New York at Miami

The New York Mets have taken over the lead in the NL East, as the Washington Nationals have dropped four straight. The Mets continue to thrive with their outstanding pitching. Last night it wasn't just the arms doing the work, the bats came alive to pound the Marlins pitching for 12 runs. The Mets offense is starting to heat up, and after scoring 10+ runs just twice up until July 24, they have now done so twice in their last nine games. The Mets attack was upgraded prior to the trade deadline with the addition of Yoenis Cespedes, and he delivered a trio of doubles and 4 RBI last night. The Mets should continue to thrive at the plate, taking on Brad Hand, who has struggled throughout his career as a starter at 5-19 with a 4.68 ERA. Jonathon Niese has out-pitched his 5-9 record with a 3.63 ERA, and has not been great, but good enough to deserve better. The Mets have played to a 23-10-5 mark to the OVER in their last 38 road games vs. a left-handed starter, and just one of Niese's last 12 starts on regular four days of rest have stayed UNDER the total. The Marlins have played five straight to the OVER at home to a total of 7 to 8.5. The last 21 meetings have seen the OVER play 16-4-1, and with Niese on the hill in his last six, the OVER is 5-0-1. The Mets are getting it done as a favorite at 41-12 in their last 53, so make the play on both the Mets and the OVER.