The Chicago Cubs (56-36) defeated the New York Mets (49-43) tonight by the final score of 5-1. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2016_07_18_nynmlb_chnmlb_1#game=2016_07_18_nynmlb_chnmlb_1,game_tab=box,game_state=Wrapup

Game Notes:

• Steven Matz picked up the loss tonight going 5 innings while allowing 4 runs on 8 hits. He walked 1 and struck out 5.
• Wilmer Flores was 2-4 with a solo HR.
• Michael Conforto was 1-1 with a pinch hit single.
• Seth Lugo pitched 2 perfect shutout innings in relief while striking out a batter.

Well the Mets aren’t going to beat the Cubs 11 times in a row, as the Cubs are a good ballclub and the Mets simply squandered multiple opportunities tonight to go ahead. The Mets had Cubs starter Jon Lester on the ropes multiple times tonight early on in the game and could not drive in a run. Neil Walker was also unable to come through with runners on in the top of the eighth inning. The Mets offense finished 0-7 with runners in scoring position tonight, an area they’ve struggled in all season and it’s significantly affected their record. If the Mets aren’t hitting multiple home runs a game they aren’t scoring, and it’s frustrating to figure out how they can’t manufacture runs without the long ball. The Mets are currently ranked dead last in the league with a .209 average with runners in scoring position. 

Terry Collins is going to have to also figure out a way to get Wilmer Flores more at bats, as all he has done over the past couple of weeks is rake. Word is that Jose Reyes is also learning how to play center field (like the Mets need another outfielder) but it may be helpful in getting both of their bats, as well as Reyes’ speed in the same lineup. Flores currently has six home runs this month, a number nobody else in the league has. Collins is going to need to be creative in getting him in the lineup until he stops hitting, as well as Michael Conforto who came up and got a base hit in his return to the Majors. Conforto is expected to get a start in left field tomorrow night with Cespedes in center field, and Granderson in right field. 

Steven Matz essentially lost the game on one pitch to Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo who took him deep in the bottom of the third inning for a three-run homer. Rizzo turned on an 83 MPH changeup and took Matz’s pitch into the right center field seats. The Cubs would take a 3-0 lead, a lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. To Matz’s credit it was a tough 10 pitch at-bat, and while Matz pitched admirably the rest of the night, that home run by Rizzo will stick out like a sore thumb for tonight’s loss. 

• The Mets will attempt to take the second game of this three game series against the Cubs tomorrow night with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm et. You can watch tomorrow’s night’s game on SNY and ESPN.

• Noah Syndergaard (9-4, 2.56 ERA) will make his first start since his arm fatigue injury and square off with Cubs ace Jake Arrieta (12-4, 2.68 ERA).