Flushing, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Eric Campbell hit a three-run homer in the
fourth inning to help lift the New York Mets over the Chicago Cubs, 3-2, in
the first match of a four-game set at Citi Field.
Zack Wheeler (8-8) tossed 6 2/3 strong innings for New York, scattering four
hits and conceding only two runs. The right-hander tied his season high for
strikeouts with 10 and improved his record to 5-0 in his last nine starts.
"I've been able to keep my walks down," Wheeler said of his success as of
late. "Tonight was a little hiccup. I've been able to go after guys, repeating
everything and feeling more comfortable each time out."
Jenrry Mejia pitched a perfect ninth inning en route to his 18th save of the
season as the Mets snapped a three-game losing streak.
Travis Wood (7-10) struck out five over 5 1/3 innings, but was tagged with the
loss for surrendering the homer to Campbell. Wood is winless (0-5) in his last
11 starts.
"We were both limited as far as offense and runs on both sides," Cubs manager
Rick Renteria said. "I thought both sides kept everyone in check. We just fell
a little short."
Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro drove in Chicago's two runs as the Cubs lost
for just the second time in their last seven meetings with the Mets.
The Cubs put runners on first and second to start the second inning, but
couldn't pick up a run in the frame. After Castro and Welington Castillo hit
back-to-back singles, Wheeler recovered, striking out Arismendy Alcantara,
Ryan Sweeney and Chris Valaika to end the inning.
Chicago took advantage of its chance in the third, scoring two runs. Wood drew
a walk and Javier Baez singled. With runners on second and third and one away,
Rizzo's groundout plated Wood to open the scoring. Castro then hit a grounder
up the middle for an RBI single, scoring Baez. Wheeler hit Castillo with a
fastball, but Alcantara popped out for the third out.
The Mets took the lead with three runs in the fourth. Wood walked the first
two batters, David Wright and Lucas Duda, before getting Travis d'Arnaud to
pop out in the infield. Campbell stepped to the plate and sent the first pitch
he saw over the wall in left-center field to clear the bases.
Vic Black, Jeurys Familia and Mejia combined to throw 2 1/3 scoreless innings
of relief for the Mets. They struck out four batters and didn't allow a hit.
Game Notes
The Cubs and the Mets each finished with four hits. Chicago was 1-for-6 with
runners in scoring position, while New York was 1-for-4 ... Castro finished
with two singles, extending his hitting streak to 14 games ... Wright had his
hitting streak end at 13 games. He went 0-for-4 with a run scored ... Wood
lost for the first time in six career meetings with the Mets. He hasn't won
since beating the Phillies on June 15 ... Mejia has at least one strikeout in
his last 10 outings.