Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
Location: Citi Field, Queens, New York
First Pitch: 7:10 PM ET
Broadcast: MLB Network, Bally Sports Midwest, SNY
Game Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) take on the New York Mets (12-7) in the second game of a four-game series at Citi Field. The Mets won the series opener 4-1, thanks to a strong pitching performance and timely hitting.
New York enters the matchup leading the NL East, while St. Louis is looking to climb back above .500 after an inconsistent start. The Cardinals have struggled on the road, going 1-5 away from Busch Stadium, while the Mets have been dominant at home with a 5-1 record at Citi Field.
Projected Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cardinals | Andre Pallante (RHP) | 2-0 | 2.20 | 1.12 | 14 |
| New York Mets | Griffin Canning (RHP) | 1-1 | 4.20 | 1.30 | 18 |
Andre Pallante (Cardinals)
Pallante has been one of St. Louis’ most reliable starters, posting a 2.20 ERA over 16.1 innings. He is coming off a dominant outing against the Phillies, where he allowed just two hits in seven scoreless innings. His ability to induce ground balls and limit hard contact will be key against the Mets’ power hitters.
Griffin Canning (Mets)
Canning has had an up-and-down start to 2025, carrying a 4.20 ERA into this matchup. His last outing saw him surrender three runs in five innings, and he’ll need to improve his command against a Cardinals lineup that leads MLB in batting average (.280) and hits (180).
Key Players to Watch
St. Louis Cardinals
- Brendan Donovan (2B): Batting .352, providing consistency at the top of the lineup.
- Nolan Arenado (3B): Veteran slugger with three home runs and 12 RBIs, looking to spark the offense.
- Victor Scott II (OF): Speedster who leads the team with six stolen bases, adding a dynamic element.
New York Mets
- Francisco Lindor (SS): Batting .381 at Citi Field, making him a key offensive threat.
- Pete Alonso (1B): Leads the Mets with five home runs and 15 RBIs, providing power in the heart of the lineup.
- Juan Soto (OF): The Mets’ blockbuster offseason acquisition, hitting .290 with four home runs.
Game Strategy & Key Factors
St. Louis Cardinals
- Pallante must limit walks: His 1.12 WHIP suggests strong command, but he must avoid free passes against New York’s disciplined hitters.
- Capitalize on Canning’s struggles: The Mets’ starter has been inconsistent, so early offense will be key.
- Aggressive baserunning: St. Louis ranks third in stolen bases, so they must put pressure on New York’s defense.
New York Mets
- Canning’s command: He must avoid early trouble against St. Louis’ high-contact lineup.
- Take advantage of home-field success: The Mets are 5-1 at Citi Field, showing strong performance at home.
- Alonso and Soto must lead the offense: If New York’s stars produce, they can neutralize Pallante’s effectiveness.
St. Louis Cardinals 8
New York Mets – 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 17, 2025
