Hot-hitting Christopher Morel will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Chicago Cubs (20-26) host the New York Mets (25-23) at Wrigley Field on Tuesday for the opener of a three-game series.
The Mets are playing their first of six games on the road after wrapping up a successful six-game homestand (5-1). They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Guardians, taking both games of a series-ending doubleheader on Sunday at Citi Field.
They followed up a 5-4 win in the opener with a 2-1 victory in the second leg for their fifth straight win. Francisco Lindor was 2 for 4 with a solo home run in the finale.
The Cubs are playing the first of nine games at home after returning from a tough nine-game road trip (2-7). They lost two of three against the Phillies in their last series, dropping the finale 2-1 on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park.
Morel went 1 for 4 with a solo home run. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. Last season, the Cubs won four of the seven games between the teams, including a sweep in their most recent meeting, a three-game set at Citi Field in September.
ON THE MOUND
Kodai Senga (4-2, 3.77 ERA) is in line for the start for New York. The RHP allowed one run over six innings in his last start, an 8-7 road win over the Rays on Wednesday. He yielded three hits while striking out 12 and walking three in the no-decision.
For Chicago, lefty Drew Smyly (4-1, 2.86 ERA) takes the mound. Smyly made two appearances against the Mets in 2022, both as the starter, striking out nine and walking two over 9.1 innings (1-0, 1.93).
In his last start on Wednesday, Smyly took a no-decision on the road against the Astros. He threw six innings and gave up one run on four hits, striking out eight, in the 7-6 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
The New York offense is averaging 4.3 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .244/.325/.391. Pete Alonso leads the team in OPS at .850. The first baseman is slashing .228/.322/.528 with 17 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 32 runs over 48 games.
Over the last five games, however, New York has averaged 5.6 runs a game while performing better across the board (.274/.337/.470). Against southpaws like Smyly this season, the Mets have a .703 OPS. Lindor is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a .894 OPS in 62 at-bats.
Chicago is slashing .262/.338/.427 for the season and averaging 4.8 runs per game. Patrick Wisdom leads the team with ann .868 OPS. The third baseman has 12 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 25 runs scored with a slash line of .226/.321/.547. The Cubs have a .744 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .971 OPS over 121 at-bats, Ian Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is 13-14 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Chicago has gone 11-11 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 4.0.
In the last 10 games at Wrigley Field between the teams, each club has won five, though New York has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.2-4.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Mets are second in the NL East, five games behind the division-leading Braves. The Cubs are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the Brewers.
