New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and prediction
The New York Mets (12-13) and St. Louis Cardinals (18-13) close out a four-game series Thursday afternoon (1:15 p.m. ET) at Busch Stadium. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Mets vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and predictions.
RHP Taijuan Walker is the projected starting pitcher for the Mets. He is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 and 5.0 BB/9 in 27 IP over 5 starts.
Walker allowed just 5 ER through his first 21 IP this season. He allowed 4 ER in a 6-inning stint in his last start against the Philadelphia Phillies. Walker has dominated in two career starts at Busch Stadium with a .511 OPS allowed.
RHP John Gant is the projected starter for the Cardinals. He is 2-2 with a 2.16 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 7.2 K/9 and 6.5 BB/9 through 25 IP spanning 5 starts
Gant allowed just 1 ER on 6 hits in his last 11 IP. Albeit in a small sample, current Mets bats own a .460 OPS against him.
Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.
MLB betting offers/promotions
BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.
- Bet just $1 on either team's money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
- RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you'll get up to $600 in free bets.Bet now!
Mets at Cardinals odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:35 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Mets -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Cardinals +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Against the spread/ATS: Mets -1.5 (+135) | Cardinals +1.5 (-165)
- Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Prediction
Mets 6, Cardinals 4
Money line (ML)
The Cardinals took Monday's series opener 6-5. The two then split a Wednesday twin bill after a Tuesday rainout.
The surface numbers on both starters look to be overcooked. Analytic ERA measures (like xFIP and SIERRA) wouldn't favor a lean on either and that nixes any value here.
PASS.
FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition.Subscribe now!
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
METS -1.5 (+135) is the likable side.
Peg the Redbird bullpen as perhaps being as overrated as any right now. Their 3.87 ERA is tamped down by a .243 batting average on balls in play and a low 5.5% rate of fly balls landing as home runs. Add in a double-digit mph batter's wind in the forecast and the fact Mets relievers get a lot more ground balls than their St. Louis counterparts.
Also, the top end of the Cards 'pen figures to be much more fatigued than that of the Mets.
Over/Under (O/U)
On a fade of both starters and the Cardinal bullpen - and a severe one in all three cases - TAKE THE OVER 7.5 (-115).
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick'em contests.Play now!
Bet on this game now atBetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.