Vaughn Dalzell shares his best bet in the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers series opener.
Pirates (+105) at Tigers (-120): O/U 8.5
Detroit and Pittsburgh start a short two-game series in that will start with Michael Lorenzen and Luis Ortiz.
The Buccos have been in a free-fall with a 2-11 record over the past 13 games versus Washington, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Colorado and Baltimore -- some quality opponents. Now, going on the road to Detroit, Pittsburgh has a decent get up spot versus Lorenzen.
Pittsburgh’s hitters own 50 career plate appearances against Lorenzen for a 18 K% and .222 OBA. Detroit is 2-3 in Lorenz’s five starts this season and a home, the 31-year-old RHP owns a 5.73 ERA with 12 hits and 7 earned runs over two home starts.
The Tigers haven’t seen Ortiz and this is a big bounce back spot after Ortiz was shelled for seven hits, five runs but two earned against the Rockies in his first start. The defense didn’t help him out, but he showed promise in 2022.
This is only the second time that Detroit has been a favorite this season and they won the first, 5-0 versus Cleveland. For that sole reason, a lot of people will back Detroit today.
I think the Pirates can win one of two games in this series, so I will take the +105 odds on the underdog.
Pick: Pirates ML (Risk 1u)
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