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Mets, Cubs each look to take series after lopsided wins
The New York Mets and Chicago Cubs are gearing up for an exciting series finale on Sunday night after both teams notched dominant wins in the first two games. The Mets kicked things off with an 11-1 blowout on Friday, but the Cubs fired back with an 8-1 win on Saturday. Now, both teams are eager to secure the series win in this crucial matchup.
Series Performance and Highlights
The Mets started strong with an emphatic 11-1 victory on Friday. The Cubs, however, didn’t let that phase them and responded with their own statement win, 8-1, on Saturday. This back-and-forth sets the stage for an exciting and decisive third game as both teams seek to build momentum.
“We needed that,” Chicago outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong told Marquee Sports Network after Saturday’s win. “It’s always fun putting up eight (runs). Good bounce back day from (Friday). Nico (Hoerner) set the tone from pitch one with that walk, and it was off to the races from there.”
Cubs’ Highlights and Pitching Performance
The Cubs have had an up-and-down month but found their groove on Saturday. Pitcher Jameson Taillon was stellar, striking out a season-high 10 batters and allowing just one run over seven innings. His performance was a key factor in the Cubs’ dominant win.
Mets’ Offensive Strengths and Challenges
The Mets have been on fire in June, leading the National League with an average of 6.06 runs per game. However, they hit a snag on Saturday, scoring fewer than two runs for the first time since May 28. The possible absence of Starling Marte, who left Saturday’s game with a knee injury, could pose additional challenges.
“He’s an important part of our team with the way he’s swinging the bat and what he brings to the table,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Hopefully it’s nothing serious.”
Key Pitching Matchup
Luis Severino (Mets)
- Record: 4-2, 3.52 ERA
- Recent Performance: Severino is looking to bounce back after giving up six earned runs in his last start against the Texas Rangers. Despite this setback, he had a near no-hitter against the Cubs earlier in the season.
“I just have to stay present and do it again in five days,” Severino said about his approach.
Javier Assad (Cubs)
- Record: 4-2, 2.75 ERA
- Recent Performance: Assad hasn’t secured a win since mid-May, but he’s been delivering solid performances. His last outing against the Mets saw him give up just one run over five innings.
Team Strategies and Expectations
The Cubs aim to keep their offensive momentum going and rely on Javier Assad’s steady pitching. Contributions from players like Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong will be crucial.
The Mets will focus on regaining their offensive form, with Luis Severino needing to deliver a strong start. The uncertainty around Starling Marte’s availability puts additional pressure on the rest of the lineup to step up.
Conclusion
The final game between the Cubs and Mets promises to be a thrilling showdown. Both teams have shown what they’re capable of in the first two games, making this series decider a must-watch. The outcome will likely hinge on key performances from pitchers Luis Severino and Javier Assad, along with contributions from pivotal players on both sides.
