Baseball is back! And one of the matchups catching attention this week is the battle between the New York Mets and the Oakland Athletics. While these teams might not be in the top tier right now, there’s still plenty of action to bet on and enjoy. One of the best ways to dive into this game is by looking at the starting pitchers and First 5 Innings (F5) betting markets.
Whether you’re new to baseball betting or just want a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it all down in a fun and simple way!
Why Starting Pitchers Matter
In baseball, starting pitchers set the tone. They control the early part of the game. If a pitcher is on fire, it might take a few innings before a team can get a run. That’s why many gamblers focus on F5 markets – they’re all about those first five innings.
Let’s meet the two starting pitchers set to take the mound in this matchup.
Starting for the Mets: José Quintana
Quintana is the kind of pitcher who never panics. He’s a veteran left-hander with years of experience in the MLB. He doesn’t throw the fastest, but he throws smart.
- ERA: 3.92 (solid and dependable)
- Strengths: Getting weak contact, especially with his sinker
- Weaknesses: Struggles if he faces a power-heavy lineup
In his last few starts, Quintana has shown glimpses of brilliance. Especially when facing teams that aren’t great at hitting lefties—like the Athletics.
Starting for the Athletics: Paul Blackburn
Blackburn is known for being unpredictable. When he’s sharp, he’s very effective. When he’s off… well, things can get messy fast.
- ERA: 4.27 (a bit higher, but not terrible)
- Strengths: Decent control, can locate pitches well
- Weaknesses: Gets hit hard when he leaves pitches up
He’ll have to be careful with the Mets’ top hitters. They love crushing mistakes.
So Who Has the Edge Early?
Let’s look at the first five innings only. This is where it gets interesting, and where you can get some good value betting.
First 5 Inning (F5) Bet Types to Consider:
- F5 Moneyline: Which team is leading after 5 innings?
- F5 Total Runs: How many total runs are scored in the first 5 innings?
- F5 Team Totals: Each team’s run total—can the Mets get 2+ in the first 5?
Because the game is often shaped by the starters, these markets focus purely on the pitching duel. So based on what we know:
- Quintana has the edge over Blackburn, especially against this lineup.
- The Mets’ offense is much more dangerous early on.
So if you’re thinking about an F5 bet, the Mets F5 Moneyline looks like a smart move. And maybe the A’s F5 Team Total Under. They often get off to slow starts anyway.
Stats That Support Our Picks
Want a few numbers to back this up? Here you go:
- Mets are 11-5 in F5 innings when Quintana starts this season.
- Athletics average only 1.9 runs per game in the first 5 innings.
- The Mets average 2.6 runs in that same span—solid edge!
Plus, the Mets’ bullpen has been shaky, so F5 bets help you avoid the late-game blowups.
Key Players to Watch (Offense)
Good pitchers matter, but offense wins bets. Here are 2 hitters from each team to keep an eye on during the starting pitcher duel.
Mets Hitters
- Brandon Nimmo: Loves to get on base early. Great against righties.
- Pete Alonso: Boom or bust. But if Blackburn misses his pitch, it’s gone.
Athletics Hitters
- Brent Rooker: Power bat. Could sneak one over the fence if Quintana slips up.
- Esteury Ruiz: Speed threat. Gets on, and expect chaos on the bases.
The A’s lineup lacks consistency. That explains their slow F5 starts.
Fun F5 Prop Bets You Might Like
Let’s have a little more fun. Here are a few prop bets that could be sneaky good:
- Pete Alonso Anytime Home Run in F5: If he connects, it’s usually early.
- Under 4.5 First 5 Total Runs: If both pitchers are decent, runs could be sparse.
- Blackburn Over 2.5 Strikeouts in F5: Mets swing big early. K potential is there.
Of course, check odds at your sportsbook—value changes fast!
Final Prediction: Who Wins F5?
Time to get off the fence. Here’s how we see it playing out:
- Mets lead 3-1 after five innings.
- Quintana gives up some hits, but works out of trouble.
- The Mets strike early against Blackburn before the bullpens take over.
So if you’re betting:
- Take the Mets F5 Moneyline
- Consider Under 4.5 on F5 Total Runs
Just remember—nothing in baseball is guaranteed, but smart bets come from good research. And you’ve just done yours!
Quick Recap
Before you lock in any bet, here’s a rapid-fire summary:
- Mets Starting Pitcher: José Quintana – good command, reliable against weak offenses
- Athletics Starting Pitcher: Paul Blackburn – decent, but prone to big innings
- Best F5 Bet: Mets F5 Moneyline
- Prop to Consider: Pete Alonso F5 Home Run
- Expected Score After F5: Mets 3 – Athletics 1
That’s your Mets vs. Athletics preview with a focus on the starting pitchers and first 5 innings. Good luck with your bets, enjoy the game, and may your F5 bets bring home some extra wins!