Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Cubs win ninth straight headline continued to build momentum on Thursday night as Chicago defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 8 to 7 in extra innings at Wrigley Field. Dansby Swanson delivered a bases loaded walk off single in the 10th inning to seal the victory.
The result extended the Cubs’ winning streak to nine games while the Phillies’ losing run also reached nine, leaving them tied for the worst record in Major League Baseball. The game mattered as it highlighted two teams heading in completely opposite directions early in the 2026 season.
Chicago improved to 16 and 9 and now sits level with the Cincinnati Reds atop the National League Central standings. Philadelphia dropped to 8 and 17, matching the Kansas City Royals for the poorest record in the league. The contrast between the two clubs has become more pronounced after they faced each other seven times in just over a week.
Swanson delivers in extra innings
The Cubs once again found a way to win in dramatic fashion. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning, Swanson lined a single into right center field to bring home the winning run. The hit sparked celebrations across Wrigley Field and capped another comeback effort from a team riding high on confidence.
It marked Chicago’s second consecutive series sweep after previously taking three straight games from the New York Mets. The four game sweep of Philadelphia further reinforced their strong start to the season and their growing credentials as contenders in the National League.
Swanson’s heroics added to a lineup that has consistently produced throughout the streak. Chicago has combined timely hitting with improved pitching, allowing them to edge out close contests as well as secure comfortable wins.
Early Cubs dominance sets tone
The Cubs built their advantage early against Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez. In the third inning, Chicago strung together five consecutive hits to generate three runs. Michael Busch provided the biggest blow with a three run home run that put the home side firmly in control.
Ian Happ added another run with a solo home run in the fourth inning. Sánchez, who entered the game with an impressive 1.59 earned run average, struggled to contain the Cubs’ offense. He finished with six earned runs allowed over five and one third innings, marking a significant setback in his otherwise strong campaign.
Chicago’s ability to capitalize early forced Philadelphia into a reactive position. Despite their struggles, the Phillies managed to stay within reach and eventually mounted a late charge.
Phillies rally falls short
Philadelphia showed resilience in the closing innings. The team scored five runs across the seventh, eighth and ninth innings to erase the deficit and force extra innings. Key contributions came from pinch hitters Edmundo Sosa and Adolis García, who each delivered crucial hits to tie the game.
The rally demonstrated that the Phillies still possess offensive firepower despite their recent struggles. However, their inability to complete the comeback underscored the challenges they are currently facing.
The loss marked the Phillies’ ninth consecutive defeat, their longest losing streak since September 2018. The franchise has not endured a 10 game skid since 1999, placing added scrutiny on the team as the season progresses.
Mounting concerns in Philadelphia
The Phillies’ downturn comes at a difficult time, especially given preseason expectations. After a competitive 2025 season, the team was expected to contend in the National League East. Instead, they find themselves at the bottom of the standings and searching for answers.
Recent performances have exposed weaknesses in both pitching and consistency at the plate. Even strong individual outings have not been enough to halt the slide. Sánchez’s struggles on Thursday served as an example, as one of the team’s most reliable pitchers was unable to deliver.
Off field developments have also added pressure. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski recently dismissed speculation surrounding manager Rob Thomson’s future. However, continued losses could intensify scrutiny despite those reassurances.
Cubs building momentum
In contrast, Chicago’s form has been one of the most positive stories in the early part of the season. The team’s nine game winning streak has propelled them into a share of first place in the division. Strong performances from both established players and emerging contributors have fueled their rise.
The Cubs have demonstrated an ability to win in multiple ways, whether through offensive outbursts or late game execution. Their recent sweep of two National League opponents suggests they are developing consistency that could sustain a playoff push.
Maintaining this level of performance will be key as the schedule becomes more demanding. For now, Chicago continues to capitalize on opportunities and build confidence with each victory.