Every time a Cubs player fouls a ball off at the plate, you can hear the home dugout erupt.

In a shortened season where every game takes on added importance, the Cubs have been into it on every single pitch so far in the early going and they’ve used that energy to jump out to a 2-1 start on the season.

Ever since he was named as the new manager, David Ross has driven the point home that he wants this Cubs team to dial up the intensity. From umpires in live batting practice in Arizona to intrasquad scrimmages right out of the gate in summer camp, Ross has helped instill the sense of urgency with this team.

And it’s a conscious effort to be loud and excited in the dugout during games, though Ross said it was not something he specifically asked of the players.

“Energy’s important,” Ross said. “In this environment, it’s gonna be important that we create our own energy. These guys feed off each other and they know that they’ve got each other’s back and you’re rooting each other on.

“It’s such a unique environment that we’re playing in for these guys that haven’t played in this type of environment probably since before high school. There’s literally nobody in the stands other than your bosses.”

That energy has been palpable in the first three games, with the cheers and shouts from the third-base dugout often rising above the artificial crowd noise.

“We need it, every day,” Anthony Rizzo said. “We’re gonna create our own atmosphere in that dugout, win or lose. We’re gonna create our own energy and we’re gonna have fun with it as much as we can.

“There’s gonna be days where things don’t go our way, but we’re gonna keep those spirits high and I think everyone understand the importance of being together and winning. That’s all it’s about, just winning.”

Typically, we would’ve heard announced attendance of more than 41,000 for a late July weekend series against the Brewers.

But obviously the way of the world is different now amid a pandemic and the Cubs are adjusting to the new normal the best they can. That means bringing their own energy and adrenaline now that they can’t rely on the fans to intensify a moment.

“Coming to Wrigley Field, but the fans really influenced us here,” said Alec Mills, who will start Tuesday in Cincinnati for the Cubs. “It’s obviously very weird walking up those steps and not hearing anything. But it’s kinda cool, takes you back to the grassroots and where you were and maybe even sort of the feel of being 12 years old again.

“It’s weird when I’m cheering on or anything, you can hear your voice carrying a long way because you’re the only one making any noise. It’s the cards we’re dealt, so we’ll deal with it the best we can.”