The Detroit Tigers are gearing up for a pivotal three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, starting Monday, July 21, 2025, at 6:40 p.m. ET. After snapping a six-game losing streak with a narrow 2-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Sunday, the Tigers look to build momentum as they continue their season with the best record in Major League Baseball this year. Meanwhile, the Pirates, struggling with a 39-61 record and having lost 11 of their last 12 games, face an uphill battle against the AL Central leaders.
The Tigers, boasting a 60-40 record, hold an impressive 11-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central, marking their best start through 100 games since 2007. Despite their recent skid, Detroit remains a formidable force, having already secured two wins in a three-game series against the Pirates earlier in June. The upcoming series offers a chance to extend their dominance and further solidify their standing.
PNC Park in Pittsburgh will host the series, with broadcasts available on FanDuel Sports Network, SportsNet PT, and FDSDET, alongside radio coverage on WXYT-FM 97.1. Streaming options include FuboTV and DirecTV Stream, catering to fans eager to catch every pitch and play.
Monday’s pitching matchup features Tigers’ right-hander Jack Flaherty against Pirates’ right-hander Paul Skenes. Flaherty, with a 5-9 record and a 4.65 ERA this season, brings experience and a strong track record against Pittsburgh, holding a stellar 10-1 career record versus the Pirates with a 2.75 ERA across 17 appearances. His last outing on July 13 saw him deliver five innings, allowing two runs and striking out seven, showcasing his ability to keep the Tigers competitive.
On the other side, Paul Skenes stands as the Pirates’ ace with a 4-8 record but an impressive 2.01 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP. Known for his strikeout prowess, Skenes averages 9.7 K/9 innings and has shown resilience despite the Pirates’ struggles. His previous start before the All-Star break was a tough 2-1 loss against the Minnesota Twins, but his overall performance this season ranks among the best in MLB.
The Tigers enter the series favored, with moneyline odds at -150 and a run line of -1.5. Oddsmakers give Detroit a 60% implied chance to win, reflecting their strong season performance. The Pirates, underdogs at +126 moneyline odds, are seen as potential spoilers, with a 44.2% implied chance of victory. The total runs line is set at 8, with betting odds favoring a slight edge on the over.
Detroit’s offensive strength lies in players like Riley Greene, who leads the team with 25 home runs and 79 RBIs, ranking eighth and fifth respectively across MLB. Gleyber Torres, batting .281 with nine homers and 45 RBIs, continues to be a key contributor, along with Spencer Torkelson and Zach McKinstry, who provide power and consistency in the lineup.
However, the Tigers have faced some offensive challenges recently, scoring just three runs over their last three games since the All-Star break. Their pitching staff, led by All-Star Tarik Skubal, who recently struck out 11 batters in a dominant performance, has been crucial in keeping games close and competitive.
The Pirates, despite their struggles, have bright spots in their lineup. Oneil Cruz leads with 16 home runs, ranking 47th in MLB, while Andrew McCutchen, batting .256, and Bryan Reynolds, with a team-high 48 RBIs, offer offensive sparks. Yet, Pittsburgh’s pitching has been a concern, with an ERA over 6.00 and a recent three-game losing streak adding pressure heading into the series.
Betting experts suggest a cautious approach for this matchup. While the Tigers are favored, the Pirates’ ace Skenes could tilt the balance in Pittsburgh’s favor, especially given Detroit’s recent offensive lull. Some predictions lean toward a close game with a final score of Pirates 3, Tigers 2, and recommend betting on the under 7 runs due to the strong pitching matchups.
Historically, the Tigers have performed well when favored, winning 67.2% of games this season and boasting a 77.5% win rate when favored by -150 or more. Conversely, the Pirates have won 37.7% of their games as underdogs, highlighting their potential to upset expectations despite their current form.
Monday’s game will kick off a three-game set, with Tuesday’s matchup featuring Tigers’ Casey Mize against Pirates’ Mitch Keller, and Wednesday’s starter for Detroit yet to be announced, facing Pittsburgh’s left-hander Bailey Falter. The first two games start at 6:40 p.m. ET, with the final game beginning at 12:35 p.m. ET.
Following the series, the Tigers will return home for a four-game weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays, as they continue their quest to maintain their top spot in the AL Central and make a strong push toward the postseason. The Pirates, meanwhile, will look to regroup and find ways to climb out of the National League Central basement.
Fans can expect an intense and competitive series as the Tigers aim to capitalize on their recent win and the Pirates strive to halt their losing skid. With key players on both sides and crucial pitching matchups, this series promises to deliver exciting baseball action at PNC Park.
