St. Louis (9-9) at NY Mets (11-7)
- When: Apr 17 2025, 7:10 PM
- Where: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens
- Where to watch: FDSMW
MLB Betting Preview & Predictions: Cardinals vs Mets
Moneyline: NY Mets -136 | Total: 7.5
The New York Mets will aim to get back on track Thursday night when they kick off a four-game home series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite an impressive start to the season, the Mets (-136 ML) enter this matchup riding their first losing streak of the year. The total is set at 7.5 runs.
Mets Outlook:
New York dropped a 4-3 heartbreaker in 10 innings to Minnesota on Wednesday, marking their second straight defeat. They rallied with a three-run eighth to tie the game but couldn’t capitalize in extra innings. Missed opportunities — including a double-play ball and a pop-up with runners in scoring position — prevented the Mets from extending their strong early-season momentum.
Right-hander Griffin Canning (1-1, 4.20 ERA) is expected to start for the Mets after being scratched Wednesday due to illness. He’ll look to repeat his recent success after notching his first win of the year in a 7-6 victory over the Athletics last week. Canning has been solid historically against St. Louis, posting a 2-1 record with a 4.41 ERA in three career starts against the Redbirds.
Cardinals Outlook:
St. Louis comes into this matchup feeling confident after securing a 4-1 win over Houston and capping off a 4-2 homestand. The Cardinals’ pitching staff has been sharp, allowing just 10 total runs over their past six games while their lineup continues to deliver timely hits — highlighted by Lars Nootbaar’s three-run homer Wednesday.
Andre Pallante (2-0, 2.20 ERA) will get the nod for St. Louis. He’s been effective early this season and was dominant last Friday in a 2-0 win over Philadelphia. While he’s still searching for his first win against the Mets, Pallante owns a respectable 3.77 ERA in eight appearances (one start) against them.
Betting Prediction:
The Mets are slight favorites at home, but this matchup feels more like a toss-up. With both teams trending in opposite directions — the Cardinals heating up and New York stumbling slightly — this opener could be tighter than the odds suggest.
Pick:
Lean toward St. Louis +1.5 on the run line, with some value on the Under 7.5 total runs, given both starters’ ability to keep games close and recent bullpen performances.
Projected Score: Mets 4, Cardinals 3.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
