Sharp Action: Mets vs Cubs, 7–19–2016

New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs

Free Pick by: Dennis Mathews of BetSheet.com

Odds: Cubs -142, O/U 7

Time: 7:05pm EST

New York Mets

49–43, 2nd in NL East

Oddsmakers have the Mets listed as heavy underdogs tonight with their ace Noah Syndergaard on the mound. Syndergaard is (9–4, 2.56 ERA) and is a force on the mound and with a bat in his hands.

“Thor” leads the 2016 New York staff in innings (105 2/3), wins (nine) and strikeouts (128). Syndergaard last faced the Cubs on July 3rd and pitched 7 strong innings as the Mets thrashed the Cubs, 14–3.

Up until last night, the Mets had won 8 straight vs the Cubs dating back to last season. In 2015, the Mets swept the Cubs en route to a World Series berth.

They hope “Thor” can once again lead this team to victory on the road. Syndergaard is 1–1 with a 2.92 ERA in two starts against Chicago.

Chicago Cubs

56–36, 1st in NL Central

Jon Lester got his groove back in the Cubs’ 5–1 victory over the Mets last night and Jake Arrietta hopes to do the same tonight.

Arrietta is 1–3 in his past four starts with a 6.75 ERA, but steering clear of any activity during the week of the Midsummer Classic probably did wonders for the righty’s physical and mental state. Arrietta is a work horse and has amassed more than 340 innings in the past 15 months.

Arrieta has not recorded a quality start in his last four outings and has lasted six innings in just one of those starts. The 30-year-old’s last outing before the All-Star break was a rough one, as he allowed six runs over six innings in a loss at Pittsburgh. Arrieta is 2–2 with a 2.48 ERA in six starts against the Mets.

Arrieta has not recorded a quality start in his last four outings and has lasted six innings in just one of those starts. The 30-year-old’s last outing before the All-Star break was a rough one, as he allowed six runs over six innings in a loss at Pittsburgh. Arrieta is 2–2 with a 2.48 ERA in six starts against the Mets.

Mets vs Cubs Free MLB Prediction by Dennis Mathews

What is Dennis Mathews predicting?

“Mets vs Cubs projects to be a low-scoring game tonight based on my pitching numbers but both pitchers are a little banged up at the moment. Despite the fact that the action is coming in at 2–1 on the Cubs on the ML, the line has gone down from Cubs -150 to -140 (depending on your book), which would mean that the sharp action in Vegas is on the Mets”.

Mets are 7–0 in Syndergaard’s last 7 starts vs. National League Central
Cubs are 1–6 in their last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter
Mets are 8–1 in the last 9 meetings

“My money is on the Mets tonight with a chip bet on the Under. Arrietta hasn’t been as dominate as he was last year and it just seems like the Mets have the Cubs number. I see more value with the Mets +125 than siding with the Cubs”.

Mets vs Cubs Free MLB Prediction: Mets +125