PREMIUM
MLB 3-Pack
(MLB) Chi Cubs vs. NY Mets,
Money Line: -130.00 Chi Cubs (Away)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -130.00 Chi Cubs (Away)
Result: Loss
Play: Chicago Cubs
Rating: 8*
The Chicago Cubs will be looking to revenge the defeat in the NLCS last year when they visit the New York Mets for the opener of a four-game set on Thursday night.
John Lackey (7-4, 3.29 ERA) takes the ball for the Cubs. He'll be looking to bounce back from his worst start of the year when he allowed seven runs in 4 1/3 innings at Miami. The Marlins have been swinging hot bats though and Lackey is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in four career starts against the Mets. He allowed only two runs over 14 innings in two meetings last year.
The Mets turn to left-hander Steven Matz (7-3, 3.29) who has been bothered by a bone spur in his pitching elbow. He got an extra day of rest after struggling last Friday when he was tagged with six runs through 4 1/3 innings against the lowly Braves who ranks near the bottom of the league for all offensive categories. We can note that the Cubs are 19-7 in their last 26 road games vs. a left-handed starter and they have a major leagues best .357 on base percentage against southpaws this season.
Mets are 2-6 in their last eight games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15 and 2-7 in their last nine home games vs. a right-handed starter. I think Lackey will give them plenty of trouble here and help the Cubs to a victory.
Rating: 8*
The Chicago Cubs will be looking to revenge the defeat in the NLCS last year when they visit the New York Mets for the opener of a four-game set on Thursday night.
John Lackey (7-4, 3.29 ERA) takes the ball for the Cubs. He'll be looking to bounce back from his worst start of the year when he allowed seven runs in 4 1/3 innings at Miami. The Marlins have been swinging hot bats though and Lackey is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in four career starts against the Mets. He allowed only two runs over 14 innings in two meetings last year.
The Mets turn to left-hander Steven Matz (7-3, 3.29) who has been bothered by a bone spur in his pitching elbow. He got an extra day of rest after struggling last Friday when he was tagged with six runs through 4 1/3 innings against the lowly Braves who ranks near the bottom of the league for all offensive categories. We can note that the Cubs are 19-7 in their last 26 road games vs. a left-handed starter and they have a major leagues best .357 on base percentage against southpaws this season.
Mets are 2-6 in their last eight games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15 and 2-7 in their last nine home games vs. a right-handed starter. I think Lackey will give them plenty of trouble here and help the Cubs to a victory.
