The Detroit Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second matchup of today's doubleheader at Comerica Park.
My Pirates vs. Tigers predictions target Paul Skenes' strikeout prowess.
Read on for my MLB picks for Thursday, June 19.
Pirates vs Tigers prediction
My Pirates vs Tigers best bet: Paul Skenes Over 6.5 strikeouts (-120 at FanDuel)
At just 23 years old, Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes is already one of the league’s best pitchers.
Through 15 starts this season, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year boasts a 1.78 ERA and 0.85 WHIP.
His underlying metrics are equally dominant, considering that Skenes ranks in the 96th percentile in xERA and 94th percentile in xBA. Specifically, he is worth backing in the prop market in this matchup.
Entering this game, Skenes ranks in the 70th percentile or higher in chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. His strikeout prop is currently set at 6.5, a total he has surpassed in five of his past six starts.
Skenes boasts a ridiculous 0.65 ERA and 9.58 K/9 over that stretch, and shouldn't face enough resistance from the Detroit Tigers to fail to eclipse this number again.
Pirates vs Tigers same-game parlay (SGP)
Paul Skenes Over 6.5 strikeouts
Pirates moneyline
Oneil Cruz 1+ hits
There is a strong correlation between a dominant Skenes performance and the Pirates winning this game.
There is perhaps no better candidate to record a hit than Oneil Cruz, who enters in good form, having recorded at least one hit in nine of his past 12 games.
Pirates vs Tigers odds
Pirates vs Tigers live odds
Pirates vs Tigers opening odds
- Moneyline: Pittsburgh -142 | Detroit +120
- Run line: Pittsburgh -1.5 (+122) | Detroit +1.5 (-146)
- Over/Under: Over 7 (-115) | Under 7 (-105)
Pirates vs Tigers trend
Skenes has recorded seven or more strikeouts in five of his past six starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Pirates vs. Tigers.
How to watch Pirates vs Tigers and game info
| Location | Comerica Park, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Thursday, 6-19-2025 |
| First pitch | 5:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | SportsNet Pittsburgh, FDSNDET |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Paul Skenes (4-6, 1.78 ERA) |
| Tigers starting pitcher | TBD |
Pirates vs Tigers latest injuries
Pirates vs Tigers weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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