The Chicago Cubs earned their second consecutive come from behind win over the Pittsburgh Pirates today by scoring two runs in the ninth inning to earn a 3-2 victory.

The Pirates wasted a superb pitching performance by starter Kip Wells who allowed just one run on four hits over eight innings. Bucs closer Jose Mesa blew a save for the second consecutive game. Before yesterday's contest, Mesa had a streak of 23 consecutive saves which dated back to last season.

With one out in the ninth, Mesa allowed a double to Michael Barrett. The Pirates elected to intentionally walk Corey Patterson to try to set up a game ending double play but pinch hitter Todd Hollandsworth singled home the tying run and advanced Patterson to third. A sacrifice fly by Jose Macias brought home Patterson with the winning run.

The Pirates loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth off new Cubs closer Ryan Dempster with one out but Jack Wilson hit a ground ball to short that turned into a game ending double play.

Michael Wuertz (2-1) earned the win for Chicago while Mesa (0-3) took the loss for Pittsburgh.
The win improved the Cubs record to 18-20 while Pittsburgh dropped one game behind the Cubs in the NL Central with a 17-21 mark.