Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field sets the stage for a classic National League clash as the Chicago Cubs host the New York Mets to kick off a three-game series. While the ivy is still waking up on the Friendly Confines' walls, the Cubs are looking to stay hot against a Mets squad searching for answers.

The Mets arrive in Chicago ice-cold, mired in an eight-game losing streak where their offense has largely vanished, plating just 12 runs total. The absence of superstar Juan Soto, sidelined with a calf injury, has left a massive hole in the middle of their order. Compounding the issue is the offseason departure of slugger Pete Alonso, meaning the two players responsible for over 200 runs and 230 RBI last season are nowhere to be found. As a result, the Mets' lineup has struggled profoundly against right-handed pitching.

In stark contrast, the Cubs' bats are sizzling. Winners of three of their last four, Chicago's offense has been explosive, averaging nearly nine runs per game during that stretch. They'll look to continue that trend against Mets starter Kodai Senga, whose 7.07 ERA is due for some positive correction based on his underlying metrics and strong career history.

On the mound for the Cubs, right-hander Edward Cabrera has been brilliant to start the year, boasting a minuscule 1.62 ERA and stifling opposing hitters. This pitching matchup, combined with the Mets' offensive woes, suggests runs could be at a premium despite the wind forecasted to blow out at Wrigley. The data backs this up, with New York ranking at the bottom of several key offensive categories without Soto.

While the Cubs' recent games have seen plenty of scoring, the Mets' current inability to contribute offensively makes the full-game total a compelling angle. With Cabrera dealing and Senga poised for a bounce-back, the conditions point toward a lower-scoring affair as Chicago aims to secure a statement win at home.