Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/25/26): Pirates 2, Cubs 1 – Brown Gem Wasted in 9th Consecutive Loss
The Cubs’ losing streak reached nine on Monday afternoon against the Pirates at PNC Park. The lineup continued to struggle and wasted an excellent starting pitching performance by Ben Brown.
Second baseman Brandon Lowe was the only Pittsburgh hitter Brown had an issue with on Memorial Day. Lowe doubled to center in the bottom of the 3rd to bring home a run and give his team a 1-0 lead.
Pirates starter Carmen Mlodzinski worked around trouble most of the day, but Michael Busch blasted a solo home run off of him in the top of the 5th to even the score. Chicago reliever Trent Thornton surrendered the eventual game-winning solo shot to light-hitting catcher Henry Davis in the bottom of the 7th.
The North Siders did nothing against Pittsburgh’s bullpen and would lose by the same 2-1 margin. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Cubs stranded five men on base in the first three innings Monday, which turned out to be their best scoring chances.
Why the Cubs Lost
The bats did nothing yet again and wasted a quality pitching effort.
Stats That Matter
- Brown deserved a much better fate: 6 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 7 K, and 2 BB.
- Moisés Ballesteros had a productive afternoon with two hits and a walk.
Bottom Line
A couple weeks ago, it seemed like the Cubs kept finding new ways to win. Now it’s the exact opposite, as they seem to find unique ways to lose every single day. Things have really snowballed and stopping the negative momentum feels almost impossible at the moment.
On Deck
Chicago attempts to avoid a 10th consecutive loss Tuesday night at 5:40pm CT. Jordan Wicks makes his season debut against Braxton Ashcraft in a game broadcast on Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.
