Mets Expected to Topple Struggling Cubs

There isn’t much going right for the Chicago Cubs but the three-game series against the New York Mets provides a chance to get it back on track.

Beating the Mets isn’t easy at the moment and they bring a 7-4 record into this series. They currently lead the National League East and they will want to stay there.

Chicago is having a rough time, which explains its current odds in online sports betting markets. It’s still early, but the pressure has been piled on the Cubs.

Cubbies Struggling To Hit

Chicago’s problems stem from its poor batting average, which currently sits at .192. It has been a dismal start to the season for the powerful hitting lineup which, despite recording 89 hits, has yet to translate into much.

During a two-game stretch against Milwaukee and Atlanta last week, Chicago scored only two runs. The Cubs bounced back with 13 runs against Atlanta, but they were unable to muster much in the third and final game of the series.

The starting pitching hasn’t been overly impressive, either. However, having the experienced Jake Arrieta on the mound should help.

He is 2-1 with an ERA of 3.18. In 17 innings pitched, Arrieta has allowed 17 hits, five walks, and one home run. He hasn’t been as dominant as with previous seasons, but Arrieta is a calming man to have on the mound.

We’re unsure if he’s enough to turn the Cubs’ form around, but they’re better with him.

Mets Bring Winning Record

There were big expectations placed on the New York Mets and they have lived up to it so far.

The Mets are 7-4 after winning four of their last five games, including a gutsy 2-1 victory over the Rockies in Colorado last week.

It has mostly been the starting pitching that has given the Mets control.

“The bats are going to come around,” Mets manager Luis Rojas told the NY Daily News. “That’s something that we can count on, this team can hit. But the pitchers are the ones that are giving us the chance to win games right now.”

On the mound for the Mets is Taijuan Walker, who is 0-0 after pitching 10.1 innings. He has allowed only seven hits with an ERA of 2.61, so he is more than capable of matching Arrieta.

MLB lines believe Walker can get the job done on Tuesday. The Mets are -125 favorites to win Game 1, which is a fair line. They are the better team and backing the Cubs hasn’t rewarded bettors.

Mets vs Cubs Betting Trends

The Mets have some positive betting trends for this season, but they have historically struggled to beat the Cubs.

New York is 5-16 in the last 21 meetings against Chicago and 17-37 in the last 54 meetings at Wrigley Field. It’s a strong betting trend for the Cubs, but they have been tough to follow in 2021.

The Chicago Cubs lineup pic.twitter.com/rK8HTQsoHu

Finder of the Brian Hayes comment (@BuccoPain79) April 16, 2021

A $100 bet on the Cubs in every game would have net a loss of $533. It doesn’t make for good reading, especially as the same bet on the Mets would have resulted in a profit.

The Mets are 4-0 in their last four Tuesday games and 5-0 when the total is set at 11 runs or higher.

Mets vs Cubs Game Pick

Apart from Arrieta being on the mound, we can’t find a reason to back the Cubs on Tuesday.

After getting hammered 13-4 by the Braves, they are low on confidence while it’s the opposite for the Mets, who are coming off a 2-1 win.

With a team ERA of 2.93, the Mets are relying on a strong starting rotation and, although the bats haven’t got hot, it’s only a matter of time.

Pete Alonso isn’t far off having a breakout game and the “Polar Bear” could ice anyone with the Cubs on their ticket.

Take the Mets to go 1-0 up in the best-of-three series.

Pick: New York Mets -125