MLB Predictions: Will Mets upset struggling Cubs in New York? 6/13/17
Will the Mets upset the struggling Cubs tonight when the two teams meet again in New York at 7:10PM ET?
The Odds
According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are -137 money line favorites to win tonight in New York. The Mets, meanwhile, are +124 money line underdogs to pull off the upset. As for the over/under, the number sits at 8.5 runs.
Pitching Matchup: Jon Lester vs. Zack Wheeler, 7:10PM ET, CitiField
In his last outing, Lester allowed four runs on six hits over five innings in a loss last Thursday to the Rockies. The veteran lefty surrendered an RBI double to CHarlie Blackmon and a three-run home run to DJ LeMahieu in the second inning. He did not allow another run in the outing, but the damage was already done.
Wheeler pitched seven innings of one-run ball last Wednesday in a no-decision against the Rangers. It was the 27-year-old’s season high for innings, but unfortunately wins haven’t been easy to come by. Wheeler has five quality starts under his belt since May, but just one victory to show for his efforts.
Our Prediction
In Lester’s last six road starts, the Cubs are just 1-5. They’re also3-14 in their last 17 road games, are 1-5 in their last six games overall, and are 2-8 in their last 10 games following a loss. They’re also 2-10 in their last 12 games when their opponent allows two runs or less in their previous game.
The Mets, meanwhile, have won four straight games and are 8-2 in their last 10 games when facing a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. They’re also 4-0 in their last four games after scoring five runs or more in their previous game.
The bottom line is this: The Cubs may have the advantage in tonight’s pitching matchup, but it isn’t significant enough to sway me from taking a Chicago team that has been horrendous on the road. There’s a lot of value in the underdog Mets tonight.
Tuesday MLB Prediction: New York Mets +124