Cubs lose 2-1 in extra innings as Bregman admits slump

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman delivered a stark self-assessment following a costly performance in Sunday's extra-inning loss to the San Francisco Giants, taking full responsibility for his season-long slump. The Cubs fell 2-1 in ten innings at Wrigley Field, a defeat punctuated by Bregman's failure to capitalize with runners in scoring position.

The veteran, who signed a five-year, $175 million contract with Chicago in January, went 0-for-5 at the plate. His most damaging moment came in the bottom of the eighth inning with the score tied 1-1, runners on the corners, and nobody out. Bregman swung at the first pitch from left-hander Erik Miller, hitting a soft line drive that resulted in an inning-ending double play. He then made the final out of the game in the tenth inning with a weak pop-up.

After the loss, Bregman offered a blunt critique of his performance. "I've been terrible. I need to play better," he said. "Offensively, it's been awful." He specifically highlighted his struggles in clutch situations. "I haven't executed all year. Runners in scoring position, I've been godawful. I need to be better. If I'm better over the last how many games, we probably win the...