NEW YORK — As the rain poured down, the tarp covered the diamond at Citi Field on Friday evening, casting uncertainty over the highly anticipated matchup between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs. Scheduled for 7:10 PM ET, this clash features two first-place teams, with the Mets (24-14) looking to extend their lead against the Cubs (22-16) in this exciting three-game series.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed optimism about the weather conditions, stating, "We should be alright. I think, at worst, a little bit of a delay, but we should be able to get this one in." According to the National Weather Service, there was a 60% chance of showers before 8 PM, with minimal precipitation expected.
As the rain subsided and the grounds crew finally removed the tarp at 6:20 PM, fans were treated to the sight of right-hander Clay Holmes taking the mound for the Mets. Holmes, sporting a 4-1 record and a 2.95 ERA, was poised to face his former Yankees teammate, Jameson Taillon, who holds a 2-1 record with a 3.86 ERA for the Cubs.
Holmes has been a standout pitcher this season, boasting a 2.21 FIP and a 132 ERA+ over 36 2/3 innings. His previous outing against the Cubs in 2024 was impressive; he held them scoreless in one inning of relief, striking out two batters. This matchup presents a classic battle of pitching versus hitting, as the Cubs rank third in the league with 55 home runs and a .781 OPS, while the Mets lead with a 2.89 ERA.
Meanwhile, Taillon has shown significant improvement lately, allowing just four runs over his last three starts, resulting in a stellar 2.00 ERA during that stretch. In his 39 2/3 innings this season, he has a 1.034 WHIP and a 104 ERA+. Notably, Taillon has been efficient against the Mets, allowing only two runs on ten hits over 14 1/3 innings in their previous encounters.
The Mets' lineup for the evening featured several heavy hitters, including Francisco Lindor at shortstop, Juan Soto in right field, and Pete Alonso at first base. Soto, who had a remarkable performance earlier in the week with back-to-back homers against the Arizona Diamondbacks, is looking to continue his hot streak. In seven games this May, Soto has gone 9-for-26 with four home runs and a .346 batting average, making him one of the most dangerous players in the lineup.
As the game approached, Mendoza opted to sit Mark Vientos for a second consecutive game, choosing to stack left-handed hitters against Taillon. Jeff McNeil served as the designated hitter, while Brett Baty took over at third base. This strategic move highlights the Mets' focus on maximizing their offensive potential against right-handed pitchers.
On the other side, the Cubs' lineup included Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki, among others. With the Cubs ranking eighth in the league for barreling the ball at 9.7%, they pose a formidable challenge to Holmes, who has limited opponents to a mere 3.9% barrel rate this season.
As the teams prepared to face off, fans were treated to a light-hearted moment in the lead-up to the game. The Cubs attempted to claim that Pope Leo XIV is a Cubs fan, showcasing a picture of the Pope with a Cubs hat. However, a recent interview with the Pope's brother suggested otherwise, stating that the Pope actually roots for the White Sox. This playful narrative added a touch of humor to the serious business of baseball.
As the first pitch drew closer, the excitement in the air was palpable. The matchup between Holmes and Taillon promises to be a thrilling duel, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the early stages of the season. The Mets, fresh off a 7-1 victory over the Diamondbacks, aim to carry their momentum into this series, while the Cubs are eager to reclaim their footing after a mixed bag of results on their recent road trip.
This weekend series is not just about the standings; it’s a showcase of talent, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of baseball. As the game progresses, fans will be glued to their seats, eagerly awaiting the next big play, home run, or strikeout. With both teams boasting impressive records and star-studded lineups, this matchup is sure to deliver excitement and drama.
As the rain clouds cleared and the game finally got underway, fans at Citi Field were ready for what promises to be an unforgettable night of baseball. With the stakes high and the players primed for action, the Mets and Cubs are set to battle it out for supremacy in this pivotal series.
