Tigers vs Pirates predictions
Looking at the Detroit Tigers heading into Game 2, there’s plenty to get excited about if you’re wearing the Old English D. Gleyber Torres is swinging one of the hottest bats in the lineup—don’t be surprised if he picks up another multi-hit day while finding a way to get on base and spark the offense. Riley Greene’s power has been on full display, and he has a real shot to clear the fences again or, at the very least, drive in some key runs. Casey Mize takes the mound and, with his steady hand, could go deep into the game while keeping the Pirates’ bats in check. Add in contributions from guys like Spencer Torkelson and Colt Keith, and this Tigers lineup starts to look like trouble for any opposing pitcher.
Switching over to the Pittsburgh Pirates, they’ll be banking on some sparks of their own, especially from Andrew McCutchen and Oneil Cruz. McCutchen has a knack for timely hits, so keep an eye out for him to set the table—he could easily finish the night with a couple hits and possibly an RBI to keep things interesting. Oneil Cruz brings that blend of power and athleticism, making him a legit threat to not only go deep but also create chaos on the base paths. Mitch Keller gets the starting nod and provides a punchers’ chance, as he can rack up strikeouts if he’s dialed in—if Keller limits damage early and gets a little run support, things might get interesting for the home crowd at PNC Park.
When it comes down to picking a side, the Tigers’ consistency at the plate combined with the reliability of Casey Mize on the bump gives Detroit a solid edge. Pittsburgh can certainly keep things close, and a few clutch hits from their top guys could flip the script, but Detroit’s top-tier lineup and recent form make them the safer bet in this matchup. Expect a hard-fought one, but look for the Tigers to even up the season series with a win in Game 2.
