The 1906 Cubs and 2001 Mariners hold the MLB record for most victories in a season with 116.
This year's Cubs are on pace to tie that record.
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After Monday's 6-4 win over the Phillies, the Cubs (40-16) are the fastest team to 40 wins since the Mariners in 2001.
Jon Lester helped his own cause by striking out nine over eight scoreless innings and adding a double in the victory. After his double, Lester scored on Jason Heyward's 100th career home run.
"Back to the Future II" may have predicted a 2015 World Series championship for the Cubs, who haven't won it all since 1908. But maybe Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale were just a year off.
Player of the day
Justin Upton, Tigers — The Detroit outfielder went 2 for 4 with a walk, scoring three times and driving in three runs in Detroit's 11-0 rout of the Blue Jays.
Highlight
Rangers designated hitter Rougned Odor, who homered earlier in the game, gave the Rangers a 6-5 walk-off victory over the Astros with a double off the left-field wall.
Three things to know
— The Cardinals will soon have Jhonny Peralta back in the lineup. St. Louis optioned struggling infielder Kolten Wong to Triple-A Memphis on Monday to make room for Peralta, who has been out all season with a thumb injury. The Cardinals intend to play Peralta at third with Matt Carpenter moving to second base and Aledmys Diaz remaining at shortstop.
— Rockies rookie Trevor Story hit another home run Monday in Colorado's 6-1 win over the Dodgers. Story has 16 homers, which are the most ever by a rookie shortstop before the All-Star break.
— The Orioles tried to turn a double play in the seventh inning against the Royals. Unfortunately for the Orioles, and Royals third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert, Jonathan Schoop's relay to first stuck in his hand and he ended up throwing the ball right into Cuthbert's right elbow. Cuthbert was forced to leave the game, which the Orioles won 4-1.
What's next
Royals (30-27) at Orioles (33-23), 7:05 p.m. ET — Baltimore's win Monday was a strange one, with Kansas City's only run coming on Schoop's error. The Orioles hope they get another solid effort like Mike Wright had Monday when they turn to Ubaldo Jimenez (2-6, 6.59 ERA) to square off against Kansas City's Yordano Ventura (4-3, 4.82).
Nationals (34-23) at White Sox (29-28), 8:10 p.m. ET — The White Sox hope to stay in contention in the AL Central as they open a three-game series against the NL East-leading Nationals. Chicago will send right-hander Mat Latos (6-1, 4.02) to the mound. Latos has had success shutting down Nationals slugger Bryce Harper. The Nats will have Joe Ross (5-4, 2.37) toeing the rubber at U.S. Cellular Field.