The Chicago Cubs are facing a critical moment as they prepare to take on the Atlanta Braves this Thursday, May 14, at 6:15 CT. After dropping four straight games, the Cubs are desperate to halt their slide and avoid matching a frustrating piece of franchise history.
If the Cubs lose tonight, they'll tie their longest losing streak immediately following any of their 26 winning streaks of at least 10 games since 1901. The last time this happened was in 1917, when they lost five straight after a 10-game win streak. The 1944 squad also suffered a similar fate after an 11-game run. History isn't on their side, but the Cubs are hoping to rewrite the narrative.
Beyond the losing streak, Chicago is also trying to avoid being swept in Atlanta for the first time since September 2023. The Cubs have been swept in 12 three-game series and one four-game series at Truist Park, but they've shown resilience before. In eight previous series, they've lost the first two games only to rally and win the third. Can they channel that same fight tonight?
The biggest concern for the Cubs right now? The bats have gone cold. Chicago has managed five or fewer hits in each of their last four games, a drought that ties their 14th such streak since 1901. The last time they endured a five-game stretch like this was in June 2021, and a six-game streak hasn't happened since 1961. The lineup needs a spark, and fast.
On the mound, the Cubs will turn to Ben Brown, who delivered an electric performance last Friday against the Rangers. Brown threw four no-hit innings, striking out batters and allowing just one walk while throwing 31 strikes on 46 pitches. Expect him to go a little deeper tonight, though the team will likely cap him around 65 pitches. Javier Assad remains available out of the bullpen if needed.
For a bit of Cubs history: On this day in 1971, Ron Santo launched a sixth-inning homer to break a 2-2 tie, leading the Cubs to a 3-2 win over the Padres at Wrigley Field. Milt Pappas tossed a complete game in a brisk one-hour, 55-minute contest. The Cubs could use a similar clutch moment tonight.
As the Cubs look to break their losing streak and avoid a sweep, all eyes will be on the bats and Brown's arm. Will Chicago find its groove, or will the Braves continue their dominance? Tune in to find out.