It’s game four and if the New York Mets have their way, it will be the deciding game. The Chicago Cubs must fight for their postseason lives tonight in an uphill battle. The Wrigley faithful hung tough through last night’s debacle. Will they do the same if the Mets jump out early tonight?
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Here’s the info from our preview.
Jason Hammel (10-7, 3.78 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs square off against Steven Matz (4-1, 2.66 ERA) and the New York Mets in Game 4 of the League Championship Series at Wrigley Field. Action begins at 8:07 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 21 and can be seen on TBS.
Hammel pitched 3.0 innings in Game 4 of the Divisional Playoffs, surrendering two runs, striking out two and walking three in a 6-4 win over the Cardinals. Anthony Rizzo (.274, 98 Rs, 33 HRs, 103 RBIs, 17 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Matz went 5.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out four and walking two in a 3-1 defeat to the Dodgers in Game 4 of the Divisional Playoffs. Yoenis Cespedes (.290, 106 Rs, 37 HRs, 112 RBIs, 8 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Mets, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, two RBIs, and one stolen base.
The odds for Chicago and New York are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Chicago’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 1.6 runs per game, well under their season average of 3.8. The Cubs are the top team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.146 so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Cubs, who lead the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.8.
Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is the best in the NL. The Mets have a dynamic offense, ranking fourth in the league with 510 extra base hits. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Mets are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.172 for the season.
The Cubs have controlled the season series, 7-3. The Cubs have a 19-14 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Matz takes the mound. Hammel (RHP) will be on the hill against the Mets, who have a 72-56 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
And here are the starting line ups.
Mets
Curtis Granderson, RF
David Wright, 3B
Daniel Murphy, 2B
Yoenis Cespedes, CF
Lucas Duda, 1B
Travis d’Arnaud, C
Michael Conforto, LF
Wilmer Flores, SS
Steven Matz, LHP
Cubs
Dexter Fowler, CF
Jorge Soler, RF
Kris Bryant, 3B
Anthony Rizzo, 1B
Starlin Castro, 2B
Kyle Schwarber, LF
Javier Baez, SS
Jason Hammel, RHP
David Ross, C
The game is on TBS at 8:07 p.m. Watch it with me. This might be the last chance we get to see the Cubs team for a while.
