SAN FRANCISCO — The Chicago Cubs entered June hoping to regain momentum during a stretch of games against teams with losing records but have struggled to significantly change their trajectory, extending a recent period of inconsistent play.

The Cubs started the month poised for a break, facing 22 consecutive games against opponents that entered June below .500. However, a 2-4 performance at home followed by a 3-3 split on the road has left the team still hovering near .500, grappling to reverse a slump that began late in May. After an eight-win, 22-loss stretch erased their early season dominance of the National League Central Division, the Cubs appeared to find a glimmer of hope with three consecutive victories—their first winning streak since early May—and winning their first series in 11 attempts.

Despite this brief resurgence, Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants, led by pitcher Logan Webb who allowed only one unearned run over eight innings, underscored the challenges facing Chicago. The defeat halted the Cubs’ momentum and highlighted ongoing issues on both sides of the ball.

“We played better the last few games,” third baseman Alex Bregman said, reflecting on the recent improved performance. “A lot better, obviously. All phases of the game were better in the last three days. Hopefully, we’ll continue to build off that.”

The Cubs have struggled to maintain consistency since their second 10-game winning streak ended over a month ago. Even walk-off wins during their recent homestand failed to shake their offensive struggles and pitching inconsistencies. The team recorded two games with three home runs each during the recent road trip, including Michael Busch’s notable homer into McCovey Cove, but these bright spots have yet to translate into sustained success.

As of Sunday, the Cubs held a 5-7 record in this stretch against sub-.500 teams, including series against two last-place clubs. They face additional opportunities over the coming weeks before facing their division-leading rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, later in June.

Offensively, the Cubs have ranked last in slugging percentage and were second to last in runs scored since May 9, following their last major winning streak. Sunday’s lone run came on an eighth-inning error, and the lineup managed only one extra-base hit.

On the mound, right-hander Colin Rea, filling in for injured teammates, continued to show signs of struggle compared with his previous season performances. On Sunday, Rea allowed four runs, including a home run—the team’s 104th allowed this season, the most in the league—walked two batters, and hit another in a difficult fifth inning.

Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the need for improvement. “We need a little better, honestly,” he said. Rea acknowledged his own challenges, stating, “I just need to be better. I’m not seeming to be making pitches when I need to.”

While June promised an opportunity to address the Cubs’ issues, the early results reflect a team still searching for a consistent formula to regain its competitive form.