With each loss during this extensive losing streak, the Cubs are finding new ways to make the wrong kind of history.
The Cubs dropped their 11th straight game Sunday, concluding a three-game sweep to the Marlins.
Here are 10 observations from the game.
1. The Cubs’ losing streak hit 11 games Sunday, marking their second 11-game skid this season. It’s the first time that’s happened in franchise history. They are three losses away from tying their longest losing streak in franchise history (1997).
2. The only other time the Cubs had two double-digit losing streaks in a single season was 1954. Since reaching a season-high 11 games over .500 on June 13 (38-27), they’re 14-41.
3. Alec Mills continues to provide consistent innings in the Cubs starting rotation. He allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings Sunday, allowing seven hits — one a solo home run — striking out four with one walk.
The Marlins loaded the bases off him with two outs in the sixth, ending his day, and Adam Morgan escaped the jam with a strikeout.
4. Sunday was Mills’ 12th start of the season, a new career high. He came short of his third quality start but lowered his season ERA as a starter to 3.43.
5. What do Mills and Hippo Vaughn have in common? Sunday was Mills’ 12th straight start where he allowed three or fewer earned runs and two or fewer walks. He’s the first Cubs pitcher to do that since Vaughn (13 straight starts) way back in 1919.
6. The A’s designated Frank Schwindel for assignment one month ago Monday. Sunday, he hit a game-tying solo home run in the sixth. He’s hit fourth in 14 games with the Cubs, to go along with 13 RBIs.
7. In what has been a rare occurrence lately, Rafael Ortega didn’t reach base Sunday, going 0-for-5. It snapped his 18-game streak where he reached base at least once.
8. Robinson Chirinos followed up his 4-for-6 performance Friday in which he came a triple shy of the cycle with a 2-for-2 game Sunday, adding a walk. The backstop has started two of three games since Willson Contreras went on the injured list Thursday.
9. Jesús Aguilar tacked on two RBIs to his National League lead (84), driving in a pair of runs on a two-run blast in the seventh. He finished this series 4-for-10 with two home runs and 12 runs knocked in.
10. The Cubs finish this season 1-5 against the Marlins — their most losses against Miami since 2007, when they went 0-6. The Marlins outscored them 44-20 in the six meetings this season.
On deck: The Cubs open a three-game series against the Reds Monday in Cincinnati. First pitch is 6:10 p.m. CT. Justin Steele (2-1, 2.95 ERA) and Wade Miley (9-4, 3.00 ERA) are the probable starters.
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