Chicago Cubs: Oh no! Oh yes! Cubs win in 12, 7-6

This was a feel good win, no, a feel great win.

The Chicago Cubs trailed 6-0 on Sunday night against the Seattle Mariners and seemed on the verge of losing two of three to the visiting team, when the Cubs rallied for three runs in the ninth inning to tie the game, 6-6.

The game went to extras and finally was decided on one of the oddest at-bats of the season. Jon Lester was sent to pinch hit with Jason Heyward perched on third base, with one out in the bottom of the 12^th inning.

Lester sported at .075 batting average but he laid down a nice looking safety squeeze bunt that got in front of the plate, and a streaking Heyward slid across home plate with the winning run.

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Cubs win 7-6 in walk-off fashion. Lester was mobbed near second base by a crowd of Cubs, a substance resembling talcum powder was thrown in his direction. And, yes, it was a darn good win.

The winning play happened because a veteran of years of baseball was able to make contact with a pitch. It should be noted that the pitch was perfect for Lester to hit, a 71 mph curveball. Not a slider, nor wicked fastball, but a pitch that Lester could handle.

Heyward, waited for the moment to dash and once he saw the ball rolling he took off and beat the throw from reliever Cody Martin to the plate.

The Cubs (63-41) lead St. Louis by 7.5 games. August has started and now the games take on added importance. Seven Cub relievers were used by manager Joe Maddon in the contest.

They were needed because the starter, Brian Matusz, was rocked by three Mariners’ home runs in the first three innings. He left early with an ERA of 14.00.

Next: Cubs welcome in Marlins to Wrigley

It’s not easy to come back from a 6-0 deficit. And Chicago did it without the long ball. Bottom of the ninth–it was 6-5 and things weren’t looking good, but the Mariners’ pitcher Steve Cishek threw a wild pitch with two strikes on the hitter, enabling the tying run to score.

The Cubs are a good, talented team but a young team. This kind of win can demonstrate that this team has resolve, grit and determination. These qualities can serve the team well in the heat of a pennant race. Can the Cubs keep the Cardinals at bay? We will find out.