Emma: Top Moments Of Cubs' 1st Half

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) It's been quite the first half of the season for the Chicago Cubs.

After all the hype surrounding their offseason -- one that followed a 97-win regular season and run to the NLCS -- the Cubs entered 2016 with sky-high expectations, and they've rarely disappointed.

The Cubs entered the All-Star break at 53-35, and while recent struggles caused in part by injuries and fatigue derailed their chase for a record 117 victories, the Cubs remain on pace for around 97 or 98 wins.

Through the first half, there have been many moments to remember. Let's look at the five that stand out the most.

1.) Cubs start entire infield in All-Star Game

Before the Cubs on Tuesday in San Diego, not since 1963 had a team provided the entire infield in an All-Star Game. Cubs manager Joe Maddon recalled that Cardinals foursome from his childhood, hoping his present-day group would inspire a generation like that one did.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo, second baseman Ben Zobrist, shortstop Addison Russell and third baseman Kris Bryant comprised the infield for the National League in the Midsummer Classic. They were joined on the roster by center fielder Dexter Fowler and pitchers Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester, making for seven Cubs in San Diego. The Cubs' night was highlighted by Bryant's first-pitch home run off ace Chris Sale of the crosstown rival White Sox.

2.) Arrieta hurls his second no-hitter

When Arrieta took the mound in Cincinnati on April 21, he was simply dominant. Arrieta threw his second career no-hitter against the Reds in what was a 16-0 shellacking. Arrieta struck out six and walked four in the game.

Outside of struggles in his past three starts, Arrieta has continued to look like an ace for much of the 2016 season. He followed the Cy Young season with many great starts, none more impressive than his no-hitter.

3.) Contreras connects on his first pitch

Nobody does debuts quite like the Cubs. As their young core began arriving in early 2015 from the minor leagues, there has been much excitement -- Bryant, Russell, Kyle Schwarber and more. The best first impression though? That of catcher Willson Contreras.

Playing on Father's Day before a national television audience, Contreras stepped into the box for his first major league at-bat and ripped the first pitch to center field for a home run. Two standing ovations followed, as Wrigley Field shook with excitement in celebrating its newest Cub. He became the 27th player in baseball history to homer on his first pitch.

4.) Bryant's historic night

One could make a good case for Bryant as the first-half NL MVP, and he really helped his case on June 27 in Cincinnati with a historic night. Bryant went 5-for-5 with three home runs and two doubles.

Bryant's 16 total bases made for a Cubs record in a single game, and he became the first player in baseball history to record three home runs and two doubles in the same game. With the way Bryant is playing this season, his case for MVP continues to grow.

5.) Russell's home opener homer

The Cubs were scuffling through their home opener on April 11, trailing the Reds 3-0 after six innings. Brandon Finnegan was throwing a no-hitter with two outs into the seventh inning until David Ross came through with a single. Newcomer Jason Heyward knocked in two later that inning, but the Cubs still trailed by a run.

Then came Russell to the plate in the eighth inning, with two runners on base and one out. He hit the first pitch from Jumbo Diaz to the left-field bleachers to give the Cubs a wild comeback win.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.