Mets-Astros Preview

The New York Mets and the Houston Astros will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Minute Maid Park. The Mets will pin their hopes on the pitching of ace lefthander Johan Santana in this game. Santana has a 9-7 record and a 2.93 ERA this season. It'll be ace Roy Oswalt toeing the rubber for the Astros in this contest. Righthander Oswalt is 8-8 with a 4.67 ERA so far this season. NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Mets listed as 142-moneyline favorites versus the Astros, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Mark Loretta belted a grand slam as the Astros slipped past the Mets 7-3 in Friday's series-opener, as +100 underdogs. The 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5). Carlos Lee drove in one run and scored twice for the Astros. Doug Brocail tossed less than an inning of relief for the win. Carlos Delgado had two hits and scored once in a losing effort for the Mets, who were -120 favorites in that game. Aaron Heilman gave up the grand slam homer and was tagged with the loss. Current streak: New York has lost 2 straight games. Team records: New York: 58-51 SU Houston: 51-57 SU New York most recently: When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Houston are 6-4 After playing Houston are 6-4 After a loss are 8-2 Houston most recently: When playing on Saturday are 6-4 Before playing NY Mets are 1-9 After playing NY Mets are 4-6 After a win are 5-5 A few trends to consider: NY Mets are 16-7 SU in its last 23 games NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against NY Mets Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets Next up: Houston home to NY Mets, Sunday, August 3