Preview: Mets at Cubs, Saturday, April 18, 2026 CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs look to build on a decisive series-opening win when they host the struggling New York Mets in the second game of a three-game set Saturday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for the evening. The forecast calls for 79-degree temperatures with cloudy skies. The Cubs (10-9) battered the Mets 12-4 on Friday afternoon, powered by a strong start from Edward Cabrera and a perfect day at the plate from designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros, who went 2 for 2 with a home run and three RBIs. Ballesteros is 9 for 16 (.563) with three homers over his last six games. The Mets (7-13) have lost four straight and nine of their last 10. They will turn to right-hander Freddy Peralta (1-1, ERA N/A) to try and stop the slide. Chicago counters with right-hander Jameson Taillon (0-1, ERA N/A). A player to watch for New York is reliever Huascar Brazobán, who has not allowed an earned run in eight appearances this season, spanning 9.1 innings. He pitched two-thirds of an inning in Friday’s loss. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projected final score is Cubs 6, Mets 1. Following Saturday’s game, the series concludes Sunday afternoon before the Mets return home to face Minnesota and the Cubs host Philadelphia.