The Chicago Cubs defeated the Atlanta Braves on Sunday to push their record to 25 games over .500 (43-18) for the first time this season.

"My expectation, honestly, is to play the game right every day," Joe Maddon said. "You do that enough and then you look up and maybe you have a nice lead. I don't have any expectations about leads [at] times of the year. I have goals. I go in increments of five. That's what I focus on more than anything."

The Cubs became the first Major League team since the 2001 Seattle Mariners to win at least 43 of their first 61 games, according to ESPN Stats & Info. They are the 10th team in the divisional era to do so. Seven of the previous nine clubs reached the World Series.

"We’re doing well right now," Jon Lester said. "We're on a good run. It's been fun to be a part of. Obviously the pace we're on is pretty crazy. Hopefully we can stay even-keeled and keep going. I'm sure not a lot of us have answers for what's going on. Enjoy it while we can."