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What a dandy of a series this has been so far! The New York Mets will square off with the St. Louis Cardinals in game two of this three-game set on Tuesday between two NL contending hopefuls. Join us for our MLB odds series, where our Mets-Cardinals prediction and pick will be unveiled.
The Mets appear to be no stranger to theatrics, as New York battled back late last night against the Cardinals and scored five runs in the top of the ninth to down St. Louis in come-from-behind fashion. At 13-5, the Mets are off to the perfect start to the season and include one of the best overall records in baseball. RHP veteran dealer Chris Bassitt will take to the mound this evening, as he will look to improve on his 2-1 mark and 3.00 ERA to begin 2022.
St Louis has seen its fair share of success through 15 games, but Tuesday night's ending couldn't have been more disappointing. After ‘Cards pitching did a splendid job in shutting out the Mets' offense through eight innings, closer Giovanny Gallegos imploded by allowing four runs and ultimately blowing his first blown save. After six consecutive outings without giving up any runs, Gallegos has been charged with two in his previous 1 2/3 innings. RHP Jordan Hicks will look to save the day and even this series up at one apiece with his 1-1 record and 1.29 ERA.
Here are the Mets-Cardinals MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Mets-Cardinals Odds
New York Mets: -1.5 (+158)
St. Louis Cardinals: +1.5 (-192)
Over: 7 (-104)
Under: 7 (-118)
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Why The Mets Could Cover the Spread
How fun is this team? So far in 2022, the Mets have looked like a totally different team out on the field compared to what they showed only a season ago. After a disheartening 2021 campaign that put severe doubt into the future of the New York Mets, fans within Queens and around the globe can rejoice at what they've seen through 18 contests.
New York is getting it done in all aspects, as they boast a feared lineup that can compete with the best of them and can also mow down hitters like nobody's business.
At the plate, New York has mashed home 86 runs, tied for the major league lead. Players like shortstop Francisco Lindor have seemed to have a resurgence this season after a down year in 2021, as the four-time All-Star is hitting .294 with four home runs and 12 RBIs. Combine Lindor's extreme hitting prowess with Jeff McNeils' .316 batting average and Pete Alonso's club-leading 16 RBIs, and all of a sudden you have quite the batting lineup to roll out with night in and night out.
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When it comes to the pitching staff and bullpen, the Mets are arguably a top-five unit in baseball. The opposition is only swatting .194 against the Mets, and New York has also accumulated a 2.94 ERA, ranking as the fourth-best mark among the 30 MLB teams.
Trying to clinch their sixth straight series win to start off the season, Bassitt will look to carry the momentum for New York. Prior to getting peppered against the Giants last Wednesday, Bassitt allowed just one run in 12 innings pitched during his pair of the opening season starts. Bassitt has proved to be a reliable piece among this New York staff and will play a huge role in helping the Mets cover the spread on Tuesday.
Why The Cardinals Could Cover the Spread
Heading out west to St. Louis, the Cardinals have dropped a pair in a row after being winners in four of their last five matchups. The Cardinals should have a chance to cover the spread in any game they play not only because of a well-balanced lineup but in large part due to possessing one of the hottest hitters on the face of the planet.
Nolan Arenado has quickly gotten off to one of the more productive starts at the plate in his illustrious career, as the 4X Silver Slugger is mashing .339 with five home runs and 14 RBIs in 15 games thus far. While Arenado made an uncharacteristic error in sailing a throw to first that would've ended the Mets rally, the nine-time Gold Glove winner is one of the best two-way stars that the game has to offer.
Overall, St. Louis has been average at the plate as a team, as they are tied for 16th in total runs with 62.
Jordan Hicks has all the tools to be an elite pitcher at the major league level, as the ‘Cards are slowly inching his pitch count back after serious elbow injuries have slowed his progression over the last couple of seasons. The youthful flamethrower has fired 14 pitches at 100 MPH or faster since 2019. In five career appearances versus the Mets, Hicks has earned two saves as a reliever in 5 1/3 innings pitched.
Final Mets-Cardinals Prediction & Pick
It is rare to have a playoff feel between two ball clubs this in April, but this matchup is exactly that. Don't be surprised if this one comes down to the wire once again in another grind-out performance on both sides. While the Mets have a good shot at taking down the ‘Cards, St. Louis will keep this at least a one-run contest.
Final Mets-Cardinals Pick: Cardinals +1.5 (-192)
