The 2026 Chicago Cubs have experienced a tumultuous season filled with dramatic swings. Entering June, they boast two 10-game win streaks and a 10-game losing streak, leaving them at 31-27 as they faced the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
Offense Trends
The team’s offensive performance has been inconsistent. In March and April, the Cubs hit .261 with a .780 OPS, averaging 5.5 runs and 1.4 home runs per game. However, in May, their performance dipped to a .213 average with a .656 OPS, scoring 4.0 runs and 0.9 home runs per game.
Manager Craig Counsell remarked, “It’s just a weird thing,” as he commented on the team’s streaky performance in May. The initial eight games were victories, scoring 59 runs, but in the subsequent 10-game losing streak, they managed only 25 runs.
Ian Happ’s Streak
Ian Happ, the Cubs’ left fielder, exemplifies their erratic hitting. Recently, he went 7-for-15 with three home runs and 10 RBIs over three games. Before this surge, he struggled with a .172 average, three home runs, and 7 RBIs across 27 games, including 42 strikeouts.
“It’s the confounding part about baseball,” Counsell said while discussing Happ’s performance, noting that streaks are a natural part of the game.
Happ acknowledged the uncertainty in his game, attributing his recent success to seeing the ball well. He remained optimistic despite the 6-5 loss to the Cardinals, stating that creating scoring opportunities would eventually yield more runs.
Spotlight on Ben Brown
Ben Brown has emerged as the most effective starter, boasting a 1.89 ERA in his last four starts. He added a sinker and changeup to complement his fastball and knuckle-curve, enhancing his performance.
Counsell praised Brown for capitalizing on his opportunity, explaining that his past struggles and postseason experience contributed to his improvement.
Brown’s motivation extended beyond making the playoff roster; he aspired to be an integral team member going forward.
“Tarps Off” Trend
The Cardinals have capitalized on the “Tarps Off” phenomenon, where shirtless fans wield shirts in the bleachers. Counsell found it entertaining as the team leveraged it for marketing. The Cardinals even produced towels and branded the area, reflecting how trends can be co-opted for profit. Original participants likely won’t benefit financially, yet ownership stands to gain.
Historical Rivalry Moment
The Cubs faced the Cardinals for the 2,528th time, recalling a notable moment from June 5, 2011. Back then, Cubs closer Carlos Marmol’s blown lead led Carlos Zambrano to express Cubs fans’ frustrations with the infamous quote, “We stinks.” The sentiment remains a relatable memory for fans.
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