Cubs Reach New Low Not Seen in Four Years

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Segun Ajayi | Last updated May 23, 2026 9:34 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs sank deeper into trouble after another frustrating loss at Wrigley Field. The team fell 3–0 to the Houston Astros on Saturday, extending its losing streak to seven games according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers. The skid marks the franchise’s longest losing streak since 2022.

Craig Counsell’s side entered the series hoping to recover from a difficult week, but the offense struggled again as the Cubs managed only three hits against a Houston pitching staff that entered the day with a 5.18 ERA. Fans expected a response at home, yet the lineup looked flat from the opening inning.

The pressure is now growing three years into Counsell’s tenure as Chicago continues to slide in the National League Central race.

Houston first baseman Christian Walker led the Astros with two home runs and three RBI. He struck early with a two-run homer in the first inning before adding another in the fourth. Those swings provided all the offense Houston needed.

The Cubs may have hit rock bottom, losing their 7th straight game, 3-0 to Houston. They managed 3 hits to the team with the highest ERA in MLB. It’s their longest losing skid since 2022.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 23, 2026

Astros starter Kai-Wei Teng also dominated on the mound, allowing just two hits across six scoreless innings while striking out six batters.

The Cubs never found a rhythm, with Alex Bregman, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Dansby Swanson recording the team’s only hits — all singles. Chicago failed to create pressure on the bases and rarely threatened to score throughout the afternoon.

The recent struggles have raised serious concerns around the club after Chicago opened the season with strong momentum and multiple winning streaks earlier in the year. At one point, many fans believed the Cubs could control the National League Central race. Now, the mood around the club has shifted significantly.

Several key players continue to underperform despite high expectations and major contracts. Swanson, Bregman, and Crow-Armstrong all struggled as the offense stalled again. The team also continues to leave runners on base in key moments. In Friday’s 4–2 loss to Houston, the Cubs went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

May 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) tags out Houston Astros center fielder Brice Matthews (0) at second base on a steal attempt during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The pitching staff has also delivered inconsistent performances in recent games. Starter Colin Rea pitched seven innings on Saturday, but Walker’s two home runs proved decisive. Earlier in the series, Jameson Taillon allowed four runs in fewer than five innings during another defeat.

Despite the losing streak, Chicago remains within reach of first place in the division and trails the Milwaukee Brewers by only a few games. However, the Cubs cannot afford for the slide to continue much longer.

Chicago will try to avoid a sweep and end its six-game homestand on a positive note when left-hander Shota Imanaga takes the mound in Sunday’s series finale against Houston.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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