Pittsburgh Pirates at Detroit Tigers odds, picks and predictions

The Pittsburgh Pirates (22-19) will begin a 2-game series against the Detroit Tigers (18-21) on Tuesday at Comerica Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pirates vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Tigers went 3-1 vs. Pirates in 2022

The Pirates defeated the Baltimore Orioles 4-0 on Sunday to end a 4-game losing streak. Pittsburgh is 2-8 in its last 10 games.

The Tigers secured a 5-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday to snap a 2-game losing streak. Detroit is 6-4 in its last 10 games.

Pirates at Tigers projected starters

RHP Luis Ortiz vs. RHP Michael Lorenzen

Ortiz (0-1, 3.60 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He has a 1.60 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 1.8 K/9 in 5 innings.

• Is making just his 6th career start; 16 IP in 4 starts last year
• First start vs. the Colorado Rockies: 5 IP, 7 H,  5 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 1 K in 10-1 loss last Tuesday

Lorenzen (1-2, 4.18 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 6.1 K/9 in 28 innings.

• Has allowed 5-plus ER in 2 of his 5 starts
• Owns a 6-2 record with a 2.96 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 6.3 K/9 in 42 appearances (4 starts) vs. the Pirates.

Pirates at Tigers odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

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Pirates at Tigers picks and predictions

Prediction

Tigers 4, Pirates 3

Even though Ortiz is a young pitcher who the Pirates have confidence in, I’ll back the TIGERS (-120) at home in Tuesday’s matchup. Pittsburgh is 1-4 in the last 5 meetings overall.

While I believe the Tigers will secure the victory on Tuesday, the Pirates should be able to keep this game within multiple runs. With a close game expected, I’ll PASS on wagering on the run line.

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UNDER 9 (-120) is how I’d play the run total with neither team showing consistency from the plate in recent games. Outside of 2 starts, Lorenzen has given up 1 or fewer runs, and the Tigers are registering a league-worst 76 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers this season.

The Pirates are 3-0-1 to the Under in their last 4 games overall. On top of that, the Tigers are 4-0-1 to the Under in their last 5 games against a right-handed pitcher.

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