NLCS Game Two: Jake Arrieta on the bump with chance to even series vs Mets

After falling 4-2 to the New York Mets yesterday evening, Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs have the opportunity of evening up the National League Championship Series before it heads back to Wrigley Field for three games.

Arrieta (2-0, 2.45 ERA) helped boost his club into the postseason by sinking the Pittsburgh Pirates during the N.L. Wild Card playoff game, working a complete game shutout then followed that up with another win against the Cardinals.

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Granted, Chicago’s 29-year-old right-handed ace looked a bit shaky against the best team in baseball, he still received the win. He gave up four earned runs on five hits while issuing two walks and striking out nine batters across 5 2/3 innings of work.

Unlike Lester, the Cubs backed up Arrieta in his previous outing by launching a postseason record six home runs. The wind was blowing out in multiple directions that night, but Chicago managed to give themselves a 2-1 advantage in the NLDS.

Hopefully, they’ll be able to back up their ace against this power pitching and slightly dangerous lineup who scored all four runs off Jon Lester in last night’s loss.

Taking the mound opposite Arrieta will be New York’s 23-year-old rookie, Noah Syndergaard. The man known as ‘Thor’ took the loss while visiting the Los Angeles Dodgers on the 10th and gave up three earned runs on five hits through 6 1/3 frames.

Syndergaard also made a relief appearance just a few days ago, pitching a scoreless inning against the Dodgers in Game 5. He issued one walk and struck out two batters on the evening.

Tonight’s lineup for the Cubs will have a change in right field as Chris Coghlan gets the nod over Jorge Soler who struggled in last night’s game. It’s been awhile since Chris started a game for Joe Maddon, so hopefully he’s able to come through with a couple knocks.

We already know how good of a defender he has been for this club.

Here’s a look at each team’s lineup:

Next: Jake Arrieta ready to go in Game 2