Mets vs. Cardinals Thursday Prediction
The rubber match between the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals set up to be a fantastic pitcher’s duel between two aces. Will the Noah Syndergaard vs. Carlos Martinez matchup live up to the hype?
Game Snapshot & Odds
905 New York Mets (-110) at 906 St. Louis Cardinals (-110); 7 runs
Thursday, April 26, 2018
1:15 p.m. ET, Busch Stadium
TV: NYM (SNY); STL (FSMW)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook YouWager currently list the Cardinals as a -115 favorite. As of this writing, 51% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Mets to beat the Cardinals on the money line. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Mets’ Syndergaard coming off another quality start
Noah Syndergaard turned in a quality start against the Braves on Friday, allowing three runs and notching six strikeouts in six innings.
He didn’t issue a walk but did allow seven hits, including a solo dinger by second baseman Ozzie Albies. The game ended up going 12 innings, denying Thor a chance at a win. He is 2-0 with a fine 3.29 ERA after five starts. He has amassed 39 strikeouts against just five walks in 27 1/3 innings.
Cardinals’ Martinez once again dazzles in start vs. Reds
Carlos Martinez held the Reds scoreless for six innings but had to settle for a no-decision in his team’s 4-3 victory on Saturday. He struck out seven batters and walked three while surrendering just three base hits — all singles. He left with a 3-0 lead but his bullpen blew that to deprive him of the win.
Martinez has been masterful his last four times out after struggling in his Opening Day start. He has two wins and one loss with an elite 1.42 ERA in five starts. He’s generated 37 strikeouts and allowed just one homer in 31 2/3 innings. The only concern is his 17 walks. His next outing is scheduled for Friday in Pittsburgh.
MLB Betting Trends
New York
The Mets are 5-0 in Syndergaard’s last five starts and are 7-3 in his last 10 road outings.
St. Louis
The Cardinals have won Martinez’s last four home starts and are 4-0 in his last four outings overall.
Prediction:
I went with the Nationals over the Giants on Wednesday because Washington was only -150 on the money line with Max Scherzer on the hill. When you have an opportunity to back an ace and not pay a premium, I feel as though you should jump on that chance. Martinez is a bona fide No. 1 but he still comes with some inconsistency question marks. There’s no debating Syndergaard’s status as the Mets’ ace. I’ll jump on the chance to back the Mets at only -105.
The Pick: New York Mets -105