Steve Merril's Sunday Night MLB Report (June 3)

A pair of National League teams that are hanging around second place in their divisions meet for Sunday Night Baseball as the Mets and Jon Niese host the Cardinals and Jake Westbrook.

JAKE AND THE FAT ERA

Jake Westbrook is a consistent pitcher. For his career he is 89-88 with a 4.32 ERA and 4-4 record this season, although he has registered two straight losing decisions. Westbrook has allowed 15 runs in his last three outings coming against Atlanta, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. He has not been in good form since May 8th when he pitched seven innings of shutout ball against Arizona in a 6-1 victory. Westbrook's last appearance in New York came against the Mets on July 21, 2011 when he allowed two runs and four hits in a 6-2 Cardinals' win.

NIESE IS NICE

The Mets' starter will be making his second straight start at home after five straight road outings. He has alternated good and bad outings his last four times out, so if this trend holds true, he is due for a good game against the hard hitting Cardinals tonight. The southpaw took it on the chin last year against the Redbirds, giving up five runs and five hits in six innings of work on July 21, 2011.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN

Both of these teams have been ravaged by injuries this season. Jason Bay has been on the disabled list since May 14th for the Mets after fracturing his rib. Joining him is Mike Pelfrey who underwent Tommy John surgery and is done for the season. For the Cardinals, the list is much worse and filled with even bigger talent. Chris Carpenter is dealing with nerve irritation in his right shoulder, while Lance Berkman has a torn meniscus. Jaime Garcia isn't on the disabled list, but he's dealing with soreness in his elbow and is currently considered day-to-day.

HITTERS TO WATCH

Ronny Cedeno 4-for-11 vs. Westbrook Andres Torres 3-for-12 vs. Westbrook Jon Jay 3-for-7 vs. Niese Matt Holliday 1-for-7 vs. Niese

TRENDS

Cardinals 14-6 in their last 20 Sunday games Cardinals are 15-7 in their last 22 road games vs. a left-handed starter Mets are 5-2 in their last 7 during game 3 of a series Mets are 3-9 in Niese's last 12 home starts vs. a team with a winning record