Chicago Cubs designated hitter Moises Ballesteros (25) runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the New York Mets on Friday in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Mets lose

9th straight

CHICAGO (AP) — Moisés Ballesteros, Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ homered, and the Chicago Cubs handed the Mets their ninth straight loss, pounding New York 12-4 on Friday.

The Mets’ skid is their worst since the 2004 team dropped 11 straight. They’ve been outscored 56-16 during the streak. Chicago scored in double digits for the third straight game and major league-leading fourth time this season.

Ballesteros made it 4-0 in the first with a three-run homer. Hoerner had three hits and drove in two runs after setting a career high with five RBIs in Wednesday’s 11-2 win at Philadelphia. The Mets’ Kodai Senga was tagged for seven runs.

US seeded

as co-host

(AP) — The United States heads into the World Cup hoping for its first knockout-stage victory since 2002. While the Americans enter with their weakest goalkeepers in four decades and few central defenders playing in a top league, they benefit from being seeded as a co-host in the expanded tournament, which could keep them from playing an elite opponent until the round of 16.

The U.S. hopes to advance far in the tournament and show it is making progress in a sport that trails the NFL, MLB and NBA in popularity at home. The Americans face Paraguay, Australia and Turkey in Group D.

Garret Anderson

dies at 53

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Former Angels outfielder Garret Anderson has died. He was 53. The multitalented player became the Angels’ career hits leader and led the team to its only World Series title.

The Angels announced Anderson’s death without immediately disclosing the cause or location. Anderson reached the majors with the then-California Angels in 1994 and played for the club until 2008, primarily as a left fielder.

He was a fixture in the heart of their batting order for his entire tenure, becoming the franchise’s leader in hits, RBIs and games played among many other achievements. Anderson was a three-time AL All-Star from 2002-05.

Padres nearing

a record sale

(AP) — The family of late San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler is nearing a sale of the team, a person with knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Padres aren’t commenting publicly on the process.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the progress of a deal with private equity billionaire Jose E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones. While the deal hasn’t been finalized, the team is expected to be sold for $3.9 billion, a record valuation for a Major League Baseball team.

Oscar Schmidt

dies at 68

SAO PAULO (AP) — Oscar Schmidt, the Basketball Hall of Famer whom his Brazil compatriots know as the “Holy Hand,” has died. He was 68. Schmidt’s family says in a statement that Schmidt fought a brain tumor for 15 years “with courage, dignity and resilience.”

The family adds that “Oscar leaves a legacy that transcends sport and inspires generations of athletes and admirers in Brazil and worldwide.” Schmidt never played in the NBA but he’s beloved in Brazil for committing to the national team. he played in a record-tying five consecutive Olympic Games and set scoring records that remain.

He also starred in an historic win against the United States in the final of the 1987 Pan-American Games.

Stars and Wild

set for Game 1

DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are getting ready to start a first-round playoff series that has been expected for months. Game 1 is today in Dallas between the teams that spent most of the season second and third in the Central Division behind President’s Trophy winner Colorado.

The Stars and Wild each won twice and scored 13 goals over their four games during the regular season. Dallas pretty much secured home-ice with a 5-4 win over the Wild on April 9, a game with 12 roughing penalties.

Both teams boast 40-goal scorers, with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy for the Wild, and Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston for the Stars.