Cubs aim for first road sweep of Mets in 22 years

It's been 22 years since the Chicago Cubs swept a series on the road against the New York Mets.

Matt Garza, who is coming off maybe the worst start of his career, hopes to help the Cubs accomplish the whitewash Sunday afternoon at Citi Field.

The Cubs haven't delivered a sweep to the Mets in a series since April 23-25, 2004 at Wrigley Field in a three-game set. The last time they swept the Mets in Flushing was Aug. 2-5, 1991 in a four-game set at Shea Stadium.

Garza will make his sixth start of the season today. On Tuesday, the right- hander gave up a career-high nine earned runs in a 12-2 loss to Cincinnati. This will be his second time facing the Mets.

Jeremy Hefner pitched six innings in a 9-2 loss to St. Louis on Tuesday. Today's Mets starter yielded eight hits and six runs, but just one was earned. The Mets have lost 11 of Hefner's 12 starts this year. The righty has a 6.75 ERA in two games (1 start) against the Cubs.

The Mets have lost 10 of their last 12 contests heading into today's finale of their homestand. They'll start an 11-game road trip Monday with a rare five- game set at Atlanta.

Yesterday, Scott Feldman tossed seven solid innings and knocked in two runs, helping the Cubs to a 5-2 victory. Feldman (6-5) allowed one run on two hits while striking out six for the Cubs, who have won three in a row.

"The guys behind me played some great defense," Feldman said. "It seemed like they were running down balls all over the outfield today for me which is pretty helpful."

Starlin Castro also drove in two runs for Chicago, which placed outfielder David DeJesus on the 15-day disabled list prior to the game. Cody Ransom drove in the other run.

Jordany Valdespin and David Wright each knocked in a run for the Mets, who have dropped three straight.

New York starter Jonathon Niese (3-6) gave up two runs on six hits while walking four over 5 2/3 frames. The left-hander has just one victory in his last 10 starts.

"I just have to stay positive ... can't be afraid to fail," Niese said of his struggles. "I think that's the biggest thing. If you're afraid to fail, you're going to fail."

The Mets won two of three in Chicago from May 17-19.