Darwin Barney's two-run walk-off homer gives Cubs third straight win

Darwin Barney's two-run, walk-off home run led the Cubs to a 8-6 win over the San Diego Padres this afternoon at Wrigley Field, which was the team's first three-game winning streak of the season.

"That was the first walk-off home run I've ever had at any level," Barney said.  "I didn't even see it go out.  I was running hard.  It's crazy.  It was already gone and passed and it happened so fast.  It's exciting.  It was good for our club."  This was Barney's second home run in three days and he also scored three runs and drove in three today.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said the following about Barney, "He has been doing a nice job, building that slugging percentage for sure.  That ball was crushed through that wind."

Darwin Barney's reaction after winning today's game with his two-run walk-off homer (photo from cubs.com)

According to STATS, Inc., the Cubs are the first National League team to win at least three in a row following a streak of 12-or-more losses since August 2002, when the Mets also followed a 12-game losing streak with three straight victories. 

Tony Campana, who was pinch-running for Reed Johnson, stole two bases and scored the tying run in the eighth inning with his speed, which definitely helped the team tor earn its third win in a row.  Today also happens to be Campana's 26th birthday.

"He's a huge, monster asset to be able to use in those situations.  He's so fast," Sveum said.  "When you're losing by one run, you don't want to leave him on the bench.  When anybody gets on base, you have to get him in there, even if there are two outs." 

Ryan Dempster started for the Cubs today, but had his worst start of the season and ended up with a no-decision.  He allowed six runs over six hits, which included three home runs.  He struck out four and also walked four over 4-1/3 innings.

The Cubs used four relief pitchers, including Casey Coleman, Carlos Marmol, Randy Wells, and James Russell, who all combined to deliver 4-2/3 scoreless innings.  It's really great to see the bullpen being effective, finally!

"To bounce back from that by sweeping somebody, it feels really good," Dempster said.

Matt Garza catches Darwin Barney off-guard during his postgame interview (photo from ESPN Chicago)

The Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and will travel to San Francisco, where they will play a four-game series against the Giants starting Friday at 9:15pm CT.  Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs and try for his fifth win of the season.  This will be the start of a ten-game road trip for the Cubs.  Let's hope they can get their fourth win in a row!