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Deadspin | No. 9 Kansas rallies to end No. 1 Arizona’s unbeaten run

Deadspin | No. 9 Kansas rallies to end No. 1 Arizona’s unbeaten run

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Feb 9, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) shoots against Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Flory Bidunga scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as No. 9 Kansas handed top-ranked Arizona its first loss of the season, 82-78 on Monday at Lawrence, Kan.

The Wildcats (23-1, 10-1 Big 12) achieved the best start in Big 12 history at 23-0 overall before the defeat.

Kansas (19-5, 9-2) beat the No. 1 team at Allen Fieldhouse for the first time ever after losing five such games, including to Arizona the last time in 2003.

The Jayhawks won their eighth straight game overall despite playing without freshman star Darryn Peterson, who had flu-like symptoms. It was the 11th game Kansas played without Peterson, who has dealt with an ankle sprain, hamstring strain and chronic cramping.

Arizona led by 11 with 17:02 to go before Kansas rallied.

Bidunga made two free throws with 1:35 left to put the Jayhawks ahead 75-71.

Arizona’s Jaden Bradley missed a running jumper in the lane before Melvin Council Jr. made a driving shot to give Kansas a 77-71 edge with 51 seconds left.

A Bradley basket sliced into the gap, and after a turnover by Kansas on the inbound pass, Brayden Burries made a 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining to pull Arizona within 77-76.

Council was fouled and made both free throws with 31.4 seconds left.

Burries’ drive to the basket was blocked by Bidunga, and Council was fouled.

Council, who had 23 points, six rebounds and six assists, made 1 of 2 free throws to give Kansas an 80-76 lead with 16 seconds left.

Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas followed with a jumper in the lane with 9.8 seconds remaining.

Kansas’ Tre White made both of his free-throw attempts with 5.1 seconds left to seal the win.

Bryson Tiller finished with 18 points and eight rebounds for the Jayhawks.

Burries had 25 points and Krivas added 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Wildcats.

Burries led a 7-0 run early in the second half with five of the points, putting Arizona ahead 55-44.

Kansas then scored seven unanswered points behind five points from Council.

The Jayhawks took their first lead, 65-64, with 9:32 remaining on a layup by Bidunga. That came in the midst of Kansas outscoring Arizona 25-9 to take a 69-64 edge with 6:56 left.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Reds’ bullpen geared up for another look at Twins Apr 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan (15) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images The stout Cincinnati bullpen appears to be at full strength as the Reds prepare for the middle contest of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis. Connor Phillips (2.25 ERA), Graham Ashcraft (1.64 ERA), Tony Santillan (0.00 ERA) and Emilio Pagan (six saves, 4.35 ERA) held the Twins to two hits and no runs over the final 3 2/3 innings of a 2-1 win on Friday. After sustaining an apparent hamstring injury on the last pitch of a 2-1 home victory over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, Pagan appears to be healthy. He needed just 13 pitches, eight of which were strikes, to get through a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Friday. Pagan has blown just one save opportunity, in the Reds’ second game of the season. He has struck out 10 hitters in 10 1/3 innings, and in his past seven outings, he has allowed no runs and one hit in seven innings. “I’m getting through it,” Pagan said of pitching through the hamstring ailment. “As long as I can do my delivery on the mound and not have to change any of that, I’ll be fine.” The last out of the game came on a grounder to second base. Pagan said of running to cover first base, “Just trying to get off quick, a natural reaction on a ball hit that way, I could just tell that it was tight, but as long as I can do my delivery … I like my chances.” The Reds will turn to Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.85 ERA) for the Saturday start. The left-hander struggled his last time out in a 9-6 loss at the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. He yielded a career-high-tying seven runs on eight hits in just three-plus innings. In his lone start against the Twins, Abbott didn’t earn a decision while throwing 5 2/3 innings on June 17, 2025. He permitted five runs (one earned) on eight hits and no walks with five strikeouts. Minnesota is slated to give the ball to Taj Bradley (3-0, 1.25). His last time out, the right-hander earned the win as he pitched five innings in the Twins’ 8-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Bradley surrendered one run on five hits and four walks, and he struck out seven. Bradley was a winner in his lone start against the Reds, which came as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays on April 18, 2023. He tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowed three hits and one walk and fanned nine. He will be in search of more run support than Minnesota mustered in the series opener. The Twins lost their second straight game and only managed five hits on Friday, but they had their chances. Luke Keaschall ended two potential rallies. He struck out looking with the bases loaded to end the third inning, and grounded he into a double play with runners on the corners to end the fifth. Hitting out of the No. 3 hole in the Twins’ lineup, Keaschall has a .211 average with one home run and nine RBIs on the season. He is 0-for-7 in the past two games, and he wants to focus on the next game. “I hit into my first double play of the season with men on first and third. That’s obviously not what I wanted to do,” Keaschall said. “Every day we have to treat it as its own. Be present. Every day is a new day and we have to try and get the most out of each day. Try to be present and we’ll get them back. “We are ticked off, it’s going to change soon.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #bullpen #geared #TwinsApr 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan (15) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

The stout Cincinnati bullpen appears to be at full strength as the Reds prepare for the middle contest of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis.

Connor Phillips (2.25 ERA), Graham Ashcraft (1.64 ERA), Tony Santillan (0.00 ERA) and Emilio Pagan (six saves, 4.35 ERA) held the Twins to two hits and no runs over the final 3 2/3 innings of a 2-1 win on Friday.

After sustaining an apparent hamstring injury on the last pitch of a 2-1 home victory over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, Pagan appears to be healthy. He needed just 13 pitches, eight of which were strikes, to get through a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Friday.

Pagan has blown just one save opportunity, in the Reds’ second game of the season. He has struck out 10 hitters in 10 1/3 innings, and in his past seven outings, he has allowed no runs and one hit in seven innings.

“I’m getting through it,” Pagan said of pitching through the hamstring ailment. “As long as I can do my delivery on the mound and not have to change any of that, I’ll be fine.”

The last out of the game came on a grounder to second base.

Pagan said of running to cover first base, “Just trying to get off quick, a natural reaction on a ball hit that way, I could just tell that it was tight, but as long as I can do my delivery … I like my chances.”

The Reds will turn to Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.85 ERA) for the Saturday start. The left-hander struggled his last time out in a 9-6 loss at the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. He yielded a career-high-tying seven runs on eight hits in just three-plus innings.


In his lone start against the Twins, Abbott didn’t earn a decision while throwing 5 2/3 innings on June 17, 2025. He permitted five runs (one earned) on eight hits and no walks with five strikeouts.

Minnesota is slated to give the ball to Taj Bradley (3-0, 1.25). His last time out, the right-hander earned the win as he pitched five innings in the Twins’ 8-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Bradley surrendered one run on five hits and four walks, and he struck out seven.

Bradley was a winner in his lone start against the Reds, which came as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays on April 18, 2023. He tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowed three hits and one walk and fanned nine.

He will be in search of more run support than Minnesota mustered in the series opener.

The Twins lost their second straight game and only managed five hits on Friday, but they had their chances. Luke Keaschall ended two potential rallies. He struck out looking with the bases loaded to end the third inning, and grounded he into a double play with runners on the corners to end the fifth.

Hitting out of the No. 3 hole in the Twins’ lineup, Keaschall has a .211 average with one home run and nine RBIs on the season. He is 0-for-7 in the past two games, and he wants to focus on the next game.

“I hit into my first double play of the season with men on first and third. That’s obviously not what I wanted to do,” Keaschall said. “Every day we have to treat it as its own. Be present. Every day is a new day and we have to try and get the most out of each day. Try to be present and we’ll get them back.

“We are ticked off, it’s going to change soon.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #bullpen #geared #Twins">Deadspin | Reds’ bullpen geared up for another look at Twins Apr 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan (15) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images The stout Cincinnati bullpen appears to be at full strength as the Reds prepare for the middle contest of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis. Connor Phillips (2.25 ERA), Graham Ashcraft (1.64 ERA), Tony Santillan (0.00 ERA) and Emilio Pagan (six saves, 4.35 ERA) held the Twins to two hits and no runs over the final 3 2/3 innings of a 2-1 win on Friday. After sustaining an apparent hamstring injury on the last pitch of a 2-1 home victory over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, Pagan appears to be healthy. He needed just 13 pitches, eight of which were strikes, to get through a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Friday. Pagan has blown just one save opportunity, in the Reds’ second game of the season. He has struck out 10 hitters in 10 1/3 innings, and in his past seven outings, he has allowed no runs and one hit in seven innings. “I’m getting through it,” Pagan said of pitching through the hamstring ailment. “As long as I can do my delivery on the mound and not have to change any of that, I’ll be fine.” The last out of the game came on a grounder to second base. Pagan said of running to cover first base, “Just trying to get off quick, a natural reaction on a ball hit that way, I could just tell that it was tight, but as long as I can do my delivery … I like my chances.” The Reds will turn to Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.85 ERA) for the Saturday start. The left-hander struggled his last time out in a 9-6 loss at the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. He yielded a career-high-tying seven runs on eight hits in just three-plus innings. In his lone start against the Twins, Abbott didn’t earn a decision while throwing 5 2/3 innings on June 17, 2025. He permitted five runs (one earned) on eight hits and no walks with five strikeouts. Minnesota is slated to give the ball to Taj Bradley (3-0, 1.25). His last time out, the right-hander earned the win as he pitched five innings in the Twins’ 8-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Bradley surrendered one run on five hits and four walks, and he struck out seven. Bradley was a winner in his lone start against the Reds, which came as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays on April 18, 2023. He tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowed three hits and one walk and fanned nine. He will be in search of more run support than Minnesota mustered in the series opener. The Twins lost their second straight game and only managed five hits on Friday, but they had their chances. Luke Keaschall ended two potential rallies. He struck out looking with the bases loaded to end the third inning, and grounded he into a double play with runners on the corners to end the fifth. Hitting out of the No. 3 hole in the Twins’ lineup, Keaschall has a .211 average with one home run and nine RBIs on the season. He is 0-for-7 in the past two games, and he wants to focus on the next game. “I hit into my first double play of the season with men on first and third. That’s obviously not what I wanted to do,” Keaschall said. “Every day we have to treat it as its own. Be present. Every day is a new day and we have to try and get the most out of each day. Try to be present and we’ll get them back. “We are ticked off, it’s going to change soon.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #bullpen #geared #Twins

Indian women’s hockey team finished its four-match tour of Argentina with a 2-2 draw on Friday. After a difficult start to the series, the Indian side fought back and won its final two matches to finish the tour on a high.

In the tour’s first match on April 13, Navneet Kaur (22’) and Annu (29’) found the net for India but Argentina eventually won 4–2 with Maria Emilia Larsen (11’), Victoria Granato (18’), and Julieta Jankunas (42’, 55’) finding the back of the net.

In the second match, on April 14, Ishika (22’) gave India an early lead before the host secured a narrow 2–1 win courtesy a brace from Agustina Gorzelany (34’, 48’).

India found its rhythm in the third match on April 16, securing a 2-1 victory to stay alive in the series. Navneet (26’) and Neha (37’) both scored from penalty corners to give India a comfortable 2-0 lead. Despite a late goal from Gorzelany (52’), the Indian side stayed composed to secure the win.

On April 17, the series finale was a hard-fought encounter that ended 0-0 in regulation time. Both teams had chances to score, but the Indian defenders stood tall to keep a clean sheet throughout the match. In the shootout, India held its nerve to win 3-2 and ensure the series ended at 2-2.

Reflecting on the tour, stand-in captain Navneet said, “I am incredibly proud of how the team responded after the first two matches. It isn’t easy to trail 0-2 against a world-class team like Argentina, but we showed the heart and character needed to fight back. These back-to-back wins prove that we are moving in the right direction and can handle pressure on the big stage.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Indian #womens #hockey #team #fights #draws #fourmatch #series #Argentina">Indian women’s hockey team fights back, draws four-match series in Argentina Indian women’s hockey team finished its four-match tour of Argentina with a 2-2 draw on Friday. After a difficult start to the series, the Indian side fought back and won its final two matches to finish the tour on a high.In the tour’s first match on April 13, Navneet Kaur (22’) and Annu (29’) found the net for India but Argentina eventually won 4–2 with Maria Emilia Larsen (11’), Victoria Granato (18’), and Julieta Jankunas (42’, 55’) finding the back of the net.In the second match, on April 14, Ishika (22’) gave India an early lead before the host secured a narrow 2–1 win courtesy a brace from Agustina Gorzelany (34’, 48’).A tough start, but an even stronger finish. 🏑✨Team India bounced back to draw the 4-match series 2–2 🆚 Argentina 💥#HockeyIndia#IndiaKaGamepic.twitter.com/YlEwctPbal— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 18, 2026India found its rhythm in the third match on April 16, securing a 2-1 victory to stay alive in the series. Navneet (26’) and Neha (37’) both scored from penalty corners to give India a comfortable 2-0 lead. Despite a late goal from Gorzelany (52’), the Indian side stayed composed to secure the win.On April 17, the series finale was a hard-fought encounter that ended 0-0 in regulation time. Both teams had chances to score, but the Indian defenders stood tall to keep a clean sheet throughout the match. In the shootout, India held its nerve to win 3-2 and ensure the series ended at 2-2.Reflecting on the tour, stand-in captain Navneet said, “I am incredibly proud of how the team responded after the first two matches. It isn’t easy to trail 0-2 against a world-class team like Argentina, but we showed the heart and character needed to fight back. These back-to-back wins prove that we are moving in the right direction and can handle pressure on the big stage.”Published on Apr 18, 2026 #Indian #womens #hockey #team #fights #draws #fourmatch #series #Argentina

India found its rhythm in the third match on April 16, securing a 2-1 victory to stay alive in the series. Navneet (26’) and Neha (37’) both scored from penalty corners to give India a comfortable 2-0 lead. Despite a late goal from Gorzelany (52’), the Indian side stayed composed to secure the win.

On April 17, the series finale was a hard-fought encounter that ended 0-0 in regulation time. Both teams had chances to score, but the Indian defenders stood tall to keep a clean sheet throughout the match. In the shootout, India held its nerve to win 3-2 and ensure the series ended at 2-2.

Reflecting on the tour, stand-in captain Navneet said, “I am incredibly proud of how the team responded after the first two matches. It isn’t easy to trail 0-2 against a world-class team like Argentina, but we showed the heart and character needed to fight back. These back-to-back wins prove that we are moving in the right direction and can handle pressure on the big stage.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Indian #womens #hockey #team #fights #draws #fourmatch #series #Argentina">Indian women’s hockey team fights back, draws four-match series in Argentina

Indian women’s hockey team finished its four-match tour of Argentina with a 2-2 draw on Friday. After a difficult start to the series, the Indian side fought back and won its final two matches to finish the tour on a high.

In the tour’s first match on April 13, Navneet Kaur (22’) and Annu (29’) found the net for India but Argentina eventually won 4–2 with Maria Emilia Larsen (11’), Victoria Granato (18’), and Julieta Jankunas (42’, 55’) finding the back of the net.

In the second match, on April 14, Ishika (22’) gave India an early lead before the host secured a narrow 2–1 win courtesy a brace from Agustina Gorzelany (34’, 48’).

India found its rhythm in the third match on April 16, securing a 2-1 victory to stay alive in the series. Navneet (26’) and Neha (37’) both scored from penalty corners to give India a comfortable 2-0 lead. Despite a late goal from Gorzelany (52’), the Indian side stayed composed to secure the win.

On April 17, the series finale was a hard-fought encounter that ended 0-0 in regulation time. Both teams had chances to score, but the Indian defenders stood tall to keep a clean sheet throughout the match. In the shootout, India held its nerve to win 3-2 and ensure the series ended at 2-2.

Reflecting on the tour, stand-in captain Navneet said, “I am incredibly proud of how the team responded after the first two matches. It isn’t easy to trail 0-2 against a world-class team like Argentina, but we showed the heart and character needed to fight back. These back-to-back wins prove that we are moving in the right direction and can handle pressure on the big stage.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Indian #womens #hockey #team #fights #draws #fourmatch #series #Argentina
Deadspin | Cubs aim to extend offensive surge at expense of skidding Mets Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) watches his two-run home run against the New York Mets during the eight inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The Chicago Cubs have a chance Saturday to do something they have achieved only twice since 1900. The New York Mets can only hope they don’t inch closer to yet another bit of ignoble history. The Cubs will look to remain red-hot Saturday afternoon when they host the free-falling Mets in the middle contest of a three-game series. Jameson Taillon (0-1, 4.86 ERA) is slated to start for the Cubs against Freddy Peralta (1-1, 3.86) in a battle of right-handers. The Cubs and Mets continued going in opposite directions Friday afternoon, when Moises Ballesteros hit a three-run homer to cap a four-run first-inning outburst that sparked Chicago to a 12-4 rout. The win was the third straight for the Cubs, who have collected 10-plus runs in each of those games while outscoring the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies 33-10. Chicago last scored at least 10 runs in three straight games from Sept. 13-15, 2019, when the Cubs outscored the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates 47-15 in a sweep. The Cubs have scored at least 10 runs in at least four straight games twice in the past 126 years — first in a five-game stretch from June 1-6, 1930, and then in a four-game stretch from June 28-July 1, 2018. “That number of runs, it means there’s a lot of people doing good things,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “One of the strengths of our team should be just the length of our lineup and just being able to get production everywhere in the lineup.” The only solace for the Mets as they try to snap a nine-game losing streak is the fact the Cubs were slumping prior to their breakout. Chicago scored 73 runs in its first 16 games, during which it scored one run or none four times. The Mets have been outscored 56-16 during their skid — the longest for the club since an 11-game losing streak from Aug. 28-Sept. 8, 2004. New York hasn’t lost more than 11 straight since dropping 12 in a row from Aug. 10-23, 2002. The four runs the Mets scored Friday marked just the second time they scored more than two runs during the tailspin. They haven’t led at the end of an inning since the first inning of an 11-6 loss to the Athletics on April 11 — a span of 53 frames. “We have got to be able to put a consistent game here where we’re clicking our best — with starters, playing defense, offensively,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “That has got to start.” Despite the skid, Mendoza’s job apparently isn’t in jeopardy. President of baseball operations David Stearns said before the Friday defeat, “I think Mendy’s doing a really good job. I think he’s putting our players in a position to succeed. He’s enormously consistent.” Peralta took the loss in his most recent start, when he allowed one run over six innings as the Mets fell to the Athletics 1-0 on Sunday. He is 9-3 with a 3.21 ERA in 22 career games (17 starts) against the Cubs. Taillon didn’t factor into the decision on Sunday after giving up six runs over six innings in the Cubs’ 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He served up three homers and walked two but struck out 10. Taillon is 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA in seven lifetime starts against the Mets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cubs #aim #extend #offensive #surge #expense #skidding #MetsApr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) watches his two-run home run against the New York Mets during the eight inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs have a chance Saturday to do something they have achieved only twice since 1900.

The New York Mets can only hope they don’t inch closer to yet another bit of ignoble history.

The Cubs will look to remain red-hot Saturday afternoon when they host the free-falling Mets in the middle contest of a three-game series.

Jameson Taillon (0-1, 4.86 ERA) is slated to start for the Cubs against Freddy Peralta (1-1, 3.86) in a battle of right-handers.

The Cubs and Mets continued going in opposite directions Friday afternoon, when Moises Ballesteros hit a three-run homer to cap a four-run first-inning outburst that sparked Chicago to a 12-4 rout.

The win was the third straight for the Cubs, who have collected 10-plus runs in each of those games while outscoring the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies 33-10. Chicago last scored at least 10 runs in three straight games from Sept. 13-15, 2019, when the Cubs outscored the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates 47-15 in a sweep.

The Cubs have scored at least 10 runs in at least four straight games twice in the past 126 years — first in a five-game stretch from June 1-6, 1930, and then in a four-game stretch from June 28-July 1, 2018.

“That number of runs, it means there’s a lot of people doing good things,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “One of the strengths of our team should be just the length of our lineup and just being able to get production everywhere in the lineup.”


The only solace for the Mets as they try to snap a nine-game losing streak is the fact the Cubs were slumping prior to their breakout. Chicago scored 73 runs in its first 16 games, during which it scored one run or none four times.

The Mets have been outscored 56-16 during their skid — the longest for the club since an 11-game losing streak from Aug. 28-Sept. 8, 2004. New York hasn’t lost more than 11 straight since dropping 12 in a row from Aug. 10-23, 2002.

The four runs the Mets scored Friday marked just the second time they scored more than two runs during the tailspin. They haven’t led at the end of an inning since the first inning of an 11-6 loss to the Athletics on April 11 — a span of 53 frames.

“We have got to be able to put a consistent game here where we’re clicking our best — with starters, playing defense, offensively,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “That has got to start.”

Despite the skid, Mendoza’s job apparently isn’t in jeopardy. President of baseball operations David Stearns said before the Friday defeat, “I think Mendy’s doing a really good job. I think he’s putting our players in a position to succeed. He’s enormously consistent.”

Peralta took the loss in his most recent start, when he allowed one run over six innings as the Mets fell to the Athletics 1-0 on Sunday. He is 9-3 with a 3.21 ERA in 22 career games (17 starts) against the Cubs.

Taillon didn’t factor into the decision on Sunday after giving up six runs over six innings in the Cubs’ 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He served up three homers and walked two but struck out 10.

Taillon is 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA in seven lifetime starts against the Mets.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cubs #aim #extend #offensive #surge #expense #skidding #Mets">Deadspin | Cubs aim to extend offensive surge at expense of skidding Mets Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) watches his two-run home run against the New York Mets during the eight inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The Chicago Cubs have a chance Saturday to do something they have achieved only twice since 1900. The New York Mets can only hope they don’t inch closer to yet another bit of ignoble history. The Cubs will look to remain red-hot Saturday afternoon when they host the free-falling Mets in the middle contest of a three-game series. Jameson Taillon (0-1, 4.86 ERA) is slated to start for the Cubs against Freddy Peralta (1-1, 3.86) in a battle of right-handers. The Cubs and Mets continued going in opposite directions Friday afternoon, when Moises Ballesteros hit a three-run homer to cap a four-run first-inning outburst that sparked Chicago to a 12-4 rout. The win was the third straight for the Cubs, who have collected 10-plus runs in each of those games while outscoring the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies 33-10. Chicago last scored at least 10 runs in three straight games from Sept. 13-15, 2019, when the Cubs outscored the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates 47-15 in a sweep. The Cubs have scored at least 10 runs in at least four straight games twice in the past 126 years — first in a five-game stretch from June 1-6, 1930, and then in a four-game stretch from June 28-July 1, 2018. “That number of runs, it means there’s a lot of people doing good things,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “One of the strengths of our team should be just the length of our lineup and just being able to get production everywhere in the lineup.” The only solace for the Mets as they try to snap a nine-game losing streak is the fact the Cubs were slumping prior to their breakout. Chicago scored 73 runs in its first 16 games, during which it scored one run or none four times. The Mets have been outscored 56-16 during their skid — the longest for the club since an 11-game losing streak from Aug. 28-Sept. 8, 2004. New York hasn’t lost more than 11 straight since dropping 12 in a row from Aug. 10-23, 2002. The four runs the Mets scored Friday marked just the second time they scored more than two runs during the tailspin. They haven’t led at the end of an inning since the first inning of an 11-6 loss to the Athletics on April 11 — a span of 53 frames. “We have got to be able to put a consistent game here where we’re clicking our best — with starters, playing defense, offensively,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “That has got to start.” Despite the skid, Mendoza’s job apparently isn’t in jeopardy. President of baseball operations David Stearns said before the Friday defeat, “I think Mendy’s doing a really good job. I think he’s putting our players in a position to succeed. He’s enormously consistent.” Peralta took the loss in his most recent start, when he allowed one run over six innings as the Mets fell to the Athletics 1-0 on Sunday. He is 9-3 with a 3.21 ERA in 22 career games (17 starts) against the Cubs. Taillon didn’t factor into the decision on Sunday after giving up six runs over six innings in the Cubs’ 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He served up three homers and walked two but struck out 10. Taillon is 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA in seven lifetime starts against the Mets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cubs #aim #extend #offensive #surge #expense #skidding #Mets

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