MLB Predictions Preview … After falling two full games back of NL East leaders Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Mets will at least attempt to keep pace if they can pick up a road win over the Houston Astros and avoid the series sweep Sunday at Minute Maid Park. The Mets will look to left handed starting pitcher Oliver Perez (7-6, 4.02 ERA) to get the job done while the Astros plan to go with veteran lefty Randy Wolf (6-10, 4.79 ERA).
MLB Predictions Betting Line … Online oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have installed the Mets as -135 money line favorites with a 9-run total. The Astros as home underdogs are getting +115 money line odds.
Because the Mets scratched John Maine from Sunday's start with a mild strain of his right rotator cuff, Perez will take his turn in the rotation. Perez, thanks to an off-day on Thursday, will pitch on regular rest. Despite the relative brevity of his outing last Tuesday — he had lasted at least seven innings in three of his previous five starts — Perez was every bit as effective as he has been in recent weeks. Over his six most recent outings, Perez has posted a 1.36 ERA with 44 strikeouts and 15 walks.
Wolf will slide in behind Oswalt, which means he gets an extra two days of rest before this start. Wolf made his Astros debut in Milwaukee on July 27, allowing four runs (three earned) over 4 1/3 innings. Wolf faced the Mets once this year while with the Padres, allowing one run over seven inning in a winning effort. Wolf has good career numbers against the Mets — 10 wins, 5 losses and a 3.35 ERA over 26 starts.
The Astros rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning on Saturday, as they defeated the Mets 5-4. The Astros won the game as +120 underdogs, while the nine runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8).
Kazuo Matsui went 2-for-5 with a solo home run for the Astros. Jose Valverde tossed a scoreless ninth inning for his fifth win.
Damion Easiley smacked a two-run homer in a losing effort for the Mets, who were -140 underdogs in that game. Aaron Heilman gave up the winning run and was tagged with the loss.
MLB Game Prediction … Take the Mets -135 ml in this one.
