Cubs Top Rockies to End 13-Game Wrigley Field Losing Streak
"I don't think I've smiled after a game in a while," said Cubs manager David Ross, whose team is 5-18 since the trade deadline. "It was nice."

CHICAGO (AP) — Rafael Ortega hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Chicago Cubs ended their longest home losing streak with a 6-4 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night.
Rafael Ortega walk-off 💣 pic.twitter.com/kSXrKE6UZR
— MLB (@MLB) August 24, 2021
Pinch-hitter Jason Heyward started the ninth with a single, and Ortega came up an out later and hit the game's only homer to right as the Cubs scored five runs in the final two innings to snap a 13-game losing streak at Wrigley Field, the longest in franchise history.
Rafael Ortega walk-off 💣 pic.twitter.com/kSXrKE6UZR
— MLB (@MLB) August 24, 2021
"It's no secret we haven't won recently," Ortega said through a translator. "We haven't done well, but this shows the fight we have. It really felt good today to get that win."
Reliever David Bard (7-9) allowed the game-winner after a walk-filled eighth inning helped the Cubs to get closer.
"I don't think I've smiled after a game in a while," said Cubs manager David Ross, whose team is 5-18 since the trade deadline. "It was nice."
Rockies reliever Jhoulys Chacin walked the bases loaded on 12 straight pitches to start the eighth and Michael Hermosillo doubled to cap a three-run rally that tied the game at 4-all.
"That was an aberration," Rockies manager Bud Black said of Chacin's dozen pitches. "That was a tough one for J.C. No one feels worse than him."
Sam Hilliard singled home a pair to cap a three-run first for the Rockies, who later got a sacrifice fly from Connor Joe. C.J. Cron had three hits for Colorado, which dropped its second straight after a five-game winning streak.
Manuel Rodriguez (2-2) earned the victory after pitching the ninth for Chicago.
The Cubs also loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth, but Antonio Senzatela gave up just a run after getting David Bote to ground into a double play.
Hermosillo's pop-up ended the inning.
Kyle Hendricks, seeking an MLB-best 15th win, gave up the first four Colorado runs on nine hits while striking out six with no walks.
Senzatela is still looking for his first victory since June 2 after allowing five hits and an earned run while striking out six in the first six innings.
Chicago Journal Newsletter
Join the newsletter to receive the latest updates in your inbox.