Pirates vs. Tigers Prediction, Odds & Best Bet for Game 2

With Tarik Skubal starting in the first game of the doubleheader and Paul Skenes taking the mound in the second game, which pitcher is in for a better day?

Rob Paul

Last Updated: June 19, 2025 2:07 PM EDT • 3 minute read

Pirates vs. Tigers Prediction, Odds & Best Bet for Game 2 — Pictured: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch. Photo by Matt Marton-Imagn Images.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers will play their second game today with first pitch scheduled for 5:40 p.m. ET at Comerica Park (FDSN, Fubo). Our Pirates vs. Tigers predictions and odds focus on the pitchers, with Cy Young odds favorite Paul Skenes taking the mound for the Pirates this evening. Pittsburgh is a -140 moneyline betting favorite.

🆚 Who will win Pirates vs. Tigers Game 2?

Although the Tigers haven't made it official who will be taking the mound against Skenes in the second game of the doubleheader, it appears that Keider Montero will get the bulk of the work for Detroit. The 24-year-old has struggled at times this season with a 4.24 ERA, which includes giving up five home runs in his last two outings and allowing seven-plus hits in three of his last five.

With Skenes locking it down on the mound, look for Oneil Cruz to send Montero deep. The Pirates' center fielder has a .322 xBA, .750 xSLG, and 76.9% hard hit rate off of four-seamers this year, Montero's go-to pitch.

✅ Moneyline pick: Pirates will win (-140 via bet365)

⚾ Pirates vs. Tigers live odds

Here are the live MLB odds for Pirates vs. Tigers Game 2. The odds will update in real time based on the lines from our best sports betting sites:

🥊 Pirates vs. Tigers starters for Game 2

Paul Skenes (4-6, 1.78 ERA, 9.1 K/9) vs. TBD

With Skubal starting the opening game of the doubleheader for the Tigers and Skenes stepping up in Game 2 for the Pirates, viewers will be treated to back-to-back masterclasses in pitching. It doesn't matter who takes the ball for Detroit opposite Skenes, they're being set up to take the L. The second-year superstar may have a losing record, but he leads MLB in ERA and shows no signs of slowing down with a 0.54 ERA in his last five starts.

💰 Pirates vs. Tigers predictions and best bet

Here is my best bet and MLB picks for today's Pirates vs. Tigers doubleheader:

🏴‍☠️ Paul Skenes Over 6.5 strikeouts

Best odds: -118 via FanDuel ($10 pays $8.47)
Implied win probability: 54.13%

Bet $5, Win $200 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. Min. deposit $5+. Bet $5+ and win $200 in Bonus Bets, if your bet wins (within 72 hours).

Claim $200

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

Is there anything more fun than betting on Skenes to pitch at a Cy Young level? The 23-year-old is a complete rockstar on the mound and has allowed less than two earned runs in seven straight outings while going Over 6.5 strikeouts in five of his last six.

Helping his cause is the fact that Detroit has struck out the fifth-most in MLB this season (647), so the LSU product should be cooking with his four-seamer, a pitch opponents are batting just .195 against with a 28.5% strikeout rate. Last year against Detroit, Skenes went six innings while racking up nine strikeouts.

💡 More MLB predictions today

💵 Best MLB betting sites

Want to bet on Pirates vs. Tigers? Check out the best MLB betting sites and best sportsbook promos for today's MLB games:

FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
Hard Rock Bet Promo Code | Read our Hard Rock Bet Review

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

Written by:
Rob Paul

Rob is a Publishing Editor at Sportsbook Review. He’s been with the team since early 2024, with this being his first full-time role in the sports betting industry. Before joining SportsbookReview.com, he contributed to various sports outlets, including FanSided and Pro Football Network. During that period, he spent five years working full-time as a local community journalist, after attending Durham College for journalism and Wilfrid Laurier University for history. He previously hosted an NFL draft and college football-focused podcast where he had the opportunity to interact with future NFL players such as Maxx Crosby and Quinn Meinerz. Rob has spent multiple years working as a freelance podcast producer for numerous sports-related podcasts while making guest appearances on several college football shows. He’s also made guest appearances on SportsTalk Mississippi on several occasions to talk all things NFL draft. Rob values the way sports betting acts as a catalyst for telling stories and growing interest in certain sports, particularly FCS football, WNBA, and mid-major college basketball. He’s always been drawn to the more obscure teams and conferences in major college sports, but most of all, Rob loves using stats to find the best player props to back.