Aces claim center stage as Cubs, Mets battle
Jon Lester got his groove back in the Cubs’ 5-1 victory over the Mets last night. In several hours, Jake Arrieta hopes to do the same.
The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner leads first-place Chicago into battle at 7:05 p.m. ET. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI stand behind Joe Maddon’s bunch, whereas visiting New York represents a +130 underdog. The over/under run figure is 7.5.
After two straight subpar outings, Lester was masterful in Monday’s series opener. The All-Star permitted just one run on four hits across 7 2/3 innings. First baseman Anthony Rizzo dealt the big offensive blow in the third, depositing a Steven Matz changeup into the right-center bleachers for a three-run blast.
Arrieta would obviously love to capitalize on the momentum currently swirling around Wrigleyville. He’s 1-3 in his past four starts with a 6.75 ERA, but steering clear of any activity during the week of the Midsummer Classic probably did wonders for the righty’s physical and mental state. After all, Arrieta has amassed more than 340 innings in the past 15 months.
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Noah Syndergaard thrives on a heavy workload, too. “Thor” leads the 2016 New York staff in innings (105 2/3), wins (nine) and strikeouts (128). Following an abbreviated turn July 8 vs. Washington, he’s also pooh-poohing the notion that something’s awry with his right arm. Manager Terry Collins removed the Texas native from that contest for precautionary reasons, and we’re confident that there will be no further trouble this evening.
That same feeling doesn’t extend to the men at the plate. Arrieta and Syndergaard are expected to engage in an epic duel, and why wouldn’t that come to fruition? The Mets looked downright feeble with the lumber roughly 14 hours ago, while the bulk of the Cubbies’ damage stemmed from Rizzo. In short, go low.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: METS/CUBS UNDER 7.5 RUNS
