Picking the best moments, highlights from the Cubs' 2016 season
In their quest to end droughts of 71 years without a National League pennant and 108 without a World Series title, the Cubs have established themselves as the majors’ strongest team. Led by MVP candidate Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Dexter Fowler and Ben Zobrist, their formidable offense ranks first in the league in on-base percentage (.341) and second in scoring (4.98 runs per game). In the rotation, Kyle Hendricks has broken out to join Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester in the game’s strongest starting five. Bolstered by the majors’ most efficient defense and the deadline addition of closer Aroldis Chapman, Chicago's 3.37 runs per game allowed is the majors’ lowest by three-tenths of a run. Guided by manager Joe Maddon, the Cubs have posted a 93–52 record through Sept. 14, putting them on pace to win 104 games—MLB's highest total since 2004—and their +234 run differential is on pace to be the majors’ highest since 1998. Their magic number to clinch their first NL Central title since 2008 is down to 1.
What follows here is a chronological look at 10 top highlights from what has already been a magical season.
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