True or false: The last time the Cubs won a championship, they started 27-5.
False. The 2016 Cubs started 25-7.
That 27-5 mark is what the Cubs' record through 12 games in this 60-game season equates to in a normal season. They're off to a 10-2 start, and each game this year is equivalent to 2.7 in a normal season.
One can debate the significance of that 27-5 mark, but what's certain is the Cubs are already 20 percent through their schedule and are off to a hot start. Their record is one of many impressive figures through the first fifth of the season.
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Here's a few others, entering Thursday's game against the Royals.
28 — The number of runs the Cubs have scored in the seventh inning or later this season, tied for first in MLB with the Padres.
MLB
10-2 — The Cubs are off to their best 12-game start since 1969, when they started 11-1 (11-2 after 13 games). The 1907 and 1934 teams also started 10-2, and the 2016 team started 9-3.
7 — Alec Mills, Kyle Hendricks and Yu Darvish have each pitched seven innings against the Royals this week. According to the team, it’s the first time Cubs starters have thrown at least seven innings in three straight games against one team since Sept. 19-21, 2016 (Reds; Jason Hammel, Jon Lester and John Lackey).
They haven’t thrown 7+ four straight times against one team since April 21-24, 2014 (Diamondbacks; Travis Wood, Hammel, Jeff Samardzija, Edwin Jackson).
3 — The number of Cubs managers, including David Ross, to win nine of their first 12 games managing the team. Albert Spalding (10-2 in 1876) and Cap Anson (11-1 in 1879) also accomplished the feat.
1.95 — Cubs starters have the best ERA in baseball entering Thursday. Their 0.81 WHIP also is No. 1 among all 30 teams.
0.71 — Tyler Chatwood’s ERA through two starts, best among Cubs starters. He’s allowed a single earned run in 12 2/3 innings entering his outing on Thursday.
0 — The most important figure. The Cubs have had zero players test positive for COVID-19 since testing began ahead of Summer Camp.
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