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Ildemaro Vargas makes history with a 27-game hit streak, but Arizona falls short after Zac Gallen’s tough outing against the Cubs.
The Arizona Diamondbacks were unable to complete a late comeback, falling narrowly to the Chicago Cubs in a game shaped by early struggles on the mound.
Vargas delivers historic performance
Ildemaro Vargas started May in outstanding form. He recorded a perfect 4-for-4 performance, pushing his league-leading batting average to .404.
As a result, he extended his hitting streak to 27 games. This new mark sets a record among Venezuelan-born players, surpassing the previous streak held by Wilson Ramos.
Check more updates in our MLB coverage section (internal link).
Gallen’s early struggles prove costly
While Vargas shined, Zac Gallen endured a difficult outing. The starter exited before completing three innings after allowing six earned runs.
Consequently, Arizona faced an uphill battle early in the game. Although the bullpen responded well and prevented further damage, the early deficit remained decisive.
Late rally comes up short
The Diamondbacks showed resilience in the later innings. However, they failed to capitalize in the ninth inning with key hitters, including Vargas, Corbin Carroll, and Ketel Marte, due at the plate.
Moreover, this result highlights an ongoing concern. After ranking near the top of the league in starting pitcher durability last season, Arizona has dropped below average in 2026.
Around Major League Baseball
Elsewhere, the latest MLB power rankings have been released, offering a fresh snapshot of team performances across the league.
Additionally, updated prospect lists provide insight into the top young talents in each organization, with analyst Kiley McDaniel sharing new evaluations.
Meanwhile, concerning news emerged from Japan. Umpire Takuto Kawakami remains unconscious in hospital two weeks after being struck in the head by a bat during a game.
For official updates and standings, visit the MLB website: https://www.mlb.com (external link).
Suggested media: image of Vargas batting or game highlight moment.
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