Wednesday night features a National League showdown as the New York Mets (7-5) square off with the Chicago Cubs (7-9). Chicago will host this one at Wrigley Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 pm ET.
This will be the second of a three-game series between the two teams. On Tuesday, the Cubs were able to take the first game 3-1.
In the win, Cubs’ starter Jake Arrieta went five innings of one-run ball while striking out four. Second baseman Eric Sogard led the charge offensively, going two for three with a couple runs scored and a run batted in.
In the loss, Taijuan Walker didn’t make it through the fourth innings allowing three runs (two earned) and striking out six, but he also issued six walks. J.D. Davis accounted for the lone run on his first home run of the season.
The Mets are the slight favorite in Tuesday’s matchup despite playing on the road. They are currently -138 to win while the Cubs’ moneyline sits at +118.
Pitching Matchup
The Mets will send lefty David Peterson (1-1, 6.30 ERA) to the mound on Tuesday. In his last start, a 5-1 win over the Phillies, Peterson went six innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out ten.
The Cubs will counter with righty Zach Davies (1-2, 10.32 ERA). In Davies’ last start, a 5-2 loss to the Braves, he went four innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, three walks, and struck out just one. It has not been the start to his Cubs’ tenure that he was hoping for, but Davies will look to bounce back on Wednesday.
By The Numbers
Offensively, these have been two of the worst teams in the majors. The Cubs currently rank 28th averaging just 3.40 runs per game. The Mets come in one spot lower at 29th averaging 3.36 runs.
Defensively, it is the Mets that have the advantage. They rank fifth in the majors allowing 3.36 runs per game to opponents. The Cubs fall to 22nd, allowing 4.93 runs per game.
Mets Shoot To Even Series
At -105, the Mets are currently the favorites to win the N.L. East. Still, in a loaded division, they know that every win counts and will look to even the series with the Cubs on Wednesday.
Leading the team thus far offensively have been Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith. Both sluggers have two home runs apiece, and they also lead the team in runs batted in with seven and six, respectively.
The Mets are still hoping for a lot more from some of their biggest pieces. Michael Conforto is hitting just .184 with no home runs, Francisco Lindor is hitting .171 with no home runs, and Jeff McNeil is hitting just .162.
This is a team expected to put up a lot of crooked numbers, but their offense has been inconsistent at best thus far.
Cubs Trying To Get Back On Track
Like the Mets, the Cubs’ offense has looked lost at times. Unlike the Mets, though, the Cubs find themselves in a tie for dead last in their division.
Currently +700 to win the N.L. Central, there was already some doubt as to their competitiveness this season, and the dismal start has not helped anyone’s confidence in them.
One player who has been a bright spot is third baseman, Kris Bryant. He is currently hitting .264/.355/.623 with five home runs and ten runs batted in.
Wilson Contreras is also performing well, hitting .255/.390/.574 with five home runs and nine runs batted in.
Otherwise, the Cubs’ offense needs a boost. Anthony Rizzo is hitting just .236 while Javier Baez is hitting .200. Of their regulars, no other player is hitting above .200 on the season.
Taking The Mets To Win
While his first start was rough, David Peterson showed how tough he can be in his last outing for the Mets. Unfortunately for Cubs’ fans, to this point, Zach Davies has not shown the same potential.
If the bats start waking up for the Cubs, it could be a game-changer, but the smart play seems to be on the Mets bouncing back and evening the series. Take the Mets -138.
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