to send this recap back in time, to my 2011 self, and see how she reacts. But she might die of laughter, which would mean that I was never able to write the recap, and, well, time-travel paradoxes are really outside the purview of this blog.

Cubs win their second in a row over the Cards, 3-2 in ten innings. For reals.

Jeff Spellcheck continued to confuse all of us with an absolute gem today. He went 6.2 scoreless, threw fewer than 100 pitches, struck out nine, and only gave up two walks and four hits. He stayed ahead in the count and showed command, only really struggling in the seventh inning. After a single to Yadier Molina and a walk to Matt Carpenter, he was lifted.

Much like yesterday’s game, the Cubs took a one-run lead in the first. This time it was Starlin Castro driving David DeJesus in with the sac fly. They also continued the noble tradition of stranding runners at third, wasting opportunities four times in the next eight innings.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals, surprising exactly no one, managed to get to the Cubs bullpen. Rafael Dolis and Carlos Marmol walked everyone on earth, except for Matt Holliday, who cranked a two-run homer to give St. Louis the lead in the eighth. Dooooooooom.

The Cubs went quietly in their half of the inning, but in the bottom of the ninth, Wrigley Field got loud. Bryan LaHair led off with a solo homer to tie the game. Two outs later, with runners at second and third, Joe Mather stepped to the plate… And promptly struck out.

No, someone else got to be the hero tonight. With Tony Campana standing on second base – having gotten there on an admittedly questionable call that earned Mike Matheny an ejection – Alfonso Soriano singled into center to send everybody barreling onto the field like maniacs.

Two in a row. On a Jeff Samardzija gem. Against the Cardinals.

Oh, and Michael Bowden made his first appearance for the Cubs. Unfortunately, it looks like he’ll fit right in with the rest of the ‘pen. He managed two quick outs in the top of the ninth, but then gave up a double and two walks to load the bags before getting out of it. It was a scary moment. Not that we’re unfamiliar with those.

Ah, well – heart attack risk factors aside, savor these last two games, Cubs fans. Gotta take it where you can get it.

Tomorrow’s contest starts at 1:20 on WGN, and features Chris Volstad facing Lance Lynn. See you then.