Mets Suffer Ninth Consecutive Loss to Chicago Cubs

The New York Mets extended their losing streak to nine games with a 12-4 defeat to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The loss dropped the Mets to 7-13 on the season, marking their longest losing streak since 2004 when they lost 11 consecutive games.

Chicago took an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning highlighted by a three-run home run from designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros.

Although New York pulled within one run at 4-3 in the second inning, the Cubs responded with additional runs, including a two-run home run by Nico Hoerner in the same inning.

Chicago effectively sealed the victory with a two-run home run by Ian Happ in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Mets’ struggles were compounded by a poor performance from starting pitcher Kodai Senga, who allowed seven runs, six earned, on six hits and three walks over 3 1/3 innings, including two home runs allowed.

Senga said through an interpreter that he wanted to get the team on the right foot but acknowledged that giving up multiple runs early does not help the team find a rhythm.

The game concluded with the Cubs turning a double play in the top of the ninth inning.

Manager Carlos Mendoza, defended by president of baseball operations David Stearns prior to the game, acknowledged the need for greater consistency across starting pitching, defense and offense following another poor team performance.

The Mets’ nine-game losing streak surpasses their recent eight-game skids in 2018 and September 2025, though remains short of the franchise record of 17 straight losses set in 1961.

Part of New York’s difficulties this season has been linked to the absence of outfielder Juan Soto, who has missed 11 games due to a calf injury while earning a league-leading $61.9 million salary, a significant portion of the team’s $352 million payroll—the highest in Major League Baseball.