The New York Mets (59-66) took on the Chicago Cubs (52-71) this afternoon at Citi Field, for the third game of a four game series. Rafael Montero was looking for his first major league victory, and was opposed by Cubs ace Jake Arrieta.
What you should know:
Rafael Montero pitched the best outing of his young major league career today, as he would go 7.1 innings, allowing one run on five hits, while walking two and striking out six. Montero pitched well enough to earn a win, but was a victim of no offensive support. He would ultimately take a no decision.
Jake Arrieta stymied the Mets over seven innings, as he would allow zero runs on two hits, while walking two and striking out nine, but would also get a no decision after turning it over to the bullpen.
The Cubs would get on the scoreboard first in the fourth inning, as Javier Baez would walk to lead off the inning and would eventually be driven in by Luis Valbuena. This would make it 1-0 Cubs, which the score would stay for a majority of the game.
Through the first seven innings, the Mets had the leadoff runner on base four times, but failed to get a run across.
However, the Mets would tie the game in the bottom of the eighth inning, as Ruben Tejada would single up the middle. Eric Young, Jr. pinch ran for Tejada and would reach second on a passed ball. He would be driven in by a Curtis Granderson single, tying the game at one.
The game wouldn’t remain tied for long, as Starlin Castro tucked a solo home run just over the right field fence off of Jennry Mejia in the top of the ninth, which would be the difference maker, as Hector Rondon came on for the Cubs in the bottom half of the inning to shut the door.
On deck:
The Mets take on the Cubs for the final game of the series tomorrow afternoon, as Bartolo Colon (11-10, 3.85 ERA) squares off against Kyle Hendricks (4-1, 1.73 ERA)
