Cubs Finish Comeback, Beat Mets 3-1 in Exciting Win

On the other side, New York Mets' starter Luis Severino was matching Taillon pound for pound. He held the Cubs' offense hitless all the way into the eighth inning before Dansby Swanson broke it up with a single.

In that same inning, pinch-hitter Nick Madrigal would score the Cubs' first run due to a force out. Mark Leiter Jr. relieved Taillon with one out in the bottom of the inning to help preserve the 1-1 tie.

The real fun began in the top of the ninth where the Cubs made closer Edwin Diaz pay after allowing a one-out double to Mike Tauchman. 

With one of the unsung heroes on base, Christopher Morel sent a ball deep into the night for his fourth home run of the season. The two-run blast gave the Cubs the 3-1 lead. 

The Mets made it interesting in the bottom of the inning, but it was Hector Neris who was able to slam the door on New York with back-to-back strikeouts. 

The Cubs definitely need someone to step up and take the closer duties. If Hector Neris can continue to limit the damage, the sky is the limit. The Cubs took home a 3-1 victory as Neris picked up his fourth save. 

Takeaways

The Cubs certainly came alive when it mattered most. For most of the game it was difficult for the offense to break through. Thankfully with Morel's blast, the performance by Jameson Taillon wasn't in vain. 

Everyone was celebrating, including Chicago legend Bill Murray who was in attendance at Citi Field for Monday night's game.

This game was an overall good start to a four-game series that the Cubs will need to capitalize on if they want to finish out this road trip on a high note. It could certainly have a say at the top of the standings.

With the Milwaukee Brewers losing to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, this victory propels the Cubs into sole possession of first place in the NL Central.

What's On Tap Next?

The Cubs will look to keep the good times rolling on Tuesday with RHP Javier Assad taking the mound against Mets' starter Sean Manaea. Game two of the series will start at 6:10 pm CDT over on Marquee Sports Network.