The series finale between the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-66) and Detroit Tigers (61-65) opens Wednesday’s MLB slate with afternoon baseball at PNC Park. Detroit won Monday’s opener 8-5, but Pittsburgh responded with a 4-1 victory Tuesday night to set up the rubber match.
The Tigers were 22-38 following their loss to the Chicago White Sox on May 31 but have since clawed their way back to four games below .500, 4.5 games back of the White Sox in the AL Central, and just one game out of a Wild Card spot. Detroit jumped out to an early 4-0 lead through two innings in Monday’s series opener and added four more runs in the middle innings. Despite Framber Valdez getting into some trouble in the sixth inning, which cut the lead to three, the Tigers’ bullpen was able to hold on and secure the win. The Pirates got an excellent start from All-Star right-hander Braxton Ashcraft on Tuesday night, who pitched eight innings of one-run baseball, while Oneil Cruz hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the fifth inning to take a 2-1 lead, which was essentially all the offense Pittsburgh needed in the win.
Defending National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes is scheduled to take the mound for the Pirates in Wednesday’s series finale after having his start pushed back amid his recent struggles and concerns over a dip in velocity. Skenes is 9-11 with a 3.88 ERA this season, posted a 6.25 ERA across six July starts, and was pulled after only 65 pitches in his most recent start against Miami on Aug. 11. Former third overall pick Jackson Jobe is set to make his third start of the season for the Tigers at the big league level as the 24-year-old brings a 6.23 ERA into the matchup following a rough outing his last time out, when he allowed nine hits and six earned runs over 3.2 innings on Aug. 14.
Tigers vs. Pirates Odds
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists the Pirates as home favorites Wednesday afternoon as three-time All-Star Paul Skenes looks to rebound on the mound:
- Moneyline: Pirates -150, Tigers +140
- Run Line: Pirates -1.5 (+140), Tigers +1.5 (-150)
- Total (Runs): Over 8.5 (+110), Under 8.5 (-120)
Hard Rock Bet’s 10Ā¢ Summer Sale is available throughout August, bringing reduced-vig pricing to qualifying pregame MLB Moneyline, Run Line, and Total markets. Eligible wagers automatically feature tighter dime lines, giving players more favorable pricing as the playoff races heat up.
Tigers vs. Pirates Predictions
Day baseball in the middle of the week? Yes, please. Get in on the early MLB action as two teams in the playoff picture face off Wednesday afternoon. Head over to Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook and check out the Stats Hub for baseball betting insights, trends, and picks like the one below:
Pirates vs. Tigers Best Bet: Pirates Moneyline (-150)
The Stats Hub noted that the Tigers have won five consecutive games as an underdog following a loss, but we’re going against that trend with this pick. Paul Skenes has dealt with his fair share of criticism and struggles this season, but a great player like him often finds a way to silence the noise and get back on track.
While Skenes’ numbers aren’t as good as what we saw in his first two years in MLB, he has pitched better over his last two starts despite being pulled early from his most recent outing due to velocity and fatigue concerns. The former first overall pick allowed two hits and three earned runs over five innings against Milwaukee on Aug. 5 and then five hits and two runs, one earned, over five innings his last time out against Miami.
Skenes now has some extra rest following his start being pushed back and is facing a Tigers team Wednesday afternoon that has lost four of its last five games. The Pirates, meanwhile, are 4-2 over their last six games, averaging 6.3 runs per game during that span, and have some momentum after Tuesday night’s victory as they go for the series win.
- Pirates vs. Tigers Moneyline Pick for Aug. 19: Pirates (-150)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for DET-PIT
Brandon Lowe had a six-game hitting streak snapped Tuesday night, but despite his 0-for-4 performance, the Pirates second baseman’s hits prop is the most-bet player prop for Wednesday afternoon’s series finale:
- Brandon Lowe – Over 0.5 Hits
- Kevin McGonigle – Over 0.5 Hits
- Nick Gonzales – Over 0.5 Hits
- Oneil Cruz – Over 0.5 Home Runs
- Paul Skenes – To Record 7+ Strikeouts
Tigers vs. Pirates Game Info
- š Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
- š Date: Wednesday, Aug. 19
- ā° First Pitch: 12:35 PM ET
- šŗš» TV/Streaming: MLB.TV
- ā¾ Probable Pitchers:
- Tigers: Jackson Jobe
- Pirates: Paul Skenes
More Ways to Bet
One swing can cash your ticket, but until then, Florida players can keep things interesting with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet. Itās another way to stay engaged between plate appearances.
Referenced odds are subject to change.
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