The Latest Breaking News from Ian Happ

CHICAGO — Before all this winning suddenly became commonplace, the Orioles hadn’t shown an ability to string victories together. They hadn’t completed a sweep of an opponent through June, until that series against the Texas Rangers last week served as a launching pad to so much more.

The Cubs touted their winning culture for years. So, how does a team maintain a winning culture with a 34-52 record?

Thirteen months ago, Ian Happ sat in Chicago Cubs manager David Ross’ office at Dodger Stadium.

The Cubs are set to send two players to the All-Star Game, Happ and Willson Contreras.

Seiya Suzuki’s inside-the-park home run, Ian Happ and Rafael Ortega’s double steal, and Christopher Morel’s push bunt highlight different elements of the Cubs’ plan of attack.

LOS ANGELES — On Friday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ late-game rally against the Chicago Cubs began after their starting pitcher blocked home plate.

Thompson didn’t allow an earned run in 5 2⁄3 innings. Closer David Robertson couldn’t hold a one-run lead.

The Cubs played game No. 81 on Tuesday against the Brewers, so it’s time to dole out midseason awards.

Reliever David Robertson walked in the tying run in the ninth inning of the Cubs’ 5-2 extra-innings loss to the Brewers on Monday.

Cubs catcher Yan Gomes, who is opposed to an automated strike zone, says the “best thing in baseball” is the human element.

Contreras led NL catchers in Phase 1 of All-Star voting with 2,146,343 votes.