7/4 Cubs lineup

The All-Star Game is considered the halfway mark in the season, but Wednesday is the Cubs’ official midway point. It’s game No. 81 of the season. Chicago has won six of its last eight games, it’s best eight-game stretch since Sept. 4-12, 2011. The Fourth of July hasn’t been kind. The Cubs have lost 11 of their last 13 games on the holiday. Paul Maholm takes the mound as the Cubs try to bounce back against the Braves. Here’s the lineup:

DeJesus CF

Castro SS

Rizzo 1B

Soriano LF

LaHair RF

Soto C

Barney 2B

Valbuena 3B

Maholm P

Extra bases:

* Tony Campana is second in the Major Leagues with 25 stolen bases, yet has played 57 games. He’s topped his season total of 24 set last year, and is one of three Cubs since 2000 to reach 25 steals before the All-Star break. The list includes Eric Young (27) in 2000 and Juan Pierre (30) in ’06.

* James Russell has a 2.28 ERA in 99 games out of the bullpen since the start of the 2011 season. It’s the second-lowest mark by a NL left-hander in that span.

* Matt Garza (4-6, 4.01 ERA) closes the series on Thursday against lefty Mike Minor (4-6, 6.20 ERA).

– Carrie Muskat