Starting for the Mets in the final game of this three-game set is Bartolo Colon (8-4, 3.11 ERA). He allowed three runs (none earned) on four hits and two walks over 5.2 innings in Friday’s 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran right-hander was solid in his first second-half start, retiring the first 13 Phillies he faced. He got tired, however, in the fifth and sixth innings, surrendering three unearned runs.
The Chicago Cubs, on the other hand, will counter with Kyle Hendricks (8-6, 2.41 ERA). The 26-year-old righty has been unstoppable at Wrigley Field this season, going 6-1 with a 1.50 ERA in 10 home games this campaign. The Cubs are unbeaten in his past five starts. Hendricks was superb in his last outing against the Texas Rangers, giving up just three hits over six scoreless innings. Hendricks has allowed a total of just three earned runs over his last 31 innings.
There’s no denying the fact that the Chicago Cubs hold the edge in the batting department for tonight’s ballgame. The Cubs are second in the majors in on-base percentage (.345) and fourth in runs scored (476) this season. The Cubs are also second in the National League in the RBI department with 453 to their name this season. The Cubs displayed their offensive prowess in the opening two games of this series, outscoring the New York Mets, 6-3.
That being said, the Mets’ hitters also pack some offensive punch. They have hit a whopping 127 home runs this season, the most in the National League this campaign. Spearheading the Mets’ attack this season is Yoenis Cespedes. The Cuban star leads the Mets in homers (21), RBIs (52), batting average (.295) and on-base percentage (.367) this season.
