Mets Extend Losing Streak to 11 Games in 2-1 Loss to Cubs

The New York Mets extended their season-worst losing streak to 11 games with a 2-1 defeat to the Chicago Cubs in 10 innings on Sunday, marking their longest skid since 2004 and intensifying scrutiny on the struggling club.

The loss came during the finale of a six-game road trip, where the Mets squandered a 1-0 lead in the ninth inning. Closer Devin Williams, who signed a three-year, $51 million contract in the offseason, allowed a tying double to pinch-hitter Michael Conforto. In the 10th, reliever Craig Kimbrel took the loss after Nico Hoerner delivered a sacrifice fly that scored Pete Crow-Armstrong from third base. New York managed just one run on a solo home run by Starling Marte in the fourth inning but went 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position, continuing a trend of offensive woes.

The Mets, who entered the season with World Series hopes bolstered by a major-league-high $352.2 million payroll, started strong at 7-4, including a four-game win streak capped by a 10-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants on April 3. That momentum evaporated when star outfielder Juan Soto strained his right calf in the game, sidelining him since. Over the 11-game slide, New York has been...