The NL East leading Mets cruised to an easy 8-0 win in the opening game of this set Thursday night. New York jumped to a 4-0 lead after two innings and coasted from there as Brandon Nimmo along with Pete Alonso went deep in the late stages of the contest. This game was slated for Friday but was rained out and will be made up as the first game of a doubleheader Saturday afternoon. In this one, the Mets send Taijuan Walker to the hill and he's been solid this season. He's 7-2 with a 2.63 ERA, a 1.097 WHIP with 23 walks and 68 strikeouts over 85.2 innings of work while allowing just four homers on the season. The Cubs have been dealing with injuries that have wreaked havoc in their rotation, which, coupled with their offensive stagnation, has led to a skid. Chicago has scored only three runs combined in their last three games and sending Marcus Stroman to the mound for his second start since coming off the IL against his former team isn't a recipe for success. It's tough to have faith in a recovering pitcher and a struggling offense, even at home. Give the upper hand to the Mets in this contest as they take the first two games of the set.