After showing symptoms of a World Series hangover and battling a first-half malaise, the Cubs can declare themselves fully recovered.
Thanks to six innings of two-hit ball from 38-year-old John Lackey — perhaps pitching his final regular-season game — and Addison Russell's three-run homer in a five-run seventh inning, the Cubs capped a remarkable second-half turnaround Wednesday night when they beat the rival Cardinals 5-1 to win their second straight National League Central title.