Chicago Cubs: Jon Lester battles Matt Harvey at Wrigley

Left-hander Jon Lester squares off against Mets’ veteran Matt Harvey Tuesday night as the Chicago Cubs look for a second-straight victory.

After snapping a three-game skid, the Chicago Cubs look to make it two-straight over the New York Mets. The once-dominant right-hander Matt Harvey takes the ball for Chicago, opposite veteran lefty Jon Lester.

Chicago (78-66) got more offense in Monday’s opener than they did in the entire weekend series against the Brewers. Kris Bryant led the way with a three-run home run and Kyle Schwarber also added a solo blast to highlight the offense. Getting Bryant going is key for the Cubs. Monday’s blast marks his first homer of September.

A resurgent KB and the return of Willson Contreras may be just what the Chicago offense needs. The young Cubs’ backstop is back behind the plate again Tuesday to catch Lester.

His last time out, the southpaw allowed just one run. He’s been up-and-down of-late, so another solid start is key for the Chicago ace. In mid-June, he struck out 10 – a season-high – against these same Mets.

Chicago enters Tuesday just two games up on the St. Louis Cardinals. Mike Matheny‘s club has won eight of its last 10 games, including four-straight. The Milwaukee Brewers are also in the thick of things, just 2 1/2 games out of first in the NL Central.

Starting lineups

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What’s Next

Chicago and New York conclude their three-game set on Thursday night at Wrigley Field.

Seth Lugo (6-4, 4.64) starts for the Mets opposite left-hander Mike Montgomery (5-8, 3.64). First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. CT. Following the finale, the Cubs welcome in the rival Cardinals for a pivotal weekend series.