Tigers vs. Pirates Prediction Tonight: Best Bets & Odds for Paul Skenes' Start

Paul Skenes takes the bump tonight as Pittsburgh looks to get back into the win column after being swept by the White Sox, but my Tigers vs. Pirates prediction favors the visitors.

First pitch from PNC Park in Pittsburgh is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET (FDSN Detroit, SportsNet-PIT). The best sports betting sites list the Pirates as a -125 betting favorite at home.

I'm zigging where the books are zagging with my Tigers vs. Pirates best bets, though, as I expect the hosts' bats to go cold during the Cy Young Award odds contenders' start. Dustin Saracini is also expecting an early pitchers' duel in Pittsburgh in his best NRFI bets today. 

• Tigers vs. Pirates prediction: Tigers to win (+110 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐
• Best Tigers vs. Pirates player props: Jack Flaherty Over 6.5 strikeouts (+110 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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🧐 Tigers vs. Pirates betting insights

While I'm going against the grain with my Tigers vs. Pirates pick, the public believes Detroit has the upper hand. 64% of tickets at BetMGM back the underdogs. Despite a low total (O/U 7), many bettors love the Under in an anticipated pitcher's duel.

💰 Tigers vs. Pirates prediction & best bet

✅ Tigers vs. Pirates prediction: Tigers to win (+110 via bet365)

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Jack Flaherty (4.65 ERA) has more wins this season than Paul Skenes (2.01 ERA) - let that one sink in for a moment. If that statistic doesn't tell you everything you need to know about the state of both teams, I don't know how else to put it. Despite both the Tigers and Pirates slumping, it's difficult to see Detroit losing in this spot.

My Tigers vs. Pirates prediction sides with the underdogs coming off an important win on Sunday Night Baseball.

Skenes has been sensational during his sophomore season, especially in Pittsburgh's lone win over the Tigers last month. However, unless he goes the distance, it's difficult to trust the Pirates' bullpen to finish the job. This is especially true after they surrendered 14 runs to the White Sox over the weekend.

This is one of the rare times when you can get the league's best team at plus-money. My Tigers vs. Pirates best bet jumps on that opportunity, grabbing Detroit at the +110 price offered by our best sports betting apps.

💰 Best Tigers vs. Pirates player props

✅ Best Tigers vs. Pirates player prop: Jack Flaherty Over 6.5 strikeouts (+110 via DraftKings)

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It's easy to overlook a pitcher with a 4.65 ERA. However, that average was inflated by 15 earned runs given up over two starts in mid-June. Other than those outings against the Rays and Reds, Flaherty has been consistently solid. The Detroit starter ranks 15th league-wide in punchouts with 124 on the season.

The 29-year-old has gone Over 6.5 strikeouts in each of his last four starts. Flaherty has also cleared this total at a 70% clip over his last 10 appearances, and Pittsburgh is one of the most strikeout-prone teams in MLB (8.69 times per game).

My best Tigers vs. Pirates player props expect Flaherty to sit down at least seven hitters tonight. Most of our best sportsbooks offer this prop at plus-money, with Caesars and DraftKings' odds paying out $11 on a $10 winning wager.

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❓MLB betting FAQs

How do betting odds work?

Betting odds represent the probability of a specific outcome and determine how much money you can win on a bet. There are three main formats: American odds, Decimal odds, and Fractional odds. In the U.S., American odds are most common. 

What is the run line in baseball?

The run line in baseball is a form of point spread betting unique to MLB. It typically sets a standard spread of 1.5 runs, meaning the favored team must win by at least two runs to cover the run line, while the underdog can lose by one run or win outright to cover.

What does moneyline mean in betting?

The moneyline in betting refers to a wager on which team or player will win the game outright, with no point spread involved. It’s the most straightforward type of sports bet - just pick the winner.

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