Maddon: Cubs’ walk-off win ‘crazy stuff’

CHICAGO — Maybe it’s John Lackey’s presence in the Cubs’ bullpen in extra innings that results in crazy games. He was ready to go in the 12th if needed Thursday night but instead, Anthony Rizzo drew a walk with the bases loaded and two outs in the 11th to lift the Cubs to a 4-3 victory over the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

Lackey, who started on Tuesday, also was in the Cubs’ pen on July 31 when the Cubs rallied to beat the Mariners in 12 innings on pitcher Jon Lester’s bunt hit. Chicago hasn’t lost since that game, and now has won 10 in a row.

“Crazy stuff,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “Entertaining? Yes.”

Chris Coghlan was in the middle of things. The Cardinals led, 2-0, when the Cubs loaded the bases in the sixth. Coghlan tried to call time out but home-plate umpire Ron Kulpa didn’t grant it. So, Coghlan stepped in and lined a two-run single to right.

“He has a tendency to quick pitch,” Coghlan said of Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez, “so I called time and then I put my hand up and said, ‘Time,’ and looked back at [Kulpa], and he popped up but I saw he wasn’t going to give it to me. I just reacted. The only thing that popped …

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