May 05--The Chicago Cubs' current dominance is reflected by their 20-6 record in which they've posted a +93 run differential -- tops in the majors.
There is some historical caution, as the 1997 San Francisco Giants managed to win the National League West with a 90-72 record despite getting outscored 793-784.
Nevertheless, here are some convincing statistics that have contributed to the Cubs' fast start and holding a six-game lead in the National League Central.
--The Cubs are 13-2 when scoring first. The early leads, thanks largely to leadoff batter Dexter Fowler, has allowed their starting pitchers to work with a margin for error.
--They're also 19-1 when scoring four runs or more, and that was essential after reliever Adam Warren -- who usually is immune to allowing home runs -- surrendered a two-run shot to Matt Joyce in the seventh inning of Wednesday's 6-2 win at Pittsburgh.
--The endurance of the starting pitchers has allowed manager Joe Maddon to maintain a fresh bullpen, as the relievers have thrown only 64 1/3 innings -- fewest in the majors.
--The Cubs are 17-0 in games in which they don't commit an error, a tribute to their defense and the quality of their versatile players like Kris Bryant and Javier Baez.
The Cubs are expected to face a stiff challenge in a four-game series against the Washington Nationals as their approach another historical distinction. They've yet to lose consecutive games this season. The last team to avoid a two-game losing streak to start the season was the 1999 Atlanta Braves, who didn't lose consecutive games until the 30th and 31st games of that season, according to STATS, Inc.
The last time the Cubs went this far without losing consecutive games was in 1907, when that team didn't lose back-to-back games until its 34th and 35th games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
