ATLANTA _ Manager Joe Maddon was banking that Wednesday's rest allotted to Daniel Murphy, Javier Baez and Jason Heyward will keep them strong as the Cubs open an 11-game trip Thursday night.
But pinch-hitter Tommy La Stella gave the Cubs a sudden and much-needed lift, as he smacked a two-run home run off Mike Foltynewicz in the top of the sixth inning that sparked the Cubs a 5-4 victory over the Braves in a makeup game at SunTrust Park.
With the win, the Cubs (79-54) maintained their 4 {-game lead over the Cardinals in the National League Central.
Baez ran from his shortstop position to make an over-the-shoulder catch in shallow center to rob Ender Inciarte for the second out of the ninth.
This marked the first pinch-hit home run of La Stella's career and his 20th pinch hit of the season, tying a franchise single season record.
The homer came after the Braves pounced on left-hander Mike Montgomery for three runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 4-3 lead.
Freddie Freeman hit a game-tying triple that skipped past a diving Heyward, who was shaken up and had to leave the game.
Ben Zobrist hit a double that sparked a two-run second, and he hit a single that set up a two-out RBI double by Willson Contreras in the third to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead.
Murphy returned to the leadoff spot, followed by Baez.
Montgomery ran into trouble with two out in the third when he allowed a single to Ronald Acuna Jr., hit Johan Camargo with a pitch, and Freddie Freeman followed with an RBI single.
This marked Montgomery's first start since Aug. 7. Montgomery pitched one inning against the Nationals on Aug. 11 but experienced left shoulder inflammation that caused him to be placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Cubs relievers Jesse Chavez, Justin Wilson, Carl Edwards Jr. and Pedro Strop allowed one hit over the final four innings. Strop earned his 11th save.
