Detroit Tigers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Prediction: Can Michael Lorenzen, Merrill Kelly Take Control Early?
The Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks play the first game of their series tonight. Can Michael Lorenzen and Merrill Kelly take control early? Oddschecker handicapper Josh Gayle breaks down the game.
Josh Gayle - June 9, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
5 minDetroit Tigers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Prediction: Can Michael Lorenzen, Merrill Kelly Take Control Early?
We want a boring game here. Let's get into my pick, prediction, and odds for this MLB matchup.
Tigers vs. Diamondbacks Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Friday, June 9, 2023
- Start Time: 6:40 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Detroit Tigers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Pick
1u - Tigers/Diamondbacks u4.5 First 5 Total Runs -112 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
We don’t take bets like this often, but this feels good. I lean the Arizona Diamondbacks to win this game, but I prefer that this game just remains low scoring, especially early.
Detroit Tigers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Prediction
On the mound for Arizona is Merrill Kelly. The man has a 1.63-road ERA this season and plays at a pitcher-friendly park tonight in Comerica. He dominates the Detroit Tigers bats lifetime, as they are just 5-30 against him, which is good for a .167 average. The Tigers bat .216 against right-handed pitching and have failed to score 3+ runs in all of June. They have scored eight runs over their last six games, and the offense is dead!
On the flip side is Arizona. If this bet does lose, it will likely be because they get to Michael Lorenzen. With that being said, Lorenzen has had great stuff lately and has been fulfilling the ace role with E-Rod out. Lorenzen has allowed one earned run or less in five of his last six starts. The guy is simply pitching outstanding, with the one game against Kansas City being the outlier. The Diamondbacks batters are just 1-14 against him lifetime.
Lorenzen is better at home with a 2.66 ERA, and as we discussed, Kelly is better on the road. Despite the weather being nice, all signs point to this game looking like a pitcher's duel, and we would love this one to have four runs or fewer total after five innings are completed. Let's roll, baby!
MLB Odds
