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Cubs Fall Ninth Straight Amid Worst OPS, DH Controversy

5/26/2026

37 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Cubs Lose Ninth

The Cubs lost their ninth straight game to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.
In the last 14 games the Cubs posted a .183 average and .574 OPS, the MLB worst.
Despite criticism, management kept designated hitter Moises Ballesteros in the lineup even though he hit .068.
Ian Happ, who earlier dismissed slump concerns, now faces criticism as Brewers, who eliminated the Cubs in the NLDS, target a NL Central title.

Summary

Davis' Solo Homer

Henry Davis hit a 413-foot solo homer, his fourth, to give Pittsburgh a 2-1 win on May 25, 2026.
Don Kelly was ejected in the second inning after a disputed hit-by-pitch call, his third ejection.
Wilber Dotel earned his first MLB win with three scoreless relief innings.
The Pirates have hit 56 home runs in two months, while Gregory Soto earned his sixth save as the bullpen retired the ten Cubs hitters.

History

Historical Context

After Dusty Baker led the Cubs to an 88–74, NL Central title in 2003—their first division crown since 1989—the club swung from last place (66 wins in 2006) to first in 2007 under Lou Piniella. Those boom-bust cycles echo today’s 2026 nine-game skid to the Pirates, underscoring a recurring pattern of brief peaks followed by sudden collapses.

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Cubs Lose Ninth

The Cubs lost their ninth straight game to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.
In the last 14 games the Cubs posted a .183 average and .574 OPS, the MLB worst.
Despite criticism, management kept designated hitter Moises Ballesteros in the lineup even though he hit .068.
Ian Happ, who earlier dismissed slump concerns, now faces criticism as Brewers, who eliminated the Cubs in the NLDS, target a NL Central title.

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