(UPDATED) The Mets will be counting on Livan Hernandez to continue his surprising magic tonight when the resurgent right-hander takes the mound against the Cardinals at Citi Field. Hernandez, who went to camp with the Mets as a non-roster player before emerging as the No. 5 starter, has been the surprise of their season so far while winning five of his first six decisions.

Over his past nine starts, Hernandez is 4-0 with a 3.24 ERA and the Mets’ only complete game of the season. He also is 2-0 with a 2.66 ERA in his past three home starts.

Hernandez, who stands 5-6 with a 4.71 ERA in 17 career starts against St. Louis, will face off against Joel Pineiro. The righty has already beaten the Mets once this season but is mired in a terrible slump that has seen Pineiro lose eight of his past nine starts.

Here is the 35-33 Mets’ order for the 7:10 p.m. game:

Alex Cora SS

Daniel Murphy 1B

David Wright 3B

Fernando Tatis LF

Ryan Church RF

Omir Santos C

Fernando Martinez CF

Luis Castillo 2B

Livan Hernandez RHP (5-1, 4.18)

Hernandez’s numbers against the Cardinals’ hitters

The 39-32 Cardinals will counter with:

Skip Schumaker 2B

Chris Duncan LF

Albert Pujols 1B

Ryan Ludwick RF

Rick Ankiel CF

Yadier Molina C

Khalil Greene 3B

Joel Pineiro RHP (5-8, 3.76)

Brendan Ryan SS

Pineiro’s numbers against the Mets’ hitters