Cubs' Nico Hoerner admires Ian Happ's 'perseverance'

(670 The Score) Still carrying hopes of contention, the Cubs have won three of their last four games entering a tough stretch this week.

Part of the Cubs’ success can be traced to left fielder Ian Happ's hot hitting, as he has turned around his season with a strong performance lately. Happ is hitting .364 over his last seven games, including a pair of three-run home runs during the Cubs’ win over the Phillies on the Fourth of July at Wrigley Field last Thursday.

Happ is hitting .241 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs in 85 games this season. Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner explained why he’s thrilled to see Happ overcome a tough start and produce for his team.

“His push here has been huge for him personally and for the group,” Hoerner told the Parkins & Spiegel Show on Tuesday. “I just admire his perseverance and everything he does on a day-to-day so much. He’s just one of my favorite teammates I’ve had. To watch his process and the way he responds to things and goes about his work, it’s really cool to see.”

The Cubs finish the first half of the regular season with seven games in six days leading into the All-Star break, with a three-game series against the Orioles in Baltimore followed by four games in three days against the rival Cardinals in St. Louis.

The Cubs and Orioles open their three-game series Tuesday at Camden Yards, with first pitch scheduled for 5:35 p.m. CT in Baltimore. Pregame coverage starts at 5 p.m. on 670 The Score. The game can be heard on 670 or by downloading the Audacy app.