Cubs at Mets

NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs and New York Mets close out a two-game series Wednesday night at Citi Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. under cloudy skies with a temperature of 67 degrees.

Chicago (40-37) sends left-hander Sean Manaea (1-2) to the mound. New York (34-43) will counter with a pitcher yet to be announced.

The Cubs won Tuesday’s series opener 5-2, improving to 4-0 against the Mets this season. Chicago has taken all three previous meetings, including a three-game sweep at Wrigley Field in April.

Players to watch

Cubs right-hander Colin Rea has been a key reliever despite a recent rough patch. Over his last five appearances, Rea has worked 25 innings, allowing 26 hits and 13 earned runs while striking out 15. He earned a win May 28 at Pittsburgh, tossing 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball.

Mets right-hander Austin Warren has been steady out of the bullpen. Over his last nine outings, Warren has allowed six earned runs in 12 innings. He has not allowed a run in four of his last five appearances.

Recent results

The Cubs are coming off a 8-6 home loss to Toronto on Saturday. Colin Rea pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings, Matt Shaw homered and drove in three runs, and Pete Crow-Armstrong added a homer and two RBIs.

The Mets lost 6-2 at Philadelphia on Sunday. Austin Warren allowed one earned run over two innings in relief. Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter each pitched a scoreless inning.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-4 Cubs victory.

Looking ahead

After Wednesday’s game, the Cubs travel to Milwaukee for a three-game series starting Friday. The Mets host Philadelphia for a four-game set beginning Friday.