Pittsburgh Pirates at Detroit Tigers odds, picks and predictions
Pittsburgh Pirates at Detroit Tigers odds, picks and predictions
The Pittsburgh Pirates (29-45) square off against the Detroit Tigers (47-27) Thursday in Game 2 of a doubleheader and the final game of their 3-game series. First pitch of the nightcap from Comerica Park is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Pirates vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
(Records, trends and stats do not include the first game of Thursday's doubleheader.)
Season series: Tigers lead 1-0.
Pittsburgh has lost 3 games in a row after falling 7-3 as a +175 underdog to Detroit in Tuesday's opener with the Over (8) cashing. RF Alexander Canario had 1 of the Pirates' 5 hits and finished with a team-high 2 RBIs in the losing effort.
Detroit snapped a 2-game losing streak with the win, covering as a -192 home favorite. SS Javier Baez (3-for-4) went deep twice -- both solo shots -- in the win.
Pirates at Tigers projected starters
RHP Paul Skenes vs. TBD
Skenes (4-6, 1.78 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has an NL-best 0.85 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 9.1 K/9 through 96 innings.
Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 2-1 victory in 10 innings at Chicago Cubs Friday
Career vs. Tigers: 1 road start, win, 6 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K in 10-2 rout May 29, 2024
The Tigers have not named a starting pitcher as of this publishing.
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Pirates at Tigers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:19 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML) : Pirates -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Tigers +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
: Pirates -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Tigers +115 (bet $100 to win $115) Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS) : Pirates -1.5 (+125) | Tigers +1.5 (-150)
: Pirates -1.5 (+125) | Tigers +1.5 (-150) Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Pirates at Tigers picks and predictions
Prediction
Pirates 3, Tigers 2
BET PIRATES (-140).
While Skenes' record doesn't reflect it, he has been one of MLB's most dominant pitchers, evidenced by his league-best ERA and WHIP (New York Mets RHP Kodai Senga sports a 1.47 ERA, but he hasn't pitched enough innings to qualify). Skenes should benefit from playing in the back half of a doubleheader and worn-down Tigers lineup. The Pirates have not produced enough offense this season to bet the run line, but behind Skenes they have the clear advantage in the nightcap.
PASS.
The Pirates have scored 3 or fewer runs in 8 of their last 10 games, taking away any value of backing their run line.
BET UNDER 7 (-105).
The Under is 8-2 in the Pirates' last 10 games. They have scored 2 or fewer runs in 7 of the 10, including in 4 of their last 5. With Skenes on the mound, don't expect the Tigers to score much.
Detroit has scored 4 or fewer runs in 4 of its last 6 and in 7 of its last 10, while allowing 3 or fewer in 5 of the last 10.
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