The Cubs are tied or the worst record in the Majors, and they bring their continued struggles to Citi Field to close out the first half of the year against the Mets.
Keeping a grip on second place in the National League East, the Mets are fresh off one of their most momentous wins of the year against Philadelphia last night and will look to enter the 2012 All-Star break in style.
It was only a week and a half ago that the Mets dropped two of three to the Cubs at Wrigley. After back to back abysmal showings on offense, they exploded for a 17-1 win to salvage a game in that series. The hit parade should be in full swing against the Cubs after that win and last nights walk-off victory.
The Mets will don their blue “Los Mets” threads for Hispanic Heritage night this evening.
Lineups
|
New York Mets
1)
2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8 ) 9) Johan Santana LHP |
Chicago Cubs
1)
2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8 ) 9) Travis Wood LHP |
Matchup
NYM: Johan Santana (6-4, 2.76 ERA) Dating back to his June 1 no-no, Johan has been the victor in five of his last seven starts. He pitched eight scoreless innings against the Dodgers on Sunday on three-hit ball and is proving that his return to form is truly real. He took a tough loss in his last decision against the Cubbies, going six, allowing just two runs while not receiving an ounce of run support. Give him the backing he needs, and this Chicago team is a team that Johan can most certainly handle.
CHC: Travis Wood (3-3, 3.05 ERA) Joining the Cubs midway through the season, Wood has rebounded flawlessly after quietly falling off the map in Cincinnati. Left-handed hitters have only picked up seven hits against him in his first nine starts this year. He has managed to get key outs, bailing him out of his control problems. He stacks up well against the Mets. The Mets couldn’t score on him a week and a half ago, so Wood will be up against his scouting report for sure this evening.
Stache Keys to the Game
- There’s no reason for the clutch hitting to stop. The Mets cash in with two outs as well as anyone else in baseball.
- Work the matchups and scare away southpaw Cubs pitchers.
- Scott Hairston and David Wright are feasting on the lefties. Light up Travis Wood and bring him back to earth.
Slated for a 7:10 PM ET start, catch the game live on SNY and WFAN 660.
