October 3, 2012

The Chicago Cubs concluded their historic season Wednesday afternoon with a 9-4 loss to the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field. The Cubs four runs in the bottom of the 9th inning in front of 31,012 and national and worldwide media were not enough offset Houston’s large lead.

The defeat was the Cubs 127th consecutive loss in a season of 147 losses in the National League- an all time record not only for a professional baseball team, but also for any professional team in any sport in any league.

The Cubs final record of 15-147 eclipsed the professional baseball season loss record of the 1899 Cleveland Spiders. The Spiders lost 134 games that year and finished 84 games out of first place. The 2012 Cubs finished last in the National League Central division, 85 games behind the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs final loss and the Cardinals win today clinched the “games out of first” record for the Cubs.

Cubs interim manager Pat Listach was subdued after the game as he fielded questions in his office. “We battled until the end. My guys gave 110 % and never quit. I’m proud of them.” Listach added: "Now it's time to head home for a few months and then come back strong next Spring."

Cubs president Theo Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer were seen leaving their seats at the end of the 7th inning and were not available for comment.

Team owner Tom Ricketts expressed his disappointment at the way the 2012 season unfolded on the north side, but vowed to make the Cubs a winner. “We’re only a player or two away from turning this around and I’m confident that Theo and Jed will do what it takes over the winter to upgrade our team so they can break this streak next season and bring a championship to our fans.”

The Cubs final game in a long season was typical of many of the team's losses. Starting pitcher Trey McNutt was touched up for single runs in the first, third and fourth innings, giving way to the Cubs bullpen in the 5th. Casey Coleman, gave up three runs in the 6th, Scott Maine was reached for another two runs in the 8th and Randy Wells gave up the final Houston run in the 9th on a long home run by Carlos Lee.

The Cubs 9th inning runs were scored with two outs, on two-run home runs by Anthony Rizzo and Michael Brenly.

The Cubs open the 2013 season against 2012 NL wild card Milwaukee Brewers in Miller Park Friday April 5. They open their 2013 home season against the second NL wild card qualifying Cincinnati Reds on April 12.

Single game tickets for the 2013 season go on sale at Cubs.com on Friday, March 1.