New York Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 7, 2024

Published on:
May 7, 2024 9:34 AM
The New York Mets are set to face off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 7:45 PM. The Mets come into the game with a balanced road record of 8-8, while the Cardinals are struggling at home this season with a 6-10 record. This game is crucial as the Mets currently lead the series 1-0, and the regular season series between the two teams is evenly matched at 2-2.
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New York Mets
St. Louis Cardinals

Mets vs Cardinals starting pitchers

In the upcoming showdown between the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals, we spotlight the pitching matchup featuring Jose Butto of the Mets against the Cardinals' Miles Mikolas. Butto, so far this season, boasts a commendable ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.07, indicating his ability to minimize opponent scoring and keep runners off the bases effectively, though his win-loss record has not caught up with his performance, reflecting zero wins against two losses. On the other hand, Mikolas has struggled somewhat, as evident from his 5.68 ERA and a WHIP of 1.39 amidst accumulating a substantial number of hits and home runs compared to innings pitched, resulting in four losses and two wins. This pitching contrast sets a critical tone for the game, with Butto looking to capitalize on his form against a Cardinals lineup that will aim to exploit Mikolas' vulnerabilities.

Mets vs Cardinals game preview

The New York Mets' performance at the plate has been a mixed bag so far this season. Heading into their matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals, they rank modestly in several key offensive categories, holding the 14th position in both runs scored and hits, which suggests a capability to put the ball in play and manufacture scoring opportunities. The Mets also show promising speed on the bases, ranking 10th in stolen bases with players like Starling Marte leading the charge. However, their team batting average is a concern, sitting at 16th in the league at .237, which could signal potential issues in converting scoring opportunities against formidable pitching. With Jose Butto likely to start on the mound, the Mets will need to leverage their top hitters like Marte and Pete Alonso, who leads the team with 8 home runs, to ignite their offense early.

On the other side, the St. Louis Cardinals have been struggling more noticeably with their offensive metrics. They are positioned near the bottom of the league in numerous critical hitting statistics, including a 29th ranking in both runs scored and overall hits, combined with the lowest ranking in home runs. This lack of offensive firepower has hampered their ability to consistently challenge opponents, as reflected in their .215 team batting average, one of the lowest in the league. Pitching will be crucial in their upcoming game against the Mets, with Miles Mikolas taking the mound. Mikolas will need to contain the Mets' hitters and hope his team can capitalize on any opportunities created by the Cardinals' lead performers like Nolan Arenado, who has been a bright spot with a .286 batting average and 19 RBIs. Winning the game could hinge on St. Louis’s ability to make significant improvements at the plate, or at least outmaneuver the Mets tactically.

St. Louis Cardinals injuries

  • Matt Carpenter (DH): 10-Day-IL
  • Packy Naughton (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Keynan Middleton (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Riley O'Brien (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Steven Matz (SP): 15-Day-IL

New York Mets injuries

  • Jett Williams (SS): Day-To-Day
  • Drew Gilbert (CF): Day-To-Day
  • Cristopher Larez (SS): Suspension
  • Drew Smith (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Tylor Megill (SP): 15-Day-IL

Mets vs Cardinals predictions

As we look ahead to the next Mets vs. Cardinals showdown at Busch Stadium, the betting gods have got their money slightly edged towards the Cardinals, branding them -125 favorites. The numbers speak a subtle confidence in the Cardinals snagging a win, but not too loudly, almost like spring whispering before a storm. This balance in the odds makes quite the intriguing cocktail for bettors swinging between the Mets’ scrappy unpredictability and the Cardinals’ daredevil dance with mediocrity this season. It's the perfect setup for those looking to go either way: riding with the underdog or banking on home advantage.

Diving deeper into what might unfold, let’s talk player metrics that could tip the game. Jose Butto’s pitching arm for the Mets depicts a sketch of promise with an ERA shouting a cool 2.57, but the wins column is a lonely cell with zero to its name—suggests he’s due for some luck or breakdown. Either could tilt the game. Pete Alonso, explosive as ever, is due to fire up, and given his slugging pace, I wouldn’t be surprised if he sends a couple deep. Now, contrasting on the Cardinals' side, Nolan Arenado and his .286 might be the crux of the batting lineup, and his rock-solid presence on the third base is something to watch out for. For Cardinals’ Miles Mikolas, with an ERA nearing the heavens at 5.68, he's either gearing up for a redemption arc or further spiraling—flip a coin. It’s a tough call, but with the inconsistency in the Cardinals’ bullpen and the firepower the Mets sporadically bring, my gut's throwing a wild pitch on the Mets clinching this by a thin run margin. Cards may have the odds, but Mets have the narrative gearing up for an upset.

New York Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals Betting Odds

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