The New York Mets were swept in a Wednesday doubleheader by the Chicago Cubs, falling 10-3 in Game 1 and 10-5 in Game 2 at Citi Field as their losing streak reached five games and their season-long struggles deepened. New York dropped to 34-46 after allowing 20 runs across the two contests, continuing a troubling stretch in which the club has been outscored 50-19 over its last five games.
The day began with promise as Jared Young and Francisco Alvarez launched back-to-back home runs to help the Mets build a 3-0 lead in the opener. Rookie right-hander Nolan McLean carried that advantage into the fifth before the Cubs erupted. Michael Busch’s game-tying two-run homer shifted momentum, and Dansby Swanson delivered the decisive blow with a three-run homer in the sixth before adding a grand slam in the eighth. Swanson finished the opener with seven RBI.
Things did not improve in the nightcap. Francisco Alvarez, A.J. Ewing, Mark Vientos, and Bo Bichette all homered, but defensive mistakes repeatedly undermined the Mets. New York committed six errors, leading to five unearned runs. Marcus Semien was charged with two miscues, Francisco Lindor committed an error in his return to the lineup, and additional defensive lapses helped Chicago steadily pull away.
Swanson continued to torment Mets pitching in Game 2, finishing with four more RBI. Across the doubleheader, the Cubs shortstop drove in 11 runs and fueled Chicago’s sweep.
Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
The Mets will try to avoid a four-game series sweep Thursday at Citi Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Freddy Peralta (5-6, 4.83 ERA) is expected to start for New York against Chicago’s Matthew Boyd (2-1, 6.00 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.