Sveum explains Cubs' Interleague success

CHICAGO -- The Cubs are 11-6 in Interleague Play with three games remaining and have secured a winning record (8-4) against the American League for the first time since 2007. What's the key?

"We've pitched really well against the American League lineups," manager Dale Sveum said. "Obviously, we won a big extra-inning game in Anaheim [June 5], but we've actually swung the bats and probably scored more runs against the American League than we have against anybody else. That could be because of the pitching in our division, too."

In 17 games against the AL this year, the Cubs are batting .283, with 98 runs, 23 home runs and a 2.99 ERA. Compare that with 38 games against National League Central teams prior to Sunday's contest against the Pirates, in which the Cubs were batting .212 with 113 runs, 31 home runs and a 3.99 ERA.

The Cubs complete the Interleague schedule this week, facing the White Sox in a makeup game on Monday and then playing host to the Angels on Tuesday and Wednesday.