The Cubs scored 17 runs for the third time in three weeks, raising their record to 79-66. They increased their lead over the second-place Brewers to 2½ games and cut their magic number to 15.
When the Mets came to town, it was noted that their roster had been decimated by trades and disabled-list placements and they resembled a Triple-A squad more than anything else.
The Cubs took advantage of that big-time Wednesday night, pounding out 16 hits and drawing 11 walks in a 17-5 dismantling of the visitors from New York.