Hot-hitting Christopher Morel will be looking to extend his 12-game hitting streak as the Chicago Cubs (21-26) host the New York Mets (25-24) at Wrigley Field on Wednesday.
The Cubs took Tuesday’s series opener 7-2, their fifth straight head-to-head victory. Drew Smyly went five innings, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out five, to get the win.
Matt Mervis went 2 for 3 with a home run, two runs, and three RBIs in the win. Morel added a home run and two runs. Brandon Nimmo was 3 for 4 with a double and one run for the Mets. Pete Alonso added a home run and two RBIs.
ON THE MOUND
Kodai Senga (4-2, 3.77 ERA) is slated 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 May 17. He gave up three hits while striking out 12 and walking three in the no-decision.
For Chicago, right-hander Marcus Stroman (3-4, 3.05 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Mets. Stroman made one start against the Mets in 2022, throwing 4.1 innings in a 2-1 home defeat on July 16.
He gave up one hit and walked two, while striking out six in the no-decision. In his last start on Friday, Stroman got the win on the road against the Phillies. He threw six innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out four and walking two in the 10-1 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, New York has averaged 4.4 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.3. Against right-handed pitchers like Stroman this season, the Mets have a .717 OPS. Alonso is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .831 OPS in 125 at-bats.
Chicago is averaging 5.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.8 for the season. The Cubs have a .748 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .957 OPS over 124 at-bats, Ian Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is 13-15 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. Chicago has gone 12-11 at Wrigley Field this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In the last 10 games at Wrigley Field between the teams, Chicago is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.4-3.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Mets are second in the NL East, four games behind the division-leading Braves. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, four games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago Cubs (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
