Today was Enrique White's turn to come up with the game-winning hit in the 11th, even if the credit for the game should go to Jim Edmonds who finally gets his payback against his former team with a two-home run performance. The days when your big hitters can't get it done, it's great to depend on these guys. I don't think there's a single Cub fan out there who hasn't jumped behind Edmonds yet despite his prior allegiances.

I've gotta say, whenever you see who's due up for the Cubs at the end of the inning before, there really isn't a list of three players that could make you give up on the inning before it even starts. Even though Blanco, Reed Johnson and Mike Fontenot are not among the feared pinch hitters in the game, they certainly make a case for it. Daryle Ward will be lucky if Lou keeps going to him as the number one guy off the bench much longer.

There isn't a whole lot of doubt when you face the St. Louis Cardinals at home and the game goes to extra innings. There are way more relievers on the Cardinals that can cough up the game in a pitch than their are hitters who can end it with a swing of the bat.

Also, gotta credit the defense this afternoon. Alfonso Soriano's arm is like a magnet to the plate. He played Troy Glaus' fly ball beautifully with that running start. Some other heads up plays like the botched suicide attempt and throwing out Albert Pujols trying to steal second like a squirrel running in front of a car.

Lastly, big props to the relief pitching. Carlos Marmol has settled down and so has his ERA around 3.00, Jeff Samardzija continues to build confidence and even, gulp, Bob Howry showed pretty good command in his inning of work. Scott Eyre can stay in Philadelphia, that is until they come to Wrigley where I hope the Cubs get a chance to shell him.

A special shout out goes to Dan Plesac, who is pretty close to dethroning Steve Stone as the most intelligent guy out there talking Chicago baseball. His color commentary this afternoon including the other night at U.S Cellular was way more insightful than hearing about Bob Brenly's sub-mediocre big league career. He's also not afraid of making big statements and he backs them up. If you don't tune in occasionally for Plesac's insight on Comcast Sports Net pre and post game, do it. After all, he's the conductor of the big blue train.