Mets vs. Cardinals Odds
| Mets Odds | -125 |
| Cardinals Odds | +105 |
| Over/Under | 7 |
| Time | 7:45 p.m. ET |
| TV | TBS |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. | |
After an improbable comeback in the top of the 9th inning of Monday's series opener, the New York Mets look to clinch the series victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.
The Mets battled back from a 2-0 deficit in the top of the 9th inning and put up a five spot to retain sole possession of the best record in Major League Baseball.
It looks like — in the early going — if you come for the Mets, you better not miss.
Chris Bassitt takes the mound for the Mets in Tuesday night's game, and he'll be squaring off against fireballing Jordan Hicks, who will be making his second-career start.
Can Mets Square Away Bullpen?
The Mets are still one of the best offenses in baseball, and they proved why on Monday night. Gritty at-bats, heads up base running and a little bit of defensive indifference on the part of the Cardinals helped fuel the Mets' comeback.
It's not like the Mets needed any additional inspiration, but Monday's victory could definitely keep the team's competitive fire lit for a few more days.
Bassitt is on the hill, and he's looking to bounce back from a rough home start against the San Francisco Giants in his last turn. He got attacked early by Giants hitters and surrendered five earned runs on eight hits over six innings.
One major concern for the Mets is still their middle relief corps. They are a middle-of-the-pack group and once Max Scherzer exited Monday night's game after only allowing two hits in seven innings, Trevor May gave up three hits, walked one and allowed two earned runs.
Can Hicks Go Deep For Cardinals?
Speaking of spotty relief pitching, the Cardinals' bullpen had been outperforming their peripherals all season, and it seems it finally caught up with them Monday night.
Going into Monday night's contest, the Cards' pen had the second-lowest ERA in MLB, but were 15th in FIP and 18th in xFIP. It seems their regression happened all at once in the ninth inning Monday night.
Tuesday night's starter, Jordan Hicks, surrendered one run over three innings in his first-career start last Thursday. One thing to look out for his Hicks' command.
Hicks has an over 5 BB/9 heading into Tuesday night's contest, and the Mets have not only shown a willingness to take walks this season, but they also see a lot of pitches per plate appearance.
If Hicks can't attack the zone, the Mets' patience may result in a short outing for Hicks.
St. Louis' offense is nothing to turn your nose at. The Cards entered the series with the best home offense in MLB.
However, they've been on the road since April 12th, and their home data is from their opening series against the Pirates and a lockout make-up game against the Royals. The Cards scored at least four runs in games against the Pirates and Royals.
Mets-Cardinals Pick
While the Cardinals' numbers look nice overall, a relatively weak schedule and sketchy peripherals lurk in the darkness.
The Mets are the Cards' first real challenge of the season, and the Cardinals got demoralized Monday night.
The play here is the Mets ML. They're really rolling, and it's hard to bet against them. They should be taken up to the -140 threshold.
Pick: Mets ML -110
