Detroit Tigers vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions June 19th 2025

Detroit Tigers vs Pittsburgh Pirates June 19th 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates travel to Comerica Park to play the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This afternoon game starts at 5:40 PM and airs on SN PT. Fans can expect light rain and a mild day with a light breeze. The Pirates, led by manager Don Kelly, have a 29-45 record this season. They face the Tigers, who have a strong 47-27 record. Pittsburgh’s starting pitcher is Paul Skenes, who holds an ERA of 1.78. The Tigers have yet to announce their starter.

Pirates vs Tigers Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers
• Venue: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
• Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
• Betting Odds: Pirates MoneyLine -141, Tigers MoneyLine +115

The Pirates Can Win If…

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to bounce back after a 3-7 loss to the Detroit Tigers. In that game, Andrew McCutchen, Spencer Horwitz, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa each scored a run. Paul Skenes will start the next game, and he has been strong with a 1.78 ERA and 0.85 WHIP.

The Pirates have a solid chance to win due to their pitching. Their team ERA is 3.74, ranking 12th in the league. They also have a batting average against of .231, which ranks 6th, showing they can limit opponents’ hits.

On offense, Andrew McCutchen leads the team with a .262 batting average. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been consistent with a .284 average. The team has also shown speed on the bases with 68 stolen bases, ranking 4th in the league.

The Tigers Can Win If…

The Detroit Tigers are coming off a 7-3 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that game, the Tigers had nine hits, with six being extra-base hits and four home runs. Javier Báez shined with two home runs and two RBIs, while Wenceel Pérez and Riley Greene each added a home run.

Detroit’s team stats show why they can win. They have a .252 batting average, ranking 7th in the league. Their slugging percentage is .416, placing them 6th, and they have hit 89 home runs, ranking 8th.

The Tigers’ pitching is another strength. Their team ERA is 3.39, ranking 4th in the league, and they have a batting average against of .231, ranking 6th. With quality starts in 24 games, Detroit’s pitching can keep them in any game.

The Lean

The Pirates are favored to win with a moneyline of -141. The Tigers have a moneyline of +115. The Pirates have a stronger pitching lineup with a 3.74 ERA compared to the Tigers’ 3.39 ERA. The model projects the Pirates to win with a score of 4-3.

The over/under line is set at 7.0. Both teams have solid pitching, with the Pirates ranked 12th in ERA and the Tigers ranked 4th. Given the pitching strengths, the model projects a total score of 7. This suggests taking the under for this game.

Game Snapshot

A rainout on Wednesday turned Thursday into a day-night doubleheader in Detroit. For Game 1, the Tigers turn to ace Tarik Skubal (7–2, 1.99 ERA), who has allowed just one run over his past 30⅔ innings and boasts a 5–0 record with a 1.72 ERA in seven home starts. The Pirates counter with Andrew Heaney (3–5, 3.33 ERA), whose pinpoint control in June (zero walks over three starts) was tempered by three runs allowed in six innings his last time out.

Tigers’ Skubal Streak

Skubal’s dominance at Comerica Park includes 32 strikeouts against two walks over his last four outings. Manager Craig Counsell praised how Skubal “gets better as the game goes on,” often overpowering hitters with a mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking pitches.

Pirates’ Starter Options

In the nightcap, Pittsburgh hands the ball to rookie sensation Paul Skenes (4–6, 1.78 ERA), who has delivered seven consecutive quality starts despite scant run support. Detroit is likely to lean on Keider Montero (3–1, 4.24 ERA) to provide bulk innings after his five-inning, two-run outing against Cincinnati on Friday.

Handicapper Spotlight — William Taylor

Premium handicapper William Taylor extended his streak to 3–0 on moneyline releases yesterday for a $366 profit, pinpointing value underdogs where public perception falls short. Taylor’s model spotlighted matchups like Guardians ML +121 and Rockies ML +145; today he’s targeting a high-scoring opener in Detroit. Access his full ticket on the Scores and Stats MLB picks hub.

Action Segment — Over 7 Runs in Game 1

Taylor’s featured angle for the doubleheader opener is Over 7 runs (+105). Skubal often needs an inning or two to find his rhythm, and Heaney’s uneven June outings suggest both bullpens will be tested early—making a crowded bases scenario and a profitable total highly likely.

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Betting Tools & Analysis

For up-to-the-minute moneylines and totals, visit the Scores and Stats MLB odds board. To refine your angles with park factors, platoon splits, and late-inning leverage, consult the comprehensive Scores and Stats expert betting guide. For depth charts, daily lineups, and defensive alignments, explore the Scores and Stats MLB teams hub.

Prediction: Over 7 runs hits in Game 1 as early traffic and bullpen churn drive scoring; Game 2 tilts to Pittsburgh under the lights as Skenes outduels Montero.