ST. LOUIS — Jerry Manuel lived up to his promise to shuffle the lineup and batting order for Livan Hernandez‘s start here today in the finale of a three-game series with the Cardinals. The Mets have won both of Hernandez’s starts, although he lasted just five innings and got no decision in his most recent outing April 17 against Milwaukee. Hernandez is 5-5 with a 4.33 ERA in 16 career starts versus the Cardinals, including a 1.93 ERA in two outings at Busch Stadium.

Hernandez will square off against Kyle Lohse, a veteran right-hander whose 2.57 ERA is tied for 11th-lowest in the NL.The Cardinals, who have won six straight home games, also are 11-3 in Lohse’s last 14 starts at Busch.

Here is the 6-8 Mets’ reconfigured order for the 1:40 p.m. game:

Jose Reyes SS

Alex Cora 2B

Carlos Beltran CF

Carlos Delgado 1B

David Wright 3B

Gary Sheffield LF

Ryan Church RF

Omir Santos C

Livan Hernandez RHP (1-0, 4.63)

Hernandez’s numbers against the Cardinals’ hitters

The 10-5 Cardinals will counter with:

Skip Schumaker 2B

Colby Rasmus LF

Albert Pujols 1B

Ryan Ludwick RF

Rick Ankiel CF

Brian Barden 3B

Brendan Ryan SS

Jason LaRue C

Kyle Lohse RHP (2-0, 2.57)

Lohse’s numbers against the Mets’ hitters