Mets Game Today: Live Score, TV Channel, Start Time & Key Players

Game overview The New York Mets open a crucial road double dip at Wrigley Field tonight, squaring off with the Chicago Cubs at 8:05 p.m. ET (7:05 p.m. CT). New York took last night’s series opener 9-7 and can clinch the three-game set with another win, while the reeling Cubs are desperate to halt a five-game skid that has tightened the NL wild-card picture. Start time, TV channel & live stream • First pitch: 8:05 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 24 • TV: ESPN (blackouts may apply) • Streaming: ESPN App, ESPN+, fuboTV, Sling TV (free trials available) • Radio: WCBS 880 (NY), 670 The Score (CHI) Probable pitchers • Mets: RHP Jonah Tong (2-2, 5.94 ERA) makes just his fifth big-league start and first against Chicago. • Cubs: LHP Matthew Boyd (13-8, 3.20 ERA) owns a 2.76 ERA at Wrigley this season and has held current Mets hitters to a .228 average lifetime. Projected Mets lineup (vs. LHP) 1. Francisco Lindor SS 2. Juan Soto RF 3. Pete Alonso 1B 4. Starling Marte DH 5. Mark Vientos 3B 6. Brandon Nimmo LF 7. Francisco Álvarez C 8. Jeff McNeil 2B 9. Tyrone Taylor CF Key storylines • Wild-card crunch: New York trails the final NL spot by 1.0 game; Chicago is clinging to a half-game edge despite its losing streak. • Slugging Soto: The MVP candidate mashed his 42nd homer last night and has reached base safely in 17 straight contests. • Cubs’ late-inning woes: The bullpen has posted a 7.12 ERA during the skid, blowing leads in three games. Weather at Wrigley Clear skies, 69 °F at first pitch with a mild 7 mph breeze out to left-center—prime hitting conditions. Betting odds (ESPN BET, 10 a.m. update) • Money line: NYM ‑105 / CHC ‑115 • Total: 7.5 runs (O +115, U -135) • Run line: NYM ‑1.5 (+170) / CHC +1.5 (-215) Injury report Mets: 1B Joey Meneses (concussion), RP Drew Smith (elbow) remain on IL. Cubs: RF Kyle Tucker (ankle) out, C Miguel Amaya (back) day-to-day. Standings snapshot • NL East: Mets 81-76 (.516), 11 GB Phillies • NL Central: Cubs 88-69 (.561), 7 GB Brewers Both clubs currently occupy wild-card positions two and three, separated by just 1.5 games. Why it matters With only five games left after tonight, every pitch could swing the postseason picture. Search interest for “Mets game today” is spiking as fans hunt viewing options and playoff scenarios—expect a national audience and October intensity on Chicago’s North Side tonight.