CHICAGO – As pressure mounted and questions about roster depth arose following a series of roster changes, the Chicago Cubs responded with the utmost force: a devastating offensive and all-out performance to crush the New York Mets 12-4 at Wrigley Field.

This wasn’t just a victory. It was a statement.

On a sunny afternoon in Chicago, the Cubs showed they were unfazed by adversity. Despite concerns about pitching staff and recent injuries, Coach Craig Counsell’s team turned the game into their own stage, unleashing a barrage of points against a struggling opponent.

From their first inning, the Cubs showed it would be a long day for the Mets. Chicago scored four consecutive runs in the opening quarter, putting Kodai Senga in a nearly hopeless chasing position.

The moment that ignited the arena came from Moisés Ballesteros’ three-run homer – the opening shot in the Cubs’ offensive spree. Not only did it score points, but it also ignited the energy of the entire dugout, turning Wrigley into a cauldron of fire.

The Mets tried to fight back with three runs at the beginning of the second inning to narrow the gap, but that was all they could do before the Cubs immediately extinguished their hopes.

Nico Hoerner stepped up, Ian Happ finished the job.

If Ballesteros opened the scoring, Nico Hoerner maintained the destructive momentum. The home star had an outstanding game, making a 3-for-5, along with a two-run homer and a series of top-class defensive plays.

Hoerner’s consistent performance is becoming one of the most important foundations for the Cubs this season. At a time when the team needed leadership, he not only influenced with his bat but also with his composure in every tense situation.

Towards the end of the game, Ian Happ delivered his fifth home run of the season to seal the Mets’ nightmare and secure a resounding 12-4 victory.

Amidst the scoring spree, the Cubs also received what they desperately needed from the mound: the solidity of Edward Cabrera.

The Chicago starter made 6 innings, conceded only 3 runs, and kept the game under control after the Mets’ early offensive. It was the kind of performance that was worth more than the numbers – preventing the bullpen from eroding and maintaining a stable tempo for the entire team.

Given the Cubs’ recent loss of pitching personnel, every quality outing is invaluable right now.

This victory brings the Cubs’ record to 10-9 and, more importantly, creates the feeling that they are hitting their stride at the right time. According to Reuters, this is the third consecutive game in which Chicago has recorded 10 or more runs – the first time they’ve done so since 2019.

That’s not a random statistic. It’s a sign of an offense hitting its stride.

When their lineup is in full swing, the Cubs become an extremely difficult team to deal with: they have speed, power, the ability to extend at-bats, and punish even the smallest mistakes by the opposing pitcher.

For the New York Mets, this was their ninth consecutive defeat – a dark streak that exposed all their weaknesses at once: inconsistent pitching, defensive errors, and low morale. But to be fair, the Cubs didn’t give them a chance to recover.

Chicago hit a total of 14 innings, capitalizing on opponent errors and consistently applying pressure from start to finish. The most frightening aspect wasn’t the 12 runs, but the way they scored: from multiple sources, at multiple times, not relying on a single individual.

One of the most positive signs for Cubs fans is that the team is beginning to take on the form Craig Counsell envisions: tenacious, versatile, and capable of finishing off opponents when the opportunity arises.

In previous seasons, the Cubs sometimes won beautifully but lacked consistency. Currently, they are demonstrating the ability to maintain pressure throughout all nine innings – a crucial factor for long-term competitiveness.

If their pitching remains strong and their offense stays intense, Chicago could very well become a serious challenger in the National League.

Wrigley Field has witnessed many great victories, but this win means something different. It came at a time when the Cubs needed a boost, a confirmation that they’re still on the right track despite all the doubts.

The 12-4 win against the Mets wasn’t just another winning streak.

It was a message to the rest of MLB: the Chicago Cubs have woken up… and they don’t want to stop.