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NLCS 2015: 5 reasons why the Mets will beat the Cubs

By Ian O'Brien

October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) celebrates the 3-2 victory against Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) celebrates the 3-2 victory against Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets celebrate the 3-2 victory against Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets celebrate the 3-2 victory against Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Home-field advantage

The Cubs did not need home-field advantage to knock off the Cardinals, or get past the Pirates in the Wild Card game, but the Mets will greatly benefit from having the majority of the home games in the National League Series. Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard will benefit from having their NLCS debuts at Citi Field, while Arrieta will have to make his NLCS debut in front of the Mets’ home crowd.

Home-field advantage never guarantees a team a win or a loss, but the Mets clearly played better at home than they did on the road during the regular season. They held a 49-32 record when playing at home and finished 41-40 in games on the road.

Even if the Mets are unable to capitalize on the series beginning at home, they proved that they are capable of winning a big game on the road in the postseason, unlike the regular season. They did this twice in the NLDS, including stunning the Dodgers in Game 5 in Los Angeles to win the series. Dodger Stadium is known for having rowdy fans, so that should have given the Mets plenty of preparation for an excitable and loyal crowd at Wrigley Field.

Traveling to face the Dodgers should also have the Mets ready to travel to Chicago, as this sort of trip will feel like a breeze after they had to travel from one side of the country to the other in the NLDS.

Next: 2. Better closer

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