Cubs Christopher Morel targets another HR against Mets

Christopher Morel’s historic start to the season was a bright spot in a long dismal stretch. Chicago Cubs

Meanwhile, the New York Mets‘ his recent road struggles continue to drag on

Morel looks to homer in a sixth game when the Puppies try for a second straight win and streak against the away team Mets Wednesday evening

Since his debut on May 9, 2023, Morel has made nine appearances in 12 matches. Only the fourth player since 1901 to achieve this feat. He set a club record by becoming the first Cub since Sammy Sosa (1998) to hit five straight home runs in Tuesday’s 7-2 win over New York — Chicago’s 10th in 30 games.

“He hits it pretty hard and far when he makes contact,” Chicago manager David Ross said of Morel, who is hitting .367 with 15 RBIs this season. “He’s a big energy piece for us. Obviously, what he does is pretty amazing.”

He is trying to help Puppies Winning two in a row for the third time since April 20, Morel will likely get his first look at the schedule Mets starter Kodai Senga (4-2, 3.77 ERA), who was scheduled to start in Tuesday’s series opener but was pulled back a day to get extra rest — something the Japanese right-hander received in his first major league season.

Senga is 2-1 with a 1.57 ERA in four home starts; but since allowing a run in 5 1/3 innings at Miami in his first road outing of 2023, he is 1-1 with a 7.98 ERA in three road games and opponents are hitting .323 in those games.

Senga can feel confident after hitting a home run, three hits, three walks and striking out 12 in six innings against MLB-leading Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

“It’s his best command, and I hope it’s a sign that he’s settled in a little bit,” New York manager Buck Showalter said.

Pete Alonso hit his MLB-leading 18th home run on Tuesday and his fifth in seven games. MetsTheir five-game winning streak ended with their 10th loss out of 13 road contests. Alonso is 1-2 with a double off Chicago starter Marcus Stroman (3-4, 3.05), a former Met and Long Island native.

The right-hander allowed a run, three hits and a walk in six innings in a 10-1 win in Philadelphia on Friday. It was a necessary rebound for Stroman, who had a season-high six runs and seven hits in just 2 2/3 innings on May 14 at Minnesota.

Stroman went 14-15 with a 3.21 ERA in 44 starts Metswho acquired it in July 2019. Stroman sat out the COVID-shortened 2020 season, then pitched a full season in 2021 in New York

Last season in Chicago, he allowed one run and one hit and walked two while striking out six over 4 1/3 innings in a 2-1, 11-inning home loss. Mets on July 16

New York’s Francisco Lindor is a .286 hitter against Stroman, while teammate Tommy Pham is 5-for-8.

New York pitchers have a 5.21 ERA over their last 13 road games.

— Field Level Media