Bullpen has been big part of Cubs’ surge into contention, too

Entering play Monday, closer Adbert Alzolay had 15 saves and was averaging 10.17 strikeouts per nine innings in the Cubs’ last 58 games. (Erin Hooley/AP)

In a season in which the offense has been mainly responsible for bringing the Cubs from the brink of oblivion to playoff contention, the bullpen has made just as big a turnaround.

Through June 11, the Cubs were 28-37 and 6 1/2 games behind the National League Central-leading Pirates. Their offense was averaging 4.2 runs per game, and their bullpen had a 4.73 ERA that was the sixth-worst in the majors.