Mets-Astros Lines Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the Houston Astros on Saturday when they battle the New York Mets at Minute Maid Park. The Mets will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Jonathon Niese in this game. Niese has a 0-0 record and a 5.90 ERA this season. Niese's opponent in this one will be Russ Ortiz. The Astros righthander has a 5.02 ERA to go along with a 2-3 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Astros listed as 140-moneyline favorites versus the Mets, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Astros were out-hit, but managed to hold on for a 5-4 victory over the Mets on Friday. The Astros won the game as +110 underdogs, while the nine runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8). Mike Hampton led the Astros with a two-run homer, while Chris Coste also drove in a pair of runs. Hampton tossed 5 2-3 innings for the win, and Jose Valverde threw a scoreless ninth for his 11th save. Omir Santos had three hits and belted a solo home run for the Mets, who were -130 favorites. Johan Santana gave up 12 hits and five runs over 6 2-3 innings in the loss. Current streak: New York has lost 3 straight games. Houston has won 4 straight games. Team records: New York: 44-51 SU Houston: 50-46 SU New York most recently: When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Houston are 4-6 After playing Houston are 5-5 After a loss are 4-6 Houston most recently: When playing on Saturday are 5-5 Before playing NY Mets are 5-5 After playing NY Mets are 6-4 After a win are 7-3 A few trends to consider: NY Mets are 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Houston NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games NY Mets are 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road NY Mets are 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Houston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing NY Mets Next up: Houston home to NY Mets, Sunday, July 26