New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals Betting
Teams Open Three-Game Series on Monday
The New York Mets travel to St. Louis for three games with the Cardinals starting Monday. The Mets (16-18) are just one game out in the NL wildcard race. The MLB NL standings have St. Louis (15-19) two games back.
New York brings a three-game losing streak into the series, while St. Louis has lost its last two. Southpaw Sean Manaea gets the start for the Mets against Kyle Gibson. The New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals betting odds have St. Louis -120. The total on the game is 8-over (-120).
The Mets are No. 19 in team batting with a .236 average and are tied at No. 13 in home runs. So the offense isn’t a big strength, although it’s not really a weakness, either. The Mets are basically an average offense team, but have fared better on the road.
New York is averaging 3.58 runs at home and 5.47 runs on the road. Part of that is due to a 16-4 win at Atlanta, but have scored five or more runs in nine games out of 15.
New York is No. 12 in team ERA. The bullpen has been pretty solid, although New York pitchers fare better at home. On the road, the relievers have a 3.98 ERA and 4-2 record.
The Cardinals don’t score a lot and are No. 28 in team batting average. St. Louis is tied for dead last in MLB in home runs and only the White Sox have scored fewer runs. The Cardinals have scored three runs or less in 10 of their 15 home games.
The pitching staff has been decent, with St. Louis ranked No. 15 in team ERA. The bullpen has been steady with a 3.64 ERA. Cardinals relievers gave 12 saves and three blown saves on the season.
New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals 
Day/Time:
Location: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Streaming: ESPN & MLB.tv
Monday’s Game
Both starting pitchers come into this game throwing well. The Mets have won Manaea’s last three starts, where he has an ERA of 1.84. The Cardinals are 2-1 in Gibson’s last three starts and he’s pitched to a 1.42 ERA, allowing one run in each start.
The biggest difference between the two starters is innings pitched per start. Manaea has pitched more than five innings just once. All six of Gibson’s starts have been six innings or more. After today’s game, Gibson should be one of the MLB league leaders in innings pitched. He’s currently No. 2 in innings pitched among starters who have six starts.
The New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals betting odds on this one are a little tricky. New York definitely scores a little more, especially when they’re on the road. The Cardinals don’t hit left-handers well, but they don’t really hit right-handers that well either.
It’s not likely both pitchers continue with their impressive runs. They both have ERAs over 3.00 for a reason. It won’t be popular, but the best way to go with this one for one of your MLB betting picks is probably the over in this spot.
Tuesday’s Game
Jose Butto takes the mound for the Mets, while the Cardinals will counter with Miles Mikolas. Butto hasn’t pitched bad for New York, although he sports an 0-2 record. The Mets have won all three starts where he didn’t earn a decision and are 3-2 when he starts. One of those losses was a 4-2 decision against St. Louis and Mikolas on April 26.
Mikolas is off to a slow start. The Cardinals are 2-5 in the games he’s started and his ERA is 5.68. He’s pitched a little better than the numbers suggest, but has given up seven home runs. There hasn’t been much difference between his home and road performances.
The odds on this game should be pretty close to even. If that’s the case, the Mets probably offer the best value in the game.
Wednesday’s Game
Jose Quintana and Sonny Gray get the starting nods in the series finale. The New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals betting odds will see the home team as decent favorites. Quintana has some ugly numbers this season, but the Mets are 4-3 when he starts. His season ERA is 5.20, although that was really hurt last start. He allowed eight runs in 2 2/3 innings at Tampa Bay. Quintana has been better at home this season, where his ERA is 2.04. It’s 8.19 when he starts on the road.
Gray has been stellar this season, with the Cardinals going 4-1 in his five starts. He’s sporting a 0.89 ERA and has struck out 38 and walked five. St. Louis isn’t scoring a whole lot for him and he’s 1-4 in totals for the season.
Quintana’s unsightly stats may have the odds on the game a little higher than they deserve to be. Especially after his last outing, which was pretty ugly. Quintana’s numbers could have the total a bit higher than it should be. If the total is at least 7, the value on the game will be on the under.
For MLB betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
