The Mets took two of three in their series at Miami over the weekend, and they are a favorite at home in Game 1 versus St. Louis Monday night. The Cardinals are coming off back-to-back losses at home to LA, and I think they'll struggle in tonight's series opener.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Noah Syndergaard will be on the mound for the Mets, and he's tough to beat at home in New York. Syndergaard (9-4, 2.43 ERA) allowed just one run on seven hits over 5.2 innings in a 2-1 win over the Cubs in his last outing. He's 5-2 with a 2.30 ERA in 10 starts on the road this season. The Cardinals counter with Carlos Martinez, and he's lost four of his last six starts.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Cardinals lineup is batting a combined .125 in previous meetings with Syndergaard. Matt Carpenter is 0-for-3 with a strikeout.

3. X-Factor - The Mets are 8-0 in Syndergaard's last 8 starts vs. National League Central.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets (8*)