Pittsburgh Pirates vs Detroit Tigers Prediction 8-2-23 MLB Picks

The Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates clash Wednesday in game 2 of an MLB series at PNC Park. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Tigers Betting Preview

The Tigers need a win after losing 6 of their last 7 games. The Tigers are now 7.5 games out of the AL Central. The Tigers pitching staff is 21st in ERA (4.49), 9th in WHIP (1.25) and 28th in quality starts (23). The Tigers' offense is 28th in runs per game (3.91), 28th in batting average (.232) and 26th in homers (98). Spencer Torkelson leads the Tigers with 92 hits and 59 RBI, while Javier Baez and Riley green have combined for 173 hits and 72 RBI. Eduardo Rodriguez gets the ball, and he is 6-5 with a 2.95 ERA and 91 strikeouts this season. Rodriguez is 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA and 13 strikeouts in his career against the Pirates.

Detroit Tigers Team Facts

• The Tigers have lost four of their last five games as road favourites against NL Central opponents following a loss.
• The Tigers have failed to cover the run line in 10 of their last 11 games as road favourites against NL Central opponents.
• The Tigers have led after 3 innings in each of their last six day games against National League opponents.
• The Tigers have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last five road games against NL Central opponents.
• The 'Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Tigers' last four day games.

Pirates Betting Preview

The Pirates look to build on their solid 3-game winning streak. The Pirates are still 9 games back in the wild card race. The Pirates pitching staff is 20th in ERA (4.47), 24th in WHIP (1.38) and 11th in quality starts (41). The Pirates' offense is 24th in runs per game (4.14), 24th in batting average (.236) and 24th in homers (101). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with 92 hits and 49 RBI, while Andrew McCutchen and Ke’Bryan Hayes have combined for 150 hits and 60 RBI. Osvaldo Bido gets the ball, and he is 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA and 28 strikeouts this season. This will be Bido’s first career game against the Tigers.

Pittsburgh Pirates Team Facts

• The Pirates have lost each of their last 10 games as underdogs against American League opponents following a home win.
• The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in each of their last eight games as underdogs against American League opponents following a win.
• The Pirates have led after 7 innings in six of their last nine games as home underdogs against AL Central opponents.
• The Pirates have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last seven home day games.
• The 'Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Pirates' last eight games as home underdogs.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Pittsburgh Pirates ranks 27th in the league for hits this season (827).
• The Pittsburgh Pirates ranks T26th in the league for runs scored this season (439).
• The Detroit Tigers ranks 29th in the league for slugging percentage this season (.367).
• The Detroit Tigers ranks 3rd in the league for walks allowed this season (296).

Randy’s Pick

The Pirates and the plus money is probably worth a look here given the success they're having this week. However, I doubt the Pirates can string wins together long, and I don't believe the Tigers are as bad as this current stretch indicates. Also, Eduardo Rodriguez has been better than Osvaldo Bido this season, and he just turned down a trade to the Dodgers, which should do something in terms of locker room moral. Rodriguez chose the Tigers over a chance to win a second ring. I expect him to show up against a Tigers' offense that's not good. Give me the Tigers and the reasonable price.