The New York Mets struck first in their matchup of National League division leaders by taking the series opener against the Chicago Cubs 5-2.
The win ended the Cubs' five-game winning streak and continued their struggles on the road. Now the Mets will be moderate favorites to make it two straight as they hand the ball to Taijuan Walker while the Cubs counter with Alec Mills.
Check out our free MLB betting picks and predictions for Cubs vs. Mets on Tuesday, June 15, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
Cubs vs Mets game info
• Location: Citi Field, Flushing, NY
• Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2021
• Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
Cubs vs Mets odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Compare MLB odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
MLB Sharp Money and Line Movement Report
By Patrick EversonNew York opened as -143 chalk at TwinSpires Sportsbook and spent some time at -150 on the way to -157, where the moneyline rests at 4 p.m. ET. The Cubs are taking 58 percent of tickets, while the Mets are drawing 72 percent of money. The total moved from 8.5 to 8 and back to 8.5, with the Over seeing 64 percent of tickets/58 percent of cash.
Check out the full line movement for this gameCubs vs Mets betting preview
Starting pitchers
Alec Mills (2-0, 6.08 ERA): Mills makes just his second start of the season for the Cubs in his second game back after a stint on the IL. The right-hander has a 1.52 WHIP to go along with that subpar ERA. Mills had a 4.48 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in 11 starts in 2020.
Taijuan Walker (5-2, 2.07 ERA): Walker has been outstanding in his first season with the Mets and is in a particularly good groove right now. The right-hander has allowed one earned run or fewer in five of his past six starts and has a 0.85 WHIP over that stretch.
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our MLB weather info.
Key injuries
Cubs: Javier Baez SS (Questionable), Justin Steele RP (Questionable), Jonathan Holder RP (Out), Nico Hoerner 2B (Out), Rowan Wick RP (Out).
Mets: Miguel Castro RP (Questionable), Michael Conforto RF (Out), Brandon Nimmo CF (Out), Dellin Betances RP (Out), Jeff McNeil 2B (Out), J.D. Davis 3B (Out).
Find our latest MLB injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Mets are 5-0 in Walker’s last five starts as a favorite. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Mets.
Moneyline pick
The Mets' win in the opener ended the Cubs' five-game winning streak and continued the trend of Chicago struggling away from Wrigley Field this season. While the Cubs are a dominating 24-10 at home, yesterday’s loss dropped them to 14-18 on the road.
And things won’t get any easier Tuesday when they go up against Walker. The right-hander is dealing to the tune of a 1.32 ERA and is limiting opponents to a .169 average over his last six starts. Even though the Cubs' offense has been on a roll recently, the home-run-heavy lineup ranks 26th in batting average against right-handers. On top of that, Walker has only allowed two home runs all season.
On the other side is Mills, who is allowing opponents to hit .280 off him. And while the Mets lineup got off to an ice-cold start, they are scoring 5.43 runs per game over their last 14 contests and rank eighth in batting average against righties this season.
With the Cubbies' struggles on the road and their offense being homer reliant, going against Walker makes the Mets the side to go with in this one.
PREDICTION: Mets (-145)
Over/Under pick
The total for this one hit the board at 8.5 and my gut reaction is to go with the Under.
For starters, as noted, the Cubs struggle on the road and should have difficulties putting up runs against a guy like Walker who only gives up the rare long ball. The Cubs also scored just two runs in Monday night’s loss and average 4.0 runs per game on the road this season. Plus, they rank 20th in batting average and 22nd in OPS away from home.
On the other side is the Mets, and while they have been hitting much better lately we’re not betting they turn into the 1927 Yankees any time soon. They still rank 23rd in scoring and while they have a good matchup against Mills, he will be backed up by a Chicago bullpen that ranks second in ERA and first in opponent batting average.
PREDICTION: Under 8.5 (-110)
Cubs vs Mets betting card
- Mets (-145)
- Under 8.5 (-110)
Picks made on 6/XX/2021 at 12:45 p.m. ET
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