Cubs Suffer 10th Straight Loss in Unprecedented Season of Extremes
The Cubs' struggles continued on Tuesday with a crushing defeat against the Pirates, marking their 10th consecutive loss. The game quickly became one-sided, with the Pirates scoring five runs in the first inning and ultimately winning 12-1. The Cubs faced familiar issues during this skid, particularly their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, finishing 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position and leaving 11 runners on base. In addition to offensive woes, the Cubs are grappling with a depleted rotation. Key pitchers Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Edward Cabrera are on the injured list, forcing Jordan Wicks to make his first MLB start since 2024. Wicks struggled, allowing eight runs on nine hits over 4 ⅓ innings. Despite these setbacks, the Cubs remain above .500 at 29-26, thanks to two separate 10-game winning streaks earlier this season. However, they have only won 2 of their last 16 games, prompting concern as they near the Mets' franchise record of a 12-game losing streak. Historically, this season has proven to be unprecedented for the Cubs. They are the first team since the 2017 Dodgers to achieve two 10-game winning streaks and a 10-game losing streak within the same season, and they are doing so earlier than any team has before in history. Currently tied for the 13th-longest losing streak in franchise history, the Cubs are approaching their record of 14 straight losses set in 1997. This extreme juxtaposition of highs and lows is unlike anything seen in baseball prior to June.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-27