Tigers vs. Pirates Prediction, Odds & Best Bets: Can Torkelson Lead Tigers Out of Spiral?

A once dominant American League juggernaut is in the middle of a speed wobble as we make our Tigers vs. Pirates prediction.

The Detroit Tigers are enduring a lengthy skid; they need a win today to avoid an embarrassing sweep by the basement-dwelling Pittsburgh Pirates.

Still, the superior talent and overall play of Detroit this season has led to the Tigers still being the betting odds favorites ahead of first pitch at 12:35 p.m. ET from PNC Park in Pittsburgh. The Tigers generally sit around -150 as we eye our Tigers vs. Pirates best bets.

• Tigers vs. Pirates prediction: Tigers to win (-146 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best Tigers vs. Pirates player props: Spencer Torkelson Over 1.5 total bases (+105 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

⚾ Tigers vs. Pirates prediction & odds

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💰 Tigers vs. Pirates prediction & best bet

✅ Tigers vs. Pirates prediction: Tigers to win (-146 via FanDuel)

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Some hesitancy here as you make your Tigers vs. Pirates prediction is understandable. In fact, go ahead and take a moment to gather yourself, but still make the bet.

The Tigers' form throughout much of July is tough to ignore. They've dropped eight of their last nine, including the first two of this series against the lowly Pirates. Worse, Detroit has been outscored 62-24 during that woeful stretch, a run that includes being shut out twice.

But a difficult span seemed inevitable for a team flying so high for so long, and one that still sits second in the World Series odds despite its recent struggles. Detroit also still boasts the best record in the American League and third-best in MLB (60-42).

A club with the fourth-best run differential (plus-77) won't stay down much longer, and facing a mediocre lefty today in Pittsburgh's Bailey Falter is the ideal spot to begin that turnaround.

Falter's hard-hit rate of 45.6% rests in just the 15th percentile. So the contact he does give up is loud, and he comes in with a core flaw of rarely missing bats. He's never been much of a punchout artist, but his K/9 has fallen even further from 6.1 last year to 5.4 now. He'll face a Tigers lineup with the fourth-best slugging percentage against lefties (.438) and third-best OPS (.773).

The betting odds are marginally shorter elsewhere at our best MLB betting sites while making your Tigers vs. Pirates best bet, with Caesars down at -155.

💰 Best Tigers vs. Pirates player props

✅ Best Tigers vs. Pirates player prop: Spencer Torkelson Over 1.5 total bases (+105 via DraftKings)

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The Tigers' offense may be scuffling during the team's recent stumbles, but Spencer Torkelson isn't a part of that nonsense.

There's been a resurgence from him recently, with the slugging first baseman's batting average (.207 to .283), slugging percentage (.366 to .550), and OPS (.664 to .921) all up substantially in July compared to June. He's fresh off notching two doubles just last night, and best of all, Torkelson tortures lefties while recording a 1.042 OPS against them as opposed to a .743 when facing a righty.

There's minimal difference in the offerings here among our best sports betting sites while slotting in one of our best Tigers vs. Pirates player props. But stay away from bet365 and BetMGM, which are sitting alone at minus-money (-105).

📈 Tigers vs. Pirates betting insights

First pitch is fast approaching, and here are some betting insights from BetMGM.

• The Tigers are the fifth-most bet team today on the moneyline in terms of handle and second in tickets, and overall this game sits third in tickets drawn
• Over 9 for this game is the second-highest bet total today, and it's generating a whopping 88% of the bets and 94% of the handle
• The Tigers are generating 69% of the bets and 77% of the handle on the moneyline

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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.

💵 Best MLB betting sites

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

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

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