Cubs reach a breaking point after setting brutal franchise record

The struggling Chicago Cubs have lost seven games in a row and set a franchise record for futility at the plate in the process.

It’s been a disastrous week for the Chicago Cubs.

Since throwing a combined no-hitter against the Dodgers on June 24, the Cubs had not won a game. That’s seven losses in a row.

The pitching hasn’t been great in that stretch, but the hitting has taken futility to a new level for the franchise.

The Cubs have set a new franchise record for the most strikeouts in a seven-game span with 92, as Jesse Rogers of ESPN pointed out after Chicago lost to the Reds on Friday.

The Cubs have struck out like crazy during their losing streak

Before the skid, the Cubs were a pleasant surprise getting more out of their lineup than anyone thought they would. Instead of looking like sellers at the deadline, there was talk of Chicago looking to bring in reinforcements for a run in the NL Central. They were tied with Milwaukee at the top of the division on June 24.

They’ve been in freefall ever since.

The Dodgers got the better of the Cubs in the final three games of their series in Los Angeles. The team stayed on the road and headed to Milwaukee, where they dropped three more games. Then on Friday, they opened a series in Cincinnati with a 2-1 loss.

As a result, the Brewers now hold a 7.5 game lead on Chicago. Whatever optimism the team held has now completely evaporated in the span of just over a week.

The question is where the Cubs go from here. This terrible road trip will end after two more games with the Reds. By then, GM Jed Hoyer may have to make some tough calls with the trade deadline approaching.