Mets blow it against Cubs as epic losing streak hits 11 straight games

The New York Mets ' losing streak is only growing more extreme, more historic, even more soul-crushing. The beleagured squad carried a one-run lead into the bottom of the ninth inning at Wrigley Field, but a funky hop off a side wall, a failed effort to score a courtesy runner and continued offensive futility fueled a 2-1, 10-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, April 19. It was the Mets' 11th consecutive loss.

They haven't lost that many in a row since 2004. They're now 7-15 – already three games behind the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals, who have payrolls a fraction of theirs – in the NL East. And on a chilly day at Wrigley Field, they managed only one run – a fifth-inning home run from M.

J. Melendez, a scrap heap acquisition who suddenly is the most effective offensive player on a club with a $358 million payroll . Yet, it was a defensive misplay that will sting the most.

How the Mets lost their 11th game in a row They carried a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the ninth, though closer Devin Williams yielded a leadoff single to Ian Happ, certainly a harbinger of bad things. Williams rallied to strike out Seiya Suzuki, but pinch hitter Michael Conforto yanked a line drive down the right field line. Tyrone Taylor positioned himself to play the carom off Wrigley's side wall, but his mental protractor was way off – the ball angled away from him and dribbled into the corner.