Mets vs Nationals, Giants vs Cardinals, & More Series Prices – September 2

• The Washington Nationals aim to extend their lead atop the NL wild card standings as they open a three-game series against the New York Mets
• The Mets are desperate for a win to stay in postseason contention after falling to defeat in seven of their past nine
• The St. Louis Cardinals look to increase their lead atop the NL Central division standings as they host the slumping San Francisco Giants

The New York Mets hope to salvage their dwindling postseason hopes as they visit the Washington nationals, while the St. Louis Cardinals aim to pad their lead atop the NL Central standings as they play host to the slumping San Francisco Giants.

We have odds for each of these new series as well as every other series kicking off on Monday.

New York Mets vs Washington Nationals Series Prices

Nationals aim to Bury Mets’ Postseason Hopes

The Washington Nationals hope to bury New York’s rapidly fading postseason hopes when they open a three-game series with the Mets on Monday afternoon at Nationals Park. The Nationals open the week on a four-game win streak, capped by a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins this past weekend, and have now avoided consecutive defeats during an impressive 16-3 run that leaves them with a comfortable 4.5-game cushion atop the NL wild card standings.

The Phillies beat the Mets. Current NL Wild Card standings entering Monday: pic.twitter.com/oanlgmgmAq

— The Brewer Nation (@BrewerNation) September 2, 2019

The Nationals have been red-hot at the plate during their recent surge, scoring 7.75 runs per game over the current four-game win streak, and have scored seven or more runs on 16 occasions over their past 19 contests. Washington has also played outstanding ball at home, going 9-2 in its past 11 dates at Nationals Park. However, the Nationals have struggled badly against New York, posting just one win in their past seven meetings, and a middling 6-6 in their past 12 tilts on home turf.

Mets vs Nationals Probable Starting Pitchers

The Mets travel to the nation’s capitals after taking two of three in Philadelphia over the weekend. But the club find themselves in desperate need of wins to maintain flickering postseason hopes after losing six straight last week, and now sit four games back of the Chicago Cubs for the second NL wild card.

Let's check in on Noah Syndergaard and the Mets in a must-win game: pic.twitter.com/fAYb2uhrzM

— Starting 9 (@Starting9) August 29, 2019

New York’s series victory in Philadelphia, which they closed out with Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Phillies, continues a steady run on the road for the club. The Mets have gone 10-5 in their past 15 dates away from Citi Field, posting victories in four of five series during that stretch, and have also posted consecutive defeats on the road just twice while winning 15 of 24 road dates since coming out of the MLB All-Star Break. New York will send Noah Syndergaard to the mound on Monday. Syndergaard is coming off his worst start of the season, surrendering nine earned runs in 3.0 innings to take the loss in last Wednesday’s 10-7 loss to the Cubs.

Pick: Nationals (-130)

San Francisco Giants vs St. Louis Cardinals Prices

NL Central-Leading Cardinals Play Host to Giants

The St. Louis Cardinals look to widen their lead atop the NL Central standings when they open a four-game series with the visiting San Francisco Giants on Monday afternoon at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals failed to complete a four-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, falling 5-3 in the series finale, but have played outstanding ball since early August, going 18-5 in their past 23 to build a three-game lead over second-place Chicago in the divisional standings.

A 1-2 weekend has the Cubs down, but not out, in the NL Central standings. pic.twitter.com/bKCTMXLbR0

— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) September 2, 2019

The Cardinals have also been rock solid on home turf since the end of the MLB All-Star Break, posting consecutive losses just once while piling up a 19-7 record. The club has won seven of eight home series during that stretch, with the lone exception coming in a three-game series loss to the Houston Astros in late July. St. Louis has also dominated in recent home clashes with the Giants, winning four straight games, and three of four series since 2015.

Giants vs Cardinals Probable Starting Pitchers

The Giants open a seven-game road trip in St. Louis after closing out a dismal six-game home stand with an 8-4 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres on Sunday. San Francisco has dropped five of six games, extending a run that has all but ended their postseason hopes. The Giants have picked up wins in just three of their past 12 overall, dumping them seven games back of the Cubs in the hunt for the second NL wild card.

The Padres beat the Giants with good pitching and opportune hitting. Joey Lucchesi went six strong innings. Manny Machado tripled and scored the go-ahead run on a Josh Naylor knock. Wil Myers homered. Nick Martini singled twice and did the chop.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) September 1, 2019

Despite their recent woes, the Giants have been steady on the road this season, compiling a respectable 36-32 record. The club has also come away with the win in two of their past three road series. However, the Giants have struggled to generate consistent offense during their current swoon, scoring just 3.67 runs per game over their past six outings, and four or fewer runs in eight of their past 12 contests.

Pick: Cardinals (-240)