Jon Lester (2-2, 4.04 ERA) and Bartolo Colon (6-1, 3.30 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a four-game series between the Chicago Cubs (15-15) and the New York Mets (20-11) at Wrigley Field. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 11 and can be seen on SNY and CSN-CHI.
Lester pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one, striking out six and walking two in a 6-5 win over the Cardinals. Anthony Rizzo (.330, 23 Rs, 6 HRs, 18 RBIs, 7 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one RBI. Against the Cubs, Colon is 0-2 with a 4.73 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts. Lucas Duda (.279, 16 Rs, 2 HRs, 12 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Mets, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Chicago is a -134 favorite against New York and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is currently unavailable. The Cubs have an overall money line of -80 and a record as the favorite of 7-7. Chicago is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 29 bases. Chicago’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 6.4 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.6. The Cubs are the third-best team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 7.9 hits per game to their opponents this season.
In the other locker room, in contrast to an encouraging overall money line (+856), New York has an unimpressive 5-8 record when playing as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-4 record when playing as the underdog. Offensively, the Mets have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 3.8 runs per game by averaging 2.4 during that stretch. New York’s pitching staff is one of the top in the NL at pitching on the road, with a 3.36 ERA. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Mets are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.11 for the season.
The Cubs have a 13-11 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Colon takes the mound. Lester (LHP) will be on the hill against the Mets, who have a 3-3 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
The Cubs managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Mets who are coming in with a 5-0 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Mets have a slight leg up on the Cubs, as the Mets have won their last two games while the Cubs have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Cubs are 9-2. The Mets have an 11-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st in runs, New York has earned 120 this season. Chicago ranks 18th with 127 runs.
Ranking 17th, New York is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 89 this season. Chicago ranks in the top half at 13th with 101.
The Cubs are 11-5 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Mets are 12-3 when they hit at least one homer.
