18th Oct – Mets vs Cubs

22:59
Expired

New York Mets

Chicago Cubs

The New York Mets drew first blood in the National League Championship series with Matt Harvey out-duelling Jon Lester in a pretty well-played ball game that included an exceptional defensive play from Mets’ second baseman Danny Murphy late.

Tonight, star rookie Noah Syndergaard takes the mound. He actually faced the Cubs, and Jake Arrieta, in his MLB debut in May, suffering a 6-1 defeat on that occasion. He pitched pretty well against the Dodgers in Game 2 of their series, though he was out-played by another pretty useful arm in Zack Greinke on that occasion.

Syndergaard and the Mets have been at their best in Citi Field. The rookie is 7-2 with a 2.46 ERA over 12 starts with the comforts of home. Meanwhile, the force of Yoenis Cespedes, Danny Murphy and David Wright just seems to come together better in New York’s other stadium.

They’ll have a tough task on Sunday night. The prospect of facing probable NL Cy Young award winner Jake Arrieta isn’t an easy one. He pitched a shutout in the Wildcard game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and pushed the St Louis Cardinals to the brink by winning Game 3 of that series. A win on Sunday night would increase the chances of Arrieta having the ball in a potential Game 5 with the series on the line.

The Cubs’ offense, especially Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant continues to be a bit erratic. Still, perhaps that is some comfort here. It suggests that a much better performance could be just around the corner from this unit after scoring just two runs in Game 1.

Three Reasons for Betting Tips

1. Arrieta, Arrieta and Arrieta

It’s good enough for us. Bet against him right now at your own peril as far as we’re concerned!

2. Cubs’ offense plays better

Chicago’s offense is capable of being pretty useful, they weren’t great in Game 1, but we like their chances of getting a little more traction against a rookie in Syndergaard.