The New York Mets (89-54) host the Chicago Cubs (60-82) at Citi Field on Wednesday with the visitors looking for a sweep of the three-game series. The Cubs lead the series 2-0 after winning 4-1 on Tuesday, their third head-to-head victory in six games this season. Starter Adrian Sampson threw six scoreless innings for the win. Ian Happ was 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs in the win. Pete Alonso went 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Mets.
ON THE MOUND
Drew Smyly (6-8, 3.84 ERA) is slated for the start for Chicago. The left-hander allowed one run (zero earned) over seven innings in his last start, a 4-2 road win over the Giants on Friday. He was credited with the win, giving up one hit while striking out eight and walking two. Smyly has made one previous start against the Mets this season, a 4-3 home loss on July 16. He surrendered two runs on five hits over 4.1 innings, striking out four and walking one. For New York, RHP Trevor Williams (2-5, 2.92 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made one prior appearance against the Cubs this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over three innings in an 8-0 road win on July 14. He gave up three hits while striking out four in the no-decision. In his last appearance on Saturday, Williams pitched in relief on the road against the Marlins. He threw one inning and gave up one run on two hits, striking out two, in the 11-3 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 3.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.1. Against right-handed pitchers like Williams this season, the Cubs have a .705 OPS. Willson Contreras is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .804 OPS in 296 at-bats. New York is averaging 5.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.7 for the season. The Mets have a .705 OPS against southpaws in 2022. With a .877 OPS over 139 at-bats, Starling Marte has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 30-40 in road games in 2022, scoring 4.0 runs per game while allowing 5.0 runs. New York has lost four in a row at their home ballpark. The Mets are 46-25 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.4. Chicago is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Citi Field with an average scoreline of 3.9-2.7.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are third in the NL Central, 23 games behind the division-leading Cardinals. The Mets lead the NL East by zero games over the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
New York Mets (-185)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
