Series 22 Cubs at Mets

    Game 1

     The Cubs came back to earth a bit in this one. Arrieta got roughed up as the Mets took the series opener. The Mets started the scoring in the fourth as McCann singled in Smith and advanced to second on a throwing error by Marisnick that set up a 2 run double by Pillar to extend the lead to 3-0 in the fourth. Smith would hit a solo homer in the fifth followed by Drury driving in Pillar in the sixth to get the lead to 5-0. The Cubs would get 2 runs back on back-to-back homers by Rizzo and Wisdom in the seventh. The Cubs would go down quietly in the eighth and ninth as the Mets took game 1 5-2.

    Game 2

     The Mets would squeak out a 3-2 victory in a tight game. The Cubs would get a 2-run homer from Baez to start the scoring in the third. The Mets would respond right away with two runs on an Alonso single that drove in Lindor and Smith. Walker started to cruise for the Mets on his way to 12 K's in 7 innings of 2 run ball. Mills would give up another run in the fifth as Alonso hit a sac fly to drive in Villar and drive Mills from the game after 4 1/3 innings. The bullpen held their own and kept it a one-run game. The Cubs would finally challenge in the ninth as Contreras singled with one out and then Marisnick ran for him. Sogard would hit a single and an inexplainable send from the third base coach had Marisnick thrown out easily at home as the tying run. Heyward would then walk but Alcantara would strike out to end the game.

    Game 3

     DeGrom was forced to leave the game early but it matter little as the Mets took the game 6-3. The Cubs had Stock starting his first game of the year and he struggled. The Mets started the scoring in the second as Pillar doubled home McKinney and then scored on a DeGrom single. They added another run in the third as Smith hammered a solo homer. The Cubs got a run in the fourth after DeGrom left the game and Rizzo blasted a solo shot off of Reid-Foley to get the Cubs on the board. The Mets would respond right away and get two runs of their own as Lindor walked with the bases loaded and Smith grounded out but got a run home. The Mets added their sixth in the fifth on a Pillar solo home run. The Cubs' offense was stymied again until the ninth. Ortega would blast a 2 run homer but it was too little too late as the Cubs fell in game 3.

    Game 4

     The Cubs would take the series finale as Hendricks shone and Baez provided the power. Hendricks was terrific and gave the bullpen some relief. He would pitch six scoreless innings on way to a seventh consecutive victory. Chafin, Tepera, and Kimbrel would close out the Mets as the Cubs avoided the sweep. The Cubs got the only runs of the game early as Baez blasted a 2 run homer in the first off of Stroman. That would be the deciding factor as both pitchers were stellar. The Mets blew their chances early as they had runners in scoring position with less than 2 outs in 3 of the first 4 innings.

    The good

     Baez provided some power and had a great offensive series himself. Hendricks continues to pitch well and show the start of the season was just a little slump. Even with a losing series the Cubs are on top of the division as the Brewers stumbled as well this week.

    The bad

     The offense was not producing and the starting pitching was giving up early runs. A massive baserunning blunder cost us a game and that is just frustrating. Seeing the rotation is basically Hendricks and Davies and hope at this point is concerning. This team needs someone to step up in the rotation and help out the 1-2 punch.

    Looking ahead

     The Cubs have a little homestand against the Marlins and Indians before an extended road trip. It will be important to continue to take advantage at home as the division is tight with the Brewers, Reds, and Cardinals all in it.