Astros-Mets Who Will Cover?

The Houston Astros and the New York Mets will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Shea Stadium. The Astros will trot Brandon Backe out to the mound in this one. Righthander Backe has a 7-12 record and a 5.62 ERA this season. Backe's opponent in this one will be John Maine. The Mets righthander has a 3.82 ERA to go along with a 10-7 record this season. Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. The Mets pitching staff allowed eight hits but managed to shut out the Astros 3-0 on Friday, as -210 favorites. The three runs went UNDER the posted over/under (7). Brian Schneider hit a two-run homer to lift the Mets. Johan Santana allowed eight hits over seven innings to post the victory. Ty Wigginton had two hits in four trips to the plate for the Astros, who were +185 underdogs. Roy Oswalt allowed three runs off four hits in a complete-game loss. Current streak: Houston has lost 2 straight games. New York has won 4 straight games. Team records: Houston: 64-64 SU New York: 72-57 SU Houston most recently: When playing on Saturday are 3-7 Before playing NY Mets are 3-7 After playing NY Mets are 6-4 After a loss are 6-4 New York most recently: When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Houston are 5-5 After playing Houston are 6-4 After a win are 8-2 A few trends to consider: Houston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Mets NY Mets are 10-1 SU in its last 11 games NY Mets are 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home Next up: NY Mets home to Houston, Sunday, August 24