Womack’s Single Gives the Cubs a 7-6 Victory

Tony Womack singled in the go-ahead run and the Chicago Cubs ended a spirited five-game series by beating the St. Louis Cardinals, 7-6, Thursday at Chicago despite Sammy Sosa’s ejection.

“If you weren’t a fan and you watched this series, you became one,” Womack said. The victory moved the Cubs within a half-game of the National League Central lead.

The series featured a little bit of everything: a rain delay of more than four hours Monday; a day-night doubleheader that included a 15-inning opener; the ejections of three Cub players, including Sosa on Thursday; a shouting match between Managers Dusty Baker and Tony La Russa; and a stunning comeback by the Cubs to win Wednesday after trailing 6-0.

The Cubs trail Houston by a half-game, while the Cardinals are a game behind the Astros in third place.

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Philadelphia 6, New York 5 -- Mike Lieberthal’s two-out RBI single in the ninth inning lifted the Phillies at Philadelphia.

The Phillies overcame another blown save by Jose Mesa to win for the sixth time in seven games and remain tied with Florida for first place in the NL wild-card race.

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Florida 5, Pittsburgh 1 -- Miguel Cabrera and Alex Gonzalez emerged from slumps and sparked a four-run seventh inning at Miami.

Cabrera singled home the go-ahead run, and Gonzalez followed with his 16th home run. Cabrera began the game in a one-for-33 slump, and Gonzalez was one for 25.