The New York Mets (43-37) defeated the Chicago Cubs (51-29) by the final score of 4-3 tonight. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2016_07_02_chnmlb_nynmlb_1#game=2016_07_02_chnmlb_nynmlb_1,game_tab=box,game_state=Wrapup

Game Notes:

• Neil Walker was 2-4 with a 2-run home run.
• Travis d’Arnaud was 2-4 with a 2-run single.
• Bartolo Colon pitched another solid game going 6 innings while allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. He walked 3 and struck out 4.
• Jeurys Familia converted his 28th save of the season and remains a perfect 28-28 in save opportunities this season.

The Mets put forth another solid performance tonight against the Chicago Cubs who are arguably the best team in baseball. The Mets offense was able to jump on Cubs starter Jake Arrieta early in the game with Neil Walker hitting a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. Travis d’Arnaud also had a clutch two-out single which found just enough grass to drop, that scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Those would be all the runs the Mets would need tonight as the pitching held the Cubs to three runs, and the Mets improved their record to 32-7 on the season when they score four or more runs. 

Bartolo Colon went toe-to-toe with arguably the best pitcher in the National League in Cubs starter Jake Arrieta. Colon disclosed after the game to reporters that he has been dealing with a sore left leg since a start against the Pirates back on June 16. With the way he has pitched over the past several weeks I don’t think anyone would’ve noticed, and it shouldn’t be much of an issue at all. Since May 23rd Colon has posted a 4-1 record with a 1.96 ERA, and he has not allowed more than two runs in any of those eight starts. Well done Mr. Colon!

The Mets have now won seven straight against the Cubs dating back to last season’s NLCS. What a great shift of momentum and morale this series has provided the Mets, and it could be an even bigger jolt to this club if they come out with a four-game sweep tomorrow afternoon. There isn’t a better pitcher for the Mets to have on the mound tomorrow than Noah Syndergaard to help bring out the brooms. Keep on believing Mets fans and let’s go Mets!

On a side note Juan Lagares was activated off the disabled list prior to tonight’s game, and reliever Seth Lugo was sent back down to AAA Las Vegas. Lugo pitched two scoreless innings in last night’s ballgame and should be back up again at some point in the season. Lagares is expected to be in tomorrow’s starting lineup against Cubs lefty Jon Lester. 

• The Mets will go for the four game sweep of the Cubs tomorrow afternoon with a 1:10 pm et start time. Tomorrow’s game can be seen on SNY and MLB Network.

• Noah Syndergaard will look to bounce back after his last start (8-3, 2.49 ERA) against Cubs left-hander Jon Lester (9-3, 2.03 ERA).