Detroit Tigers vs Boston Red Sox Picks and Predictions May 14th 2025

Tarik Skubal is pitching like he wants another Cy Young Award

And he might just get it.The Detroit Tigers’ ace left-hander, fresh off a nearly perfect outing, is set to start the series finale against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night at Comerica Park. Detroit, riding high from back-to-back wins, is aiming for a clean three-game sweep.

Skubal’s Scorching Streak: Dominance Redefined

Tarik Skubal’s 2024 season has been nothing short of elite. With a 4-2 record and a razor-sharp 2.08 ERA, he’s silenced opponents with surgical precision. Over his last six starts, he’s struck out 50 batters while issuing just one walk across 37 innings.

In his most recent outing, he dismantled the Texas Rangers, recording a season-high 12 strikeouts in seven innings. He carried a perfect game into the sixth, showcasing the same dominance that earned him the AL Cy Young Award last season.

Manager A.J. Hinch summed it up best: “He was in complete control of almost every at-bat. It was incredible to watch.”

Skubal’s control is matched only by his discipline on the mound. “I don’t like walking guys,” he stated. “I want them to earn their way on base.”

Home Field Advantage: Comerica Park Is Skubal’s Playground

Skubal thrives at home. In his last 20 starts at Comerica Park, he has compiled a 13-1 record with a 1.56 ERA and 150 strikeouts. These numbers make him one of the most dominant pitchers in the league when throwing in Detroit.

Though he holds a modest 2-2 record and a 4.30 ERA in four career starts against the Red Sox, his current form suggests he is well-positioned to take command. Don’t Miss The Latest Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

Tigers’ Offense Surging Ahead of Finale

Detroit’s bats are backing up their ace. The Tigers crushed Boston 14-2 in the series opener and followed it with a gritty 10-9 victory in 11 innings on Tuesday. Javier Baez was the hero, launching two three-run homers, including the game-winner in extra innings.

This offensive momentum provides a strong cushion for Skubal heading into the finale.

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Red Sox Rookie Hunter Dobbins Gets the Call

Hunter Dobbins, a rookie right-hander for the Red Sox, will make his fifth career start and first against Detroit. He brings a 2-1 record and a solid 2.78 ERA into this outing.

In his last start, Dobbins pitched six scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals, striking out six without issuing a walk. Despite not being a strikeout-heavy pitcher, he effectively limits hard contact and relies on a strong defense behind him.

“I’m happy to pitch to contact and get ground balls,” Dobbins explained. His manager, Alex Cora, praised the clear separation between his fastball and off-speed pitches, making him deceptively effective.

While he doesn’t overpower hitters like Skubal, Dobbins’s strategic pitching approach has earned him a spot in Boston’s rotation and growing confidence from the coaching staff.

Matchup Outlook: Experience vs. Emergence

This series finale features a fascinating pitching duel between an established ace and an emerging talent. Skubal brings overpowering stuff and near-flawless control, while Dobbins counters with finesse and command, seeking weak contact rather than strikeouts.

The contrast in styles highlights different paths to success on the mound — one rooted in dominance, the other in efficiency.

What to Watch For

• Will Tarik Skubal continue his incredible streak of dominance and lower his ERA even further?
• Can Hunter Dobbins replicate his last outing and silence Detroit’s hot lineup?
• Will the Tigers complete a clean sweep and maintain momentum in the standings?

Conclusion: Tigers Poised for Sweep, Skubal Eyes History

With Tarik Skubal at the peak of his powers and Detroit’s offense firing on all cylinders, the Tigers are well-positioned to complete a sweep of the Red Sox. Skubal has a chance not just to win, but to further cement his place among baseball’s elite pitchers.

For Boston, Dobbins will need to deliver another composed outing to halt the Tigers’ momentum. But all eyes will be on Skubal, who continues to pitch like the best in the game.