Tigers vs Brewers Odds - Battle of division leaders
The Tigers Brewers odds feature what MLB betting fans like to call a “collision course”: a division leader getting by on great pitching (Detroit) hosts a division leader getting by on tearing the cover off the ball (Milwaukee). With the Tigers slumping and the Brewers surging, could Milwaukee get its rout on in these MLB odds?
Tigers Brewers odds: Expect lots of runs in first two games
- Detroit pitching strong, but bottom of rotation pitches Friday and Saturday
- Dave Bush is a liability on the mound these days
- Justin Verlander remains unstoppable at home
Friday, June 19, 7:05 p.m. ET
Braden Looper (5-3, 4.62) vs Armando Galarraga (3-7, 5.56)
Ironically for the Tigers, last year’s lone bright spot in the rotation, Armando Galarraga, has arguably been the weak link in 2009. Offshore sportsbook players are afraid to go near him now that he’s lost seven straight decisions. He hasn’t faced the Brewers so it’s difficult to predict what will happen Friday, but we can expect more mediocrity – maybe worse since the Brewers bats are so hot right now.
Braden Looper has been equally ineffective of late and has a horrible track record at Comerica Park (9.54 ERA and just four strikeouts in 11.1 innings), so it’s safe to say this game will be a slugfest. If that’s the case, I’ll take the team with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder, thank you.
MLB betting pick: Brewers
Saturday, June 20, 4:10 p.m. ET
David Bush (3-3, 5.31) vs Zach Miner (3-1, 4.35)
Normally, Dave Bush’s game is about solid control – he’s never topped 48 walks in a season – but he’s on pace for about 60 or 70 free passes this year, so something is clearly wrong. Whether he’s hiding an injury or not, he’s been hurting the sports betting lines when he takes the mound as of late. The homers are piling up too, especially on the road, so he’s an extremely risky play Saturday afternoon.
Zach Miner has won three of four starts this season but he has major red flags too. Check out these splits: 1.85 road ERA, 7.94 at home this season. That stat isn’t an anomaly either – his career home ERA is two and a half runs higher than his road one. For some reason, he struggles mightily at Comerica Park. Expect another slugfest Saturday but, since Miner has at least pitched well as a starter this season, he gets a tiny edge in the Tigers Brewers odds.
MLB betting pick: Tigers
Sunday, June 21, 1:05 p.m. ET
Yovani Gallardo (7-3, 2.93) vs Justin Verlander (7-3, 3.39)
Finally, some real pitchers to bet on in the Tigers Brewers odds! Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo walks way too many batters but relies on his good stuff to get the strikeout, and the Tigers’ free-swinging lineup is a nice matchup for him. Justin Verlander had been a world beater since the end of April but finally hit a bump in the road in Cincinnati earlier this week, allowing five earned runs in four innings. One start is hardly worth worrying about, so he should be better against the Brew Crew.
The two key stats to know for this Tigers Brewers odds pick: Verlander keeps the ball in the park, allowing just five homers this season, and he has an absurd 0.82 ERA in five home starts this season. It’s not wise to bet against him.
MLB betting pick: Tigers
For Tigers Brewers odds and tips for sports betting online, bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
