What you need to know: Cubs vs. Mets

2:44 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are out for revenge in tonight’s matchup against the Mets at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Cubs not only lost last year’s NLCS to the Mets, but they also were swept in a 4-game series at Citi Field on June 30-July 3 this season. The Mets outscored the Cubs, 32-11, in the four-game series.

Going back to last year’s NLCS, the New Yorkers have outscored the Cubs, 53-19, while winning eight straight games. The Cubs were 7-0 in the regular season last year before getting swept in the NLCS by the Mets. Chicago outscored the Mets, 27-11, in the seven regular-season games.

How the Mets are winning

The homers

The Mets have hit 126 home runs, fifth in MLB. They are second in the National League, trailing only the Nationals, who have hit 127 HR. The Mets score 53.3 percent of their runs via the home run, the highest percentage in baseball. They are 44-18 this season when they hit at least one HR in a game.

The bullpen

The Mets are 45-0 when leading after eight innings, one of seven teams with no losses when taking a lead into the ninth inning. Steven Matz has 1.8 Wins Above Replacement this season, tied for fourth among rookie pitchers. Matz allowed seven earned runs in 1 2/3 innings in his first start of the season. He has a 7-4 record and a 2.77 ERA since then.

Yoenis Céspedes

The Mets lead the NL with 214 home runs since Yoenis Céspedes was acquired from the Tigers last season and played in his first game for New York on Aug. 1. Céspedes has 38 home runs in 138 games since being traded to the Mets. Only Nolan Arenado (40) has hit more.

Céspedes has a home run every 13.7 at-bats since joining the Mets, leading all qualifying batters in the NL that have played at least 125 games since Aug. 1 of last …

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