Overview
The Detroit Tigers are in Pittsburgh for the final game of a three game series with the Pirates . This is an inter-league game so there’s not a ton of history between these two teams but the Pirates have played the Tigers well over the past couple seasons winning 6 of the last 9 meetings overall.
Head to Head Trends
Tigers are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Home team is 7-1 in Laynes last 8 games behind home plate.
Pittsburgh Pirates (-150)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are off to a bit of a slow start winning just 3 of their first 8 games this season. They haven’t really played all that bad averaging 3.62 runs per game on offense and allowing 3.62 runs per game on defense although those offensive numbers might be a little inflated due to a 10-2 win over the Brewers.
On the hill for the Pirates today is Francisco Liriano who is coming off two quality back to back seasons so I see him having another solid season this year.
Pittsburgh Pirates Trends
Pirates are 1-4 in Lirianos last 5 home starts.
Pirates are 35-17 in their last 52 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Detroit Tigers (+140)
The Detroit Tigers on fire to start the season winning 7 of their first 8 games in large part due to some red hot bats. The Tigers are hitting .324 as a team and averaging 6.62 runs per game plus they are also getting some solid pitching allowing just 2.62 runs per game.
Starting for the Tigers today is Alfredo Simon who got the win in his first start of the season despite allowing 7 hits and 2 walks over just 5 1/3 innings. Simon is coming off the best season of his career last year that saw him go 15-10 with a 3.44 ERA.
Detroit Tigers Trends
Tigers are 9-2 in their last 11 interleague games vs. a left-handed starter.
Tigers are 60-27 in their last 87 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record.
Conclusion
I like the Detroit Tigers over the Pirates in this one. Even though the Pirates probably have the pitching advantage I think the Tigers bats are just too hot to go against especially as a +140 underdog.
Free Pick: Detroit Tigers +140 at the Topbet Sportsbook
