Chicago @ New York preview
Citi Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 15, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 5, NY Mets 2
The Chicago Cubs will try to finish their first three-game sweep on the road since last September when they wrap up a set with the New York Mets on Sunday. The Cubs last swept a three-game set away from home on Sept. 7-9, 2012, at Pittsburgh. They haven't swept the Mets in New York since 2004.
Then again, the Mets haven't enjoyed much of an advantage at home. They have lost three straight series at Citi Field and are 13-23 overall there and 1-6 on their current homestand. New York hasn't scored more than five runs at home in its last 25 games dating to April 25, one shy of the dubious franchise record - set in 1968 and tied in 1979.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Matt Garza (1-1, 6.26 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jeremy Hefner (1-6, 4.11)
Garza is looking to bounce back from a disastrous outing after allowing a career-worst nine runs over five innings in a loss to Cincinnati in his last start. He surrendered three homers in that one, so a start at spacious Citi Field will be a welcome change. Garza has made only one start against the Mets, allowing three runs over seven innings in a no-decision in 2011.
Hefner has recorded four straight quality starts but has just one win to show for it. His defense let him down in his last outing, as a pair of Mets errors led to five unearned runs in a loss to St. Louis. Hefner is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two games against the Cubs, including a loss at Wrigley Field on May 18 that saw him yield four runs in as many innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets OF Marlon Byrd is 4-for-11 with two homers against Garza.
2. Cubs RF Nate Schierholtz is riding a seven-game hitting streak, which was preserved when he walked in both of his plate appearances off the bench Saturday.
3. The Mets selected the contract of RHP Carlos Torres, optioned RHP Greg Burke to Triple-A Las Vegas and designated RHP Collin McHugh for assignment.
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Mets 4