Cubs at Mets
Citi Field has not afforded the New York Mets much of an advantage this season as they'll try to avoid a third straight series loss at home when they continue a three-game set with the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. The Cubs have won back-to-back games for the first time since a season-high five-game winning streak from May 26-31 as they claimed the series opener 6-3 on Friday.
New York has dropped nine of 11 overall and is 1-5 on its homestand. The Mets' 13-22 home mark is the third-worst in the majors, only ahead of Miami and Houston. Chicago has struggled against National League Central rivals, going 8-21, but is 19-17 against teams outside the division.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Scott Feldman (5-5, 3.22 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jon Niese (3-5, 4.24)
Feldman has been outstanding against everyone but the Reds, who tagged him for five runs in six innings and handed him a loss his last time out. He has recorded quality starts in his last seven outings against anyone other than Cincinnati, including 6 2/3 scoreless innings to beat the Mets on May 18. Feldman is 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA in two starts against New York.
Niese missed a start earlier this month because of a sore shoulder but returned with a solid outing Sunday against Miami, allowing three runs (two earned) in 6 2/3 innings in a no-decision. He has recorded four straight quality starts but has not won since May 16. Niese is 2-3 with a 5.61 ERA in six starts against the Cubs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets 3B David Wright has reached safely in seven straight plate appearances with six singles and a walk. Wright is 1-for-5 with two strikeouts against Feldman.
2. Chicago SS Starlin Castro, who is 7-for-59 in his last 15 games, is 5-for-13 with a triple and a homer against Niese.
3. Cubs OF David DeJesus is expected to go to the disabled list with a sprained right shoulder after injuring himself crashing into the outfield wall Friday.