UPDATE: Pirates at Tigers on Wednesday has been postponed due to inclement weather and will now be made up as the second leg of a doubleheader on Thursday.
Going into Tuesday’s action, the Detroit Tigers boast the best record in baseball. It’s one heck of a story as we approach the halfway point of the season. The Pittsburgh Pirates being 15 games back in the NL Central through 73 games is less of a surprise.
Looking at the numbers, it’s no surprise that the Tigers have been this good. They’re top 10 in runs scored and runs allowed. The lineup is strong top to bottom, excelling at situational hitting. The defense has taken a step and their pitching staff, headlined by Wednesday’s starter Tarik Skubal, looks like one of the best in baseball.
While things are sunny in Detroit, they’re gloomy in Pittsburgh. The Pirates have already fired a manager this season. Despite the presence of Paul Skenes, arguably the best pitcher in baseball, they have little going for them. Their offense scores the fewest runs per game in the league. While the pitching is better than average, a lot of that comes from Skenes. It’s a long road ahead to relevance for the Buccos.
The Tigers are favored at -295 on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at seven runs. Let’s preview this contest and make a prediction.
Pirates vs. Tigers prediction, preview
At -295 on the Moneyline, Detroit is far and away the biggest favorite on Wednesday’s slate. Thus, debating who will win this one feels moot. The reigning AL Cy Young winner against the worst offense in the league almost certainly adds up to a win for Detroit.
A Pittsburgh upset would be wild, even for a June regular-season game. Let’s spend our time going deeper into the pick for this one.
Pirates at Tigers pick
Under 7 Total Runs (-110)
Skubal shutting down the Pirates would come as no surprise, but don’t count out Pirates starter Andrew Heaney.
The journeyman former top prospect has pitched well for Pittsburgh this season. While the underlying numbers don’t back up his 3.33 ERA, he’s keeping runners off base and staying away from barrels. That’s a good formula for keeping runs off the board. This Tigers offense loves the long ball, and I think Heaney can do just enough to keep Detroit from blowing this game open.
It may not be the most exciting pitching duel, but there’s enough talent and production on the mound to keep the scoreboard in check.
