Chicago Cubs Power Past New York Mets 12-4, Ballesteros, Hoerner, Happ Lead Rout and Extend Mets’ Losing Streak

POLICY WIRE — Chicago, USA — The Chicago Cubs delivered a resounding 12-4 defeat to the New York Mets on Friday, fueled by pivotal home runs from Moisés Ballesteros, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ, extending the Mets’ challenging losing streak to nine consecutive games.

This prolonged slump marks the Mets’ most difficult period since their 2004 season, when the team endured an 11-game losing streak. Throughout this current nine-game skid, opponents have outscored New York by a significant margin of 56 to 16 runs.

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Demonstrating formidable offensive power, Chicago has now posted double-digit scores in three consecutive matchups, marking their fourth such performance this season—a figure leading Major League Baseball. The Cubs’ consistent offensive output mirrors the dedication seen in other sports, including teams like the Jersey Bulls, who recently secured an Isthmian League play-off berth, extending their unbeaten streak.

Cubs’ Offensive Explosions

In the opening inning, Ballesteros launched a crucial three-run homer, propelling the Cubs to an early 4-0 advantage. Building on their momentum from outscoring Philadelphia 21-6 across their two preceding games, the Cubs quickly capitalized against Mets pitcher Kodai Senga.

Nico Hoerner showcased an impressive offensive display, collecting three hits and contributing two RBIs. This follows his career-best five RBIs in Wednesday’s 11-2 triumph over Philadelphia. His two-run blast in the second frame off Senga (0-3) pushed the score to 6-3. Furthermore, the two-time Gold Glove recipient at second base executed a spectacular diving play in the fifth inning, denying Bo Bichette a hit.

The scoring continued into the eighth inning as Ian Happ contributed a two-run drive, further solidifying the Cubs’ lead.

Senga’s Struggles Continue for Mets

For the New York Mets, starting pitcher Kodai Senga endured another challenging outing, giving up seven runs, six of which were earned, across 3 1/3 innings. This marks his second consecutive start where he was heavily scored upon, following a brief 2 1/3-inning appearance in a loss against the Athletics last week. The Japanese right-hander’s earned run average now stands at a concerning 8.83 through his first four starts of the season.

On the mound for Chicago, Edward Cabrera (2-0) delivered a strong performance, pitching six innings while conceding three runs on eight hits, securing the Cubs’ third consecutive victory.

Game Flow and Key Plays

Seiya Suzuki initiated the scoring with an RBI single in the first, immediately followed by Ballesteros’ three-run shot into the left-field basket, pushing the score to 4-0. The Mets briefly narrowed the gap to 4-3 in the second inning, thanks to an RBI double from Marcus Semien and a two-run single by Tyrone Taylor, whose hit bounced off the center-field wall. However, Taylor’s attempt to stretch his single into a double was thwarted by a precise throw from Pete Crow-Armstrong, who tagged him out at second.

Upcoming Series Matchup

The series is set to continue with the New York Mets anticipated to start right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta (1-1, 3.86 ERA) in the next contest, while the Chicago Cubs plan to counter with right-hander Jameson Taillon (0-1, 4.86) on the mound.