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Angels’ Shohei Ohtani becomes first All-Star picked as pitcher and hitterRonald Blum | Associated Presson July 5, 2021 at 4:17 am

NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the near century history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a hitter and pitcher.

The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation was among the American League starting pitchers picked Sunday for the July 13 showcase at Denver’s Coors Field. Ohtani, who leads the majors in home runs, had already been elected by fans to start as the AL’s designated hitter.

Boston has the most All-Stars for the first time since 2009, sending five. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Matt Barnes were chosen to join a pair of starters: shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers.

Houston and Toronto have four All-Stars each.

Ohtani received 121 votes in balloting by players, managers and coaches announced three days after fan-elected starters were revealed.

“The guy’s going to participate in Home Run Derby, pitch in the game and hit in the game. That doesn’t happen like, ever,” Angels manager Joe Maddon said after speaking with AL skipper Kevin Cash of Tampa Bay. “So this is the one time … even the non-baseball fan can really latch onto this and become interested.”

Babe Ruth’s pitching days were largely behind him by the time the All-Star Game started in 1933. Ruth made one pitching appearance that year, the final one of his career on the last day of the season. He last pitched with regularity in 1919.

Ohtani is hitting .278 with 31 home runs and 67 RBIs. In 12 starts on the mound, he is 3-1 with a 3.60 ERA and 83 strikeouts over 60 innings.

The Angels did not make Ohtani available to media Sunday, and Major League Baseball has not reopened clubhouses to reporters since the start of the pandemic.

The team issued quotes from Ohtani in which he said: “It’s my first time so I just want to enjoy everything. There’s also the Home Run Derby, so I’m looking forward to taking it all in and enjoy everything.”

The right-hander was joined by fellow AL starting pitchers Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees (272 votes), and Lance Lynn (199) and Carlos Rodon (192) of the Chicago White Sox.

Cleveland’s Shane Bieber (189) also was elected but is hurt and will miss the game along with Angels outfielder Mike Trout, who was elected by fans to start, and Washington outfielder Kyle Schwarber, who was picked as a reserve.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom, who has a historically low ERA of 0.95, led NL starting pitchers with 321 votes, followed by San Francisco’s Kevin Gausman (210), Milwaukee’s Corbin Burnes (153) and Brandon Woodruff (146), and San Diego’s Yu Darvish (105).

“I’m supposed to throw Sunday, so for me I don’t think it’s smart to go pitch in the All-Star Game,” deGrom said. “I’ve been a little beat up this first half and obviously missed a few starts which I wish I wouldn’t have missed, so I don’t think it makes sense for me to throw in it.”

The Yankees’ struggling Aroldis Chapman (160), Chicago’s Liam Hendriks (159) and Barnes (117) are the AL relievers, and Chicago’s Craig Kimbrel (208), Milwaukee’s Josh Hader (191) and San Diego’s Mark Melancon (107) are in the NL bullpen.

Tampa Bay catcher Mike Zunino was elected as an AL reserve along with Oakland first baseman Matt Olson, Houston second baseman Jose Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa, Cleveland third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielders Cedric Mullins of Baltimore, Michael Brantley of the Astros and Adolis Garcia of Texas.

Major League Baseball’s picks, which ensure at least one player from each team participates, included five pitchers — Eovaldi, Texas’ Kyle Gibson, Seattle’s Yusei Kikuchi, Houston’s Ryan Pressly and Detroit’s Gregory Soto, plus Toronto shortstop Bo Bichette, Minnesota DH Nelson Cruz, Texas outfielder Joey Gallo and Angels first baseman Jared Walsh.

Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto was elected as a reserve along with Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy, San Diego second baseman Jake Cronenworth, Washington shortstop Trea Turner, Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, Los Angeles outfielder Mookie Betts and Pittsburgh outfielder Bryan Reynolds.

MLB added pitchers German Marquez of the host Rockies along with St. Louis’ Alex Reyes, Miami’s Trevor Rogers and Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler, plus Atlanta second baseman Ozzie Albies, San Francisco shortstop Brandon Crawford, Arizona infielder Eduardo Escobar, Washington outfielder Juan Soto and Dodgers outfielder Chris Taylor.

Garcia and Rogers are the only rookies among 34 first-time All-Stars. Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the youngest player at 22 years, 3 1/2 months, just ahead of San Diego shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. at 22 years, 6 months and Juan Soto at 22 years, 8 months.

Players born outside the 50 states include seven from the Dominican Republic, five from Venezuela, three from Japan, two from Cuba, and one each from Aruba, Australia, Canada, Curacao and Puerto Rico.

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Angels’ Shohei Ohtani becomes first All-Star picked as pitcher and hitterRonald Blum | Associated Presson July 5, 2021 at 4:17 am Read More »

White-flag time for the Cubs? Get-well-again time for the White Sox? This You Gotta SeeSteve Greenbergon July 5, 2021 at 12:26 am

The way manager David Ross sees it, the Cubs are kind of hanging in there.

“I don’t feel like we’re playing bad baseball,” he said. “It’s just, you know, not the best execution right at the end.”

That’s one way to characterize a nine-game losing streak. Here’s another: Where did we put that box of white flags again?

The end is near, folks. The final curtain. And even if it’s not, it sure seems like it is. The July 30 trade deadline looms extra-large. The Cubs couldn’t play any worse if their nine players on the field lined up side-by-side and spelled “S-U-R-R-E-N-D-E-R” with their bodies.

How many more years do we have with Kris Bryant? Javy Baez? Anthony Rizzo? And they’re not the only ones who might not be here much longer.

Wait, did we say years? We meant months. No, weeks. No, days.

The whole thing is really kind of sad.

“I think guys are giving all their effort,” Ross said. “I don’t see any lack in concentration and focus. I see a willingness to fight through it. It just seems like an inning or two doesn’t go our way. …

“We’re too talented to let this go far.”

But that’s just the problem: Their talent isn’t going far enough. Not anymore. Not even close.

Here’s what’s happening:

Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox
Donaldson is a real stickler.
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MON 5

White Sox at Twins (6:10 p.m., NBCSCH)

The Sox are 8-1 against the Twins this season, with a through-the-roof run differential of plus-39. Who could’ve known the gap between these teams would be almost as big as Josh Donaldson’s mouth?

Lightning at Canadiens, Game 4 (7 p.m., Ch. 5, Peacock)

Les Habs are Les Miserables, one more bad night from becoming the first team in 23 years to suffer the indignity of a Stanley Cup finals sweep.

TUE 6

Euros: Italy vs. Spain (2 p.m., ESPN, Univision)

The Italian attack is brilliant, which we know because we read stories on the sites of a couple of British papers and both included the words “the Italian attack is brilliant.”

Phillies at Cubs (7:05 p.m., Marquee)

Aaron Nola has had some brutal outings lately, something former Phils teammate Jake Arrieta knows all about. Will either right-hander qualify for a win?

Bucks at Suns, Game 1 (8 p.m., Ch. 7)

Will Bobby Portis’ supporting cast include Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the last two games of the East finals after hyperextending his left knee? Seriously, these playoffs have been hazardous to superstars’ health.

WED 7

White Sox at Twins (12:10 p.m., NBCSCH)

Lance Lynn threw 117 pitches and got the win in his last start, after which he referred to himself as a “big bastard.” We can’t be the only ones who want to see that on his MLB Players’ Weekend jersey.

Euros: England vs. Denmark (2 p.m., ESPN, Univision)

England is within sniffing distance of its first major tournament championship since the 1966 World Cup. London’s Wembley Stadium — home to both semifinal games as well as Sunday’s final — will be a glass case of emotion.

Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Clippers - Game Six
Paul is in the Finals for the first time.
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

THU 8

Bucks at Suns, Game 2 (8 p.m., Ch. 7)

It’s great to see 36-year-old point guard Chris Paul finally getting his due. Putting rings on Cameron Payne’s and E’twaun Moore’s fingers definitely would be his greatest feat.

FRI 9

Cardinals at Cubs (1:20 p.m., Marquee)

You think Cubs fans have the blues these days? Cardinals fans have been going through it for weeks longer. But, hey, maybe the weather will be nice.

White Sox at Orioles (6:05 p.m., NBCSCH)

The Sox hit the O(h No)’s with a four-game sweep on the South Side in late May. This is the first of three more shots at the American League’s worst team.

SAT 10

Wimbledon women’s final (8 a.m., ESPN)

An American hasn’t hoisted the strange, giant championship plate since Serena Williams in 2016. An American not named Serena Williams or Venus Williams hasn’t done it this century.

Cardinals at Cubs (6:15 p.m., Fox-32)

Did we mention the weather? Man, that trade deadline sure is coming fast.

Mystics at Sky (7 p.m., CW 26, Amazon Prime)

In the season opener, the Sky held the Mystics to a measly 56 points. That’s a tad more impressive than letting the Wings hang 100 on them as they did last time out.

UFC 264: Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor (9 p.m., ESPN+)

It’s Part 3 of an epic trilogy. McGregor is the biggest draw in the sport’s history and a slight favorite, but we’re pretty sure that was Poirier who knocked him out barely half a year ago.

SUN 11

Wimbledon men’s final (8 a.m., ESPN)

An American hasn’t hoisted the gold goblet-looking thing since Pete Sampras in 2000. Don’t hold your breath on that one ending any time soon.

Suns at Bucks, Game 3 (7 p.m., Ch. 7)

How far are the Bulls from the NBA Finals? That’s easy: 91.7 miles.

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White-flag time for the Cubs? Get-well-again time for the White Sox? This You Gotta SeeSteve Greenbergon July 5, 2021 at 12:26 am Read More »

Foods that Protect Your Eyes such as Astaxanthin from Shrimp and Salmonon July 5, 2021 at 12:45 am

All is Well

Foods that Protect Your Eyes such as Astaxanthin from Shrimp and Salmon

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Foods that Protect Your Eyes such as Astaxanthin from Shrimp and Salmonon July 5, 2021 at 12:45 am Read More »

2 critically hurt in Marquette Park shootingSun-Times Wireon July 4, 2021 at 11:00 pm

Two men were critically wounded in a shooting Sunday in Marquette Park on the South Side.

They were traveling in a vehicle about 2:25 p.m. in the 7200 block of South Western Avenue when another vehicle pulled up next to them and someone from inside opened fire, Chicago police said.

The 28-year-old was shot in the neck and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition, police said. The other, 33, was struck in the armpit and stomach and taken to the same hospital in critical condition.

Area One detectives are investigating.

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2 critically hurt in Marquette Park shootingSun-Times Wireon July 4, 2021 at 11:00 pm Read More »

42 shot, 10 fatally, in Chicago since Friday nightSun-Times Wireon July 4, 2021 at 10:59 pm

Ten people have been killed and at least 31 others wounded since Friday night in shootings across Chicago.

In the latest fatal shooting, a man was killed Sunday morning in Old Town on the North Side.

Just after 6 a.m., the man was walking across the street in the 200 block of West Division Street when someone approached him and the two exchanged words, Chicago police said. The other person then began firing several shots towards the man, striking him in the torso, police said.

He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he later died, police said. He has not yet been identified.

A 19-year-old man was killed while riding in a vehicle late Saturday on the Near West Side.

Just after 11 p.m., the teen was riding as a passenger in a vehicle in the 2600 block of West Van Buren Street when someone fired several shots, police said.

He suffered five gunshot wounds throughout his body and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

A man was shot to death Saturday night in Woodlawn on the South Side.

The 23-year-old was walking about 9:35 p.m. in the 6200 block of South Eberhart Avenue when someone fired shots, police said. He was struck in the shoulder and collapsed to the ground, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Walter D. Seamster.

A man was killed and two others wounded in a shooting Saturday evening in Little Village on the Southwest Side.

About 7 p.m., a concerned citizen called in a tip about a vehicle driving slowly and bumping against a curb, police said. Responding officers found the man, thought to be about 20 years old, inside the vehicle in the 4200 block of South Cicero Avenue with three gunshot wounds to the torso, police said.

He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His name hasn’t been released.

Two other men, 32 and 27, were struck in the arm and taken to the same hospital, where they were listed in good condition, police said.

A man was killed while riding in a car early Saturday in Lawndale on the West Side.

About 4:40 a.m., the 39-year-old was traveling in the back seat of a vehicle in the 4400 block of West Cermak Road when the rear window was shattered, according to police. He suffered a gunshot wound to the back of the head and was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital, police said.

Earlier Saturday, a 19-year-old man was found shot to death early Saturday in Belmont Cragin on the Northwest Side.

About 1:25 a.m., officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 2200 block of North Lockwood Avenue and found the teen lying unresponsive on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds to the back and abdomen, police said. He was transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, according to police.

Friday night, a 40-year-old man was fatally shot during an altercation in an Englewood apartment after he was playing music and a neighbor made several noise complaints, police said.

About 11:20 p.m., the man was playing music in his apartment in the 7400 block of South Emerald Avenue when a neighbor in the building made several noise complaints, police said.

The man then came to the front door of his apartment and began arguing with a person who shot him several times in the torso, police said. The person fled and the man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

About three hours earlier, a man was shot to death outside his home in Roseland on the Far South Side.

The 28-year-old was in his backyard about 8:30 p.m. in the 11200 block of South Vernon Avenue when he was shot in the head, police said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

A man was killed and another wounded in a shooting Friday evening in Lawndale on the West Side.

The men, both 20, were in a vehicle that was stopped at a red light about 6:30 p.m. in the 3900 block of West 16th Street when a person approached them on foot and fired shots, police said.

The driver suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the back and torso and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The other, a passenger in the vehicle, was struck in the leg and was transported to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

A 22-year-old man was fatally shot about an hour earlier in Hermosa on the Northwest Side.

The man was standing on the sidewalk about 5:30 p.m. when a person stepped out of a light-colored vehicle and fired shots in the 2700 block of North Kilbourn Avenue, police said.

He suffered gunshot wounds to the head and body and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

In nonfatal shootings, four men were hurt in a shooting late Saturday night in Gresham on the South Side.

About 11:50 p.m., the group was standing outside in the 1000 block of West 89th Street when someone in a vehicle drove by and began shooting, police said.

A 51-year-old man suffered three gunshot wounds to the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said. A 50-year-old man was struck in the buttocks and taken to the same hospital in good condition, police said.

Another man, 49, suffered three gunshot wounds to the body and was transported to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where his condition was stabilized, police said. The fourth victim, a 40-year-old man, suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was taken to the same hospital where his condition was also stabilized, police said.

At least 22 other people were wounded in shootings citywide since 5 p.m. Friday.

Last weekend, ten people were killed and 68 others wounded in shootings across Chicago.

Amid the notoriously violent weekend, the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition on Sunday hosted a Fourth of July cookout and party at the Concordia Place Apartments on the Far South Side.

At the event, Jackson urged people to put down their guns and called on city officials, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Supt. David Brown, to actively work together to tamp down gun violence.

“The finger-pointing must end,” Jackson said.

He later added that, “We need better and we deserve better.”

Jackson’s comments come two days after City Council members spent six hours interrogating Brown over his plans to curb the latest surge in summertime gun violence.

“We urge people… to put down their guns, stop the violence. Of course, when they see violence — [an] attempt to overthrow our government and they’re treated with kid gloves, it decreases the message: If you pick up a gun and shoot somebody, you’re not walking away,” Jackson said. “We deserve a better America.”

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

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42 shot, 10 fatally, in Chicago since Friday nightSun-Times Wireon July 4, 2021 at 10:59 pm Read More »

Man suffers severe injuries in firework explosion in West PullmanCindy Hernandezon July 4, 2021 at 11:33 pm

A 19-year-old man was critically injured after a firework exploded on him Sunday in West Pullman on the Far South Side.

The man was injured after a firework went off about 6 p.m. in the 12900 block of South Eggleston Avenue, Chicago Fire officials said.

He suffered burns to the hand, chest and abdomen, fire officials said. He was transfered in critical condition to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Fire officials said the man will lose his hand as a result of the injury.

No one else was injured, according to police.

No other details were immediately available.

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Man suffers severe injuries in firework explosion in West PullmanCindy Hernandezon July 4, 2021 at 11:33 pm Read More »

Kris Bryant, Craig Kimbrel named to National League All-Star teamRussell Dorseyon July 4, 2021 at 9:58 pm

CINCINNATI – The Cubs will have two players representing the team at this year’s Midsummer Classic as third baseman Kris Bryant and closer Craig Kimbrel were named National League All-Star reserves on Sunday.

Bryant, who will be making his fourth All-Star appearance, has had a bounceback season in 2021 and has led the Cubs offensively during the first half, slashing .272/.355/.511 with 16 homers and leads the team in hits, extra-base hits and doubles.

The Cubs’ third baseman has given the team a major boost with his versatility starting 43 games in the outfield, 23 games at third base and eight games at first base.

“It’s really cool to be recognized by your peers,” Bryant said. “I try to go out there every day and earn the respect of my opponents and my teammates. It definitely does feel really good when you hear that your peers are the ones that voted you in.”

Kimbrel’s return to dominance has been one of baseball’s best stories in 2021. Since September 2020, Kimbrel has been a force in the back of the Cubs’ bullpen and that success has carried over this season.

MLB’s active saves leader is 1-2 with a 0.59 ERA and 20 saves. Kimbrel has seen his velocity return to levels that made him one of the best closers of his generation. It’s the eighth All-Star selection and his first since 2018.

“I gotta thank all the guys that put me in position to get there,” Kimbrel said. “The relievers and starters who pitch before me to give me that opportunity to go in, throw innings that matter and get saves.”

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Kris Bryant, Craig Kimbrel named to National League All-Star teamRussell Dorseyon July 4, 2021 at 9:58 pm Read More »

Chicago Ridge family reunited as son recovers from cancerElvia Malagónon July 4, 2021 at 8:57 pm

On a recent afternoon, Abdulla Omer sat with his two giggling brothers in their new Chicago Ridge living room.

Abdulla, 13, was quiet and hid behind his baseball hat. He had spent the past couple of months without his mother and siblings as he underwent chemotherapy after doctors discovered he had Burkitt leukemia.

Mohsin Omer, the boy’s father, had balanced having the family in the Chicago area and in Yemen until his son’s diagnosis prompted them to apply in January for an expedited humanitarian parole so his wife could join them in the Chicago area.

Omer’s wife, Sanaa Saleh Abdellah Mohammad, and their children lived in Yemen while Omer, a U.S. citizen, worked and lived in the U.S. Their oldest son, Abdulla, moved to Chicago Ridge with his father in February 2020 — just before the coronavirus pandemic hit — to attend American schools.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services didn’t expedite the application that would have allowed Saleh Abdellah Mohammad to temporarily enter the United States due to an emergency situation.

The family had to wait the typical 90 to 120 days for a decision. By late April, the family got word that her application had been approved. Mohsin Omer flew to Spain, then to Egypt before reaching Yemen to help his wife get the visa.

“I cried at the embassy,” said Omer, recalling the trip and how he had taken numerous documents. He was surprised that the family was able to get the visa the same day. By May, the family was reunited with Abdulla and together in the United States.

Mohsin Omer thinks about a question from the reporters at his home in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
Mohsin Omer thinks before answering a question at his home in Chicago Ridge.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

For nearly five years, the family has had a pending “petition for alien relative,” an application through USCIS that would allow his wife to become a permanent U.S. resident through marriage. Omer said he continues to work with an attorney on the application, and he thinks it might be resolved within a couple of months.

The family has spent the past couple of weeks settling into their own apartment in Chicago Ridge, not far from where Omer’s parents live.

In addition to his wife, his 11-year-old daughter, Wafa, 10-year-old son, Mohamed, and 7-year-old son, Ali, also came to the U.S.

Omer used to travel for four or five months to his native Yemen to visit his wife and children. The ongoing conflict in Yemen stemming from a civil war in 2014 had made it more difficult for Omer to travel to his native country. Flights to Yemen are now more limited and traveling there now takes days, he said.

Abdulla’s last chemotherapy session happened in late April, but he still has monthly hospital visits, Omer said. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the family tries to limit their time outside of the home. Omer said he tries to take the children to the park every couple of days so Abdulla can work on his mobility.

“He’s doing great,” Omer said. “When he stayed five months in the hospital, he had no movements. That’s the only issue. When he walks, he can’t run.”

Mohamed, from left, Abdullah, Ali, and Mohsin Omer relax on the couch at their home in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
Brothers Mohamed, from left, Abdullah and Ali, relax on the couch at their home in Chicago Ridge.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

His mother, Saleh Abdellah Mohammad, through translation from Omer, said she barely slept while her son was in the hospital. She now feels relieved that he’s doing better and that her son isn’t far away from her anymore. She misses her life in Yemen as she adjusts to the U.S.

Omer left his job as a truck driver, and he started working at a gas station to spend more time with his family.

An organization reached out to the family, and they might get to travel together sometime next year though they are trying to decide where they would go. Omer would like to take the family to Spain, while Abdulla wants to see Paris and Saleh Abdellah Mohammad wants to travel to Turkey.

“Now I’m relieved,” Omer said sitting next to his sons. “It’s a blessing when you have your kids and wife next to you.”

From left to right, Mohamed, Mohsin, Ali, and Abdullah Omer pose for a portrait at their home in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
Mohamed, from left, Mohsin, Ali, and Abdullah Omer at their home in Chicago Ridge.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Elvia Malagon’s reporting on social justice and income inequality is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.

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Chicago Ridge family reunited as son recovers from cancerElvia Malagónon July 4, 2021 at 8:57 pm Read More »

Cubs drop MLB-worst ninth straight game in loss to the RedsRussell Dorseyon July 4, 2021 at 9:25 pm

CINCINNATI — When it rains, it pours and that’s how most of the Cubs’ 10-game road trip has gone. The Cubs have little success going on an eight-game skid and falling out of first place in the NL Central and tumbling to third place in less than two weeks.

And on the final day of the road trip, the Cubs weren’t able to stop the bleeding as their skid continued with a deflating 3-2 loss to the Reds, who completed the three-game sweep.

Nothing has been able to get the Cubs out of what is now the worst losing streak in baseball. It’s like they’ve been playing in quicksand with no branch in sight to get them out of it.

“It’s almost like we have to play a perfect game to get a win right now,” starter Kyle Hendricks said. “Things just aren’t going our way.”

Everything that can go wrong has gone wrong for the Cubs during their recent stretch and not even their stopper on the mound could turn the tide. Hendricks did all he could against the Reds and on a hot and humid day in Cincinnati and gave the Cubs a chance to win, allowing just one run over six innings.

But of the Cubs’ losses during their skid, five of them have come by one run, making little things like walks turn into big things over the course of a game, becoming the difference between a win and a loss.

“You’re gonna have ups-and-downs,” Hendricks said. “This is obviously a big down for us, but all we can do is focus pitch-to-pitch. It’ll turn eventually.”

“We’re too talented to let this go too far,” manager David Ross said after the game.

The game slipped in the seventh inning as right-hander Dan Winkler came on to replace Hendricks. Winkler did not have his command on Sunday and after loading the bases, plunked Jonathan India to tie the game at 2. Jesse Winker’s RBI-fielder’s choice would give the Reds a 3-2 lead and was the game winner.

“We’ve played some tight games. We haven’t played bad baseball. Just not the best execution on the back end.”

While the offense “broke out” with 11 hits in the game, they were still unable to come up with more than two runs – something that has become a common theme.

“We couldn’t come up with a couple big hits here or there,” center fielder Jake Marisnick said. “It’s kind of felt like that over the last couple of weeks. It’s been a grind for us, but you’re not gonna see a lot of guys hanging their heads.”

The Cubs look like a team that could use the All-Star break to reset, but that’s not coming for another week as they will play seven straight games without an off-day entering the break. They finished the brutal road trip with a 1-9 record, dropping nine straight games after the team’s no-hitter against the Dodgers on June 24.

“It’s pretty crazy what this game will dish out in terms of wins, losses, slumps, highs, lows,” third baseman Kris Bryant said. “I think it’s important to realize, yeah this sucks right now, but keep your head up. As quick as it went south, it can go the other way again. You just gotta believe in that and keep going.”

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Cubs drop MLB-worst ninth straight game in loss to the RedsRussell Dorseyon July 4, 2021 at 9:25 pm Read More »