Mets vs Chicago Cubs Match Player Stats

The mets vs chicago cubs match player stats from April 17, 2026, tell a much more detailed story than the final score alone. The Chicago Cubs defeated the New York Mets 12-4 at Wrigley Field, producing 14 hits, three home runs, and 10 RBIs while the Mets also collected 14 hits but struggled to turn their opportunities into runs. The game was decided by a combination of early power, situational hitting, pitching control, and defensive mistakes.

For anyone studying the Mets and Cubs box score, this game is especially interesting because both teams finished with exactly 14 hits. That might suggest a close offensive battle at first glance. Instead, Chicago scored 12 runs to New York’s four. The difference came from how effectively each team converted baserunners into runs.

Chicago went 6-for-12 with runners in scoring position, while New York went 4-for-11. The Cubs also hit three home runs and committed no errors. The Mets hit no home runs and committed two errors. Those details help explain why the scoreboard became so one-sided despite the identical hit totals.

The game also marked an important pitching contrast. Edward Cabrera earned the win after allowing three earned runs over six innings, while Kodai Senga took the loss after surrendering six earned runs in 3.1 innings.

Mets vs Chicago Cubs Match Player Stats

The most useful way to understand this matchup is to separate the statistics into team offense, individual hitting, pitching, situational performance, and defensive execution.

Final Team Comparison

Category	New York Mets	Chicago Cubs
Final Score	4	12
Runs	4	12
Hits	14	14
Errors	2	0
Home Runs	0	3
RBIs	4	10
Walks	2	4
Strikeouts	6	6
Team RISP	4-for-11	6-for-12
Left on Base	7	6
Team At-Bats	35	37

The first major takeaway is the difference between hits and productive hits.

Both teams recorded 14 hits, but Chicago generated six extra-base-impact situations through its three home runs and additional run-producing plays. The Cubs also walked four times compared with two walks for New York. That gave Chicago more opportunities to create scoring innings.

The Mets had enough base traffic to produce a competitive offensive game, but they did not receive the same level of damage from their hits.

That distinction matters when reading a box score. A team can match its opponent in hits and still lose by a large margin if the distribution of those hits, the timing of the hits, and the power behind them are different.

How the Cubs Built a 12-4 Win

Chicago’s offensive performance was not based on one player carrying the lineup.

The Cubs received meaningful contributions throughout the batting order. Nico Hoerner recorded three hits, while Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki, and Moisés Ballesteros each had two hits. Dansby Swanson also contributed two runs.

The Cubs’ first big offensive push came in the opening inning.

Moisés Ballesteros hit a three-run home run, immediately giving Chicago a four-run advantage. The home run was particularly valuable because it converted multiple baserunners into runs with one swing.

The Mets responded with three runs in the second inning, cutting the deficit to one.

Marcus Semien delivered an RBI double, followed by a two-run single from Tyrone Taylor. At that point, the game was 4-3, and the Mets had created the impression that they could quickly erase the early deficit.

Chicago responded immediately.

Nico Hoerner hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the second inning, restoring a three-run Cubs advantage at 6-3.

That sequence became one of the defining moments of the game. The Mets had produced a strong response, but Chicago answered with power rather than allowing the momentum to shift.

Nico Hoerner’s Three-Hit Performance

Nico Hoerner was one of the most productive Cubs hitters in the game.

He finished with:

• 5 at-bats
• 3 hits
• 1 home run
• 2 RBIs
• 1 run scored
• No strikeouts

His two-run home run in the second inning was especially important because it came immediately after the Mets had scored three runs.

Hoerner’s performance also demonstrates why batting average alone does not capture the impact of an individual game. His three hits provided repeated opportunities for Chicago, while his home run directly produced two runs.

The Cubs did not need every hitter to hit a home run. They needed enough players to reach base and enough hitters to convert those opportunities.

Hoerner did both.

Moisés Ballesteros Provides the Early Power

Moisés Ballesteros delivered one of the biggest individual moments of the game with a three-run homer in the first inning.

His final line included:

• 2 at-bats
• 2 hits
• 1 home run
• 3 RBIs
• 1 run scored
• No strikeouts

The three-run shot established the tone for Chicago’s offense.

It also demonstrated the value of early scoring. By putting four runs on the board before the Mets had an opportunity to respond, the Cubs forced New York to play from behind for the remainder of the game.

Ballesteros accounted for three of Chicago’s 10 RBIs, meaning he was directly responsible for a substantial portion of the team’s run production.

Ian Happ Adds Another Home Run

Ian Happ supplied the Cubs’ third home run of the game.

His two-run homer came in the eighth inning and extended the Cubs’ lead from 10-4 to 12-4.

Happ finished with:

• 4 at-bats
• 1 hit
• 1 home run
• 2 RBIs
• 1 run scored
• 1 walk
• 1 strikeout

The timing of the home run was important.

Chicago already had a comfortable lead, but the homer eliminated any remaining possibility of a late Mets comeback. It also completed a three-home-run performance for the Cubs.

The three Chicago homers came from Ballesteros, Hoerner, and Happ.

Mets Offensive Leaders

The Mets collected 14 hits, which is an important statistic because the offense was not completely shut down.

Francisco Lindor, Francisco Alvarez, MJ Melendez, Marcus Semien, and Tyrone Taylor each recorded two hits.

That group represented much of New York’s offensive production.

Francisco Lindor

Lindor finished with two hits and scored once.

His offensive contribution was particularly useful because he was able to reach base multiple times from the middle of the lineup. His performance, however, did not translate into enough team scoring because the Mets struggled to consistently bring runners home.

Francisco Alvarez

Alvarez recorded two hits, one RBI, and one walk.

His RBI came in the eighth inning, when the Mets were already trailing 10-3. That single reduced the deficit to six runs but did not create a larger rally.

MJ Melendez

Melendez also collected two hits.

He scored once and drew a walk, giving him multiple ways to contribute offensively.

Marcus Semien

Semien was one of the Mets’ more productive hitters.

He finished with two hits, one run, and one RBI. His RBI double in the second inning helped start New York’s three-run response.

Semien also finished 2-for-3 with runners in scoring position, according to the team situation totals.

Tyrone Taylor

Taylor produced the Mets’ largest RBI total with two.

His two-run single in the second inning brought New York within one run at 4-3.

Taylor finished with two hits and two RBIs. His performance was one of the clearest examples of the Mets successfully converting an offensive opportunity.

The Mets Had 14 Hits, So Why Did They Score Only Four Runs?

This is probably the most important statistical question from the game.

The answer is that hits are not automatically equivalent to runs.

New York’s 14 hits were spread across the lineup, but the Mets finished with only four RBIs. Chicago’s 14 hits produced 10 RBIs.

The Cubs also had:

• Three home runs
• Four walks
• Six hits with runners in scoring position
• No errors

The Mets had:

• Zero home runs
• Two walks
• Four hits with runners in scoring position
• Two errors

Chicago therefore generated more scoring from a similar number of hits.

A useful way to illustrate the difference is RBI efficiency.

The Cubs produced 10 RBIs from 14 hits, while the Mets produced four RBIs from 14 hits.

That is a substantial difference in run-producing efficiency.

The Mets were able to get runners on base. The Cubs were better at turning those runners into actual runs.

Mets Pitching Breakdown

New York’s pitching staff allowed 12 runs on 14 hits over eight innings.

The team pitching line was:

• 8.0 innings
• 14 hits allowed
• 12 runs allowed
• 11 earned runs
• 4 walks
• 6 strikeouts
• 3 home runs allowed

The most difficult part of the pitching performance was the combination of home runs and defensive errors.

Chicago scored 12 runs, but 11 were earned. That means the two Mets errors contributed to the game but were not responsible for the majority of the damage.

Kodai Senga

Senga started for New York and took the loss.

His line:

• 3.1 innings
• 6 hits allowed
• 7 runs allowed
• 6 earned runs
• 3 walks
• 3 strikeouts
• 2 home runs allowed

Senga was credited with the loss and fell to 0-3.

The biggest issue was not simply the number of hits. Six hits over 3.1 innings is manageable in isolation, but allowing six earned runs over that short a period placed the Mets in a difficult position.

Two home runs also turned baserunners into immediate runs.

Senga’s outing ended before the fourth inning was complete, forcing New York to rely heavily on its bullpen.

Huascar Brazobán

Brazobán worked 0.2 innings and allowed two hits while recording one strikeout.

He did not allow a run.

Sean Manaea

Manaea provided four innings of relief.

His line included:

• 4.0 innings
• 6 hits allowed
• 5 runs allowed
• 5 earned runs
• 1 walk
• 2 strikeouts
• 1 home run allowed

Manaea absorbed a significant portion of the remaining innings but was also responsible for the Cubs’ late scoring surge.

The Cubs scored five runs against him, including Happ’s two-run homer.

Edward Cabrera’s Winning Performance

Edward Cabrera delivered the most important pitching performance of the game for Chicago.

His final line:

• 6.0 innings
• 8 hits allowed
• 3 runs allowed
• 3 earned runs
• 2 walks
• 4 strikeouts
• 0 home runs allowed

Cabrera earned the win and improved to 2-0.

The most important detail is that Cabrera allowed eight hits but only three earned runs.

That is significant because the Mets had plenty of opportunities to produce additional damage. Cabrera limited the consequences of those baserunners and avoided allowing a home run.

His six innings also protected the Cubs’ bullpen from having to cover a large portion of the game.

Cubs Bullpen Performance

Chicago used three relievers after Cabrera.

Ryan Martin worked one inning and allowed one hit while striking out one.

Jacob Webb also pitched one inning. He allowed four hits and one earned run while recording one strikeout.

Hoby Milner completed the ninth inning without allowing a run.

The Cubs’ pitching staff collectively allowed:

• 14 hits
• 4 runs
• 4 earned runs
• 2 walks
• 6 strikeouts
• 0 home runs

That last figure is especially important.

The Mets recorded 14 hits but did not hit a home run. Chicago’s pitchers therefore avoided the most damaging type of extra-base result while still limiting the Mets to four runs.

Situational Hitting Decided the Game

The Mets went 4-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

The Cubs went 6-for-12.

Both teams had opportunities, but Chicago converted them at a higher rate.

The Cubs’ RISP success also came with power.

Ballesteros’ three-run homer and Hoerner’s two-run homer created immediate multi-run advantages. That type of production reduces the number of additional hits required to score.

New York’s offensive production was more dependent on individual singles and doubles.

The difference is subtle but important.

A lineup can have a large number of hits without producing a large number of runs if those hits come in separate innings or with the bases empty.

Defensive Difference: Mets 2 Errors, Cubs 0

The defensive line also favored Chicago.

The Mets committed two errors.

The Cubs committed none.

One of the Mets errors contributed to a Cubs run in the fourth inning, when Dansby Swanson scored after an error by Brett Baty.

Another defensive mistake came later when Tyrone Taylor committed a throwing error during the seventh inning.

Those mistakes mattered because Chicago was already putting pressure on the Mets pitching staff.

The Cubs did not need defensive errors to create their offense, but the errors gave them additional opportunities to extend innings.

Chicago’s four double plays were another important part of its defensive performance.

The Cubs turned four double plays during the game, helping erase baserunners and limiting the Mets’ ability to build sustained innings.

Why the Identical Hit Total Is Misleading

A basic box score might show:

Mets: 14 hits

Cubs: 14 hits

At first glance, that appears even.

The rest of the numbers reveal a completely different picture.

• Chicago scored 12 runs compared with four for New York.
• Chicago hit three home runs compared with zero.
• Chicago had 10 RBIs compared with four.
• Chicago walked four times compared with two.
• Chicago committed zero errors compared with two.
• Chicago went 6-for-12 with runners in scoring position compared with 4-for-11.

Those numbers show that the game was not really about who collected more hits. It was about what happened after those hits occurred.

Inning-by-Inning Breakdown

First Inning

Chicago immediately established control.

The Cubs scored four runs, highlighted by Ballesteros’ three-run home run.

The Mets did not score.

Second Inning

New York responded with three runs.

Semien delivered an RBI double, and Taylor followed with a two-run single.

Chicago answered with two runs of its own on Hoerner’s two-run homer.

The Cubs led 6-3 after two innings.

Third Inning

Neither team scored.

This was the first relatively quiet inning after a highly active opening two frames.

Fourth Inning

Chicago added another run.

Swanson eventually scored after a Mets defensive error, extending the lead to 7-3.

Fifth and Sixth Innings

Neither team scored.

The Mets remained within striking distance, but their offense could not produce the sustained rally needed to reduce the deficit.

Seventh Inning

Chicago broke the game open.

Matt Shaw doubled home a run, then scored on a wild pitch.

Swanson added a sacrifice fly.

Chicago scored three runs in the inning and moved ahead 10-3.

Eighth Inning

The Mets scored once when Alvarez drove in Lindor.

Chicago immediately responded.

Happ hit a two-run home run, pushing the score to 12-4.

Ninth Inning

Chicago closed out the game without allowing another Mets run.

The final score was Cubs 12, Mets 4.

What the Player Stats Reveal About Each Lineup

The player statistics reveal two different offensive approaches.

The Mets had several hitters collect multiple hits, but the lineup did not generate enough power.

Lindor, Alvarez, Melendez, Semien, and Taylor each had two hits.

That is a healthy distribution of base hits.

The problem was that those hits did not consistently come together in high-leverage situations.

Chicago’s production was more concentrated around extra-base damage.

Hoerner had three hits and a home run.

Ballesteros had two hits and a three-run home run.

Happ added another home run.

Suzuki had two hits and scored twice.

Busch had two hits and scored twice.

Swanson scored twice.

That combination created a much more productive offensive environment.

A Closer Look at Run Production

The Cubs scored 12 runs from 14 hits.

That works out to approximately 0.86 runs per hit.

The Mets scored four runs from 14 hits.

That works out to approximately 0.29 runs per hit.

This is not a formal advanced metric, but it is a useful way to visualize how differently the two offenses converted their hits.

The Cubs were not simply getting hits. They were creating scoring events from those hits.

Three home runs were a major reason.

The Mets had no home runs, meaning every one of their four runs had to be generated through non-homer combinations of hits, walks, and baserunning.

The Importance of Power in This Matchup

The home-run difference was enormous.

Chicago hit three:

• Moisés Ballesteros
• Nico Hoerner
• Ian Happ

New York hit none.

The three Cubs homers accounted for seven runs directly.

Ballesteros’ homer produced three RBIs.

Hoerner’s homer produced two RBIs.

Happ’s homer produced two RBIs.

That means seven of Chicago’s 10 RBIs came from home runs.

This is one of the clearest explanations for the final score.

Mets vs Chicago Cubs Match Player Stats: Key Takeaways

The mets vs chicago cubs match player stats show several important lessons about interpreting baseball performance.

1. Hits alone do not determine offensive success

Both teams had 14 hits.

Chicago scored eight more runs.

2. Home-run power changed the game

The Cubs hit three home runs.

The Mets hit none.

3. Cabrera controlled damage

Cabrera allowed eight hits but limited New York to three earned runs over six innings.

4. Senga struggled with run prevention

Senga allowed six earned runs in 3.1 innings and surrendered two home runs.

5. Situational hitting favored Chicago

The Cubs went 6-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

The Mets went 4-for-11.

6. Defense also mattered

Chicago made no errors.

New York made two.

7. Chicago received production throughout the lineup

Hoerner, Busch, Suzuki, Ballesteros, and Swanson all contributed meaningfully.

That distribution made the Cubs difficult to contain.

Player Stat Snapshot

Player	Team	H	R	RBI	HR
Nico Hoerner	Cubs	3	1	2	1
Michael Busch	Cubs	2	2	0	0
Seiya Suzuki	Cubs	2	2	1	0
Moisés Ballesteros	Cubs	2	1	3	1
Ian Happ	Cubs	1	1	2	1
Dansby Swanson	Cubs	1	2	1	0
Francisco Lindor	Mets	2	1	0	0
Francisco Alvarez	Mets	2	1	1	0
MJ Melendez	Mets	2	1	0	0
Marcus Semien	Mets	2	1	1	0
Tyrone Taylor	Mets	2	0	2	0

The table makes the central difference easy to see.

Chicago had multiple players contributing to runs, while New York’s multiple-hit performances did not result in the same level of scoring.

The Broader Meaning of the Box Score

A single game should not be treated as a complete evaluation of a team’s season.

Baseball is highly variable from game to game. A hitter can go hitless despite making strong contact, while another player can produce a major home run on a limited number of opportunities.

The April 17 game nevertheless provides a useful snapshot of what happened on that particular afternoon.

The Cubs combined power, timely hitting, and clean defense.

The Mets produced plenty of hits but struggled to convert them into runs and made two defensive errors.

That combination created the 12-4 final score.

The most useful way to analyze this game is therefore not simply to ask which team had more hits. The better questions are:

• Which team generated extra-base damage?
• Which team converted runners in scoring position?
• Which pitchers limited damage?
• Which defense avoided giving away extra opportunities?
• Which lineup received contributions from multiple spots?

Chicago had the stronger numbers across those categories on this particular day.

What Happened in the Series?

The April 17 game was the opening game of the series.

Chicago ultimately won the series 3-0.

The series results were:

• April 17: Cubs 12, Mets 4
• April 18: Cubs 4, Mets 2
• April 19: Cubs 2, Mets 1 in 10 innings

That means Chicago did not simply win the opening game. The Cubs completed a sweep across all three games.

The opening 12-4 result was the highest-scoring game of the series and featured the largest margin of victory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score between the Mets and Cubs on April 17, 2026?

The Chicago Cubs defeated the New York Mets 12-4 at Wrigley Field.

How many hits did the Mets and Cubs have?

Both teams recorded 14 hits.

Who was the winning pitcher?

Edward Cabrera earned the win after pitching six innings and allowing three earned runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and two walks.

Who was the losing pitcher?

Kodai Senga took the loss for the Mets. He pitched 3.1 innings and allowed six earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts and three walks.

Who hit home runs for the Cubs?

Nico Hoerner, Moisés Ballesteros, and Ian Happ each hit a home run.

Which Mets players had two hits?

Francisco Lindor, Francisco Alvarez, MJ Melendez, Marcus Semien, and Tyrone Taylor each recorded two hits.

Conclusion

The mets vs chicago cubs match player stats from April 17, 2026, show why a baseball game cannot be fully understood through the hit column alone.

The Mets and Cubs both recorded 14 hits, but Chicago converted those opportunities into 12 runs while New York scored only four. The Cubs added three home runs, collected 10 RBIs, went 6-for-12 with runners in scoring position, and played error-free defense.

Nico Hoerner led Chicago with three hits and a two-run homer, while Moisés Ballesteros supplied a three-run home run and three RBIs. Ian Happ added a two-run homer late in the game. For New York, Lindor, Alvarez, Melendez, Semien, and Taylor each collected two hits, but the Mets lacked the power and situational production needed to keep pace.

On the pitching side, Edward Cabrera’s six-inning outing gave Chicago a solid foundation, while Kodai Senga’s six earned runs in 3.1 innings put the Mets in an early deficit.

Ultimately, the box score describes a game where both teams reached base regularly, but Chicago was far more effective at turning those opportunities into runs. The 12-4 result reflected the difference in power hitting, situational execution, pitching damage control, and defensive consistency.