Full Breakdown
Cubs End 10-Game Losing Streak with 10-4 Victory Over Pirates
5/28/2026, 1:25:22 PM
End of the 10-Game Losing Streak
On Wednesday night at PNC Park, Chicago defeated Pittsburgh 10–4, snapping a ten-game slide that began on May 15. Left fielder Ian Happ produced five RBIs, including a two-run single in the first inning and a three-run home run in the seventh that broke a 4-4 tie. Pinch-hitter Michael Conforto added a two-run homer, and the Cubs collected 14 hits.
Recent Performance Context
During the losing streak the Cubs were outscored 65–25, averaging a four-run deficit per game. The team’s batting line fell to .185/.288/.293 (60-for-324) with eight home runs, 11 doubles and 87 strikeouts. The rotation posted an 8.52 ERA, while the bullpen recorded a 2.89 ERA. Historically, Chicago became the first club since the 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers to register two ten-game winning streaks and a ten-game losing streak in the same season.
Statistical Overview of the Streak
- Team OPS: .733 (overall); .733 masks a distribution where Michael Busch posted a .938 OPS (163 wRC+), while Ian Happ slumped to .114 OPS (2.9 wRC+).
- Happ’s strikeout rate: 43.6 % (17 K in 39 PA), xwOBA .187.
- Seiya Suzuki: .394 OPS (15.3 wRC+).
- Dansby Swanson: .487 OPS (36.7 wRC+).
- Rotation: 6.18 team ERA (overall), 8.52 ERA for starters; starters logged 50 innings with a 1.660 WHIP.
- Bullpen: 37.1 innings, 1.205 WHIP, 4.21 FIP; Jacob Webb posted a 0.00 ERA and +2.31 RE24.
Key Players and Units
- Starting Pitchers: Shota Imanaga (13.06 ERA), Jameson Taillon (11.17 ERA), Jordan Wicks (16.62 ERA).
- Relievers: Jacob Webb (0.00 ERA), Ethan Roberts (1.35 ERA), Ty Blach (0.00 ERA).
- Offensive Core: Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, Michael Busch.
- Manager: Craig Counsell, who rested Happ before the series against the Astros.
Official Statements & Responses
Cubs manager Craig Counsell described the win as “a good team win” that the clubhouse “needed.” Pitcher Jameson Taillon said the ten-loss stretch “still feels raw” but expressed relief at breaking it. Pirates manager Don Kelly noted, “Happ has killed us,” after the decisive home run. MLB insider Jon Heyman projected the Cubs will remain “buyers” at the trade deadline, emphasizing the need to bolster the rotation.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts from Fansided highlighted the rotation’s collapse—four starters posted ERAs above 10.00—and the bottom-of-the-order offensive decline, noting that Happ, Suzuki and Swanson produced below-replacement OPS. The bullpen’s solid performance was contrasted with the starters’ inability to keep games close.
Impact on Standings and Historical Significance
Chicago sits 29-26, 4.5 games behind the NL Central lead. The streak’s end preserves a rare statistical footnote and keeps the Cubs within striking distance of the postseason despite the early-season volatility.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the team’s overall ERA during the streak: one dataset lists a 6.18 ERA (including bullpen), while another emphasizes an 8.52 ERA for the rotation alone. No source provides a definitive breakdown of innings pitched by each reliever beyond the figures cited.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s the park, and I’m so comfortable in it. It’s home,” — Ian Happ, Cubs left fielder
- “Those 10 losses in a row are still raw,” — Jameson Taillon, Cubs pitcher
- “Happ has killed us,” — Don Kelly, Pirates manager
- “They are not going to be a seller as the Mets are and the Red Sox could be,” — Jon Heyman, MLB insider
What’s Next
Chicago’s next starter is right-hander Colin Rea (4-3, 4.?? ERA), who will face NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes (6-4, 3.00 ERA) in the series finale on Thursday.
