Milwaukee Brewers vs Tampa Bay Rays First 5 Innings Betting Picks & Starting Pitchers
By Jordan Tomiyama in MLB Baseball
Published:
- Jacob Misiorowski faces Nick Martinez in World Series Game 1
- The Milwaukee Brewers host the Tampa Bay Rays tonight at 8:00 PM ET on FOX
- Get my Brewers vs. Rays first 5 innings betting picks, latest odds, and starting-pitcher analysis
The World Series opens tonight in Milwaukee. The Brewers (7-1 this postseason) host the Rays (7-2 this postseason) in Game 1, with first pitch set for 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
Both clubs arrive off wins. Milwaukee closed out the Dodgers with a 6-4 road win on October 15, while Tampa Bay beat Cleveland 7-3 at home on October 19.
That gap gives the Brewers extra rest, and the pitching styles in this one have me focused on the early innings. The first five frames put the spotlight on the starters and the top of each order, so I’m betting there.
Brewers vs Rays First 5 Innings Betting Picks
I’ve got two Brewers vs Rays first 5 innings betting picks for Game 1, and both lean on the arms.
Brewers vs Rays First 5 Innings Odds
The Brewers are -1220 home favorites on the F5 moneyline, an implied probability of about 68%. This is a two-way market, so a tie after five innings is a push and your stake comes back.
Milwaukee -1235 on the -0.5 F5 run line, which needs an outright lead after five. The Rays at +0.5 (+105) also cash on a tie. The total sits at a low 3.5 with the juice shaded to the Under at -130, roughly 56% implied. Watch MLB odds for movement before first pitch.
Decimal odds from BetMGM, theScore Bet and Bet365 as of 1:49 PM ET on October 23, 2026. Claim the BetMGM promo code to bet on the World Series today.
Brewers vs Rays Pick #1: Under 3.5 First 5 Innings Runs
My top Brewers vs Rays F5 pick is the Under 3.5 runs. Both staffs have kept runs off the board this postseason, with Tampa Bay at a 2.59 team ERA and Milwaukee at 2.03.
Martinez has allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks over nine postseason innings. He pitches to contact with a 6.00 K/9, which keeps his pitch count manageable against a patient Brewers lineup.
Misiorowski is the opposite. He’s striking out 11.88 batters per nine this postseason, and that velocity can overpower hitters early in the order.
The catch is length. Misiorowski is averaging 4.17 innings per postseason start, and his last outing ended after 4 1/3 innings and 94 pitches. An F5 bet cuts down bullpen exposure but doesn’t remove it, so relievers could be part of this ticket if either starter gets an early hook.
I’m fine with that risk. With these two on the mound, I want to be at three runs or fewer through five.
Brewers vs Rays Pick #2: Brewers First 5 Innings Moneyline
I also like the Crew early. Milwaukee is 4-0 at American Family Field this postseason. The Brewers have found ways to win at home without needing a high-scoring game.
That patience matters against Martinez. He’s averaging 4.50 innings per postseason start and relies on balls in play rather than strikeouts. A lineup that grinds out free passes can build traffic and force him into tough spots.
I expect the Brewers to manufacture enough offense to hold a lead after the fifth inning.
Milwaukee Brewers vs Tampa Bay Rays Starting Pitchers
MLB has confirmed the starting pitchers for Game 1 between the Brewers and Rays. Nick Martinez takes the ball for Tampa Bay, while right-hander Jacob Misiorowski gets the nod for Milwaukee.
Nick Martinez vs Jacob Misiorowski Postseason Stats
Martinez has been efficient this postseason, carrying a 1.11 WHIP and holding hitters to a .226 average. He isn’t missing many bats, but he’s leaning on his defense and keeping traffic light.
Misiorowski brings elite swing-and-miss stuff, but it has come with baserunners. His 1.56 WHIP is driven largely by a 4.32 BB/9. If he limits the free passes early, his strikeout ability gives Milwaukee the edge through the opening frames.
These are small samples, so no single number should carry too much weight. Still, both profiles back my Brewers vs Rays first 5 innings betting picks, with one starter missing bats and the other limiting damage.
Jordan has worked in sports media for the last seven years, writing articles, managing social media, and covering sporting events for various media outlets. Jordan's work focuses on NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and the NHL.
