- What: MLB Regular Season Game
- When: Tuesday, August 13
- Who: Oakland Athletics vs. New York Mets
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where: Citi Field (Queens, NY)
The Oakland Athletics are traveling across the country to face the New York Mets on Tuesday night.
Oakland Athletics
Stripling has been struggling this season, but his performance has a few positive aspects. He ranks in the 92nd percentile in walk rate, 78th percentile in barrel percentage, and 75th percentile in hard-hit percentage.
Although he gives up a lot of hits, not many of them are hard hits. His expected ERA (xERA) is more than a full run lower than his actual ERA, and his expected batting average (xBA) is also lower.
If he can induce weak contact in this game, the Athletics will have a good chance to win.
Boyle on the bump ???? pic.twitter.com/Do44z46Acj
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) August 13, 2024
Oakland’s batting average may not be impressive, but they possess power when they make contact. The team ranks fifth in barrel percentage, sixth in average exit velocity, and has hit the fifth-most home runs.
If the Athletics can capitalize on facing their former ace in this game, they will position themselves well to come out on top.
New York Mets
Blackburn has been delivering exceptional performances since joining the Mets. He has only conceded two earned runs in 12 innings pitched and has recorded 12 strikeouts.
His move to New York has positively impacted his game, and he will likely continue to perform well. The Athletics rank fifth-worst in batting average and tend to miss swings.
Blackburn should find it relatively easy to handle the Athletics in this game. It won’t be surprising if he pitches six or seven strong innings and leads the Mets to a comfortable victory.
New homestand on deck. #LGM pic.twitter.com/C13VfLeg0Q
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 13, 2024
On the other hand, Ross Stripling has been struggling this season, allowing opponents to hit over .300 off him. Additionally, he has one of the lowest whiff rates, indicating that he allows a lot of contact.
The Mets, who rank eighth in barrel percentage, eighth in hard hit percentage, and 11th in average exit velocity, should take full advantage of this in the game.
With the Mets having the opportunity to make a substantial amount of contact, it is expected to be accompanied with significant power.
A’s-Mets Best Bet
Paul Blackburn facing his old team is an exciting matchup that makes this game worth watching.
The Athletics have a solid hitting lineup, and the Mets are also a team to be taken seriously. However, the outcome of this game will likely be determined by the pitching matchup.
I believe Paul Blackburn has the edge as the better pitcher in this case, so I’m picking the Mets to win this one on the moneyline.
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