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Pirates vs. Tigers Game 1 Prediction and Odds for Wednesday, May 4 (The Force is Strong in Young Dillon Peters)

By Ben Heisler

Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Dillon Peters has not allowed a run through 13.1 innings so far in 2022.
Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Dillon Peters has not allowed a run through 13.1 innings so far in 2022. / Joe Sargent/GettyImages
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After a wash-out Tuesday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers play their two-game series in the same day; going back-to-back in a doubleheader beginning just after 1pm ET this afternoon.

It's an intriguing pitching matchup for Game 1, as the Pirates send left-hander Dillon Peters to the bump against Tigers veteran right-hander Michael Pineda.

Both squads rank amongst the worst in run differential this season, but someone has to outscore their opponent! Will we see either team's bats come alive?

Here are the latest odds for Game 1 in Detroit over at WynnBET Sportsbook.

Pirates vs. Tigers Odds, Run Line and Total (Game 1)

Run Line:

  • Pirates +1.5 (-145)
  • Tigers -1.5 (+125)

Moneyline:

  • Pirates +130
  • Tigers -155

Total:

  • 7.5 (Over -110, Under -110)

Pirates vs. Tigers Prediction and Pick

If the Tigers' sleeping offense is going to wake up out of hibernation, I have a hard time believing it's going to come against Peters; who has not allowed a run in over 13 innings of work this season. Granted, Peters' will likely go about 2-3 innings max, but his stuff has been terrific for the Buckos through the first month-plus. Even more impressive? Peters, through 13.1, innings has allowed a total of one hit. ONE!

Meanwhile, Michael Pineda isn't striking anyone out with just four punch outs in 10 innings of work this year, but he also hasn't walked anyone as well. He's giving up a lot of hard contact, but a lot of that is due to forcing more hard hit ground balls; up to just under 43% which is his highest rate since 2017. As long as his infield isn't booting them, that's a solid formula for success when your stuff isn't what it used to be.

Ultimately, I'll back the under between two bottom five offenses in baseball this year, and because both starters have been above average to terrific, the under in the first five innings feels like the more safe play despite the high juice.

LEAN: UNDER 4.5 First Five Innings (-140)

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting plays in real-time HERE

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