⚾ Mets vs Cardinals Game 3: Updated Start Time, Series Recap, Key Matchups and How to Watch Live at Busch Stadium
The decisive Game 3 between the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals is set for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Busch Stadium.
First pitch is expected around 1:15 PM CT (2:15 PM ET) — MLB’s typical scheduling for final games of short series — though exact start time will be confirmed closer to game time.
With the series level at 1–1, this rubber match carries early‑season significance for both clubs.
📅 Game Info & Series Status
MLB Schedule
Mets
Cardinals
Today
10:15 AM
- Game 1: Mets win 4–2
- Game 2: Cardinals win to even the series
- Series: tied 1–1
👉 Game 3 will decide which team walks away from this early season series with momentum.
🔥 Series Breakdown
🗽 Game 1: Mets Take Early Lead
The New York Mets opened the series with a strong 4–2 win, combining effective pitching with timely hitting.
- Bo Bichette delivered key RBIs
- Starter Clay Holmes set the tone
- Bullpen executed in high‑leverage innings
👉 Mets demonstrated balance on both sides of the ball.
🔴 Game 2: Cardinals Fight Back
In Game 2, the St. Louis Cardinals evened the series thanks to improved offense and clutch at‑bats.
- Nolan Gorman provided a spark with power
- Cardinals pitching limited New York’s lineup
- Relief corps kept it close down the stretch
👉 St. Louis showed resilience under pressure at home.
🎯 Game 3 Pitching Outlook
⚠️ Final starters will be confirmed closer to first pitch, but general rotation alignment suggests:
- Mets: José Quintana (or rotation depth starter)
- Cardinals: Andre Pallante
Tactical Note:
- Quintana brings veteran command and groundball inducing stuff
- Pallante offers young arm upside and cross‑fire deception
👉 Starter performance and early innings execution could shape the entire game.
🧠 Projected Lineups (Game 3)
⚠️ Official lineups are typically released 2–3 hours before first pitch.
New York Mets (Projected)
- SS: Francisco Lindor
- LF: Juan Soto
- 3B: Bo Bichette
- DH: Jorge Polanco
- C: Francisco Alvarez
- 2B: Marcus Semien
- RF: (rotation)
- CF: Carson Benge
- (bench/utility)
This lineup blends power, on‑base skills and contact — making for a balanced offensive attack.
St. Louis Cardinals (Projected)
- RF: Alec Burleson
- 3B: Nolan Gorman
- 1B: Paul Goldschmidt
- C: Willson Contreras
- CF: Dylan Carlson
- LF: (rotation)
- 2B: (rotation)
- SS: (rotation)
- DH: (if used)
St. Louis uses veteran presence and situational hitting to manufacture runs.
🔍 Tactical Keys
Mets Must:
- Score early to pressure Cardinals
- Lean on bullpen depth in middle innings
- Execute situational hitting with runners in scoring position
Cardinals Must:
- Generate consistency from the middle of the order
- Leverage home‑field advantage
- Keep Mets’ big bats quiet
👉 X‑Factor: Late‑inning bullpen matchups
📺 How to Watch Live
Catch the action live with these options:
- MLB.TV — full streaming
- Regional television (Mets/Cardinals local broadcasts)
- Streaming: FuboTV, YouTube TV
⚠️ National broadcast (ESPN/TBS) may vary by market.
🧾 Final Prediction
- Mets: deeper lineup and balanced offense
- Cardinals: home‑field energy and clutch hitting
👉 Prediction:
Mets edge out a tight Game 3 to take the series.
Projected score: Mets 5 – Cardinals 4
Both teams have shown resilience, but New York’s lineup depth could tilt the balance in a close contest.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Game 3 at Busch Stadium is shaping up as one of the most compelling early‑season matchups — a true test of pitching, timely hitting, and bullpen depth. With the series tied and momentum swinging back and forth, this rubber match may come down to one key at‑bat or one pivotal pitching decision.
