MLB Betting: Tigers vs. Pirates Odds & Picks: June 13th 2009

Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Free Pick: Pittsburgh -105
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After knocking off the Braves in Atlanta, 3-1 on Thursday, the Pirates had the tables turned on them yesterday and lost by the same 3-1 score in the series opener vs. Detroit. Pittsburgh had won 6 of their first 10 games in June and have surprised many by playing some of their best ball this season AFTER the Nate McLouth trade. The Pirates still have a winning record (15-12) at home this season and I believe that they’ve got the right man on the mound to add another “W” to that record today.

Southpaw Zach Duke gets the ball for the Pirates and he had been on fire before struggling at Atlanta in his last start. Duke went into his start against the Braves having allowed two earned runs or less in six of his last eight starts. The Pirates southpaw also had lasted at least seven innings in seven of those eight outings. Indeed, Duke had been an effective workhorse for the Pirates staff and he’ll look to quickly resume that role after the sub-par effort at Atlanta. Note that Duke has won three straight home starts and also that he’s never faced the Tigers in his career so many of Detroit’s hitters will be getting their first-ever look at the talented left-hander.

Like Duke, Armando Galarraga will have the advantage of starting against today’s opponent for the first time. Unlike Duke, Galarraga has really struggled lately. After going 3-0 in April, he went 0-5 in May with an awful 8.49 ERA. While he has been better in June, he’s still winless in his two June starts, going 0-1. Here’s another notable stat about Galarraga that should be mentioned here. He’s 9-2 in day games in his career with a 2.86 ERA but 7-11 with a 4.95 ERA in night games. With the Pirates a perfect 6-0 their last six home games played on a Saturday, consider a play on Pittsburgh.