Mets Turn to Maine to Get Back in Win Column Against Pineiro and Cardinals

The New York Mets (6-7 SU, 3-10 RL, 6-6-1 O/U) will look to snap their modest two-game losing streak when they visit the St. Louis Cardinals (9-5 SU, 8-6 RL, 10-4 O/U) at Busch Stadium tonight at 8 PM ET.

The Cardinals beat the Mets 6-4 on Tuesday on Rick Ankiel’s run-scoring double in the bottom of the eighth inning to help the Cardinals cash in for BetOnline MLB sports betting members as -135 home favorites while the final score played over the 9-run O/U total.

Ankiel went 3-for-5 for the Cardinals, while reliever Jason Motte picked up the win in relief of starter Todd Wellemeyer for St. Louis.

Outfielder Carlos Beltran went 2-for-3 with one RBI for New York, as reliever J.J. Putz took the loss after allowing the double to Ankiel.

The Mets will hand the ball to right-hander John Maine (0-1, 7.20 ERA) who will look to snap out of his season-long slump while the Cardinals counter with veteran right-hander Joel Pineiro (2-0, 5.40 ERA).

Maine was smacked around in his last start, allowing six runs on seven hits with three walks over five innings in Thursday’s 6-5 loss to San Diego.

Pineiro was also knocked around the last time he took the mound, yielding five runs on nine hits in five innings in a 12-7 win over Arizona last Wednesday.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and MLB Free Pick.

The Mets are 6-0 in their last 6 during game 2 of a series.

The Mets are 5-1 in their last 6 games as a road underdog.

The Cardinals are 9-0 in their last 9 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.

The Cardinals are 9-1 in their last 10 vs. a team with a losing record.

The Over is 6-0-1 in the last 7 meetings.

The Over is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings in St. Louis.

The Mets are 8-18 in the last 26 meetings in St. Louis.

MLB Odds

New York Mets -1½ +145

John Maine –R -115

St. Louis Cardinals +1½ -165

Joel Pineiro –R -105

Over 9½ -110

Under 9½ -110

Analysis: While the New York Mets have dropped two straight coming into this contest, they have won three of the last five meetings against St. Louis. Expect a high-scoring affair that the Cardinals cover the Run Line in as both Pineiro and Maine have been very hittable this season giving up runs like they’re suddenly going out of style.

St. Louis has scored at least five runs in six consecutive games coming into this contest while New York has struggled at the plate with inconsistency just a bit over their last three games.

Take the Cards to cover and the Over BetOnline MLB sports betting enthusiasts.

MLB Free Picks: Cardinals +1½ Runs/Over 9½ Total Runs