Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/14/22): Cubs 6, Mets 3 – Cubs Sweep Mets in New York

The Cubs were hoping to complete a very unexpected sweep of the Mets in New York on Wednesday. Chicago’s bats exploded early and they were able to hold on to win and complete the whitewash.

Mets starter David Peterson walked the first three hitters he faced to load the bases with nobody out. Yan Gomes ripped a two-run double into the right-field corner to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead. P.J. Higgins followed with his own two-run double that landed just inside the right field line and sent Peterson to the showers without getting out of the 1st.

Former Cub Trevor Williams took over and was greeted by a Michael Hermosillo RBI extra-base hit. Nelson Velázquez singled up the middle to complete the big 1st inning to put Chicago up 6-0.

Drew Smyly threw a solid five innings, allowing just a solo home run to Tomas Nido in the 3rd and an unearned run on a Patrick Wisdom error in the 5th. Williams settled in and the Cubs offense shut down after the opening frame.

Pete Alonso hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 8th to cut Chicago’s advantage to 6-3. Mark Leiter Jr.came on for the save and was able to close out the sweep. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

They were able to take advantage of the big scoring chances in the opening inning. That offense was enough and the pitching staff held the Mets in check for the rest of the game.

Eye on the Future

• Christopher Morel drew two walks and made several outstanding defensive plays at shortstop.
• Higgins had two hits and a walk as he keeps putting together good at-bats.
• Velázquez has not been playing much so it was nice to see him get a pair of knocks.

Taking Note

• Smyly pitched well but got a pretty early hook after just 77 pitches thrown: 5 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 5 K, and 1 BB.

Bottom Line

The Mets had not been swept all season long before taking on the mighty Chicago Cubs. Seriously though, it was encouraging to see some young Cubs players step up against a quality opponent. While it doesn’t mean anything in the standings — at least as far as the Cubs are concerned — it was very fun to watch.

On Deck

After a day off on Thursday, the Cubs head back to Wrigley for three games with the Colorado Rockies beginning Friday at 1:20pm CT. Marcus Stroman faces German Márquez in a game available on MLB Network (out-of-market-only), Marquee Sports Network, and 670 The Score.