Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets preview, Saturday 6/2, 6:10 CT

The Cubs find themselves entering this game on a nice little run. Since they lost the first game of a doubleheader in extra innings in Cincinnati May 19, they’ve won eight of 12. That matches the Dodgers, Brewers and Nationals for the best record in the National League over that time span.

Meanwhile, the Mets, who began this season 11-1, best start in franchise history, are just 16-27 since then and 5-9 over their last 14 games.

They’re also 12-15 at home, one of six teams in the N.L. with losing records at home. The others: Marlins, Reds, Padres, Dodgers and, oddly, the Rockies, who are in first place in the N.L. West despite an 11-14 record at Coors Field.

It feels like the Cubs are beginning to play the way they’re capable of. They’re 4-1 so far on this road trip and — despite a tough pitching matchup tonight — have the chance to make this a real good trip over the next two games.

They enter tonight’s contest second in the N.L. in runs (two behind the Braves) and second in fewest runs allowed (two behind the Nationals). They lead the league in runs per game (5.26), OBP (.347), OPS (.785), and walks by hitters (213).

Things are looking up.

Here are today’s particulars.

Cubs lineup:

Mets lineup:

Mike Montgomery, LHP vs. Jacob deGrom, RHP

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Montgomery was outstanding in his start against the Pirates Monday in Pittsburgh.

He started one game against the Mets last year, June 14, 2017 at Citi Field, and threw five credible innings: six hits, three runs, two earned. hits, three runs. No current Mets hitter has more than four at-bats against MiMo — that lack of experience has been a benefit to pitchers facing the Cubs, maybe it will be so here as well.

Jacob deGrom has been the one constant in the Mets rotation all year. He enters this game leading the National League with a 1.52 ERA and in his last seven starts: 0.45 ERA, 0.967 WHIP, only one home run in 40⅓ innings.

In his last start against the Cubs, June 12, 2017 at Citi Field, he threw a complete game and allowed five hits and one run.

Clearly, we are doomed. Unless... Bryzzo comes through. Combined, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo are 7-for-20 (.350) against deGrom with three home runs.

Today’s game is on Fox-TV (regional — coverage map). A reminder that if the game is not on the Fox station in your market, and you have MLB.tv or MLB Extra Innings, you can watch the game via those services. Fox announcers: Joe Davis and John Smoltz.

Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

SB Nation game preview

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The 2018 Game Thread procedure will be the same as the one used during 2017. Here's how it works.

You'll find the game preview posted separately on the front page, two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page. The First Pitch Thread and all the overflow threads will be published in that stream, as well as the recap. The recap will also live on the front page as a separate post, and at the time I write the recap I will rename the stream "Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of Week) Game Threads" so you can go back and find every thread related to that particular game.

You will also be able to find the preview, First Pitch Thread, all the overflow threads and recap in the box marked "Chicago Cubs Game Threads" at the bottom of the front page (you can also find them in this section link). They will also appear in the game's StoryStream as noted above.

The First Pitch thread will post at five minutes before game time, then an overflow thread at one hour, two hours and 2:45 after the scheduled game time.

Discuss amongst yourselves.