New York Mets have now suffered an eleventh consecutive defeat, a grim tally punctuated by a demoralizing loss to the Chicago Cubs. The streak, the team's longest in 22 years, underscores a profound struggle to score, with recent performances averaging a mere 1.7 runs per game.
The team's offensive output has been particularly dire. Over the last eight games prior to the most recent Cubs series, the Mets managed a paltry 12 runs. This season, they've collected a mere 17 extra-base hits, barely more than one per game. This lack of offensive firepower, coupled with an inability to capitalize on opportunities, has created a sense of stagnation.
"And when you don’t hit, you can look stagnant," noted David Stearns, president of baseball operations. He acknowledged that from his perspective, the lack of action on the bases and an inability to secure doubles with runners in scoring position can indeed feel stagnant. However, Stearns expressed a belief that this "April losing streak won’t define this team." Manager Carlos Mendoza echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for better execution.
Recent Frustrations in Tenth Inning
The latest chapter in this losing saga saw the Mets fall in the tenth inning. The Cubs rallied in the ninth, and ultimately secured the win in extra frames. Pitcher Devin Williams reportedly blew the lead in the ninth inning, a development that contributed to the extended losing streak.
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Other recent matchups highlighted a recurring theme:
A 12-4 loss to the Cubs on Friday marked the ninth consecutive defeat at that point. In that game, the offense scored four runs, a slight improvement, but it wasn't enough. The offensive struggles were not the sole reason for this particular loss, suggesting a broader range of issues.
Earlier in the same series, the Cubs handed the Mets their ninth straight loss in a 12-4 victory. Key Cubs hitters like Moisés Ballesteros, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ all homered in that contest.
A Glimmer of Past Success, Now Distant
This period of sustained losing stands in stark contrast to recent past encounters with the Cubs. Last September, the Mets experienced a different narrative:
Francisco Alvarez's two-run home run in the eighth inning against reliever Caleb Thielbar proved to be the deciding factor in a 9-7 win over the Cubs.
That victory was part of a significant comeback, where the Mets overcame a five-run deficit at Wrigley Field. Francisco Lindor also contributed with a leadoff home run and a subsequent RBI groundout.
Brandon Nimmo was credited with a crucial game-tying, three-run homer in that September stretch, and earlier in the 2025 season, he hit a career-high 25th blast to highlight a five-run inning. Alvarez's clutch hitting was also noted as a significant factor in their past success.
The team has also seen recent roster adjustments, including 1B/DH Polanco being placed on the injured list with a right wrist contusion, and the recall of C Senger. Pitcher Tobias Myers has been utilized in an opener's role, with David Peterson providing scoreless relief in recent outings.
