The New York Mets’ spiral reached a new low on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs secured a 4-2 victory, extending the Mets' losing streak to a staggering 10 games. In a contest that remained a tense defensive struggle for five innings, it was a single swing from pinch-hitter Carson Kelly that ultimately defined the day and sent the Chicago crowd into a frenzy.
Carson Kelly Delivers in the Clutch
The game was deadlocked at 1-1 entering the bottom of the sixth inning when the Chicago Cubs finally found the opening they needed. Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta, who had been effective through much of the afternoon, lost his command at the most critical moment. After recording two quick outs, Peralta issued consecutive walks to Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, ending his day after 93 pitches.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza turned to veteran left-hander Brooks Raley to face rookie Moisés Ballesteros. However, Cubs manager Craig Counsell countered with a strategic masterstroke, sending the right-handed Carson Kelly to the plate as a pinch-hitter. On the very first pitch he saw, Kelly hammered a 91-mph sinker into the left-center field bleachers for a tiebreaking three-run home run.
The blast was Kelly’s second home run of the season and only the second pinch-hit home run of his career. Remarkably, it was also the first home run surrendered by Raley in over 53 innings of work, a streak dating back to August 2023. The 414-foot drive provided the Chicago Cubs with a 4-1 lead they would not relinquish.
The New York Mets’ Freefall Continues
For the New York Mets, the loss marks their longest skid since dropping 11 straight in 2004. The team’s 7-14 record is their worst 21-game start to a season since 1983, a year they eventually finished with 94 losses. Throughout this 10-game slide, New York has been outscored by a combined 60-18, highlighting a systemic failure to produce runs when they are needed most.
Despite out-hitting the Cubs seven to five, the Mets' offense remained stagnant in high-leverage situations. The team went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight runners on base. Even with stars like Francisco Lindor and Luis Robert Jr. each recording two hits, the Mets could not find the timely knock to bridge the gap.
Early in the game, it appeared the Mets might break their hex. Mark Vientos opened the scoring in the second inning with a towering 434-foot solo home run to left-center. However, the lead was short-lived as Ian Happ responded in the bottom half of the inning with his own 431-foot solo shot, leveling the score and setting the stage for Kelly’s later heroics.
Taillon and the Cubs Bullpen Hold Firm
While Kelly provided the offensive spark, Jameson Taillon anchored the win on the mound. Taillon (1-1) earned his first victory of the season, pitching six crisp innings while allowing just one earned run on five hits. He struck out four and navigated around three walks to keep the Chicago Cubs in the game during the early stalemate.
The Cubs’ bullpen, recently thinned by the loss of closer Daniel Palencia to the 15-day injured list, showed impressive resilience. Ben Brown took over in the seventh and ran into trouble in the eighth when a throwing error by second baseman Nico Hoerner allowed Bo Bichette to score, cutting the lead to 4-2. However, Brown remained composed, inducing a groundout from Vientos to strand two runners and preserve the lead.
Left-hander Caleb Thielbar handled the ninth inning with authority, striking out two of the three batters he faced to earn his first save of the season. The victory was the fourth straight for Chicago, moving them further up the National League Central standings.
Looking Ahead to the Series Finale
The Chicago Cubs will look to complete the series sweep on Sunday as they continue their homestand. The New York Mets, desperate to end their historic slide, will send left-hander David Peterson (0-3, 6.41 ERA) to the mound. He will be opposed by Chicago’s Javier Assad (1-1, 8.10 ERA).
Key takeaways from Saturday’s matchup include:
- Carson Kelly recorded his second career pinch-hit home run.
- The Mets have lost 10 consecutive games, being outscored 60-18 during that span.
- Ian Happ homered for the second consecutive game against New York.
- Jameson Taillon secured his first win of the 2026 campaign.
- The Mets' 7-14 start is their worst in 43 years.
Sources & Original Reporting
