St. Louis Cardinals (57-46) at New York Mets (55-47), 7:10 p.m.

The Sports Network The New York Mets open their first series as sole leaders of the National League's East Division tonight, when they host the St. Louis Cardinals in the first of three weekend games at Shea Stadium. New York, which fought through mediocre play and a managerial switch, got back to the top of the division Thursday with a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia. The Mets posted two wins in a three-game series with the Phillies and provided a one-game edge in the standings. Carlos Delgado's two-run double in the eighth inning provided the winning margin and David Wright knocked in the other run for the Mets, who managed just four hits as a team. Oliver Perez allowed a run on six hits and struck out a season-high 12 in 7 2/3 innings but didn't factor in the decision. Aaron Heilman (1-3) retired one batter to earn the win,... [read full story]