As the Cubs struggle to win series, a lack of consistent fundamental baseball is not helping to overcome their shortcomings

MILWAUKEE — Controlling the controllable tends to be the mark of winning teams.

There are days hitters will be shut down by the opposing pitching staff. Others when a starter or bullpen might not have their best stuff. Every big-league team experiences both over the course of a season. But defense and smart base running should be key pillars on a playoff-caliber team — yet for the Chicago Cubs, those fundamentals continue to be lacking for a veteran team.

Those issues have become even more pronounced during the Cubs’ struggles over the last two months. A weekend of more miscues on the bases and mistakes in the field contributed to the Cubs dropping the