After opening their series against the Cubs Friday night with an 11-0 annihilation that marked their fifth straight victory, which came on the heels of a six-game losing streak, the Yankees were flat with the bats two straight games and skidded into the All-Star break with a 4-1 loss Sunday afternoon in front of 45,435 at the Stadium.

With a 4-1 triumph Sunday against the Yankees, the Cubs improved their record to 57-39, the second-best mark in the National League to the Dodgers’ 58-39. The NL Central race remains tight, with the Brewers trailing the Cubs by one game.

The Chicago Cubs, who haven’t lost more than three consecutive games this year, believe their best play remains ahead of them.