New York Mets (21-19) vs. Boston Red Sox (25-16) Baseball Picks: In what could easily be a preview of the 2009 World Series, the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox meet in Fenway Park tonight for game 1 of this interleague, weekend series.
By far the most interesting aspect in the opener is the pitching matchup, as former Cy Young winner LHP Johan Santana (5-2, 1.36 ERA) will take on RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-1, 12.79 ERA), who’ll be making his much anticipated return from the DL. 
Baseball Picks experts at Bodog.com have selected their favorite and their underdog for tonight’s contest.
Surprisingly, the hosting Boston Red Sox [-104 ML] are expected to lose game 1 against the visiting New York Mets [-106 ML] and their crafty lefty in what should be a highly competitive and entertaining ballgame.
For the Mets, everyone knows exactly what to expect from tonight’s starter, just look at his 1.36 ERA. However, the same thing can’t be said of the Boston’s Japanese star. Nevertheless, he’s looking forward to the challenge of going up against one of the greats.
"I don't know if I am lucky or not, but personally, I am looking forward to throw against him," Matsuzaka said. "He is one of the greatest pitchers in the game, and I always thought there would be an opportunity to one day face him. I just have to concentrate on my pitching."
It’s going to be key for the Sox hitters to capitalize in every opportunity, especially early on, because they might not get too many against the Venezuelan.
"Obviously (Santana) is one of, arguably, the best in the game," Jason Bay said. "It will be interesting on both ends to see what Dice looks like and to see one of the best. I like Interleague because for a little brief moment, you get to see different guys. It will be interesting. It would have been easier if we missed (Santana) but our guy is pretty good, too. We'll take our chances."
